Abstract: A control device has a plurality of terminals each with a contact section arranged at different preselected elevations therein. Switch means is pivotally movable in the control device into electrical contacting engagement with one of the contact sections and also thereafter rockably movable into electrical contacting engagement with at least another of the contact sections.A method of operating a control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pulse switch comprises a main disc and an auxiliary disc; with the main disc being adapted to rotate independently of the shaft of the switch and normally being held in its neutral position, and the auxiliary disc being adapted to rotate along with the shaft. A common contactor and a transfer contactor are fixed to the main disc, with the common contactor normally being held in contact with the common contact, and the transfer contactor being brought into contact with the transfer contact when the main disc has been rotated a predetermined angle. Radiating teeth are formed on the main disc to face the auxiliary disc; and crests are provided on the auxiliary disc to face the main disc and mesh with the teeth thereof. Radiating teeth are formed on the opposite side of the auxiliary disc and have the same shape as that of the teeth of the main disc; and pressing projections are provided to engage the teeth of the auxiliary disc to press the auxiliary disc against the main disc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-motion push-button switch which comprises first and second switch portions, each switch portion including a movable contact piece 4 or 6 formed of an elastic thin metal plate and having a reversing portion provided with a movable contact portion and arms formed to grip the reversing portion therebetween and fixed contact portions 2a,3a or 8a,9a formed in a case 1 or 7 at the position confronting said movable contact portion, and one slider 5 slidably arranged in the case, wherein the movable contact pieces are reversed by said slider to drive said two switch portions so that the reversing force of the moving contact piece of the first switch portion is made different from that of the movable contact piece of the second switch portion.

Abstract: A multiposition switch, particularly suited for use as a motor speed controller, includes pairs of fixed contacts disposed in two parallel rows, and an arcuately shaped elongated movable contact. The movable contact rocks across successive pairs of the fixed contacts to make contact between a given pair of fixed contacts before contact is broken between a preceding pair. The movable contact is freely supported and rocked in response to forces exerted thereon by first and second rollers. The first roller is supported on a lever which is pivotable about a movable point so that as the lever is moved from an off position the first roller applies a force to the movable contact proximate a second end thereof. The second roller is supported on a pivotable member and applies a force to the movable contact proximate the first end thereof tending to return the contact to the off position.

Abstract: A membrane switch assembly in which portions of a membrane 14 mounted on a base member 11 are belled-outwardly to provide cavities 15, which are positioned so as to overly the location at which conductors 21, 22 are to be connected. The formation of each belled out portion is such that each portion carries electrical contactor means 16, 20 and such that the portion has a circumscribing region 18 which on compression of the portion to cause switch operation allows the membrane 14 to collapse at this region before the membrane is fully compressed.

Abstract: A miniature, two-level pushbutton switch comprises a base for mounting a plurality of relatively movable electrical contacts and a plurality of relatively fixed electrical terminals. The base includes at least one support surface for supporting the contacts and terminals. A pushbutton is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement along a predetermined straight line. The contacts include an elongate contact bar having at least one flat contact surface mounted for movement in response to actuation of the pushbutton in a first direction and a contact dome having at least one flat contact surface normally spaced apart from the contact surface of the contact bar when the pushbutton is in an unactuated condition. The terminals include a first terminal including a gripping portion for holding the contact bar in assembled condition with the base while achieving electrical contact with the contact bar.

Abstract: A mechanical slide selector switch assembly, or the like, is provided which includes a plurality of multi-contact switches mounted in side-by-side relationship, and which also includes a slidable actuator mounted in transverse relationship with the switches for successively actuating the switches as the actuator is moved back and forth along a rectilinear path.

Abstract: A progressive "on" switch has one common or first contact formed with a projecting portion located alongside a complementary intermediate or second contact, and a floating contact element which is movable through successive positions to a full "on" position wherein one element edge abuts the third contact and an opposite element edge abuts fulcrum defining portions of these first and second complementary contacts.

