C-, t- and s-switches that are mechanically operated by a rotary actuator

Abstract

A microwave C-, T- or S-switch has an actuator of circular shape that is rotated by a suitable motor. Each conductor path of the switch contains a connector having two positions, one position connecting the conductor path and a second position interrupting the conductor path. The conductor paths and connectors are enclosed within a housing and a pin is mounted on each connector and extends outside of the housing through a suitable opening. Each pin is spring-mounted so that the conductor path is connected when the pin is depressed and interrupted when the pin is released. The actuator is shaped and mounted to override the pins, the actuator containing one or more ridges and one or more indentations. When a ridge overrides a pin, the pin is depressed and the conductor path is connected. When an indentation overrides a pin, the pin is released and the conductor path is interrupted. By properly arranging the size and location of ridges and indentations on the actuator, the conductor paths can be connected or interrupted simply by rotating the actuator through two or more positions. The switch achieves mass and volume savings over previous switches. Also, the switch is simple and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.