Abstract: A low cost assembly comprising only three major components: a circuit board assembly, a molded plastic housing and a molded plastic cover. The plastic parts are transparent polycarbonate (natural "Lexan") wherein the housing has an integrally molded optical quality lens. Mounting features are integrally molded on the housing and cover. The circuit board assembly uses a common board, trace pattern and terminals and can be either a source or detector by appropriate selection of electronic components mounted to the board. A plurality of rounded bosses on the housing and larger round recesses in edges of the circuit board provide a light interference fit between housing and board to firmly hold the board in place and provide correct orientation of the board relative to the housing. The board may be readily removed and replaced for field repair of the sensor.

Abstract: Light emitting diodes of a through beam photoelectric detector are positioned in a door hinged to a sensor body in which the photodetector diodes are located. The light emitting diodes and photodetector diodes are aligned to establish photoelectric sensors when the door is closed upon the body. A base provides a receptacle for attachment of the sensor, the base having a plug-in electrical terminal half for receiving the connector prongs of a second half of the connector carried by the body. The connector is symmetrical so that the sensor unit may be installed to the base in either of two operating positions spaced 180 degrees apart to enable the hinge to be located at either the right-hand or left-hand side of the sensor unit and of the stations to be sensed.

Abstract: A method for forming a hermetic compression glass to metal seal which leaves the metal free of oxide. A temporary assembly of a metal header having a glass bead in an aperture therethrough and an electrical feedthrough conductor passing through the glass bead is heated in a dehydrated pure hydrogen environment to above the melting temperature of the glass bead, and then cooled to solidify the bead and cause the header to contract around the bead.

Abstract: A method of producing a nonwelding contact assembly for an electrical switch using a composite contact material formed by extruding a metal oxide core surrounded by a metal or metal alloy sheath with good welding properties to form a wire of core material having a layer of the metal or metal alloy metallurgically bonded thereto. A segment of the wire is resistance welded to a contact carrier and coined to the desired contact shape, after which the layer on the contact surface is sufficiently thin that it is oxidized to provide nonwelding characteristics after a few switch operations.