Abstract: A miniature insert molded slide (10) or rocker (12) switch assembly is designed for machine insertion on printed circuit boards. A metallic strip (90) is blanked to form pairs of oppositely disposed terminals (22) still attached to the carrier strip (92). The insert-molding operation forms a box-like housing (14) about the terminals (22) on the strip (90), each pair of terminals (22) being embedded in the base (16) of said housing (14). During the insert-molding operation, the die forms the terminal head (28) of each terminal (22). The housing-terminals construction is utilized for both the slide (10) and rocker (12) switch assemblies. The slide switch assembly (10) includes an actuator (40) having a double cantilevered resilient contactor (50) entrapped in a through opening (48) in the actuator (40), the contactor (50) having a depending arcuately shaped contactor head (54) for engaging and disengaging the terminal heads (28).

Abstract: A circuit module (10) having a row of connector pins (21) and being approximately 4mm. thick or less, and including an electrical circuit (22) connected to the connector pins (21). In prior art designs, it has not been possible to utilize a large substrate having good heat dissipation properties and, at the same time, include an attached electrical device, without exceeding the allowed maximum dimensions of the module. The present invention solves the problem by recessing an edge (17) of the substrate (11), depositing spaced-apart conductor films (26a and 26b) in the recess (16) that electrically connect with the eletrical circuit (22), and soldering (31a and 31b) the electrical device (30) to the conductor films (26a and 26b). Principal uses for the invention include digital computers and similar complex electronic devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing fired resistors having uniform resistance characteristics, wherein a continuous closed-loop feedback network detects deviations from standard resistivity values and continuously corrects the composition by varying the proportions of high and low resistance material ratios or blends of such materials being screened onto the substrates (212), and detects deviations in screened-on film thickness for continuously correcting either the speed of operation of a screener assembly (No. 1, No. 2) or the squeegee head pressure in order to obtain a predetermined film thickness. The process continuously adjusts the fired resistance values through on-the-production-line control of mixture ratios of high and low resistive paints, to produce final fired resistors (170) having the required resistance values, temperature coefficients of resistivity, improved stability, and improved TCR tracking values.

Abstract: A variable resistance control includes a metallic structure plate that functions as a heat sink and that provides both a collector and terminals, a body that is molded onto the structure plate, a resistance element that is deposited onto the body and onto portions of the terminals, a contactor, and a driver. In one embodiment, additional miniaturization is made possible by bending a tab portion of the structure plate between two of the terminals to form a stop lug for limiting rotational movement of the driver.

Abstract: A multi-stage pressure switch (10) transduces partial vacuum pressure levels to corresponding electrical outputs. The switch (10) comprises a vacuum housing (12) having a bore (16) therein and a port (14) at one end. Positioned within the bore (16) and in engagement with one end of a coaxial spring (48), is a rubber piston (50) having an integral lip seal (54) which wipably engages the wall of the bore, the piston (50) also having a socket (56) disposed therein. A U-shaped switch drive arm (38) has a drive arm extension (40) and ball (41) received within the socket (56) of the rubber piston (50). Contactors (42, 43, and 44,45) are mounted on opposite sides of the drive arm (38). A switch housing (28) having two sets of terminals (32, 33, and 34,35) extending into the housing and terminating at different levels is joined with the vacuum housing (12).

Abstract: In a press (10) for briquetting loose ceramic powders into cohesive compacted articles, a shuttle (24) and shoe (26) is employed for receiving an inflow of loose powders and adapted for filling the die cavity with powder. Simultaneously the shoe (26) displaces an ejected briquetted article. The characteristics of the longitudinal movement of the shuttle (24), including its range, speed, and phase of movement, are controlled by a power shaft having a crank shaft (50) coupled to the power shaft through an adjustable plate (39). The adjustable plate (39) is angularly adjusted, and the pivot connection (48) between the crank shaft (50) and the center (54) of the adapter plate (39) is radially adjusted. The described adjustments regulate the range, speed, and phase of movement of the shuttle (24). Between the crank shaft (50) and the shuttle (24) is a rocker shaft (60), rocker arms (66, 68) and struts (76).

