US3193630A

US3193630A - Multiple contact switch having cable switch operating means

Info

Publication number: US3193630A
Application number: US213977A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Bernard Edward Shlesinger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1962-08-01
Filing date: 1962-08-01
Publication date: 1965-07-06
Anticipated expiration: 1982-07-06

Description

July 6, 1965 B. E. SHLESINGER, JR

MULTIPLE CONTACT SWITCH HAVING CABLE SWITCH OPERATING MEANS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 1, 1962 INVENT OR Bernard Edward Shlesinqer, Jr.

3,193,630 MULTIPLE CONTACT SWITCH HAVING CABLE SWITCH OPERATING MEANS Filed Aug. 1, 1962 July 6, 1965 B. E. SHLESINGER, JR

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Bernard Edward Shlesinqer, Jr.

y 6, 1965 B. E. SHLESINGER, JR 3, 93, 0

MULTIPLE CONTACT SWITCH HAVING CABLE SWITCH OPERATING MEANS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 1, 1962 Ru 0 mu m m h h s m w E d r u m e B y 6, 1955 B. E. SHLESINGER, JR 3,193,630

MULTIPLE CONTACT SWITCH HAVING CABLE SWITCH OPERATING MEANS Filed Aug. 1, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 :Fz' 7.5 .5 4 we Y8 I80 |a 2 |8 4 a I I I94 k |94 c :l

INVENTOR i 1 7- 57 Bernord Edword Shlesinqer, Jr.

July 6, 1965 B. ETSHLESINGER, JR 3,193,630

MULTIPLE CONTACT SWITCH HAVING CABLE SWITCH OPERATING MEANS Filed Aug. 1, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Bernard Edward Shlesinger, Jr.

United States Patent 3,193,630 MULTIPLE CONTACT SWITCH HAVING CABLE SWITCH OPERATING MEANS Bernard Edward Shlesinger, Jr., 906 Bruce Lane,

. Annandale, Va.

Filed Aug. 1, 1962, Ser. No. 213,977 29 Claims. (Cl. 20016) This invention relates to improvements in multiple contact switch programming systems and the like.

- Prior art program switches were limited by being compleX, difiicult to repair, and not easily adaptable for different types of equipment and jobs.

It is an object of this invention to provide a contact switch programming system which is simple in construction,-readily adaptable for all types of equipment and jobs, and inexpensive in cost and maintenance.

A further object of this invention is to provide a program switch system which is fast, trouble free, and interchangeable.

Another object of this invention is to provide a multiple contact switch programming system for use in computing, aircraft, missiles, telemetry, telephony, and the like.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a programming system which can be selectively changed withoutchanging parts.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide programming system which can be used in simple contact switching arrangements or in complex switching arrangements such as used in conjunction with pressure switches, micro-switches, and other complex switching devices.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a programming ssytem which is capable of being repetitive, or discontinuous as desired.

It is a further object of this invention to incorporate the use of printed-type circuit contacts in order to reduce cost.

Another object of this invention is to provide a programming system which can be manufactured easily from plastic materials with a minimum of metallic parts.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a programming system which is compact yet simple to maintain.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description and claims.

In the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example various embodiments of this invention:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of a fragment of the programming system;

FIGURE 2 is an end view of FIGURE 1 showing a fragment of the programming system;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view showing the fragment of the system illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view enlarged and a portion in section showing a contact of this invention;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of FIGURE 4 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary view a portion being broken away showing a modification of this invention;

FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate modifications in section of the contact connector and sleeve insert;

FIGURES 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of this invention, FIGURE 10 being a sectional view of FIG- URE 9 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURES 11 and 12 illustrate other types of contact connectors provided by this invention;

FIGURE 13 is a sectional view of the contact block illustrating another embodiment of this invention;

FIGURES 14 and 15 illustrate other embodiments of the contact connector of this invention;

' cable C as will be hereinafter explained.

