Abstract: The invention proposes a switch (10) comprising a casing (12) which carries a pair of fixed contact elements (48), a contact bar (96) which is movable between a rear closure position and a front opening position, and a member (60) for actuation of the movable contact bar (96) which is mounted so as to slide between a rear rest position and a front triggering position, the movable contact bar (96) and the actuation member (60) constituting a movable assembly, and the switch (10) comprising a return spring (108) which co-operates with the movable contact bar (96) so as to urge it towards its rear closure position.

Abstract: A switching apparatus includes a case, an operation shaft whose one end outwardly projects from inside of the case and which is provided at its central portion with a flange, a support member which supports the flange such that the operation shaft can rock and rotate, an operation knob mounted on one end of the operation shaft, a first contact which is switched when the operation knob is pushed to move the operation shaft, a second contact which is switched when the operation knob is rotated to rotate the operation shaft, and a third contact which is switched when the operation knob is rocked to rock the operation shaft.

Abstract: This invention provides an inputting apparatus with a reduced number of lines in its connection cable, a simplified structure and improved reliability.

Abstract: Turn signal assemblies for motor vehicles that employ shape memory alloy actuators to provide automatic cancellation of turn signals. A controller is in operative communication with the shape memory alloy actuator and is programmed to provide an activation signal to the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A multifunction key assembly for inputting data to an electronic device. The multifunction key assembly has two major switches operated by a single key cap and at least four minor switches. The key cap can be displaced vertically into three major active positions and horizontally into four minor active positions, giving rise to twelve distinct output data signals for inputting to the electronic device.

Abstract: A switching apparatus includes a case, an operation shaft whose one end outwardly projects from inside of the case and which is provided at its central portion with a flange, a support member which supports the flange such that the operation shaft can rock and rotate, an operation knob mounted on one end of the operation shaft, a first contact which is switched when the operation knob is pushed to move the operation shaft and the support member is moved, a second contact which is switched when the operation knob is rotated to rotate the operation shaft, a third contact which is switched when the operation knob is rocked to rock the operation shaft, and a substrate respectively having the first, second and third contacts.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a switch includes first and second mated substrates defining therebetween a number of cavities. A plurality of electrically conductive elements extends to near at least a first of the cavities. A switching fluid, held within at least the first of the cavities, serves to electrically, but not physically, couple and decouple at least a pair of the electrically conductive elements, in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid. A passivation layer covers at least a first of the electrically conductive elements and i) separates the first of the electrically conductive elements from at least the first of the cavities, and ii) is a dielectric for a capacitor formed between the first of the electrically conductive elements and the switching fluid. Other switches, and methods for making same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A touch screen comprising: a) a substrate; b) a first conductive layer located on the substrate; c) a flexible sheet comprising a substantially planar surface and integral compressible spacer dots formed thereon, each integral compressible spacer dot having a base closest to the substantially planar surface and a peak furthest from the substantially planar surface; and d) a second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface of the flexible sheet, the peaks of the integral compressible spacer dots extending beyond the second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface; wherein the first and second conductive layers are positioned towards each other and separated by the integral compressible spacer dots.

Abstract: A capacitance based switch device employs an electric field imaging device electrically coupled via an electrical conductor to a conductive electrode member that is attached to the door or any other suitable surface. Such electric field imaging device generates a sine wave which is transmitted to the conductive electrode member and produces a surrounding electrical field. Any human body part which enters such electrical field will create a capacitance load due to the body being grounded to a surface. Reduction in distance between the body part and the conductive electrode will increase the capacitance and will decrease the voltage intermediate the resistor and conductive electrode which is an inverse function of the capacitance. Such change in voltage will be detected by a microcontroller by comparing voltages at each end of the resistor and the change exceeding a predetermined threshold will be associated with an output control signal.

Abstract: A push-button switch includes a fixed member having a first fixed contact strip disposed on the inner surface of the fixed member and a second fixed contact strip disposed on the inner surface of the fixed member and opposite the first fixed contact strip; a control member biased by a spring from the fixed member and locked in a desired position; and a movable contact strip configured, when attached to the control member locked in the desired position, to be in contact with and to short-circuit the first fixed contact strip and the second fixed contact strip. The movable contact strip is configured to be isolated from the first and second fixed contact strips at substantially the same time when the control member is controlled against a biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: A switching device and a remote control transmitter using the switching device are provided. In the switching device, a driving body rotating in conjunction with an operation body is provided. This rotation of the driving body provides an electrical contact or separation of a switch. A rotation of the operation body causes a great number of electrical contacts and separations of the switch. The operation as described above provides fine detection of an operation angle of the operation body to provide detection of the operation position with a high accuracy.

