Plural Switch Patents (Class 200/18)
  • Patent number: 5315079
    Abstract: A PCB mounted 6 PDT slide switch is formed of a specially-designed cover/actuator sub-assembly and a base assembly which remain in assembly independent of each other. The slide switch includes a base member, a slide actuator member, a plurality of movable contact shoes, a separate spacer bar member, and a cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Gierut
  • Patent number: 5281779
    Abstract: An electrical switch contains three contactor carriers, each capable of containing a different pattern of contactors. The carriers slide on conductive strips to complete circuits to electrical devices. Two carriers are controlled by a linkage that moves one as the linkage is pushed or pulled and moves the other as the linkage is rotated. The third carrier is moved by thumbwheel and engages a resistance element that is connected to the strips, to vary the resistance through a pair of strips. A removable cover has walls that force the carriers towards the strips and limit the movement of some carriers. A bayonet lamp engages the strips to light the faceplate under the control of the third carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dragan Bogovican, Anthony Vultaggio
  • Patent number: 5272291
    Abstract: A dual switch actuator for coordinated actuation of two high-current switches, each having a switch operator with a shaft. The switch operator shafts are aligned paraxially with a main shaft of the actuator. A Geneva drive plate having an arcuate bearing surface and two drive pins is affixed to the main shaft. A modified Geneva follower plate is affixed to each of the switch operator shafts. Each follower plate has a drive slot for receiving a drive pin and a bearing surface complementary to the drive plate bearing surface. In a neutral position of the main shaft, each drive pin is positioned at a follower plate drive slot entrance and both follower plates bearing surfaces engage the main drive plate bearing surface. Rotation of the main shaft in either direction from neutral causes one guide pin to move inwardly of the follower plate drive slot, rotating the follower plate and its associated switch operator shaft to actuate one switch without actuation of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Boltswitch, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5243156
    Abstract: A vehicle power seat switch designed to prevent a knob from vibrating has a switch body incorporating plurality of switch elements and having projecting shafts movably disposed to drive the switch elements, and at least one knob having pairs of wall portions formed on the reverse side, each pair of wall portions facing each other with one of the projecting shafts interposed therebetween, the knob being moved to operate each of the switch elements to adjust the position of the vehicle seat. Elastic extensions are integrally provided on one of the pairs of wall portions so as to be able to contact the outer circumferential surface of the corresponding one of the projecting shafts. It is thereby possible to reduce the noise level at a comparatively small parts cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Shirasaka
  • Patent number: 5216212
    Abstract: A combination disconnect/reversing switch for use in explosive environments for isolating an electrical power source from a three-phase motor or for reversing the operation of a motor. The disconnect/reversing switch comprises a handle, mounting plate, front insulator plate, mounting flange, front contact holder, moveable contact holder, rear contact holder, and rear contact retainer. The handle actuates the moveable contact holder between open circuit, or load-grounded, (or reverse in the case of a reversing switch) and closed (or forward) positions. The moveable contact holder contains three electrically conductive pin members which engage corresponding electrical contacts on either the front contact holder, corresponding to the open (or reverse in the case of a reversing switch) position, or rear contact holder, corresponding to the closed (or forward) position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Line Power Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Golowash, Wayne S. Rial
  • Patent number: 5204502
    Abstract: A switching apparatus providing both linear momentary and rotary switching, including a carrier element disposed within a switch housing and activated by the rotation or linear displacement of an operator manipulated button. The carrier is supported on a central transparent shaft which pipes light to a button-mounted indicator from a lamp disposed behind the switch apparatus. The carrier element supports rotary and linear contact rings in relation to a coplanar set of stationary contacts formed on the bottom of the housing. The rotary contact ring is resiliently biased into engagement with the stationary contacts, and is keyed to the carrier element for rotation therewith, defining a rotary travel switch. The linear contact ring is resiliently biased away from the stationary contacts and into engagement with a shoulder formed on the carrier element shaft, defining a linear travel momentary contact switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn E. Ferris, Mark Z. Rada, Frederick T. Yager
  • Patent number: 5200586
