Abstract: A control assembly for use with an electrical device to control operation of the electrical device in a plurality of operational modes.

Abstract: A system for switching gases appearing after a short-circuit switching procedure in electrical service devices, particularly in low-voltage power switches, includes a switching gas cooling assembly and particle capture arrangement. Downstream of the flow path of switching gases issuing from at least one switching chamber outlet window, the switching gas cooling assembly is arranged in a blow-out chamber. In the space behind the at least one switching chamber outlet window and prior to entry of the switching gases into the switching gas cooling assembly, there is arranged a flow element around which the switching gases can flow and which has a cross section which corresponds to or is greater than the cross section of the switching chamber outlet window. The flow elements act as the particle capture arrangement and thus as a protection device for the switching gas cooling arrangement.

Abstract: A connector terminal includes a press-fit terminal and a shaft portion, the connector terminal being fabricated of a single metal sheet, the shaft portion having a lateral cross section having a size entirely covering therewith a lateral cross section of the press-fit terminal when viewed in an axial direction of the connector terminal, the shaft portion having surfaces extending in the axial direction at an entire circumference thereof, the lateral cross section of the shaft portion being identical in shape with a lateral cross section of a terminal space of a die used for fabricating a housing for the press-fit terminal, the press-fit terminal being fit into the terminal space when the housing is molded with resin.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a first conductive terminal having a first contact portion, a second conductive terminal having a second contact portion, and a moveable body moveable from a first position, in which the first and second contact portions are electrically disconnected, to a second position, in which the first and second contact portions are electrically connected. The first and second contact surfaces are cylinders parallel to respectively the first and second contact portions, such that the second contact surface freely goes through the first contact portion, the first contact surface enters in connection with the first contact portion simultaneously to the moment when the second contact surface enters in connection with the second contact portion, and at least one of the first and second surfaces and the corresponding one of the first and second contact portions are arranged so that the moveable body is maintained in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for installing or uninstalling a removable battery of an electric or hybrid vehicle characterized in that the system is fully integrated in the vehicle and does not require any outside assistance. To summarize, the jack (3) can vertically handle and drop the battery (2) when the locks (4) securing the battery below the vehicle (1) floor are open. For reinstalling the battery, the parking assistance system of the vehicle guides the vehicle above the battery, whereas the lifting device can cope with the unavoidable positioning errors. This battery dropping system is useful for batteries exchange, batteries renting or maintenance, and for adapting the battery's configuration to the forecasted loads or usages of the vehicle. Important cost and fuel savings along CO2 emission cuts are expected from this device. In fact, the vehicle no longer carries a heavy battery when it is not necessary.

Abstract: A switch has a base having a frame integrally formed on a periphery of an upper face of the base, a fixed contact formed on an inner side face of the frame, and a support protrusion that protrudes from the upper face of the base that is integrally formed so as to expose a common fixed contact, an electrically conductive spring member whose connecting part arranged at a center of a spiral spring is nonrotatably supported by the support protrusion and that extends a driving piece from the free end of the spiral spring, and an actuating lever whose one end is rotatably supported by the upper face of the base and that integrally forms an actuating trigger that presses the driving piece of the electrically conductive spring member.

Abstract: This disclosure describes examples of an apparatus to enclose components of a switching assembly of an automatic transfer switch. In one embodiment, the apparatus, or arc chamber cover, has a housing made of material with optical properties that permit observation of the interior of the housing. A mounting assembly couples to the housing. The mounting assembly secures the apparatus to the automatic transfer switch. In one example, the mounting assembly comprises feet comprising a material with mechanical properties that can withstand pressure and other forces inside of the interior chamber. The apparatus also includes one or more baffles to control the flow of gasses and control electric arcs within the switching assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching arrangement with two operational settings for switching over a winding during transformer operation, wherein during the switching-over a transient current commutates from one current path to another current path. In that case fixed contacts are arranged in several horizontal planes around a rotatable switching shaft and on an insulating-material frame and have upper and lower contact fingers that can be pressed apart and with which electrical connection can be made by an electrically conductive rail as movable switching contact.

Abstract: A device for measuring the wear of the contacts of a switchgear device is described. The switchgear device is of the open circuit breaker type with offset pole-shaft, and the movable contact is mounted on a sliding support. Measurement of the wear of the contacts is based on evaluation of the over-travel of the movable contact in the closed position when the latter slides in its support. This over-travel is determined by measuring the residual rotation of the pole-shaft, preferably by a contact-less magnetic rotation sensor.