3,193,630 Patented July 6, 1965 ice FIGURES 16, 17 and 18 illustrate the side elevation, top plan, and FIGURE 18 being the sectional view of FIGURE 16 looking in the direction of the arrows, respectively of another embodiment of this invention;

FIGURE 19 is a side elevation showing a further embodiment of this invention;

FIGURE 20 is a sectional view taken along the lines 23-21 of FIGURE 19 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 21 is a side elevation of a fragment of another embodiment of this invention;

FIGURE 22 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment in FIGURE 21 taken along the lines 2222 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 23 illustrates a further modification in fragmentary section of a contact connector of the type used in FIGURES 21 and 22;

FIGURE 24 is a bottom plan view enlarged showing a contact member of a type used in this invention;

FIGURE 25 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the lines 2525 in FIGURE 24;

FIGURE 26 is a side elevation showing a portion of another modification of this invention;

FIGURE 27 is a sectional view in part fragmentary taken along the lines 27-27 in FIGURE 26 and viewed in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURES 28 and 29 are side elevations and top plan view respectively illustrating a further modification of this invention;

FIGURE 30 is a fragmentary enlarged view showing contacts in engagement with conductive and nonconductive surface of one type of contact connector employed in this invention;

FIGURE 31 is a fragmentary isometric view of a contact connector enlarged illustrating another modification of this invention.

For the purpose of clarity, in the drawings, B indicates the contact block. The contact block may be of any configuration and size as illustrated in the various modifications shown in the drawings. The block B may be of any non-conductive material such as wood, plastic, or the' like. In some instances the block could be made from metal, though non-conductive material would have to insulate the circuit areas.

C is a cable, or rod, or the like as generally indicated in the drawings. The cable or contact connector C may be made of any non-conductive material. It is possible that the cable could be constructed of a metal material though the cable would for most types of programming necessarily be covered with an insulating material.

The blocks B are provided with passageways P in which the contact connector, cable, or switching member C slides and is drawn or pushedthrough. In the block B are openings which run from the outer surface of the block through and open into the passageways P. The openings generally indicated as X serve as receptacles for members Y such as contact plugs, as generally indicated in FIG- URES 4 and 5, contact switches as generally indicated in FIGURES 24 and 25 or other types of switches such as micro-switches which would operate in a manner hereinafter set out.

FIGURES 1 to 3 FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 illustrate how two member-s C may pass through the block B transversely with respect to each other. As illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, circuit can be made from Y1 to Y2 by a conductive coated surface on the cable C and similarly from Y3 to Y4. If Y members 1, 2, 3 and 4 are of the pressure sensitive type, then each cable C would be operating to make or break two switches each in contact with its respective FIGURES 4 to 10 In FIGURES 4 and 5, the lead It is clamped or otherwise held in a sleeve 12. A resilient spring or the like 14 biases a ball 16 downwardly into an opening 18 in the sleeve 12. The ball 16 serves as a contact connector or as the pressure sensitive contact member of a micro-switch or the like.

FIGURE 6 shows a manner in which the members Y and Y6 are conductively connected for circuitry between each other through the cables C having conductive areas thereon and through the intermediate conductor 2%? generally shown as a coil 22 having ball contact members 24 at either end thereof for engagement with the cables C.

FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate two different types of cables which are mounted in a fitting sleeve 30. The sleeve in its entirety fits into the passageway P. The sleeve 39 contains a member 32 having an opening therein 34 conforming to the desired cable C to be used. Various sleeves 30 may be interchangeably used.

FIGURES 9 and show a circular block B having a contact connector C a portion of which operates two pressurized microswitches 40 operating lights 42 while simultaneously making a circuit between lead 44 and lead 46 to operate a light 48.

FIGURES I] to FIGURE 11 shows a contact connector C having a raised portion 50 which would operate the micro-switches or any pressure sensitive switch and a portion 52 which is conductive to make a circuit between two contacts which would be in a position similar to contacts 44 and 4-6 as in FIGURE 10. FIGURE 12 merely illustrates how a cable C may have recessed portions 54 and raised portions 55 for operating various pressure type switches and the like.

