Abstract: A key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a membrane circuit board and an elastic plate. The keycap is located over the base plate. The keycap includes a top wall and a skirt part. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the keycap and the base plate. The membrane circuit board includes a pressure sensing structure. The elastic plate is arranged between the keycap and the membrane circuit board. The elastic plate includes a triggering part. The triggering part is extended toward the membrane circuit board and aligned with the pressure sensing structure. While the keycap is moved downwardly toward the elastic plate, the skirt part of the keycap is correspondingly moved to press the elastic plate. Consequently, the triggering part is moved downwardly to press the pressure sensing structure.

Abstract: A keypad capable of being configured with multiple button configurations with buttons of various heights is configured to recognize the button configuration through actuations of the buttons. The keypad is placed in a configuration mode by inputting an unresolvable condition to the keypad. Once in the configuration mode, the buttons are individually actuated in a predefined order to configure the size and function of each button.

Abstract: A motor starter apparatus includes an enclosure, a bypass contactor configured to be installed in the enclosure and configured to selectively couple a power source to a motor, and a reduced voltage soft starter (RVSS) circuit assembly (e.g. a wheeled truck) configured to be installed in the enclosure, to be coupled to the power source and to apply a variable voltage to the motor. The bypass contactor is configured to preserve a connection of the bypass contactor to the power source and the motor when the RVSS circuit assembly is removed from the enclosure.

Abstract: A strain detecting device includes a sensor portion and a covering elastic deformation member. The elastic deformation member generates heat when compressed and absorbs heat when expanded, resulting in heat flux. The sensor portion includes first and second heat flux sensors, each of which has first and second sensor surfaces formed opposite to each other. Each sensor outputs a strain-indicating signal of a polarity when the heat flux passes through the sensor, from the first sensor surface to the second sensor surface, and outputs a strain-indicating signal of an opposite polarity when the heat flux passes through the sensor in reverse, from the second sensor surface to the first sensor surface. The first sensor surfaces are opposed to each other across a heat absorbing member interposed between the sensors. The sensor portion generates signals based on the heat flux generated by deformation of the elastic deformation member.

Abstract: A mobile part of an electromagnetic actuator for an electric contactor. The mobile part is made up of a flat piece cut from a rolled sheet. This flat piece includes a first stage intended to face towards a fixed part of the actuator and a second stage, side-by-side with the first stage along an axis of movement of the mobile part. A solid section of the second stage, measured in a plane perpendicular to the axis of movement of the mobile part, is smaller than a solid section of the first stage.

Abstract: An electric switch device for a machine tool has a switch-side contact element, that is held movably and is in contact, in a contact position, with a mating contact element so as to close a circuit. The switch-side contact element is a switching spring, which is acted upon by its internal stress to move into the out-of-contact position.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an electrical switch based on tunneling electric contacts. Electrodes of the switch are formed to have reciprocal apparent contact surfaces, each smooth such that a compressed (in contact) composite mean asperity height between these surfaces is significantly smaller than an electron tunneling length of the switch. A movement mechanism is used to physically move one or both electrodes to vary the gap between electrodes to be greater than/less than the electron tunneling length. In select embodiments, the movement mechanism is electrically actuated and is amenable to relatively high frequency operation. The nano smooth surfaces provide for a tunneling switch where current flow is not primarily dependent on contact force between electrodes, and leads to a highly conductive ON state exceeding high performance, high-contact force mechanical switches, while also being amenable to high frequency operation.

Abstract: A contact slider unit is disclosed for a switching unit, in particular for a circuit breaker, having a contact slider and a contact piece. In an embodiment, the contact piece has a passage through which a tappet is guided.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus comprising: a stationary contact disposed on a conductive path through the electrical switching apparatus; a rotary contact assembly including a roller and a rotary contact disposed on the surface of the roller, the rotary contact being disposed on the conductive path through the electrical switching apparatus; and an operating mechanism configured to initiate a rotation of the roller, wherein the roller is configured to rotate between a first rested state where the stationary contact and the rotary contact are electrically connected and a second rested state where the stationary contact and the rotary contact are electrically disconnected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing at least one functional region (1) on an electrical contact element (30) such as, for example, a switching contact or a plug type contact. The at least one functional region (1), for example, a contact location or a connection region for crimping or soldering connections is limited to a partial area of the contact element.

