Abstract: A buckle (100) includes a male buckle (110), a female buckle (120), and an actuating structure (130) disposed between the male buckle (110) and the female buckle (120). When the male buckle (110) and the female buckle (120) are engaged, the actuating structure (130) generates an actuating signal. When the male buckle (110) and the female buckle (120) are disengaged, the actuating structure (130) generates a disconnecting signal. A control circuit operates according to the actuating signal or the disconnecting signal, such that the control circuit is actuated more conveniently and the structure of the buckle (100) is simple.

Abstract: A breaking device for interrupting current includes an electrically conducting outer member, an electrically conducting inner member arranged radially inside the outer member with respect to a breaking axis and an electrically insulating or semiconducting breaking member arranged radially between the outer member and the inner member with respect to the breaking axis, where the breaking member is arranged to move along the breaking axis from a starting position to a protruding position in which the breaking member protrudes from a space within the outer member for interrupting a current between the outer member and the inner member and the breaking member includes a first tubular including a first insulating material and a second insulating material, where the first insulating material has a higher wear resistance than the second insulating material.

Abstract: A breaking device for interrupting current includes an electrically conducting outer member, an electrically conducting inner member arranged radially inside the outer member with respect to a breaking axis and an electrically insulating or semiconducting breaking member arranged radially between the outer member and the inner member with respect to the breaking axis, where the breaking member is arranged to move along the breaking axis from a starting position to a protruding position in which the breaking member protrudes from a space within the outer member for interrupting a current between the outer member and the inner member and the breaking member includes an inner tubular element and an outer tubular element, where the outer tubular element is joined to an outer surface of the inner tubular element thereby defining a recess between the outer tubular element and the inner tubular element.

Abstract: Implementations include a compartmentalized plug-in load center having connector receptacles for load circuit wiring connection to the load center and a plug-in back plate to connect the plug-in load center to a vertical power busway within a utility wall panel of a building, and a method for installing the load center in a building with a vertical power busway.

Abstract: In a switch in which one end portion of a blade is pivotally attached to a fixed contactor and another end portion of the blade is brought into pressure contact with a fixed contactor by rotational operation of the blade, at least one slit is provided in each of a conductive contact surface, with respect to the fixed contactor, of the one end portion of the blade and a conductive contact surface, with respect to the fixed contactor, of the other end portion of the blade, so as to divide each of the conductive contact surfaces, thereby achieving multi-point contact on each of the conductive contact surfaces, and a thickness of a contact-pressure spring fixing portion of the blade at which a contact-pressure spring for bringing the other end portion into pressure contact with the fixed contactor is made smaller than that of the other end portion.

Abstract: A restraint system is used to restrain a movable switch blade of a disconnect switch in order to prevent accidental closure of the switch blade. In this regard, the restraint system has a sheath that is positioned over an end of the switch blade, and the sheath is tethered to a support structure so that tension in the tether resists movement of the switch blade toward a conductive jaw. Thus, current is prevented from flowing through the disconnect switch until the sheath is manually removed from the switch blade.

Abstract: This motor drive device includes a first motor driving unit, a first terminal block 11 attached to the first motor driving unit, a second motor driving unit, a second terminal block attached to the motor driving unit, a first short bar whose one end portion is attached to the first terminal block so that the first short bar can be rotated around a first axis line, and a second short bar whose one end portion is attached to the first terminal block so that the second short bar can be rotated around a second axis line, the other end sides thereof can be placed at a connection position so that the other end sides can be connected to the second terminal block, and at a retract position which is distant from the second terminal block by rotation of the first and the second short bars.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a knife blade switch 2 having copper jaws 10 and a copper blade 4 with a steel end-plate 6 fastened to the free end of the blade, the steel end-plate having a higher resistivity than the resistivity of the copper blade and copper jaws. As the copper blade is withdrawn from the copper jaws, the steel end-plate of the blade remains in contact with a higher resistivity steel jaw-spring mounted on and electrically connected to the copper jaws. The connection of the steel end-plate 6 of the blade with the steel jaw-spring 12 imposes a greater resistance path for the current flowing through the switch than through the copper blade 4 and copper jaws 10, so that an arc formed at the plate and jaw-spring has a diminished current, over what would otherwise occur with a copper blade and jaws, when the contact separation occurs.

