Abstract: An electric switch of the normally open type includes a body, an actuator moveable between a high rest position and a low active contact position, and first second elastically deformable contact blades supported by the body. A first contact section of the first contact blade extends above a second contact section of the second contact blade. The contact sections are superposed and distanced from each other when the actuator is in high rest position, and they are in mutual electrical contact when the actuator is in low position to establish an electrical switching path. The first contact section includes a longitudinal rib that protrude downwards with respect to the plane of the underside of the first section and which is able to cooperate with the transversal contact edge of the central opening. The transversal contact edge comprises a transverse contact bend for cooperating with convexity of the longitudinal rib.

Abstract: An electric switch of the normally open type includes a body made of insulating material, an actuator that is moveable between a high rest position and a low active contact position, a first elastically deformable contact blade supported by the body, and a second elastically deformable contact blade supported by the body. A first contact section of the first contact blade extends above a second contact section of the second contact blade. The first and second contact sections are superposed and are vertically distanced from each other when the actuator is in high rest position, and are in mutual electrical contact when the actuator is in low position so as to establish an electrical switching path.

Abstract: A method and system for picking articles from a collection of articles and arranging articles into placement locations, includes capturing an image with a first vision system from a collection of articles at a first pick location and determining coordinate data for at least some of the articles in the collection of articles. The coordinate data for an article in the collection of articles is provided to a first robotic manipulator. That article is picked from the collection of articles with the first robotic manipulator according to the coordinate data for that article and that article placed at a first place location. The position and orientation data of that article are obtained at a second pick location and provided along with a desired position and orientation of that article at a second place location to a second robotic manipulator.

Abstract: A robot for picking one or more parts (41) randomly distributed in a bin (40), this robot comprising a moveable arm (16a, 16b), a computing device (14) connected to said robot for controlling motion of said moveable arm and a tool (24) connected to said moveable arm for picking one or more of said parts from said bin,—said robot using said picking tool by itself or another tool (96, 98) mounted on the robot or grasped by the picking tool to stir one or more of said one or more randomly distributed parts in said bin when said computing device determines that a predetermined event requiring stirring of said parts has occurred.

Abstract: A keyswitch includes a cap, a board, first and second support members rotatably connected to the cap and the board, a seesaw member, and a magnetic member. The seesaw member movably supports at least one of the cap and the first and second support members. The magnetic member is disposed on the board corresponding to the seesaw member. When the cap is pressed, the at least one of the cap and the first and second support members drives the seesaw member to raise and the cap moves from a non-pressed position to a pressed position. When the cap is released, a magnetic attraction force between the magnetic member and the seesaw member drives the seesaw member to raise for lifting the at least one of the cap and the first and second support members, so as to move the cap back to the non-pressed position.

Abstract: A safety hand grip for handlebar operated vehicles utilizes an elongate pressure switch in the form of an elongated strip embedded longitudinally within the wall of the resilient hand grip to actuate the horn. A raised area extending substantially the length of the grip and integral with the wall is situated directly over the switch and serves to locate the elongate switch and to concentrate the force applied by the fingers of the operator and transmit that force directly to the elongate switch. The grip can be rotated so the raised portion is positioned under the operator's fingers according to the gripping preference. Dual sided connectors attached to leads from the elongate switch and interposed between the connectors from the horn and battery and the connectors from the console button present on the vehicle enable the horn to be actuated by both the switch and the button.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switching device includes: a housing; first contacts coupled to the housing; a second contact which is brought into contact with the first contacts and separated from the first contacts; and an actuator for driving the second contact such that the second contact is brought into contact with the first contacts and separated from the first contacts, wherein any one of the first contacts and the second contact includes an elastic deformation portion elastically deformed when the first contacts and the second contact are brought into contact. Vibration and noise generated when contacts are brought into contact can be suppressed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic switching apparatus capable of reducing noise occurring when a movable contact comes in contact with or is separated from a fixed contact, and capable of enhancing a function to extinguish arcs. The electromagnetic switching apparatus includes a fixed terminal fixed in a manner to penetrate through a housing, a fixed contact configured to approach to or to be separated from the fixed terminal, an elastic member fixed between the fixed terminal and the fixed contact, and providing an elastic force to a direction to separate the fixed contact from the fixed terminal, a movable contact configured to contact or to be separated from the fixed terminal, and a moving unit configured to move the movable contact so as to contact or to be separated from the fixed contact.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive key techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a device includes at least one pressure sensitive key having a flexible contact layer spaced apart from a sensor substrate by a spacer layer, the flexible contact layer configured to flex responsive to pressure to contact the sensor substrate to initiate an input, for a computing device, associated with the pressure sensitive key. At least one of the flexible contact layer or the sensor substrate are configured to at least partially normalize an output resulting from pressure applied at a first location of the flexible contact layer with an output resulting from pressure applied at a second location of the flexible contact layer that has lesser flexibility than the first location.