Abstract: A switching device for electric power distribution, electrically connectable to an electrical conductor, the switching device including a breaker electrically connectable to the electrical conductor, and an electrically conductive housing to which the breaker is mounted, the switching device providing a current path between the breaker and the electrical conductor, and the housing houses a guiding member for operating the breaker, the guiding member being movable in relation to the housing, the housing having an outer surface, wherein the housing has a smooth outer shape to distribute the electric field generated by the voltage of the current through the switching device. A switchgear including such a switching device.

Abstract: A variable capacitor of a position indicator includes a dielectric, an electrode, a conductive member and a conductive portion. The dielectric has an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The electrode is provided on the upper surface of the dielectric. The conductive member is arranged so as to face the lower surface of the dielectric. The conductive portion is provided on the lower surface of the dielectric and is arranged so as to be electrically connectable to the conductive member. The conductive member is adapted to be elastically deformed when pressed against the lower surface by an external force, such that the capacitance of the variable capacitor changes according to a change of the external force.

Abstract: Generally described, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to switch assemblies and methods for switching from one state to another. In some examples, a switch assembly may switch from one electrical contact to another electrical contact by moving a conductive spring or member from a first conductive contact on a printed circuit board (PCB) to a second conductive contact on the PCB. For instance, in one embodiment, a conductive member moves within a slot in the PCB. In another embodiment, a compression force applied to a conductive spring is reduced while the conductive spring moves from a first conductive contact to a second conductive contact.

Abstract: A nanoelectromechanical device is provided. The nanoelectromechanical device includes a nanotube, a first contact, and a first actuator. The nanotube includes a first end, the first end supported by a first structure, a second end opposite the first end, and a first portion. The first actuator is configured to apply a first force to the nanotube, the first force causing the nanotube to buckle such that the first portion couples to the first contact.

Abstract: An electric switch device for a machine tool has a switch-side contact element, that is held movably and is in contact, in a contact position, with a mating contact element so as to close a circuit. The switch-side contact element is a switching spring, which is acted upon by its internal stress to move into the out-of-contact position.

Abstract: An appliance control panel is described. The control panel includes a front metal panel, a rearwardly positioned polymeric decorated film and an adhesive layer disposed between the panel and the decorated film. The film overlies an electronic control module which typically includes various displays and press-type switches. Various markings and indicia on the decorated film are visible through openings in the panel and the adhesive layer. The appliance control panel includes one or more capacitance touch switches.

Abstract: An electrical contact device including first and second switching contact units for producing or isolating electrically conductive connections, wherein a first contact side of the first switching contact unit is connected to a first contact side of the second switching contact unit, and a second contact side of the first switching contact unit is connected to a first connection contact of the contact device, and a second contact side of the second switching contact unit is connected to a second connection contact of the contact device, and wherein two switching contact units are designed to be actuable by a movable plunger acting on said switching contact units. The two connection contacts, in relation to the plunger, are arranged opposite one another on the contact device, and the first and second switching contact units are arranged within a mounting unit.

Abstract: An appliance control panel is described. The control panel includes a front metal panel, a rearwardly positioned polymeric decorated film and an adhesive layer disposed between the panel and the decorated film. The film overlies an electronic control module which typically includes various displays and press-type switches. Various markings and indicia on the decorated film are visible through openings in the panel and the adhesive layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch device including a housing, a plurality of components (including a conductive member, a conducting member, a switch member and an actuating member) accommodated in the housing, and a lid body disposed on the housing. Two vertical boards are disposed on a bottom portion of the housing, and a receiving space is formed in a middle part of the bottom portion. The conductive member has an electrode that is disposed on an upper side in the receiving space adjacent to the two vertical boards. A plurality of grooves are disposed on the bottom portion outside the two vertical boards. The switch member is disposed in the receiving space. A contact pad corresponding to the electrode is disposed between a bottom portion of the switch member and the actuating member at a top portion of the switch member, and is linearly aligned with the actuating member.

Abstract: An electrical cut-off device (1) with high electrodynamic resistance in which the fixed contacts (4) and the moving contact (5) are arranged according to an architecture forming a current loop so that the Laplace electromagnetic forces, called compensation forces (Fc), generated by the circulation of the current (I) in the current loop, are oriented in a direction flowing from the inside toward the outside of the current loop, and in which the actuator mechanism (6) is arranged for moving the moving contact (5) inside of the current loop, from its switched-off position to its switched-on position in a direction (Fd) that is identical to the direction of the compensation forces (Fc).

