Carling Technologies, Inc.

Carlingswitch, Inc.

Caterpillar Inc.

Walter A Sadowski

Michael A Fasano

Shakib Saria

Joseph L LeClair

Sean McDonnell

Rick Olson

Brian Thomas Stuckman

Richard M Olson

William R Stephens

Karen B Kowalczyk

Ray T Schenck

Joseph LeClair, Iii

Jamie T Sasser

Rocker switch with rectangular illumination ring

A switch that includes an illumination structure that extends at least partially around a perimeter of the switch. The illumination structure being illuminated based on the status of the switch. The switch also including a switch surface that includes a transparent or translucent material that can be illuminated based on the status of the switch. The switch being adapted for use in a wet or damp environment.

Illuminated switch actuator further surrounded by an illumination structure

A low current switch has a flexible movable contact that can be deflected by an actuator. In some implementations the switch may permit a low current switch to be manufactured using elements of a high current switch without requiring large amounts of precious metal. The flexible movable contact may be arranged as one or more cantilevers that are deflected using a rocking actuator. The actuator interacts with the movable contact in such a way as to provide tactile feedback to an operator comparable to a high current switch having a rigid movable contact. Also described are a set of low and high current switches, components of a low current switch, and a method of manufacturing a low current switch.

Low current switch

A rotary switch having a body, a rotary knob attached to the body, and at least two terminals attached to the body. An actuator is pivotably mounted within the body and operably connected to the rotary knob, the actuator pivoting upon a rotation of the rotary knob. A conductor is pivotably mounted in the body and is in communication with the actuator. The conductor is adapted to connect or disconnect the at least two terminals when the actuator is pivotably moved.

Switch with pivoting actuator

A switch having independently operable toggle and rocker functions. The switch having a housing, a toggle member pivotally mounted in the housing, the toggle member having upper and lower portions. The upper portion being movable for providing a toggle function of the switch, the lower portion being attached to the upper portion and having at least one first contact element coupled thereto. The switch having a rocker member coupled to the housing for providing a rocker function, the rocker member defining a central opening for receiving the upper portion of the toggle member, and having a second contact element coupled thereto. The switch including a circuit board inside the housing having a first conductive portion adjacent the first contact element, and a second conductive portion adjacent the second contact element. The toggle and rocker members being independently operable for providing toggle and rocker functions of the switch respectively.

Electric switch having both toggle and rocker functions

Rocker switch bezel

Electrical switch actuator

Rocker switch actuator

An elastomeric switch case bezel fits tightly around a flange in the housing and has an internal bead that engages the switch rocker to seal it as the rocker moves between limit positions.

Elastomeric rocker switch bezel

A generally rectangular plastic switch housing has locating tabs that position a U-shaped hardened steel grounding strap on the housing so that the strap and housing can be conveniently mounted from the front of a panel in a panel opening that includes relieved and upset portions designed to make electrical contact with serrated segments of the U-shaped strap's legs. The base of the U-shaped strap has an opening with upset edges designed to make electrical contact with the center terminal in the bottom wall of the switch housing.

Grounding strap for panel mounted electrical switch

A two pole electrical switch has side-by-side movable contacts operated by a single rocker/actuator of the type having side-by-side pin recesses. Two pins in these recesses are spring biased toward the movable contacts to achieve contact closing, but one pin has its end offset from the other pin end so the closing is sequential rather than simultaneous.

Growing community of inventors

Newington, CT, United States of America

Walter A Sadowski