FIGURES 13, 14 and 15 illustrate how members Y may be operated by an X type cable C as in FIGURE 14. Cable C in FIGURE 14 is provided with beads 53 which serve as guide members for the cable as it passes through the block B. Nylon or Teflon are excellent bearing materials for providing ease of travel through the block B. FIGURE 14 shows conductive member 60 traveling from one surface around and about one leg of the X-shaped cable C to another surface on another leg of the X-shaped cable C.

FIGURE 15 illustrates how a portion of the block shown in FIGURE 13 can be used while another portion is inoperative by merely having two beads 61 connected by a flat webbing portion 62 on which may be printed various conductors 63, 64- and 65. The conductive surfaces would engage the desired pair of contacts Y, or in the case of micro-switches, the raised portions on the webbing 62 would actuate the pressure sensitive surfaces heretofore referred to.

FIGURES 16m 18 FIGURES 16, 17 and 18 illustrate a contact block B having a pair of opposed bearing plates 7%) and '72 resiliently biasing a series of cables C. The opposed

bearing plates

70 and 72 are recessed in such a manner as to support the particular configuration of the cable used. In the drawings, and particularly FIGURE 18, the recesses in thebearing plate '70 and 72 are shown to be

semi-circular grooves

74, 76, 78 and 80.

Bearing plates 743 and '72 are urged together by

resilient spacer members

82 and 84. Side plates 36 and 88 maintain the top and bottom portions 9% and 92 respectively in spaced relation with one another.

Resilient members

82 and 84 may be of rubber, or other elastomeric composition. In general, the other portions of the block can be constructed of plastic or similar materials as previously indicated. In the modification shown in FIGURES 16, 17 and 18, the cables C are wound upon a drum 100. The drum 106 may be rotated by means of a pulley 102 driven by a motor pulley 104 from the motor M. It is obvious that any other type of drive mechanism could be used to wind up the cables C. A spool or drum not shown could be used to contain the cables prior to their being fed through the block B onto the drum prior to operating the switching system.

FIGURES 19 and 20 FIGURES 19 and 20 show another modification in which the switching system comprises a series of blocks B1, B2 and B3. The blocks B1, B2 and B3 are separable one from another. There may be many more blocks interchangeably associated for various circuit combinations and the blocks may be held in relationship one to the other by means of

pins

106 and 108 as best shown in FIGURE 20. Another type of contact connector C is shown in FIGURES 20 and 21 having a series of arms III 112, 11.4, 116. Circuit members Y are shown operating on opposed surfaces of the upright portions of the cross of cable C. Various other positions for the members Y can be arranged as desired in the blocks B with respect to the various cable designs whether having conductive surfaces or raised or depressed areas as in the case where micro-switches are used. The particular arrangement shown in FIGURES 19 and 20 is capable of indefinite rearrangement depending upon the job required.

FIGURES 21 and 22 FIGURES 21 and 22 further illustrate another modification in which the members Y are capable of movement in the block B on an axis transverse to the axis of the cable C. Although the arrangements in FIGURES 21 and 22 are for a rotary motion due to the configuration of the cable C; nevertheless, a rectangular block may permit straight line reciprocable motion of the members Y as in the case where the cable is of rectangular or similar configuration. In the drawings as illustrated in FIGURES 21 and 22, slots 126.), 122 and 124 are provided. Members Y are maintained in the slots for rotary action as illustrated by means of bearing

grooves

126 and 128. Ribs not shown on the members Y would ride in the grooves 126 and 122' which would serve as bearing surfaces. For the purposes of illustration, a conductive area 130 on one side of the cable is provided as well as a conductive area 132 on the other side thereof. The contact 134 is illustrated in contact with the contact area 130. By moving the bar 136 in a vertical fashion, contact is broken between the

contacts

134 and 138. In the case of contact 140, vertical motion would make the contact with contact surface 132 when a vertical movement upwardly is made of the member Y by moving the bar 142. It will be obvious, that various arrangements can be made and that the bar 136 can be dispensed with or can be used to connect any number of members Y for movement simultaneously. The slots can be spaced any distance from one another depending upon choice and job to be done. A rib on bead 14-4 is used to maintain the cable C in position with respect to the block B in order to prevent rotary shifting of the conductive, raised or depressed surfaces with respect to the contacts.

