Abstract: Systems and methods that permit initial selection of a lighting fixture output characteristic and inhibit later change of the lighting fixture output characteristic are disclosed. Embodiments include one or more devices that inhibit a lighting fixture control switch from being moved between two different positions. In some embodiments the control switch extends through an aperture in the a housing of the lighting fixture and the one or more devices are inserted into the aperture and embrace the control switch in one of the control switch's operational positions. In some embodiments the configuration of the apertures and the devices permits the devices to be inserted into the apertures in a single orientation. Some embodiments include devices with an outer surface that defines the switch embracing portion, and some embodiments include devices that are difficult to remove by hand after insertion into the aperture.

Abstract: In a switching device (1) for converting a mechanical movement into an electrical switching signal, comprising a housing (2) and an electrical switching element (3) that is connected to the housing (2) and can be moved relative to it, the switching device (1) should, firstly, occupy a significantly reduced space and, secondly, be manufactured exceedingly cost-effectively and can be connected to a circuit board (13) in a simple and straightforward manner without the circuit board (13) restricting or reducing the space available for the switching device (1). This task is accomplished in that the housing (2) and the switching element (3) enclose a space (5), that at least one switching contact (11) is provided in the base (6) of the housing (2) and that the particular switching contact (11) projects in the direction of the switching element (3) and beyond the outer contour of the base.

Abstract: Provided is a contact structure for a switch, in which a contact region is increased, a conduction failure can be more precluded, and the operational reliability of the switch can be improved by allowing contact points between contacts to be line contacts. The contact structure for a switch includes a pair of contacts that are opposed to each other to open or close the switch by allowing the contacts to come into contact with or to separate from each other, wherein a contact surface of a first contact is formed into a concave shape provided with a projection and a recess; a contact surface of a second contact is formed into a rounded surface; and the projection of the first contact and the rounded surface of the second contact are configured to come into contact with each other.

Abstract: A push switch includes a substrate including a first electrode and a second electrode that are arranged on an upper surface of the substrate; a resilient member arranged on the first electrode over the second electrode of the substrate; and a light-transmitting member including a crosslinked product of a chain olefin-cyclic olefin copolymer. The light-transmitting member covers the resilient member from above and includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a peripheral side surface between edges of the upper surface and edges of the lower surface of the light-transmitting member, and a periphery of the lower surface of the light-transmitting member. The periphery may be fixed on the substrate.

Abstract: A switch for a belt buckle of a seatbelt device including at least two contact elements (4, 5) abutting on each other or reaching into abutment on each other in a cavity of the switch, wherein at least one of the contact elements (4, 5) is configured as a movable contact spring. An insertion channel (8) is provided into which a belt tongue, a locking part, an ejector (7) or a part movably coupled with one of these parts is insertable and removable at least with a section during the locking and unlocking movement of the belt tongue. A movably supported coupling member (3) protrudes with a first section (10) into the insertion channel (8) and includes a second section (11) associated with the contact spring. The movably supported coupling member (3) abuts via the second section (11) on the contact spring in a position-independent manner.

Abstract: One electrical lead from an LED package is soldered to an inner electrically conductive member positioned and electrically isolated from an outer electrically conductive member by electrically insulating material while a second electrical lead and a neutral lead from the LED are soldered to the outer electrically conductive member so that heat is transferred from an LED die within the LED package to the outer electrically conductive member and then to a thermally conductive outer casing with a thermal path that minimizes thermal resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in surface delayering for fault isolation and defect localization of a sample work piece is provided. More particularly, a method and apparatus for mechanically peeling of one or more layers from the sample in a rapid, controlled, and accurate manner is provided. A programmable actuator includes a delayering probe tip with a cutting edge that is shaped to quickly and accurately peel away a layer of material from a sample. The cutting face of the delayering probe tip is configured so that each peeling step peels away an area of material having a linear dimension substantially equal to the linear dimension of the delayering probe tip cutting face. The surface delayering may take place inside a vacuum chamber so that the target area of the sample can be observed in-situ with FIB/SEM imaging.

Abstract: One electrical lead from an LED package is soldered to an inner electrically conductive member positioned and electrically isolated from an outer electrically conductive member by electrically insulating material while a second electrical lead and a neutral lead from the LED are soldered to the outer electrically conductive member so that heat is transferred from an LED die within the LED package to the outer electrically conductive member and then to a thermally conductive outer casing with a thermal path that minimizes thermal resistance.

