Abstract: A safety switch with a contactor structure including first and second contactor contacts electrically connected to each other. The switch has an "on" state in which first and second terminal contacts are contacted with the first and second contactor contacts, respectively, to thereby electrically connect the terminal contacts therebetween, and an "off" state in which the terminal contacts are not electrically connected to each other by the contactor structure, whereby current cannot flow between the terminal contacts. The switch also has a cycle control mechanism with a normal-state in which the switch is free to cycle between the "on" and "off" states, and a welded-state in which one of the terminal contacts is welded to one of the contactor contacts and the other of the contactor contacts is separated from the other of the terminal contacts. When the cycle control mechanism is in the welded state, the switch is prevented from moving from the "off" state to the "on" state.

Abstract: A self-adjusting electric tappet switch includes a housing, an electrical switch contact carried on the housing, a slider member movable relative to the housing and adapted to actuate the electrical switch, and an elongate tappet member extending from the housing and selectively engageable with the slider member. The slider member has a first engagement portion adapted to selectively connect with a second engagement portion provided on the elongate tappet member. The switch is self-adjusted by relative rotational movement between the slider member and the elongate tappet member to lock the pair together.

Abstract: An electronic switch includes a rigid base, a circuit board supported by the base which includes an aperture therethrough defined, at least in part, by spaced apart conductive terminals of an electrically conductive circuit, a resiliently flexible casing attached to the base and overlying the circuit board, and a plunger attached to the casing and extending therefrom through the circuit board aperture. The plunger includes a conductive portion which is adjacent to the casing, and a non-conductive portion. The casing is resiliently biased so as to normally position the plunger such that the non-conductive portion thereof extends through the circuit board aperture. Depression of the casing, however, places the conductive portion within the aperture and into contact with the spaced apart conductive terminals to close the electrically conductive circuit. The electronic switch may be utilized in connection with, for example, a drowsiness warning device which includes a band securable about a wearer's neck.

Abstract: A plunger actuated switch, suitable for automotive brake light applications where the plunger is held depressed in de-actuated condition. Upon installation, the switch housing is moved on an adjustable mounting to cause the plunger to contact a user moveable operating member such as a brake pedal arm. The switch mounting is adjusted to cause the plunger to depress and move the internal switch actuator to its limit of travel; and, the switch is further adjusted to cause the plunger to ratchet over an adjustment member carried by the actuator to provide an adjusted position of the switch. The adjustment member has spring fingers which are bowed during the adjustment; and, upon subsequent release of the user moved operating member, i.e., a brake pedal arm, the plunger is spring biased away from the fingers which snap inwardly to thereafter permit relative motion of the plunger with respect to the actuator when the actuator is at its travel limit to thereby provide overtravel absorption.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a plurality of plungers (6) and (8) telescoped one inside another. Each plunger is depressable from an extended position independently of the other(s) against a bias provided by a spring (28, 46) to operate respective switch contacts (62, 56).

Abstract: An insulating layer with at least one via is provided over a metal plate. A sacrificial layer is applied over a portion of the insulating layer so that the sacrificial layer extends into the via. A metal bridge having at least one opening is provided over a portion of the sacrificial layer and a portion of the insulating layer so that the metal bridge extends over the via and the opening is situated adjacent a portion of the sacrificial layer. A reinforcing seal layer with a well is provided over the metal bridge so that the well is situated adjacent to at least a portion of the opening. The sacrificial layer is then removed.

Abstract: A switch comprises a plunger, a retainer, a pair of terminals and an electrically-conducting wiper contact having a curved or bent middle portion defining two oppositely directed legs on either side of the middle portion. The retainer cooperates with the plunger to carry the wiper contact as the plunger moves between a normal and an actuated position. The terminals have facing contact surfaces for biased engagement with the portions of the legs exposed by the plunger and retainer to form an electrical path between the terminals when the plunger is in the actuated position. The plunger and the retainer are coupled together by arms which project from either the plunger or the retainer. The wiper contact is secured between the plunger and retainer without the need for forming a central loop in the wiper contact for engagement by the plunger.

