Abstract: The elastomeric keyboard incorporating a novel interconnect and back-lighting architecture of the present invention includes a printed circuit board and a novel multi-layer membrane switch matrix interconnect structure. The printed circuit board contains a control circuit for powering and controlling the back-lighting of the elastomeric keyboard. The electrical components which make up the control circuit are mounted on a top side of the printed circuit board. The multi-layer switch matrix interconnect structure contains multiple holes arranged to coincide with the components of said control circuit. The multi-layer switch matrix interconnect structure also contains a number of electrical connectors, a number of conductive contacts, and a number of electrical nets for electrically connecting the conductive contacts to each other and to the electrical connectors.

Abstract: In an M.B.B. type relay, a contact spring comprises a pair of flat spring parts integral at the base of the spring and separate at their free ends, each of which cooperates with a fixed contact. An actuating card drives both spring parts in the same direction and has a stepped portion so dimensioned that a first contact formed by one of the spring parts with one of the fixed contacts is closed before the second contact formed by the other spring part with the other fixed contact is opened.

Abstract: A modulator switch, adapted for telecommunication purposes, has a hollow body within which are a plurality of cantilever contact members, there being a center contact member and at least one side contact member. The center contact is biased towards one side or the other and has an extension actuated by an actuator rotatably mounted on the body. Actuation to make, break or transfer contact can be provided. The switch can be designed for sliding on a cover or another switch. The particular selection of two, or three contacts provides the particular actuation required.

Abstract: A multiple cantilever spring contact switch has a base, a housing and a cap. A plurality of pairs of contacts are mounted in the base and the housing fits over the base and contacts. A cap is mounted for movement up and down on the housing and has a plurality of cam members which extend through slots in the housing aligned with the contacts. The cap is resiliently biased upward, and downward pressure on the cap moves the cap downwards and the cam members slide down the slots and actuate one contact of each pair. The contact pairs can be normally open or normally closed, or combinations thereof, and actuation of the one contact by a cam member changes the condition of the contact pair.

Abstract: Multiple sets of parallel flat resilient conductive switch blades arranged side-by-side support opposed contact pairs and in turn are cantilever supported by engagement of each blade at a position remote from its contact area in an insulating wall of a relatively rigid support frame. One of the blades of each pair is moved by actuator means engaging the end remote from the point of support. The actuator means rotatably supported on the frame provides a slot which closely engages the ends of at least some of the blades essentially in the plane of the slot so that actuator rotation opens and closes supported contacts.