Abstract: An electrical contact assembly is disclosed comprising a bracket having at least first and second cavities located on opposite ends of the bracket and an opening extending through the bracket between the first and second cavities. A retention member is arranged to be mounted within the bracket opening with a first portion of the retention member extending outward from the first cavity and a second portion of the retention member extending outward from the second cavity. Each first and second portion terminates in a head end. First and second helix-shaped electrical contacts are positioned about a respective retention member first and second portion and are compressively retained between a respective and associated head end and bracket cavity.

Abstract: A configurable switch having a base and interchangeable stationary contacts positioned in adjustable locations with respect to the base. A plunger is slidably mounted with respect to the base so that the plunger moves between a first position and a second position. One or more moveable contacts are mounted in a normally open position or a normally closed position. In the first position or the second position, the moveable contacts make contact and/or break contact with the stationary contacts depending upon the respective arrangements of the stationary contacts and the moveable contacts. Thus the configuration of a four-circuit switch can be altered with a minimum of different components to be, for example, a four normally closed circuit configuration, three normally closed and one normally open circuit configuration, two normally closed and two normally open circuit configuration, etc., with a minimum of expense or retooling.

Abstract: A forced disconnect sequence switch is provided with a plunger that has two surfaces at its bottom portion. The two surfaces are disposed in planes which are displaced from each other so that cams can be actuated at different positions of travel of the plunger. The cams are sequentially rotatable to provide a positive break characteristic to the sequence switch. If either of the movable contact structures becomes welded to an associated stationary contact structure, each of the movable contacts are mechanically urged into separation sequentially by the cooperative action of the first and second surfaces of the plunger and their associated cams.

Abstract: A switch is provided with a moveable contact and contact carrier that significantly facilitates the manufacturing process necessary to make the assembly. The contact carrier is provided with first and second extensions that are generally flexible and associated with each other to provide a gap therebetween. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second extension comprises first and second fingers that extend from the contact carrier. The second extension is provided with protuberances that permit a moveable contact to deform the second extension as it is moved inward toward the contact carrier. The extensions snap together after the complete moveable contact has moved into a predetermined space between the extensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing an array of infrared detectors includes a number of optical switches, each of which is individually addressable with light to change its electrical characteristics. Each of the optical switches has a first side and a second side. The first side of each optical switch is adapted to receive a detector of the infrared detector array to be tested. The apparatus also includes an electrode coupled to the second side of each optical switch. Further, the apparatus includes a detector circuit coupled to the electrode and to a probe adapted to be coupled to the infrared detector array for detecting changes in the electrical characteristics of the optical switches and the infrared detector elements in response to light addressing the individual test elements.