Abstract: A tilt switch includes an insulating switch body with an inner circumferential wall that extends from a top end to a bottom end in an upright direction to define a columnar chamber. Two electrically conductive contact terminals are disposed at an annular seat at the bottom end and are spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the upright direction. A movable conductor member is disposed movably in the columnar chamber along the inner circumferential wall. When the switch body stands in line with the upright direction, the conductor member will abut against the annular seat to make electrical connection between the terminals. When the insulating switch body is tilted and deviates from the upright direction, the conductor member will be prompted to move away from the annular seat so as to break the electrical connection.

Abstract: The theft protection system includes a base unit which is sufficiently compact that it may be positioned in a pocket of a golf bag and sense unauthorized removal thereof by a thief. The base unit has a housing containing a tilt sensor which includes an electrically conducting ball positioned within a hemispherically split chamber which in response to tilt or other movement of the sensor (and golf bag) rolls into a position in which it allows current to flow through the sensor and into either just an alarm in a first embodiment or into both an alarm and a transmitter in a second embodiment. The transmitter emits a signal to a remote unit which is sufficiently compact that it may be carried by a user and which includes a receiver and an auditory or vibration alarm. The receiver activates the auditory or vibration alarm in response to receipt of the signal from the transmitter thereby alerting the user to theft or attempted theft of the golf bag.

Abstract: A clock capable of automatically switching to any one of plural functions when the clock is turned to stand on each of four sides is controlled by a gravity operated switch that includes a pair of orthogonally positioned frames, with each frame containing a pair of opposed holding areas, a pair of opposed stop areas, a pair of conductors disposed in each holding area and a steel ball movable between the stop and holding areas for either connecting the conductors in each holding area to electrically execute a function or be disposed in a stop area where no function is executed.

Abstract: A device capable of detecting motion, especially extremely small amounts of motion (micromotion) which has three portions: (a) a sensing portion, (b) a detecting portion, and (c) a warning portion: (A) the sensing portion has (1) a micro- to macromotion pathway having a conformation which permits repeated, reciprocal movement from or about a gravitational resting point, of a ball which is in constant contact with it and which is free to move on it in response to external forces; (2) a terminal domain whose conformation requires the ball to be in constant contact with it when the ball is at the gravitational resting point on the pathway, but which also permits the ball to move away from it in response to external forces; both the pathway and the terminal domain being made of a material whose electrical resistance is between 0.8 and 10 times that of copper, where the resistance of copper is given as 1.

Abstract: A tilt sensor comprises at least two elastically deformable electrodes, a ball having conductivity on at least a surface thereof, and a case which is non-conductive on at least an inner surface thereof for sealing therein the electrodes and the ball.

Abstract: An acceleration limit switch is disclosed, which includes a ball-shaped inertia body made of ferromagnetic material. The ball-shaped inertia body is maintained in a resting position by a permanent magnet opposed on a printed circuit board by two contact elements symmetrically engaging each other. An elastic, conductive diaphragm is mounted between the inertia body and the printed circuit board; the diaphragm being deformed when impacted by the inertia body and thereby connecting the contact element. The interior space of the acceleration limit switch, which is symmetrical with respect to rotation, has a ring-shaped bearing surface for a thin, conductive plastic mat. The printed circuit board, as the cover of the housing, rests on a housing bridge extending fully around, with a sealing ring being disposed on the housing bridge. The printed circuit board is supported by elastic hooks with deformation of the sealing ring, with the hook preferably being shaped by molding on the side of the housing.

Abstract: A switch integrally formed with a printed circuit board includes pairs of conductors printed on the board, a switch lever and a conductive sphere. The sphere is located in a hole in the lever and is held down against the conductors by a leaf spring which is riveted to the lever. The lever pivots relative to the board about a stud staked to the board. Each pair of conductors terminate at a depression within which the sphere rests to close the circuit between the pair of conductors.

Abstract: A unique geometry is used to amplify the force created by gravity on a tilting mass to substantially increase the resulting contact force in a mechanical tilt switch. In some cases a novel contact surface containing abrasive particles is also used to substantially reduce the contact force required to achieve a low contact resistance. The combination of these two features permits a substantial reduction in the size of the seismic mass needed for mechanical tilt switches and results in a switch which has a comparable size and comparable performance to mercury switches without the use of mercury. In some applications the effect of vibration is reduced by partially filling the switch housing with a damping fluid.