Abstract: A rotary switch assembly, including a rotary contact and a stationary contact, and a rotary actuator for rotating the rotary contact such as to connect with and disconnect from the stationary contact. The rotary actuator includes a shield for shielding the rotary contact from a side that faces the stationary contact when the rotary contact and the stationary contacted are being disconnected from each other.

Abstract: A latch switch assembly for an appliance or the like provides spring-loaded jaws to retain a latch strike when a door of the appliance is closed and a switch operator positioned behind spring-loaded jaws be activated by the latch strike when it is received.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arc eliminator, and more particularly, to an arc eliminator with an earth contact. An arc eliminator comprises: a housing; an extinguisher installed on the housing; and an earth contact that is installed on the housing and protrudes out from the housing in such a way as to be connected to the ground bus bar provided inside a distribution board when the extinguisher is moved to a first position where the extinguisher is connected to a fixed bus bar provided inside the distribution board, and to be disconnected from the ground bus bar when the extinguisher is moved to a second position where the extinguisher is disconnected from the fixed bus bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum chamber packaging machine with spring fracture detection. A first electrical line can be provided connecting springs to a controller, where interruption of the line due to a fractured spring may be detected by the controller via an applied voltage, so that no safety deficiency arises.

Abstract: A belt buckle including locking status detection, having a switching contact and a mating contact, wherein the switching contact and the mating contact are electrically conducting parts of a switch. The switching contact contacts the mating contact in an intermediate position of the switch in a first contact area at the mating contact and in an end position of the switch in a second contact area at the mating contact distant from the first contact area by a displacing distance.

Abstract: A power socket terminal is provided, comprising a base plate, a pair of asymmetric elastic arms and a receiving space defined by the base plate and the pair of the elastic arm. First contact portions of the pair of the elastic arms are located at the same level, and second contact portions thereof are staggered in a vertical direction. Some second contact portions are higher than the first contact portions, and other second contact portions are lower than the first contact portions. Using this design, when the plug is inserted into and mated with the power socket terminal of the present invention, the plug will be subjected to balance forces and be kept in a correct insertion state for forming a normal power circuit. Therefore, the power socket terminal of the present invention has the characteristics of high security, good electric property and reliable connection.

Abstract: A knife switch including an operator device for moving a contact knife between a first open position and a second position in electrical contact with a contact element. A free end of the contact knife provided with a dynamic electric field control device including an electrically conductive element. A switching device including a two-position switch including an at least partly electrically conductive housing, a three-position switch including the knife switch for connecting the two-position switch to a first electric conductor, wherein the at least partially electrically conductive housing is connected to a second electric conductor. A switchgear including switching devices.

Abstract: A switch device including a bus bar, and a switch knife, wherein the knife is arranged so as to pivot around an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bus bar. The bus bar presents a projection which is an integrated part of the bus bar, and the knife is pivotable to a first position, in which it directly contacts said projection, and to a second position in which it is removed from contact with said projection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a current switch including a blade-type movable contact configured to extend in a radial direction from a pivoting center and reciprocatingly move such that a free end of the movable contact draws a pivoting track, a fixed contact including energizing members separated from the movable contact and arranged to be opposed to and substantially in parallel to each other on both sides across a pivoting surface of the movable contact and an outer frame configured to cover at least the periphery of the energizing members, a movable arc contact provided in the movable contact, fixed arc contacts provided in the fixed contact, and permanent magnets arranged on the inside of the fixed contact or the movable contact to generate a magnetic field that crosses an arc generated between the movable arc contact and the fixed arc contacts.

Abstract: The automobile emergency stop system includes a knife switch that is wired to one of the wires running to a fuel pump of a vehicle. The system is designed for use with a parking brake such that upon breaking the circuit, electrical flow to the fuel pump ceases and the engine stops. The system is designed to close the circuit when the parking brake is not lifted. The system is adapted for all types of parking brakes, and includes hand actuated or foot actuated parking brakes. The system is designed for use as an anti-theft measure as well as a safety measure for a computer controlled engine that faults and accelerates out of control.

