Plural Switch Patents (Class 200/18)
  • Patent number: 6211474
    Abstract: A multi-input switch according to the present invention, the rotatively-operated electronic component is arranged in a direction of the rotation axis of an operation member while switches are arranged in the direction perpendicular to it. By the rotational movement of the operation member, the rotatively-operated electronic component is operated via the shaft member while by the perpendicular movement of the operation member, the shaft is tilted to operate the switches, so that the entire rotatively-operated electronic component does not move to improve the space-saving factor enabling the switch to be miniaturized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kisaburo Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6194675
    Abstract: A linkage assembly for a double throw safety switch including a frame connected to a first slider plate and a second slider plate. The first and second slider plates are moveably connected to the frame by guides in the form of slots which cooperate with slider supports on the frame. The profile of the slots define a range of movement of the slider plates. A driver arm is used to effect simultaneous movement of the slider plates either toward or away from a central portion of the driver arm. A first follower arm which controls a first single throw switch, and a second follower arm which controls a second single throw switch, are also connected to the frame by a spline coupling. The first follower arm includes a slider support which cooperates with a guide, again a slot, in the first slider plate. Similarly, the second follower arm includes a slider support which cooperates with a guide in the second slider plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: David E. Greer
  • Patent number: 6160226
    Abstract: Movement transformation system applied to at least two rotary assemblies ER1, ER2 with non-convergent main axes, allowing the transmission of an angular displacement of at least one component 9, 10 of a first rotary assembly ER1 to at least one component 4, 5 of at least a second rotary assembly ER2, the first rotary assembly ER1 being in addition able to rotate freely about a second axis perpendicular to the first, characterized in that each component 9, 10 of the first rotary assembly ER1 is fitted with a mechanical connecting device 12, 13 intended to cooperate with a mechanical connecting device 14, 15 of a component 4, 5 of a second rotary assembly ER2, the devices 12, 13, 14, 15 being configured in such a way as to simultaneously transmit and transform the rotary movement of the component 9, 10 of the first assembly ER1 into a rotary movement of a component 4, 5 about the axis of the second assembly ER2, without inhibiting the rotation of any of the components 9, 10 of the first assembly ER1 about their
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gilles Garin, Henri Ullius, Gerd Rudolph
  • Patent number: 6153837
    Abstract: A control unit for setting operating functions and operating parameters in an electrical household appliance includes a control knob retained on a control area. The control knob can be rotated about a knob axis for setting the operating parameters of, for example, a heating level. In order to simplify operation of the control unit, the control knob can be tilted or pushed out of an initial position or knob axis, into a selection position in order to select a specific operating function, for example a specific cooking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Haushaltsgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Jose Andres Garcia, Joachim Reichard, Felicitas Ziegler, Manfred Plankl, Hans Lappat, Armin Sigmund, Bernd Stitzl, Michael Wagner, Kurt Knebel, Klaus Erdmann, Hans Linde, Uwe Neumann, Andreas Rehklau
  • Patent number: 6124555
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple-operation electric component in which a rotary electric component is incorporated on the outside of a multi-direction switch, and which is suitable for a reduction in height. In the multiple-operation electric component, a driver having a second movable contact plate as an engagement member is spline-connected to an operating lever of the multi-direction switch, and a plurality of projections are formed on the outer periphery of the second movable contact plate at predetermined intervals. An operating ring of a rotary switch is rotatably arranged on the outside of the operating lever, and a plurality of cutouts are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the operating ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sinzi Isikawa
  • Patent number: 6079401
    Abstract: In an appliance such as an oven for cooking food, the invention contemplates a user rotatable, single knob oven control device which provides both discrete and continuous control signals to the appliance controller. The discrete outputs indicate selection of oven features, and the continuous output the desired baking temperature. These inputs are selected by a user in response to rotation of a user interface knob mounted on a control panel. The control panel provides visual indication of oven cooking temperature selections through a first arc around the knob, and user selectable oven features (such as, e.g., OFF/CANCEL, BROIL, and CLEAN) in a second arc around the knob. The control device comprises a hub having a portion adapted to be drivably coupled to the user interface knob. The hub also includes a flange which has at least one cam. The device also includes a variable resistance element having a rotatable shaft in driving engagement with the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: Robert J. Alvord, Jeffery M. Huffington, Thomas F. Glennon, Larry Motyka
  • Patent number: 6072128