Abstract: A mechanical shunt for use in a socket of a string of lights resides in an otherwise typical lamp of a string of lights. The present shunt is a pair of cantilevered portions from the electrical terminals inside the socket of a lamp in a string of lights. The portions touch and conduct electrical current when no lamp holder is in the socket but are separated by a button on the bottom of the lamp holder when the lamp holder is not in the socket. The cantilevered portions are formed in such a way that they rub together when opening, closing or when the socket undergoes expansion and contraction with changing temperature in order to prevent the buildup of corrosion on the teeth on the end of the cantilevered portion that would preclude their ability to make good electrical contact when needed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for switching electrical signals are provided herein. In some embodiments a smart switch is provided, the smart switch may include a switch having a wipe capability; a monitor coupled to the switch for monitoring a performance characteristic thereof; and a controller configured to provide a stepped change in wipe applied by the switch between closing cycles thereof in response to the monitored performance characteristic. In some embodiments, an electronic device may be provided having a smart switch disposed therein.

Abstract: A device for actuating electric functional groups, in particular horns on the steering wheels of motor vehicles is disclosed. The device includes at least two opposing contacts which can be brought into contact with one another to actuate the functional group and which clean themselves by sliding against one another during contact. The opposing contacts are fixed to a respective support element with both of the elements being elastically deformable.

Abstract: A relay has a pair of fixed contacts, a pair of movable contacts adapted to be engaged and disengaged with the fixed contacts, and a solenoid having a coil and a plunger movable into and out of the solenoid, the plunger having an outer end operably connected to the movable contacts. The relay can maintain either of two stable positions in the absence of power to the coil, the two positions being a contact open or magnetically latched position and a closed or unlatched position. The invention is improved by a ball joint arrangement interconnecting the plunger and the movable contacts to enable wiping of the contacts on closure to remove thin film tarnish caused by oxidation of the Nobel metal contacts and to produce a torsional force which facilitates breaking of welds on opening. An insulator surrounds the movable contacts for cooling the arcing and magnetic fields are oriented with respect to the current in the contacts in a manner that applies a force on the current in the direction of the insulator.

Abstract: A spring contact includes a free portion having a tip. The free portion includes a contact surface and side surfaces. In some embodiments, a wear resistant material is formed on only selected portions of the tip. In other embodiments, the wear resistant material is formed on the contact surface and on the side surfaces. The wear resistant material increases the wear resistance of the spring contact. The spring contacts can be used in probes.

Abstract: In a switching element, in particular a pressure-wave switch for safeguarding jamming points in the case of operable gates, doors or the like, having at least one pressure chamber which is provided at least partially with a diaphragm (4), it being possible to connect an exciter contact element (5) for making contact with a consumer contact element (6) via the diaphragm (4), it is to be possible for the exciter contact element (5) and/or the consumer contact element (6) to be moved out of a contact plane (E) in order to make common contact.

Abstract: A rotary electrical switch for an automobile vehicle anti-theft device of the type comprising a rotor mounted free to rotate about a stator to supply electrical power to a starter, by at least one electrical strip contact, wherein the rotor comprises a surface acting as a cam to clean the electrical contact that cooperates with a portion facing the intermediate segment of a contact strip to elastically deform the contact strip globally in its median axial plane, causing relative displacement of the free lower end of the mobile segment with respect to the contact portion of the fixed contact element with which it is in contact, when the rotor closes or opens the electrical contact.

Abstract: A switch is provided that includes a circuit board support (12) with a contact bump (24, 26) thereon, and a sheet metal terminal (16) having a deflectable blade (20,22) with an elongated H-shaped slot (70). The slot forms rear and front tines (72, 74) with adjacent free ends (84, 86) that lie over the bump, to contact the bump when the front end of the blade is allowed to move towards the support.

Abstract: An elastomeric switch is provided having self cleanings contacts. The switch includes a substrate and a switch actuator configured for reciprocating motion along an axis generally perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. A first switch contact, including a contact surface generally perpendicular to the actuator axis of motion is, carried by the switch actuator. A second switch contact is cantilevered from the surface of the substrate. Reciprocation of the actuator in a first direction toward the substrate acts to force the first contact against the distal end of the second contact. The two contacts are deflected together as result of further reciprocation of the actuator in the first direction. As the contacts are deflected, the distal end of the second contact is scraped across the contact surface of the first contact, thereby removing contaminants and other debris from the contact surface of the first contact.

