Abstract: An electronic switch assembly, has at least one switch thereon, the at least one switch being capable of receiving a contact from a rotating cam, in order to control the power accessory.

Abstract: A centrifugal operated switch particularly suitable for operating a circuit for starter windings of a motor. A spindle is connected to and rotated by the motor shaft. Swing arms connected to the spindle move upwardly and outwardly in response to rotational speed of the spindle. A plunger is movable in the spindle, and moves together with movement of the swing arms. The plunger is operationally connected to a contactor having one end electrically connected to a first terminal, and a second end alternatively connected to and disconnected from a second terminal. Movement of the plunger causes movement of the contactor.

Abstract: A switch device reduces a switching sound (an impinging sound) at the time of manipulation with a constitution of a click mechanism which uses a spring member having a projection which is brought into slide contact with a cam surface formed of plateaus and valleys. The switch device includes a manipulating member having a cam surface which is formed of plateaus and valleys arranged contiguously and alternately and a spring member having the projection and generating a click feeling when the projection is brought into slide contact with the plateaus and the valleys of the cam surface. The spring member is provided with an auxiliary spring which is brought into slide contact with the manipulating member corresponding to the slide contact of the projection with the plateaus and the valleys of the cam surface. An auxiliary spring receiving portion with which the auxiliary spring is brought into slide contact is formed in the vicinity of the cam surface.

Abstract: A switching element for a rotary or linear encoder which generates pulse signals indicative of rotary or linear position, and direction and rate of change of such position. The invention is characterized by use of a patterned and cured solder-mask material which defines insulated or nonconductive surfaces, with a pattern of conductive wiper-contacting segments therebetween. The invention enables fast and economical fabrication as compared to known encoder switching elements.

Abstract: A rotating actuator includes a rotatable control shaft, a manually operated handle connected therewith, and a device for generating a haptic perception when rotating the control shaft. The haptic signal generating device is developed in the form of a mechanical detent assembly including a detent curve and at least one detent element engaging the stop curve. An activating device is allocated to the haptic signal generating device and is actively configured on the detent curve or a detent element. By selecting the activation device an interaction is created between a detent element and the detent curve in order to generate the haptic signal formed by the detent curve. The haptic signal can be enabled or disabled by activating or deactivating the activation device as the control shaft is rotated.

Abstract: In a tactile-feedback rotary electrical component, a first U-shaped spring is mounted in a recessed holding portion formed in a housing along the axial direction of an operating member. When the operating member is rotated, a protuberance formed on the first U-shaped spring engages with and disengages from recesses formed in the operating member, thereby producing tactile feedback.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide a compact and complex electronic component incorporating a rotary encoder capable of exact adjustment and a push switch with a long life-cycle. In order to achieve the objective, the push switch is fixed on a rear wall or a lower surface of the electronic component such that an essential of the push switch, i.e., a dome-shaped member, can be made larger and has longer fatigue life. Moreover, the rotary encoder includes a rotatable member and a resilient member. The rotatable member has a gear-shaped flange and is rotatable circumferentially relative to a central shaft of the rotary encoder. When the rotary encoder rotates, the resilient member, relative to the central shaft, is stationary. The resilient member has a V-shaped portion retained by a surface of the gear-shaped flange of the rotatable member such that the rotary encoder can be exact adjusted.

Abstract: A rotary encoder including a code member having an annular plate-shaped portion and a plurality of tongues formed as a result of bending from the plate-shaped portion. The code member is formed of a metallic plate. The code member is mounted to the rotary member so that the tongues are positioned at the circumferential surface of the rotary member, and the plate-shaped portion is positioned at an end surface of the rotary member. This makes it possible to provide a low-cost rotary encoder of reduced size.

Abstract: A timer knob attachment is provided for an appliance having a control panel with a timer assembly mounted therein. A timer knob extends over the timer shaft to engage the spring arms on the end of the shaft. A locking pin extends rearwardly through the knob and into the timer shaft from the front of the control panel to lock the knob onto the shaft. A cap is mountable on the knob to cover the locking pin.

Abstract: A modular selector switch operator includes a housing and a cylinder rotationally mounted in the housing. The cylinder has a radially extending follower and a circumferential cam track. A knob extends forwardly of the housing and is operatively connected to the cylinder for rotating the cylinder. A pusher is received in the housing and has a follower pin riding in the cam track to convert rotational movement of the cylinder to linear movement of the pusher for actuating an electrical switch, in use. An indexing cam ring is concentrically mounted to the cylinder in the housing in one of two orientations with the cylinder follower engaging the cam ring. A first orientation provides a maintained actuation position relative to a neutral position. A second orientation provides a momentary actuation position relative to the neutral position.

