Reciprocating Contact Patents (Class 200/16R)
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Patent number: 6140597Abstract: A breaker device having tension coil springs that, while moving together with a moving electrode, are extended and contracted, and the resilient restoring force of these springs becomes maximum halfway along a path of movement thereof. When the moving electrode is disposed on the connection side of this maximum position, the tension coil springs urge the moving electrode in a connecting direction. When the moving electrode is disposed on the disconnection side, the tension coil springs urge the moving electrode in a disconnecting direction. When the moving electrode is in a properly-connected condition or a completely-disconnected condition, the urging force of the tension coil springs is decreased. A lock for holding the moving electrode in either the connected condition or the disconnected condition may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignees: Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuo Ichioka, Sho Miyazaki
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Patent number: 6124556Abstract: An electrical switch has a switch housing, a plurality of pin-like contact parts arranged in the switch housing substantially parallel to one another and extending in a substantially same direction, different potentials to which the contact points are connectable in groups, a contact disk provided for each potential and carrying a corresponding one of the contact parts, the contact disks having substantial identical dimensions and being stacked over one another, a plurality of intermediate layers composed of insulating material and separating the contact disks from one another, the contact parts being bent from the contact disks all in a same direction, and at a location at which one of the contact disks has one contact part, the contact part of the other contact disks are separated.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Merit-Malta Ltd.Inventor: Robert Thalhammer
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Patent number: 6100485Abstract: A rotary disconnect switch device includes a housing, a handle mounted to the housing to undergo rotatable movement between on and off positions, and a rotary disconnect assembly supported in the housing below the handle. The rotary disconnect assembly includes pairs of electrical contact terminals each having respective contact elements movably and stationarily mounted on a main base for undergoing relative movement along a longitudinal axis of rotation of the handle so as to switch their respective contact elements between closed and opened conditions. The main cam follower is movably supported on the main base for undergoing reciprocable linear movement along the longitudinal axis toward and away from the movable contact terminals so as to produce movement thereof relative to the stationary contact terminals such that the respective contact elements are switched between the closed and opened conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Sorin I. Mortun, Jeffrey L. Winterstein
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Patent number: 6079865Abstract: A hand mixer 30 is formed with a housing 32 and a handle 34 extending in one direction from the housing. A pair of beaters 58 and 60 can be assembled with the hand mixer 30 and rotated by a motor 88 under the control of a sensory actuator 92. A slidable compliant switch pad 44 provides an external facility for an operator to selectively position the sensory actuator 92 to operate the motor 88, and the beaters 58 and 60, at the different speeds. The sensory actuator 92 provides a tactile response to the operator during selection of the different speeds. The hand mixer 30 is provided with a first embodiment of a beater ejection mechanism 192, or a second embodiment of a beater ejection mechanism 242, for facilitating ejection of the beaters 58 and 60 from the hand mixer. A button 52 located externally on top of the housing 32 provides operational access to the operator to initiate the beater ejection process.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: HP Intellectual Corp.Inventors: Daniel J. Plavcan, Paul Holbrook, Robert A. St. John
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Patent number: 6060670Abstract: On a terminal base 3, a terminal groove is provided to extend to a sliding direction of a movable contact 10, after a terminal 30 is inserted into the terminal groove 17, fixed on a rear side by caulking. Terminal base 3 has a coupler potion 20 on a rear side thereof and a coupler terminal 34 formed on an end of a terminal 30 projects into the coupler portion 20 through a through hole. On a surface side of the terminal base 3 on an opposite side of the coupler portion 20, a spacer 8 possessing a smooth sliding face is mounted substantially flush with the contact portion 31 so that lifting of the terminal 30 is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Toyodenso Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Oikawa