    Abstract: Rotary-controlled multipole electric switch fitted with a handle (4) and a housing (1) in which a cam device transforms the rotation of the handle into a translational movement of contact bridges (21). In order to ensure coordination between a cylindrical control core (13) and a slider 16 bearing contact bridges, the cam device is fitted with at least two notches (19, 20) offset around the axis of rotation X of the knob (4c), and with a control projection (14) applied respectively to the bottom of one notch in the OFF position and to the bottom of the other notch in the ON position by the force supplied by springs (24) acting on the slider and contact pressure springs (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Schneider Electric SA
    Inventors: Rainer Ansorge, Andreas Cramer
  • Patent number: 6049044
    Abstract: A multiple operation type electrical part which is made very small in the axial direction as a result of using the space of a recess at the center portion of a first rotary member to prevent dislodgment of an inner shaft. Conventional multiple operation type electrical parts are large in the axial direction. They are large because dislodgment of the inner shaft is achieved by passing the inner shaft through five cases and an insulating plate, and by using the space in a case at the rearmost part of the electrical part. The multiple operation type electrical part of the invention makes it possible to overcome this problem present in conventional multiple operation type electrical parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Mizobuchi
  • Patent number: 6046414
    Abstract: A switch assembly includes a housing having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The housing has a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending walls each having a control curve. An actuating element is mounted to the housing. The actuating element is longitudinally movable along the longitudinal axis between two switching positions and is pivotable about the transverse axis between two other switching positions. A first switching piece is coupled to the actuating element to pivot as the actuating element pivots. A first pair of movable electrical switching contacts is associated with the first switching piece. The first switching piece moves one of the first pair of switching contacts as the actuating element pivots. A second switching piece is coupled to the actuating element to pivot as the actuating element longitudinally moves. A second pair of movable electrical contacts is associated with the second switching piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Hirschfeld
  • Patent number: 6034336
    Abstract: A knob assembly is utilized for selecting a desired function of electronic appliances. The knob assembly includes a front panel having a circular mounting hole at front thereof, a knob freely moved to a voluntary direction, and a front circuit board having tact switches disposed to be pressed by an operation of the knob. The front panel has a tension holder backwardly projected around the mounting hole. The holder consists of a first group of tension ribs vertically and horizontally located and a second group of tension ribs located between the first group of tension ribs, the first group of tension ribs being provided with a groove, respectively. The knob has a knob handle disclosed from the front panel, a rotational sphere inserted into the tension holder, and a contacting member, the rotational sphere being provided with projections on a periphery surface which are coupled with each groove of the first group of tension ribs. The knob is restored by a restoring fot group of tension ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Eun Lee
  • Patent number: 5969309
    Abstract: A boxlike casing has an opening partly formed on a front wall and a plurality of stationary contacts provided on an inner bottom surface. A slider is installed in the casing and slidable in a predetermined slide direction. The slider has a rod guide portion provided at a predetermined portion and spring receive portions provided at left and right ends. A rod is installed in the rod guide portion and slidable in a push direction normal to the slide direction. The rod has an operating lever protruding forward from the opening of the casing and a push portion extending rearward. At least one elastic contact piece is fixed to at least one of lower surfaces of the slider and the rod for electrically connecting or disconnecting the stationary contacts. Two L-shaped springs have proximal portions held by spring holders. The first arms have distal ends supported by spring receive portions and mesial portions received by arm receive portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nishimura, Kouji Sakai
  • Patent number: 5962824
    Abstract: A trip link structure for a circuit breaker is disclosed and includes a plurality of circuit breakers arranged in a triangle shape and each having a fixed contact point and a movable contact point formed therein for thereby forming one unit including three circuit breakers as one unit with respect to three phases and an operational rod connected with the movable contact point, a main body engaging plate engaged to a front surface of the circuit breaker of each phase, a support bracket engaged to a front surface of each phase of the main body engaging plate, an operational link plate having a first connection portion hinged to the operational rod and a second connection portion supported by the first connection portion of a support bracket, a connection link having an upper end hinged to a third connection portion of the operational link plate connected with the circuit breaker of the upper side for thereby being downwardly extended and a lower end hinged to the third connection portion of the operational link
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee Il Ahn
  • Patent number: 5945647
