Abstract: A high precision and compact contact switch which comprises a housing, a pair of fixed contact elements fixedly supported within the housing, a plunger axially slidably extending into the housing, a generally cylindrical movable contact member, a support piece for the support of the fixed contact elements and a biasing spring. The generally cylindrical movable contact member is tiltably carried by the plunger so as to extend transversely in relation to the plunger. The support piece is preferably made out of synthetic resin. The biasing spring is used for urging the opposite end portions of the movable contact member in order to contact the respective fixed contact elements.

Abstract: A single rotary shaft connected to a single rotary carriage operates a vacuum selector valve and two rotary electrical switches, in a casing having rear and front components. The valve comprises a valve carriage, slidable along a linear channel in the rear component. A gear rack on the valve carriage meshes with a pinion gear on the rotary carriage. The valve carriage is slidably retained in the valve channel by the switch contact plates of the first rotary switch. Such contact plates have terminal portions retained between the front and rear casing components. The contactors of the two switches face in opposite directions on the rotary carriage and are biased by a single coil spring, insulated from one of the contactors by a cup-shaped insulating member. The contact plates of the second switch are mounted on the front casing component and have terminals extending outside of the rear casing component through slots therein.

Abstract: An electrical switch including a toggle lever pivotally mounted to a switch housing with the toggle lever connected to a slide in a manner to provide longitudinal motion to the slide between a first and second end positions when the toggle lever is pivoted. The slide includes a first conductor, which when the slide is at the first end position, maintains contact with a first conductive track and, when the slide is at the second end position, provides an electrical conduction path between the first conductive track and a second node. When the slide is located between the first and second end positions, the first conductor provides an electrical conduction path between the first conductive track and a third node. The first conductor is also in contact with a second conductor within the slide and the second conductor is in sliding contact with a circuit contained upon a substrate which is further connected between the first and third conductive track and having an output connected to the second conductive track.

Abstract: A machine insertable DIP switch having the same dimensions as an integrated circuit module which includes a base having molded-in terminal contact elements, a slider for each pair of contacts and carrying a spring-biased contact member of cup or ball shape and a cover holding the sliders within the base. Each slider receives a contactor such that in one position the contacts will be normally closed and in a diametrically opposed position the contacts will be normally open while the actuating tab or button of the slider remains in the same position with respect to the cover and base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detent mechanism for use in a control with a sliding lever, in which the lever is slid to desired operation positions, such as for example, a slide switch or a volume control of a radio. In the detent mechanism, a slide guide is formed with a series of cam crests. Fixed to the sliding lever is a spring member which carries a roller at its leading end which engages with and rolls on the cam crests.

Abstract: A function selector knob is pivotally mounted on a function control lever which is pivotally and slidably supported by first pivot means. A pin and slot connection is provided between the lever and a vacuum electric selector switch. A convertible detent mechanism is provided for detaining the lever in either of two sets of detent positions, such sets having different numbers of positions, such as seven and five positions. Such convertible detent mechanism comprises a reversible detent carriage which is pivotally connected to the lever and is slidable along a guide channel having first and second sets of detent recesses on opposite sides thereof. The detent carriage has a detent ball or other member which is offset toward one side of the carriage, whereby the detent carriage is reversible between a first position, in which the detent member encounters the first set of detent recesses, and a second position, in which the detent carriage encounters the second set of detent recesses.

Abstract: A composite switch for starting and stopping the air conditioner of a vehicle and for changing the flow of air supplied by an air blower comprises a main switch, a selector switch, and an auxiliary switch that is connected in series with the main switch. The main switch is used to start and stop the air conditioner. The selector switch is used to change the flow of air. A selector member for switching the contacts of the auxiliary switch from one state to another is disposed opposite to an actuating member for shifting the contacts of the selector switch such that whenever the selector switch is in a certain position, the actuating member drives the selector member to open the main switch. Thus, whenever the blower is stopped, the air conditioner is stopped.