    Abstract: A mechanism for bypass isolation switches of the type comprised of at least three circuit interruption devices each having a handle has at least three switch gears, one positioned over each circuit interruption device and having either a drive gear or a spacer gear therebetween. A cam having a mouth which engages the handle of the circuit interruption device is eccentrically mounted on each switch gear. A stop is provided on at least one gear to permit the gears to rotate only 180.degree.. Since the drive, spacer and switch gears are interconnected, the cams must move or not move simultaneously. As a result, the at least three circuit interruption devices are operated simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: George A. Smith, Thomas K. Fogle
  • Patent number: 5191179
    Abstract: A tap selector anti-arcing system is used with rotary tap selectors to prevent arcing as the selectors move from one tap to the other. A lockout mechanism includes a pair of lever arms located adjacent two Geneva gears. The Geneva gears include pins disposed on opposed sides thereof to actuate one lever arm to thereby move the other lever arm to interferingly engage the pin on the other gear if the gears move simultaneously to engage the neutral and eighth taps. An interrupter is opened by linkage connected to a cam disposed on the drive mechanism for the Geneva gears to open the circuit during the movement of the Geneva gears from one tap to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Cooper Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Yatchum, Clarence K. Hess, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5086313
    Abstract: An operation switch unit for actuating more than two switches comprising a substrate on which the switches are located on apexes of an imaginary polygon, the number of sides of the polygon corresponding to number of switches, and a single operating member which can swing about fulcra which are provided above intermediate portions of the apexes of the imaginary polygon to selectively actuate the switches in accordance with the swing movement of the operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Misawa
  • Patent number: 5025171
    Abstract: A method and arrangement are provided for power operation of manually operable switchgear. The capability for power operation may be provided either during manufacture or as a retrofit to installed switchgear. The apparatus includes a switch-operator unit which is attached to the switchgear. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a device for providing power to a rechargeable power supply of the switch-operator unit from the energized portions of the switchgear; the power-providing device being efficiently installed in either a field retrofit operation to installed switchgear or during manufacture of the switchgear. The apparatus also includes provisions for providing operating power from the rechargeable power supply of the switch operator to a second, separately housed switch-operator unit that is attached to the switchgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas O. Fanta, Leonard V. Chabala
  • Patent number: 5021614
    Abstract: A power seat switch device for adjusting a seat position having a single operating knob, a sliding member cooperatively connected to the operating knob, and three lever switches adapted to be selectively operated by the motion of the sliding member. When the common operating knob is moved in one of two opposite directions, the first switch is operated to move the seat to the front and to the rear. On the other hand, when the operating knob is rotated at one end, the sliding member is pivoted about the third switch, thereby operating the second switch. As a result, the height of the front portion of the seat is adjusted. In contrast, when the operating knob is rotated at its other end, the sliding member is pivoted about the second switch, thereby operating the third switch. As a result, the height of the rear portion of the seat is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Nobuo Ebishi, Shinji Yanai
  • Patent number: 4999598
    Abstract: A three-position actuating mechanism (10) for a transfer switch (11) is disclosed. The transfer switch is movable by the actuator (10) between a contact block (13) corresponding to a normal power source, and a contact block (14) interconnected to a standby or emergency power source. The actuator (10) has a pair of disk drives (22, 23) interconnected to solenoids (20, 21) by means of linkages (33, 34). The disk drives (22, 23) are interconnected to each other and to a driven disk (26) by means of a pin (30). Energization of the solenoids (20, 21) causes movement of the corresponding solenoid plunger (31, 32) and rotation of the disk drives (22, 23), so as to cause rotation of the contact crossbar (16) and transfer of the contacts (15, 18) between the two power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Onan Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Jannesari, Alan N. Fabian
  • Patent number: 4959607
    Abstract: An electronic energy meter is provided with a plurality of push button switches on the face of the meter which are selectively actuated by an actuator extending through the transparent cover to display various different meter functions. Switch restrictors are removably provided around a section of the actuator of selected switches which may then be readily actuated only from the inside of the meter, after unlocking and removing the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter F. Coryea, Warren R. Germer