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Patent number: 6054655Abstract: A power window switch (1) for a motor vehicle comprises an actuation element (2) which is pivotally supported in a housing (6) and actuates switch contacts (57) by means of a corresponding sliding contact element (35), whereby said switch contacts are associated with connector contacts (53). In the pushing direction for the downward motion of the window, as well as in the pulling direction for the upward motion of the window, the actuation element (2) is respectively associated with a two-step pivoting motion (19), whereby the actuation element (2) acts on deflecting means (38, 78) to effect a linear back and forth motion of the sliding contact element (35), which successively actuates two switch contacts (57) of a switch matrix (49).Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Gerd Rudolph, Norbert Swidersky
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Patent number: 6043440Abstract: A microwave switch includes a housing having at least three spaced coaxial conductor terminals extending from the housing; an electrical conductor extends inwardly from each of the terminals to a housing interior; and a housing cover effectively seals the housing and includes a pair of bearing apertures. A pair of switch operators, each having a headed top confines return springs between an underside of the headed top and a top surface of the cover, a central guide portion passes through said bearing apertures and a distal end protrudes from an underside surface of the cover into the housing interior toward the electrical conductors. A switch reed is fixedly attached to the distal end of each of the operators within said housing, each switch reed including reed distal ends which electrically interconnect, upon alternative operation of said operators by a rocker assembly, a pair of the electrical conductors including a common electrical conductor.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Sun, Piau Chee Lee
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Patent number: 6037553Abstract: One or two runner wires are added to a sliding-type switch to facilitate movement of the slider with respect to the glide plate and frame. A first set of runner wires is placed in slots in the side walls of the glide plate and are engaged by the slider to provide smooth movement of the slider along the runner wires. A further runner wire engages slots the top of the slider and the inner wall of a frame member about the glide plate and provides additional low friction rails for the slider to move along.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Stephen Stewart, Joseph G. Justiniano
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Patent number: 5990424Abstract: A breaker device is provided in which a lever can be locked in specified positions with an improved reliability and unlocking can be easily effected. A slider (60) carried by a lever (30) and a panel (22) of a casing (20) define a locking mechanism of the device. When the lever (30) is in a specified rotation position, the slider (60) and the panel (22) are engaged with each other to lock the lever (30) in that position. An unlock portion (62) for unlocking the locking mechanism is provided in a position to be covered by a handle portion (32) of the lever (30). Since this unlock portion (62) is protected by the handle portion (32), a tool or the like cannot come into contact with or strike the unlock portion (62). On the other hand, if a finger is placed on the handle portion (32) to rotate the lever (30), the tip of this finger is located at the underside of the handle portion (32), so that the unlock portion (62) can be easily operated.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Sho Miyazaki
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Patent number: 5990425Abstract: A programmable electrical switch having a housing and a plurality of single-switch-position conducting leads which are positioned in two substantially aligned rows is disclosed. Each of the leads has a proximal end that is disposed within the housing and a distal end that extends outwardly from the housing. The leads are disposed in the housing so that they are electrically independent of one another. The switch may also have a conducting bridge electrically interconnecting the leads in each of the rows. The switch also includes a moveable conductive contact that is positioned between a pair of opposing leads to electrically bridge a gap between the opposing leads.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1999Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Knowles Electronics, Inc.Inventor: John P. McSwiggen
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Patent number: 5962827Abstract: A dual in line switch apparatus selects between several switch positions. A housing has several slides. A row of terminals is attached to the housing. A contact sheet is located between the slides and the terminals. The contact sheet operates, as the slide is moved, to make and break electrical connections between the terminals. The contact sheet includes a flexible film having a contact pad and a detent notch and an adhesive tape that is attached to the flexible film. The tape has a slot formed therein and the contact pad is pressed through the slot by the slide to electrically connect with the terminals. The switch provides electrical contacts that are sealed from detrimental environmental effects. The detent notch provides a positive mechanical stop with tactile feedback for each of the switch positions. An alternative embodiment uses another flexible film with conductive vias that connect to solder spheres.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: CTS CorporationInventor: John Zdanys, Jr.
