Abstract: The invention relates to a windscreen wiper drive mechanism in which an output lever can be fixed on a gear wheel at a predetermined angle, the gear wheel adopting a position at a defined angle. Before assembly, the output shaft should be connected to the output lever in such a way that it cannot be detached. The invention also relates to a method for assembling a drive system of this type. The inventive method consists essentially of the following steps: moving the gear wheel into the defined end position (park position) independently of engagement with the output shaft and then connecting the output shaft to which the output lever was previously undetachably fixed to the gear wheel, with a press fit. Advantageous embodiments describe appropriate bearing possibilities for the gear wheel and suitable steps for facilitating the pressing-in process.

Abstract: A thin type light permeable keyboard includes a plurality of keys, a plurality of bridge structures, a frame board, a luminescence board, a film circuit board, and a base board. Each of the light permeable keys has a top face in turn coated with a light permeable substrate layer, a light impermeable coating layer, and a light permeable protection layer. Each of the bridge structures is pivoted between each of the keys and the frame board. The luminescence board mounted between the frame board and the film circuit board may function as a luminous member that may mate with the light permeable frame board, elastic members and keys to indicate the sculptured characters, symbols, numbers or patterns on the keys, thereby facilitating the user operating the computer in the dark site.

Abstract: A vibration switch includes a housing with an accommodation chamber for receiving securely a deflectable electric contact body. Two electric contact terminals respectively have connecting ends adapted to be connected to a support, and contact ends disposed in the chamber and electrically insulated from each other. One contact end is disposed to anchor and is electrically connected to an anchoring end of the electric contact body. The other contact end surrounds a contact terminal end of the electric contact body such that the contact terminal end is deflected so as to contact the contact end when the housing is jerked, thereby making an electrical connection between the terminals.

Abstract: A full power switch assembly for a portable generator that is capable of instantly communicating the presence and operation of a full power switch to the user is disclosed. The full power switch assembly includes a first outlet for supplying electrical power having a first voltage (e.g., 120 VAC), a second outlet for supplying electrical power having a second voltage (e.g., 240 VAC), and a switch including a selector. The selector is movable from a first position to a second position for causing the first outlet to be capable of supplying electrical power up to a maximum power level. Movement of the selector between the first position and the second position further causes indicia to be displayed for indicating whether the first outlet is capable of supplying electrical power up to the maximum power level.

Abstract: A control panel assembly having a plurality of buttons located in a bezel and supported by a switch mat. A bezel and/or button is formed using a vacuum forming technique and has a transparent inner surface layer and a middle translucent color layer and an opaque outer surface layer. A portion of the opaque outer surface layer is removed to define a desired indicia on an outer surface of the bezel or button. In addition, the bezel or button can be backlit to allow visibility in low light conditions. A method of making a control panel component, such as a bezel or button, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A switch pod assembly (10) includes a hub portion (30) fixedly connected to a steering column (12) adjacent a steering wheel (20). First and second arms (40, 50) extend radially from opposite sides of an outer surface (32) of the hub portion (30). First and second switch pod modules (60, 70) extend transversely from second ends (44, 54) of the first and second arms (40, 50), respectively. Each switch pod module (60, 70) has a curved outer surface (62, 72) that has a radius generally concentric with and smaller than a radius of the steering wheel (20). The outer surfaces (62, 72) are positioned proximate the steering wheel (20). The first and second switch pod modules (60, 70) support a plurality of switches (80), including actuators (112) positioned along the curved outer surfaces (62, 72) of the first and second switch pod modules.

Abstract: A thuster control unit which in general comprises a base plate 100, a switch panel 200 mounted on said base plate, and a boat shaped, or navicular, control knob 500 mounted on the base plate such that it is displaceable over the switch panel. The panel is equipped with switches, such as embedded switches, for controlling bow and stem thrusters, and/or any other propulsion unit. The control knob is equipped actuator pegs 425, biased downwards, each thus transmitting a force to the switch panel. In a non-actuated state, the navicular control knob remains in a neutral position in which position no one of the embedded boat manoeuvring control switches are operated. The forward and aft actuator pegs thus activate the forward and aft boat manoeuvring control switches respectively in a manner corresponding with a selective displacement of the navicular control knob. The boat shaped control knob provides a novel, efficient and reliable means for a combined control of any boat propulsion system.

Abstract: An electric switch requiring mechanical movement for actuation is mounted to a surface mountable switch mounting plate by standoffs so as to position a toggle bat in position for actuation by a planar switch cover plate adapted for sliding engagement, in parallel juxtaposition, with the switch mounting plate. The switch cover plate is adapted for engagement with the electric switch for actuation thereof by sliding engagement.

Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) for supplying power to at least one electrical device (APP1-APP12), comprises at least one distribution point (P) for the power supply, and at least one female outlet (J1-J12) on its accessible side. The outlet is adapted to receive a male connector of a cable of an electrical device (APP1-APP12). The point (P) is electrically connected by a respective electrical cable to at least one manually resettable circuit breaker (BRK1-BKR6). The at least one circuit breaker comprises a respective push button (POU1-POU6) for resetting the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker (BRK1-BRK6) is connected by a respective electrical cable to the at least one female outlet (J1-J12). The circuit breaker (BRK1-BRK6) is located inside the unit and at least one reset mechanism capable of resetting the at least one circuit breaker is provided. Several circuit breakers may be supported in line and the reset mechanism is capable of resetting all of the circuit breakers simultaneously.

