Detent Patents (Class 200/291)
  • Patent number: 11940127
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to luminaire systems with holders. One embodiment includes a luminaire system. The luminaire system includes a light source. The luminaire system also includes a holder. Further, the luminaire system includes a casing provided with a seat for receiving the holder. The holder is configured for holding a function module. The holder is also configured for being positioned in different positions in the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Schreder S.A.
    Inventors: Imre Becske, Csaba Horvath
  • Patent number: 8875596
    Abstract: A steering wheel has at least one shift paddle which is coupled to the steering wheel in such a manner that the shift paddle is movable relative to the steering wheel in order in a contactless manner to trigger a shifting operation. In order to improve the ease of operation when actuating the shift paddle on the steering wheel, the steering wheel is distinguished by a slotted guide mechanism by which a shifting sensation is generated during movement of the shift paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Walters, Manfred Harrer, Georg Wahl
  • Patent number: 6600115
    Abstract: A rod (40) is pivotally provided in a lever (28). The rod (40) is divided into a small-diameter lower rod (37) and a large-diameter upper rod (38). When a knob (45) is pivotally moved, the lower rod (37) and the upper rod (38) are moved in an integrated fashion. A movable contact (31) is slid by means of movement of a pusher (57) of the lower rod (37). In this case, the rigidity of the upper rod (38) is improved, and hence the upper rod (38) becomes less susceptible to deflection induced by the load of the spring (53). Accordingly, inclination of the knob (45) toward the lever (28) is prevented, and hence a clearance between the lever (28) and the knob (45) can be maintained constant by means of a single set consisting of a spring (53) and a moderation ball (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hirofumi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6392174
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a printed circuit board with no likelihood of scattering of a powdery material from inner walls of mounting holes formed in the printed circuit board at the time of inserting boss portions of a mounting member into the mounting holes, the mounting member being for mounting the printed circuit board or to be mounted to the same board, as well as a switch using the printed circuit board. In the printed circuit board according to the present invention, an insulating board portion is provided with circuit patterns and mounting holes, which mounting holes are subjected to a through-hole plating to formed electrically conductive layers respectively therein, and then boss portions of a mounting member are inserted into the thus-plated through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Gotoh
  • Patent number: 6011224
    Abstract: A dual in line switch apparatus selects between several switch positions. Specifically there is a housing that contains slides. The slides have a slide groove on each end and a slide grip portion. A wire contact is attached to each slide. A first and second row of terminals is molded in the housing. The first and second row of terminals rest above the bottom of the housing and are spaced apart to define a slot between the rows of terminals. The wire contacts are located between the terminals and the slide. The wire contacts operate, as the slide is moved, to make and break electrical connections between the terminals. The wire contact has an integrally formed pair of upright portions and a wire detent. The terminal has a detent cavity. The upright portion fits into and is retained by the slide groove. The wire detent, the detent cavity and the slot provide a positive mechanical stop for each of the switch positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventor: John Zdanys, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5570777
    Abstract: A switch integrally formed with a printed circuit board includes pairs of conductors printed on the board, a switch lever and a conductive sphere. The sphere is located in a hole in the lever and is held down against the conductors by a leaf spring which is riveted to the lever. The lever pivots relative to the board about a stud staked to the board. Each pair of conductors terminate at a depression within which the sphere rests to close the circuit between the pair of conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Paragon Electric Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward L. Skarivoda
  • Patent number: 5345372
    Abstract: A switchable light fixture which may be usefully be employed as an interior automotive lighting fixture includes an insulating plate defining an interior cavity in which a sliding piece is disposed and supports an opposed pair of lamp sockets for holding a lamp. A plurality of stationary parallel contacts (at least two of which form a pair of lateral stationary contacts, and one of which forms a middle stationary contact) are positionally held by means of recessed surfaces or channels defined between respective upright supports. A pair of lateral plugs each formed by an outwardly bent terminal end portion of a respective one of the lateral stationary contacts is positioned in a respective pair of the recessed surfaces or defined channels so as to be disposed over the lateral pair of stationary contacts, with a middle plug being portioned between the pair of lateral plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha T AN T
    Inventors: Tsunesuke Takano, Kouichi Sinzawa
  • Patent number: 5111011