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) controls electrical energy for energizing power utilization devices (14, 16). A control member (28) has a knob (30) for manual engagement and a stem (34) extending along an axis (32). The stem (34) extends into a housing (46) which houses a rotary assembly (84) and a slider member (128). The rotary assembly (84) has a detent plunger (112) biased to engage notches (40, 42) on the stem (34) and which holds the control member (28) in first and second positions along the axis (32). The stem (34) has a tip (36) engaged by the slider member (128) and the slider member moves linearly, orthogonal to the axis (32) during movement of the control member (28) along the axis. An electrical circuit that includes a power source (12) and one power utilization device (14) is completed during movement of the control member (28) along the axis (32) from an initial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Hoskins
  • Patent number: 5939684
    Abstract: A switch assembly having a jog shuttle function and a contact function. The switch assembly includes a jog shuttle switch installed on a printed circuit board, a plurality of contact switches disposed on four symmetric positions centering around the jog shuttle switch, and a printed circuit board holder installed on the printed circuit board to thereby compensate for a height difference between the upper side of the printed circuit board and the upper end of the contact switch. The switch assembly also includes a shuttle holder having poles connected with the printed circuit board centering around the jog shuttle switch, a shuttle knob connected to the shuttle holder having marking parts formed on its upper side, and a jog knob connected to the shuttle knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Young-Dae Sin
  • Patent number: 5939683
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Hoskins, Sheldon J. Allen, Joseph E. Khoury
  • Patent number: 5936213
    Abstract: An electric switch for use in a five-pole isolating switch used as a phase inverter has a fixed contact and a mobile contact cooperating with the fixed contact to open or close an electrical line. The mobile contact is moved in a longitudinal direction by an articulated pair of levers. An isolating switch used as a phase inverter having five switches comprises a single three-position actuator for maneuvering the mobile contacts through a linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Gec Alsthom T & D SA
    Inventors: Fran.cedilla.ois Biquez, Jean-Marc Willieme
  • Patent number: 5925860
    Abstract: A rotary control device and an electronic apparatus in which it is used are disclosed. The control device includes a flat cylindrical switch plate for selectively exposing function switches to the outside of the electronic apparatus in accordance with rotation of the switch plate. A plurality of switches are disposed on the switch plate, for generating manipulating signals. The switches are disposed along the circumference of the switch plate, and are selectively exposed to the outside of the electronic apparatus. The user can rotate the switch plate clockwise or counterclockwise to selectively expose the intended switches for activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joung Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 5886310
    Abstract: Revolving contact-points board (2) is provided with a ring contact-point (8) sand a radial contact-point (9) on the bottom surface, while fitting substrate (1) is provided with an elastic contact-point 11 for switch and elastic contact-points (13, 14) for revolution signal. Underneath the fitting substrate (1), a sliding plate (7) made of an elastic metal sheet is provided for regulating the movement in horizontal direction of the revolving contact-points board 2. With a push of the round operation knob (3) fixed on the revolving contact-points board (2) in the horizontal direction, the ring contact-point (8) makes contact with the contact-point (11) to generate a switch signal. With a revolution of the operation knob (3), the radial contact-point (9) makes contact with the contact-points (13, 14) to generate a pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Kataoka, Jun Sato, Tetsuya Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5883346
    Abstract: A multifunctional control device for an electronic apparatus having a control element that has a shaft that passes through a front panel and a slide element. The control element is biased to a centered position with respect to the opening in which it passes through the front panel. A plurality of electrical contact elements are arranged behind the front panel and are spaced from the slide element when the control element is in the centered position. The control element is adapted to permit transverse movement of the control element with respect to the front panel. The transverse movement of the control element is transmitted to the slide element to move the slide element within a plane parallel to the front panel and to engage at least one electrical contact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Norbert Stocken
  • Patent number: 5880418
    Abstract: Right and left handpieces have five manually operated control switches each and are pivotally connected, face-to-face, with contactors in each handpiece face contacting contacts in the other to provide a plurality of sets of discreet signals as the handpieces are pivotally repositioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: L. D. Livesay
  • Patent number: 5871086
    Abstract: A sliding plate engages moveable structure such as the actuating lever of an existing wall switch and separates or connects contacts to provide a momentary contact function in a potentially very thin but robust and economical switch suitable for inclusion within a switch plate cover. Momentary contact is provided at an intermediate location between extreme positions of the actuating lever of the existing switch or other moveable structure. Additional contacts can be provided to alter switch function and/or allow discrimination of direction of movement at an intermediate location. The switch can be retrofit to any existing structure without modification of that structure or disturbance of wiring to which that structure is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: BP Holdings, LLC.