Abstract: A rod-type switch including: a tube-like body; a conductor conducting tube fixed in the middle part of the body; a contact having on one end thereof an insulating rod extending inside the conductor tube, the other end of the contact projecting from one end of the body; a spring resiliently the contact biasing so that a part of the contact is caused to project from the body; and an electrode rod supported by the body while insulated therefrom and biased in a direction of the conductor tube by a spring so that a contact portion of the rod contacts an end of the conductor tube. As a result of the construction, an electrical circuit is formed by the body, the conductor tube and the contact portion of the electrode rod, and a switch is formed by relative movement of the contact portion with respect to the end of the conductor tube.

Abstract: Micromachining methods for fabricating micromechanical structures which include plunger elements free to reciprocate within cavities are fabricated using processing steps in common with those employed in high density interconnect (HDI) technology for multi-chip module packaging. A polymer, such as a polyimide, is utilized as a micromachinable material. In one embodiment, cavities are formed in the polymer material by laser ablation, employing a sacrificial layer as a mask. Electroplated copper may be employed as a sacrificial release layer. One particular structure is a micromechanical electric switch including an array of individual switch contacts actuatable in common.

Abstract: A plunger operated switch has a pair of movable contacts on a movable contact carrier bridged by a secondary contact supported on a pushbutton operator member which is biased apart from the contact carrier. Depression of the pushbutton operator for the plunger assembly moves the primary movable contacts into bridging engagement with the stationary contacts through the secondary contact member. In the event the primary movable contacts weld to the stationary contacts and an operating force is removed from the plunger operator, a spring biases the secondary contact away from the primary movable contacts to open the bridging relationship therebetween and open the circuit controlled by the switch. A pair of normally closed contacts are arranged for operation by the pushbutton operator so that the contacts open before the main contacts close and close after the main contacts open, rendering them particularly suitable for use as dynamic braking contacts in a motor control application.

Abstract: A switch comprises a plunger, a retainer, a pair of terminals and an electrically-conducting wiper contact having a curved or bent middle portion defining two oppositely directed legs on either side of the middle portion. The retainer cooperates with the plunger to carry the wiper contact as the plunger moves between a normal and an actuated position. The terminals have facing contact surfaces for biased engagement with the portions of the legs exposed by the plunger and retainer to form an electrical path between the terminals when the plunger is in the actuated position. The plunger and the retainer are coupled together by arms which project from either the plunger or the retainer. The wiper contact is secured between the plunger and retainer without the need for forming a central loop in the wiper contact for engagement by the plunger.

Abstract: A switch is described that includes a plunger (20, FIG. 1 ) moveable between up and down position and having upper contacts (22, 24) and lower contacts (26, 28). When the plunger is moved to a down position, opposite ends of the upper contact (22) move down against first and second terminals (12, 14) to interconnect them. When the plunger is moved to an up position, opposite ends of the lower contact (26) move up against the first terminal (12) and a third terminal (16) to interconnect them. The plunger can move within a hole in a circuit board and carry two upper and two lower contacts to connect four terminals in two different ways. Each terminal can include upper and lower terminal pads (120, 122, FIG. 5 ) lying respectively on upper and lower surfaces of the circuit board and interconnected through plated-through holes (124) in the board.

Abstract: A housing has a flat side and an open end opposite the flat side, which open end is closed by a circuit board, sandwiching a slidable contact carrier between it and the flat side. Normal power terminals are carried by the flat side and low power traces by the circuit board. Contacts carried on both sides of the carrier open and close circuits on the flat side and the circuit board as the carrier is slid in the housing. The carrier slides on a stabilizing bar with a highly finished surface, thereby smoothing out force irregularities that could be caused by the small size and differing characteristics of the two sides of the switch.

Abstract: A housing has flat terminals, such as traces on a circuit board, along a flat side. A contact carrier having first and second contacts mounted on it is slidable in the housing so that the contacts may slide along the traces in a first direction. First spring blades bias the first contacts against the traces while a second spring blade biases a pivotable member holding the second contacts away from the traces. A plunger mounted on and slidable with the carrier includes a ramp which forces the pivotable member towards the traces when the plunger is depressed in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to cause the second contacts to contact the traces. The carrier comprises two body portions which are held together with a tongue in groove, snap-in latch system.