Abstract: A switching device includes a rotary potentiometer and a push button, an actuating element of the rotary potentiometer and an actuating element of the push button being concentrically arranged; The rotary potentiometer has an essentially hollow cylindrical form in whose interior the push button is disposed.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) switch having a high-resonance-frequency beam is disclosed. The MEMS switch includes first and second spaced apart electrical contacts, and an actuating electrode. The beam is adapted to establish contact between the electrodes via electrostatic deflection of the beam as induced by the actuating electrode. The beam may have a cantilever or bridge structure, and may be hollow or otherwise shaped to have a high resonant frequency. Methods of forming the high-speed MEMS switch are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flow switch for a high pressure washing system or other flow-related system is disclosed. The flow switch switches from an open to a closed position in the presence of adequate flow in a water or other fluid-carrying pipe. The flow switch includes a housing with a tubular bore, an inlet port and an outlet port which allow fluid to flow through the housing. Within the housing is a plunger with an attached plunger magnet. The plunger is responsive to fluid flow. A sensor is situated proximate to the housing. A sensor magnet is placed in position near the sensor and opposes the plunger magnet. A third magnet (the alignment magnet) is placed proximate to the housing. When there is no flow within the housing, the plunger is at its rest position as the alignment magnet attracts the plunger magnet to correctly align and position the plunger within the housing.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit (FPC) (23) and a rubber contact (27), superposed on this FPC (23), are received and held in a lower casing (30) and an upper casing (40), and key tops (29a to 29g) are mounted on the upper casing (40), and can open and close respective switch contacts (23a), provided on the FPC (23), through the rubber contact (27). Those portions of an upper surface of a bottom wall (31) of the lower casing (30), opposed respectively to switch-mounting portions (43a to 43e) of the upper casing (40), are defined by flat surfaces, respectively, and electronic parts (25) are mounted in a concentrated manner on those regions of the FPC (23) disposed respectively on the flat surfaces (34) of the lower casing (30).

Abstract: An acceleration detector comprising a rotor rotatably supported within a housing and rotating against the urging force of a torsion spring based on acceleration, a pair of contact terminals contacting each other to be in an electrically connected state by rotation of the rotor at an inner end portion provided within the housing, and a supporting portion integrally formed with the rotor and supporting the torsion spring. The supporting portion is displaced by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction from the rotary center of the rotor so that the spring effect center when torque is exerted on the torsion spring by rotation of the rotor substantially corresponds to the rotary center of the rotor. This construction of the acceleration detector produces the desired performance approximating the design value in an acceleration detector.

Abstract: A portable electronic device has a keypad for entering alphanumeric characters including a plurality of single contact keys and a multi-way shift key. A character is entered by actuating a single contact key (2) alone or in combination with the multi-way shift key (3). The multi-way shift key (3) may be a four-way rocker switch, with each single contact key having five character labels, four of which are arranged to indicate the direction in which the rocker switch should be actuated to enter the corresponding character.

Abstract: A handle-operating mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a rotary operating handle for opening and closing a main-circuit contact of a circuit breaker, a rotating gear operably connected to the operating handle and having a first engaging device, and a contact opening-and-closing mechanism having a toggle gear meshing with the rotating gear. A clutch gear is connected to the operating handle to be interposed between the operating handle and the rotating gear, and has a second engaging device. An idle stroke is formed such that when the circuit breaker is turned on, the operating handle runs idly after rotation of the operating handle has been started and before the second engaging device engages the first engaging device to drive the rotating gear for actuating the toggle gear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a push-switch that comprises a tubular case, a fixed electrical contact in the tubular case, an operation shaft in the tubular case, a contact piece held by a holding part to the operation shaft, a resilient member for urging the operation shaft, and a cover for closing the tubular case. The holding part defines grooves and a recess between the grooves, and the contact piece has a fixing part positioned within the grooves and a protrusion positioned within the recess. The contact piece also includes an arm having an electrical contact thereon for sliding engagement with the fixed electrical contact upon depression of the operation shaft, and the cover includes an opening. The cover also includes a rib projecting downwardly from a lower side thereof, with an inner side of the rib being flush with a contact surface of the fixed electrical contact. To assemble the push-switch the contact piece is attached to the operation shaft via the holding part.

Abstract: A power switching device is disclosed that achieves a complete, mechanical “on” and “off” electrical circuit. The device is a rapid micro-relay that comprises two separate systems: a control driving signal system and a voltage delivery system. Its electrostatic actuator and switching connectors are electrically separated, inhibiting interference between the two systems. The micro-relay can optionally be adapted to support multiple voltage delivery systems for separate circuits.

Abstract: In the stationary side housing 10, there are provided four pin-type stationary electrodes 13 which are insulated from each other. In the movable side housing 20, there are provided movable electrodes 23 by which the stationary electrodes 13 can be electrically continued to each other when the movable electrodes 23 are engaged with the stationary electrodes 13. In the stationary side housing 10, there is provided a hood section 12A. In the movable side housing 20, there is provided a slit 25 for receiving the hood section 12A. Both the housings 10 and 20 are guided in the engaging direction of the movable electrode 23 with the stationary electrode 13 by the action of the hood section 12A and the slit 25. In the movable side housing 20, there is provided a movable plate 31 in the longitudinal direction. On this movable plate 31, there is provided an oblique groove 34, which is obliquely formed, engaging with the hood section 12A of the stationary side housing 10.

Abstract: A multidirectional input device comprising a frame having an upper wall, a printed wiring board having a fixed electrode portion, and an operating shaft adapted to be tilted, wherein a movable electrode portion is attached to the operating shaft in an opposed relation to the fixed electrode portion, an opposition area between the movable electrode portion and the fixed electrode portion is changed by operation of the operating shaft, and a change in capacitance between the movable electrode portion and the fixed electrode portion is detected to obtain an operational direction of the operating shaft.