    Inventor: David E. Bachschmid
  • Patent number: 5856642
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clutch-coupled crossarm mounted switch operator. The switch operator of the invention includes rotational motor means, a non-positive contact or infinite engagement clutch mechanism, and an output coupling. The rotational motor means further includes an input shaft to which the clutch mechanism is coupled. The infinite engagement clutch mechanism does not depend on rotational alignment means for engagement of the clutch. The clutch further includes an output shaft to which the output coupling is coupled. The output coupling is in turn coupled to a gang operated switch element that causes the switch contacts of the gang operated switch to open and close. Use of the clutch coupled switch operator thus effects the opening and closing of the gang operated switch contacts. Further, disengagement of the clutch mechanism allows the user to exercise and test the rotational motor means without displacing the contacts of the gang operated overhead high voltage air switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Inertia Engineering and Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Carnell Sanders
  • Patent number: 5847339
    Abstract: A handle portion of a multipole breaker includes a handle main body, made of an insulating material, for ON/OFF operation of the multipole breaker. Movable fingers having respective movable contacts are provided for opening and closing of respective circuits, and a connecting section is interposed between the handle main body and the movable fingers for transmitting ON/OFF operation of the handle main body to the movable fingers. The connecting section has at upper positions thereof one of: (i) openings for receiving shafts formed on side walls and a center wall of a breaker case, and (ii) shafts to be fitted in recesses defined in the side walls and the center wall of the breaker case. In addition, the handle main body has, on a bottom portion thereof, a partition for insulating adjacent poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Nitto Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Kurono, Masakazu Saida, Hideaki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5844182
    Abstract: A power seat switch for use in a power seat system of a vehicle for electrically regulating a position and reclining posture of a vehicle seat. The power seat switch comprises a terminal block 1, a printed circuit board 2, module switches 3, an inner case 4, a first moving plate 5, a second moving plate 6, a case 7, a seat knob 8, and a reclining knob 9. The seat knob 8 and the reclining knob 9 are engaged with a plurality of protrusions 52, 62 extending from the first moving plate 5 and the second moving plate 6 and are mounted by superposing the knobs 8, 9 on the case 7. The terminal block 1 includes a connector housing 11 integral therewith. The plurality of module switches each have the same shape and are mounted on the printed circuit board 2 with different orientations. The power seat switch having this structure is small and inexpensive and can be easily mounted in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Niles Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mineo Hirano, Hidetoshi Ohta, Yasuo Torii
  • Patent number: 5834717
    Abstract: An on-load tap changer of a step switch has a force-storage unit which has a charging slide continuously movable by a bidirectionally rotatable drive shaft and an output part that when tripped suddenly follows the movement of the charging slide and rotates a switching shaft. Respective switches for each phase are each actuatable by respective actuating elements that coact with edges of respective concentric cams rotatable by the switching shaft. An axially movable switching unit is mounted on the switching shaft and the switching unit carries cam disks for actuating the switches, each cam disk being subdivided into an upper and a lower subdisk with different shapes. The switching unit is movable in a direction dependent on the rotation direction of the drive shaft into an upper or a lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Neumeyer, Leonhard Pillmeier
  • Patent number: 5817996
    Abstract: A multi-function electrical switch assembly (22) is disclosed that is mountable to a mosaic control panel (12) used in the controlling and monitoring of large complex traffic flow systems. The switch assembly has a bi-directional actuating mechanism including a shaft (24) that is movable axially as well as rotationally to actuate individual electrical switches (110, 112, 114, 115, 118, 120, 122, and 124). The switch assembly includes a housing (30) having an interior cavity (56) and interior walls (36, 46) to which individual switches are secured. The shaft (24) extends through the interior cavity (56) and has a rocker cam (224) and a linear cam (254) coupled thereto for actuation of various combinations of the switches. Return spring units (202) and (168) return the shaft (24) to its rotational and axial neutral positions when the shaft is released. An override spring unit (244) is coupled to the rocker cam (224) to absorb over-rotation of the shaft (24) and prevent damage to the switch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Mavell Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Alfred Ulrich, Klaus Titzrath