    Abstract: The disclosed slide action selector switch, which is adapted to switch the connections of four push button switches between left and right mirror motors, comprises an insulating plate with an elongated guide flange projecting therefrom and having a T-shaped cross section. First and second sets of electrical contacts are mounted along the plate on opposite sides of the flange for sliding engagement by first and second contactors on an insulating carriage having a T-shaped channel slidably receiving and interlocking with the flange. Springs are provided on the carriage for biasing the contactors against the contacts while biasing the carriage away from the plate. A detent ball is disposed in a seat formed in a leaf spring on the carriage and is biased by the leaf spring against the flange for reception in successive detent recesses therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Indak Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Wesley D. Roswold
  • Patent number: 5086200
    Abstract: A rotary switch, having at least two operating positions, includes a molded base with a printed electric circuit plated on at least one surface of the base, and at least one detent for providing the operating positions for the rotary switch. The detents also provided at least one electrical contact. A rotating contact member is rotatably attached to the base. The rotating contact member includes at least one electrical contact formed thereon for providing at least one connection with the printed electric circuit as the rotating contact member rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Kline, Dale W. Dorinski, William M. Bradford
  • Patent number: 5045654
    Abstract: A switch assembly having a pair of spaced parallel contact strips disposed in a housing with integral connector terminal portions thereof extending exteriorly of the housing. One of the contact strips serves as common bus and the other is divided into discrete individual contact portions and has surface portions thereof configured to provide detents integrally therewith. A wiper member bar is pivoted on the housing and has a shorting bar thereon spring biased against the contact strips to effect a switching action as the bar is moved along the strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Conrad M. Pastwa, Richard L. Lauritsen
  • Patent number: 5039830
    Abstract: The device is designed to be housed within the body of a control button. It comprises two coaxial ratchet wheels (7, 8) mounted in such a way as to present oppositely directed internal circular toothings; a contact strip (4, 5) is associated with each wheel. The contact strips are driven by the rotation of the button (1) by way of a mechanical axle (2, 10, 11) on which they are friction mounted. For one direction of rotation of the axle one of the strips slips on the teeth of the wheel with which it is associated, creating intermittent breaks in the strip-wheel electrical connection on crossing from one tooth to the next, while the other strip, which is locked by the toothing of the associated wheel and slips on the axle, remains in permanent electrical contact with the ratchet wheel with which it is associated. If the direction of rotation is reversed, the role of the strips is reversed.Application to the creation of pulses by intermittent breaking of a D.C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: Thomson CSF
    Inventor: Francis Orillard
  • Patent number: 4885434
    Abstract: A composite, push-pull headlight and rotary switch (1) having a front bracket area (4) and a panel light dimming rheostat (62/91) for use in a vehicle with, for example, a dome light switch and a supplemental fluorescent panel light system switch, utilizing two, parallel, spaced panels (6 & 7) having three, laterally extended, operative planar surfaces, all located in the front bracket area. The front panel (6) has on its back side a rheostat planar surface including a series of circularly disposed, peripherally spaced, resistive layers (62), which, in conjunction with a rotatable, sweeping, rheostat contactor arm (91), serve the rheostat dimming function for the panel lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Vultaggio, David A. Coffin
  • Patent number: 4814565
    Abstract: This slide switch includes: a casing formed in a hollow box shape with an open top; several fixed contacts on the bottom surface of the casing and several terminals connected to them extending to the outside of the casing; a cover mounted to close the open top of the casing, formed with a hole opposed to the fixed contacts; a slide member disposed inside the casing, which has a control portion protruding out through the hole in the cover and a movable contact portion made of a resilient electrically conducting material which bears against the internal bottom surface of the casing and thereby produces a biasing force on the slide member to impel it in the direction towards the cover; and a seal member interposed between the inside of the cover and the side of the slide member facing it, the seal member being squeezed between the slide member and the cover, a seal between the inside of the casing and the outside thereby being produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Bingo, Takashi Yoshimura, Masatsugu Yamashita, Shinichi Hashizume, Norio Iwakiri
  • Patent number: 4804862
    Abstract: The switch includes a cantilevered switch arm including a power contact, first and second switch terminals with the power contact positioned therebetween, the cantilevered switch arm being yieldably biased with the power contact engaging the first switch terminal. A manually operated lever is provided for engaging and disengaging the switch arm and moving the power contact into engagement with the second switch terminal. A pivotable latch arm is provided for latching the switch arm with the power terminal engaging the second switch terminal. A solenoid is actuable in response to removal of power from the power contact for pivoting the latch arm and releasing the switch arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Steven F. Lachman
    Inventors: Gordon Bowman-Jones, James E. Warthan
  • Patent number: 4766278