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Patent number: 5950813Abstract: A switch (10) for controlling flow of electric current includes a base (12) and a carrier (100) supported for movement on the base. An engagement surface (60, 80) disposed on the base (12) includes a ramp surface (66, 86) and a detent surface (64, 84) defining an opening (62, 82) disposed adjacent to the ramp surface. A detent member (130, 132) on the carrier (100) is engageable with the detent surface (64, 84) when in the detent opening (62, 82) and is engageable with the ramp surface (64, 84) when not in the detent opening. The switch (10) has a start condition in which the detent member (130, 132) is disposed in the detent opening (62, 82) and resists movement of the carrier (100) relative to the base (12). The switch (10) is movable under an actuation force from the start condition to an actuated condition in which the detent member (130, 132) is disposed on the ramp surface (66, 86). The switch (10) returns to the start condition in response to the release of the actuation force.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Hoskins, Derrick Titus
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Patent number: 5934455Abstract: A manually operated switch device with small operating play and precise function for the control of electrical equipment which includes a switch housing which has stationary contacts adapted thereto, and a contact bridging element with moving contacts which is adapted to be movable. The switch is operated by means of an actuating member which is movable in the interior of the switch housing and which is capable of transferring, by a rotational motion of the actuating member, the moving contacts for engaging and disengaging with the stationary contacts, and by means of a transmission means for converting the rotational motion of the actuating member into an axial motion. Springs are adapted to cooperate with the transmission means for exerting a spring force onto said transmission means for engaging and disengaging said contacts by having at least two springs located at the opposite sides of the actuating member for exerting a symmetrical spring force on said actuating member and said transmission means.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1998Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: ABB Control OyInventor: Valto Vuorinen
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Patent number: 5927485Abstract: An auxiliary switch arrangement is located inside a housing (1) and is equipped with at least two fixed contact pieces (2, 3, 4), with one connecting contact bridge (9, 10) which can be uncoupled in pairs from the contact bridge. The contact bridge (9, 10) is formed onto one end of a U-shaped curved leaf spring strip (11), transverse to the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring strip (11). The other, free end (12) of the leaf spring strip (11), is fastened inside the housing (1). The leaf spring strip (11) is pre-tensioned by the amount of contact pressure in the contact-making position of the contact bridge (9, 10). A slide (14) equipped with linear cams (15, 18, 19, 20, 21), which moves in a guide inside of the housing (1), lifts the movable contact pieces (17) off the fixed contact pieces (2, 3, 4) in the switched-off position. The slide (14) is actuated through an extension (16) by a switching device.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Allen-Bradley CompanyInventors: Reiner Linek, Manfred Schimkat
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Patent number: 5901839Abstract: A switching device which can operate slidably a general-purpose rocking switch by the use of the rocking switch, and achieve reduction in thickness of the device is disclosed. The switching device includes: laterally slidable sliders; levers rockably supported below the sliders by rocking fulcrums, and rocked in engagement with the sliders; and movable contacts rocked by the rocking action of the levers so as to be separated from and brought into contact with fixed contacts, wherein a pair of contact portions of the levers pressed by the sliders are set lower than the rocking fulcrums.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Kouji Sato
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Patent number: 5875884Abstract: A slide switch apparatus having a movable contact and a movable board arranged to prevent chattering between the movable contact and the movable board, even when the slide switch apparatus is immersed in a high temperature oil. The movable contact can be assembled onto the movable board in a one-touch manner. The movable board (3) has a gap (37), a step portion (32, 33), and an engaging portion (34, 35). The gap extends in a direction perpendicular to a direction of sliding of the movable board (3) so that the movable contact (2) can be inserted thereinto in that perpendicular direction. The step portion (34, 35) has a valley shape in sectional view. The movable contact (2) has a leadframe (26) inserted in the gap (37) of the movable board (3), and a chatter preventive piece (22, 23, 24, 25) engaged with the step portion (32, 33) and the engaging portion (34, 35).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Niles Parts Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuya Tomotoshi
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Patent number: 5869954Abstract: An apparatus for a controlled supply of current to an electric consumer, including a turn-on function. The apparatus including a circuit board having conductor paths, a subordinated phase control circuit mounted on the circuit board and having a triac switching in both directions of an AC supply voltage and a trigger circuit for triggering the triac, the triac being connected in series with the consumer, a contact point mounted to the board, and a springing metal tongue having a first end mounted to the board and a second end that extends above the contact point at a distance from the board. The metal tongue and the contact point form electric contacts with the conductor paths on the board so as to define a switch. The electric contacts lead to connection points in the trigger circuit of the triac.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1998Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Inventor: Gerhard Kurz