Abstract: A multi-function actuator switch attaches onto an actuator of already assembled clutch assembly or the like with a simple sideways snap-fit, is fully enclosed when assembled onto the shaft, and is compact. The switch has a hollow housing with a longitudinal opening. The housing carries in its interior a driver member that snap-fits onto the shaft. A pair of coil springs held on guide arms urge the driver toward an initial position. The arms are mounted on a base plate that closes one end of the housing and also snap-fits on the shaft. A replaceable cover closes the longitudinal opening in the housing and locks the housing onto the shaft. The housing mounts a terminal board that carries a molded in place set of interior contacts that each connect with a terminal at the exterior of the housing. The driver carries a wiper contact that makes electrical connections between selected pairs of contacts as a function of its position in the switch to control the operation of circuits associated with those contacts.

Abstract: A switch for use in a printed circuit board having printed circuits on a surface (1a) thereof. One or several contact rollers (6, 7, 8) are adapted in a slider (4) for movement relative to the surface (1a) in such a way that the rollers interact with the printed circuit strips for closing and interrupting electrical circuitry connected to the printed circuit strips in dependence of the position of the slider.

Abstract: A slide-type electrical switching mechanism has a contact plate with plural U-shaped contact portions interconnected by a plurality of frangible portions. The plate is secured to the non-conductive switch housing by deforming portions of the housing over the contact plate. An elongated stationary contact strip is secured to the housing adjacent the contact plate. The frangible portions are punched out to form a plurality of discrete U-shaped contacts for switching purposes. A movable contact assembly continuously engages the contact strip and makes and breaks a circuit between the contact strip and one of the leg portions of each U-shaped contact.

Abstract: A machine insertable DIP switch having the same dimensions as an integrated circuit module which includes a base having molded-in terminal contact elements, a slider for each pair of contacts and carrying a spring-biased contact member of cup or ball shape and a cover holding the sliders within the base. Each slider receives a contactor such that in one position the contacts will be normally closed and in a diametrically opposed position the contacts will be normally open while the actuating tab or button of the slider remains in the same position with respect to the cover and base.

Abstract: The switch has at least one contact plate, mounted on the inner side of an insulating wall forming one side of a casing. The contact plate has a contact rail or some other contact element which is engageable by a contactor on a movable carriage within the casing. The contact plate has a mounting hole surrounded by a circular flange extruded from or otherwise formed in one piece with the contact plate. A terminal bar is mounted against the outer side of the insulating wall and is connected to the contact plate by a terminal rivet, extending through the circular flange with an interference fit to establish good electrical contact therewith. The rivet also extends through an opening in the insulating wall and a mounting hole in the terminal bar.

Abstract: An electrical switch is disclosed, including contact plates having fixed contact portions which are slidably engageable by at least one movable contactor. At least one plate has a submarining crossover portion bent into a U-shape and extending across an overlapping portion of another plate but in a different plane to obviate any electrical contact between the submarining crossover portion and the overlapping portion. The plates may be mounted on an insulating casing wall having a recess for receiving the submarining crossover portion. The plates may have first end portions formed as L-shaped hooks inserted into slots formed in the casing wall. At their opposite ends, the plates may have second end portions formed as L-shaped terminal portions including terminal flanges and terminal prongs. Such prongs may be received in notches formed in a casing end wall, and may be retained in such notches by tooth-like projections on a casing cover.

Abstract: In each of the two disclosed switches, an electrically conductive contactor plate is mounted on an insulating carriage, slidable in a casing along a path which is parallel with first and second parallel contact bars, mounted on an insulating wall of the casing. The contactor plate has first and second contact points for slidably engaging the contact bars during a portion of the movement of the contactor plate. During the remainder of such movement, the contact points slidably engage insulating boss portions which project from the insulating wall and are flush with the contact bars. The contactor plate has a third contact point projecting therefrom and slidable along an insulating ridge projecting from the insulating wall and disposed between the contact bars. The insulating ridge is flush with the contact bars for slidably supporting the third contact point while keeping it from engaging the contact bars. The insulating ridge is also flush with and connects with the insulating boss portions.