Abstract: A soft break switch for forming a short circuit between two conductors while the switch is in a closed position, for forming an increasingly resistive circuit between the conductors while the switch is being moved to an open position, and for forming an open circuit between the conductors when the switch is in an open position. The resistive circuit enhances arc suppression.

Abstract: A switch having a carriage with a pair of substantially opposite sides and a contact surface of conductive parts facing one of the sides and a reaction surface facing the other of the sides in spaced relation therewith, and wherein the carriage is movable relative to and substantially parallel with the contact surface and the reaction surface, and has an improved contact mechanism carried by the carriage. The carriage has plural openings extending therethrough perpendicular to the contact surface and the reaction surface. The contact mechanism comprises a respective plurality of plungers, springs, conductive contact members and a common conductive retainer. Each contact member is slidably disposed in a respective one of the carriage openings and is adapted for engagement with the contact surface. Each spring is interposed in compression between a respective contact member and a respective plunger.

Abstract: An electrical switch which includes a casing, a pair of fixed contacts each formed by cutting a rod member into a predetermined length, and disposed in the casing to confront each other, a plunger slidably accommodated in the casing for movement in an axial direction, bearing members slidably supporting the plunger, a movable contact formed by cutting a rod member into a predetermined length and mounted to an intermediate portion of the plunger in a direction intersecting with the fixed contacts, and a return spring directed around the outer periphery of the plunger. The movable contact is restored together with the plunger to close the pair of fixed contacts in a free state.

Abstract: A connect/disconnect switch which is partially immersed in a cryogenic coolant includes colinearly arranged electrically conducting hollow cylinders separated by an electrically insulating as well as thermally insulating support member. An electrically conducting plug member is moveable within the cylinders with the cylinders being electrically connected to bus bars. During current flow operation, an electrical path is established between the hollow cylinders by means of the moveable plug whereas when a disconnect is desired, the moveable plug is removed from contacts with at least one of the cylinders thereby breaking the electrical as well as thermal path.

Abstract: A low voltage switch having relatively long plunger travel that maximizes internal self-wiping of the contacts thereby to prolong switch life. The support for the internal contacts functions as a guide for the plunger as well as providing the necessary electrical spacing.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus for regulating voltage polarity including a support for slidably receiving one or more carriers therein, with each carrier including circuitry. A positive and negative source of power is associated with the apparatus and each of the carriers includes connector means for coupling each carrier to the positive source of power when the carrier is in a first position, and for coupling each carrier to the negative source of power when the carrier is in a second position. In a preferred embodiment of the invention means are provided for preventing either intentional or accidental movement of the carriers from one of the first and second positions to the other position during operation of the carriers. Preferably a bridging connector is provided for coupling the circuitry of adjacent carriers to each other when the carriers are in a first position coupled to the positive source of power.

Abstract: A slide-action switch in which a fixed contact is provided on an insulating wafer has a projection for raising and holding a movable contact away from the surface of the wafer when the movable contact slides to its open circuit position so as to eliminate a high voltage arcing path formed by metal powder left on the surface of the wafer. The metal powder is created by the sliding action of the movable contact against the fixed contact.

Abstract: A high precision and compact contact switch which comprises a housing, a pair of fixed contact elements fixedly supported within the housing, a plunger axially slidably extending into the housing, a generally cylindrical movable contact member, a support piece for the support of the fixed contact elements and a biasing spring. The generally cylindrical movable contact member is tiltably carried by the plunger so as to extend transversely in relation to the plunger. The support piece is preferably made out of synthetic resin. The biasing spring is used for urging the opposite end portions of the movable contact member in order to contact the respective fixed contact elements.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus for regulating voltage polarity including a support for slidably receiving one or more carriers therein, with each carrier including circuitry. A positive and negative source of power is associated with the apparatus and each of the carriers includes connector means for coupling each carrier to the positive source of power when the carrier is in a first position, and for coupling each carrier to the negative source of power when the carrier is in a second position. In a preferred embodiment of the invention means are provided for preventing either intentional or accidental movement of the carriers from one of the first and second positions to the other position during operation of the carriers. Preferably a bridging connector is provided for coupling the circuitry of adjacent carriers to each other when the carriers are in a first position coupled to the positive source of power.