    Abstract: The sealed toggle action switch comprises an operating lever having a front operating arm projecting out of the front component of the casing. The lever has a rear arm, projecting into the casing and carrying a contactor plate for relative sliding and swinging movement. A coil spring is received around the rear arm and is compressed between the contactor plate and the front sealing flange of a soft resilient sealing boot, such sealing flange being compressed against the operating lever. The boot has a rear, outwardly projecting sealing flange which is retained between the front and rear casing components. The contactor plate has a pair of J-shaped flanges which are slidably engageable with first and second fixed contacts having forwardly projecting protuberances, affording a detent action with the J-shaped flanges. In one position of the operating lever, the J-shaped flanges of the contactor plate engage both of the first and second contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Indak Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Raab, John W. Habecker
  • Patent number: 4739138
    Abstract: The rotary electrical switch 1 which is mounted on a circuit plate 7 furnished with a printed circuit comprises a switch wheel 4 which is rotatably supported on the circuit plate 7 and whereat a contact bridge 48 is inserted into a pocket 46. On rotation of the rotary switch 1, said contact bridge 48 connects and/or disconnects at least two conducting paths of the printed circuit. Shaped at the switch wheel 4 is a pivot pin 17 which penetrates the circuit plate 7 and which is secured by a base member 5 to the circuit plate 7 on the said's bottom side opposite to the printed circuit. The switch wheel 4 includes catch-type recesses 42, with a resilient switching element 32 engaging into each one recess depending on the position of rotation of the switch wheel 4. The base member 5 urges via the switch wheel 4 the contact lugs 48 resiliently against the circuit plate 7, additionally forms the catch-type element 40 and simultaneously couples the switch wheel 4 and the circuit plate 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jurgen Wolf
  • Patent number: 4737602
    Abstract: To obtain a simple slidable switch structure of click operation type for changing over conductive patterns on a printed circuit board fixed in a card housing of a card module, the switch comprises three fixed through hole contacts formed in the board, and a movable contact formed with two convex contact portions. The movable contact is preferably coated with an insulating material except for the two convex portions and is directly disposed within the housing. When the movable contact is moved to and fro, the movable contact member deformably assembled within the insulation member is selectively and slidably brought into contact with two of the three fixed through hole contacts for changing-over operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiromi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4710600
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a detent mechanism for a detent mechanism for use in a sliding electric part, in which an operation lever exposed to the outside from a casing is slid for operations, such as a slide switch or a volume control for audios. In the detent mechanism, a slide guide formed in a casing is formed with a series of cam crests. There is fixed to an operation lever an engaging member which engages with those cam crests. At least one of the slide guide and the engaging member is given such an elasticity as to tighten the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Sasaki, Yujiro Shimoyama, Yoshinori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4670630
    Abstract: A machine insertable DIP switch having the same dimensions as an integrated circuit module which includes a base having molded-in terminal contact elements, a slider for each pair of contacts and carrying a spring-biased contact member of cup or ball shape and a cover holding the sliders within the base. Each slider receives a contactor such that in one position the contacts will be normally closed and in a diametrically opposed position the contacts will be normally open while the actuating tab or button of the slider remains in the same position with respect to the cover and base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Grayhill, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Kikta, Kent E. Regnier
  • Patent number: 4668849
    Abstract: Disclosed is a detent mechanism for use in a control with a sliding lever, in which the lever is slid to desired operation positions, such as for example, a slide switch or a volume control of a radio. In the detent mechanism, a slide guide is formed with a series of cam crests. Fixed to the sliding lever is a spring member which carries a roller at its leading end which engages with and rolls on the cam crests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Sasaki, Yujiro Shimoyama, Yoshinori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 4667068
    Abstract: A function selector knob is pivotally mounted on a function control lever which is pivotally and slidably supported by first pivot means. A pin and slot connection is provided between the lever and a vacuum electric selector switch. A convertible detent mechanism is provided for detaining the lever in either of two sets of detent positions, such sets having different numbers of positions, such as seven and five positions. Such convertible detent mechanism comprises a reversible detent carriage which is pivotally connected to the lever and is slidable along a guide channel having first and second sets of detent recesses on opposite sides thereof. The detent carriage has a detent ball or other member which is offset toward one side of the carriage, whereby the detent carriage is reversible between a first position, in which the detent member encounters the first set of detent recesses, and a second position, in which the detent carriage encounters the second set of detent recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: Indak Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: John G. Cummings
  • Patent number: 4639612