  • Patent number: 4939320
    Abstract: A self-setting switch-actuating assembly includes a pair of cam members and a rotational motion transmitting shaft. The cam members are mounted on the shaft. The shaft is rotatably mounted between a pair of switches and is connected to a rotatable device whose rotational movement will cause rotation of the shaft and will stop in response to reaching angularly-displaced limits. The cam members are mounted on the shaft one above the other with each cam member aligned with only one of the switches and movable along a rotational path toward and away from a predetermined actuating position relative to its aligned one of the switches in response to rotation of the shaft. Also, each cam member is mounted on the shaft so as to be capable of stopping movement in response to reaching its predetermined actuating position and relative to continuing rotation of the shaft thereby permitting a predetermined degree of overtravel of the shaft relative to each of the cam members at their respective actuating positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Mark T. Graulty
  • Patent number: 4937402
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching device for use as a control switch for the posture-adjustable automotive mirror. The switching device according to the present invention comprises plural fixed contacts disposed in a substantially straight line on a substrate housed in an enclosure, moving contacts formed by two electrically conductive balls disposed movably on the substrate, slider element having two slopes which are in contact with the two balls, a box-shaped actuator comprising a slider which houses the slider element, through holes for guiding the slider parallel to the substrate, and a resilient member disposed between the slider element and the slider, which forces the slider element toward the substrate. Thus, the switching device according to the present invention performs well in operation and durability, as well as ensures a contact between the fixed contacts and the moving contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries Limited
    Inventor: Tatsuo Kyoden
  • Patent number: 4931781
    Abstract: A cursor movement control key switch for controlling movement of a cursor on a display screen of a CRT or the like requires only one key. Operation of a single key allows both control of the direction of the cursor, and control of brightness of the display, volume level of sounds at a speaker, a display size of the cursor or the like. A CPU periodically detects the states of signals at terminals corresponding to contacts disposed in the key switch so as to produce signals to perform the above control operations. The key switchy provides improved operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Miyakawa
  • Patent number: 4897754
    Abstract: There are provided a first switch which is switched to the on state or the off state in association with a displacement of an actuator which causes a displacement by a contact with an object and a second switch which is switched to the on state or off state later than the first switch in association with the displacement of the actuator. A switch output is produced and an abnormality is detected in accordance with the on and off states of these switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventors: Keisuke Konishi, Norio Iwakiri, Hiroyuki Yamada, Masanori Ishii
  • Patent number: 4871885
    Abstract: The on-off operation of the switch as the slide switch is effected by moving the operating knob in the first horizontal direction, namely, the X-direction to move the slider A together with the slider B in the same direction and thereby sliding the first contactor in the X-direction on an associated pattern formed on a switch board. On the other hand, the on-off operation of the switch as the push switch is effected by pushing the operating knob in the second horizontal direction, namely, the Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction to engage the cam M of the slider A with the engageable portion of the slider C and move the slider C in the Z-direction perpendicular to the Y-direction against the biasing force of the second spring, and thereby sliding the second contactor in the Z-direction on an associated pattern on the switch board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soetsu Kamada
  • Patent number: 4866221
    Abstract: A switch assembly for remote selection and two-way operation of individual motors for vehicle rearview mirror adjustment. A quadulateral touch frame is gimballed by means of a nested yoke on a housing for movement about two orthogonal axes and is superposed for contacting an actuator frame having four spaced pins extending commonly therefrom through the housing, each for actuation of an individual switch mounted on a circuit board. User movement of any one of the four sides of the touch bar actuates a pair of the switches, only one of which is snap-acting. A separate selector nested in the touch frame operates sliding wipers for selected switching between pairs of contacts on the circuit board for selection of operational mode for the four main switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: George Obermann, Marek Brzozowski
  • Patent number: 4827088