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Patent number: 5844184Abstract: A switch includes an upper insulative body, left and right terminals mounted to the upper insulative body such that connecting end portions of the terminals extend outwardly from the upper insulative body, a lower insulative body attached to the upper insulative body, and a sliding actuator disposed between the upper and lower insulative bodies. The upper insulative body has an upper sliding slot to permit extension of the sliding actuator. The left and right terminals further have two contact end portions which extend inwardly of the upper insulative body and which are spaced in a longitudinal direction. The sliding actuator is provided with a spring electric contact member which has left and right contact fingers to contact the contact end portions of the terminals.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventor: Pen-Chu Liau
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Patent number: 5844185Abstract: A momentary switch includes a base plate, a switch body having an operation cavity at a predetermined location is mounted on the base plate, a top push-button having a first axial hole centrally provided at a bottom portion thereof, a shuttle which is smaller in size than the operation cavity of the switch body is positioned within the operation cavity, a transport rod has a first end inserted in the first axial hole of the top push-button and a second end inserted in a second axial hole positioned a top portion of the shuttle, a spring loop around the transport rod, and four contact plate for transferring an electrical signal. The momentary switch can eliminated the bouncing problems of traditional push-button switch by providing only two terminals instead of four terminals found in the traditional push-button switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventor: Yingtien A. Shih
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Patent number: 5841085Abstract: A press-button switching device includes a housing, stationary and movable contacts mounted in the housing, an actuating member constructed as a press-button which is guided during its switching movement in the interior of the housing and which moves the movable contacts into the respective switching positions thereof. A compression spring is arranged between the actuating member and the housing, wherein the actuating member is movable into the housing against the force of the spring. The movable contacts are each constructed as a bridge-forming contact which bridges two strip conductors in the switched-on position. During the inwardly and outwardly directed movements of the actuating member, the bridge-forming contact is moved along the strip conductors. At its end contacting the actuating member, the compression spring continues as a spring arm whose free end resiliently presses the bridge contact against the strip conductors.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Bar Elektrowerke GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Alfred Rittinghaus, Bernhard Jaworek
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Patent number: 5831229Abstract: A mechanical-type automatic circuit-breaking appliance switch assembly includes a switch housing, a switch unit, an elongate switch actuator and a biasing member. The switch housing is formed with a slide channel and is formed with an opening that is aligned with the slide channel. The switch unit is disposed in the switch housing adjacent to the slide channel. The switch unit has contact terminals that extend out of the switch housing, and a switch contact that faces the slide channel and that is capable of being pressed to operate the switch unit from a circuit-breaking state to a circuit-making state. The switch actuator is received in the slide channel and has first and second portions.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Shin Jiuh Corp.Inventor: Chin-Wen Chou
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Patent number: 5828016Abstract: A low profile tactile switch including a conductive member having a dome profile and lead means, a conductive contact member having a contact and lead means and an insulating member arranged between the conductive member and the contact member but allowing contact between the members upon actuation of the dome profile, wherein the switch may be mass produced from rolls of flat material.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Lucas Automation and Control Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Dennis A. Grannan, David W. Thompson
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Patent number: 5817997Abstract: A switch and plunger mechanism which allows for simple, inexpensive and reliable actuation of a switch is disclosed. A plunger having two flanges and a plunger pin is disposed in an opening within a computer housing which includes angled surfaces. When the plunger is pushed in, the flanges press against the tapered surfaces so as to deflect each of the flanges inwardly. Continued movement of the plunger into the engaged position moves the plunger pin such that it engages the switch. As the plunger moves into the engaged position, changing contact surfaces between the plunger and the surfaces of the plunger receptacle causes an audible and tactile snap to be emitted. The movement of the plunger into the fully depressed position deflects the flanges so as to store potential energy. When the finger pressure is released from the plunger, the stored energy is released so as to straighten the flanges and push the plunger pin back into the fully extended position.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Silicon Graphics, Inc.Inventor: Glenn Alan Wernig