Abstract: A switch includes a blade-type moving contact that extends in a radial direction from a turning center and reciprocates such that its free end draws a turning locus, and a fixed contact that moves toward and away from the moving contact in a turning range of the moving contact. The blade-type moving contact and the fixed contact are accommodate in a tank. The moving contact is supported by the movable-side support conductor. The fixed contact is supported by the fixed-side support conductor. An opening through which the moving contact enters is arranged to be opposed to a turning center of the moving contact. The movable-side support conductor and the fixed-side support conductor are arranged substantially on a same straight line extending along a center axis of the tank.

Abstract: An electrical appliance designed according to the principle of a fork connection, and into which a contact element is insertable between two contact clips. In the event of high currents, such as those which can occur in the event of short circuits in a load which is connected to the fork connection, magnetic forces counteract current constriction forces, thus allowing higher currents to be carried through the connection without the contact clips being bent apart from one another in the process. This is achieved in that a magnetic field caused by a current is concentrated in a particularly advantageous manner for production of forces which draw the two clip contacts together with the aid of a part at least partially composed of a ferromagnetic material, one of which in at least one embodiment, is arranged between the contact clips.

Abstract: A conductor base coupled to a finger module of an air circuit breaker. Since the connector of the conductor base has the curved surface formed on a side of an end portion thereof and tooth-coupled with the contactor of the finger module, the contactor of the finger module has another curved surface corresponding to the curved surface of the connector and the contactor is elastically supported in a vertical direction by the plate spring to allow both end portions of the contactor to perform a vertical elastic movement relative to a longitudinal center of the contactor. The present invention can prevent damages due to a mechanical impact between the connector of the conductor base and the contactor of the finger module, which may occur while the breaker terminal is inserted into the finger module, to thereby extend the lifespan of the conductor base and the finger module.

Abstract: A movable contacting device in a circuit breaker comprises: a crossbar linked with the opening/closing mechanism and carried so as to pivot cooperatively with the opening/closing mechanism; a movable contact arm engaged, so as to cooperational with the crossbar, with a shaft fitted into a mutually opposing recesses in the crossbar; and a movable contact arm support fixed to the case accomodating the opening/closing mechanism and having mutually opposing through-holes through which the shaft is passed; and the movable contact being configured so that the movable contact slides between surfaces of movable contact arm support having the mutually opposing through-holes; and the construction of a single-pole portion of the movable contact arm is constituted by arranging in parallel two movable contact arm members each having a movable contact at one end, and in a shaft-supporting portion at the other end, an elastic member is sandwiched between the two movable contact arm members.

Abstract: A switch which permits the use of high contact spring force without the correspondingly high mechanism actuator force typically needed with a switch which utilizes a high contact spring force.

Abstract: A rotor assembly arranged between line and load contacts of a current interrupting device for interrupting circuit current between the line and the load contacts, the rotor assembly comprising an elongated rotor shaft for mounting in a base of the current interrupting device; a contact assembly having a pair of channeled and bowed conductive blades each having free ends at opposite edges for engaging a correspondingly positioned line contact and a correspondingly positioned load contact, each of the conductive blades further having a flat indentation for receiving a spring; the contact assembly further including a pair of springs having a bowed configuration and a flat portion at each end and which are assembled with the flat indentation of each one of the pair of conductive blades to resiliently bias the conductive blades toward one another, where the springs further including a raised portion having an aperture and each pair of conductive blades extend through the aperture in the elongated rotor shaft and e

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a sliding connection between a trip unit and associated contact arm is disclosed herein. The sliding connection facilitates assembly of the circuit breaker and also permits a reduction of size for a circuit breaker of a given rating. An embodiment of the sliding connection includes a blade and jaw assembly connected between the trip unit and contact arm. Another embodiment of the sliding connection includes a blade or jaw assembly slidably connected directly to the contact arm.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interior assembly for an electrical distribution device having a fuse for each phase in a circuit. The interior assembly includes a plurality of modules having an operating mechanism for opening and closing a switch contact. The switch contact is connected to each fuse and phase of the circuit. Each module has a housing and means for demountably securing one of the modules to at least one adjacent module. The securing means is manually operated and integrally formed with the housing of each module. The present invention also provides a method of assembling the interior assembly of an electrical distribution device having a fuse for each phase in a circuit. The step of the method includes manually and demountably affixing a plurality of modules to one another without discrete fasteners. The plurality of modules have an operating mechanism for opening and closing a switch contact. The switch contact is connected to each fuse and phase of the circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interior assembly for an electrical distribution device having a fuse for each phase in a circuit. The interior assembly includes a plurality of modules having an operating mechanism for opening and closing a switch contact. The switch contact is connected to each fuse and phase of the circuit. Each module has a housing and a mechanism for demountably securing one of the modules to at least one adjacent module. The securing mechanism is manually operated and integrally formed with the housing of each module. The present invention also provides a method of assembling the interior assembly of an electrical distribution device having a fuse for each phase in a circuit. The step of the method includes manually and demountably affixing a plurality of modules to one another without discrete fasteners. The plurality of modules have an operating mechanism for opening and closing a switch contact. The switch contact is connected to each fuse and phase of the circuit.