Abstract: A copper-based winding implementing a copper-based winding of diameter that is typically greater than 90 mm, designed to generate a magnetic field in an electrical contact for a medium-voltage vacuum circuit-breaker. The winding is constituted by a hollow cylinder including helical slots about its longitudinal axis and opening out both into the hollow and to the exterior of the cylinder, winding in which the space between two consecutive slots that form a turn is empty of material and the width of each initial slot is less than 1 mm.

Abstract: A method for producing a switching device with a switching device with a switching structure (1). The method includes producing a molded part, which includes a cage formed by opposing first sidewalls (5) and a bottom wall (6) integrally connecting the first sidewalls, and second sidewalls (23) integrally connected to the cage assembly, severing the molded part at a point where the second sidewalls are connected to the cage, and inserting the cage and the severed second sidewalls into a bottom part such that a defined gap (27) is left, respectively, between the cage and the second sidewalls.

Abstract: A contact holder is disclosed for a contact system. An embodiment of the contact holder permits a particularly secure contacting with a particularly simple construction. The above is achieved by way of a function integration of spring and support for the moving contact of the contact system in a single component.

Abstract: A contact system needs comparatively little overall space. that the contact system includes a spring element acting on the contact holder, fabricated from an electrically nonconducting material.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a switch assembly (12). The switch assembly (12) includes a housing (16) and a set of contacts (14) supported by the housing. The set of contacts (14) includes a first contact (20) and a second contact (40). The first contact (20) includes a first pad portion (22) supported in the housing (16) and a first connector portion (26) protruding from the housing. The first connector portion (26) includes a compliant connector (220). The second contact (40) includes a second pad portion (42) supported in the housing (16) and a second connector portion (54) protruding from the housing. The second pad portion (42) is movable relative to and is engageable with the first pad portion (22). The second connector portion (54) includes a compliant connector (220).

Abstract: A contact fastened in a contact element by opposite overlaps is provided. The contact is subsequently connected to the contact element with a laser or a special stamping.

Abstract: A control line (16a) and control terminal (3a) are disposed farther away from a signal line (2a) than a position of an electrode (11). This reduces the loss of energy flowing in the signal line opened/closed by a micromachine switch.

Abstract: An arcing chamber assembly is described having two side walls, a contact compression spring, a contact link, a slide which can be mounted one behind the other in the interior of the arcing chamber assembly, just by stacking them from one side. For this purpose, the arcing chamber assembly includes a passage, whose length is at least equal to the length of the contact link on the component supply side.

Abstract: In an automatic switchover device for a power source designed to automatically switch over systems for supplying electric power to an electric load in such a manner that electric power output from an engine generator is supplied to the electric load upon power failure of a regular power source system, a seesaw-type turn member is mounted for turning movement between a first turned position in which it permits a common contact to be electrically connected to a first individual contact and a second turned position in which it permits the common contact to be electrically connected to a second individual contact. First and second solenoids capable of exerting an electromagnetic force for driving the seesaw-type turn member toward one of the first and second turned position, each include a plunger which has an operating portion enabling the plunger to be pushed in from the outside, thereby enabling an operator's manual switching.