Abstract: A rotary switch is mounted in a housing having a hollow interior. The rotary switch includes a shaft, which rotatably extends through a male threaded mounting. The rotatable shaft defines a bore which extends from an inlet defined on an exterior surface of the shaft, through a length of the shaft. The bore communicates with an outlet defined in the exterior surface of the shaft. The outlet is disposed within the hollow interior of the housing, while the inlet of the bore is positioned external to the housing. The bore defines a passageway within the body of the shaft through which a cleaning fluid may pass. The inlet of the bore is covered by a knob which is removably secured to the shaft. A first contact is connected to the rotatable shaft. A second contact is disposed within the interior of the housing for contacting the first contact. The first contact is also disposed within the interior of the housing. The bore may be used in cleaning the contacts positioned within the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A switch mechanism has a conductive mobile contact carrier with two lateral branches pivotally engaged with a central hub. The lateral branches of the conductive mobile contact carrier are continuous with its middle branch, each being joined to the latter by a large radius elbow, and the conductive mobile contact carrier bears on the output contacts through its lateral branches. The output contacts are near the central hub so that the lateral branches of the conductive mobile contact carrier are subjected to a local transverse self-cleaning movement when it comes into contact with the output contact. Applications include single-throw and double-throw switches.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low current binary input subsystem for providing a binary input signal to a data acquisition system. The binary input subsystem monitors the open/close state of a field contact and provides galvanic isolation of noisy field contacts, high noise immunity, a steady state current of approximately 1.2 milliamps resulting in power dissipation of approximately 0.25 watts for a 125 VDC input, and a momentary high current pulse of approximately 150 milliamps for a duration of approximately 4 milliseconds during field contact closure to aid in cleaning of oxides from the field contact.

Abstract: An electrical switch with pivot point wiping contact assemblies for scrubbing debris from electrical contact mating surfaces. For each electrical contact within the switch there is a battery rivet having a convex mating surface and a contact rivet which also has a convex mating surface. The contact rivet is mounted onto one end of a resilient wiping arm consisting of conductive material. The other end of the wiping arm is pivotally mounted within the slot of a pocket contact consisting of conductive material. Also connected to the wiping arm is a contact driver which abuts a manually moveable pin. Therefore, by moving the pin the resilient wiping arm rubs the contact rivet mating surface onto the battery rivet mating surface while making an electrical connection.

Abstract: An automatically reversing, self-cleaning electric switch preferably for use in miniature, electronic aggregates such as hearing aids comprises a box (1) manufactured from electrically insulating material with a pushing rod (2) also from electrically insulating material mounted in the upper end of the box, a U-formed spring (4) fastened in a hollow space within the pushing rod and spring legs (5,6) which depending on the position of the pushing rod may rest against one or more end terminals (7,8,9) mounted in the lower part of the box for disconnecting or connecting a current through the switch. The resilient force of the U-formed spring causes the pushing rod to revert automatically to a center or zero position when no outer force is applied to the rod and a self-cleaning effect is obtained through the spring legs (5,6) resting slidingly against the terminals (7,8,9).

Abstract: A device for cleaning the contacts of a potentiometer or the like. The potentiometer has an externally threaded cylinder extending outwardly from a panel of an electronic unit and has a concentric rotatable shaft extending therethrough. The shaft has at least one internal contact which rotates when the shaft is rotated and engages a stationary contact in the form of a slide wire or the like of the potentiometer. Contaminants prevent good electrical conduction between the contacts so that the potentiometer must be cleaned, heretofore, requiring partial disassembly of the electronic unit in which it is internally located. The cleaning device has a housing with an open end and a closed end, with the open end having internal threads connecting with the external threads of the cylinder protruding from the electronic unit panel. A small tube communicates with the closed end of the housing and with a pressurized container of contact cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A tappet, in particular for cooperating with camshafts in electrical changeover switches, circuit breakers or the like, comprises a body provided with a cavity opening into two opposing faces of the body and containing, mobile against a spring, a generally flat contact element the opposing free ends of which project from the cavity and from the body so as to cooperate with fixed contacts generally arranged to the sides of the body and rigid with the casing of the changeover switch or the like. The movable contact is subjected to the action of an element or slider movable within the cavity and arranged to cooperate with the cams of a camshaft.

Abstract: An electrical contact mechanism for low power circuits includes a pair of movable contacts which can be pressed against fixed contacts. The movable contacts are mounted on a conductive bridge which is movable by a slider. The motion of the movable contacts is imparted in two directions, of which one is parallel to a motion direction of the slider carrying the conductive bridge, and another direction is approximately perpendicular with respect to the first direction due to a wedging action between the movable and fixed contacts which are positioned obliquely to the direction of movement of the slider.

