Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Harry N Etters

Mario M Orrico

Earl J Genz

Daniel J Danek

Charles J Shedore

Iran R Littman

Anthony W Meadors

John N Long

Michael Kaczmarek

Brigg A Johnston

Stephan H Schramme

Nicholas J Mercadante

A method and apparatus for an electrical switch assembly generally comprising a snap-action electrical switch disposed in a module frame assembly and connected to electrical contact pins for mating with a contact pin connector. A switch module assembly is connected to the module frame assembly and includes a switch actuator assembly for actuating the snap-action electrical switch. The switch actuator includes a latch spring guide that may be configured for either 'alternate' or 'momentary' actuation of the snap-action electrical switch and emits audio and tactile switch status indicators perceptible to an operator. The module frame assembly and switch module assembly are releasably connectable to and form an integral unit with a cap base assembly having a cap module with a low power LED illuminatable display visible under extreme ambient lighting conditions for indicating switch status. The integral unit is interlockably receivable in a switch connector module that may include an electrical contact pin socket and is mountable in a bracket.

Method and apparatus for an electrical switch assembly

A self regulating heated switch assembly is provided for heating the interior of a switch housing so as to prevent freezing of switch contacts therein. The switch assembly includes a switch housing, an insulative cover member, and a PTC heater device. The switch housing includes top, bottom, front, rear and end walls. The insulative cover member is formed of opposed front and rear panels. The front and rear panels are disposed in a spaced apart relationship to the corresponding front and rear walls of the switch housing. The heater device is sandwiched between the front wall of the switch housing and the front panel of the cover member and between the rear wall of the switch housing and the rear panel of the cover member so as to transmit heat into the interior of the switch housing.

Self regulating heated switch assembly

A motion translation mechanism is adapted for use in a vehicle seat-operated switch and is selectively responsive to the presence or absence of a downward vertical force. The motion translation mechanism includes a switch assembly having a plunger, a leaf spring, and coil spring. The coil spring is used to resiliently bias a first end portion of the leaf spring against a first stop. The second end portion of the leaf spring is operatively connected between a second stop and the plunger for moving laterally the plunger to a retracted position in response to the downward movement of an upwardly convexed central portion of the leaf spring so as to electrically actuate the switch assembly.

Motion translation mechanism for a vehicle seat switch

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Downers Grove, IL, United States of America

Harry N Etters