    Abstract: A three-phase electrical ring main unit comprising a lower chamber module (30) having a wall structure formed from insulating resin material; three input contacts (35), one for each phase, mounted within the lower chamber; three lower switching contacts (37), each mounted within the lower chamber for movement between different switching positions; insulating closure means (55) closing the top of the lower chamber; three output contacts (49), one for each phase, carried by and exposed on a lower face of the closure means; three busbar contacts (59 to 61), each electrically connected to a respective output contact, carried by and exposed on an upper face of the closure member (55); an upper chamber module (31) having a wall structure formed from insulating resin material; means (32) securing the upper chamber above the lower chamber; three tee-off contacts (85), one for each phase, mounted within the upper chamber; and three upper switching contacts (83), each mounted in the upper chamber for movement between d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Y.S. Securities Limited
    Inventors: Martin C. Oakes, Graham D. Scully, Michael Adams
  • Patent number: 4796480
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical controller for railway locomotives and other applications is arranged with separate throttle/dynamic brake and reverser handles pivotable on a common, preferably horizontal, axis. Various mechanical interlocks are provided to meet established AAR requirements in a compact assembly arranged for console mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors of Canada Limited
    Inventors: Barry L. Amos, Ronald Sapelak, Peter Vanderweg
  • Patent number: 4794210
    Abstract: A switch for controlling the current to an electric motor is disclosed. The switch includes first and second parts which are relatively rotatable about a first axis. The switch also includes contacts which are actuatable to permit electrical power to be applied to the motor in a direction depending upon the direction of relative rotation between the first and second parts. A portion of the contacts are carried by a rocker arm pivotally mounted against one of the parts with cooperating contacts mounted to the one part. Actuation of the contacts is controlled by an associated pivoting member located radially outward of the first axis and pivotable about a second axis, transversely to the first axis. The pivoting member carries a roller slidably mounted to an end thereof and resiliently biased against the rocker arm. The roller is of sufficient diameter to contact the rocker arm at two locations when the switch is in a neutral condition with all of the electrical contacts open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick A. Hammerle, Richard Wiciel, James A. Mallett
  • Patent number: 4760278
    Abstract: The transfer switch assembly typically automatically transfers electrical loads from a normal electrical power source to an emergency electrical power source upon reduction or loss of normal power source voltage. It can also automatically re-transfer the load to the normal power source when the normal voltage has been restored within acceptable limits. The device includes a rotor and couplers for cooperating with switch toggles of circuit breakers to actuate the circuit breakers. First and second links connect the rotor to the couplers. The links have outer ends connected to the couplers, and inner ends hingedly connected to the rotor at positions spaced circumferentially apart relative to the rotor axis. In this way, rotation of the rotor in one direction moves the couplers to open one circuit breaker and, after a short period of time, to close the remaining circuit breaker so that one circuit breaker opens prior to closing the other circuit breaker. The transfer switch can also be actuated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventor: Robert G. Thomson
  • Patent number: 4751485
    Abstract: A dual compartment magnetic switch interposed between a hand held electrical appliance and its electrical power input. The magnetic switch enables electrical power to be totally insulated from the electrical components within the appliance so that when the appliance is in the off position, user safety is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Clairol Incorporated
    Inventors: Atsushi Fujio, Vito Carlucci, Raymond Kunz
  • Patent number: 4742190
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for selectively preventing actuating modes of a manual control member equipping the face of the case of an apparatus and able to change over from a first position corresponding to a first function, to a second position corresponding to a second function and, from the first position to a third position corresponding to a third function. It includes a cover mounted for pivoting on the case and able to be applied against said face. This cover allows manual access to said member and includes means for allowing this member to change over from the first position to the third position and preventing it changing over from one to the other of the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventor: Bruno Jacquet
  • Patent number: 4737603