Abstract: An improved device for protecting an electrical load from a current overload combines an electrical switch and a re-settable circuit breaker in a single housing. The device avoids the use of gate plates, visually alerts an operator to the existence of a tripped conditions, and provides automatically self-aligning, evenly-wearing contacts for the switch.

Abstract: A pivotable shaft supports a plurality of conductor elements. The conductor elements are pivoted into and out of contact with their associated electrical contacts upon rotation of an over center mechanism so as to selectively make or break an electrical connection. The conductor elements are freely rotatable within the shaft so as to minimize the effects of arcing on these members. The pivotable shaft is supported in a housing made of non-conductive material such that the electrical contacts and conductor elements are isolated from the surrounding environment to provide an explosion proof switch.

Abstract: A snap switch with a self-cleaning function having a switch body with a fixed contact and a movable contact for performing make-break operations. A knob, mounted on the switch body, operates a contact operation member causing the movable contact to abut the fixed contact when the knob is rotated by a predetermined rotational angle and further causing the movable contact to slide on the fixed contact when the knob is further rotated.

Abstract: A switch including a self-cleaning mechanism comprises a slider movable in directions toward and away from fixed contacts, a moving contact, having flanges, contactable with the fixed contacts, and a spring for pushing the moving contact toward the fixed contacts. The slider has rest portions upon which the flanges abut under the state where the moving contact is in the inclined pose with respect to the slider-moving direction.

Abstract: An electrically powered hand tool, such as a staple gun, can employ an electrical driver, such as a solenoid, which is actuated by a trigger circuit in response to depression of a trigger on the handle of the device. The trigger circuit can include a circuit board dimensioned to fit into the handle of the staple gun, and having AC input leads. A circuit formed of conventional electronic components delivers a burst of power to output leads which are in turn connected to a driver solenoid. This circuit is actuated to deliver the power burst by opening of a switch formed of two switch members: one switch member has a first flexible resilient conductive leaf formed, e.g., of an alloy of copper, extending beyond an edge of the board; the other member has a flexible resilient leaf with a bent-in pointed end contacting a side of the first blade. These blades are biased against each other to form a normally-closed switch. When the first blade is moved in one direction, the switch opens.

Abstract: A simplified electric switch construction is disclosed. The switch construction comprises at least a pair of confronting first and second terminals each having a bridge portion, a conductive resilient plate having one end shaped as a polygonal pyramid disposed in confronting relation to the bridge portion of the first terminal and an opposite end connected to the bridge portion of the second terminal, a presser for depressing an intermediate portion of the resilient plate to bring the tapered end into contact with the bridge portion of the first terminal, and a driver for depressing the presser. The switch construction may contain a printed-circuit board with an electric circuit thereon.

Abstract: A slide switch having at least one row of terminals arranged along a substrate has a slider movable along the terminals. The slider carries a movable contact element biased resiliently towards the terminals so as to connect separate pairs of these terminals electrically together during movement of the slider. Each of the terminals has an exposed contact portion having an arcuate surface and the movable contact element has a generally corrugated shape formed by three arcuate protrusions forming convex surfaces facing the terminals and each spaced by trough portions presenting concave surfaces facing the terminals. In this way, the arcuate surfaces of the exposed contact portions can be adapted to fit within the trough portions upon movement of the slider into particular positions so as to stabilize the slider in these positions.

Abstract: An opposed contact switch comprising two stationary contacts 8, a movable contact 13 that can bridge the stationary contacts when moved vertically into contact, a spring 15 normally holding the contacts together, a control rod 10 movable vertically, and a contact holder 11 connected to said control rod with oblique guide grooves 12 in the side thereof into which are fitted knobs 14 on the side of the movable contact, whereby the movable contact slides laterally for a short distance across the stationary contact before breaking contact.

Abstract: A not-watertight touch pad for swimming competitions mounted partially submersed on the finishing wall of a swimming pool. It includes two plates located in front of each other, the front one of which is somehow perforated and loosely inserted in a frame consisting of channel sections on the four sides and movable towards the insulated back plate. Resting between the two plates, many turns of parallel conductive strips are bonded onto the back plate, whereas some hundreds of conductive springs shaped as seagull wings are welded onto the central strips. These springs are mounted perpendicularly to the strips and are acting as spacers between the two plates and as electrical contacts between the strips as soon as any pressure is applied on the front plate.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon responsive switch provides an elongated flexible member which is impervious to hydrocarbon substances, a hydrocarbon absorber bonded to the elongated flexible member for absorbing hydrocarbon substances in contact therewith and for swelling from the absorbing for causing the flexible member to bend, a mounting for one end of the elongated member, a first electrical contact located at the other end of the elongated member, and a second electrical contact for contacting the first contact upon bending of the elongated flexible member and thereby making electrical connection in response to the absorption of hydrocarbon substances by the absorber.