Abstract: A radius actuator for a safety switch of the type mounted to a hinged member, such as a flap, lid or the like, having a cover, a holder and a key. The key is pivotally mounted upon the holder such that the key may be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the pivoting circle of the radius actuator as the hinged member is opened or closed. The key being spring-biased into an insertion position and the pivot angle of the key being adjustable by means of a setscrew received by the holder. The holder being pivotally mounted relative to the cover such that the holder may be rotated about an axis within to a plane of the pivoting circle of the radius actuator as the hinged member is opened or closed. The holder being spring-biased into an insertion position and the pivot angle of the holder being adjustable by means of a setscrew received by the holder.

Abstract: An electrical switch (10) or fused switch for electrical distribution systems has a housing (12, 14); first and second spaced apart straps (16, 18), coupled to the housing; and a pair of opposed blades (22, 24) pivotally coupled to the first strap and straddling both straps. The blades (22, 24) are capable of relative pivotal movement from an open position spaced from the second strap to a closed position in contact therewith. A blade extension (30) is coupled to the blades between the straps. The switch has first and second biasing elements (26, 28), which may be leaf springs, each coupled to a respective blade, each of which biases the respective blade toward the first and second straps at a first bias force level when the respective blade is in the closed position and at a second, lower bias force level when the respective blade is in the open position. A fastener (32) slidably passes through each of the blades, the blade extension and the biasing elements.

Abstract: A switch member mechanically operatively functional through a cable directed into the passenger compartment of the associated motor vehicle is arranged to effect discontinuance of grounding to the battery of the associated vehicle, wherein the switch member includes a pivotal blade mounted in selective electrical communication between first and second bifurcated contact posts. A mounting bracket within the passenger compartment directs illumination onto a pull handle that in turn is secured to the cable.

Abstract: A bar providing a switching member is pivotally connected to a terminal supported within an insulating housing. In normal operating position the knife switch is closed to two switch contacts which allow connection of power from one of the contacts to two types of circuits, such as propulsion and the auxiliary circuits of a railway car. The insulating housing may be provided with a cover which is closed when the switch is in normal closed circuit operating position. To change the position of the switch, the cover must be opened. The bar may be pivoted somewhat less than 180.degree. to engage a single contact which connects the power to one of the circuits, but not the other, for example, only to the auxiliary circuit of a railway car. The knife switch is prevented from moving 180.degree. by an end wall of the housing. But in that position it closes to one contact so that it may be viewed as being closed to power the auxiliary circuit.

Abstract: A primary disconnect assembly for a circuit breaker. The assembly includes a plurality of contact fingers for engaging the terminals of a bus bar assembly. The terminals and fingers are configured such that the terminals each include depressions adapted to accept the contact portions of the contact fingers. This configuration provides at least two contact locations between each contact finger and terminal. Additionally, this configuration increases the force required to slide the fingers relative to the terminals.

Abstract: A contact arrangement is provided for a medium- or high-voltage switch including two contact surfaces that are generally parallel and relatively movable via a predetermined path between open and closed positions. During closing, the two contact surfaces define predetermined areas of relative engagement between the two contact surfaces. The movement along the predetermined path during contact engagement generally defines a first direction. The two contact surfaces are arranged relative to each other and the first direction such that, during closing, the relative engagement between the two contact surfaces defines a locus along each contact surface that is non-parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: A primary disconnect assembly for a circuit breaker. The assembly includes a plurality of contact fingers for engaging the terminals of a bus bar assembly. The terminals and fingers are configured such that the terminals each include depressions adapted to accept the contact portions of the contact fingers. This configuration provides at least two contact locations between each contact finger and terminal. Additionally, this configuration increases the force required to slide the fingers relative to the terminals.