    Abstract: An electromechanical switch can be remotely opened by the interruption of electrical power to the switch for a minimum period of time. The switch includes a power terminal, a first switch (off) terminal, and a second switch (on) terminal. A first spring contact is coupled to the power terminal and spring biased to the off switch terminal. A second spring contact is coupled to the on switch terminal and is configured to receive the first spring contact in yieldable engagement. A lever is coupled to the first spring contact for manually moving the first spring contact to engagement with the first spring terminal and with the second spring contact. A solenoid is actuated in response to the interruption of power from the switch and flexes the second spring contact for releasing the yieldable engagement of the first and second spring contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Endless Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Bowman-Jones
  • Patent number: 4592144
    Abstract: For a powered hand tool having a plastic housing and requiring a slide button with a detent action for at least two positions with an audible indication of the transition from one position to another position, a plastic spring molded as part of the housing and having an arched surface extending into the path of a projection from the slide button which has first and second oppositely disposed tapered sides extending towards each other and terminating in a flat base portion which coacts with the arched surface to provide a detent action and an audible indication of the transition to a new position when the slide button impacts upon abutments formed as part of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventors: Richard R. Tolbert, Troy L. McCurry
  • Patent number: 4590344
    Abstract: A machine insertable DIP switch having the same dimensions as an integrated circuit module which includes a base having molded-in terminal contact elements, a slider for each pair of contacts and carrying a spring-biased contact member of cup or ball shape and a cover holding the sliders within the base. Each slider receives a contactor such that in one position the contacts will be normally closed and in a diametrically opposed position the contacts will be normally open while the actuating tab or button of the slider remains in the same position with respect to the cover and base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Grayhill, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Kikta, Kent E. Regnier
  • Patent number: 4579018
    Abstract: A band selector switch comprises a rotor having click teeth on its outer circumferential surface, a sleeve rotatably fitted in the rotor and composed of a plurality of axial resilient pieces separated by axial slits defined in the sleeve, the resilient pieces having click grooves defined in inner peripheral surfaces thereof for engaging the click teeth, one of the resilient pieces being deformable radially outwardly, and stop surfaces disposed radially outwardly of those resilient pieces disposed on opposite sides of the one deformable resilient piece for preventing the resilient pieces on opposite sides of the deformable resilient piece from being deformed radially outwardly. The click teeth are prevented by the undeformable resilient pieces from entering the latter, thus limiting the range of angular movement of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Ohashi
  • Patent number: 4529851
    Abstract: A machine insertable miniature DIP switch (10) comprises a housing (12) insert molded about a plurality of terminals (40). The terminals (40) are oppositely disposed pairs having interior portions (44) located within housing chambers (30) formed by transversely extending walls (20), with the ends of the pairs of terminals separated by an open area (A) comprising a depression. An actuator (60) includes an upward extension (64) above a top plate (62) with a contactor receptacle (66) located therebelow, a depending detent wall (68) with a detent protrusion (70) on one side of the actuator, and an oppositely disposed depending actuator side wall (72). The detent protrusion (70) is received by detent openings (22) within the associated transverse wall (20), top plate extensions (63) are positioned over the associated transverse wall, and the oppositely disposed actuator side wall (72) is positioned for engagement with a shelf (24) located in the associated transverse wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Durward H. Priebe, Norman C. Weingart, John Zdanys, Jr., Jack A. English
  • Patent number: 4528545
    Abstract: A multi-position return to center potentiometer having a multiple detent configuration wherein the center detent position is a dimple and other detent positions provide a resistance to rotation that is greater during rotation away from center than rotation toward the center allowing the use of a small return to center spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Sperry Corporation
    Inventor: Warren R. Lang
  • Patent number: 4521650
    Abstract: In the operator's station of many construction vehicles, there is a critical lack of space in which to mount the control levers (12) used to operate the vehicle. The use of mechanical linkages and motion translating devices between the control lever (12) and the actuator has required complicated mechanisms and excessive hardware for the mounting and positioning of the respectively connected components. The mounting apparatus (10) of this invention overcomes these problems by employing a detent mechanism (38) that functions as a rotational positioner between the control lever (12) and an actuating switch (60) assembly as well as an axial positioner used in the mounting of the respective components. The mounting apparatus (10) allows the control lever (12) and the actuating switch (60) to be mounted together for rotation about a single axis (X) to provide a very axially compact mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Charles W. Oswald
  • Patent number: 4503303
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrical switch having a simplified structure.In one aspect of the invention, each of the pushers of the mechanism for driving the wheel is brought back to a rest position by the same return means made from a flexible material, this return means having substantially the shape of an X.The return means is advantageously integrally formed with said two pushers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Atelier de Mecanique de Precision F.M.