Abstract: Provided is a micro-machine mirror structure with hinges which after being released from a sacrificial layer will result in the mirror structure being lifted out of the plane of the substrate to a fixed defined geometric angle. Stresses in a metal layer of the mechanism, along with a constraint mechanism, causes the mirror structure to be maintained at the desire angle.

Abstract: A photolithographically patterned spring contact is formed on a substrate and electrically connects contact pads on two devices. The spring contact also compensates for thermal and mechanical variations and other environmental factors. An inherent stress gradient in the spring contact causes a free portion of the spring contact to bend up and away from the substrate. An anchor portion remains fixed to the substrate and is electrically connected to a first contact pad on the substrate. The spring contact is made of an elastic material and the free portion compliantly contacts a second contact pad, thereby electrically interconnecting the two contact pads.

Abstract: The micromechanical electrostatic relay has, on the one hand, a base substrate with base electrode and a base contact piece and, on the other hand, an armature substrate with an armature spring tongue that is etched free and curved away from the base substrate, and that has an armature electrode and an armature contact piece. When a control voltage is applied between the two electrodes, the spring tongue unrolls on the base substrate until it is stretched and causes the two contact pieces to touch. In order to obtain a high contacting force given an optimally large electrode area, the armature contact piece is arranged on a contact spring section that is cut free from the spring tongue via spring webs in the form of a sun wheel with spoke sections helically interengaging such that it is surrounded on all sides by the spring tongue.

Abstract: A three-position floating beam armature switch includes a hollow housing, in which a floating beam armature is resiliently biased toward the closed top of the housing. An operator member is carried by the housing to apply a predetermined force to the armature; so that a first end of the armature initially moves toward the bottom of the housing by pivoting the armature about its second end. Continued application of additional force by the operator member, causes the armature to pivot about the first end; so that the second end then moves toward the bottom of the housing. With both the first and second ends at the bottom of the housing, the third position of the switch is attained. Release of force by the operator member allows the floating beam armature once again to be biased toward the top of the housing to the initial position.

Abstract: A switch is provided with a moveable contact and contact carrier that significantly facilitates the manufacturing process necessary to make the assembly. The contact carrier is provided with first and second extensions that are generally flexible and associated with each other to provide a gap therebetween. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second extension comprises first and second fingers that extend from the contact carrier. The second extension is provided with protuberances that permit a moveable contact to deform the second extension as it is moved inward toward the contact carrier. The extensions snap together after the complete moveable contact has moved into a predetermined space between the extensions.

Abstract: A spring contact device consists of an insulative case (6) having at least one pair of slots extending upwardly from a bottom thereof and a contact spring (1) which includes a contact portion (3) made by bending upwardly a thick portion of a profile spring sheet such that the contact portion projects through a top of the case; a terminal portion (4) made from a thinner portion of the profile spring sheet so as to project downwardly from a bottom of the case; a U-shaped leaf spring portion between the contact and terminal portions; and at least one pair of lugs (5) extending upwardly from a lower section (2) of the U-shaped leaf spring portion and press fitted into the slots for securing the spring contact to the case.

Abstract: A circuit breaker in which a movable contactor is held by a holder of electrically insulating material which is rotatably supported through a switching shaft on a casing. The movable contactor is driven by a switching mechanism to be swung about the switching shaft together with the holder to perform a switching operation. The movable contactor is slidably electrically connected to a connecting conductor secured to the casing.

Abstract: A pivoting electrical connected useable in a molded case circuit breaker including a pair of contact plates for contacting the circular contact member of a contact carrying arm. The pivoting electrical connection provides at least three contact locations between the contact plates and the circular contact member. The contact locations provide current paths between a first terminal coupled to the contact plates and an electrical contact fixed to the contact carrying arm. The pivoting electrical connection allows the contact on the arm and an electrical contact coupled to a second terminal to be opened and closed.

Abstract: A switch device comprises a resilient contact member and a support member carrying the contact member. The support member is movable between a first position in which the contact member is in electrically-conductive contact with two conductor elements that are stationary relative to each other and a second position in which the contact member is spaced from at least one of the conductor elements. A resilient member urges the support member in the direction from the second position towards the first position.