Abstract: In a push-on switch comprising a moving contact 6 of partial-hemisphere-face-shaped resilient metal diaphragm which is disposed with its periphery on a pair of peripheral fixed contacts 2b,2b in a contacting manner and at its central part apart above a central fixed contact 2a in an isolated manner at normal state,the improvement is made such that the metal diaphragm moving contact 6 has an opening 6a having at least a protrusion 6b with respect to the opening 6a;so that the opening 6a allows air to pass at inversing and restoring motions of the central principal part of the moving contact 6, thereby preventing drafting of dust onto the central fixed contact 2a, and that the protrusion 6b slides on and cleans the surface of the central fixed contact 2a at each pushing down of the central part of the moving contact 6.

Abstract: An arrangement for the self-wiping of contacts in multidigit interrogatory counters where the data are read through code wheels to contact wheels and to mechanical sliding contacts which sense the contact wheels. The improvement includes the arranging of the rotatably-mounted contact wheels to be mounted, independently from the frictional effect caused by the counting procedure during rotation on a movable shaft. Eccentrics control the movement of the movable shaft which make it possible to move the contact wheels in an oscillating manner against contact springs. This is accomplished in the overlap region for sensing the individual numbers.

Abstract: A contact mechanism for a temperature switch using a thermally expandable member wherein a plate making a circular arc motion is provided at a tip of a piston which is moved by the thermal expansion member, and a coil spring is mounted between a middle of a movable member having a fulcrum in an almost center of the plate and a stationary end of a terminal. The movable member is reversibly mounted. The plate is moved by the motion of the piston. When a point of power of the movable member is shifted, the movable contact is shifted instantly to the stationary contact side, and the movable contact slides on the stationary contact by the motion of the piston. The coil spring doubles as the return spring.

Abstract: A panel mounted switch consisting of two complementary side sections housing the switch components that include a plunger-type actuator carrying two movable switch blades and a series of fixed terminals. The switch blades being yieldably connected to the actuator whereby they are free to rock about their longitudinal axis upon engagement with certain of said fixed terminals, thereby achieving a self-cleaning, wiping switching contact.

Abstract: The drawings illustrate a double pole, double throw switch for use in selectively controlling energization of either a first or second electric circuit. The switch includes two sets of first, second and third terminals, with each of the second terminals being offset in opposite directions from one another, and a pivotally mounted actuator button. A pair of legs are formed on the inner portion of the actuator button for carrying first and second contact strips, the latter being mounted for universal movement with respect to the second terminals so as to normally contact respective opposite first or third terminals.

Abstract: A pressure actuated reversing switch for a pendant hoist control station is provided in which manually exerted pressure causes the electrical contacts to make and break in a staggered sequence. The armature of the switch is spring loaded so that pressure exerted on the armature causes the armature to move both laterally and rotationally. This complex motion permits contacts at one end of the armature to be brought into electrical contact with the leads prior to power contact being made at the other end of the armature. When pressure is released, the complex motion permits the power contacts to be broken prior to the breaking of the contacts at the other end of the armature. Additionally, the complex motion permits a self-cleaning action which assures reliability and long life.

Abstract: Miniature electrical switches having a sliding cleaning action, and utilizing a U-shaped bridging element with a detent projection for engagement in between and in contact with adjacent terminals and simultaneously providing electrical connection and detent action. The bridging element may have a curved bottom; it tilts backwardly as the bottom slides forwardly over a terminal, and subsequently is tilted forwardly by the recess trailing wall. An alternative element has a rounded off leading corner, rocks over a terminal, engages the adjacent terminal, and subsequently is tilted backwardly. The limiting position is unstable and the "on" position provides a cleaner interface.

Abstract: An electric switch is disposed in a cavity of a buckle. The electric switch includes a stationary first contact member, a movable second contact member, a biasing means for the second contact member, and an actuating member. The biasing means biases the second contact member to the closed position of the electric switch. The electric switch has means by which the contact end portion of the second contact member makes a wiping, self-cleaning contact with the first contact member upon actuation by the actuating member. The actuating member, in turn, is actuated by a tongue of the buckle when the tongue is inserted into the buckle.