Abstract: A sealed dual plunger switch assembly includes two switch sub-assemblies comprising plunger actuating mechanisms and basic switches. The sub-assemblies can be inserted into an overall enclosure using shims in order to position their operate points in the desired range relative to the enclosure's mounting surface. The enclosure is then sealed using a combination of covers, gaskets, o-rings, connectors and potting. The sub-assemblies individually and/or simultaneously receive actuation inputs within a fixed distance from the assembly's mounting surface.

Abstract: A sealed dual plunger switch assembly includes two switch sub-assemblies comprising plunger actuating mechanisms and basic switches. The sub-assemblies can be inserted into an overall enclosure using shims in order to position their operate points in the desired range relative to the enclosure's mounting surface. The enclosure is then sealed using a combination of covers, gaskets, o-rings, connectors and potting. The sub-assemblies individually and/or simultaneously receive actuation inputs within a fixed distance from the assembly's mounting surface.

Abstract: A secure electrical connector for wire conductors. An electrical connector can be pressed into place in the base of a toggle switch and includes an electrically conductive cylinder having a slot in the forward end of the electrical connector. The wire conductor is inserted into the longitudinal hole through the cylinder and protrudes from the forward end. The lateral slot deforms inward around the wire conductor as the connector is pressed in a screw terminal, securely holding the wire conductor in place.

Abstract: A staked terminal rivet system and method configured to mount a switch device onto a printed circuit board is disclosed as an alternative to traditional molded-in or staked-on secondary terminal systems. An electrically conductive rivet functioning as a terminal reduces overall manufacturing costs and provides a higher degree of precision for mounting onto printed circuit boards. This technology has wide ranging applicability, including: industrial machinery and equipment, commercial aviation, test instrumentation, agricultural machinery, process control and medical instrumentation.

Abstract: A packaging system for electronic circuitry is provided. The electronic circuitry may be disposed upon a substrate, which can be encased or otherwise surrounded by one or more components of the packaging system. The packaging system may include (i) an inner housing that can encase or otherwise enclose the substrate within its confines; (ii) an outer housing that in turn encases or encloses the combination of the inner housing and the substrate within its confines; and (iii) one or more gaps positioned between the electronic circuitry, inner housing and outer housing. The gaps may be filled with fluid or solid insulating media. The combination of the inner housing, outer housing, and gaps can insulate the electronic circuitry from the detrimental and destructive heating effects when the packaging system experiences short-term exposure to a high temperature, which thereby allows operability before, during and after such exposure.

Abstract: A switch enclosure apparatus and method are disclosed. An enclosure can be provided, wherein the enclosure comprises a plurality of walls from which a cavity can be formed. A plunger or other actuating mechanism can also be provided comprising one or more key portions, wherein said plunger is partially located and maintained within said cavity of said enclosure. Additionally, one or more slots can be formed from one or more walls, (e.g., side walls, top wall, bottom wall, etc.) of said enclosure for engaging said one or more of the key portions of said plunger. The plunger itself is shaped in the form of a shaft.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive-based electronic switching apparatus and method. A housing having a first compartment contains switching electronics and a second compartment contains an actuation assembly. A barrier can separate the first compartment from the second compartment. An actuating magnet can be associated with the actuation assembly within the second compartment. The actuating magnet provides a magnetic field that can activate a magnetoresistive device located within the first compartment. Additionally, a magnetoresistive device responsive to the magnetic field of the actuating magnet can be utilized, wherein the magnetoresistive device located within the first compartment in association with the switching electronics provides a solid-state magnetoresistive switch thereof.

Abstract: A toggle switch cover apparatus and method are disclosed, which includes a mounting nut and a bushing for a toggle switch, such that the bushing comprises a threaded area and an uppermost unthreaded area. The uppermost unthreaded area comprises a maximum outside diameter that is less than a corresponding minimum minor diameter of threads of the mounting nut. The mounting nut generally surrounds the uppermost unthreaded area of the bushing, such that a gap is formed between the mounting nut and the bushing, thereby promoting proper alignment of the toggle switch thereof and decreasing cross-threading issues.

Abstract: A toggle switch includes a one piece integrated plate, stand off, and bushing. The stand off has protrusions extending therefrom, and the stand off and the protrusions form a seal receptacle and determine a stand off depth of the plate from a panel. An O-ring seal is seated around the bushing and within the seal receptacle. The toggle lever extends through an opening of the bushing. The bushing and the toggle level are inserted through a hole in the panel until the protrusions engage the panel. The switch cover is fastened to the panel using a single fastener so that the O-ring seal is squeezed between the stand off and the panel to provide a seal between the panel and the switch cover.

Abstract: A toggle switch has a switch cover, a toggle lever, and a one piece pre-molded seal. The switch cover has an opening, and the toggle lever extends through the opening into the switch cover. A neck of the one piece pre-molded seal surrounds the toggle lever and provides sealing between the toggle lever and the switch cover. The one piece pre-molded seal also may have a planar portion that provides sealing at an interface between the switch case and the switch cover.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive-based electronic switching apparatus and method. A housing having a first compartment contains switching electronics and a second compartment contains an actuation assembly. A barrier can separate the first compartment from the second compartment. An actuating magnet can be associated with the actuation assembly within the second compartment. The actuating magnet provides a magnetic field that can activate a magnetoresistive device located within the first compartment. Additionally, a magnetoresistive device responsive to the magnetic field of the actuating magnet can be utilized, wherein the magnetoresistive device located within the first compartment in association with the switching electronics provides a solid-state magnetoresistive switch thereof.