Abstract: A push button switch assembly has a housing, a switch mechanism mounted within the housing, a plurality of push rods extending through the housing and a plurality of elongate sliders movably mounted within the housing. The switch mechanism includes a plurality of paired electrical contacts. A first end of the push rods is formed to have an enlarged cross-section, and terminates within the housing. The push rods are axially movable relative to the housing between extended and depressed positions. The ends of the push rods interact with cam surfaces on the movable sliders to cause the sliders to move within the housing in response to movements of the push rods. Cam surfaces on opposing edges of the sliders interact with the switch mechanism to open and close selected ones of the switches. The axial displacement of the push rod required to actuate the switch is relatively short (approximately 1/16 inch).

Abstract: Four different versions of multi-position selector switches can be assembled from a kit of parts by selecting various combinations of the parts and assembling them into a housing consisting of an insulating case and cover. Inventory of parts is reduced by mutual use of some parts in two or more versions. The possible selector switch versions are a three position selector switch having three momentary pushbuttons for selectively closing two normally open contacts and opening a normally closed contact a two-position slector switch having two momentary pushbuttons for selectably closing a normally open contact or opening a normally closed contact, a three-position selector switch having three maintainable pushbuttons for selectively closing two normally open contacts and opening the same, and a three-position selector switch having three pushbuttons including a momentary pushbutton and two maintainable pushbuttons for selectively closing two normally open contacts and for opening the maintained contact.

Abstract: A lock releasing mechanism for push button levers such as used in a tape recorder. The mechanism includes an electromechanical releasing system and a distinct mechanical releasing system commonly operable by a manual operator. The mechanical system functions for lock releasing only if the electromechanical system fails to provide lock releasing.