    Abstract: An isolation switch comprises a mounting plate with a hub adapted to extend forwardly through a wall of an explosion-proof enclosure. A shaft is journaled for axial movement in the hub. First and second stationary contact members are supported on the mounting plate. The first stationary contact member has input and output power contacts, and the second stationary contact member has first and second grounding contacts. Jumpers connect the output power contacts with the second set of grounding contacts. A moveable contact member is moveable by the shaft between a "closed" position connecting the input and output power contacts; and an "open and load-side-grounded" position disconnecting the input and output power contacts and connecting the output power contacts to ground through the grounding contacts. A handle assembly is eccentrically pivoted on the forward end of the shaft, is guided for forward and backward swinging movement, and has cam bosses guided for transverse movement relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Service Machine Company
    Inventor: Jennings Lycan
  • Patent number: 4724286
    Abstract: A rotary power control unit is capable of functioning as many different switches. The power control unit includes a housing, a shaft-actuator assembly, a circuit board with a variable resistor, and a strap for containing these elements in the housing. The shaft-actuator assembly is rotatably attached to the floor of the housing, and passes through the circuit board and strap where it is connected to a control knob. The shaft is also fastened to a wiper shoe which rotates with the shaft and varies the resistance of the circuit. By interchanging shaft-actuator assemblies, and adding appropriate components to the circuit board, the rotary power control unit may take the form of:a simple rotary control,a rotary control with full-on bypass,a simple push control,a three-way push control, ora tandem push control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Power Controls Corp.
    Inventor: James P. Cummins
  • Patent number: 4719455
    Abstract: A pointing and control device for moving a cursor on a visual display and for controlling various operations, being operated by hand and finger movements, including both fine movement control and gross movement control; the assembly includes a graspable outer cover and an inner puck with a finger cup movably supported by a series of elements, a laser beam movement detector consisting of high and low frequency scanners, drivers, lower and upper photodetectors and signal amplifiers and processors. The entire assembly may be either fixed on a keyboard or operated as an independent accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: William M. Louis
  • Patent number: 4713498
    Abstract: A switch gear which includes a housing have first and second sides and a third side therebetween, at least one main contact bridge in the housing displaceable between two ON-OFF switch position, a spindle rotatable by a handle and carrying a body having a cam slot receiving a cam follower of a contact bridge holder, the contact bridge holder carrying contacts for effecting the two switch positions with associated pairs of fixed contact rails carried by the housing, the fixed contact rails being connectable by connector screws to electrical hook-up leads at the respective first and second housing sides, first and second separate housing compartments adjacent the first and second housing sides and carried associated ones of the connector screws, the first and second contact rails being connected through the respective first and second separate housing compartments for connection to the electrical hook-up leads by the connector screws, and the first and second separate housing compartments being selectively moun
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Square D Starkstrom GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Ludwig, Dirk Stiehl
  • Patent number: 4698464
    Abstract: A control switch for a motor driven remote control mirror device in a vehicle has a switching control circuit for connecting motors for driving a mirror to be tilted to a DC power source. The control circuit has first and second stationary contact to be connected with one terminals of the motors for tilting the mirror around horizontal and vertical axes, and a third stationary contact to be commonly connected to the other terminals of the motors, the contacts are selectively connected with the negative and positive polarities of a power source by bridge members disposed corresponding to the contacts. The bridge members ordinarily connect the contacts to the negative polarity of the power source, and connect, when elastically deformed, to the positive polarity. A push plate is elastically supported by the bridge members, has a leg for operating the bridge members on the back surface, and the relative bridge member is operated by pressing the direction indication unit of the push plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries Limited
    Inventors: Morimasa Tanaka, Shinichiro Ito
  • Patent number: 4698463
    Abstract: A control switch for remote-controlling a motor-driven automotive mirror. The stationary contact to be connected to one of the terminals of the motor to move the mirror about a vertical axis, the stationary contact to be connected to one of the terminals of the motor to move the mirror about a horizontal axis, and the stationary contact to be connected to the other terminal of the above two motors in common are formed on a circuit board. Bridge members connect each of the stationary contacts selectively to one of the stationary contacts of a stationary contact pair. The bridge members to connect stationary contacts to the negative polarity of a power supply at their ordinary position and to the positive polarity at their actuated position are accommodate in an enclosure fixedly attached to the circuit board. The actuating rods to act on the bridge members are arranged in the enclosure to be independent of one another, and one end of each of the actuating rods is projecting outside from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Ichikoh industries Limited