Abstract: A rotary switch includes a switch housing formed with a plurality of barriers. The barriers are formed with retention notches such that two wires of an electrical cable can be securely retained in the switch housing.

Abstract: A rotary switch is contained inside a knob. The switch operates on a surface of an electrical device. The switch has a rotating housing, an axle, an axle bearing, switch contacts, and a knob, in which the knob is the housing, and the knob, axle, axle bearing, and switch contacts are all located external to the surface of the electrical device, and are all contained within a space defined by a surface of the knob.

Abstract: A rotary type electronic component includes (a) a bearing formed of a cylindrical section and a substrate on which the cylindrical section is situated, (b) a rotary shaft formed of an upper section protruding from the bearing, a mid section journaled by the bearing, and a lower section having a flange with a hole which communicates with a recess formed axially in the shaft, (c) a case coupled with a lower face of the substrate so that the case covers the lower section of the shaft, and on its bottom plate having fixed contacts corresponding to movable contacts, (d) a spring housed in the recess of the shaft and biasing from inner section of the recess toward the bottom plate of the case, and (e) a frictional plate having a hole in the axial direction, engaging with a rim of recess opening, being urged by the spring against the bottom plate of the case, following the rotation of the shaft and yet moving axially and independently of the shaft.

Abstract: A switch assembly is adapted for insertion into an aperture formed in an instrument panel. The aperture has opposing edges. The switch assembly includes a body insertable into the aperture and having opposing sides. A base is connected to the body and includes integrally molded first and second retention arms extending therefrom. Each arm has a first end connected to the base and a second end configured to abut against a respective one of the opposing edges to retain the body in the aperture. Each arm has an upstanding rib between the first and second ends facing the respective opposing side of the body. Each rib extends sufficiently from the respective arm to abut the respective opposing side of the body when the second end of the arm abuts the respective opposing edge, thereby increasing the force required to remove the body from the aperture by forming a fulcrum between the first and second ends of the arms.

Abstract: A control switch for an automatic vehicle transmission comprises a movable body turning in association with an operation of a gearshift lever of the automatic vehicle transmission provided in an automobile and a housing storing the movable body and having fixed contacts to be brought in and out of touch with movable contacts in consequence of the turn of the movable body. The control switch indicates a shift position of the automatic vehicle transmission in accordance with a position of the fixed contacts. Wherein a ventilation hole communicating interior to exterior of the housing is opened at a face at a side of the housing where the housing is mounted to the automobile.

Abstract: A switch and speed control assembly for use in a wet/dry utility vacuum or blower is disclosed. The switch and speed control assembly provides a single rotary control actuator for turning the vacuum or blower on and off, for infinitely varying the speed of the motor, and for providing a momentary boost control. The switch and speed control assembly includes a thumb wheel fitted to the shaft of a voltage varying potentiometer, a snap action switch in operable relation to the exterior edge of the thumb wheel, and a compression spring contained beneath the thumb wheel. As the thumb wheel is rotated in an increasing "on" direction, the contacts of the snap action switch are closed, allowing electric current to flow to the motor of the wet/dry utility vacuum or blower. The voltage levels in the motor, and correspondingly the speed of the motor, are controlled by varying the potentiometer voltage through rotation applied to the thumb wheel.

Abstract: A circuit operator with a push to test arrangement includes a housing. A first switch is mounted in the housing and has a toggle lever pivotably connected thereto so as to place the toggle switch in its on or off state. A second switch is also mounted in the housing and is connected to a push button for initiating tests. A single switch actuator allows a user to actuate the first switch and/or the second switch from an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A rotary electric switch having push-in wire terminals includes a hollow plastic housing having a recessed base and a cover member. The cover member comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and an annular boss which is shaped to define a central bore. A plurality of resilient stationary contacts are positioned in the base. A switch handle is rotably mounted on the base between the plurality of resilient stationary contacts. The switch handle comprises a disc-shaped rotor having a top surface and a bottom surface. The switch handle further comprises an elongated shaft and an arcuate rotor stop which are formed on its top surface, the elongated shaft protruding through the central bore in the cover member and the arcuate rotor stop being disposed within a rotor recess formed in the bottom surface of the cover member. A rotatable contactor is mounted on the bottom surface of the rotor of the switch handle and serves to selectively contact the stationary contacts.