FIGURES 23 to 25 FIGURE 23 shows a cable C having a conductive surface depressed for the purpose of avoiding arcing. With the cable moving in the direction right as illustrated on the drawings, the contact will travel over the surface 152 until it reaches the edge portion 153. If the contact surface is champfered on the right hand side thereof, in a vertical plane, it will suddenly drop downwardly onto the conductive surface 150 with a snap action due to the spring pressure on the loaded contact member. Various other devices can be used to reduce arcing which tends to wear out the contact surfaces.

FIGURES 24 and 25 illustrate a pressure type contact switch which could be used to operate in a recess X. Embedded in sleeve which may be of plastic are

conductors

162 and 164. The ends 166 and 168 of the.

wire 170 are embedded or soldered to the

conductors

162 and 164. The conductor 162 has a spring finger 172 which flexes upwardly to an arm 174 on the conductor 164. Contact between 172 and 174 closes the circuit of the conductor cable 170.

Spurs

176 and 178 lock the sleeve in position in any one of the openings X of the blocks B. The conductor finger 172 projects downwardly into the passageway P for the cable C and the contact is made when the high spots in the cable C of the type illustrated in FIGURES l1 and 12 move finger 172 into contact with arm 174.

FIGURES 26 and 27 FIGURES 26 and 27 illustrate a further modification in which a sliding member Y may be moved axially with respect to the cable C. A slot 180 in the block B is provided to allow the member Y to be reciprocated therein. Bearing

grooves

182 and 184 maintain the member Y in upright position and serve to guide the member in the slot 180 and to lock it in position during operation. A mere shifting right or left as illustrated in FIGURES 26 and 27 by the arrows is sufiicient to change the time period during which a particular circuit is programmed. FIGURE 26 also illustrates the combination of principles as set out in FIGURE 21 in which the slot 180 is accompanied by

slots

190 and 192 at right angles thereto. Other members Y are mounted in a manner similar to FIGURES 21 and 22 for movement in slots .190 and 192 transversely to the axis of the cable C.

Manual means may be used for moving the members Y or solenoid operators or motor mechanisms of any other similar type arrangements may be used. FIGURES 26 and 27 show the cable C having a conductive surface 194 connecting the circuit between Y8 and Y10. Y12 is shown out of engagement with the conductive surface 194. Y12 can be moved into the circuit of Y8 and Y10, or Y may be moved out of the circuit with Y8, or the combination of Y8 and Y12 as desired. A shift axially of Y8 will change the programming period with respect to Y10 or Y12 as desired.

FIGURES 28 t0 3] FIGURES 28 and 29 illustrate another modification in which the cables C are in effect endless belts.

Pulleys

200, 202, 204 and 206 may be actuated through some motor mechanism. In this system, the programming is a repeating type. It is obvious that any number of endless belts C may be arranged in any fashion and the illustration in FIGURES 28 and 29 is merely one type of combination.

. FIGURE 30 illustrates another type of contact connector showing a printed circuit 210 passing about

surface

212, 214, 216, 218, and 220 to make a circuit between

contacts

222 and 224 while by-passing contact 226. FIGURE 31 illustrates a contact connector base 230 of non-conductive material having a conductive coating 232 and a non-conductive overlay 234. This arrangement can be used with any cable or connector C where it is necessary to block out a portion of the printed circuit.

General observation It will be obvious from the above that the speed of the cable will determine the length of time a circuit will remain in operation. It is also obvious that the length of the conductive surface, or the varied portion will determine the length of time a circuit will remain in operation. Similarly a circuit will be inoperative depending on the length of the non-conductive portion of the cable or the recessed area as well as the speed this portion has as it moves through the block. Variations and combinations can be determined for whatever programmed circuitry is desired and the circuits printed in advance. Knowledge of the position of the contacts with respect to a known cable will also permit substitution of new circuits while using old cables and vice versa.