    Inventors: Claude Fourcaulx, Bernard Fourcaulx
  • Patent number: 4491703
    Abstract: A linear DIP switch for mounting directly on a printed circuit board including a base, a slide actuator, and a cover member, wherein the base, slide actuator and cover member include a detenting and contact registration system. The base includes a plurality of contacts molded into a body of plastic so that they are electrically insulated from each other and selectively exposed on the slide actuator side through openings in the plastic body which define detenting and contact positions to receive contact arms carried by the slide actuator. Further detenting means includes ball detents carried by the slide actuator and engageable with indent track means on the cover side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Grayhill, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Jaklic
  • Patent number: 4490588
    Abstract: A miniature multistage rotary switch having an injection-moulded metal casing and a threaded bushing moulded thereto for serving as the bearing of the switch spindle and for mounting the switch on a panel. Detent balls are supported inside a rotor and are pressed radially towards the outside against a ball-rest unit of the casing provided with detent grooves. In order to avoid the use of a lubricant the casing, within the area of the ball-rest unit, is made from a suitable plastics material and is firmly connected to the remaining metallic part of the casing.An annular groove is formed in the switch metal casing inner surface. The groove includes a circular portion intersected by radial slots equal in number to the detent positions. The slots contain one or more locking pin members extending across the annular groove formation circular portion. A switch rotor stop cam rotates within the annular groove and abuts the locking pin member(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: International Standard Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Horst H. Guenther, Wolfgang Roesl
  • Patent number: 4483589
    Abstract: An indexing mechanism for an optical instrument, such as a microscope, includes a support, a rotatable assembly having a plurality of detents, and a fixed member and a rotating wheel mounted to a spring. The non-rotating member is adapted to engage the detent formed in a flange on the nosepiece shell to provide positive and accurate alignment between the support and the rotatable assembly. When the rotatable assembly is rotated relative to the support, the rotating wheel engages the flange and provides for essentially friction-free rotation between detents. By insulating the spring and rotating wheel, the indexing mechanism may be used as a switch to control an electrical function of the optical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Henry J. Emmel
  • Patent number: 4480159
    Abstract: A toggle switch of sub-miniature dimensions eliminates the need for machining flat parts on the toggle lever or drilling a pin on the toggle lever by mounting a one piece lever lock insert within the upper portion of the cylindrical housing of the toggle lever, above the spherical portion of the lever, the insert having three aligned, generally truncated conical recesses in the top surface thereof, the larger openings being each adapted to selectively receive the generally circular, spring pressed detent on the end of the toggle handle and the smaller openings merging with the straight parallel side walls of a guide slot, equal in width to the diameter of the toggle lever, and also formed in the lever lock insert, none of the lever lock structure extending laterally beyond the externally threaded, generally cylindrical housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: Alco Electronic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis D. Kirchoff
  • Patent number: 4475020
    Abstract: An operating device for switching a slide switch by moving a slide member of the slide switch in response to movement of an operating member includes an acting member which is provided on the operating member, is engageable with the slide member, and is movable against elastic force of an elastic member. The elastic force is slightly larger than the force necessary for slidable movement of the slide member and the stroke of the operating member is larger than that of the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Takai, Yasuo Yamada, Satoshi Takagi, Yukio Itoh
  • Patent number: 4472698
    Abstract: A threshold coupling device for releasing the mobile contacts of circuit breakers when short circuits appear. A rectangular section blade (13) with longitudinal faces (13', 13") associated with a contact holder (10) is provided with balls (29, 30) which cooperate with a resilient clip (33) for providing a threshold mechanical connection between the contact (6) and an operating member (1, 2) which carries this clip. This coupling is advantageously used in circuit-breaker limiters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventors: Lucien Siffroi, Elie Belbel, Andre Haury, Michel Lauraire, Christian Blanchard
  • Patent number: 4472610
    Abstract: A keyboard, particularly for control of electronics in vehicles, has at least one key mounted in a recess in the keyboard and pivotable about a pivot to press against a shaped portion of a rubber gasket to operate an electrical switch. A display, preferably a multiple character LCD, for labellingthe switch is visible through a transparent member and connected to a p.c.b. by zebra striped members. The display is not obscured by a finger operating the key. The key has a transverse bore in which a compression spring is mounted with balls at the end of the spring to co-operate with stepped generally cylindrical members mounted with their axes perpendicular to the pivot pin and forming detent means to give the key a tactile operation. Preferably the key operates three switches by way of three shaped portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: LRE Relays & Electronics Limited