  • Patent number: 5777283
    Abstract: The present invention provides a switch mechanism module and a line base module, useable separately or in combination, for an interior assembly of an electrical distribution device having a plurality of modules. The electrical distribution device has an enclosure with a handle external to the enclosure for operator control. The switch mechanism module and line base module include a modular housing having a generally planar base with upstanding side walls around the circumference of the base. The side walls have a top edge defining a mating surface. The modular housing is demountably secured to at least one adjacent module with a manually operated securement which is integrally formed with the modular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: David Emerson Greer
  • Patent number: 5739489
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for driving a rotary signalling switch of a high voltage electrical apparatus, in particular a disconnector or a grounding switch, the mechanism connecting the rotary shaft of the signalling switch to a rotary actuator shaft of an actuator mechanism for actuating the contacts of the apparatus so that the contacts of the signalling switch are opened or closed when the contacts of the apparatus are opened or closed, the actuator shaft being displaced at an angular velocity .omega..sub.ht during an operation to open or close the contacts of the apparatus. The drive mechanism constitutes a positive action mechanism connected between said drive shaft and said rotary shaft, and includes drive device for driving the rotary shaft of the signalling switch at the beginning and at the end of an operation at a velocity .omega..sub.cs greater than .omega..sub.ht.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom T & D SA
    Inventors: Jean Marmonier, Bernard Gelloz
  • Patent number: 5721405
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kenichi Hamada
  • Patent number: 5721449
    Abstract: An inverter by pass safety switch for rerouting electrical power either through or around AC variable frequency inverter drives during electrical disturbances, thus allowing a motor to continue operation. The switch works in a mechanical fashion, and comprises a contact block containing electrical contacts and cams operably connected to the contacts and mounted on a shaft that can be turned by an operator. The cams are shaped and mounted on the shaft in such a way to provide a desired switching pattern when the shaft is manually rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Advance Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Panuce
  • Patent number: 5705778
    Abstract: A rotary operation type electric device of the present invention includes: a rotary shaft; a rotary plate which is rotatable around the rotational axis; a connecting member for connecting the rotary shaft and the rotary plate, which retracts in an axial direction of the rotary shaft and does not retract in a rotary direction of the rotary plate; and an output terminal for outputting a signal in accordance with rotation of the rotary plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsui, Tamotsu Yamamoto, Hideki Shigemoto
  • Patent number: 5670761
    Abstract: An electrical switch having a plurality of plungers (6) and (8) telescoped one inside another. Each plunger is depressable from an extended position independently of the other(s) against a bias provided by a spring (28, 46) to operate respective switch contacts (62, 56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Delta Schoeller Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Thomas Ryan, Roger Louis Hambidge
  • Patent number: 5668359
    Abstract: A rotary encoded switch having a plurality of stationary discrete micro switches operated by a rotor having a plurality of concentric cam tracks. The cam tracks and switches are disposed such that for each rotary position of the rotor at least two switches, on opposite sides of the rotor are actuated and a discrete combination of switches is actuated for each position of the rotor. The number of microswitches required is less than half the number of rotary positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Alvord, Jeffrey M. Huffington, Yoshio W. Kano, Joseph S. Calabrese, Kayvan K. Mirza
  • Patent number: 5665946
    Abstract: A combined-operation type switching apparatus which is downsized and exhibits excellent operability. An operation unit is rotatably and slidably held by a housing. An operation ring is also rotatably held by the housing. The operation ring is rotated together with the operation unit only when the operation unit is pressed. A drive unit is movably supported by a shaft of the operation unit via a spring. A push switch (swell) actuated by pressing the drive unit and rotation detecting switches (projections) actuated by rotating a drive rod of the operation ring are placed inside the housing. A first pair of rotation detecting switches is actuated by rotation of the operation unit when the operation unit is not pressed. The push switch and a second pair of rotation detection switches are actuated by pressing the operation unit such that the operation unit slides along its axis toward the push switch, and then rotating the operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignees: Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akio Nishijima, Takashi Asakawa, Shuichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5644114