Abstract: A preprogrammed slide switch assembly (10) is provided for the simultaneous opening or closing of a series of switches disposed within a housing (12). A slider (60) having a grip (66) extending through an longitudinal opening (14) in the housing (12), has a plurality of contactor bars (54) attached thereto and extending laterally, each in a predetermined direction. A two part base (22) has each part (24, 26) molded about a plurality of terminals (28) so that when the parts (24, 26) are coupled together, pairs of oppositely disposed terminals (28) will each be positioned for engagement with a respective one of the lateral contactor bars (54). The lateral contactor bars (54) engage either one or both of the terminals (28) of the respective set of terminals in one of two transverse positions of the slider (60), and in a predetermined pattern of open and closed switches.

Abstract: In a multi-layer ceramic package, a plurality of ceramic lamina each has a conductive pattern, and there is an internal cavity of the package within which is bonded a chip or a plurality of chips intereconnected to form a chip array. The chip or chip array is connected through short wire bonds at varying lamina levels to metalized conductive patterns thereon, each lamina level having a particular conductive pattern. The conductive patterns on the respective lamina layers are interconnected either by tunneled through openings filled with metalized material, or by edge formed metalizations so that the conductive patterns ultimately connect to a number of pads at the undersurface of the ceramic package mounted onto a metalized board. There is achieved a high component density; but because connecting wire leads are "staggered" or connected at alternating points with wholly different package levels, it is possible to maintain a 10 mil spacing and 10 mil size of the wire bond lands.

Abstract: A multiple-function electrical switch has an automatic return to an initial position upon release of the shaft (60). An annular drive (70) mounted upon the shaft (60) has a rotary contactor (100) and momentary switch contacts (90,92) secured thereto, and a torsional spring (110) is mounted in a cover (36) enclosing one end of the housing (11). As the shaft is rotated, a tongue (78) on the driver (70) engages the torsional spring (110) which will effect return of the driver and shaft to its initial position upon release of the shaft. The tongue (78) is received in a pocket (56) located in the cover (36) such that the shaft (60) may be moved axially at only one rotational position, such movement effecting engagement between the momentary switch contacts (90,92) and terminals (44,46) disposed in the cover.

Abstract: A method for producing a rotary on-off switch in which a contactor plate is formed from sheet metal stock, integrally molded with a switch housing and thereafter blanked from the sheet metal stock. The switch housing has an integral set of circumferentially spaced abutments at regular intervals in an internal socket opening of the housing. A first switch operating member having a stem and a plurality of crowned teeth is internally mounted in the housing. A second switch operating member also has a set of crowned teeth disposed complementary to those on the first switch operating member, and also is disposed in the housing so that upon coaxial movement of the two operating members the second switch operating member will be caused to rotate abruptly after the second switch operating member has been displaced axially sufficiently to disengage the second switch operating member from the abutments in the housing.

Abstract: A method for producing a thick film circuit (30) including a copper conductor pattern (19), thereby obviating the need for expensive precious metal compositions. In the process, a fritted copper paint (16) is applied to a ceramic substrate (18) and fired at a temperature of 850.degree. C. to 950.degree. C. and is oxidized. Concurrently, the paint (16) is adhesively joined to the nonreactive and nonconductive ceramic substrate (18). Next, a resistor paint (20) is applied in overlapping relationship with the air-heated copper conductor pattern (19) and fired at 850.degree. C. to 950.degree. C. The entire unit is then fired in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of 260.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. to reduce the oxidized copper. The air-fired resistor pattern (21) can either be protected by a coating (40) or unprotected during the reducing atmosphere firing.

Abstract: An inexpensive minimum component loudspeaker which dispenses with the need for either a spider or top plate, consisting of a back plate having a centrally disposed hollow post, an annular permanent magnet mounted on the back plate and closely adjacent the post, and a basket having a central portion lying flat against the permanent magnet and including a central opening concentric with the post and a folded back annular flange which lies flatly against the base of the basket to form a double layer of metallic material disposed closely adjacent the confronting surface of the post to form an air gap. The additional metallic material channels the magnetic lines so that there is a maximum concentration of gauss lines within the air gap. A single piece combination cone and dust cover having mounted thereto a bobbin with coils to form a voice coil is precisely located in relation to the air gap by means of a collapsible shim gauge.