Abstract: A slide action electrical switch, comprising a casing, a carriage mounted in the casing for sliding movement along a predetermined path, an electrically conductive contactor mounted on the carriage, electrical contact means on the casing and selectively engageable by the contactor during movement thereof with the carriage along the path, such casing having a front wall with a rearwardly facing surface along which the carriage is slidable, such casing having a slot extending through the front wall and generally parallel with such path of the carriage, and an operating member slidable along the front surface of the front wall, such operating member comprising a rearwardly extending portion including a pair of prongs extending through and slidable along the slot, such carriage having a retaining slot for receiving the prongs, such prongs being flexible and resilient and having rear end portions with ratchet teeth thereon for deflecting the prongs toward each other as they are inserted through the retaining slot

Abstract: A switching apparatus includes a support member having a plurality of connector terminals linearly arrayed along a side thereof. A common electrically conductive terminal is disposed in parallel relationship with the linearly arrayed connector terminals. The common terminal is spaced from the connector terminals so that a plurality of open areas are defined for receiving a connector member which is moved by a movement mechanism to connect a selected one of the connector terminals to the common terminal. The connector element is so disposed that the making and breaking of its engagement with the connector terminals is offset from the line along which the connector terminals are arrayed so that electrically conductive bridges are not formed between electrical conductors connected to adjacent ones of the connector terminals.

Abstract: A slide switch having at least one row of terminals arranged along a substrate has a slider movable along the terminals. The slider carries a movable contact element biased resiliently towards the terminals so as to connect separate pairs of these terminals electrically together during movement of the slider. Each of the terminals has an exposed contact portion having an arcuate surface and the movable contact element has a generally corrugated shape formed by three arcuate protrusions forming convex surfaces facing the terminals and each spaced by trough portions presenting concave surfaces facing the terminals. In this way, the arcuate surfaces of the exposed contact portions can be adapted to fit within the trough portions upon movement of the slider into particular positions so as to stabilize the slider in these positions.

Abstract: A three-phase transformer including tap changing apparatus for switching the turns ratio between the primary and secondary windings of a transformer. The tap changer comprises a cable operated mechanism for moving a movable contact carrier relative to three sets of fixed contacts disposed in a linear pattern, the movable contact carrier supporting three movable contacts for engagement with any pair of fixed contacts in each set of contacts, whereby a cable operated mechanism provides a high degree of flexibility in switch mounting position on a transformer.

Abstract: A switch comprises a pair of stationary contacts and a movable contact which is fixed to a slider. The movable contact is held in contact with a conductive roller held rotatably to one of the stationary contacts. Upon movement of the slider, the movable contact moves along the rotating roller between positions engaging and dis-engaging the other fixed contact.

Abstract: A multiposition switch for operatively selecting any of the multipositions which are aligned and spaced from each other in two different directions. The multiposition switch includes a structure wherein all stationary contacts to be switched by first and second switching contacts are insert-molded onto an insulator member simultaneously and are fixed thereonto exactly in a predetermined arrangement. A first contact holder is moved in a first direction when an operation knob is operated in the first direction. A second contact holder is moved in a second direction when the operation knob is operated in the second direction while the first contact holder is maintained in a neutral position.

Abstract: A step switch is formed by a rocking member which is coupled at its ends to perpendicular pivotting interlocking levers which, in turn, reciprocate a control plate in a longitudinal direction. The control plate carries pawls which engage ratchet teeth on a slidable contact holder to move the latter through one step in response to pressure on either end of the rocking member. A notch is formed for receiving each pawl at the end of its reciprocating path for preventing slip in the switch operation.

Abstract: Membrane switch technology is applied to the more conventional switch construction found in a rotary switch and a slide switch. Specifically, there may be a membrane and a substrate, each having electrical contacts or contact means formed thereon. A spacer having openings or opening means is positioned between the membrane and the substrate. In the slide switch embodiment, a slide or movable member moves in the spacer opening with the slide forming either the connection between spaced contacts on the substrate or spaced contacts on the membrane and substrate.

Abstract: A battery jumper cable assembly for preventing electrical sparking when a pair of batteries are connected together. The battery cable assembly includes a ground wire and a power wire with a switch assembly being connected at a location along the length of the power wire. The switch assembly includes a housing for a slidable switch element having an electrically conductive contact plate. The switch element is biased toward a normally open or off position by a spring. The power wire includes spaced apart contacts within the housing and the switch contact plate is movable to bridge the gap between the contacts. An electromagnet is mounted within the housing in alignment with the slidable switch element, and the electromagnet is electrically connected to the ground wire and to a contact element within the switch housing.