    Abstract: A shifter design for a child's ride-on vehicle is described. The shifter allows for selection of various speeds and directions while precluding the selection of undesirable speeds and directions. Preferably the shifter includes a housing mounted on the body of the vehicle, a speed and direction switch mounted on the housing and an actuator on the housing for selectively contacting the switches. The switches are conventional rocker switches pivotable about a central axis to two settings. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator is pivotally mounted to the housing and a depending selection member with longitudinally-spaced annular structure pivots about an axis generally perpendicular to the pivot axes of the switches to contact the switches. In other embodiments, the actuator is slidably mounted to the housing. The rocker switches are provided with concave contact surfaces to ensure the desired speed and direction are selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrice M. Neaves
  • Patent number: 5644112
    Abstract: An electrical switch, particularly for a breaking circuit includes first and second changeover switches. The first and second changeover switches each comprise first and second stationary contacts and a switching contact. A plunger is operatively connected to a rocker for causing the rocker to pivot between a non-operated position and an operated position. The second stationary contacts are associated with the non-operated position of the plunger. A spring is connected between the rocker and the switching contacts. The spring is arranged on the rocker and on the switching contacts so that at least when switching over from the second stationary contacts to the first stationary contacts the switching contacts are lifted off the second stationary contacts essentially synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: August Geiger, Alexander Knappe, Michael Bufe
  • Patent number: 5523535
    Abstract: A tap selector for an on-load tap changer includes two tap selector shafts (3, 4) made of metallic material and placed inside current collector rings (22). Movable contacts (6, 7) of the selector are supported by the shafts (3, 4) via contact holders (8) of insulating material. Between each current collector ring (22) and the shafts (3, 4) an insulating ring (21) is arranged. The fixed contacts (11) of the selector are supported by an electrically insulating, circular hollow cylinder (9) with a closed circumference, the contacts (11) being fixed to the cylinder wall by axial deformation. The cylinder (9) is provided with holes (10) for inspection and mounting. Each current collector ring (22) is connected by a screw joint to a current collector arm (24), which projects through a hole in the cylinder wall (9). Axial adjustment of the current collector arm (24) can be achieved by making the contact surfaces (25, 26) between the arm (24) and the ring (22) in the screw joint circularly curved in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AB
    Inventors: Tommy Larsson, Sivert Norman
  • Patent number: 5514843
    Abstract: A pressure-compensated key switch that actuates when a force is applied to an individual key but does not actuate when a uniform pressure is applied to all of the keys. The pressure-compensated key switch includes at least two keys arranged approximately symmetrically about, and balanced on, a pivot. A switch mechanism actuates when a force that offsets the balance and depresses one of the keys. The uniform pressure applied equally to all the keys will not depress or actuate any of the keys. When an individual key is depressed, a pad made of conductive material contacts and bridges a gap between two electrodes to complete an electrical path. The bridging of the gap is the actuation of the switch mechanism. The pressure-compensated key switch is typically part of a system that includes an electrical device to sense completion of the electrical path. A spring returns the key to its un-depressed position when no depressing force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: James A. Wilfong, Dave J. Gilman
  • Patent number: 5508480
    Abstract: A modular electrical switch provides a wiping or shearing action upon closing and opening thereof. A contact carrier disposed within a housing linearly carries a movable contact into engagement with a stationary contact. The contact carrier is guided by movable slide plates disposed on either side thereof and movable along with the contact carrier as a contact assembly. The guide plates also provide pivot recesses for pivot bosses of the contact carrier. The contact carrier is constrained to linear motion up to the point of contact between the movable contact and the stationary contact by a cam trace in the housing. After contact between the movable contact and the stationary contact, the contact carrier reaches a pocket defined by the cam trace, ceases linear movement and upwardly pivots to provide a wiping action between the movable contact and the stationary contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: JPB Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Quinlan