Abstract: A motion sensing apparatus comprises two substrates, contact means, and at least one electrically conductive element. A first substrate contains an electrically conductive layer disposed on one of its major surfaces. A second substrate contains a hole, including an interior surface that extends from one major surface to another, such that a cavity is formed by the planes of the major surfaces and the interior surface. The second substrate is positioned substantially parallel to the first substrate, such that the electrically conductive layer is positioned within an area defined by the hole. The contact means and the electrically conductive element are placed within the cavity, such that a motion sensing signal is produced when the electrically conductive element comes in contact with both the contact means and the electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a tilt switch that opens or closes an electrical circuit in accordance with the angle of inclination of the switch. The present invention switch includes a housing that defines a hollow cavity. A first sphere, having a highly conductive circumferential surface, is positioned within the hollow cavity. As the switch is inclined, the first sphere rolls to one end of the housing where the sphere contacts an electrical connector. The first sphere electrically interconnects the electrical connector to the housing on which the sphere rests, thereby completing an electrical connection between the electrical connector and the conductive material of the housing. At least one second sphere is also positioned within the housing. The second sphere is sized in relation to the hollow cavity so that the first sphere cannot pass by the second sphere within the cavity. As the switch is inclined, the first sphere rolls against the electrical connector, closing the switch.

Abstract: An earthquake warning device including a speaker disposed in a housing, a casing disposed above the housing, a pair of electrically conductive sheet members disposed in a lower portion of the casing and electrically coupled to the speaker, a support disposed in the casing having a flat upper surface, and an electrically conductive ball disposed on the flat upper surface of the support. The ball will move away from the flat upper surface and downward to electrically connect the sheet members together when a vibration occurs to cause the speaker to generate a warning sound.

Abstract: An omni-directional inertia switching device is presented. The inertia switching device comprises a housing having a conically shaped upper portion for retaining a ball member within the housing. The ball member is supported by a flat spring having a star shaped opening therethrough. The flat star spring is comprised of electrically conductive material. A lower contact member and the conductive flat star spring are separated by an insulator except for a central opening corresponding to the portion of the flat star spring where the ball member is located. Further, the flat star spring and the lower contact member have terminals which extend from the housing for connection with an external device. The device of the present invention is actuated when a preselected amount of inertia force causes the ball to overcome the biasing forces of the flat star spring bringing the flat star spring and the lower contact member into electrical contact.

Abstract: An alarm unit for a ski has a battery powered circuit which energizes an audible alarm in response to the output from a movement detector on the indication of absence of movement for a predetermined time. This allows a buried ski or a buried skier to be detected. A remotely controlled mode switch enables the unit to be switched to a theft mode in which the alarm is energized on detection of movement by the movement responsive unit.

Abstract: An inertia switch for sensing shock or vibrations imparted to an object to which said switch is secured. The switch comprises a pair of spaced-apart, electrically-conductive contact plates. Each plate has at least one cavity therein. The plates are held in fixed, spaced, parallel relationship to one another with the cavities facing and aligned with each other to constitute at least one opposed pair of cavities. A metal ball is loosely captive between the at least one opposed pair of cavities so that the ball, when in a condition of rest, establishes four conductive contact points, two with each of the plates.

Abstract: A ball bearing plunger actuator for a limit switch is provided with an insert between the ball bearing and the actuator. The insert is disposed into an opening in the distal end of the actuator before insertion of the sphere. After swaging the sphere is captivated within the opening of the actuator with the low friction insert disposed at the bottom of the opening between the sphere and the actuator. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the low friction insert is made of a fluorocarbon, such as TFE. Several embodiments of the present invention incorporate inserts which are differently shaped to provide certain advantages in particular adaptations. Two of the embodiments utilized either a generally cylindrical insert with a conical concave part of the insert shaped at one end to receive the ball bearing or, alternatively, a generally flat circular disc of fluorocarbon material which conforms to the bottom of the opening and is inserted into the opening prior to insertion of the sphere.