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Patent number: 5808248Abstract: A fixed terminal having a fixed contact and an L-shaped moving member terminal are mounted through oblong openings of a bottom plate of a switch case at each one end. A moving switch-plate having a moving contact at one end part is suspended on the other end part of the L-shaped moving member terminal with a change-over member and a U-shaped leaf spring so that the longitudinal direction of the moving switch-plate is substantially parallel to the bottom plate of the switch case, and that the other end of the moving switch-plate is moved by a slide member to operate the switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1995Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuo Aimi, Hiroshi Takeda
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Patent number: 5767465Abstract: A pedestrian crosswalk switch (140) for registering force applied to a crosswalk button (172) is provided. The pedestrian crosswalk switch (140) includes a button housing (142), a crosswalk button assembly (143) including a compression spring (174), a button coupling assembly (176), and a microswitch assembly (178). The crosswalk button assembly (143) has a button shank (184) that protrudes through the compression spring (174) and into a button aperture (162) of the button housing (142). The button coupling assembly movably couples the crosswalk button (172) via the button shank (184). The microswitch assembly (178) has a movable trigger (196) and a compression spring (198) pivotally mounted to a microswitch (194) by a pivot pin (202). The microswitch assembly (178) is mounted to a flange (168) protruding from the button housing (142) such that the trigger (196) is in engaging alignment with the button coupling assembly (176).Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Dick Campbell CompanyInventors: Charles E. Fulton, Loren G. Moberly, Scott A. Moberly
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Patent number: 5744764Abstract: A switch for use in transformer tap changing is modular in design, having standardized fixed contact units mounted in alignment on a base. Each contact unit has an electrical contact embedded in an insulating body, with a hollow bore formed through the insulating body and the embedded electrical contact. A cylindrical movable contactor having spaced contact bands is mounted on a shaft to be driven through the hollow bores of the fixed contact units between positions at which its contact bands engage the electrical contacts within adjacent fixed contact units. The electrical contacts of the fixed contact units are connected to different taps of the transformer to allow the transformer turns ratio to be adjusted by changing the position of the movable contactor. The drive shaft is connected by a mechanism to a handle mounted outside the tank of the transformer that can be operated to move the movable contact a selected distance to change the tap connections to the transformer.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: General Signal CorporationInventors: William R. Aschenbrenner, Thomas M. Golner, Shirsh Mehta
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Patent number: 5736698Abstract: A manually operated switch device for the control of electrical equipment, wherein the electrical elements of the switch are assembled in a housing and the mechanical elements are mounted on a body piece attached to the housing. At least one linearly transferrable slide member communicates with the body piece, the slide member having contact or guide surfaces adapted to cooperate with the stationary contacts. To the slide member is connected via at least one spring-type element, a power-spring-arming plate which is movable in parallel relationship with the slide member, in such a manner that during the movement of the power-spring-arming plate, the slide member is correspondingly moved under the force exerted by the power springs. By virtue of this arrangement, the switching phase always occurs in a consistent manner, irrespective of the speed used for rotating the switch operating lever.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: ABB Control OyInventors: Harri Mattlar, Matti Pussinen
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Patent number: 5735391Abstract: An improved switch includes two moving contact members which move in parallel planes. The switch may be moved to either of two positions to complete either of two circuits. The contact members are normally biased to a central neutral position. Since the contact members move in a plane, rather than pivoting on a yoke, there is greater tolerance in positioning the moving contact members.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Richard Harrell, George B. Wolfe
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Patent number: 5734138Abstract: The invention comprises a switch assembly having a housing with a recess therein. A first contact has a mating section and is disposed within the recess. A second contact has a deflectable mating section and is disposed within the recess. An elastomeric material encapsulates the first and second contacts within the recess wherein force on the elastomeric material pushes the deflectable mating section of the second contact into electrical engagement with the mating section of the first contact thereby activating the switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventor: Kazuhiro Goto
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Patent number: 5731559Abstract: A switch mechanism has a conductive mobile contact carrier with two lateral branches pivotally engaged with a central hub. The lateral branches of the conductive mobile contact carrier are continuous with its middle branch, each being joined to the latter by a large radius elbow, and the conductive mobile contact carrier bears on the output contacts through its lateral branches. The output contacts are near the central hub so that the lateral branches of the conductive mobile contact carrier are subjected to a local transverse self-cleaning movement when it comes into contact with the output contact. Applications include single-throw and double-throw switches.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignees: Legrand, Legrand SNCInventor: Marcel Daccord