Abstract: A knob positioning structure comprises a rotary switch shaft, to which a knob is mounted, the rotary switch being mounted in a depression in an enclosure, within which are formed detent points. A threaded hole is formed in the end of the shaft onto which the knob is to be mounted, and outer serrations are formed around the end of the shaft. The knob has a knob mounting screw hole through which a knob mounting screw can be passed, a knob stopper which mates with a detent point in the depression of the enclosure, and inner serrations, which mate with the outer serrations of the shaft. The knob is mounted to the shaft by inserting a knob mounting screw, via a spring, through the knob mounting screw hole and into the threaded hole in the shaft, enabling a sliding motion between the knob and the shaft in the direction of the shaft axis.

Abstract: A vehicular knob switch apparatus suitable for the attainment of size reduction and multi-function is provided. An operating knob is attached to a cylindrical housing rotatably from the exterior. Integral with the operating knob is a first gear which is disposed in the circumferential direction of the operating knob. A second gear is brought into mesh with the first gear in such a manner that the respective axes are orthogonal to each other. A support shaft of the second gear is held by a holder which is fixed to the interior of the housing. Also held by the holder is a printed circuit board which is disposed in the axial direction of the operating knob. Rotation of the operating knob is transmitted to a rotary volume through both gears and. The rotary volume is mounted on the printed circuit board, and first and second push switches, which are operated by key tops, respectively, are also mounted on the printed circuit board. The key tops are attached to the housing to allow to be operated from the exterior.

Abstract: A rotary-actuated electrical switch which is adapted to be utilized for electrical current and preferably alternating current circuits. The operation of the switch is accomplished through the rotation of a handle and the therefrom resulting movements and forces applied to a unique spring-loaded cam and brush lifter assembly.

Abstract: A position-sensing waking system and method includes an ear plug for slidably inserting into an ear of a person, a housing rotatably connected with the ear plug, an alarm mechanism for generating an alarm sound, a detection switch disposed inside the housing, a control circuit for controlling the position-sensing waking system, and a battery for supplying power to the position-sensing waking system, the housing containing the alarm system, the system switch, the detection switch, the control circuit and the battery, wherein the detection switch is activated according to a movement of the ear to generate the alarm sound by the alarm mechanism.

Abstract: A terminal plate 6 is formed into a circular cup shape having a bottom 6b and a cylindrical wall 6a. A plurality of terminals 14 are provided on bottom 6b of terminal plate 6. A rotor 1 is rotatably supported on terminal plate 6. A contact piece 5, resiliently engaged with rotor 1, is selectively brought into contact with terminals 14 to close a circuit. An undulated portion 10 is provided along the lower end cylindrical wall 1b of rotor 1. A ball 8, a spring 9 and undulated portion 10 cooperatively constitute an intermittent movement mechanism disposed between rotor 1 and terminal plate 6. Contact piece 5 intermittently rotates against a resilient force of spring 9 to change its rotational angle in accordance with a rotation of rotor 1. An elastically deformable portion 13 is formed on cylindrical wall 1b of rotor 1 while a rigid claw 12 is formed on the upper edge of cylindrical wall 6a of terminal plate 6, cooperatively constituting a snap-in mechanism.

Abstract: Shaft holes 12 and 22 are formed on each pivot portion of a switch case 10 having an unfolded fan shaped concave body 11. A stationary contact base 20 covers the concave body, and a corresponding end portion of a shaft holder 40 are fitted into the respective holes to rotate freely. In addition, positioning through-holes 18 and 27 are formed at each corresponding portion of the switch case 10 and the stationary contact base 20. Either the switch case 10 side or the stationary contact base side 20 is set on an assembly jig 80 toward these shaft holes 12 and 22 and the positioning holes 17 and 27. As a result, the lever 72 can be engaged from either side of the switch case 10 or the stationary contact base 20.

Abstract: An electric switch for converting to rotary motion a rocker style switching mechanism. A switch cavity is formed in the case and a movable contact is provided in the switch cavity. A knob is coupled to an actuator mounted in the cavity for positive pivotal movement on a lateral axis. The knob contains cams formed in an interior knob cavity and is mounted on the switch so that when the knob is rotated on an axis perpendicular to the pivot axis of the actuator, the cams engage the actuator to move the movable contact between "ON" and "OFF" positions.