While the invention has been described in connection with different embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification, and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth and fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention what I claim is:

1. A multiple contact switch programming system comprising an insulated contact block, a passageway in said contact block, a circuit including a pair of reciprocating contacts in said block normally biased into said passageway, an elongated moveable contact connector extending into and through and substantially filling said passageway and slideable in said passageway and engaging said contacts, said contact connector comprising a series of alternately spaced pre-selected programmed non-conductive and conductive surface areas for successive engagement with said contacts, means for moving said connector axially in said passageway in a given period of system operating time, said conductive surface areas being of a length and width at least equal to the distance between said contacts so as to open and close said circuit alternately for a given period of time when said contact connector is moved in said passageway.

2. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1, and having a plurality of said passageways and a plurality of said pairs of contacts, each passageway having at least one pair of said contacts projecting thereinto, and having one of said moveable contact connectors extending continuously through each passageway.

3. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1, and having a plurality of said passageways and a plurality of said pairs of contacts, each passageway having at least one pair of said contacts projecting thereinto, and having one of said moveable contact connectors extending continuously through each passageway, each of said passageways having of a cross sectional configuration generally similar to the cross sectional configuration of its respective contact connector.

way having at least one pair of said contacts projecting thereinto, and having one of said moveable contact connectors extending continuously through each passage- Way, and a contact member connecting at least two of said passageways and projecting into said passageways and engaging with said contact connectors in said connected passageways.

5. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1, said contact connector having a plurality of surfaces, each surface having its own series of nonconductive and conductive areas.

6. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1, said contact connector having a plurality of surfaces, each surface having its own series of nonconductive and conductive areas and a conductive connecting lead connecting at least one of the conductive areas of one surface with at least one of the conductive areas of another surface.

7. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1 and wherein said contact connector is a flexible endless belt.

8. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1, and wherein said contact connector is a flexible cable, and a drum for storing said cable.

9. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1, and wherein said contact connector comprises a non-conductive plastic material base support and a series of printed circuits thereon.

10. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1 and having more than one contact block operating on said contact connector.

11. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1 and having more than one contact block operating on said contact connector, said blocks being interconnected.

12. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1 and having means for shifting said contacts from one position in said block to another position.

13. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1 and having means for axially shitting said contacts in said contact block to change the duration of said program.

14. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1 and having means for transversely shifting said contacts in said contact block to make and break said circuit.

15. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1 and having means for shifting said pair of contacts simultaneously from one position to another.

16. A multiple contact switch programming system as in claim 1 said block having opposed resilient biasing means within said block for maintaining positive pres sure on said contact connector.

17. A program switching device for a program system comprising a block having a reciprocating switch therein, a passageway in said block, said switch including a portion normally projecting into said passageway, switch closing and opening means including an elongated moveable member extending into and though and substantially filling said passageway and slideable in said passageway and engageable with said switch portion, said member including a series of alternately spaced preselected programmed switch actuating and deactuating areas for successive engagement with said switch, means for moving said member axially in said passageway in a given period of system operating time, at least one of said areas on said member having a cross sectional area substantially that of said passageway and at least one of the other areas having a cross sectional area substantially less than said passageway so as to cause said switch to be opened and closed alternately when said areas actuate and deactuate said switch portion as said member is moved in said passageway.

18. A program switching device as in claim 17, and having a plurality of said passageways, each passageway having at least one switch having a portion normally projecting thereinto, each passageway including one of said moveable members.

19. A program switching device as in claim 17, and wherein said moveable member is a flexible endless belt.

20. A program switching device as in claim 17, and wherein said moveable member is a flexible cable, and a drum for storing said cable.

21. A program switching device as in claim 17, having a plurality of contact blocks operating on moveable member.

22. A program switching device as in claim 17, and having a plurality of blocks operating on said moveable member, said blocks being inter-connected.

23. A program switching device as in claim 17, and having means for shifting said switches from one position in said block to another position.

24. A program switching device as in claim 17, and having means for axially shifting said switches in said block to change the duration of said program.

