Abstract: A pushbutton switch which permits partial actuation without a change of state, including a body, a cover and a contact cup having a plurality of tabs, the cup rotatably mounted on the cover. A plunger and ratchet mechanism mounted in the body incrementally rotate the contact cup and tabs upon successive actuations of the switch. A first terminal mounted on the cover is interruptibly in contact with one of the tabs as they are rotated by operation of the ratchet mechanism, while a second terminal mounted on the cover maintains electrical contact with the contact cup. A plurality of camming ramps formed in the cover are in intermittent communication with the tabs, first lifting them above a planar portion of the first terminal, then permitting one of them to come to rest on the planar portion of the terminal completing an electrical circuit between the first and second terminals. In another embodiment, a third terminal is mounted on the cover in a coplanar spaced apart relationship with the first terminal.

Abstract: A miniature ratchet type push button activated electrical switch having a mainspring and an auxiliary spring wherein spring rates, spring lengths and spring orientations are selected such that a substantial depression of the push button is required before electrical continuity is broken in a closed circuit. This configuration additionally serves to reduce the amount of audible noise generated by the switch during the ratcheting operation.

Abstract: A dual lighted rocker switch having a printed circuit board. Bi-pin terminated bulbs and conductive terminals are connected to a printed circuit board to form a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is placed upon a cover, which is then slid in to place in a housing. The housing has a rib that acts as a stop to inhibit movement of a rocker which would cause the switch to short directly across the terminals of an external battery. The printed circuit board and cover improve the durability of the rocker switch. The printed circuit board is provided to make the assembly of the rocker switch easier. Thus the design of the switch provides for a reduction of cost and time in production of the rocker switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch adapted to be mounted on a gas strut assembly employed with a liftgate, for example, on an automotive vehicle. The switch is open or non-conducting when the strut is compressed and the liftgate is in the closed position. The switch is closed or conducting when the strut is extended enough to allow the liftgate to be unlatched and opened a predetermined distance as measured at the bottom of the liftgate. In one embodiment, the switch is affixed to the strut by an already existing fastener at the end of the strut that tightens the switch against a shoulder on the strut. In another embodiment, the switch fits snugly on the strut and is correctly positioned by the strut during initial assembly and actuation. Internally, the switch is provided with a pair of sleeve-like members that move longitudinally with respect to each other. One of the members has a pair of elongated contact fingers, while the other member is encircled by a metallic band.

Abstract: An electromechanical spring-loaded switch having a plunger employed for actuating a ratchet mechanism against a biasing spring for rotatively driving a contact cup, the combination utilized for providing electrical contact with a common terminal and a plurality of output load terminals, each component of the switch having a miniaturized low-profile construction for minimizing the size of the switch which includes a plurality of slots fashioned into a top body portion and a bottom cover portion for receiving a plurality of corresponding mounting clips permitting convenient mounting of the switch directly to a mounting enclosure significantly improving the utility of the switch in electrical circuits.

Abstract: A miniature push-button switching apparatus having a housing for enclosing a plunger and a rotating ratchet mechanism for engaging and disengaging the switching contacts, the switching apparatus having a "momentary-on" position for temporarily engaging an electrical load in addition to a "stable-on" switch position with the ratchet mechanism employing a helical contact spring as a switching contact, the contact spring increasing the active length of the switching contact for significantly reducing possible spring yielding problems and further exhibiting improved resiliency properties which enhance the ratchet switching mechanism and reduce the possibility of spring distortion.

Abstract: A rocker switch incorporating a sliding contact that provides both the detent action and high current capacity desirable in such switches. The sliding contact is in the shape of a shoe with an essentially inverted wedge shape in which the angle of the wedge is an obtuse angle with its apex pointed away from the rocker. The sliding of this shoe-like contact across electrical contacts in the bottom of the switch creates the switching action.

Abstract: A telephone light adapter comprised of an electronic control box connected to a standard telephone and light fixture, the adapter energizing the light fixture when the control box is in an automatic mode for announcing an incoming telephone call, the light fixture remaining energized for a specified period of time after the termination of the call. The control box also energizes the light fixture when the telephone receiver is moved from the cradle position for dialing or when an extension telephone is in use. A three-position switch located on the control box permits the selection of mode of operation while a user switch permits manual operation.

Abstract: A timing circuit is provided for the headlights of an automotive vehicle to maintain the headlights in an illuminated condition for an adjustable, predetermined time after the vehicle ignition is turned off. The timing circuit is housed in an enclosed casing that includes an access port that allows insertion of a tool to effectuate timing adjustment. The casing includes a locking mechanism for immobilizing insulated electrical wires relative to the casing at locations displaced from the contact terminations of those wires.

Abstract: A disk shaped air freshener includes opposed mating trays which define a cavity therebetween and which are engaged for rotation relative to each other. Windows are defined in both of the trays, and openings to the cavity are increased, decreased, or shut entirely by relative rotation of the trays to alter the alignment of the windows. One tray has an axial sleeve and the other has several cantilevered arms which fit through the sleeve and which engage a radial groove in the sleeve to the hold the trays together in relatively rotatable fashion. A scented element is confined within the cavity between the trays and is allowed to provide a freshening scent through openings defined by the aligned windows in the tray. An adhesive pad is centrally located on one of the trays at the axial center of the air freshener.

Abstract: A drinking container is provided with a removable cap engageable with a cup in sealing arrangement. A drinking opening is provided in the cap and is normally sealed shut by a spring biased plug. A trigger on the exterior of the cap, when actuated, withdraws the plug from the drinking opening to allow the user to imbibe a beverage.