Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Randall M Crippen

Mario M Orrico

William J Olson

James S Zielinski

Daniel J Danek

Earl J Genz

A method and apparatus for actuating an electrical switch and providing a variable electrical resistance usable to sense displacement of a movable member. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving the electrical switch, a variable resistance element, and an actuator with a body member and a transverse cylindrical sleeve. An electrically conductive wiper is coupled to the actuator and contacts the variable resistance element, which varies with pivotal movement of the actuator. The body member is pivotably supported by an aperture of the housing about an axis of the cylindrical sleeve, and a spring member biases the actuator toward an initial position, wherein the actuator is pivotable against the bias of the spring to actuate the electrical switch and to provide the variable resistance by positioning the electrically conductive wiper along the variable resistance element. A guide surface within the housing guides the actuator and the electrically conductive wiper in fixed relation relative to the variable resistance element when the body member is pivoted within the housing. The cylindrical sleeve protrudes through an aperture of the housing, and is coupled to the movable member by a collar with a set screw without having to calibrate the variable resistor or the switch actuation timing.

Electrical switch and variable resistance module for vehicle brake pedal

A switch assembly for activation by a shaft or hinge pin of a hinge includes a cam member connected for rotation along with the shaft and an actuating band operably connected to the cam member. The actuating band includes an engagement portion for contact with a first portion of a lever upon rotational movement of the shaft of the hinge and the cam member. The lever is movable to enable a second portion of the lever to contact an electrical switch to in turn make or break contact of a desired electrical circuit formed by the electrical switch. A sealing insert is included to provide a substantially waterproof seal between the hinge shaft and the switch assembly.

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Chicago, IL, United States of America

Randall M Crippen