Abstract: A switch and method for using the same that can be used in a variety of devices or systems. The switch has a contact carrier capable of rotating within the base of the switch. An actuator, attached to the switch base, has an end located within the center of the actuator. The end is positioned adjacent to the contact carrier. Force applied to the actuator causes the contact carrier to rotate. Because the end of the actuator is adjacent to the contact carrier, a short actuation stroke is required. A switch contact is attached above the contact carrier and further attached to a contact substrate of a device or system. The switch contact rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the contact carrier. The rotational position of the switch contact in relation to the contact substrate determines the function of the device or system attached to the switch assembly.

Abstract: An ignition system that includes an ignition switch assembly for preventing the short-circuiting of the ignition system is provided. The ignition switch assembly includes a contact carrier assembly that is in electrical switching contact with an electrical component, such as a printed circuit board, of the ignition system. The printed circuit board contains substantially all electronics of the ignition system separate and apart from the ignition switch assembly. Upon removing the ignition switch assembly from the ignition switch system, a switching contact member of the printed circuit board is destroyed thereby effectively preventing the ignition system from being short-circuited or “hot wired.

Abstract: A sliding contact mechanism includes a sliding door contact, a spring having one end connected to the sliding door contact and another end connected to the sliding door of a mini-van, and a pillar contact attached to the stationary pillar of the mini-van. The pillar contact has a shape complementary to a shape of the sliding door contact. When the sliding door is in a closed position, the sliding door is adjacent the pillar and the sliding door contact engages and is in a closed electrical connection with the pillar contact. When the sliding door is in an open position, the sliding door is not adjacent the pillar and the sliding door contact is an open electrical connection with the sliding door contact.

Abstract: A switch assembly having a sliding actuator adapted to be moved by a cam on a stalk lever. Initial movement of the actuator from a neutral position by user movement of the lever moves a first contact carried by the actuator to break a connection between a power bus and a fog lamp terminal strip in a planar array of strips. Further movement causes a second contact carried by the actuator to make a connection between another power bus strip and a high beam terminal strip. Continued movement of the sliding actuator causes rotational movement of a bi-stable rotor latched in one of its two bi-stable positions. Movement of the rotor causes a third contact on the rotor to shunt the second contact to make a second connection on another high beam strip and a fourth contact on the rotor breaks a second connection on the strip for the fog lamp electrically in series with the first connection.