Abstract: An auxiliary circuit breaker having an auxiliary cross bar which is supported by a cover so that the auxiliary cross bar is actuated by a center cross bar to move a movable contact from a closed state to an open state. The operation of the auxiliary cross bar results in delayed operation of the operation of a normally closed circuit to provide a reliable contact operation of the main circuit breaker.

Abstract: A bridging contact structure, suitable for use in AC contactors and the like, is provided with double-break stationary main contacts, and with double-break stationary arcing contacts in parallel with the main contacts. Silver usage in the main contacts is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A single or multiple pole key switch having a molded plastic housing formed with snap-in devices for mounting connection with a support and having a key stem reciprocatingly movable through one wall of the housing and having multiple guide surfaces thereon cooperating with corresponding surfaces of said housing for minimizing rotation, wobble and binding of the key stem in operation. The lower end of the key stem engages a return spring and is provided with at least one lateral cavity for carrying at least one contact spring for cooperation with stationary contacts mounted on a terminal block mounted in opposing adjacency thereto. A detent bar is provided on the terminal block to radially deflect the contact spring during key stem operation which provides the operator with "feel" of the switch action and produces an adjustable hysteresis or differential between the make and break of the contacts to avoid unwanted contact opening or closure and afford dampened make and break contact action.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch for selectively connecting an electrical system to a source of electrical power, such as a battery. At least two electrically conductive bodies are mounted within a switch housing in spaced relation to each other and in communication with a housing chamber. Fastening means are provided for connecting each conductive body to an electrical cable. An electrically conductive contactor carried within the chamber is movable between a closed position in contact with each conductive body and an open position out of contact with each conductive body. A first biasing means presses the contactor into engagement with the conductive bodies in response to movement of an actuator means toward a first position and a second biasing means snaps the contactor out of contact with the conductive bodies in response to movement of the actuator means toward a second position, actuator movement being responsive to a mechanical or electrical signal produced remotely from the switch housing.

Abstract: A contact device for low voltage switch devices, includes at least two stationary contact bars with contact pieces, as well as at least one electrically-conductive contact bridge which is disposed in a contact bridge support and is movable by means of a spring force. In order to provide a good contact device wherein a weight and material saving is obtained, wherein simultaneously a switch-on impact of the contact is prevented and wherein a good adaptability of the movable contact pieces to the position of the stationary contact pieces is obtained, the contact bridge is made from a flexible material and a contact pressure spring for each of the two movable contact pieces is provided.

Abstract: Pushbutton switch module having a molded unitary case and a movable contact carrier carrying a conductive contact bridge mounted therein. Two stationary contact members each have a contact arm and a stabilizing arm which extend from a field termination exterior of the case into slots in the side walls of the case. The contact arms extend through the respective slots into the interior of the case where they are contacted by the conductive contact bridge. A cover which closes off the interior of the case has pins projecting therefrom. The pins extend through passageways at the end surfaces of the side walls and into openings in one of the arms of each stationary contact member thus securing the stationary contact members in fixed position in the case.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly of the type including a movable contact and at least one additional contact having a free end portion lying generally across the line of travel of the movable contact and having a further portion secured against movement within the switch assembly. The switch assembly is provided with a stop member projecting into the line of travel of the free end portion for limiting following movement of the free end portion as the movable contact is retracted, ensuring a complete break in an electrical connection formed between the movable contact and the additional contact.

Abstract: A unipolar short-circuiter for high direct current at low voltage permits disconnecting of any of the cells of a series of electrolytic cells, for the production of chlorine or aluminum, for example, without disturbing or interrupting the functioning of the other cells. The short-circuiter according to the invention is equipped with two sets of movable contacts (26,32) controlled by a common shaft (24) and cooperating with two groups of current conductors having a deformable part (3,4,16,17) and cooled by circulation of water in the enclosures (9,22). FIG. 1.

Abstract: A speed control trigger switch of a double-pole configuration. One pole of said switch is an ON-OFF switch, while the other pole controls the speed control circuit. A contact carrier block (20) carries the two movable contacts (22,38), one for each pole of the switch. As the carrier block begins to move, the contact for the speed control side closes the speed control circuit by contacting two contacts, a contact/terminal (26) and a heat sink (24). As the block continues to move due to continued pressure on the trigger (16), the speed of the motor controlled by the switch continues to increase until the FULL-ON position is reached when the movable contact (22) closes the gap between the two contact/terminals (26,36). The contact portion (36a) of that contact/terminal is located between the other contact/terminal (26) and the heat sink (24) for efficiency and compactness of design.

