Abstract: Disclosed is a piezoelectric actuator comprising a pair of piezoelectric elements, bistable snap-action means, and projectile means attached to the snap-action means in an impact receiving relationship alternately with the piezoelectric elements. The projectile means has a mass sufficient to acquire an acceleration upon impact from each of the piezoelectric elements to cause the snap-action means to change state. The snap-action means may comprise an elongated bending element squeezed endwise between supports, the projectile means being carried by bending element at a point intermediate its ends.

Abstract: A miniature relay having dimensions in the order of 30 mm.times.24 mm.times.4 mm is driven by an expansion type piezoelectric actuator element. The actuator drives an interconnected series of lever arms which rest on a mounting block. The actuator rests on an anchor block. The coefficients of thermal expansion for the actuator, the mounting block and the anchor block are mutually cancelling.

Abstract: In a transfer-type electromagnetic relay comprising first and second lead members (26, 27) for first and second fixed contact studs (31, 32), respectively, and a third lead member (28) for an armature (36), first and second permanent magnets (46, 47) are directed to back surfaces of the first and the second lead members, respectively, with poles of the same name brought nearer to the respective leads. A single permanent magnet may be placed in the above-mentioned manner. Preferably, first and second arm members (43a, 43b) are attached to a leaf spring (37') fixed to the armature and extended from a central portion of the leaf spring on both sides thereof in directions different from each other. The leaf spring is manufactured without any bend and is therefore substantially flat. The third lead member partially comprises a non-magnetic portion at a center area thereof to support the armature.

Abstract: In a transfer-type electromagnetic relay, movable contact studs are attached to both ends of a leaf spring (38) fixed onto an armature (39) for reducing the relay thickness. Leads (26, 27) for fixed contact studs are made of a soft magnetic material. Permanent magnets (46, 47) are placed transversely on the leads with poles of the same name brought nearer to the leads. When selectively magnetized by a coil (48) wound around a housing (21, 22), the armature is swung to carry out contact transfer with a high sensitivity. The relay is rendered self holding by the permanent magnet and the soft magnetic leads. Only one permanent magnet may be used for a current-holding relay. The leaf spring has transverse and longitudinal arms for insuring contact between the movable and fixed contact studs and connection of the movable contact studs to leads thereof.

Abstract: A multicontact sealed electromagnetic coordinate selection device comprises a movable contact type spring supported at both ends by supporters at a prescribed interval from a metal plate and electrically insulated from said metal plate, the movable contact type spring elastically supporting a plurality of movable contacts facing the corresponding stationary contacts formed on the upper ends of stationary contact terminals which penetrate said metal plate. The lower ends of said stationary contact terminals are supported by a magnetic metal member.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switch assembly having a structure adapted for integral formation of component parts and for reduction in size and production cost, including an insulating base plate having at least one through hole formed therein to serve as a cell for relay contacts. An integrated type switching device can be realized with a matrix array of such through holes and electromagnetic relays associated therewith, the relay contacts being mounted on the base plate through the medium of two groups of conductive layers formed on the opposite surfaces of the base plate and extending along the lines and rows of contact cells, respectively.

Abstract: A leaf spring and contact arrangement for an electromagnetic switch. A movable contact has a magnetic body attached thereto and is restrained by side arms secured to a housing and bent arms connecting the contact member to the side arms. The side arms are arranged symmetrically about the center of gravity of the movable contact. The contact member, side arms and bent arms are all in substantially the same plane. A magnetic force overcoming the restraining force causes movement of the movable contact in a direction perpendicular to said plane. The leaf spring may be formed in a repeat pattern consisting of a plurality of movable contacts each having a pair of bent arms associated therewith for connecting the movable contact to the secured side arms.