Abstract: In a remote control switch for posture adjustment of the automotive mirrors, there are disposed on a substrate that is fixed within a casing, a first group of fixed contacts for posture control of the lefthand mirror and a second group of fixed contacts for posture control of the righthand mirror. The fixed contacts forming the first group and those forming the second group being offset at a predetermined angle from each other. Two electrically conductive balls are spaced apart from each other and are electrically connected to each other to form a pair of moving contacts. The moving contacts are held by a rotary switching member with their positional relation fixed so as to roll on the substrate. An operating shaft is mounted pivotably and tiltably in the casing, and is normally forced in a direction perpendicular to the substrate so as to take the neutral position. Further, the operating shaft is operatively connected to the rotary switching member.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter includes a function selector device (17) for outputting selection signals in dependence on a function selected by operating the device. A function is selected by tilting the function selector device which includes optically functioning tilt switches. For this purpose, a ball guide housing (50) is constructed with five ball resting places, i.e. places in which a ball (K) within each specified tilt range always adopts a stable position. At one of the ball resting places a light transmitter (D) is mounted, while at other ball resting places light receivers (P1-P3) are located. A multi-bit signal is outputted by the light receivers, with the different bit sequences corresponding to different selection signals.

Abstract: Briefly, according to the invention, a tilt switch 30 comprises a body 20 including a substantially conical cavity. The substantially conical cavity has at least a portion 24 which is electrically conductive. The tilt switch further has an electrical contact 32 spaced from the conductive portion 24 of the cavity. Finally, a conductive ball 34 located within the cavity selectively interconnects the electrical contact 32 and the conductive portion 24 of the cavity when the tilt switch 30 is tilted.In another aspect of the invention, a jitter switch 40 comprises a body 50 including a substantially concave shaped cavity. The substantially concave cavity has a curved bottom surface having a conductive portion (48) thereon and a sidewall having a separate conductive portion (44) thereon. A conductive ball 46 within the cavity intermittently interconnects the conductive portion of the bottom surface 48 with the conductive portion on the sidewall 44 when the jitter switch 40 is in motion.

Abstract: A thermostat subbase has a conductive grid located on a first surface of an insulating base. Terminals for connection to the controlled heating and cooling apparatus and terminals for connection to a thermostat are integrally formed from the conductive grid. Manual switching is provided to connect adjoining grid portions. The adjoining grid portions extend over a pocket formed in the base and are shaped to receive a conductive ball.

Abstract: An air responsive control forms the basis for a mouth-blown device having a series of pipes in side-by-side relation into which the user blows or sucks. Signals are produced to operate apparatus such as a music synthesizer for a typewriter or computer. Each pipe has at least a section of light transmitting material. Inside that section, movable actuator such as a ball moves out of a light path between a light source and a photo-sensitive responder by sucking on or blowing by an operator. When the ball blocks the light path there is now signal to the operated apparatus but when it moves out of the light path there is a signal. Both the light source and the photo-sensitive responder are outside the pipe, thus ensuring that there is no contact with saliva of any directly connected electrical part.

Abstract: A motion sensor comprises first and second housings comprised of electrically conductive material, first and second electrically conductive elements movably supported respectively in the first and second housings, and a joinder member for interconnection of the first and second housings, the joinder member being comprised of electrically insulative material and defining a passage permitting movement of the first and second electrically conductive means between the first and second housings responsively to orientation of the tag. The joinder member, the housings and the first and second electrically conductive elements are collectively dimensioned to provide for electrical conductivity between the first and second housings upon reorientation of the tag from a disposition wherein neither of the first and second electrically conductive elements are in registry with the joinder member.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter contains on a circuit board (3), which is rigidly connected to the transmitter housing (1) of the remote control transmitter, a positional-deviation switch configuration (17), which in the event of an angular deviation of the circuit board (3) and thus of the remote control transmitter beyond a particular trigger angle (a.sub.o) from a particular given or instantaneously determined reference operating position generates an output signal designating the direction of the positional deviation. In a signal converter (5) of the remote control transmitter, this direction-dependent output signal is converted as a control command into a transmission signal, and emitted via a transmitter element (4) of the remote control transmitter to a remotely controlled electrical appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching device for use as a control switch for the posture-adjustable automotive mirror. The switching device according to the present invention comprises plural fixed contacts disposed in a substantially straight line on a substrate housed in an enclosure, moving contacts formed by two electrically conductive balls disposed movably on the substrate, slider element having two slopes which are in contact with the two balls, a box-shaped actuator comprising a slider which houses the slider element, through holes for guiding the slider parallel to the substrate, and a resilient member disposed between the slider element and the slider, which forces the slider element toward the substrate. Thus, the switching device according to the present invention performs well in operation and durability, as well as ensures a contact between the fixed contacts and the moving contacts.