25. A program switching device as in claim 17, and having means for transversely shitting said switches in said block to make and break said circuit.

26. A program switching device as in claim 17, and having means for shifting pairs of switches simultaneously from one position to another.

and said 27. A multiple contact switch programming system comprising an insulated contact block, a passageway in said block, a first circuit including a pair of reciprocating contacts in said block normally biased into said passageway, an elongated moveable contact connector extending into and through and substantially filling said pas sageway and slideable in said passageway and engaging Said contacts, said contact connector comprising a series of alternately spaced pro-selected programmed non-conductive and conductive surface areas for successive engagement with said contacts, means for moving said connector axially in said passageway in a given period of system operating time, said conductive surface areas being of a length and width at least equal to the distance between said contacts so as to open and close said first circuit alternately for a given period of time when said contact connector is moved in said passageway, said block including a second circuit including a reciprocating switch therein, a portion of said switch normally projecting into said passageway, switch closing and opening means on said moveable contact connector including a series of alternately spaced pre-selected programmed switch actuating and deactuating areas for successive engagement with said switch, at least one of said actuated and deactuating areas on said member having a cross sectional area substantially that of said passageway and at least one of the other of said actuating and deactuating areas having a cross sectional area substantially less than said passageway so as to cause said secand circuit to be opened and closed alternately when said actuating and deactuating areas engage said switch portion as said contact connector is moved in said passageway.

28. A program switching device as in claim 27 and including a plurality of switches and contact pairs, and having a plurality of passageways and moveable members, each passageway having at least one of said plurality of switches and contact pairs.

29. A multiple contact switch programming system comprising an insulated contact block, a substantially unobstructed passageway extending through said block, cable means extending continuously into, through, and out of said passageway in said block and slideable only longitudinally therein and substantially filling said passageway, means associated with said cable means for moving said cable means longitudinally in said passageway, electrical contact means in said block, and said .cable means being in engagement with said contact means and cooperating therewith, said cable means including a continuous cable body having longitudinally spaced operating surfaces formed thereon fixed with respect to each other and with respect to said body, said surfaces being movable into, through, and out of said passageway for opening and closing said electrical contact means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,010,173 11/11 Pierce et al. 20052 1,832,869 11/31 Macy.

1,889,515 11/32 Hammerly 200-163 1,962,619 6/34 Rumpf 20052 2,696,535 12/54 McLean et al. 200-8 X 2,741,669 4/56 Barrett 200-16 X 2,804,515 8/57 Hcggen ZOO-30 X 2,917,611 12/59 Houston 200-161 2,948,793 8/60 Lanctot 200-5 1.16 X

FOREIGN PATENTS 716,480 5/31 France.

BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.

Claims

29. A MULTIPLE CONTACT SWITCH PROGRAMMING SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSULATED CONTACT BLOCK, A SUBSTANTIALLY UNOBSTRUCTED PASSAGEWAY EXTENDING THROUGH SAID BLOCK, CABLE MEANS EXTENDING CONTINUOUSLY INTO, THROUGH, AND OUT OF SAID PASSAGEWAY IN SAID BLOCK AND SLIDABLE ONLY LONGITUDINALLY THEREIN AND SUBSTANTIALLY FILLING SAID PASSAGEWAY, MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID CABLE MEANS FOR MOVING SAID CABLE MEANS LONGITUDINALLY IN SAID PASSAGEWAY, ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS IN SAID BLOCK, AND SAID CABLE MEANS BEING IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CONTACT MEANS AND COOPERATING THEREWITH, SAID CABLE MEANS INCLUDING A CONTINUOUS CABLE BODY HAVING LONGITUDINALLY SPACED OPERATING SURFACES FORMED THEREON FIXED WITH RESPECT TO EACH OTHER AND WITH RESPECT TO SAID BODY, SAID SURFACES BEING MOVABLE INTO, THROUGH, AND OUT OF SAID PASSAGEWAY FOR OPENING AND CLOSING SAID ELECTRICAL CONTACT MEANS.