Abstract: A switch device includes a positive power terminal, a negative power terminal, a plurality of battery slots and a change-over switch. Each battery slot has a positive battery terminal and a negative battery terminal. The positive battery terminal of a battery slot electrically connects to the positive power terminal. The negative battery terminal of another battery slot electrically connects to the negative power terminal. The change-over switch electrically connects with the positive power terminal, the negative power terminal, the negative battery terminal of the battery slot which electrically connecting to the positive power terminal, and the positive battery terminal of the battery slot which electrically connecting to the negative power terminal. The change-over switch is toggled to connect the battery slots as a parallel connection or a series connection optionally.

Abstract: A control module and an electronic device having the same are disclosed. The control module includes a control panel, a return component, and a conductive element. The control panel includes a conductive port. The return component is disposed on the control panel. The return component includes a first end and a second end, and the return component is electrically contacted with the conductive port. The conductive element includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The conductive element is electrically contacted with the first end or the second end.

Abstract: Generally described, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to switch assemblies and methods for switching from one state to another. In some examples, a switch assembly may switch from one electrical contact to another electrical contact by moving a conductive spring or member from a first conductive contact on a printed circuit board (PCB) to a second conductive contact on the PCB. For instance, in one embodiment, a conductive member moves within a slot in the PCB. In another embodiment, a compression force applied to a conductive spring is reduced while the conductive spring moves from a first conductive contact to a second conductive contact.

Abstract: A mechanical switching device including a base member, at least one pair of elongated conductor members mounted on the base member, each conductor member including a conductor end, wherein the conductor ends of the pair of conductor members are separated by a gap, a middle member mounted on the base member, a switch member including a stationary part and a movable part, the movable part including a conductor bridge. The stationary part includes a protruding member protruding away from the direction of displacement of the conductor bridge, wherein the base member, the conductor members, the middle member and the stationary part of the switch member are attached together by means of at least one attachment arrangement formed in the base member, the middle member and the protruding member.

Abstract: An integrated assembly for a vehicle includes a release switch and at least one secondary electrical module positioned in the assembly such that, when the assembly is mounted to a vehicle, a centerline of the secondary electrical module is positioned substantially on a centerline of the vehicle and a portion of the release switch is positioned substantially on the vehicle centerline. An assembly consistent with the present disclosure may include a single switch providing multiple functions or multiple switches each providing a separate function.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a contact apparatus for a circuit breaker, and the circuit breaker may include a stationary electrode portion having a stationary contact; and a movable electrode portion configured to be brought into contact with and separated from the stationary electrode portion, wherein the movable electrode portion includes a movable conductor portion configured to be approached to and spaced from the stationary electrode portion; and a movable contact combined with the movable conductor portion in a relatively movable manner to be brought into contact with and separated from the stationary contact. Through this, it may be possible to alleviate a shock when contacting a contact.

Abstract: Switches that are actuated through exposure to a magnetic field are described. Such switches include conductive portions that are electrically separate from one another when in an open switch configuration. A mobile element of a switch includes one or more anchoring members that are in electrical contact with one of the conductive portions. The mobile element also has a beam that is attached to the one or more anchoring members. The beam can be attached to the one or more anchoring members by flexures. In some cases, the beam includes a plurality of strips. The beam has an end portion that is configured to move toward the other conductive portion when exposed to an external force, such as a magnetic field. When the mobile element electrically contacts the other conductive portion of the substrate, an electrical pathway is established between the conductive portions, giving rise to a closed switch configuration.

Abstract: Accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A headset may be provided with a button controller assembly that has user-actuated buttons and a microphone. The microphone may be formed by mounting a microphone transducer on a printed circuit board. A housing may be mounted over the transducer to form a sealed cavity for the transducer. Circuitry may be mounted on portions of the printed circuit board that extend beyond the edges of the microphone housing. The button controller assembly may have dome switches. The dome switches may have a housing that encloses dome switch components and that forms a structural internal part for the button controller. The dome switch housing structure may have tabs or other engagement features that mate with corresponding engagement features in a button member. The button member may be pressed by a user to actuate a desired dome switch.