Abstract: A motion detector particularly adapted for use with the transmitter of a motor vehicle keyless entry system. The motion detector causes the transmitter device carried by the user to transmit a coded signal when it is in motion, for example, as it is being carried by a user toward the vehicle. The motion detector includes a spool surrounded by and electrically insulated from a shell. A ball is positioned in the annular cavity around the spool. Associated electronics are provided to sense a change in state of the motion detector as an indication of motion. Changes of state of the motion detector occur when the ball moves into and out of direct contact with the spool or shell and further as the ball rolls around the annular cavity while being supported by both the spool and shell caused by surface roughness of the interface surfaces.

Abstract: A remote control switch for posture adjustment of automotive mirrors comprises plural fixed contact groups each having a first to third fixed contacts formed on both sides of a substrate and plural pairs of moving contacts disposed corresponding to the fixed contact groups, respectively. Each of the moving contact pairs consists of two electrically-conductive rolling elements movable on the substrate while being so kept by slidable actuating members disposed correspondingly to each moving contact pair. Each of the actuating members are forced by a resilient member disposed correspondingly to the actuating member in a direction where each moving contact pair takes a first contact position in which it is put into contact with the first and second fixed contacts.

Abstract: Earthquake sensing device which has a ball with a metallic surface which is resting atop a perch having a narrow upper base. In case of a tremor, the ball falls off the perch and is intercepted by a contact plate and thereby closes an electric circuit which includes the ball, the perch, the contact plate, a power supply and an electric sounder, which is activated to sound an alarm.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a voltage surge arrestor for use with an electric device having a component to be protected from a voltage surge. The arrestor comprises at least first and second electrodes, and a spacer connected to the electrodes and mounting the first and second electrodes in spaced relation. The electrodes have portions which are spaced relatively close to each other and form a gap therebetween, and a gravity movable member is in the space between the electrodes and movable by gravity into and out of the gap, thereby changing the voltage breakdown level in the gap. The arrestor further includes a voltage and current limiting block connected to one of the electrodes. The movable member may be electrically conductive or a dielectric member, and it may be liquid or solid.

Abstract: There are many instances, specifically supportated offshore platforms, where the initiation of catastrophic tilting should be detected and personnel warned. Conventional tilt detection switches, while capable of detecting a tilt condition, are prone to false alarms due to minor deviations from normal conditions. The disclosed system employs a free rolling ball member on a normally horizontal planar surface. This surface is divided into regions by elongated protuberances which separate the ball from a switch capable of being closed by contact with the ball. The ball is prevented from actuating the switch on the occurrence of minor deviations of the planar surface by the protuberances, but upon substantial tilting, the switch can be actuated by the ball rolling over the protuberances and contacting the switch.

Abstract: An electromechanical device for transmitting a binary ON-OFF or an analog signal through a rotary connection between two parts of a mechanical system. It is applicable to rotary connections in general but particularly as a warning system for work platforms which employ swivelable casters having operator actuated locks to prevent movement of the platform during work operations. The swivelable caster includes a lock or brake and means for engaging and disengaging the lock. The caster includes a hollow shaft which allows pivoting of the caster The shaft is journaled in the platform base and includes an axially extending actuator operated by the lock or brake actuator to operate an electrical switch carried by a work platform and mounted near the caster shaft for operation whenever the caster brake is engaged regardless of the swivel orientation. Discrete ball bearings are trapped in the hollow shaft and displaced by a wire cable moving between the trapped balls.

Abstract: An electrical tilt switch includes a generally cylindrical cap member having a hollow interior with an internal inwardly extending ridge positioned a significant distance above its lower edge, a flat, generally cylindrical base member having a concave dished upper face, an annular insulating member interposed between the base and cap and fastened to each, electrical leads attached to the base and cap members, and a spherical contact member carried on the dished surface and movable against the ridge when the switch is tilted to a specified angle. For severe environmental conditions the preferred material for the cap, base and spherical contact member is a K Monel alloy.

Abstract: The multi-directional switch according to the invention possesses a housing (1), in which at least two electrical contacts (2, 3) are arranged opposite one another, a tilting member (5) being supported in the housing (1) by means of a tilting part (6) and having a control part (7) extending in the vicinity of one of the electrical contacts, the ball being carried by a surface (9) of the tilting member (5) opposite the tilting part (6) and having a profile in the form of a cup.