    Inventors: Maurice D. Fuller, David B. Joyce
  • Patent number: 4467159
    Abstract: A selectively lockable push switch adapted to be turned on in a multistage manner, including a casing, a holder movable together with a knob projecting out of a through-opening of the casing, a compression spring for urging the holder upwardly, an uneven portion formed on either one of the holder and the casing, a coiled spring provided with a lever member having an engageable portion formed at its one end such that the engageable portion is moved along a grooved displacement passage formed on the uneven portion in response to upward and downward displacement of the holder, and switch means selectively turned on in the multistage manner in response to displacement of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ota, Mitsuo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4455886
    Abstract: An adjustable thermostat is disclosed which has an operating temperature range and in which detent means is provided to establish a plurality of detent positions of a rotatably adjustable shaft for selected operating temperatures of the thermostat. The detent means includes a radially extending, arcuate flange rotatable with the shaft and cooperating with a post on the base. The flange has a plurality of radial notches to establish the plural detent positions in engagement with a projection on the post. The flange is integral with an arcuately extending wall, the wall having inner and outer arcuate surfaces, and the entire wall is deformed and stressed by radial camming action as the shaft is moved from one detent position to another. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald J. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 4454391
    Abstract: An electrical switch of the dual-in-line package type comprises a dielectric housing having a recess in a top surface thereof. Stationary electrical contact members are sealingly secured in the housing at spaced intervals along opposed sides of the housing as opposed pairs of contact members. Inner contact sections of the contact members are located within the recess and outer contact sections of the contact members extend outwardly from the housing. Bow-shaped movable contact members are secured to dielectric operating members for electrically connecting respective pairs of contact members in a first position and for disconnecting the pairs of contact members in a second position. A cover member is sealingly secured onto the top surface of the housing and openings extend through the cover member. An operating section of the operating members extends through a respective one of the openings and the operating members include flexible cover sections covering the movable contact members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1984
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Billy E. Olsson
  • Patent number: 4441000
    Abstract: A slide switch mechanism having a guide member and a slide member slidable along the guide member, in which the mutually contacting faces of the members have projections or recesses for mutual positioning of the member. The slide member can also be assembled in a reversed manner in the guide member, and at least one of the faces coming into contact in such inverted assembly of the slide member has additional projections or recesses so that the slide member can have different positions from those in the normal assembly of the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kaname Suwa
  • Patent number: 4419546
    Abstract: A multiposition rotary switch including a detent mechanism wherein a resilient plastic ring having radially extending detent bumps engage cam surfaces on the inside walls of the switch casing. The detent ring is mounted on the contact carrier by means of downwardly projecting tabs which fit into corresponding radial slots in the contact carrier so that the detent ring is keyed thereto and rotatable with the contact carrier. An arcuate formed spring metal contact-wiper is keyed to the contact carrier for corresponding rotation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald H. Arthur
  • Patent number: 4418252
    Abstract: A single or multiple pole key switch having a molded plastic housing formed with snap-in devices for mounting connection with a support and having a key stem reciprocatingly movable through one wall of the housing and having multiple guide surfaces thereon cooperating with corresponding surfaces of said housing for minimizing rotation, wobble and binding of the key stem in operation. The lower end of the key stem engages a return spring and is provided with at least one lateral cavity for carrying at least one contact spring for cooperation with stationary contacts mounted on a terminal block mounted in opposing adjacency thereto. A detent bar is provided on the terminal block to radially deflect the contact spring during key stem operation which provides the operator with "feel" of the switch action and produces an adjustable hysteresis or differential between the make and break of the contacts to avoid unwanted contact opening or closure and afford dampened make and break contact action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Inventor: Phillip R. Daigle
  • Patent number: 4400597
