Abstract: An alternate action mechanism in which a rocker makes rolling contact with a surface on a frame, and a plunger is positioned to exert a force toward the surface at a location on the rocker separated from the rolling contact, the force at least initially being along an axis which intersects the surface between limiting positions of the rolling contact. Specially configured leaf springs bias the rocker toward positions corresponding with the limiting positions of the rolling contact.

Abstract: A snap acting fiber optic switch in which a carrier operates between two stop surfaces separated by a wedge shaped gap. A planar shutter perpendicular to the stop surfaces extends from an end of the carrier at the wide end of the wedge shaped gap into a gap between opposing end faces of a pair of optical fibers aligned with an axis perpendicular to the plane of the shutter. A plunger actuated over center snap acting mechanism biases the carrier toward one or the other of the stop surfaces, depending on the position of the plunger.

Abstract: A method and structure for securing a lever to a shaft of a rotary actuator in a manner which facilitates small angular adjustments between the lever and shaft is disclosed. The lever is clamped onto a segment of the shaft which is formed with a helical knurl. The lever may be slightly repositioned along the shaft to facilitate angular adjustments smaller than the angle between adjacent ridges of the knurl where the ridges have caused corresponding indentations in the lever.

Abstract: A method and structure for assembling plastic parts is disclosed wherein a first part is formed with integral projections and each including a tubular shank and a plug attached to the shank by a frangible web. A second part having apertures therein which mate with the projections is secured to the first part by displacing the plugs into the shanks which are thereby caused to expand.

Abstract: A quick mounting system for panel mounted devices is disclosed in which a front mounting flange carries captive screw means which cooperates with thread engagement means in a base to be mounted on the back of the panel. The thread engagement means comprises a resilient wire form having at least one leg positioned and biased to engage the threads. A ramp surface in the base permits the leg to be deflected by linear insertion force on the screw means, but prevents withdrawal thereof except by rotation.

Abstract: A push button actuator for an electrical switch device is disclosed which provides high tactile feedback with small button travel. Movement of the push button is resisted by a resilient column extending between the button and a force transfer device which is adapted to laterally engage the column in response to a sufficient force applied to the force transfer device through the column. The lateral engagement initiates buckling of the column which sharply reduces its load bearing capacity and causes the push button to snap to its depressed position.