Abstract: An electrical junction box has a connector retainer assembly with a first contact surface, as well as a connector housing assembly with a pivotal lever arm. The lever arm has a first engagement surface. The connector retainer assembly and the connector housing assembly configured so that when the lever arm is moved in a single direction relative to the connector housing assembly, the first engagement surface engages the first contact surface and the connector housing assembly moves relative to the connector retainer assembly from a pre-staged position to an assembled position.

Abstract: A solder validation method for a printed circuit board (PCB) having a pin hole extending through the PCB, an electrically conductive trace on a surface of the PCB, and an electrically conductive pin inserted through the pin hole includes the following. An electrically non-conductive portion is provided on the surface of the PCB between the pin hole and the trace such that the non-conductive portion electrically isolates the pin from the trace. After a soldering process intended to solder the pin and the trace together, a soldered connection between the pin and the trace is detected as being absent when no electrical continuity is between the pin and the trace as a soldered connection between the pin and the trace has to be present to provide the electrical continuity due to the pin and the trace otherwise being electrically isolated from one another by the non-conductive portion.

Abstract: An electrical junction box has a connector retainer assembly with a first contact surface, as well as a connector housing assembly with a pivotal lever arm. The lever arm has a first engagement surface. The connector retainer assembly and the connector housing assembly configured so that when the lever arm is moved in a single direction relative to the connector housing assembly, the first engagement surface engages the first contact surface and the connector housing assembly moves relative to the connector retainer assembly from a pre-staged position to an assembled position.

Abstract: A solder validation method for a printed circuit board (PCB) having a pin hole extending through the PCB, an electrically conductive trace on a surface of the PCB, and an electrically conductive pin inserted through the pin hole includes the following. An electrically non-conductive portion is provided on the surface of the PCB between the pin hole and the trace such that the non-conductive portion electrically isolates the pin from the trace. After a soldering process intended to solder the pin and the trace together, a soldered connection between the pin and the trace is detected as being absent when no electrical continuity is between the pin and the trace as a soldered connection between the pin and the trace has to be present to provide the electrical continuity due to the pin and the trace otherwise being electrically isolated from one another by the non-conductive portion.

Abstract: A method of testing a switch looks at the second derivative of the resistance force to movement. The second derivative is most indicative of the feel the operator will experience when utilizing the switch. It is desirable to keep the second derivative to a minimum for the switch at locations other than end of travel or detent positions. By investigating the second derivative, one is provided with feedback of areas on the switch that might require further investigation or re-evaluation.

Abstract: A transmission shift lever interlock comprises a locking cam and a latch. The locking cam engages the shift lever as it is moved to or from the park position. A bias spring normally moves the latch into engagement with the cam when the shift lever is moved from the park position to prevent movement of the cam to lock the shift lever. The latch is held out of engagement with the cam, however, by a holding solenoid when the brakes are applied. The cam is able to rotate and allow the shift lever to be moved to the park position regardless of whether the solenoid is energized.

Abstract: An improved membrane switch includes multiple detents. A pair of electric circuits are completed by the membrane switch, and a pair of flexing portions are located on said membrane. A first flexing portion is overcome by a first lower insertion force to allow a first circuit to be complete, and a second flexing portion is only overcome by further insertion force. The second flexing portion is eventually overcome and completes a second circuit. The inventive membrane switch provides the operator with a clear indication and a detent feel for each of the two circuits.

Abstract: A device for detecting contaminants on a surface of a conductive test sample includes first and second probes for engaging contaminants on a test sample surface. The first and second probes are connectable to a device for measuring voltage drop and are dimensioned and configured for measuring voltage drop across contaminants on the test sample surface at a predetermined contact force. The predetermined contact force is selected to prevent the first and second probes from piercing the contaminants. The device also includes a device for biasing the probes against the contaminants on the test sample surface with the predetermined contact force. The device for biasing the probes against the contaminants on the test sample surface include a moveable probe arm and a counterweight on the moveable probe arm which permits the predetermined contact force between the first and second probes to be selected. The moveable probe arm is adapted for both horizontal and vertical movement.

Abstract: A brake/shift interlock assembly is mounted on the steering column in operational cooperation with a column mounted shift control mechanism for an automatic transmission. The brake/shift interlock assembly includes a pivotal latch for selectively locking the detent bar of the shift control mechanism in the park position, a solenoid assembly with an actuator rod for magnetically holding the latch in the locking position, a return spring for normally biasing the actuator rod and latch in the locking position, a spring lever for selectively moving the latch to an unlock position and an electrical control circuit for energizing the solenoid when the ignition system is on and the foot brake switch is open.