Abstract: A slide switch having an insulating substrate, a plurality of stationary contact segments including a common contact segment and a plurality of switching segments and arranged in a row, and a movable contact having segments adapted to slide in contact with the stationary contact segments. The insulating substrate has a longitudinal groove extended along the row of the stationary contact segments. The stationary contact segments are disposed to be raised to a height above the groove and to also straddle the groove. The movable contact segments have a width less than that of the groove and thus are adapted to slide within the width of the groove. Each movable contact segment can have sliding tabs formed at both sides thereof and adapted to slide in contact with guide steps formed on the insulating substrate at respective sides of the row of the movable contact segments.

Abstract: A switch is disclosed having improved contact structure to avoid any detent action between the movable and fixed contact elements, and to afford an enhanced break-before-make action. The switch includes a contactor having a cylindrically curved rider which is slidable across a gap between first and second coplanar contact plates. One plate has a projection or finger, extending across the gap for smoothly carrying the rider across the gap while avoiding any detent action. The other plate has a notch therein opposite the projection for maintaining spacing between the projection and the other plate. The projection and the notch are generally centered relative to the width of the rider. In another aspect, the contactor is movable alternatively into bridging relationship between a second contact plate and first and third contact plates, and the contactor has a pair of cylindrically rounded riders which are slidable along the plates.

Abstract: A slide switch is disclosed which is contained within a molded housing. The contact blade of the slide switch is pivoted at its center and is biased into sliding engagement with first and second spaced contacts by a spring pressing in the region of the pivotal axis of the sliding blade. Electrical terminals are connected to or are integral with the first and second contacts. A third contact or insulation pedestal is aligned in a row with the first and second contacts, with the center contact being slightly higher than the end contacts. When the pivot of the blade moves to either side of the central contact, the contact blade tilts on the central contact with a snap action during contact make and contact break with respect to the one or both of the end contacts, with arcs drawn to the very end of the tilting contact blade.

Abstract: A combination blower and air conditioner switch for vehicles, comprising a blower speed control switch component including a blower control member movable from an OFF position to a series of ON positions to provide different blower speeds, an air conditioner switch component including a push button control member movable between OFF and ON positions against the biasing action of a return spring, latching means including a latching element for latching the push button control member in its ON position, and an interlock member movable by the blower control member to a disabling position for disabling the latching means when said blower control member is in its OFF position, such interlock member being movable to an enabling position for enabling such latching means when the blower control member is moved away from its OFF position to any of its ON positions, whereby the push button air conditioner control member cannot be latched in its ON position when the blower control member is in its OFF position.

Abstract: A two-directional switch for a motor cycle and the like having a control knob for a contact holder adapted to slide in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction approximately at right angles therewith, and having the parts so arranged that the sliding movement in the first direction is guided by a guide plate, and the sliding movement in the second direction is guided by a guide member for guiding the guide plate, while engaging members are provided respectively between the guide plate and the contact holder or control knob and between the guide plate and guide member so as to prevent the control knob from unduly moving from a predetermined position in either of the first and second directions for maintaining the expected switch functioning.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power switch is provided and, in the form illustrated, is for use in conjunction with an automotive antitheft device. The antitheft device has apparatus for engaging a latch in a notch in the steering column to prevent turning of the steering column when the device is operative. A key operates the apparatus which moves a slider with respect to a stator. The slider has a plurality of conductive rollers which are urged toward the stator and at appropriate locations sequentially connects a main contact with secondary fixed contacts. The fixed contacts may be connected to the coil, the service mechanism, the fuel pump, to the starter. Specially designed sections are provided on the stator to facilitate rapid and positive closure of the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for electrically signalling the presence of bare spots on coated sheet metal for removal before further fabrication.

Abstract: A progressive "on" switch has one common or first contact formed with a projecting portion located alongside a complementary intermediate or second contact, and a floating contact element which is movable through successive positions to a full "on" position wherein one element edge abuts the third contact and an opposite element edge abuts fulcrum defining portions of these first and second complementary contacts.

Abstract: A slide is movable by an actuating knob back and forth in a rectangular housing and is attached to a movable metal contact below it by elements integral with the slide. The contact is pressed downwardly by a spring mounted in a bore in the slide. The housing, slide and knob are molded from insulating material. A pair of stationary electric contacts are mounted in the bottom of the housing in positions to be bridged by the movable contact when the slide is in a predetermined position in the housing. The slide may be provided inside the housing with a pair of integral resilient indexing prongs extending laterally into notches in the side walls of the housing.