Abstract: A transfer switch for providing transfer of electrical signals between pairs of connectors in an array of four connectors, including a transfer structure disposed in a particular plane and formed by a plurality of transfer paths and including an outer circumferential portion formed by three linked portions and three radial portions each extending from a central position within the circumferential portion and each radial portion extending outwardly and intersecting the circumferential portion of the juncture of two linked portions, four connectors coupled to the transfer structure and with individual connectors coupled to the transfer structure at each intersection between a radial portion and two linked portions and with an individual connector coupled to the central position, and a plurality of transfer means individually coupled to the individual transfer paths and with each transfer means including a first position for preventing transfer of electrical signals between a pair of connectors and a second posi

Abstract: A component, versatile pushbutton actuated electrical switch capable of breaking one electrical circuit prior to establishing a further, different electrical circuit on successive actuators of a plunger ratchet mechanism, wherein a pair of spaced contact terminals are supported on opposite sides of a moveable contact. One of the contact terminals includes a plurality of attached portions defining a generally dog-leg configuration, wherein the portions extend in at least one plane lying generally across the line of travel of said moveable contact, with the portions having longitudinal axes forming a sufficient angle to one another with respect to the plane or planes whereby one of the portions, while bending causes torsional strain in at least one of the remaining portions of the contact terminal.

Abstract: A switching apparatus assembly structure is disclosed in which a plurality of blocks including actuator blocks, contact blocks, a transformer blocks and direct power-supply adapter blocks are previously prepared as independent units which can be coupled together into a releasably interlocked structure, and two or more of desired ones of the above blocks are assembled to construct any desired one of smaller-size switching apparatus assemblies including a push button switch assembly, a selector switch assembly, a push button switch assembly of lockable type, a push button switch assembly with illumination, a selector switch assembly with illumination and a push button switch assembly of lockable type with illumination.

Abstract: A contact block for an electrical switch includes an insulating housing for a pair of spaced stationary contacts. A movable contact support carrier or stroker carries a bridging member including contacts for engagement with the stationary contacts. Biasing means positioned between the stroker and the housing normally biases the carrier in the direction of a projection carried by the stroker, the stroker being actuated by a linear or rotary operator. Both normally open and normally closec contact blocks are described.

Abstract: A laminated touch switch panel includes a lowermost insulating board having foil contacts on its top surface and a perforated uppermost board having foil contacts on its bottom surface. A perforated insulating spacer sheet has its bottom surface interfacing with the top of the lowermost board and its upper surface interfacing with an intervening flexible perforated membrane. The membrane has foil contacts on its upper surface which are normally closed with respect to the contacts on the bottom of the uppermost board and has contacts on its lower surface which are normally open with respect to the contacts on the lowermost board. Flexing the membrane with a force applied through the uppermost board opens the normally closed contacts and closes the normally open contacts. In one embodiment, contacts are kept normally closed with resilient elements that apply a force on the membrane which is overcome to open the contacts by applying a force through an aperture in the uppermost board.

Abstract: An assembly for retaining electrical conductor end portions within a surrounding housing of an electrically operated device, including a plurality of spaced pin members extending between first and second housing portions, with pairs of the pin members located on opposite sides of conductor end portions located within the housing. The conductor end portions are, in turn, attached to contact terminals which are formed with an end portion located adjacent to the attached conductor having a width appreciably greater than a distance defined by a transverse gap extending between the pin members extending on either side of the conductor end portion, whereby tensional stresses applied to the conductor draw the attached contact terminal into abuting engagement with the pair of pin members, preventing longitudinal withdrawal of the contact between the pin members.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is shown as having a switch body slidably receiving a resiliently biased manually actuatable plunger which carries a resiliently deflectable member effective for engaging, when said plunger is suitably actuated, a related pivotally supported member which, in turn, is operatively connected to a movable electrical contact member effective for contacting cooperating relatively stationary electrical contacts.

Abstract: A convertible switch operator for use as a pull momentary and as a push-pull momentary operation characterized by a tubular selector longitudinally movable in a housing and spring biased by a first spring for operation as a pull operator; and spring biased by two springs in an intermediate position as a push-pull operator.

Abstract: Switch arrangement with switches completely equipped both for normally closed and for normally open operation, in which, by means of an insulating part which can be selectively placed operatively with respect to the contact pieces which cooperate as breaker or the contact pieces which cooperate as maker, one type of operation in each case is blocked. For this the insulating part has abutment stops, which in both inserted positions in each case lie outside the contact places and which assure an air spacing between the contact pieces which thereby are blocked from making contact.

