Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining an electronic device having an encapsulated body portion of a generally uniform cross section by means of a socket assembly having a plurality of deformable ribs extending medially therein. The electronic device, in particular an LED is inserted into the cavity for frictional retention therein by deformably engaging the ribs of the socket assembly. Critical height spacing of the LED is retained yet the deformable ribs allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the device body and leads without placing undue stress on its lead/die interface.

Abstract: A membrane switch is provided having at least two surfaces having contact members thereon. Such contact surfaces can be applied to different layers of the switch assembly or to both the top and bottom surfaces of the same layer of the switch assembly. Certain of the contact members of the different surfaces are in registration with each other and are of such a configuration to permit the combined contact of such members with a base layer.

Abstract: A visual display mounting assembly is provided wherein a substantially rectangular parallelopiped central body 18 of a display module 17 is sandwiched between a planar surface 29 of a printed circuit board 23 and a substantially planar chassis wall 15 having a rectangular opening 16 therein for a front viewing surface 19 of the display module. The chassis wall opening 16 is formed with two opposing planar edge portions 32 of the chassis wall and two opposing nonplanar edge portions 33 of the wall comprising bent portions of the wall projecting towards the module. Peripheral portions 34 of the front surface 19 of the display module are positioned in pressure contact with the planar edge portions 32, and the front surface 19 is positioned between the non-planar edge portions 33 of the chassis wall. The display module 17 is held in place by retaining twist tabs 24 fixing the circuit board to the chassis wall and thereby having the circuit board press the display module body against the chassis wall.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly (10) is provided having upper (11) and lower (12) housing portions which house a dome switch contact assembly (13). A switch actuator (20) substantially comprising a planar oblong plate (21) is mounted to a housing wall (41) of the upper housing portion (11) in a through opening (44) of the housing wall. The actuator (20) forms a hand insertable snap-in subassembly with the wall (41). The actuator (20) is intended for substantially pivotal movement from first to second predetermined positions such that in the second position a contact projection (26) attached to a second longitudinal end portion (25) of the actuator contacts the dome switch assembly (13) while flexible bias tangs (45, 46) apply mechanical bias to the actuator at a first longitudinal end portion (24) to position the actuator toward its first position.

Abstract: A resilient spacer for use in a membrane switch assembly is formed of an open-cell, non-reticulated foam felt layer, allowing air from the space between the upper and lower switch contacts to move into the foam material surrounding the contacts when a switch contact is made. The switch contacts remain protected from atmospheric contamination regardless of whether the assembly is edge sealed or not.

Abstract: A movable electroluminescent display which can be moved relative to its printed circuit board to effect selective viewing of the display apart from the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An improved switch actuating apparatus operating dome switches in which a dome shaped switching member mounted on a circuit board is actuated by the action of an elongated button member urged in a linear direction or a pivotal direction into contact with the dome switching member against the action of a elastomeric member positioned between the elongated button member and dome switching member. The elastomeric member has an aperture formed therein through which a tip portion of the button member extends for contact with the dome switching member. The button member has a plurality of vertically extending leg members which are received through openings in the circuit board. The leg members each have a hook portion extending from the end thereof to effect the desired operation of the switching member through either a pushing or rocking action by an operator.

Abstract: An improved mounting arrangement and method of assembly provides for mounting parts on both chassis and board, then mating the two before soldering by means of a twist-tab-and-slot arrangement. The conformation and dimensions of the tab and slot prevent warpage during soldering, enabling the use of the chassis as a board carrier in the wave soldering process.

Abstract: An improved mounting arrangement and method of assembly provides for mounting parts on both chassis and board, then mating the two before soldering by means of a twist-tab-and-slot arrangement. The conformation and dimensions of the tab and slot prevent warpage during soldering, enabling the use of the chassis as a board carrier in the wave soldering process.

Abstract: A chassis for supporting a printed circuit board and other components is captivated between two plastic housing portions in a suspension mode. The housing provides support for the entire unit, there being no direct support to the chassis or printed circuit board or associated components. The chassis is formed with projecting tabs which are captivated between bosses formed on the upper and lower parts of the housing. A screw penetrates the boss of the upper portion and the chassis tab, then threads into the boss of the lower portion. Wedge bosses formed in the back walls of the housing bias the chassis into alignment with the rear of the housing when the housing parts meet and provide support to the chassis when interconnecting cables are attached. No individual components, other than the speaker, are fixed to either housing part.