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Patent number: 5721405Abstract: When an operating knob (12) is moved in an XA direction, an XB direction which is opposite to the XA direction, or a Y direction which is perpendicular to the XA and XB directions, coupling bars (44), (45) provided in a holder (20) which moves together with the operating knob (12) travel over slanted edges of push plates (34), (35), causing a pusher (22) to move in the Y direction. In other words, the pusher (22) moves in the same direction regardless of the moving direction of the operating knob (12). When the pusher (22) moves, a projection (33) formed at a far end of an elastic element (32) provided on the pusher (22) presses against a tactility-producing wall (40), resulting in an increase in force required for moving the operating knob (12).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Kenichi Hamada
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Patent number: 5717177Abstract: A common conductor unit for a contact switch includes a conductor body and a movable contact arm. The conductor body includes a U-shaped mounting unit that has upright first and second arm mounting portions and an elongated horizontal connecting portion which interconnects lower end edges of the arm mounting portions. Each of the arm mounting portions has one side which is opposite to the other one of the arm mounting portions and which is formed with a respective horizontal retaining groove. The contact arm is formed as an elongated plate and has a first end portion and a second end portion which is provided with a spring extension unit that extends toward the first end portion. One of the mounting unit and the contact arm is formed with a longitudinal opening to permit extension of the other one of the mounting unit and the contact arm when the contact arm is moved upwardly relative to the conductor body.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Shin Jiuh Corp.Inventors: Chin-Shan Tsai, Tsui-Jong Su
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Patent number: 5696363Abstract: The electronic card of the invention comprises inside a card body, a printed circuit including two spaced-apart electrodes on the bottom of a cavity formed in the card body and having two parallel side faces. A switch actuator is displaceable inside the cavity parallel to the side faces thereof between an active position in which it electrically interconnects the two electrodes and an inactive position in which it leaves the two electrodes electrically isolated from each other. The face of the switch actuator which faces the electrodes has a conductive coating thereon. Complementary stop means are provided by the cavity and the switch actuator.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: SolaicInventor: Alain Larchevesque
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Patent number: 5684280Abstract: A device for switching an electric motor, particularly for braking an electrically operated tool, comprises change-over switches 19' and 20' for connecting and disconnecting the electric motor to and from an associated power source, for reversing the polarity of a field winding or armature winding of the electric motor, and for enabling and disabling an electric braking circuit for the electric motor, also an actuating member 21' for the change-over switches 19', 20', a movable contact 32', which is associated with each change-over switch and is movable between a fixed ON contact 30' and an OFF contact 30, which is spaced an arcproof distance from said ON contact, and a sliding guide 40', which is associated with at least one movable contact 32' and is adapted to guide said movable contact over at least part of its path of movement during the switching operation. The actuating member consists of a switching slider 21', which cooperates with a toggle lever 54.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Heinrich Kopp AGInventors: Herbert Franz, Peter Krebs
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Patent number: 5672854Abstract: A slide switch opening and closing a circuit for supplies electricity to a load by making and breaking contact between a movable contact and a stationary contact. The stationary contact is integrally formed with an arc generating portion for generating an arc when the circuit is opened or closed. The arc generating portion protrudes in the direction of movement of the movable contact and has a width which gradually decreases from its base portion towards its tip portion. The slide switch is capable of preventing the arc generating portion and the movable contact from having a groove due to wear.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1996Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-SeisakushoInventor: Minoru Nishio
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Patent number: 5661274Abstract: A double-pole single-throw switch has a pair of spaced stationary contacts adapted for carrying current to individual circuits. A cantilevered, torsionally flexible, electrical current carrying arm has a pair of correspondingly spaced moveable contacts mounted on the free end and disposed adjacent the stationary contacts. A toggle spring actuator has one reaction end engaging a slot in the end of the electrical current carrying arm for effecting relative lost motion movement and impacting the sides of the slot for causing rapid making and breaking and a wiping motion of the contacts. The spring engages the slot midway between the contacts to permit angular movement to accommodate misalignment of the stationary contacts.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1995Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Randal W. Koehler
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Patent number: 5612521Abstract: A switching device for programmable control of electrical and electronic apparatus includes a support plate and a slide switch which is moved along a forked guide track defined on the support plate. The support plate is formed of magnetically conducting material or a magnetic plate is disposed below the support plate. The actuating slide is provided with magnets which cooperate with the magnetically conductive support. Several switching elements disposed along the track, which switching elements, upon being actuated by the actuating member, effect control processes of the electrical or electronic apparatus. The switches may be interrupted conductor tracks, capacitive sensors, proximity switches, light gates, and the like. A symbol plate is disposed above the support plate and the slide is moved along through-openings in the symbol plate which define the switching options. The operator follows the guide of the labels disposed on the symbol plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1994Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Inventor: Michael-Georg Bistekos