Abstract: An inverted U-shaped contact for the slider of a slide switch having a longitudinal axis comprises two pairs of teeth connected longitudinally by a transversely generally semicircular elongated member, each tooth extending downward from the elongated member in a curved convex clasping shape. The opposed convex surfaces of each pair face the other in clasping configuration.

Abstract: A fused disconnect switch is contained within a molded plastic cover pivotally attached to a molded plastic case. The switch contact blade is directly attached to the cover whereby movement of the cover in one direction slidingly connects the switch contact blade between the line and load stabs mounted within the case. Movement of the cover in an opposite direction slidingly disconnects the switch contact blade from the line and load stabs. Tabs integrally formed within the cover and slots integrally formed within the case cooperate to prevent access to the switch components when the switch blade is in its "ON" position. An opening is provided for locking the switch in either the "ON" or "OFF" position.

Abstract: A subminiature switch includes a housing having a base portion in the central part of which is implanted a common stationary contact comprising a rod-shaped conductor and having a common stationary terminal extending outside the housing. Implanted in the base portion on both sides of the common stationary contact are switching stationary contacts each comprising a rod-shaped conductor bent at two locations and having a switching stationary terminal extending outside the housing. The arrangement is such that the inter-terminal spacing outside the housing is greater than the inter-contact spacing inside the housing, thus making it possible to reduce the size of the switch housing and adapt the switch to various mounting structures.

Abstract: A process for selectively manufacturing vertical or horizontal type switch devices using a common form for substantially all parts or components, and products manufactured by the same process. The process comprises subjecting a metallic strip to stamping-out to leave predetermined patterns, each pattern consisting of a set of fixed contact elements, and two groups of terminals extending from the fixed contact elements and perpendicular to each other, and passageways between adjacent terminals in part; cutting some selected sites from the passageways so that one desired group of terminals in accordance with horizontal or vertical type may remain connected to the fixed contact elements before or after the molding with an insulating synthetic resin so that each resulting pattern may be inserted in the mold formed thereby; and making assembly of the thus-obtained mold-with-terminal-pattern and other parts and components.

Abstract: A HF-switch includes a contact set which comprises a bifurcated contact piece cooperating with a contact blade. The contact piece includes a pair of contact springs supported at their one end and provided with opposing contact rivets at their other end between which the contact blade is movable within a predetermined tolerance range. The contact rivets are of circular cone shape and are defined by a height which corresponds at least to half the permissible tolerance range of the contact blade and by a base angle .alpha..ltoreq.45.degree..

Abstract: A low voltage switch having relatively long plunger travel that maximizes internal self-wiping of the contacts thereby to prolong switch life. The support for the internal contacts functions as a guide for the plunger as well as providing the necessary electrical spacing.

Abstract: A miniature switch has an actuator block operated by a toggle lever and formed to include a recess in one side face thereof, the recess being open at its bottom and on one side and having a retaining portion. The upper part of a movable contactor is provided with an engagement portion loosely fitted into the retaining portion of the actuator block to mount the contactor in the actuator block. The arrangement is such that when the actuator block is covered by a switch housing, the inner wall surface of the housing is situated at the side of the movable contactor to prevent the movable contactor from becoming detached from the actuator block.

Abstract: An electric bypass switch for connecting and disconnecting an electric apparatus such as a voltage regulator with respect to a power system includes a pair of spaced insulators on each of which a pair of conductive terminals are mounted, one pair of terminals being adapted for connection to the apparatus and the other pair of terminals being adapted for connection with the infeed and outfeed conductors of an electric power line respectively, a pair of hinge contacts hingedly mounted respectively on one pair of the conductive terminals, a pair of jaw contacts mounted respectively on the other pair of conductive terminals, a unitary switch blade having a pair of concentric conductors which are separated by mechanically sturdy insulating material and arranged with the hinge ends thereof connected respectively with the hinge contacts and the swing ends of the switch blade conductors being engageable and disengageable with the jaw contacts respectively, a bypass conductor electrically connected with and pivotally

Abstract: A switch is provided with a normally-open terminal and a normally-closed terminal arranged on the same place with a relatively wide gap formed therebetween. A pivot member pivoted to the switch casing carries a clip-like movable terminal one end of which clamps and engages with a supporting hole bored in a common terminal, and the second end of which clamps and slidingly engages the normally-open and normally-closed terminals.The normally-closed terminal has a guide post for maintaining expansion of and guiding the second end of the movable terminal as it traverses the gap between the normally-open and normally-closed terminals so that smooth switching operation is obtained.