  • Patent number: 5508479
    Abstract: An elastomeric rocker switch assembly (10) which is particularly suitable for hand held industrial controllers includes an elastomeric switch pad (11) having one or more rocker switch blocks (13) suspended within a sheet (12) by a thin, flexible and resilient web (14). A base plate (25) is provided to support the sheet (12) and to provide a rocker fulcrum point (27) for each rocker switch. An electrical switch supporting member, here printed circuit board (29), is positioned in spaced relationship to the underside of base plate (25), the circuit board having one or more pairs of momentary push button switches (30) thereon, one pair per rocker switch. Switches (30) are positioned to interfere with the underside of the rocker switch when the switch is pivoted about its fulcrum point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: John L. Schooley
  • Patent number: 5459292
    Abstract: The control switch according to the present invention provides different electric conduction states and may be used for setting a point indicated by a cursor on a monitor in a navigation system. The control switch comprises (i) two terminal members each having four terminals, and (ii) common terminals respectively corresponding to the two terminal members. One terminal member is different in phase from the other terminal member. When one common terminal and its terminal member are short-circuited by a movable contact-piece member, the other common terminal and its terminal member are in a non-conduction state. When the common terminal and its terminal member are short-circuited by a movable contact-piece member, the one common terminal and its terminal member are in a state of non-conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nagano, Yasuji Shibano
  • Patent number: 5451729
    Abstract: A single- or multi-pole circuit breaker has a housing that includes a housing shell and a closure shell attached thereto to form a hollow chamber. The closure shell and the housing shell each having an inside wall surface extending parallel to a shell plane. The circuit breaker includes n-1, where n is an integer greater than 1, intermediate housing shells inserted between the housing shell and the closure shell, and having first and second wall surfaces corresponding to the housing shell wall surface and the closure shell wall surface, respectively. The first wall surface faces the closure shell wall surface, and the second wall surface faces the housing shell wall surface to form n hollow pole chambers. A switching mechanism for tripping the circuit breaker includes a switch lever located within each pole chamber. The switch lever has at least one of a trip lever and a latching lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: Oswald Onderka, Fritz Krasser
  • Patent number: 5446252
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a plunger-type switch having alternative open and closed conditions and having a plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position whereby said switch condition is changed by the movement of said plunger comprises a flat spring, having a first spring end, a second spring end and a middle portion, and a housing having an upper surface wherein the plunger-type switch and spring are positioned within the housing such that the first spring end is positioned in closely spaced relation to the plunger in the extended position and the middle portion of the spring bows above the housing upper surface such that application of a force to the middle portion of the spring and directed towards the housing upper surface compresses the spring advancing the spring first end toward the switch a distance sufficient to move the plunger to the retracted position and upon removal of the force the first spring end advances away from the switch a distance sufficient to allow the plunger
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Philip M. Burger
  • Patent number: 5430262
    Abstract: A multiple switch device comprises a base having at least two switch units and supports with pawls placed on the tips of the pawls, a push button having at least two push members and supports with pawls placed on the tips of the pawls, and a spring for returning the push button to its original position. The base and the push button are assembled together through a coupling between the pawls of the supports of the base and the pawls of the supports of the push button. The push button moves in a seesaw-like motion, the fulcrum of which is derived by the two adjacent supports. The push members and the supports are arranged so that the fulcrum position is situated in the same or inside position of the push members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsui, Yukihiro Ishihara, Keiji Kaizaki
  • Patent number: 5412164