Abstract: An electric switch construction having a housing with electric terminals, two concentric springs disposed in the housing and respectively connected with the terminals, and a movable contactor cup adapted to establish continuity between the terminals and a conductive, barrel portion of the housing. The outer spring biases the cup to a circuit-closing position wherein both terminals are connected to the barrel portion of the housing. A manually-engageable plunger is arranged to engage the cup. When the plunger is actuated, first one terminal is disconnected from the barrel portion of the switch, and subsequently, upon further movement of the plunger, the remaining terminal is disconnected therefrom. The plunger carries an O-ring which forms a partial seal along the bore of the housing, so as to minimize the accumulation of dirt or moisture from the surfaces where electrical contact is made or broken.

Abstract: A switch has four separate electrical terminals. A first electrical contact selectively electrically bridges three of the four terminals while a second electrical contact selectively bridges the fourth terminal and one of the first three.

Abstract: A tamper switch includes an elongated tamper element mounted on a casing for movement along an axis thereof between an inoperative and an operative position. An urging device normally urges the tamper element into one of the operative and inoperative positions. A pair of elongated resilient contact plates are mounted within and fixedly secured to the casing at their one ends, the pair of contact plates being disposed in generally parallel opposed relation to each other. Each of the contact plates has a slit extending along a length thereof and opening to the other end thereof. A contact element is secured to the tamper element. The contact element is urged in between the pair of contact plates to make electrical contact therewith when the tamper element is brought into the operative position. By virtue of the provision of the slit in each contact plate, the contact plate is held in contact with the contact element throughout substantially the entire width thereof.

Abstract: An electrical switch which includes a casing, a pair of fixed contacts each formed by cutting a rod member into a predetermined length, and disposed in the casing to confront each other, a plunger slidably accommodated in the casing for movement in an axial direction, bearing members slidably supporting the plunger, a movable contact formed by cutting a rod member into a predetermined length and mounted to an intermediate portion of the plunger in a direction intersecting with the fixed contacts, and a return spring directed around the outer periphery of the plunger. The movable contact is restored together with the plunger to close the pair of fixed contacts in a free state.

Abstract: A switch capable of individually switching two circuits through a double action of an actuator. The switch comprises: an actuator adapted to slide in a casing by a given stroke; a spring for energizing the actuator toward an initial position; a locking mechanism for preventing the actuator from returning toward the energizing direction by the spring at an intermediate position in the stroke; primary-side contacts adapted to be switched by means of the actuator in the course of movement thereof from the initial position to the intermediate position in the stroke; and secondary-side contacts adapted to be switched by means of the actuator in the course of movement thereof where the actuator further reciprocates against the spring from the locked state at the intermediate position.

Abstract: An opposed contact switch comprising two stationary contacts 8, a movable contact 13 that can bridge the stationary contacts when moved vertically into contact, a spring 15 normally holding the contacts together, a control rod 10 movable vertically, and a contact holder 11 connected to said control rod with oblique guide grooves 12 in the side thereof into which are fitted knobs 14 on the side of the movable contact, whereby the movable contact slides laterally for a short distance across the stationary contact before breaking contact.

Abstract: A hook switch comprises a dielectric base member having series of stationary electrical contact members secured in aligned rows therein; the contact members in one row are offset with respect to the contact members in the other row and they include V-shaped contact sections and terminal sections. A dielectric cover member is latchably secured onto the base member. A movable contact assembly mounted in the cover member includes an operating member and a contact-carrying member. The operating member is linearly movable within an opening in the cover member from a normally inoperative position to an operative position against spring members extending betweeen the operating member and the base member.

Abstract: A mechanical slide selector switch assembly for operating a series of pushbutton switches which includes an elongated support having a series of spaced parallel transverse members between which the switches are mounted, an elongated actuator slidably mounted on the support for reciprocal movement along the support, and a spring-loaded plunger mounted on the actuator to be moved across the transverse members from one switch to another to operate the switches as the actuator is moved to positions between successive pairs of the transverse members. When operating a switch the actuator is supported only by the switch and there is no contact between the actuator and the transverse members. However, when the actuator is moved off a switch it is supported by the transverse members until it engages the next switch.

