Stephen M Drensky

US Patent:

47031476, Oct 27, 1987

Filed:

Jun 5, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/871097

Inventors:

Lawrence R. Happ - Mundelein IL
Gerald A. Stark - Winthrop Harbor IL
Stephen M. Drensky - Waukegan IL

Assignee:

The Cherry Corporation - Waukegan IL

International Classification:

H05B 664

US Classification:

219 1055C

Abstract:

A probe actutaed switch comprising a plurality of electrical contact blades and a first and second actuator for engagement with a first and second probe. The actuators are slidably mounted and positioned to engage selected ones of the contact blades. Each actuator defines a rest position and is biased to that rest position by selected contact blades. First and second probe guides are aligned for engagement with the first and second probes. Each guide is adapted to guide a respective probe into engagement with a respective actuator. A latch mechanism is positioned to releasably latch the first actuator in its rest position. As the probes are inserted into the respective probe guides, they are guided into engagement with the actuators. The second actuator is thereupon moved from its rest position to alter the electrical connections of selected ones of the plurality of contacts. The first actuator is held in its rest position until the first probe is fully inserted.