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Patent number: 5587568Abstract: An interlock switch for electrically coupling opposing surfaces of a circuit card assembly, wherein each of the surfaces includes a contact pattern defining circuit and switch functions. The interlock switch comprises a pair of contacts which engage the contact patterns on the circuit card assembly to electrically couple the circuits located on the oppositely facing surfaces thereof and a switch body for housing the contacts. The switch body includes a slot for solder-free coupling the switch to an edge of the circuit card assembly. The slot enables the switch to selectively reciprocate among three switch positions on the edge of the circuit card assembly to provide either an open circuit or a closed circuit on the circuit card assembly in any one of three switch positions for each contact. A spring is housed within the switch body for biasing the switch from one of the three positions making it a momentary position.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: ITT CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Lothamer, Carl A. Pontecorvo, Thomas L. Schattke, Richard A. Osterhout
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Patent number: 5565662Abstract: Control device for selectively closing electrical contacts situated on a plate (9), formed by a push-button (1) co-operating with a flat spring (3); the spring (3), fastened to a case (5) at one of its ends and attached to the push-button (1) at the other end, comprises strips (31, 32) formed by a series of loops (31i, 32i) giving it elasticity along the axis of the stem (11), and flexible lamellar extensions (35, 36, 38) outside the plane of the spring (3), by the action of the lugs (20, 21, 22) of the stem (11) when the push-button is moved in rotation and/or translation.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: SMH Management Services AGInventors: Clement Meyrat, Olivier Sylvant, Jean-Christophe Rothen
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Patent number: 5552964Abstract: A switch is provided which is simple in constitution and can be efficiently mounted on a circuit board, and a method of efficiently mounting the switch on the board is also provided. In particular, a switch device comprises a circuit board including a conductor pattern; a fixed contact member provided on a land portion of the conductor pattern; a movable contact member movable to touch/detach with the fixed contact member; a casing for receiving the movable and fixed contact members; locking member for fitting the casing to the circuit board, the locking member being provided in the casing; a holding member for holding the movable contact member with respect to the fixed contact member in one of the touched and detached condition, the holding member being provided in the casing.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1992Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sankyo Seiki SeisakushoInventor: Hayato Naito
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Patent number: 5545862Abstract: The object of the present invention is to enable a power source line and load to be connected in a single operation via a plug-in jack by operating a switch, and reliably support the bases of plugs while protecting the plugs with a plug cover formed into a single structure with a switch cover.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha T an TInventors: Tsunesuke Takano, Kouichi Sinzawa
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Patent number: 5483029Abstract: A method for combining the operation of the electrical disconnecting safety switch of an electric motor within the motor's electrical terminal housing. This method of operation results in a single, compact housing directly mounted to the electric motor body which is used for both the safety disconnect function as well as the termination point for the incoming power leads and the motor wire taps. This method of operation may be employed for single phase and three phase alternating current motors as well as commonly wired direct current motors. The method further provides for a simple and economical way of mounting the device to a variety of motor frames with the use of appropriate adapter plates. The incorporated motor safety disconnect function is available in either of two configurations. The disconnect function may be operated as a rotary tumbler switch with an external rotary hand operator which allows a fully weatherproof design.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1992Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Inventors: Lynn C. Lundquist, John D. Morris
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Patent number: 5416286Abstract: A high amperage switch is provided for interrupting flow of power through a circuit. First and second connectors are connected in the circuit with the circuit being open between the first and second connectors. An electrically conductive bridging member includes first and second complementary-shaped connectors respectively mateable with the first and second connectors for electrically coupling the first and second connectors together when the bridging member is in the closed position and interrupting the circuit when the bridging member is in an open position. The bridging member is moveable between the closed and opened positions. The present invention is particularly well adapted for use in a vehicle having an electrical circuit for supplying power from a battery on the vehicle to at least one electrical component used on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Inventor: Alfred R. Dixon, Jr.