Abstract: A side key module for a mobile communication terminal is provided between side keys mounted on a side surface of the mobile communication terminal and an internal printed circuit board. The side key module includes a PCB which is in the shape of an elongated plate and on which a conductive material pattern is formed, a contact terminal having one side which is in contact with the pattern and the other side which is in contact with the internal printed circuit board, and a metal dome which is coupled to one side of the PCB and is in contact with the pattern to electrically connect the pattern to the contact terminal when the side key is pressed.

Abstract: The DC switch includes a housing (2) provided with a power connection terminal (2a) adapted in use to be connected to a power source, and a load connection terminal (2b) adapted in use to be connected to a load. A contact unit (1) is interposed between the power connection terminal (2a) and the load connection terminal (2b). The contact unit (1) has mechanical contacts (10), and a semiconductor switch (11) serially connected to the mechanical contacts (10). The DC switch further includes a switching mechanism unit (3) having an operating handle (30) used for manual operation and movably attached to the housing (2), a position detection unit (4) configured to detect an operating position of the operating handle (30), and a control unit (7). The switching mechanism unit (3) is configured to open and close the mechanical contacts (10) in response to the manual operation of the operating handle (30).

Abstract: A flexible joint may include a conductive compression spring and a pair of non-conductive spring cages disposed at opposite ends of the compression spring to support the compression spring. A conductive member disposed inside the compression spring may extend between the pair of spring cages. One end of the conductive member may be fixed for movement with one of the spring cages and another end of the conductive member may be fixed for movement with the other of the spring cages.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switch that is equipped with a driving device for establishing electrical connection and adapted to a power supplying apparatus, and a power supplying apparatus provided with the same. The power supplying apparatus has a main body, an output port, a voltage-selecting circuit and a switch for commanding the voltage selecting circuit to select the output voltage that is to be output via the output port. The switch has a plurality of resilient conductive terminals and at least one driving device. The insertion of a driving device will selectively establish electrical connection among some of the resilient conductive terminals, enabling the switch to form a circuit for adjusting the output voltage of the power supplying apparatus.

Abstract: A surge arrester is connected in an output current path from an electrical power supply system. A cut-off arrangement is also provided in the output current path and has a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode has a recess in which at least part of a gas generator is arranged. The recess is covered by a cover. When the cut-off arrangement responds, an additional volume for accommodation of expanded gas is provided upon demand, in addition to an arcing area provided in the interior of the cut-off arrangement.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of a device for galvanic isolation of an electrical connection from a semiconductor switch, the semiconductor switch has two switching contacts and a control contact. The device has a printed circuit board on which at least the semiconductor switch and the electrical connection are arranged. The first switching contact of the semiconductor switch is connected to the printed circuit board, and the second switching contact is connected to the electrical connection. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the device has a controllable actuator whose length can be varied and which has two actuator contacts, which are separated by the length of the actuator and are conductively connected to one another. The first actuator contact rests on the second switching contact. The second actuator contact makes contact, depending on the operation of the actuator, with the electrical connection, or is galvanically isolated from it, forming an isolation gap.

Abstract: A device for electrically grounding an access floor panel to a floor panel support in contact with a ground including a clip fastened to the floor panel, the clip compressible against the support when the floor panel is placed against the support.

Abstract: A housing with a sensed power switch includes a shell, a motherboard power switch, and a sensed switch module. The motherboard power switch is located in the shell for turning on or off the computer. The sensed switch module is located in the shell, and has a sensing element and a control circuit. The sensing element is pasted onto the shell and corresponds to a sensing area located outside of the shell. The control circuit is electrically connected with the sensing element and the motherboard power switch. When a sensing object approaches the sensing area, the sensing element outputs a pulse signal to the control circuit. The control circuit outputs a control signal to control the motherboard power switch to turn on or turn off the computer according to the pulse signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for neutralising an electric switching unit comprising one or several power poles, each of which is provided with movable contacts (2) separable form fixed contacts (3) and actuatable between opened and closed positions by an actuator for switching-on an electric charge. The inventive device comprises mechanical actuating means which interact with the movable contacts (2) and are used for actuating means for neutralising the electric switching unit by switching-off the control electric circuit (50) thereof when the wear degree of pellets (20, 30) is greater than a predetermined threshold. The of control circuit is switched-off, for example, by cutting the wire (5) thereof. An electric switching unit provided with said device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Micro-electromechanical (MEMS) contact configuration is disclosed, comprising a static contact with at least one contact surface and a movable contact with at least one corresponding contact surface. Particularly flat contact surfaces and correspondingly low contact resistance can be achieved, if at least one contact surface plane is formed by a crystal plane of the wafer. Furthermore a method for manufacturing such a contact configuration is proposed, wherein the contact surfaces are obtained by wet anisotropic etching of a silicon wafer, if need be preceded by appropriate masking to expose the to be edged regions only, if need be followed by coating with an electrically conductive layer, e.g., a metal layer.

