Probe actuated switch

摘要

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. The first actuator is then released by the latch and is rapidly moved from its rest position to alter the electrical connections of selected other ones of the plurality of contacts. When the probes are removed from the probe guides, the actuators return to their respective initial rest positions and the contact blades return to their respective initial electrical connections.