Abstract: An electroluminescent D.C. display panel has a transparent substrate, transparent anodes, a metal oxide interlayer, an electroluminescent powder phosphor, and cathodes formed in stacked relation on the substrate. The metal oxide interlayer allows the panel to be formed relatively quickly at substantially reduced forming currents.

Abstract: An improved drive circuit for operating an electroluminescent display includes a circuit for biasing column and row drivers to maximize the energization voltage for illuminated pixels without reducing the contrast of the display. Interface circuitry is also provided for detecting the beginning of valid data for each line to be displayed, checking the selected display mode of the line and adjusting the timing of a system clock to completely and uniformly display characters in the 40-column, 80-column or graphics display mode.

Abstract: Electroluminescent display panels comprising copper sulfide coated Zns:Mn phosphor powder, bonded in an organic dielectric binder, can be provided with increased useful lives by incorporating (1) silver in the copper sulfide coating on the ZnS:Mn phosphor powder, in an amount of 2 to 12%, by weight of the copper in the copper sulfide coating; and (2) elemental sulfur in the dielectric binder, in an amount of 0.1 to 3%, by weight of the phosphor particles. The additives can be used independently or together, preferably together. Methods of incorporating the additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: A probe actutaed switch comprising a plurality of electrical contact blades and a first and second actuator for engagement with a first and second probe. The actuators are slidably mounted and positioned to engage selected ones of the contact blades. Each actuator defines a rest position and is biased to that rest position by selected contact blades. First and second probe guides are aligned for engagement with the first and second probes. Each guide is adapted to guide a respective probe into engagement with a respective actuator. A latch mechanism is positioned to releasably latch the first actuator in its rest position. As the probes are inserted into the respective probe guides, they are guided into engagement with the actuators. The second actuator is thereupon moved from its rest position to alter the electrical connections of selected ones of the plurality of contacts. The first actuator is held in its rest position until the first probe is fully inserted.

Abstract: An interlock switch used with an electrical appliance such as a microwave oven. The interlock switch has a housing in which a plurality of switch elements are mounted. The housing also contains movable and stationary barriers which isolate selected switch elements from others so that broken off pieces from some switch elements will not come in contact with other switch elements.

Abstract: A sub-miniature snap-action switch which can be manufactured efficiently and reliably with minimal reliance on tedious hand assembly. The switch includes a novel pivot bracket assembly comprising a pivot bracket, a blade and a spring coupling the bracket to the blade.