Abstract: A device for controlling the thickness of a contact lens produced on an automatic and computerized numerically controlled (CNC) lathe is disclosed. A sensor control device is incorporated on a lens lathing machine for engaging the front surface of a lens button upon which the convex surface of the contact lens is to be machine lathed. Immediately upon contact between the sensor and the front surface, the sensor provides for breaking an electrical circuit in the lathe controller providing for automatic position registration of the lens button front surface relative to the cutting tool and its pivot point, and a lens of desired center thickness and power curve radius is subsequently generated. Close tolerances and high repeatability are domonstrated in contact lenses lathed generated by these principles.

Abstract: This actuator switch assembly is used in conjunction with a concrete block machine and provides first and second switch portions, each attached to one of the height pins of the concrete block machine. Both switch portions include spring-loaded plungers and one of the portions includes a pair of electrical contacts which are closed by engagement of the plungers when the height bars approach each other.

Abstract: A transmission rod selector assembly is provided including a novel seal for the housing at the entrance of the selector rod. The seal includes a woven or knit pile fabric having a first section with a resilient fiber pile, a second section including a low-friction fiber pile, a third section including a resilient fiber pile, and a fourth section including an electrically conductive fiber pile. The fabric strip is electrically connected to an accessory component, such as a lean burn system.

Abstract: An automobile brake light switch has a switch housing, a spring-loaded plunger extending through the housing, fixed terminals mounted in the housing, a slide coupled to the plunger, and a resilient movable contact mounted on the slide to engage the terminals. The slide is coupled to the plunger so that it will travel reciprocally and linearly relative to the housing upon operation of the plunger. The plunger is linearly adjustable relative to and independently of any movement of the slide.

Abstract: A switch assembly of the type including a moveable contact and at least one additional contact having a free end lying generally across the line of travel of the moveable contact and having a further portion secured against movement within the switch assembly. A crushable rib is attached to a portion of the housing and is crushed into engagement with the further portion as the switch is assemblied. The invention also employs a pocket for securing a portion of the additional contact terminal against undesirable movement. A spring tab is employed for ensuring a good electrical connection between the moveable contact and a yet further contact terminal arranged within the switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is shown as having a switch body slidably receiving a resiliently biased manually actuatable plunger which carries a resiliently deflectable member effective for engaging, when said plunger is suitably actuated, a related pivotally supported member which, in turn, is operatively connected to a movable electrical contact member effective for contacting cooperating relatively stationary electrical contacts.

Abstract: A convertible switch operator for use as a pull momentary and as a push-pull momentary operation characterized by a tubular selector longitudinally movable in a housing and spring biased by a first spring for operation as a pull operator; and spring biased by two springs in an intermediate position as a push-pull operator.

Abstract: A circuit selector, particularly adapted for the control of stage lights and the like. A support frame carries a group of input buss bars that are individually connected to power sources through dimmer control devices. A load control switch corresponding to each connected buss bar is also mounted on the support frame. At least one load slider member is arranged to be repositioned and engaged with a selected one of the input buss bars while making electrical contact through a slide or guide rail for the slider member between a selected input buss bar and the corresponding load control switch. The slider member is yieldably actuated to a circuit making position and is positively latched in a retracted condition to freely move along the guide rail as it is positioned for engagement with a selected input buss bar.

Abstract: A switch suitable for use in digital clocks for automobiles comprises a case and a plurality of fixed terminals secured within the case. A contact member movable axially or rotatably by a shaft has a plurality of contact elements. A first spring member operates to return the contact member to its initial position after it has been rotated to effect a switching function and a second spring returns the contact to its initial axial position after the contact member has been moved axially to effect a switching function. The switch can thus provide any of these switching functions by being operated by rotating the shaft in either of two directions, or by axially moving the shaft.

Abstract: Presented is a high power switch for making, breaking and carrying high direct and alternating current circuits. The switch incorporates pairs of contacts that operate in sequence, one of the contact pairs being the first to "make" and the last to "break" and the other contact constituting a movable conductive bridge to carry the primary load through the switch structure.

