Abstract: The inventive keyswitch comprises a base plate, a conductive membrane, an elastic member, a key support mechanism and a key wherein the first support lever and the second lever of the key support mechanism are of the same structure and pivotably joined in a scissors-form. The molding die can be simplified, the assembling efficiency can be enhanced and the cost is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a keyboard device wherein arm portions formed at an interval are provided at one end or at the other end of the first or second lever section and wherein a connecting section for connecting the end portions of these arm portions is provided at the end of these arm portions, this connecting section being engaged with the engagement section of the support member or the key top, whereby the strength of the end portions of the arm portions increases, and the deflection of the arm portions can be reduced, so that the inclination of the key top when it is depressed decreases, thereby providing a keyboard device having a satisfactory operability.

Abstract: A latching mechanism comprises a stationary chamber (1), a spring-loaded main slide (2) which is guided along the stationary chamber (1) in a first direction, a spring-loaded message slide (3) disposed inside the stationary chamber (1) which is guided in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a spring-loaded snap lever (4) which is pivotally mounted inside the stationary chamber (11) and which supports the switch lock's toggle linkage during the switched-on position of an overload protection switch. The main slide (2) is mechanically coupled to a manual actuator. During switching-on, the main slide (2) is moved in the direction of the message slide (3), such that the message slide (3) is moved via interacting bevels (19, 28), and locks the main slide (2). During tripping, the trip latch moves the message slide (3), causing the main slide (2) to be locked into a tripped position and causing the snap lever (4) to be released.

Abstract: An interlock for first and second tandemly aligned circuit breaker switches which respectively have first and second external operating handles thereon oriented such that the operating handles are disposed away from each other when the switches are OFF and towards each other when the switches are ON. The interlock includes a substantially inflexible control member movably and retainably mounted relative to the switches. The control member has first and second stops, each of the stops being disposed between the operating handles for engagement therewith. The control members are constructed and arranged such that pushing the first operating handle from an OFF to an ON position pushes the second operating handle from an ON to an OFF position. The control member also includes guide structure for guiding the control member along a central groove defined by the existing structure of the switches.

Abstract: A push button switch assembly and method according to which a button is mounted to a partition and has at least one hook for engaging a ledge of the partition. At least one post extends from the button and through an opening in the partition and is fastened to the partition for mounting the button to the partition for pivotal movement which is limited by the engagement of the hook with the ledge. A membrane switch is mounted on the partition, and a bumper extends from the button for engaging the membrane of the switch to activate same. The bumper is fabricated from a silicone rubber to minimize the effects of relatively large pushing forces acting on the button and to enable the assembly to be used in relatively low temperature environments.

Abstract: A lever switch for vehicles has a first lever 6, a second lever 7, and a third lever 5. The first lever 6 is provided with a first operation rod 9 for operating a first movable member 18 disposed on a pole board 22. The second lever 7 is provided with a second operation rod 7f for operating a second movable member 19 disposed on the pole board 22. The third lever 5 is provided with a third operation rod 5a for operating a third movable member 17 disposed on the pole board 22. The lever switch provides two rotary knobs mounted on a single operation lever assembly and is made compact and slim in formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer power center for providing power to various peripheral devices of a computer. The power center comprises a front housing, a power circuit, a rear housing and a hinge for connecting the front and rear housings. The front housing has a front control panel, a flat upper end, and a rear end with a plurality of power sockets. The rear housing has a front end, a flat upper end, and a recess on its bottom end. The front and rear housings of the power center can be extended so that the upper ends of the front and rear housings can form a combined flat upper end for loading a computer monitor on it. And the rear housing can be folded under the front housing when the power center is not in use so that the size of the power center can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: A multi-function stalk switch that incorporates a pushbutton switch, a first rotary switch and a second rotary switch onto the end of a stalk, wherein further switching functions may be executed by moving the entire stalk in either of two orthogonal planes. The stalk switch incorporates many design features that enable it to be assembled at low cost from a small number of parts. One such feature is the use of plastic-on-plastic detents to control positioning of the rotary switches so that they wipe across predetermined portions of a flexible printed circuit board. Another feature is the inclusion of a spring-loaded plunger detent riding in a concave centering mechanism that is operable to automatically return the stalk switch to its central (neutral) position after removal of external biasing forces. A further feature is the inclusion of magnets on the stalk switch and Hall effect sensors fixedly mounted nearby in order to sense movement of the magnets (and therefore the stalk) in two orthogonal planes.

Abstract: Molded case electric power switches such as circuit breakers, disconnects and transfer switches have an energy storage spring which rotates a cam assembly to close and initiate opening of the switch contacts. The cam assembly includes a drive cam with a cam lobe which engages a drive cam follower on the moving contact assembly. Due to space limitations, the cam assembly is positioned so that the drive cam follower initially moves toward the cam assembly during closing. To accommodate for this, the cam lobe has a generally radial leading edge to prevent binding of the drive cam follower. A single latch mechanism latches the cam assembly in a spring charged position and in a closed position. A Y-shaped latch member has one leg which is engaged by a latch, a second leg which engages stops on the drive cam at the charged position and the closed position, and a third leg which sequentially engages the stops to reset the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A push button switch for use in computer keyboards, comprising a membrane sheet 92 whose upper surface forms the switch base plate 90 upon which is mounted a rubber spring 93 which operates the switch, and upon which is arranged a plate-shaped holder member 40 containing a through hole 41, through which the rubber spring 93 projects. Between key top 1, positioned on top of holder member 40, and holder member 40 is arranged moving frame 60 and moving arm 80, assembled in a pantograph assembly. This assembly supports key top 1 so that it can move up and down in relation to membrane sheet 92, and rubber spring 93 biases key top 1 upwards. When key top 1 is pressed downwards, the pressure is transmitted via rubber spring 93 to cause the switch of membrane sheet 92 to operate. When the pressure is released, the resilience of rubber spring 93 raises key top 1 back to its original position.