Abstract: The support piece of a circuit-breaker's movable contact assembly has a one piece structure including a rigid sole piece carrying the mobile contacts and a resilient blade facing the sole piece, at a distance therefrom, and forming a contact pressure spring.

Abstract: An illuminated pushbutton switch has a translucent button aligned with a lamp, a stationary contact, and a sinuous spring urging the button to its released position, the spring being bifurcated and straddling the lamp to allow a clear illumination path. The spring serves as the movable contact of the switch and engages the stationary contact when the button is depressed.

Abstract: The gas-blast circuit breaker preferably provided for switching medium voltage has a housing (1) filled with insulating gas. In this housing (1), two contact members (7, 8) are arranged which can be moved relative to each other along an axis (6), and a fixed (8) one of which is formed of two half-shells (11, 12) spaced apart from each other along a plane of separation (16). A power terminal (5), arranged transversely to the axis (6), is electrically conductively connected to the fixed contact member (8). This circuit breaker is to be simplified while retaining a reliable current transfer from the power terminal (5) to the fixed contact member (8).

Abstract: An alignment and centering arrangement is provided for effecting the self-centering of a first contact assembly and for effecting the self-alignment of the first contact assembly with a second contact assembly as the contact assemblies are positioned together for engagement. The alignment and centering arrangement provides a predetermined maximum range of pivoting movement of the first contact assembly with respect to a predetermined position while requiring minimal forces for effecting the self-alignment. Additionally, the alignment and centering arrangement accurately establishes a predetermined center position with orientation of the first contact assembly along a predetermined axis. In one configuration, the alignment and centering arrangement includes the resilient mounting of the first contact assembly with respect to a reference plane.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes a movable lower electrical contact having a formed stationary member, a movable contact arm, a pair of electrical contact compression springs, a contact arm compression spring and a contact secured to the upper end of the movable contact arm for physically and electrically contacting a separable upper electrical contact. An integral longitudinal end portion of the stationary member extends through the base of the cirucit breaker to form an external terminal of the circuit breaker. The opposite longitudinal end of the stationary member is curved for receiving a rotatable pin fixedly secured to the movable contact arm for rotation therewith. The rotatable pin is biased by the pair of compression springs into effective current conducting contact with the curved end of the stationary member. The contact arm compression spring contacts the underside of the movable contact arm to bias the contact secured thereto into engagement with the upper electrical contact.

Abstract: A push button electrical switch assembly including an actuator biased for resilient reciprocation between predetermined axial limits within a housing. A cover on the housing includes a push button movable between predetermined axial limits. The push button contacts and is biased by the actuator to one of its predetermined axial limits. First electrical contacts are fixed to the housing, and second electrical contacts are carried by the actuator. The second electrical contacts, when urged to a contact-engaging position with the first electrical contacts, pivot against the same bias which biases the actuator, to provide a contact-wiping engagement with the first electrical contacts.

Abstract: A high tension circuit breaker which includes a stationary switching mechanism, a second switching mechanism axially movable in a first axial direction, a first and second arcing contact operatively connected to the movable switching mechanism and a stationary switching mechanism, respectively, wherein the first contact normally pressingly engages the second contact, a supply for gas under pressure, a nozzle communicating with the gas supply formed in the movable contact and terminating adjacent the first and second contact for communicating expanded gas from the gas supply to the point of pressing engagement of the first and second contact upon cutting out of the gas supply for shifting of the second contact in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction of movement of the movable switching mechanism upon cutting out of the gas supply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grounding switch having a fixed switch piece attached to an equipment part to be grounded and a switch piece displacable relative to the fixed switch piece by a drive. The switch pieces partially form a switch-piece overlap in their closed position. It is desirable to arrange such a grounding switch such that, while maintaining its geometrical dimensions, it can switch even large currents such as short-circuit currents without the main contacts being overloaded by the switching arc. By the present invention, the switch pieces are each equipped with at least one main contact and at least one sparking contact surrounded at least partially by the respective main contact. One of the two sparking contacts is arranged as a bush and the other as a pin. The bush includes a follow-up contact or follow-up pin which is movable in the direction of displacement of the displacable switch piece. The follow-up contact is located substantially within the interior of the bush.