Abstract: A mechanical switch having a plurality of sequentially energized outputs responsive to the displacement of a push button or other linear actuator comprises an arcuate array of fixed contacts on a rigid printed circuit board and a single movable contact comprising a helical spring member with its axis normal to the circuit board and having one end contacting one of the fixed contacts. The spring rate of the spring progressively varies along its length such that when the spring is compressed by an axially applied force the spring sequentially and progressively contacts and bridges the fixed contacts thereby sequentially engaging the fixed contacts.

Abstract: In a camera having a folding electronic flash unit, an improved dual actuator system for sequentially closing a flash charge switch to charge the flash unit's storage capacitor and operating a slider member that closes an internal switch to initiate an automatic cycle of camera operation. A charge switch actuator and slider actuator are mounted in telescoping relation for sequential operation with provisions made for optional independent operation of the slider actuator to bypass charging and operation of the flash unit. When the flash unit is folded, a detent thereon latches the charge switch actuator to inhibit inadvertent operation.

Abstract: A double pole sliding contact trigger switch is disclosed having auxiliary butt contact means for affording sequential actuation of a pair of switches in a single housing. Upon depression of the trigger, a double pole switch is closed by sliding bridging contactors to energize a portable tool motor. Upon further depression of the trigger, a single pole switch is closed by a butting bridging contactor to energize a solenoid in the tool.

Abstract: A slide included in the push button set of a telephone instrument reciprocable to actuate a number of contact devices in the set. Each contact device comprises a pair of movable contact arms associated with fixed contacts. The slide is disposed between two oppositely situated contact assemblies and comprises an arm having two oppositely directed wedge members. Each member has a longitudinal center portions and is provided on each side with a rounded camming surface. The reciprocating action of the slide is effected by a push button on the set, one camming surface then contacting a flange on a movable contact arm thus establishing a contact between this arm and the associated fixed contact. The camming surfaces on both sides of the wedge member are displaced relative to each other to provide a sequential contact action.

Abstract: A momentary contact, push-button type reversing switch has a manual actuator which, upon depression, effects sequential contact closing of a plurality of contacts and which, upon release, effects sequential contact opening, the contacts including a plurality of pairs of spaced apart contacts with elongated reed-like movable contacts normally centered between the stationary contacts and operatively associated with a spring-centered yoke assembly with opposite ends of which the manual actuator cooperates for shifting the yoke.

Abstract: This invention relates to a keyboard switch or push button transducer for use in keyboards which makes use of the advantages of resistive and capacitive methods of closure. The switch element is comprised of a resilient conductive element attached to a pad of compressible foam mounted on the end of a key plunger. When the push button or switch plunger is depressed, the switch element is brought into contact with conductive elements etched on a printed circuit board. One of the conductive elements has a coating of dielectric material thereon, and the other conductive element has a raised conductive surface to contact the conductive elastomer sheet prior to the contact with the dielectric material. The insulated area forms a capacitance between the elastomer sheet and the conductive element or metallic pad on the printed circuit board, and the other area of conductor element, being uninsulated, makes a resistive contact with the elastomer.

Abstract: An electric drill is disclosed having a tool housing, and a power shaft within the housing journaled for rotation. The tool can perform several different functions together or alternatively and includes a jaw closing function, a drilling function, a hammering function, an extracting function and the like. The application is also concerned with an automatic means for going from one function to another either automatically by the rotation of a shaft or in response to the extent to which a trigger on the tool is depressed inwardly toward the tool housing.

Abstract: A door operator is disclosed which has a motor connected to open and close a door; for example, a garage door and a lamp is provided to illuminate the interior of the garage. Motor and lamp energization circuits are provided as controlled by switches; for example, a push button switch or a radio controlled switch. An alarm circuit is provided which may be a security alarm; for example, a burglar alarm or fire alarm. The alarm circuit is enabled when the door operator is not being used and the alarm circuit is disabled automatically whenever the door operator is being used. A time delay means is provided to maintain the lamp energized for a time delay period after the door has closed, and while the lamp is energized the alarm circuit is disabled, but as soon as the lamp is extinguished then the alarm circuit is enabled or armed.