Abstract: A selector switch includes a knob, a bezel and a retaining clip. The retaining clip is mounted on the knob and secures the knob to the bezel. The retaining clip is C-shaped and has a tab centrally disposed on the retaining clip. When the tab is pressed by a tool, the retaining clip contracts and the knob may be detached from the bezel. The tab can be accessed through a slot between the bezel and the knob by a screwdriver. The knob, bezel and retaining clip can be made of plastic.

Abstract: A coding device includes a contact carrier (3) and a coding disk (4) that can be set in a plurality of rotary positions relative to the contact carrier (3) to set corresponding codes. Moreover, the coding disk (4) is displaceable between an inactive position, in which it is spaced apart from the contact carrier (3) and no code is effective, and an active position, in which a code corresponding to the rotary position of the coding disk (4) is set on the contact carrier (3). Because a desired code can be selected by rotating the coding disk (4) to the corresponding rotary position while the coding disk is in its inactive position, the code selection can be effected in a potential-free manner.

Abstract: A rotatively-operated electronic component with a push switch includes an attachment base plate. A rotatively-operated electronic component portion supported on the attachment base plate has a rotatable operation knob. An electric signal can be generated in response to rotation of the operation knob. The rotatively-operated electronic component portion can move relative to the attachment base plate by application of a force to the operation knob. A push switch portion is supported on the attachment base plate. The push switch portion is actuated in response to movement of the rotatively-operated electronic component portion relative to the attachment base plate by the application of the force to the operation knob.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical contact assembly wherein a conductive contact member for electrically coupling two conductive surfaces also serves as part of a detent assembly. The electrical contact assembly has a contact member resiliently supported by a carrier, wherein the carrier controllably guides the contact member along a path. A feature of the electrical contact assembly is a detent bump disposed at a location along the contact member's path, wherein upon contact between the contact member and the detent bump, the detent bump provides resistance to relative movement between the carrier and the conductive surfaces, thereby producing "detent feel.

Abstract: A rotatively-operated electronic component with a push switch includes a rotatable operation knob. A rotary contact plate is connected to the operation knob for motion together with the operation knob. Resilient contact arms provided on an attachment base plate touch the rotary contact plate. The resilient contact arms and the contact plate cooperate to generate an electric signal in response to rotation of the operation knob. A drive member connected to the attachment base plate rotatably supports the rotary contact plate. The drive member is swingable relative to the attachment base plate. The drive member is allowed to swing relative to the attachment base plate by application of a force to the operation knob. A push switch portion is supported on the attachment base plate. The push switch portion is actuated in response to swing of the drive member relative to the attachment base plate by the application of the force to the operation knob.

Abstract: Rotational switch, in particular gear box switches, comprising a housing carrying terminals (9), the housing being provided with fixed contacts (10) arranged concentrically with one another in two parallel planes (11,12), and a contact bridge (13) electrically connecting the fixed contacts (10), characterized in that, in each plane (11, 12) the fixed contacts (10) consist of at least one printed pattern (14) which patterns in each plane (11, 12) are sprayed on contact carriers (15) equipped with distancing pieces (17) and adapting elements (18). The contact carriers (15) cooperate with a contact module (16), and contact bridge (13) is held via spring loading in a switching member (22) which rotates in the housing (1). The contact bridge (13) thereby slides within the contact volume (2) formed by the distancing piece (17) of the contact carrier (15), over the exposed contact surfaces (21) of the printed pattern (14) which are oriented towards the contact volume (20).

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.

Abstract: An impact resistant switch mechanism is disclosed which includes a switch disposed within a housing of a device, such as a communication device or the like. The housing has an opening formed therein through which the switch may be operated from outside the housing. An extension of material extends from the housing about the housing opening, and a shaft extending through the extension of material and the housing opening is coupled at one end to the switch for operation thereof. A knob is attached to an opposite end of the shaft and is disposed over the housing extension. The knob is rotatable about the extension and will come into contact with the extension if a force is applied to the knob before transmission of the force into the switch, which could result in possible damage to the switch.

