The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 27, 1996
Filed:
Jul. 13, 1994
Daniel J Danek, Berwyn, IL (US);
Harry N Etters, Jr, Downers Grove, IL (US);
Earl J Genz, Des Plaines, IL (US);
Brigg A Johnston, Oak Park, IL (US);
Iran R Littman, Wheaton, IL (US);
John N Long, Morton Grove, IL (US);
Anthony W Meadors, Elmhurst, IL (US);
Nicholas J Mercadante, Lisle, IL (US);
Mario M Orrico, Chicago, IL (US);
Stephan H Schramme, Schaumburg, IL (US);
Charles J Shedore, Elmhurst, IL (US);
Illinois Tool Works Inc., Glenview, IL (US);
Abstract
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.