Abstract: A lever switch includes a plurality of microswitches arranged along a line and having respective pushbuttons, first pressing members disposed in confronting relation to the pushbuttons, respectively, a second pressing member arranged for displacement with respect to the first pressing members for selective engagement therewith, and a lever member for displacing the second pressing member to selectively displace the first pressing members for selectively pressing the pushbuttons to switch the microswitches.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic ball is mounted between dished first and second contacts and subjected to magnetic restraint tending to retain the ball in its central, rest position by means of a rare earth type magnet which is accurately positioned relative to the ball by a polyester shim clamped between the first contact and the magnet as a result of resilient deformation of an annular portion of a cap attached to a housing member enclosing the first and second contacts. Lugs extending from the first and second contacts pass through openings in the housing member and through apertures in a printed circuit board to which the sensor is attached by dowels. The lugs are then attached to the printed circuit board by soldering.

Abstract: A transfer gear unit for use in an automobile comprises a first changeover device for selecting one of a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode at a time, a second changeover device for selecting one of a high-speed gear train, a neutral gear train and a low-speed gear train at a time, a first fork shaft selectively movable into a two-wheel drive position and a four-wheel drive position for actuating the first changeover device, a second fork shaft selectively movable into a high-speed gear position, a neutral gear position and a low-speed gear position for actuating the second changeover device, and a switch mechanism for indicating the four-wheel drive mode. The switch mechanism includes a switch and switch actuator means operable in response to operation of the first and second fork shafts for actuating the switch when the first fork shaft is in the four-wheel drive position and the second fork shaft is in the high-speed gear position or the low-speed gear position.

Abstract: A gravity switch comprises a dielectric and a cup-shaped conductor pressed together in telescoping relationship to provide a hermetically sealed enclosure for a brass ball contact member rollable axially therein for selectively making or breaking an electrical contact between the sidewalls of the cup-shaped conductor and a point contact with a second conductor extending through the dielectric. The diameter of the ball is only slightly less than the diameter of the enclosure and is more than half the axial distance between the closed end of the cup-shaped conductor and the point contact of the second conductor in order to constrain the ball movement and reduce contact bounce. The various contact surfaces of the switch are silver plated and thoroughly cleansed to optimize current flow and maximize switch life within the hermetically sealed enclosure.

Abstract: A control-lever for a game in which a movable object is displaceable by gravity to operate a detector. In one embodiment the movable element is a pendulum and in a second embodiment the element is a ball rolling in one or more channels. The ball can be a solid object or a ball of mercury.

Abstract: A device for sensing wheel rotation includes a cylindrical casing with a frusto-conical bottom end which defines a ramp for a steel ball in the casing; a shaft connected to the casing top for rotation by a vehicle wheel to cause the ball to ride up the ramp; a pair of annular contacts at the bottom of the ramp which are electrically interconnected by the ball when the wheel and consequently the shaft and casing stop rotating, whereby an electrical circuit including the contacts is closed to provide a signal indicating that rotation of the wheel has ceased.

Abstract: A switch is disclosed having a plurality of conductors entering a chamber containing a movable contact element. Air pressure applied to the contact element moves it into contact with at least one of the conductors.

Abstract: A molded cup-shaped dielectric member and a cup-shaped conductor member are pressed together to comprise an integral dimensionally stable sealed enclosure for a contact member movable axially therein for selectively making or breaking an electrical connection between the cup-shaped conductor member and a second conductor extending axially through and sealed within the base of the cup-shaped dielectric member. The axially outer surfaces of the base and the second conductor comprise electrical contacts for a gravity actuated switch. The overall axial dimension between the axially outer surfaces is obtained by telescoping the cup-shaped members coaxially together until the preselected axial dimension is obtained. In one embodiment the cup-shaped dielectric member has a cylindrical base and a coaxial diametrically reduced cylindrical portion extending from the cup-shaped base to an upper opening. The conductor is telescoped over the diametrically reduced portion in fluid sealing relationship.

Abstract: A shock and vibration sensitive switch includes two E-shaped electrodes mounted on opposite sides of a cavity. Two inertia weights are supported by the electrodes in an electrical parallel arrangement to provide redundant current paths. The redundant current paths allow proper switch operation in the event of failure of one of the current paths. The switch is hermetically sealed to prevent moisture and the contaminants outgassed by the switch lead wires from entering the interior of the switch.

