Abstract: A snap-acting switch comprising a movable contact arm, two holding parts carrying contact pieces which are directly attached on a mounting plate at a specified distance from one another, and an actuating element. The contact arm and the actuating element are mounted on the same holding part, with a first pre-load spring being effective between the contact arm and a second pre-load spring between the holding part and the actuating element. The holding parts are so positioned on the mounting plate, that the actuating element projects beyond a marginal area and covers both sides of the mounting plate in the area so that transversely applied switching forces will operate the actuating element.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating a locking device, security system and the like and for arming and disarming associated alarm systems. The apparatus includes an information carrier, preferably carrying a digitally coded set of data which is presented to a reading device by manual insertion of the data carrier. The data carrier may be a key-like object on which the data track occupies the central tang portion or it may be an actual mechanical key used to operate a tumbler cylinder and additionally provided with a central data track. Preferably, the data track is a series of transparent and opaque fields which are subjected to infrared radiation in the reading device. The read-out data from the data track is compared in the apparatus with stored information and, when coincidence occurs, an actuation signal is generated to operate the associated locking system and/or alarm system.