    Inventors: Morimasa Tanaka, Tatsuo Kyoden
  • Patent number: 4678873
    Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker of compact design has a housing of insulating material with several parallel disposed chambers. A switching mechanism designed as a structural unit is provided in one of the chambers. The other chambers comprise compartments for switching path contacts. The switching mechanism comprises a U-shaped carrier for all moving parts. In particular, a drive shaft with a coupling part, such as a key, as well as a tripping shaft, likewise having a coupling part such as a slot, are provided. A pole control shaft is provided for actuating the switch contacts and is provided at its end with a coupling part such as a slot which comes into engagement with the coupling part of the drive shaft of the switching mechanism if the latter is built into the switch gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Preuss, Klaus-Gunther Berndt
  • Patent number: 4659880
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiro Kondo, Kenji Sawada
  • Patent number: 4654647
    Abstract: A finger operable electronic control apparatus includes a finger pad actuator mounted to a base so as to be movable in several directions. The position of the finger pad is sensed and utilized in the generation of electrical control signals. These control signals are used to control movement of a cursor or other image on an electronic display screen, as well as for other purposes. In one specific form, the base is generally horizontal and the finger pad is mounted by trapezoidal mounts for movement in first and second mutually perpendicular directions. In addition, the base is mounted to a supporting structure for movement in a direction which results in corresponding movement of the supported finger pad in the third direction. Movement of the finger pad in the first, second and third directions, as well as the rate of movement, may be sensed and utilized to generate electrical control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Jack M. Wedam
  • Patent number: 4617437
    Abstract: A multi-functional electromechanical vehicular switch having a linear ignition switch and a headlamp dimmer combined in a single unit. The ignition switch is constructed as a conventional design. The headlight dimmer employs a self-adjusting mechanism to insure the actuator gear remains in contact with a rack through a biased action if the rack over travels the partial gear of the dimmer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. DuRocher
  • Patent number: 4602211
    Abstract: An electronic demand register for an electric meter includes a plurality of pushbutton controls for controlling material displayed or a mode of operation of the demand register. A lockable switch actuator includes an actuating paddle within a cover or housing of the meter which, when unlocked, can be rotated into alignment with a selected one of the pushbutton controls and then pushed inward to actuate the selected pushbutton control. A pair of bosses bracketing one of the pushbutton controls prevents actuation of its respective control until the actuating paddle is accurately positioned between them. A second pair of bosses bracketing another of the pushbutton controls are spaced too closely apart to permit the actuating paddle to pass therebetween and they thus prevent actuation of their respective pushbutton control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Peter F. Losapio, Warren R. Germer
  • Patent number: 4590338
    Abstract: A switch for adjustably tilting a mirror member of each of a pair of right and left outer mirrors of a motor vehicle in upward, downward, rightward and leftward directions. The switch includes a switch casing, a changeover switch for selecting one of the outer mirrors and an operating switch for adjustably tilting the mirror member of the selected one of the outer mirrors such that a changeover switch knob of the changeover switch is movably tilted in an opening formed at a central portion of an operating switch knob of the operating switch. The operating switch knob is formed with an inner peripheral face and an outer peripheral face such that a lower end of the inner peripheral face is disposed more adjacent to a bottom wall of the switch casing than that of the outer peripheral face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masaru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4572932
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for example for an electric switch comprises a driving member, a driven shaft and a transmission gearing through which the driven shaft is driven by the driving member through a certain angle of rotation after a predetermined number of revolutions of the driving member. An actuator carried by the driven shaft is operative at a predetermined angular position of the driven shaft. An adjustment shaft is provided which can be rotated to rotate the driven shaft through the transmission gearing, a clutch being connected between the driving member and the transmission gearing to permit by disengagement of the clutch the adjustment shaft to rotate the driven shaft relatively to the driving member. A radial projection, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Rotork Controls Limited