Abstract: A light conductor and restore spring assembly is made of molded light translucent material which exhibits a significant degree of deflectability and the further ability to rebound or restore to its original shape when released. The framework of the spring forms a light conductor. If the light path needs to be deviated from a straight path the framework of the spring may have reflective surfaces formed into the body of the assembly to reflect the light rays from the input end to the diffusing end of the light path. The external surfaces of the spring/light conductor assembly constrain the light loss by reflecting the light back into the assembly and redirecting it along its path and toward the reflective surfaces or the diffusing end of the light pipe.

Abstract: A circuit breaker housing includes a base having a main portion and a separate subbase portion. The line contact arms for the breaker are mounted on the subbase portion and attached to the main portion which includes the load contact arms. The main portion of the base includes a bottom wall which insulates the load contact arms from the line contact arms along a portion of their lengths. In addition, the bottom wall forms a structural member which rigidly ties the two sidewalls of the main portion of the base. The bottom wall of the main portion of the base includes an opening through which line contacts coupled to the line contact arm make contact with load arm contacts coupled to the load contact arms. Adjacent to the opening, the main portion of the base includes vertical ribs directly tied to the bottom wall which strengthen internal and external side walls in the main portion of the base and reinforce the structural member formed by the bottom wall of the main portion of the base.

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: A keyswitch key includes a thin circuit film comprising a pressure-sensitive switch and at least a first hole defined in the film away from the switch. A metallic base frame is positioned under the film and includes at least one retention member extending through the at least a first hole of the film. An activation mechanism includes a lower portion located on the film and supported by the at least one retention member of the base frame. The activation mechanism is operative to activate/deactivate the switch upon application/release of a manual depression.

Abstract: An electric switch comprises a housing which is provided therein with a receiving cell having in the bottom thereof two through holes. Located in the receiving cell are a first fixed conducting member and a second fixed conducting member which is pivoted with a movable conducting member capable of swiveling between the first and the second fixed conducting members. A switch member is pivoted with the housing and provided at the bottom thereof with a push rod for pushing the movable conducting member to be connected or disconnected with the first fixed conducting member, thereby resulting in the connection or the disconnection of electric circuit.

Abstract: A door-ajar switch assembly for a door movable between open and closed positions relative to an opening in a vehicle body. The switch includes a housing supported adjacent to the opening in a position of inward and outward adjustment. An actuator projects outwardly from the housing and is retractable inwardly to a switch-actuating position. A switch operator is mounted on the door and moves the switch-actuator to the switch-actuating position when the door is closed. The switch operator has an actuator-engaging front face. An adjustment member is secured to the front face of the operator to engage the actuator when the door is initially closed to retract the actuator beyond the switch-actuating position and push the housing inwardly to an adjusted position.

Abstract: A power outlet that has a moveable ground pin disposed in a receptacle and has a normal position with the pin extended and an inserted position. An actuator arm with a projection member is coupled to the ground pin and a rotational cam stop abuts the projection member. A pushrod is included that has a shaft, a lever member coupled to the shaft, and a notch for receiving at least part of the cam stop therein. A circuit breaker is disposed in the outlet and has a switch with an OFF position, and an ON position for activating the circuit breaker. The switch is coupled to the lever member. When the ground pin is actuated into the inserted position, the projection member slides away from the receptacle, rotating the cam stop such that it is clear of the notch and the pushrod thereby is enabled to throw the switch from the OFF position to the ON position.

Abstract: A rotary push-type stepper switch can include a printed circuit board that acts as a support mechanism for tubular electrical connectors extending beyond the edge of the board through cut-outs in the perimeter wall of a switch housing. Each tubular connector has an upstanding tab extending through the circuit board, so that the tubular connector has good surface area support on the board lower surface. Each tubular connector has two cantilever spring leaf elements adapted to grip the surfaces of a spade terminal inserted into the respective connector.

Abstract: A protective covering for a rocker switch that includes a bezel and a rocker arm passing upwardly through an opening in the bezel. An open frame is snap-fitted tightly over the bezel and contains a resilient cap that encloses the top of the frame and the upwardly extended rocker arm. The cap is bonded to the frame to provide a dirt-proof seal therebetween. The cap can be depressed against the rocker arm to cycle the switch without disturbing the seal.

Abstract: Several different types of electrical switches are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, an electrical switch is disclosed comprising: a molded case having a pair of conductive terminal contacts; and a molded actuator for mating with the case. The actuator is movable between a conducting position and a non-conducting position within the case, and the actuator has at least one spring member and a conductive contact surface. The spring member forces the actuator into the non-conducting position, and the conductive contact surface provides an electrical connection between the pair of conductive terminal contacts when the actuator is in the conducting position. The actuator is retained within the case by a retaining member and/or a snap member. The case and the actuator are molded about the conductive terminal contacts and the spring members, respectively. Furthermore, the conductive contact surface is formed of a conductive elastomer that is grafted to the actuator.