Abstract: A multi-stage latching device for a carburetor which controls the idle speed by defining various throttle plate positions according to deceleration sensor switch, air conditioning switch and ignition switch states. The mechanism which moves the throttle plate consists of a primary force coil which energizes an armature against spring return and the position of the armature coupled through a shaft establishes the idle speed. The throttle position is determined by any one of three adjustably disposed latch coils which when energized, magnetically couple to a casing to define a stop. A circuit control associated with each latch deenergizes the primary force coil while maintaining the magnetic coupling of the stop. With primary force off, the return spring forces the armature back against the energized stop and hence establishes the throttle position and idle speed.

Abstract: A process utilizing tandem insert molded controls for effecting a plurality of electrical control functions. A power switch, variable resistance control, and momentary switch are each contained within insert molded housings or bases which are mounted one against the other in a linearly aligned relationship. The alignment is maintained by an impact system consisting of a metallic front plate having side straps with end fingers curled over to secure the confronting edges of a heat-treated back plate, the front plate/side straps/back plate construction capturing and maintaining alignment of the controls for mounting on a panel board. A plurality of the controls are individually operated by two relatively rotatably and relatively axially movable shafts which independently actuate the respective controls. The shafts each have an annular rotor mounted on an end thereof, the rotor containing a cam lobe on one face and on the oppositely disposed face resiliently bent collector arms and a resilient arm.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator comprising a housing of magnetizable material defining a stationary pole, a bobbin supported by the housing and having an interior bore, an armature comprising a permanent magnet provided with a pair of magnetic poles and movably supported by the bobbin, a pair of coils circumposing the armature and having wire end portions and means securing the wire end portions to the bobbin. The bobbin comprises a pair of bobbin sections and means connecting the bobbin sections, each bobbin section having an inner and an outer rim and supporting one of the coils between the rims. A collar section integrally connects each of the bobbin sections and comprises a keeper for securing the wire end portions and a radially extending vent bore.

Abstract: A method for producing a rotary on-off switch in which a contactor plate is formed from sheet metal stock, integrally molded with a switch housing and thereafter blanked from the sheet metal stock. The switch housing has an integral set of circumferentially spaced abutments at regular intervals in an internal socket opening of the housing. A first switch operating member having a stem and a plurality of crowned teeth is internally mounted in the housing. A second switch operating member also has a set of crowned teeth disposed complementary to those on the first switch operating member, and also is disposed in the housing so that upon coaxial movement of the two operating members the second switch operating member will be caused to rotate abruptly after the second switch operating member has been displaced axially sufficiently to disengage the second switch operating member from the abutments in the housing.

Abstract: A lateral exhaust manifold system for the preheat section of a tunnel kiln comprises a longitudinal duct and input tube. The duct is triangular in shape and has a plurality of spaced apart apertures and a corresponding plurality of cones, the large diameter end of each cone circumposing a respective one of said apertures. The input tube is disposed adjacent the opposite side of the tunnel kiln and has a plurality of spaced apart jets each disposed opposite a respective aperture in the longitudinal duct, and a plurality of spaced apart apertures each located intermediate the jets, the spaced apart apertures and for venting air laterally across the kiln and upwardly along the adjacent wall. A blower vents an exhaust stack connected to an end of the duct. Air curtains control the entrance and exit of the preheat section of the kiln.

Abstract: Disclosed is a glass bonded electrical resistor element and composition composed of glass binder, refractory material to provide form stability during firing and electric conductivity imparting materials of noble metal and noble metal oxides. Manganese may also be present. Oxides of Ru and Ir are disclosed as being significant.

Abstract: A service column comprising a pair of channels in a main member for receiving electrical conductors providing power and communication services from above a suspended ceiling to a work area in an office. The suspended ceiling contains inverted T-rails supporting a plurality of ceiling panels. An adapter bracket assembly fastened to the upper end of the main member of the service column secures the main member to one of the inverted T-rails. The inverted T-rail supporting the service column is defined by two split legs joined together by a web. The adapter bracket assembly abuts against the web and a double C-clamp secured to the adapter bracket assembly with a fastener grippingly engages the split legs of the inverted T-rail. A standard secured to the lower end of the main member of the service column adjustably supports the column from the floor and a sleeve slideable over the main member conceals the standard from external view.

Abstract: A lubrication fitting has a stepped ball check spring which is threaded through the spring closure into a hardened housing.