Abstract: A key switch comprises a disc-shaped switch contact suspended above a number of stationary terminals. The switch contact includes one or more cut-outs which isolate individual terminals in different angular orientations of the contact. The signals conducted through each terminal vary as different combinations are bridged by the contact in different angular orientations. By changing the pattern of the cut-outs through the contact, the signals conducted through the switch are changed. The switch is efficient to produce because it can be adapted to different circuits without substituting physically different terminal pieces.

Abstract: A switch comprises a plunger, a retainer, a pair of terminals and an electrically-conducting wiper contact having a curved or bent middle portion defining two oppositely directed legs on either side of the middle portion. The retainer cooperates with the plunger to carry the wiper contact as the plunger moves between a normal and an actuated position. The terminals have facing contact surfaces for biased engagement with the portions of the legs exposed by the plunger and retainer to form an electrical path between the terminals when the plunger is in the actuated position. The plunger and the retainer are coupled together by arms which project from either the plunger or the retainer. The wiper contact is secured between the plunger and retainer without the need for forming a central loop in the wiper contact for engagement by the plunger.

Abstract: A safety circuit coupled to an ignition circuit and a magneto coil for disabling an engine that powers a riding lawn mower. The circuit includes a triac which is rendered conductive in response to a sensed unsafe condition. The triac turns on to short the magneto coil and prevent generation of a spark plug energization voltage. A capacitor coupled to the triac gate electrode charges in the event an unsafe condition is sensed and is prevented from charging when operating conditions are safe.

Abstract: A switch for controlling the operation of a motor boat comprises a cylinder and a key. The key includes a grippable knob and a detachable key actuator which engages a key-receiving member in the cylinder. The knob is turned from a first stable angular orientation (that is, an off-position) to a second stable angular orientation (that is, an on-position) to operate the motor. The knob is also coupled by means of a lanyard to the operator. If the operator falls overboard, the knob will separate from the key actuator and springs located inside the cylinder return the switch to the off-position. The switch also permits the a choke signal to be sent to the motor by pressing inwardly on the knob.

Abstract: A trim switch control for aligning a motor on a boat. The switch includes a housing in which a switch body is supported. A bridging member includes side lobes having domed contact engaging portions. In response to user actuation, an actuator surface is brought into engagement with the domed side lobes causing deformation of those lobes into engagement with the contacts. This completes an electrical circuit, resulting in user actuated control of the motor trim.

Abstract: A shorting connector for engaging a switch. A connector housing encloses two spaced apart contacts that form part of a circuit controlled by a switch. In the event that the switch is separated from the connector a torsion spring shorted element moves within the connector housing and bridges the spaced apart contacts to maintain a closed circuit.

Abstract: A push button safety switch. A pair of switch terminals are mounted within a housing which also carries a plunger for movement relative to the housing. The plunger is biased for movement along a path of travel by a compressed spring. A push button actuator has a knob for contact by user and a plunger actuator carried by the knob. The actuator also defines a stem portion to support a tether clip coupled to the boat operator. The boat motor ignition circuit is electrically connected to the switch terminals and the motor can be de-activated by either user contact with the knob or through movement of the plunger initiated by separation of the tether clip from the push button actuator.

Abstract: A push button switch assembly. A switch housing supports two parallel conductive switch contacts. A torsion spring wiper member carried by a push button switch actuator selectively bridges the gap between the conductive switch contacts. The torsion spring wiper member is a wire coiled in the middle and having two arms that engage the switch contacts.

Abstract: A safety switch assembly for de-activating a motor vehicle if a user is not positioned on a vehicle seat. The assembly includes a base for mounting the assembly, a cover that moves in response to the presence of a vehicle operator on the seat and an actuator that moves with the cover to open and close switch contacts inside an actuator housing. The contacts are normally open or normally closed depending on the switch construction. Movement of the cover forces the actuator to cause a torsion spring switch piece to bridge a gap between the contacts in a normally open switch and moves the switch piece from between the contacts in a normally closed switch.

Abstract: A safety interlock for a vehicle driven through a transmission by an internal combustion engine that has a magneto ignition system and a seat occupied by a driver. The interlock is electrically connected to the ignition and to safety switches, one that is opened when the transmission to a traction drive is engaged and another that is closed when the seat is occupied. The interlock circuit disables the ignition if the engine is not running and the transmission is engaged so the engine cannot be started under unsafe conditions. The engine is also disabled if, after it is running, the seat becomes unoccupied while the transmission is engaged. However, the interlock allows the engine to be started with the seat occupied or not, as long as the transmission is disengaged. One or more safety switches associated with mechanisms driven by the engine can be connected in series with the transmission-operated safety switch to control operation in the same manner.

Abstract: A safety system for limiting the speed of a fuel powered engine, particularly an internal combustion engine of a vehicle or machine, preferably by controlling the engine ignition. The system is especially useful for vehicles such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, power boats, and the like. An alternating or pulsed electrical output directly proportional to engine rpm is detected and the rpm is limited to one of two or more different levels, depending upon the condition of a programming switch or switches, in this embodiment a throttle switch. An upper level limits engine speed to a safe rpm in the event of load removal, such as when a drive belt breaks or a gear change is missed. Engine speed is limited to a lower level if the throttle switch indicates idle rpm is desired and if the engine does not begin to decelerate from a higher rpm within a predetermined time, regardless of the actual throttle condition.

Abstract: A safety interlock for a vehicle driven through a transmission by an internal combustion engine that has a magneto ignition system and a seat occupied by a driver. The interlock is electrically connected to the ignition and to safety switches, one that is opened when the transmission to a traction drive is engaged and another that is closed when the seat is occupied. The interlock circuit disables the ignition if the engine is not running and the transmission is engaged so the engine cannot be started under unsafe conditions. The engine is also disabled if, after it is running, the seat becomes unoccupied while the transmission is engaged. However, the interlock allows the engine to be started with the seat occupied or not, as long as the transmission is disengaged. One or more safety switches associated with mechanisms driven by the engine can be connected in series with the transmission-operated safety switch to control operation in the same manner.

Abstract: An inductive, solid-state, magneto ignition system utilizing solid-state switching and operable at low speeds to facilitate starting. Timing is controlled in response to current developed in the primary winding of the magneto coil, which automatically operates a solid-state switch to open the primary winding circuit of the magneto ignition when the current in the primary winding is at a predetermined level. The arrangement couples a high peak voltage and short rise time with a relatively long arc duration across an associated spark plug to increase the over-all performance of a magneto ignition system. In one embodiment, a spark advance is automatically provided as engine speed increases.