Abstract: An improved push-push switch (10) suitable for complete automatic assembly is disclosed. The push-push switch (10) contains essentially two moving parts comprising an actuator (50) and a cam (60), the cam (60) coupled by keyway connections (63) for rotation with the actuator (50). Switch contacts (43, 47, 49) are located adjacent the moving switch parts in order to effect a make and break type of switch operation. The actuator (50) has interior (56) and exterior (54) gear teeth which mesh with cover gear teeth (36) and housing gear teeth (14), respectively, to effect rotation of the actuator (50) and the cam (60). The configuration of the cover gear teeth (36) and the associated interior actuator gear teeth (56) provide an axial over-travel of the actuator (50) without effecting any appreciable rotational movement of the actuator (50), thereby compensating for accumulated manufacturing tolerances without affecting switching functions relative to axial displacement of the actuator (50).

Abstract: A process utilizing tandem insert molded controls for effecting a plurality of electrical control functions. A power switch, variable resistance control, and momentary switch are each contained within insert molded housings or bases which are mounted one against the other in a linearly aligned relationship. The alignment is maintained by an impact system consisting of a metallic front plate having side straps with end fingers curled over to secure the confronting edges of a heat-treated back plate, the front plate/side straps/back plate construction capturing and maintaining alignment of the controls for mounting on a panel board. A plurality of the controls are individually operated by two relatively rotatably and relatively axially movable shafts which independently actuate the respective controls. The shafts each have an annular rotor mounted on an end thereof, the rotor containing a cam lobe on one face and on the oppositely disposed face resiliently bent collector arms and a resilient arm.

Abstract: A tandem electrical control comprises a plurality of variable resistance sections. Each resistance section comprises a resistance element and a collector member that are carried by a base, and a contactor member that is carried by a driver, the contactor member is rotatably supported within the respective housing and wipingly engages the respective resistance element and collector member. A tubular shaft controls the forward resistance section and is rotatably supported within a bore of a mounting bushing. An inner shaft controls the rearward variable resistance section and a switch and is rotatably supported within the tubular shaft. The bore of the mounting bushing, the outside diameter of the tubular shaft, the bore of the tubular shaft, and the inner shaft are each provided with a narrowing diameter shoulder in abutting engagement with the proximate one of the shoulders for preventing impact damage to the resistance assemblies from external forces axially applied to the shafts.

Abstract: A control comprises two variable resistance controls connected in tandem to a concentric shaft arrangement, an inner shaft of the concentric shaft arrangement containing an energy absorber, the inner shaft and the energy absorber providing an energy absorbing means for the control. The inner shaft made of glass-filled thermo-plastic further provides sufficient resiliency to prevent permanent shaft deformation and related knob wobble upon subjection of the shaft to severe impact and the energy absorber gradually absorbing the energy of impact minimizes axial movement of the inner shaft by eliminating the additional normally required tolerance. Additionally, the percentages of the glass and plastic mixture employed in making the shaft control torsional deflection.

Abstract: A variable resistance control comprises a resistance element supported on an electrically conductive supporting plate. A driver connected to the supporting plate is provided with a knob and with an integral stabilizing and particle excluding skirt. The ratio of the diameter of the stabilizing skirt to the diameter of the knob is relatively high. The stabilizing skirt rotatably engages the resistance element and encloses a contactor carried by the driver and prevents foreign particles from engaging the contactor. Indicator means integral with the stabilizing skirt and projecting beyond a truncated portion of the knob visually indicate the angular position of the contactor. The indicator means also engages a stop integral with the supporting plate and extending between the legs of the resistance element to arrest rotation of the contactor. Terminals provided with staggered ears are secured to the legs of the resistance element.