Abstract: A control lever for a toy wherein the lever has two degrees of freedom and includes a stem portion loosely engaging a hole centrally located in an electrically non-conductive switch plate. The square switch plate has four rectangular electrically conductive areas positioned adjacent the sides thereof. The switch plate is held against a frame by means of four sets of flexible contacts, each set associated with one of the conductive areas. The switch plate is movable with two degrees of freedom by movement of the lever, whereby none, one or two different adjacent pairs of flexible contacts will be positioned on a rectangular conductive area. In this manner, two motors which control the direction of the vehicle can be selectively off, rotating in a forward direction or rotating in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A preprogrammed slide switch assembly (10) is provided for the simultaneous opening or closing of a series of switches disposed within a housing (12). A slider (60) having a grip (66) extending through an longitudinal opening (14) in the housing (12), has a plurality of contactor bars (54) attached thereto and extending laterally, each in a predetermined direction. A two part base (22) has each part (24, 26) molded about a plurality of terminals (28) so that when the parts (24, 26) are coupled together, pairs of oppositely disposed terminals (28) will each be positioned for engagement with a respective one of the lateral contactor bars (54). The lateral contactor bars (54) engage either one or both of the terminals (28) of the respective set of terminals in one of two transverse positions of the slider (60), and in a predetermined pattern of open and closed switches.

Abstract: An actuating member in an electric switch housing is provided with a bore that opens downwardly inside the housing and contains a plunger slidably mounted therein and projecting from the lower end of the bore. A coil spring in the bore presses the plunger down against a movable contact to press it against stationary contacts. The plunger and movable contact are interconnected for movement of the contact by the actuating member, and the actuating member and plunger are provided with interengaging means for limiting downward movement of the plunger in the bore in the absence of the movable contact, whereby the plunger cannot escape from the actuating member.

Abstract: A slide selector switch device comprising a membrane switch having a base layer, an intermediate layer and a cover layer of electrical insulation material, the intermediate layer having a plurality of sets of openings arranged in straight lines, the base and cover layers each having an electrically conductive switching and circuit pattern on its inside face including contact areas at the openings and circuits each adapted to be made on electrical contact of the contact areas at a respective opening, a slide guide overlying the cover layer, and slides, one for each of said sets of openings, each slidable along a respective line to a plurality of different positions for depressing the portion of the cover layer at a respective opening to make the respective circuit.

Abstract: A cover including switching chambers and housing contact carriers is associated with a base supporting two slides which act by the intermediary of frames either directly on the contacts, or through the intermediary of springs.

Abstract: A snap action slide switch concludes an improved spring detent means including resilient spring means on the contact carrier which stores energy and releases the energy at such position of the contact carrier to enhance rapid movement of the contact carrier to its different switching position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved switch mechanism suitably fashioned for providing an indicator in one embodiment of an automobile's acceleration, deceleration, or coasting. Further, a second switch mechanism which operates as a function of a command from a second circuit and its associated induction coil has been provided. In one form, the side to side translation of a bar having a contact element thereon causes electricity to be transferred from a current source or battery to two or three contact points which are selectably engageable and provide a current to the circuits associated with these engageable contacts so as to activate a circuit.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is shown as having a switch body slidably receiving a resiliently biased manually actuatable plunger which carries a resiliently deflectable member effective for engaging, when said plunger is suitably actuated, a related pivotally supported member which, in turn, is operatively connected to a movable electrical contact member effective for contacting cooperating relatively stationary electrical contacts.

Abstract: This invention is an improved electrical switch in which the housing is molded in one piece with the terminals being thereafter slidably inserted into an arcuate in cross section slot with a cover plate permanently retaining the same. This switch is so designed that even miniature configurations are capable of handling current loads without danger of internal arcing.