Abstract: A rotary switch includes a keylock housing having a collar disposed therein and a rotor disposed in a switch case housing to provide an internal labyrinth geometry. The collar includes a plurality of spaced mechanical stops to provide multiple mechanical travel options determined by the orientation with which the collar is disposed in the housing. Thus the stop collar may be disposed in the keylock housing in a plurality of different orientations with each of the orientations providing a keylock mechanism disposed in the keylock housing with a corresponding mechanical travel. The internal labyrinth geometry provided by the rotor-switch case housing assembly increases the electrical path length through which an electric charge must travel. Thus, the rotor-switch case housing assembly provides the rotary switch with protection from electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A control knob assembly for a cooking appliance includes a control knob and a track body disposed in the control knob. A ring-shaped bezel having a plurality of inwardly projecting guide followers is mounted to the control knob, whereby the guide followers ride in tracks disposed within a top surface of the track body. The control knob is slidable over the track body, and is alternatively locatable in extended and retracted positions. When the control knob is located in a retracted position, the guide followers are releasably secured in notches contained in the tracks. When depressed, the guide followers are disengaged from the notches, permitting the control knob to move to an extended, operating position. In the operating position, the user depresses the control knob, thereby engaging a second plurality of notches which permit operation of a two-step gas valve by sequentially depressing and rotating the control knob.

Abstract: An illuminated multi-position rotary selector/control switch assembly for switching substantial direct current (20 amps) at low voltages (12 V). A lower plastic housing shell is molded in a two-stage process with the first stage comprising molding platable thermoplastic resin strips and molding thereover second stage unplatable thermoplastic with exposed surface portions of said first first stage subsequently plated to form conductive strips having stationary switching contacts attached. The connector terminal pins are formed integrally with the strips in the first stage molding. The second stage thermoplastic molded thereover forms the part outline. The upper housing shell has a transparent arcuate window molded integrally therein for collecting and feeding light from a lamp to a light pipe carried by the user rotatable actuation knob.

Abstract: An electromechanical rotary switch actuator for the operation of doors of mass transit vehicles. The switch actuator discloses a crew switch actuator that incorporates the features of a rotary switch while at the same time provides low cost manufacturing of the switch actuator apparatus. The invention is a simple, yet innovative, apparatus whereby rotational control of the switch assembly is provided by a retaining member which mates with a slot grooved into a shaft mounted for rotation in the actuator body. The longitudinally axial dimension of the actuator body is small which enables the apparatus to be flush mounted to the outside walls of the transit vehicles. The crew switch actuator disclosed is operated not only by a detachable key which is also disclosed, but also may be actuated with the same keys currently being used to operate the door control switches of most mass transit systems.

Abstract: A switch actuator mounted in a housing for axial and rotary movement operates a rotary switch on the actuator axis through an axial lost motion connection. A pushbutton switch offset from the axis is engaged by a semi-circular plate radially extending from the actuator and is actuated upon axial movement of the actuator for any rotary position of the actuator. Optionally, the plate has apertures which register with the pushbutton switch at selected actuator rotary positions to disable pushbutton operation at the selected positions. The actuator is made of light conducting transparent plastic to illuminate an indicator on the switch knob from a bulb within the housing. A flexible detent finger integrally molded into the housing engages the plate during its axial movement to impart tactile feel.

Abstract: A compressed-air generator with adjustable pressure output and/or adjustable air throughput has a housing (11) and a fan motor arranged in the housing (11) below the top side (27) thereof. Further provided is an adjustment member which may be adjusted by way of a rotary knob (45) and which is provided for adjustment of the pressure output and/or the air throughput. In the compressed-air generator (8), a protective apparatus (47) at least partially covering the rotary knob (45) is provided, with the rotary knob (45) preferably being arranged on the top side (27) of the housing (11) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A mode switching or conversion device for selectively altering the operating mode of an electrical switch or other piece of equipment comprises an actuator or locking member rotatable about an axis of rotation which is disposed substantially perpendicular to the housing wall of the electrical switch. The actuator is positionally retained in an opening of this housing wall by means of a bayonet catch or joint. This actuator or locking member is provided with an axially elastic spring or resilient bracket provided with latching cams or lugs which can latch in different positions thereof into latching recesses or pockets of a latching base member of the housing.

Abstract: A rotary coding switch is disclosed which comprises a rotor or a rotor and a coding disk provided with coding recesses for actuating the contacts. Each contact spring is provided with a boss cooperating with associated coding recesses which, in the open state of the contact spring, engages one of the associated coding recesses under pretension of the contact spring, and which is moved to the position corresponding to the closed state of the contact spring via the boss being contacted by the surface of the rotor or the coding disk remaining between the coding recesses.