Abstract: Described is a device which includes an attachment arrangement for coupling the device to at least one finger of a user. The device also includes a trigger arrangement which, when the device is located anywhere along a length of the at least one finger, is positioned for activation by a thumb of the user regardless of a position of the at least one finger. When the at least one finger is in a folded position, a first end of the trigger arrangement is positioned for activation by the thumb and, when the at least one finger is in an unfolded position, a second end of the trigger arrangement is positioned for activation by the thumb.

Abstract: A movable contacting device in a circuit breaker comprises: a crossbar linked with the opening/closing mechanism and carried so as to pivot cooperatively with the opening/closing mechanism; a movable contact arm engaged, so as to cooperational with the crossbar, with a shaft fitted into a mutually opposing recesses in the crossbar; and a movable contact arm support fixed to the case accomodating the opening/closing mechanism and having mutually opposing through-holes through which the shaft is passed; and the movable contact being configured so that the movable contact slides between surfaces of movable contact arm support having the mutually opposing through-holes; and the construction of a single-pole portion of the movable contact arm is constituted by arranging in parallel two movable contact arm members each having a movable contact at one end, and in a shaft-supporting portion at the other end, an elastic member is sandwiched between the two movable contact arm members.

Abstract: A contact electrode for a device is made using an etching process to etch the surface of the contact electrode to form a corrugated contact surface wherein the outer edges of at least one grain is recessed from the outer edges of adjacent grains and is recessed by at least about 0.05 ?m from the contact plane. By having such a corrugated surface, the contact electrode is likely to contact another conductor with at least one pure metal grain. This etching treatment reduces contact resistance and contact resistance variability throughout many cycles of use of the contact electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch device for controlling electrical equipment. Such a switch device comprises a body piece (15), a sliding member (14) and contact surfaces controlled by the sliding member (14), means for latching the sliding member (14) into a closed/open position of the switch and for unlatching the sliding member (14) from said positions, a spring-arming plate (11) and switch actuator springs (10). The invention is implemented by making a slot (33) into the sliding member (14) that controls the second movable set of contact surfaces in the switch and adapting compatible interlock means (34) to the housing or body piece (15) of the switch, said interlock means serving to inhibit the movement of said sliding member (14) by virtue of partially entering the slot (33) made into the sliding member (14).

Abstract: A configuration switch assembly for a computer system includes a protected switch for selectively enabling or disabling a function of the computer system, as determined by the state of the switch. The switch is mounted on the interior surface of a chassis panel. In one embodiment, a slide lock is installed in a guide on the exterior surface of the chassis panel. The slide lock alternatively engages, or disengages from, the switch as it travels between two limit positions that are determined by an aperture in the guide and a cam extending from the slide lock. The slide lock is lockable in one of the two positions so that when the slide lock is locked, the state of the protected switch cannot be altered, and the function, as established by the locked state of the switch, is protected.

Abstract: A locking plate for releasably securing a circuit breaker to a module includes a back portion for supporting a circuit breaker, legs connected to the back portion for releasably engaging a terminal of the circuit breaker and for releasably securing the locking plate to the circuit breaker and means for releasably securing the locking plate to a module. The legs may be angled to facilitate slidable engagement with the terminal of the circuit breaker. The locking plate may also include a flange for offsetting the circuit breaker from the module when the circuit breaker is mounted on the module. The locking plate may also include a handle guard for preventing a switch on the circuit breaker from inadvertently being toggled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a push button panel for an elevator. The push button panel includes a front panel and push button areas provided on the front surface of the front panel. The front panel is made of a material having a high degree of rigidity. At least in the regions of the push button areas, the back surface of the front panel is provided with elements sensitive to pressure changes. The sensor element is connected by at least one signal conductor to the data transmission system of the elevator. The sensor element preferably consists of a film which, when subjected to mechanical work, produces an electric signal.