Patent ID: 6297462
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An apparatus for arbitrarily electrically connecting m input terminals to n different output terminals comprising:first assembly housing m input terminals and n output terminals;a plurality of electrical connectors for either engaging to connect electrically or disengaging to disconnect electrically a number of the input terminals with a number of the output terminals; anda second assembly having an opening and housing a rotary shaft having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of angular positions of rotation about the axis, at least two of the angular positions each presenting one or more contact mechanisms which engage or disengage selected ones of the electrical connectors, and at least one position in which the rotary shaft may be removed from the apparatus without disassembly of the apparatus by movement of the rotary shaft along its axis and through the opening of the second assembly, wherein a different rotary shaft may be installed in the second assembly through the opening.