    Inventor: Peter G. Sanders
  • Patent number: 4559456
    Abstract: A portable type electric appliance powered by incorporated main and reserve batteries. The batteries are connected to an electric load selectively by means of a switching device including a main switch for connecting the main battery to the load and a subsidiary switch for connecting the reserve battery to the load. A lock locks the subsidiary switch in a disconnected position until the main switch is closed. Namely, the subsidiary switch can be closed only after the main switch is closed. Therefore, the main battery is always used prior to the reserve battery, and when the main battery is exhausted, the reserve battery remaining unexhausted is capable of taking over to operate the appliance without requiring immediate replacement of the main battery. Accordingly, the accidental interruption of the operation of the appliance can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Yamamoto, Makoto Tanimizu, Kenzo Shirakawa, Hideji Wataya
  • Patent number: 4523061
    Abstract: A switching assembly for selectively connecting telephone cable to a test set or the like. A mounting panel provides connectors for receiving two twenty-five pair telephone cables, and a third connector for receiving another twenty-five pair cable. A set of switches provides for connecting the third connector to either the first or second connector. The switches are mounted in a row on a printed circuit board and are driven by a sliding actuator plate carried between the switches and the mounting panel, with a rotating knob driving the actuator plate to control the switches, and indicating which of the first and second connectors is being connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Communications Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Gideon B. Dagan, Charles W. Waas
  • Patent number: 4520240
    Abstract: A four-way integral switch mechanism allows activation of any one of four switches. This mechanism may be used to position a cursor on a display in both the vertical and horizontal directions where there is a need to control four separate switches to properly locate the cursor. The switch mechanism includes two switch toppers, one of which snaps into and pivots within the other along an axis in a first direction. These two switch toppers then snap into a base which provides a second pivot axis for the second topper which is 90 degrees from the first. The base may have guide pin holes for positioning it as well as the two switch toppers. A spring mechanism engages each of the four lower surfaces of the switch toppers. The switch toppers thereby form one integral whole providing control of four switches by sliding a finger in the direction that cursor movement is desired. Each key has only one degree of freedom, that of rotation, which gives the key a firm controlled feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Dan E. Swindler
  • Patent number: 4492828
    Abstract: A mechanical slide selector switch assembly for operating a series of pushbutton switches which includes an elongated support having a series of spaced parallel transverse members between which the switches are mounted, an elongated actuator slidably mounted on the support for reciprocal movement along the support, and a spring-loaded plunger mounted on the actuator to be moved across the transverse members from one switch to another to operate the switches as the actuator is moved to positions between successive pairs of the transverse members. When operating a switch the actuator is supported only by the switch and there is no contact between the actuator and the transverse members. However, when the actuator is moved off a switch it is supported by the transverse members until it engages the next switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: T.A.D. Avanti, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur T. Martinez, Richard B. Kilstofte
  • Patent number: 4414438
    Abstract: A video game joystick controller is disclosed which includes a lower housing which defines a lower convex bearing surface, an upper housing which defines an upper concave bearing surface concentric with the lower bearing surface, and a handle which defines inner and outer bearing surfaces. The inner bearing surface of the handle is adapted to mate with the lower bearing surface of the lower housing, and the outer bearing surface of the handle is adapted to mate with the upper bearing surface of the upper housing such that the handle is free to pivot with a smooth action. A plate is mounted to the lower end of the handle, and this plate bears four switch actuators, one of which is higher than the other three. A circuit board is mounted to the upper housing, and it serves to mount four coplanar switches, each of which is situated directly above a respective one of the four actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: International Jensen Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce Maier, Brian J. Maloney
  • Patent number: 4382166