Abstract: A remote keyless entry device for use with a vehicle that includes a printed circuit board, at least one button configured to cooperate with the printed circuit board to selectively form an electrical circuit, a power source, and a housing. The printed circuit board and the power source are embedded within the housing. The housing at least partially covers the button and secures the button to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A switch comprises an input contact and at least one output contact, a single droplet of conductive liquid located in a channel, the droplet being in constant contact with the input contact, and a heater configured to heat a gas. The heated gas expands to cause the droplet to translate through the channel.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly includes an electrical switch having a dielectric housing mounting at least a pair of switch terminals having contact arms exposed at one side of the housing. A printed circuit board has a major flat surface and a side edge surface which faces the one side of the housing. At least a pair of L-shaped conductive contact pads are mounted on the printed circuit board. The L-shaped contact pads have terminating leg portions on the major flat surface of the circuit board for electrical connection to appropriate circuit traces on the board. The contact pads have contact leg portions at the side edge surface of the circuit board for engaging the contact arms of the switch terminals.

Abstract: A method and system of minimizing sticky keys in an electronic device having a body, circuitry, and a plurality of keypads is disclosed. The method and system comprise providing a protectant coating; and applying the protectant coating on surfaces of both the keypad and also the body to prevent sticking between the mating surfaces. A system and method is added in accordance with the present invention utilizing a protectant on critical surfaces which serves to prevent the residual buildup of contaminants following spills. In so doing the sticky key problem associated with the contaminated buildup is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A method and assembly for use with a printed circuit board (PCB), the assembly comprising a relay assembly including a relay housing and a trip free reset assembly mounted within the housing and linked to other relay components mounted within the housing for manually resetting the relay after the relay is tripped and at least one pin linked to at least one of the relay components and including a distal end extending from the housing and suitable for direct connection to the PCB.

Abstract: A switch device including a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, a lead-out pattern extending from the second fixed contact to the outside of the first fixed contact, and a movable contact disposed on the first fixed contact and formed of a reversing leaf spring is provided. The first fixed contact includes a pair of cutout ends opposing each other across an exposed insulating portion of an insulating substrate. A pair of first overlay films having a predetermined thickness are respectively provided on the cutout ends. A second overlay film is provided on the first overlay films and on the insulating portion disposed on the lead-out pattern.

Abstract: A pressure switch for pressures up to a maximum permissible pressure (pmax), with a housing (1) and a membrane (2), whereby the membrane is fastened in the housing. The membrane has an exposed face on which a pressure can act, and it is deformed when a pressure acts upon it. The pressure switch comprises a means (4) that converts the membrane deformation into a stroke, as well as an electric contact system that interacts with this means. The means causes a membrane deformation to actuate the electric contact system. The pressure switch also comprises a cast solid abutment member (5) that completely fills a cavity between an inner wall of the housing and the face of the membrane opposite the exposed face when the membrane is exposed to the maximum permissible pressure pmax.

Abstract: A high voltage, high current telescopic disconnect switch suitable for use in isolated phase bus duct has two fixed conductors and a movable telescopic conductor coaxially disposed within the first fixed conductor and movable to a closed position bridging the first and second fixed conductors. A plurality of contact fingers are mounted to the fixed conductors and have contact surfaces that extend into engagement with the telescopic conductor to make electrical contact between the fixed conductors through the telescopic conductor when in a closed position. The contact surface of each of the fingers comprises a first tip portion that extends beyond the fixed conductor and has a first radius that is slightly greater than the radius of the telescopic conductor so that the first tip portion presents an arcuate width that overlies in wiping electrical contact the telescopic conductor when in the closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gearshift mechanism for electromotive toy car is provided in a space defined by a left cover and a right cover, including a gearshift lever, a slide plate, an opening shield plate, an opening shield securing plate, a switch plate, pushbuttons, a switch plate affixing shaft, and a gearshift lever pivotal pin, using the gearshift lever to drive the switch plate to push a pushbutton for actuating a motor, and a pedal throttle to activate a power switch for halting, driving slow advancement, fast advancement or slow reversing of the electromotive toy car, so as to meet children's desires to imitate adults' driving maneuvering through realistic activities.