Abstract: The combined electrical and fluid control switch comprises a casing, a carriage movable therein for operating electrical switching means and fluid control means in the casing, valve ports in the rear casing wall and connecting with nipples thereon, a rearwardly projecting connector locating post on the rear wall adjacent the nipples, detent recesses alternating with detent bumps on the rear side of the carriage, a detent ball engageable with the detent recesses and bumps and guided in a bore in the post, and a coil spring compressed in the bore behind the wall. The front casing wall may have a guide slot for slidably receiving a pair of guide tabs projecting forwardly from the carriage, a gap being provided between the tabs for receiving an operating member, the front casing wall being formed with a notch along the guide slot for entry of the operating member.

Abstract: An improved compact electronic switch for controlling an electric motor comprising a housing into which a trigger actuator reciprocates for selecting motor speed and a reversing switch mounted on the housing and interlocked with the trigger actuator for selecting motor direction. Improvements include; an improved switch contact arrangement which reduces arcing on switching from full power to variable power motor control, an improved printed variable resistor for the electronic speed control circuitry, and an improved and simplified reversing switch unit.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a casing, an actuator, and a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a contact bridging member movable between a plurality of spaced electrical contacts. The contacts act as fulcrums on the contact bridging member during its movement to assist in making and breaking the electrical connections. A conductor connects the contact bridging member to one of the contacts or to a second switching mechanism mounted in a common housing.

Abstract: A circuit selector, particularly adapted for the control of stage lights and the like. A support frame carries a group of input buss bars that are individually connected to power sources through dimmer control devices. A load control switch corresponding to each connected buss bar is also mounted on the support frame. At least one load slider member is arranged to be repositioned and engaged with a selected one of the input buss bars while making electrical contact through a slide or guide rail for the slider member between a selected input buss bar and the corresponding load control switch. The slider member is yieldably actuated to a circuit making position and is positively latched in a retracted condition to freely move along the guide rail as it is positioned for engagement with a selected input buss bar.

Abstract: A multiple shot selective fire perforating gun for piercing oil field tubular goods, typically during the process of completing an oil or gas well. The perforating gun includes a multiplicity of shaped charges which are fired individually by an associated blasting cap and switch. The switch of all but the lowermost shaped charge is configured to disarm its associated blasting cap until the next lower shaped charge has detonated. The generation of the pressure pulse from detonation of the next lower shaped charge causes a piston in the switch to move to express a stream of flowable material onto a switch actuator which manipulates the switch to place it in an armed condition ready to fire.

Abstract: A double pole sliding contact trigger switch is disclosed having auxiliary butt contact means for affording sequential actuation of a pair of switches in a single housing. Upon depression of the trigger, a double pole switch is closed by sliding bridging contactors to energize a portable tool motor. Upon further depression of the trigger, a single pole switch is closed by a butting bridging contactor to energize a solenoid in the tool.

Abstract: A rear window washer wiper control comprising a first movable member and a second movable member, the movable members comprising a slide switch for a washer circuit and a slide switch for a wiper circuit. Both switches are incorporated in one case to energize a wiper motor by moving the second movable member to the right and also to push and move the second movable member accordingly when the first movable member is moved to the right, thereby working a washer motor and a wiper motor simultaneously.Once an operating piece of the first movable member is released, the first movable member is forced back to the original position thereof by virtue of a built-in spring for automatic resetting, thus resulting in the washer motor stopping. The wiper motor continues to work so long as the second movable member is not manually reset to the original state thereof.

Abstract: The drawings illustrate a double pole, double throw switch for use in selectively controlling energization of either a first or second electric circuit. The switch includes two sets of first, second and third terminals, with each of the second terminals being offset in opposite directions from one another, and a pivotally mounted actuator button. A pair of legs are formed on the inner portion of the actuator button for carrying first and second contact strips, the latter being mounted for universal movement with respect to the second terminals so as to normally contact respective opposite first or third terminals.

Abstract: The plastic non-conducting housing is provided with two pairs of terminals the inner ends of which serve as busses and fit in grooves in the interior, each pair being separated by an integral rib which is slightly higher than the busses so the associated spring loaded roller-like shorting bar mounted in the axially moveable carrier is held out of contact with the busses. The molded housing is cored along the length of the rib where switching is desired. Therefore, where the housing is cored there is no rib to prevent the shorting bar from completing the circuit between the busses. When the shorting bar engages the busses the friction between the loading spring and the knurled central section of the roller is greater than the friction between the roller and the busses so the roller slides on the busses to obtain "wipe".