    Abstract: A joystick apparatus includes a tiltably mounted tube and a rod reciprocally movably axially therethrough. The tube has a frustoconical first actuator at one end thereof for operating engagement with a selected one or more of a plurality of first switches as the tube is tilted. The adjacent end of the rod carries a part-spherical second actuator for operating engagement with a second switch when the rod is extended from the tube, the shape of the second actuator keeping it in proper operating relationship with respect to the second switch regardless of the position of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1983
    Assignee: Wico Corporation
    Inventor: Syng N. Kim
  • Patent number: 4361737
    Abstract: A base station microphone with a transmit bar and a monitor button, the latter being operable to actuate a switch to check for a clear channel before transmitting. The present invention relates to a simple mechanical interlock between the monitor button and the transmit bar, wherein the monitor button must be depressed before the transmit bar may be actuated for transmission. The improved interlock comprises a bell crank lever that has a portion disposed to block depression of the transmit bar. When the monitor button is depressed, the bell crank lever is shifted to move said portion from its blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1982
    Assignee: The Astatic Corporation
    Inventor: Donald W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4358646
    Abstract: A mechanical slide selector switch assembly, or the like, is provided which includes a plurality of multi-contact switches mounted in side-by-side relationship, and which also includes a slidable actuator mounted in transverse relationship with the switches for successively actuating the switches as the actuator is moved back and forth along a rectilinear path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: T.A.D. Avanti, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur T. Martinez
  • Patent number: 4357502
    Abstract: Phase reversal switch apparatus for a three-phase high-current isolated phase bus circuit includes a non-reversing phase switch, and two groups of two reversing phase switches. The apparatus also includes a phase reversal mechanism having a rotatable operating shaft with a drive lever, a non-reversing lever, and two reversing levers coupled thereto. Locking and drive couplings are selectively engaged with the levers and operated by a shift actuator and a switch actuator to selectively operate the non-reversing switch and the first and second reversing switches to effect a phase sequence reversing operation in a secure and efficient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1982
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Henry R. Beck
  • Patent number: 4352965
    Abstract: Two or more metal toggles, such as a bat or paddle can be alternatively assembled with a plastic actuator in an otherwise conventional toggle switch so that the bat type toggle can be made as a body of revolution whereas the paddle type toggle is made with non-circular projections on its shank portion which are oriented with respect to the broad dimension of the paddle in order that either the paddle or the bat toggle can be assembled with the same plastic actuator part of the toggle switch assembly. Both types of toggles can be conveniently assembled by inserting the shank portion of either toggle in the opening provided for this purpose in the actuator, and each toggle is adapted to be securely held in the actuator in spite of the difference in the geometry between these toggles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1982
    Assignee: Carlingswitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 4333689
    Abstract: A connection device for spaced electric components comprises a guide member made of a flat resilient tubular member having a plurality of windows and bridge portions alternating on the major surfaces of the tubular member, or alternatively, a guide member made up of a plurality of guide elements having bridge portions on opposite surfaces between the longitudinal edge portions. A slide member made of a resilient material is introduced through the guide member. Projections are formed on the inner surfaces of said bridge portions of the guide member and escape portions are formed between end portions of said projections to allow the slide member to be moved easily within the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Fujino
  • Patent number: 4316064
    Abstract: A remote operation device for operating a plurality of remotely positioned electric parts simultaneously by an actuation of a single operation member. The device has the operation member, interconnection members each having a flexible sleeve and a metallic belt slidably received by the sleeve, and operated members connected to the operating portions of the electric parts. The metallic belts of the interconnection members are superposed at their one ends to one another and are secured commonly to a movable connection member slidably mounted in the operating member, while the other ends of the metallic belts are connected to movable connection members slidably received by respective operated members. As the signal movable connection member of the operation member is moved in one direction, the movement is transmitted through respective metallic belts to respective operated members, so that the electric parts are operated simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Fujino