Abstract: A miniature position encoder (10) provides means for transducing angular changes in shaft (60) position to an electrical output representing the Gray code. The miniature position encoder (10) comprises an annular housing (12) having an aperture (14) with a bushing (20) disposed therein opposite an open end (18) of the housing (12), a plurality of light emitting diodes (50) disposed in non-linear alignment in a substrate (40) mounted adjacent the bushing (20), and a metallic shaft (60) journalled within the bushing opening (15) and having a metallic logic disk (70) secured at one end, the logic disk having a plurality of radially spaced and angularly limited openings representing the Gray code.

Abstract: An integral switch connector with remote actuator has a plurality of conductive terminals disposed within a switch housing. A slide member is remotely biased to make or break contact between contact arms to switch voltage between terminals. A connector disposed within switch housing provides connection to a remote apparatus. The remote actuator has a snap-action feature, to bias the slide member independently of the speed of movement of the manual biasing means. Movement of the actuator assembly biases a non-conductive actuator rod disposed within a non-conductive sleeve, to bias the slide member within the switch housing to make or break electrical communication between terminals. A spring disposed between the slide member and the switch housing breaks electrical contact between terminals should the actuator rod fail. A link coupling provides a removable connection between rod and sleeve at a location between actuator and switch assemblies.

Abstract: A machine insertable miniature DIP switch (10) comprises a housing (12) insert molded about a plurality of terminals (40). The terminals (40) are oppositely disposed pairs having interior portions (44) located within housing chambers (30) formed by transversely extending walls (20), with the ends of the pairs of terminals separated by an open area (A) comprising a depression. An actuator (60) includes an upward extension (64) above a top plate (62) with a contactor receptacle (66) located therebelow, a depending detent wall (68) with a detent protrusion (70) on one side of the actuator, and an oppositely disposed depending actuator side wall (72). The detent protrusion (70) is received by detent openings (22) within the associated transverse wall (20), top plate extensions (63) are positioned over the associated transverse wall, and the oppositely disposed actuator side wall (72) is positioned for engagement with a shelf (24) located in the associated transverse wall.

Abstract: A rotary potentiometer (10) having an insert molded thermoplastic resin body (12) with an annular groove (14) disposed therein about a central post (19) having an aperture (16) therethrough. A resistive element (26) is disposed about the periphery of the groove (14), an actuator arm (20) is attached to one end of a metallic shaft (18) journalled in said aperture (16) in the central post (19), and a return spring (28) has one end (29) captured within a drop slot (13) at the perimeter of the groove and the other end (31) secured in slot (11) of the shaft (18) for returning the actuator arm (20) and drive arm (22) to their initial position. A drive arm (22) has a rake type contactor (33), the drive arm (22) being secured to the operating end of the shaft (18). A terminal coupling subassembly (65) is positioned within a receiving well (40 ) in the potentiometer body (12), and is captured within the body by securing a cover (80) over the receiving well (40).

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: A multiple-function electrical switch has an automatic return to an initial position upon release of the shaft (60). An annular drive (70) mounted upon the shaft (60) has a rotary contactor (100) and momentary switch contacts (90,92) secured thereto, and a torsional spring (110) is mounted in a cover (36) enclosing one end of the housing (11). As the shaft is rotated, a tongue (78) on the driver (70) engages the torsional spring (110) which will effect return of the driver and shaft to its initial position upon release of the shaft. The tongue (78) is received in a pocket (56) located in the cover (36) such that the shaft (60) may be moved axially at only one rotational position, such movement effecting engagement between the momentary switch contacts (90,92) and terminals (44,46) disposed in the cover.