    Abstract: A two-way dual action electric switch assembly has an actuator that slides in housing from a neutral position to a first position to a second position and back to the neutral position in each direction. Travelling circuit boards are slideably disposed in the housing on either side of the actuator and a single elastomeric dome switch is disposed between the actuator and each travelling circuit board. A fixed circuit board is outboard of each travelling circuit board and a pair of second elastomeric dome switches are disposed between each travelling circuit board and its associated fixed outboard circuit board. The single elastomeric dome switches close electric circuitry of the travelling circuit boards in the first positions and the pairs of second elastomeric dome switches close electric circuitry of the fixed outboard circuit boards in the second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Conway, Samuel E. Penn
  • Patent number: 5397868
    Abstract: A transfer switch mechanism is provided for operating the handles of a pair of circuit interrupters. The transfer switch mechanism has a lever arm movable between advanced and retracted positions, the lever arm having a gripping portion permitting handhold for manual operation. The lever arm turns an axle via a ratchet assembly with pawls that permit the axle to turn in one direction but oppose movement of the axle in the direction counter to that direction. The axle turns a crank, and a pair of connecting rods have proximal ends coupled to the crank. The transfer switch mechanism further includes a pair of handle-engaging heads, each of which has opposed abutment surfaces that removably receive the handle of one or the other circuit interrupters between the opposed abutment surfaces. A base is fixed relative to the circuit interrupters and movably supports the lever arm and the handle-engaging heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Smith, Thomas K. Fogle, Mark L. Lotzmann, Robert N. Krevokuch
  • Patent number: 5384440
    Abstract: An automotive seat switch assembly for controlling seat movement comprising a switch housing having front and back covers and a middle switch plate, where the middle switch plate has a plurality of conductors molded in and a plurality of conductor contact surfaces on its outer surface, and a plurality of switch actuator assemblies, where each actuator assembly comprises a contactor for electrically contacting a respective one of the contact surfaces, a contactor actuator slidably mounted to a rail for slidingly actuating the contactor, and a pari of spaced apart support posts extending from the housing upon which the rails are mounted, where the front cover encloses the switch actuator assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Wnuk, Lawrence T. Wargo
  • Patent number: 5380962
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel high-speed actuated high-voltage RF switch for such purposes as the cold switching of short very high current RF pulses in applications such as solid-state Loran-C transmitters and the like, as for switching between coupling/output networks thereof. The switch comprises planar upper and lower unconnected pairs of longitudinally extending input and output bus strips electrically connectable by the transverse insertion of planar link strips slightly separated therefrom and the rapid compression thereof against the adjacent end portions of the unconnected input and output bus strips, enabling rapid switching absent wear of the contact surfaces, but with the provision of adequate spacing for high voltage operation and adequate contact pressure to eliminate current arcing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Megapulse, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Johannessen
  • Patent number: 5349144
    Abstract: A connector for installation between utility transformer secondary leads and service leads. The connector is for location below a pole-mounted transformer and may be opened or closed from the ground with the use of a tool such as a hot stick. The connector includes two switches for releasable electrical connection of the secondary and service leads. Each switch has a rigid immovable member, a movable member and fastener. The movable member may be brought into contact with and fastened in electrical connection with the rigid member for a closed position of the switch. The fastener may be released and the movable member moved out of electrical contact with the rigid member for an open position of the switch. There are two embodiments disclosed. In the disclosed embodiments, the movable member of each switch includes a flexible cable and the connector includes a spacer between the cables to prevent electical connection therebetween when the switches are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Marglass Industries Limited
    Inventor: James B. Baragar
  • Patent number: 5315079
    Abstract: A PCB mounted 6 PDT slide switch is formed of a specially-designed cover/actuator sub-assembly and a base assembly which remain in assembly independent of each other. The slide switch includes a base member, a slide actuator member, a plurality of movable contact shoes, a separate spacer bar member, and a cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Gierut