Abstract: One-piece stamped and formed switch device which is intended for mounting on a circuit board comprises an elongated flat base having mounting tabs or posts extending from its ends. A flange extends from one of the ends in the opposite direction from the direction of the mounting tabs and provides a fixed contact surface. A cantilever spring is integral with the base portion at the opposite end and extends alongside the base portion past the flange. In use, the switch device is mounted on the circuit board by inserting the mounting tabs through holes in the circuit board. Thereafter, an intermediate portion of the base is removed by shearing so that the remaining portions are electrically isolated from each other and the spring arm can be engaged with the flange to close a circuit between the conductors on the underside of the circuit board.

Abstract: A door edge including an elongate hollow resiliently flexible body for securement to a door generally in the plane of the door, the body having an outer wall remote from the door of a cross-sectional configuration generally sinuous or corrugated, and a compression actuable switch extending longitudinally within the hollow body for actuation upon compression by a trough or depression of the sinuous outer wall.

Abstract: An IC carrier package test probe including a test probe head which is formed to penetrate into the IC chip cavity of the carrier package and which includes an elastic base having a thin layer of metal foil affixed to the outer face thereof, which foil is slited for greater elasticity and which is disposed to make simultaneous contact with each interior lead contact point within the cavity to permit rapid electrical testing of the continuity of the carrier package circuitry.

Abstract: An improved electrical switch unit is provided having a strategically located, shock-absorbing member which absorbs a large proportion of potentially damaging impact forces developed during switch closing operations and thus preserves the soft metal switch contact shafts against significant deformation and consequent alteration in the operational characteristics of the switch. The shock-absorbing function is advantageously performed by a low-mass, spring-biased weld break lever associated with the over toggle switch operating mechanism. During the switch closing sequence the contact-shifting operating arm of the switch operating apparatus engages the biased weld break lever and the latter serves to slow the relative closing speed of the contacts prior to the instant of impact therebetween; in this manner a significant amount of the impact forces are absorbed which would otherwise be absorbed by the contact shafts themselves.

Abstract: A spring contact which is intended to be mounted on a circuit board comprises an elongated spring blade having a mounting end and an outer or free end. An integral mounting plate extends alongside the blade from the mounting end thereof to an intermediate location. A mounting pin is formed at the mounting end by two laterally extending leg portions, one on the spring blade and the other on the mounting plate, and a support pin extends from the mounting plate in spaced relationship to the mounting pin. The mounting plate has laterally extending support flanges which support the device on the printed circuit board when it is inserted into openings in the board. The spring contacts are manufactured as a continuous strip and can be inserted into circuit boards by automatic insertion machines.

Abstract: A programmable, reciprocating, multiple electrical switch assembly contained within a waterproof housing. The assembly includes a plurality of discrete electrical switches arranged in a predetermined pattern on a fixed frame. The switches are triggered by projections strategically arranged on a sliding key-like finger which mates with the interior of the frame.

Abstract: A double-throw contact assembly, particularly for relay switches, or push button switches of the non-locking type, having a break contact, a make contact, and a pair of flexible contact arms associated therewith. Each contact arm is fixed adjacent one of its ends at a clamp point and has a free end movable into and out of contact with one of the break and make contacts. In their relaxed state, the arms converge at the clamp point from a bend intermediate the free end and the clamp point, thereby to define two linear portions or segments for each arm, a first straight segment for each arm extending from the clamp point to the bend, and a second straight segment for each arm extending from the bend to the free end of the arm.

Abstract: A subminiature switch structure particularly adapted for cooperation with integrated circuits as may, for example, be employed in an electronic watch including a restrained spring wire manually movable by resilient bending from normal spring loaded engagement with a first terminal into wiping engagement with a second terminal.