Abstract: An electrical switch for use in an automotive vehicle includes a rotary carrier rotatable in response to engagement of a finger projecting from a movable main carrier. A detent structure is provided within a switch housing for engagement by a projection extending from the rotary carrier. The rotary carrier supports a conductive rotary contactor which is selectively actuable to conduct electrical current to a high beam headlamp conductive trace or a low beam headlamp conductive trace. The present invention provides a method for operating the electrical switch having a rotary mechanism. A channel is disposed between a plurality of conductive traces and the switch housing.

Abstract: An electrical switch for use in an automotive vehicle includes an actuator and a carrier movable to electrically actuate a steering column tilting device and a steering column telescoping device. A post and a receptacle assist to align the carrier during its linear switching movement. An actuator assembly is provided which includes a shaft, a partially spherical ball, a first set of crossed arms and a second set of crossed arms while a centering spring biases an actuator toward a centralized neutral position. A modularized electrical switch is also mechanically and electrically connected to a second circuit and housing in a single assembly motion.

Abstract: A method for assembling a multifunctional switch stalk includes the steps of providing a handle having an inner end and an outer end, the handle including a base portion at the inner end for being mounted on a vehicle steering column, mounting a shaft having an axis and an outer end on the outer end of the handle, mounting a control ring on the shaft, the control ring being rotatable to selectively actuate a first predetermined vehicle function, mounting a control knob on the shaft, said control knob being rotatable to selectively actuate a second predetermined vehicle function, and mounting a push button on an outer end of the control knob, the push button being axially compressible to selectively actuate a third predetermined vehicle function.

Abstract: A turn signal cancellation mechanism has an actuator and a pawl engagably interfacing therewith. In one aspect of the present invention, the pawl is disposed on an opposite side of a steering shaft from a handle interfacing segment of the actuator. In another aspect of the present invention, a unique pawl movably engages with a modified T-shaped slot within an actuator. A further aspect of the present invention provides a modularized system wherein a common housing interchangeably retains differing circuit boards, pivoting actuators coupled to handles, and various switches, depending on the specific options desired. In still another aspect of the present invention, a detent plunger has a shaft with a quadrilateral cross sectional shape along a portion thereof and an integrally formed semi-spherical cap. An improved fastening means is also employed to attach the present invention turn signal cancellation mechanism onto the steering column.

Abstract: A turn signal cancellation mechanism is comprised of a handle, an actuator, a pawl and a biasing means. An engagement segment of the actuator has a modified T-shaped slot formed therein. The pawl is defined by a base having an arm projecting in an offset manner therefrom. A post is mounted perpendicularly upon the arm opposite from the base. The pawl is slidably juxtapositioned within the actuator such that the post of the pawl engagably extends through the modified T-shaped slot within the actuator.

Abstract: An under hood and luggage compartment lamp assembly which is adapted to be positioned on a hood or luggage compartment of a vehicle. The lamp assembly comprises a plastic body which has, at one end, a first set of spaced terminals the outer ends of which extend parallel for connection to a plug of a wiring harness and at the other end of a second set of spaced terminals, the outer ends of which are shaped for receiving a wedge based lamp. The inner end of the other of the first set of terminals is bent and resiliently engages the spherical contact of a mercury switch and the inner end of one of the second set of terminals is bent and engages the button contact of the mercury switch. The inner end of the first set of terminals directly engages the inner end of the other of the second set of terminals. The body is provided with projections and recesses for locating the terminals such that they can be dropped in place during assembly. A cover closes the body and mechanically locked to the body.