Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Richard D Gjerde

Robert Dam

Richard R Herzog

Juan J Barrena

Massimo Aleardi

David R Nowak

Robert G Tegel

Michael W Hartley

Ronald R Hostert

Theodore James John Veselsky

A dual function switch assembly includes a switch housing part containing multiple switches at different elevations and a rotor having cam surfaces aligned with the switches for operating the switches. A mounting part is connected to the switch housing part and provides mounting features for attachment in a desired installation.

Dual function switch assembly

A gas appliance control assembly includes a gas valve and a reed switch operated simultaneously by rotation of a single shaft. The reed switch opens and closes a circuit including an electronic ignition module and a spark igniter so that spark is provided as the gas valve is adjusted to a burner igniting condition.

Rotary actuated reed switch control

A stackable switch assembly includes a base switch housing having switch components therein, an intermediate switch housing having second switch components therein, with the intermediate switch housing mechanically engaged with the base switch housing, and a cover mechanically engaged with the intermediate switch housing. Multiple intermediate switch housings can be used between the base switch housing and the cover.

Stackable switch

An indicator dial preferably for a cooktop intensity indicator includes a base portion having an indicator, a shutter rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion, and an actuator rotatably positioned with respect to the base portion wherein at least one of the actuator and the shutter are rotatable between a retracted position exposing the indicator and an extended position at least partially covering the indicator.

Cooktop intensity indicator dial

A indicator dial having a plurality of shutters disposed on a base portion and movable between radially retracted and extended positions, an at least partially arcuate visual indicator disposed on the base portion and located radially outwardly of the shutters when the shutters are in the retracted position, a cover portion having a cam groove disposed on a side thereof adjacent the plurality of shutters, a portion of the shutters protruding into the cam groove of the cover portion, the cover portion rotatable relative to the base portion to move the shutters between the retracted and extended positions so that the shutters cover the portions of the light emitting ring when the shutters are in the extended position.

An electrical switch assembly actuatable by a rotatable member wherein the switch assembly includes a polysulfone housing having a hub with a peripheral camming surface and a hub aperture. The hub is rotatably disposed in the housing wherein the rotatable member is disposable through a housing aperture and into the hub aperture for engagement with the hub. A pair of substantially similar resilient electrical contact blades are disposed in the housing in spaced relation wherein each resilient electrical contact blade has at least one wire engagement portion accessible through a wire aperture in the housing. The hub is rotatable by the rotatable member so as to cause the peripheral camming surface of the hub with one of the resilient electrical contact blades and thereby flex the engaged resilient electrical contact blade into electrical contact with the other resilient electrical contact blade. The housing is a two part assembly having a fluid resistant interface. A mounting member is disposed on an outer surface of the housing for coupling the switch assembly to a gas valve assembly.

Growing community of inventors

Braceville, IL, United States of America

Richard D Gjerde