Abstract: A piano action keyboard for an electronic musical instrument or the like wipes a switch actuator (or other mechanical component of electric signal translation means) across switch contacts on a printed circuit board to generate signals indicative of the position and motionof a key when played. The keyboard provides a highly realistic piano "feel" through an array of paired depressable playing keys and arms. Each such arm supports a switch actuator or the like, with varying force transmission at different stages of depression of its corresponding key, the overall electrical-mechanical combination affording a response in terms of both actual results and kinesthetic feedback simulating a manual piano action.

Abstract: A push-button switch in which a resilient conductive elastomer bridging contact member is compressed directly against two or more printed conductors between which it is desired to selectively make and break electrical continuity. The conductive elastomer member is used as a beam having a central portion in contact with the printed circuit board for mechanical support. The member is formed so that it diverges from the plane of the conductors on the circuit board outwardly from the central mechanical support portion, mechanical compression as by a push-button arrangement elastically deforming the member into contact with the printed circuit conductors. Release of this compressive force permits the member to resume its initial shape correspondingly breaking the electrical continuity.

Abstract: The snap action switch has a spring biased plunger carrying directly or indirectly at least one articulated contact carrier extending laterally from opposite sides of the plunger and having two convex contacts of cylindrical, semi-circular or prism configuration. These contacts cooperate with stationary contacts arranged in pairs and including at least two pairs with a total of four contacts arranged in a near-rectangle; the contacts of each pair are inclined to each other for defining a trough-like configuration for concurrent engagement with one of the contacts on the carrier. This way, a total of four contact make and break points is defined for a single current path.

Abstract: A control system for the ignition circuit and carburetor of an internal combustion engine wherein a hand throttle lever is operatively connected to both a spring-urged carburetor lever and to switch means for the ignition circuit to provide normal operation of the engine but principally to provide for the safety of the operator in the operation of such circuit if the throttle lever becomes jammed or frozen or otherwise maintained in a speeding position and the operator loses control of such system.

Abstract: A switch apparatus is provided which closely approximates transmission medium parameters for reducing impedance discontinuities by utilizing a high frequency contact arrangement permitting high bandwidth operation. The apparatus is adaptable for use with both high and low impedance circuitry.

Abstract: A rotary selector switch characterized by a rotatable switch actuator and at least two switch structures, the actuator having a shaft on which a handle is detachably mounted for operation in a plurality of modes to operate the switch structures in different combinations of open and closed conditions, the handle being detachably mounted on the shaft for rotating a cam through one limited sector thereof, the handle being repositionable on the shaft for rotation through another limited sector thereof, and the handle being rotatable between a pair of spaced ribs on the switch housing.

Abstract: A selector switch for use as a pushbutton and rotary switch characterized by a rotatable switch actuator and at least two switch structures, the actuator having a shaft on which a handle is detachably mounted for operation in a plurality of modes to operate the switch structures in different combinations of open and closed conditions, the handle being detachably mounted on the shaft for rotating the cam through one limited sector thereof, and the handle being repositionable on the shaft for rotation through another limited sector thereof.

Abstract: A switch apparatus comprises at least one contact block which is adapted to be connected with other contact blocks similar thereto in multiple stages quickly and easily. Each contact block includes a casing, a connector for causing the contact block to mechanically engage the casing of another contact block similar in shape or a lamp transformer block, at least one electrical contact contained in the casing, and a contact actuator member for actuating the contact. The contact actuator member is supported movably between a first position where the contact is unactuated and a second position where it is actuated. The contact actuator member is normally urged to the first position by bias means such as springs. In assemblying the contact blocks, the contact actuator member may be selected from a group consisting of plural contact actuator members in various forms so as to actuate the contact blocks in upper and lower stages in either the same or different operation mode.

Abstract: A miniature switch of the type having a housing containing a planar circuit with electrical leads projecting outwardly of the housing for pluggable connection includes a manually slideable carriage having contacts which selectively engage the circuit. The carriage is inertially balanced to withstand accidental displacement or damage when subjected to mechanical shock and vibration.

Abstract: A push-pull electric switch having a pair of spherically shaped contact plates which normally bias an actuator towards a neutral position. The contact plates are formed with contact tabs that are engageable with stationary contact members when the actuator is moved in opposite directions.

Abstract: An interlocked push-lock push-button switch assembly of the type in which when one of the switch buttons each formed integral with an operating-bridging member is depressed, it is locked in pushed-down position so that the movable contacts are made into contact with the mating stationary contacts, but when another switch button is depressed, the switch which has been locked in position is released. An inverted U-shaped movable contact member with the movable contacts attached to the ends thereof is retained in position by a movable-contact-member retaining member formed integral with the operating-bridging member.