Abstract: A miniaturized switch particularly suitable for electronic keyboard control applications has a pair of contact members providing spaced contacts, a conductive floating contactor disposed in the space between such contacts adapted to engage both of the contacts to close the switch, a resilient sleeve enclosing the contacts and the space therebetween to encircle the contactor, and actuator means to displace the contactor within the sleeve relative to the contacts to effect closing of the switch.

Abstract: Modular electrical switches and shunts for use in programming electric/electronic equipment are disclosed comprising an electrically insulating, substantially rectangular housing, and a pair of elongated electrically conducting terminals secured to the base of the housing. Electrical switches of this invention contain an electrically conducting contact bearing disposed within the housing and adapted to be movable between a first position and a second position corresponding respectively to the "off" and "on" configurations of the electrical switch in response to the movement of a switch actuating member slidably disposed within the housing. A mounting bar and cartridge-dispenser for storing, transporting and installing and removing the above-described switches and shunts from integrated electrical circuits are also described.

Abstract: A seismic responsive operating device in which a sphere supported on a seat on the top of a column with a spiral guideway around the columns to guide the sphere against a lock lever for releasing a compressed spring, a spring loaded operating arm is capable of lifting the locking lever to out of the way position to allow the arm to operate a device.

Abstract: A gravity-activated, electric switch rigidly mountable on any type of tool which is to be used in a precisely accurate position respective to a horizontal or vertical plane includes a sealed cylindrical case having an electric contact at each end, a spherical steel ball activated by gravity to freely roll inside the case for making electrical connection between the contacts, the contacts being located so that the gravity-activated ball makes connection therebetween only when the tool is in a precisely accurate position respective to a horizontal or vertical plane.

Abstract: A wristwatch having a housing with an electronic digital visual display. A motion activated switch means is provided in the housing to reset the visual display to a desired display. The switch means has a first and a second switch function to cause a display of a predetermined digital display and to further cause activation and stoppage of the predetermined digital display to a desired one.

Abstract: A combined gravity operated light socket and switch including a base, fastening means extending from one side thereof and a dielectric housing extending from the other side, the housing being divided into two adjacent chambers. The first chamber is open-ended forming a light socket and the second chamber houses a switching mechanism. The switch includes a headed co-axial shaft extending between the chambers with the head acting as a contact in the base of the socket and the opposite end carrying a flat centrally flanged teeter-totter element supporting a rolling ball and arranged for predetermined angular movement upon angular shifting of the housing. The angular movement of the flat element is limited by stop means, one of which is a contact, thereby producing an on-off status depending on the angular placement of the unit.

Abstract: A watch device is adapted to deliver a time counting signal from an electronic time counting means to a display means to effect a display corresponding to the time counting signal. The watch device comprises a switching means for producing an electric signal when it takes a predetermined attitude; a timer means driven, at the point of time when the signal is initiated, to produce a signal having a predetermined time width; and a display control means for effecting a display by the timer means during a time period corresponding to the predetermined time width.

Abstract: A snap action electrical switch is disclosed which includes an actuating plunger slidably mounted within a switch housing, which carries two pairs of circumferentially spaced terminals. The plunger carries two sets of contacts which correspond to respective pairs of the terminals. Each set of the contacts includes a pair of spheres slidingly mounted within a transverse bore provided within the plunger and a spring which yieldably urges the spheres toward opposite ends of the transverse bore. An insulating member is disposed between the terminals and the plungers. One pair of apertures, provided in the insulating member, register with one of the transverse bores when the plunger is in one position and another pair of apertures register with the other transverse bore when the plunger is moved to another position.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating coded signals commensurate with information to be entered into associated equipment includes a matrix of magnetically operated switches. The switches are disposed beneath a generally planar data entry area and transparent indicia bearing overlays are received on the data entry area; the overlays including target points aligned with individual switches and there typically being fewer target points than switches whereby the overlay has space for the indicia and a plurality of overlays are utilized to take full advantage of the capability of the matrix. The apparatus may also include light emitting devices associated with the switches to provide operator feedback or guidance.

Abstract: A miniature electrical switch including a housing having a cover and a base plate and a switching assembly within the housing. The switching assembly includes a switch actuator, a ball contactor and a spring, together with a contact assembly. A plurality of contacts are engageable by the ball contactor to electrically interconnect contacts connected to a circuit. The contacts are arranged to enable the switch to be used in single-pole double-throw, double-pole double-throw or multiple-pole double-throw modes.