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Patent number: 5378863Abstract: An electric switch for multiple circuits includes a slider with a movable contact. The slider is linearly slidable in forward and backward directions along the longitudinal axis of a switch casing. A holder carrying a fixed contact thereon is arranged within the casing so as to guide the forward and backward movement of the slider. A swingable manipulator is pivotally mounted on an end of the casing and linked with the slider to operate the same upon pivotal movement thereof in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The slider is baised by a single coiled spring to its initial neutral position. With this arrangement, the switch accomplishes compact construction, reliable operation and easy assembling.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1993Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: Toyodenso Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Youichi Sekita
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Patent number: 5365028Abstract: Slide switches include an electrically insulated support housing having opposing pairs of side walls which establish an interior space. An upper wall is joined to an upper edge of the opposing pairs of side walls to close an upper end of the interior space and defines an opening in communication with the interior cavity. An electrically insulated slide body which is slidably disposed within the interior space of the support housing so as to be movable reciprocally between at least first and second positions therewithin. The slide body also defines a cavity and has a knob which projects through the opening defined in the upper wall of the support housing to allow movement of the slide body between the first and second positions. At least one pair of elongate conductors are fixed to the support housing such that the at least one pair of fixed elongate conductors extend parallel to one another but are positioned in spaced relationship transversely relative to the reciprocal movement of the slide body.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1993Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha T AN TInventor: Tsunesuke Takano
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Patent number: 5147990Abstract: A slide switch (10) comprises a housing (12) having at least one cantilever beam (22 and 23) integrally formed in the housing (12). A keypad (24 and 25) is arranged and constructed below at least one of the cantilever beams (22 and 23). A horizontal slide actuator (30) is arranged and constructed to slide over the cantilever beam (22 and 23) for substantially biasing the cantilever beam (22 and 23) toward the keypad (24 and 25).Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1991Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Vito Dionisio, Jr., William M. Bradford, David H. Karl, Peter B. Gilmore
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Patent number: 5120912Abstract: A membrane switch is formed of an upper layer of electrically insulating material, a lower layer of electrically insulating material, and an intermediate layer of electrically insulating material interposed between the upper layer of electrically insulating material and the lower layer of electrically insulating material. A first electrically conductive layer is printed upon the lower surface of the upper layer of electrically insulating material. A second electrically conductive layer is printed upon the upper surface of the lower layer of electrically insulating material. A resistive component is printed upon an end portion of the second electrically conductive layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1990Date of Patent: June 9, 1992Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Larry L. Sharp
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Patent number: 4983788Abstract: Electric switch mechanism for relays and contactors comprises a slider movable within a fixed housing and provided with cams which convert the movement of the slider into contact movement of contact pairs of the switch. The action of the slider with the cams to induce movement to the contacts is opposite to that of springs which apply closing forces to contact pairs.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1989Date of Patent: January 8, 1991Assignee: CGE Compagnia Generale Electtromeccanica S.p.A.Inventor: Franco P. Pardini
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Patent number: 4926012Abstract: An electric switch having a body (1) of insulating material which contains at least one recess (2) into which enter the ends (3a, 4a) of at least two terminals (3,4) the opposite ends of which (3b,4b) project outside the body, and a switch mechanism comprising an electrically-conducting element (5) fitted so as to slide in the recess (2) between first and second stable positions. The switch is characterized in that the electrically-conducting element (5) comprises a stirrup having an elastic middle part (6), contact points (8) and upwardly extending arms (9) that extend towards the opening (10) of the recess (2), appearing in windows (15) defined in the opening (10) on either side of an insulating element (14) that retains the stirrup (5) in the recess (2), the arms (9) constituting structure for moving the stirrup (5) between first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 1989Date of Patent: May 15, 1990Assignee: Societe d'Etude et de Construction de Materiel ElectroniqueInventor: Hugues Pellerin de Beauvais
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Patent number: RE34642Abstract: A high frequency R-F switch includes a switch body of housing made from a conductive material or a non-conductive resin having a conductive layer plated on the body surfaces. The switching device includes a first external connector, a first conductor having a switching contact member connected to the first external connector for switching a connection with the switch contact member. A conductive housing .[.supports.]. .Iadd.houses .Iaddend.the first conductor, .Iadd.and connects to .Iaddend.a second external connector and second conductor. The switch body or housing is in electrical connection with the second external conductor.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.Inventors: Kozo Maenishi, Masaaki Adachi, Yoshihide Bando