Abstract: A low-resistance electro-mechanical switch with snap-action tactile feel is disclosed comprising a base carrying one contact, a stepped guide post projecting from the base and carrying an opposing contact, and a conductive ring-like helical spring looped under tension around the guide post and serving as the bridging contactor. Instant complete switching is achieved with a snap action by advancing the spring against and abruptly past the step on the post, switching transients accompanying such snap action being avoided by the redundancy parallel paths that the several spring coils afford while settling in bridging position between the switch contacts.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch structure characterized by a pushbutton switch handle and a plurality of switch blocks mounted in tandem, each switch block having an operating plunger for simultaneous operation by said switch handle carrier means associated with the plunger for carrying movable contacts between open and closed positions of stationary contacts, the plunger and carrier means having spaced complementary surface means engageable during movement of the plunger, whereby actuation of the pushbutton handle effects simultaneous operation of all of the plungers and a delay of movement of movable contacts from the normally closed position.

Abstract: A key switch provided with plural elastic elements to be actuated in succession in response to the operation of key top by finger and composed to perform opening or closing operation when at least two of said elastic elements are actuated thereby reducing bouncing or chattering.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for a timepiece comprising a base plate having first and second bores extending therethrough and intersecting, a circuit board having a surface opposite the second bore and having stationary contacts mounted on the surface opposite the second bore, and a contact member disposed within the second bore and dimensioned to slide therein. The contact member has a transverse bore extending therethrough and alignable with the first bore through the base plate, and the contact member has a conductive lower end portion extending from the base plate and terminating at a contact surface for contacting to electrically connect the stationary contacts on the circuit board. A spring biases the contact member downwardly to a lowered position with the contact surface contacting the stationary contacts on the surface board.

Abstract: A push-button, actuated electric switch is formed with a pair of flat, C-shaped fixed contacts which define an annulus, discontinuous at diametric points, the outer margins of which are clamped firmly between conformations in an upper and lower section of the switch housing. The fixed contacts are bridged to accomplish switching action by the circular perimeter of a moveable contact which is moved toward and away from the inner periphery of the annulus formed by the C-shaped contacts. A tab extending from an edge of each of those fixed contacts extends within a passageway formed in the housing where the tab is bonded to the end of an electrical conductor. The tab and conductor are free to bend and vibrate within the passageway without affecting the position of the portions of the fixed contactor that define the discontinuous annulus whereat mounting and bridging contact are accomplished.

Abstract: A rotary selector switch characterized by a rotatable switch actuating unit and two switch structures, the actuating unit having a shaft with multiple sides on which a cam is detachably mounted for operation in a plurality of modes to operate the switch structures in different combinations of open and closed conditions, whereby a single cam mounted on the shaft in different positions is useful to operate the switch structures in a plurality of switch combinations.

Abstract: A momentary contact push switch comprising a thin terminal board having spaced stationary contacts on a narrow intermediate region thereof. A bridging contact is positioned on the underside of a unitary plastic housing member. The housing member includes integral yieldable side skirts that extend downwardly from opposite sides and below opposite side edges of the intermediate region of the terminal board. Inwardly extending barbs or latch elements on the bottoms of both side skirts snap under the edges of the terminal board and hold the housing on the terminal board. Spring means extending between the terminal board and the bridging contact hold the bridging contact and housing member above the stationary contacts. A downward force on the housing member overcomes the spring force and brings the bridging contact into contact with spaced stationary contacts.

Abstract: An electric switch characterized by at least two contact blocks stacked in end-to-end surface abutment, which blocks comprise movable contacts and means for moving the same, and interlock means interconnecting adjacent blocks against longitudinal separation.

Abstract: An auxiliary interlock switch for a DC contactor has a reciprocable one-piece insulating contact carrier and plural bridging contacts interchangeably mounted thereon in alternative positions to provide different desired arrangements of normally open and normally closed contact sets with the stationary contact posts. The contact carrier has a return spring compressed within a spring-receiving cavity and elongated abutment-receiving apertures registering with opposite ends of said cavity through which an abutment member, that is releasably assembled to the contact carrier, may interchangeably freely extend to permit relative movement therebetween and against which one end of the return spring reacts to resiliently bias the contact carrier against reciprocation in one direction.

Abstract: An electric switch which is constructed, with the exception of two metallic conductors, entirely of elastomeric or thermoplastic materials wherein relative motion between switch operating parts is confined to a resilient deformation and wherein the switching function occurs within a sealed recess or chamber.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a push button type actuator and a plurality of circuit-making type contact members, some of which are adapted to be momentarily moved by the actuator into contact with stationary electrical terminal members while other contact members are simultaneously initially slidably moved by the actuator into contact with yet another set of electrical terminal members and then adapted for independent slidable movement through a multitude of positions into contact with still other electrical terminals.