Abstract: A small, versatile electrical switch suitable for the control of low current electrical devices includes a bridging contact, in the form of a thimble, telescoped over and axially slidable on a guide stud disposed between spaced coined conductor ends which are engaged by flanges of the thimble in a retracted position. A floating sleeve having radial latch dogs is rotated by sequential push operations into and out of latching engagement with the ends of circumferentially spaced holding ribs in a surrounding housing establish projected and retracted positions for the thimble. A coil spring normally biases the thimble and sleeve to a retracted position in which position the flanges of the thimble contact the coined conductor ends. A push operation rotates the sleeve latching the sleeve and thimble in a projected position wherein the flanges are out of contact with the coined conductor ends.

Abstract: A programmable, reciprocating, multiple electrical switch assembly contained within a waterproof housing. The assembly includes a plurality of discrete electrical switches arranged in a predetermined pattern on a fixed frame. The switches are triggered by projections strategically arranged on a sliding key-like finger which mates with the interior of the frame.

Abstract: An electrical slide switch is disclosed which requires no springs to maintain pressure for electrical contact. The switch includes a slidable plunger on which a carrier with an open top is mounted and a contact plate is mounted on top of the carrier. The contact plate includes fingers with downwardly entering contact and an upwardly extending pressure member integral with the plate. The carrier is provided with a hinged lid to close its top and the upwardly extending pressure member is positioned to engage the lid when it is closed. The engagment between the lid and pressure member results in a downwardly force being applied to the pressure member. This downwardly force is transmitted to the fingers, thereby providing sufficient pressure for effective electric contact and cleaning of the contact due to scrubbing.

Abstract: A small light duty multi-pole pushbutton switch is disclosed having a plurality of notched contact pins carried by respective legs of a linearly reciprocal pushbutton actuator for wiping bridging engagement with respective pairs of spaced stationary leaf spring contacts. The actuator is telescopically received in one end of a housing for longitudinal movement therein with the legs extending longitudinally thereinto. The leaf spring contacts are mounted by circuit modules at the other end of the housing and extend longitudinally thereinto. In preferred form, the switch may be front of panel mounted in a 3/4 inch square panel hole. The switch may be illuminated and may provide alternate or momentary action.

Abstract: A switchable attenuator assembly includes a housing, a plurality of rocker arms mounted for pivotable movement within the housing, and a pair of shorting bars associated with each rocker arm. Each shorting bar of the pair of shorting bars associated with each rocker arm is coupled to a respective end of the rocker arm and is aligned with electrical connectors which extend from an attenuator circuit aligned with and adjacent to the housing. The rocker arms are selectively pivoted to cause the shorting bars coupled thereto to move into and out of engagement with their respective electrical connectors to provide attenuation of selected magnitudes to an external circuit.

Abstract: An electrical plug and socket connection which has an axially symmetrical plug body, a central aperture in the plug body for receiving a multi-conductor electrical cable and a cylindrical extension secured to the plug body in alignment with the axis thereof which defines a stop surface at the end thereof remote from the plug body. At least one contact ring is disposed coaxially with the extension between the plug body and the stop surface. The contact ring has an exposed outer surface. At least one contact element defined by a radially movable stud secured to one end of a flat spring projects partially into a cavity of the socket portion for cooperation with the contact ring.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a multipoint mesh welding machine having a row of electrode holders on one side of the working plane of the mesh. The electrode holders are selectively electrically connectable to one of a number of busbars extending across the machine by individual adjustable switching members.

Abstract: An electrical connector-switch for use underwater is in two halves. Each half includes a tubular casing to which respective external electrical leads are connected, for a power supply to one half and an output from the other half. Each half also includes a core. The two casings can be joined together and the two cores joined together end-to-end, so that the two cores can slide as one member within the two casings for switching purposes. Electrical contacts on one of the cores switchably interconnect the external leads of the two casings in one end position of the two cores. Seals between the cores and the casings keep the water out, both when the casings and cores are joined together and when they are not joined together, so that connection and disconnection and switching are all possible underwater.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an ultra-fast operating switch which may be responsive to any desired predetermined circuit condition. The electrical circuit completing component of the switch moves in a straight line, for a reasonably short distance, to provide the connotation of "arrow" switch and may be designed to either make or break circuit continuity in response to potential, or current, or programming.