Abstract: A slide switch comprises a plurality of sets of aligned terminals, each set comprising at least a center terminal and two end terminals, one to either side of the center terminal and aligned along a common axis therewith, and a plurality of elongate slides respectively associated with the sets of terminals. The slides are of sufficient length to engage the center terminal and only one of the associated end terminals. An actuator mounts the slides for movement between a first position wherein the slides electrically couple each of the center terminals with one of its associated end terminals and a second position wherein the slides electrically couple each of the center terminals with the other of its associated end terminals. A light emitting element has a pair of electrodes and is responsive to a given voltage across the electrodes for emitting light.

Abstract: A miniature push-button switch having and improved switch body wherein a plurality of fixed contacts are each formed by bending an electrically conductive plate material to have one end acting as a contact portion, for contacting a movable contact which is adapted to slide in the longitudinal direction of the switch, and the other end acting as a switch terminal. The switch terminals are arranged in order along the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the switch and comprise a normally open, NO, switch terminal, a common, C, switch terminal and a normally closed, NC, switch terminal interposed between the NO switch terminal and the C switch terminal.

Abstract: An electric disconnect or grounding switch is disclosed. The switch comprises a switch blade movable about a fulcrum and a fixed blade contact having a central slot open at one end to define resilient side walls which form spaced fixed contacts. The switch blade in the open position of the switch is parallel or at an angle to the blade contact. During closing of the switch, the switch blade enters the central slot from the closed end thereof and moves to the region of the current contacts until it comes into contact with an insulating stop disposed underneath the blade contact. There, motion of the switch blade is stopped and the switch blade is disposed perpendicular to the blade contact in the closed position of the switch.

Abstract: A push button switch comprises a switch body defining an enclosure; a support member disposed within the enclosure, a pivotable converter supported by the support member for pivoting between the first and second positions with respect to an imaginary fulcrum plane; an operator actuable push rod extending through the switch body into the enclosure, the push rod being axially displaceable with respect to a displacement axis and having a converter actuator for pushing against the converter so as to pivot the converter in the direction of the second position thereof when the push rod is displaced from an unactuated limit position; a compression spring disposed between the push rod and the converter for biasing the push rod toward the limit position thereof and the converter toward the first position thereof; and a movable contact member fixedly mounted on the converter such that the movable contact member is displaced into and out of sliding contact with a stationary contact member as the converter is pivoted bet

Abstract: Erosion- and decomposition-caused deterioration of exterior regions of an arc-extinguishing housing included in a high-voltage switch is eliminated or reduced. The switch also includes a stationary contact within a sealed chamber defined by the housing and a switch blade movable into and out of engagement with the stationary contact through a slit communicating with the chamber. The stationary contact and the switch blade are connectable to opposite sides of a high-voltage source. The deterioration-prone region of the housing resides between one housing portion which is connected to and is at the voltage of the stationary contact, and another portion which is essentially electrically floating. Deterioration is eliminated or reduced by closely capacitively coupling current to the region from a conductive projection connected to the stationary contact. The projection is closely spaced from, and may be either above or below, the region.

Abstract: A jack for receiving a plug includes a detachable slide switch operated by a contact strip which engages the plug. Additional slide switches may be nested below the first slide switch, the entire stack being operated by the contact strip as the plug is inserted in the jack.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a small-sized switch of the type, in which a clip-shaped moving contact made coactive with a knob is selectively and simultaneously brought, by operating the knob, into sliding contact with both the outer sides of at least two of a plurality of fixed contacts arranged in the bottom of a switch body, thus effecting the switch changing operations. The small-sized switch has its plural fixed contacts made of a round wire.