    Abstract: A rotary switch having a multiple throw axial cam rotor and operatively aligned detent teeth. One held stationary contact spring spider has plural radially disposed axially-movable cam follower switch contact arms engaging the axial cam, and also has plural detent springs engaging the axial detent teeth. A base has stationary contacts to be selectively engaged by the switch contacts, and a journal post upon which the rotor is rotatable. An externally accessible shaft upon the rotor has a surrounding resilient "O" ring. A housing sealed to the base and bearing upon the "O" ring seals the switch. The switch may be fabricated in DIP size and contact configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Assignee: EECO Incorporated
    Inventors: Frank J. Bruder, Robert D. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4383154
    Abstract: A plastic rocker is pivotally mounted in a plastic switch case and operates a conventional movable contact. The rocker has depending sides or legs which resiliently bend inwardly as a result of contacting abutments on the inside walls of the switch case providing a more positive action to hold the rocker and movable contact more securely in the various switch positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1983
    Assignee: Carlingswitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 4379955
    Abstract: A sealed rotary switch has electrical contacts insert-molded in a stator. The stator has generally open ends which are closed by a pair of covers. The joint between the covers and the stator includes a notch filled with adhesive sealant. The covers have aligned openings in which a rotor is mounted for rotation. Each cover has a seat formed around its opening, with a resilient seal member located in the seat and sealing against the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1983
    Assignee: Oak Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John Comerford
  • Patent number: 4376234
    Abstract: A miniature switch adapted for printed circuit board mounting has a plurality of switch sections in a rectangular housing constructed of insulating material. Terminal leads project from opposite side walls of the housing and a pocket within the housing has a plurality of springy bridge-like slide contacts which are selectively movable into contact with contact surfaces formed by extensions of the respective terminal leads. The housing includes a base and a cover portion, and the slide contact is biased against the contact surfaces when the cover is placed on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1983
    Inventors: James P. Liataud, David L. Maloney
  • Patent number: 4371767
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is a small-sized switch of the type, in which a clip-shaped moving contact made coactive with a knob is selectively and simultaneously brought, by operating the knob, into sliding contact with both the outer sides of at least two of a plurality of fixed contacts arranged in the bottom of a switch body, thus effecting the switch changing operations. The small-sized switch has its plural fixed contacts made of a round wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignee: Nihon Kaiheiki Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeo Ohashi, Hiroyuki Suga
  • Patent number: 4356360
    Abstract: A pull-to-turn rotary switch having an outer sleeve shaped housing into which a sleeve adapter is inserted and aligned by means of mutual detents. The sleeve adapter is provided with a washer shaped bottom plate which divides the housing into two chambers, one of which contains a biasing spring and a dual stop means and the other contains the switch contacts and a contact plate or rotor driven by the innermost end of the actuating shaft to which it is slidably keyed. The dual stop means includes two separate and distinct detent discs each cooperating with a separate and distinct detent stop pin or pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: AMF Incorporated
    Inventor: Jack H. Volz
  • Patent number: 4354069
    Abstract: A push-pull switch unit includes a rectangular casing having a threaded mounted hub to clamp the casing to a support wall. The casing has a flat contact wall and an opposed flat latch wall. At least one pair of electrical contacts are secured to the contact wall in selected spaced relation to each other. A contact roller is mounted in a movable carrier within the housing adjacent the contact wall. A latch roller is also mounted in the opposite wall of the carrier in alignment with said contact roller. Springs urge the contact roller and the latch roller outwardly into engagement with the adjacent opposed walls. The opposite flat casing wall includes latch recesses into which the latch roller moves to hold said carrier in position. A push-pull operating rod is secured to the carrier for positioning thereof. The carrier includes an opening in the front wall having an outwardly extending slot defining a resiliently movable opening wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Clum Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Ragen
  • Patent number: 4346269
    Abstract: A rotary switch has a detent mechanism and one or more switch sections. Each switch section has a rotor disc with annular conductive tracks thereon and four sets of stator contacts, two on each side of the rotor shaft and staggered to engage alternate conductive tracks. The switch section housing has two identical parts which snap together, each section carrying two sets of contacts. The stator contacts are mounted between ribs with an interference fit of the contact edges and the rib walls. The contacts are mounted with a set of contacts joined together and then the joining web is severed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignee: Standard Grigsby, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy H. Slavin, W. Donald Scharbert