Abstract: The electro-mechanical relay comprises a base having a transversal axis and a rocking member operatively connected over the base. The rocking member is pivotable, with reference to the transversal axis, between a first position and a second position. The relay also comprises a first contact provided on the base at a location facing the rocking member and being spaced-apart from the transversal axis, and a second contact having at least a portion provided on the rocking member and being in registry with the first contact. The first and second contacts are configured and disposed to be electrically engaged at the first position of the rocking member, and electrically disengaged from each other at the second position thereof.

Abstract: An operating device which enables various input operations. A two-direction input device is provided in front of a flat input member. When an operation button is moved in a Y1 or Y2 direction, a switch device is turned ON. In a case where one of the switch devices is ON, the operation button can be pressed, and at this time, a press switch device is turned ON. In use of this two-direction input device, a series of operations such as selection and determination of menu displayed on a display screen can be quickly performed.

Abstract: A low profile, two pole, plunger-type safety switch and connector assembly includes a switch housing and switch components are supported within the housing interior region. An actuator extends exteriorly though the housing opening and is moveable along a linear path of travel between two positions, one position of the actuator corresponding to an undepressed position and a second position of the actuator corresponding to a depressed position. Terminals of the switch assembly terminate in conductive male contacts extending through a side wall of the switch housing substantially perpendicular to the path of travel of the actuator. The connector assembly includes a connector housing supporting four female terminals sized to snugly receive respective different ones of the four male contacts when the connector housing engages the switch housing. Extending arms of a flexible, electrically conductive shorting member contact a center two of the female terminals.

Abstract: In a position detecting switch, a first movable contact is disposed in a first receptacle formed in a sliding body and is urged toward a casing member by a first spring so as to engage first and second stationary contacts mounted in the casing member when the sliding body is in a selected position. In order to prevent non-contact due to rotating moment of the first movable contact relative to the stationary contacts one or more features for inhibiting or reducing the relative moment are provided such as: (1) The first and second stationary contacts can be urged toward the first movable contact by fourth and fifth springs. (2) An elastic member or members can be disposed in a clearance between end walls of the sliding body and walls of the first receptacle. (3) The first spring can be restrained to apply its load to a substantially middle portion of the movable contact. (4) A plurality of the first springs can be provided to apply load the movable contact at a plurality of locations in a lengthwise direction.

Abstract: The push switch of the invention includes: a case including a plurality of contact terminals placed on an inner bottom surface thereof and a contact member that includes a plurality of conductive protruding portions which come into contact with the plurality of contact terminals at selected positions while sliding on the inner bottom surface of the case; a fulcrum portion supported in a rotatable state by an axis parallel to the inner bottom surface of the case; and an elastic bent portion for connecting the protruding portions with the fulcrum portion. The push switch further includes a sliding body which is supported so as to move up and down along a direction vertical to the inner bottom surface of the case thereby pressing the contact member and sliding the conductive protruding portions in accordance with the vertical motion in order to switch the contact terminals between an electrical connection state and an electrical disconnection state.

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: In an electric switch a good gliding behavior between a bridging contact and metal conductors punched out from a sheet metal blank is achieved. For this purpose the metal conductors have at least one projection extending at least over the entire range of motion of the bridging contact.

Abstract: To achieve a small-sized roller contact device having an increased capacity of current flow, the front and rear roller contacts 4a and 4b are arranged such that they face each other with the contact portions 1a and 2a of the first and second fixed contacts 1 and 2 therebetween to bridge-contact the contact portions 1a a and 2a of first and second fixed contacts 1 and 2 from the front and rear sides of the portions of the first and second fixed contacts 1 and 2 which are arranged in parallel to each other. The front and rear roller contacts 4a and 4b are supported by the front and rear roller contact supporting members 5a and 5b, respectively. The driving member 6 extends between the first and second fixed contacts 1 and 2 and supports the front and rear roller contact supporting members 5a and 5b. The springs are installed between the front and rear roller contact supporting members 5a and 5b.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a first and second housing having a normally open switch fixed between them. Means are formed on one of the housing is for maintaining the switch in an open position. In the event of separation of the housings, spring action causes the arms of the switch to engage electrical contacts, closing a circuit and energizing a warning light. The device has applicability in automatic braking systems for automative vehicles.

Abstract: A switching electrical receptacle includes a fixed set of female contacts mounted to be connected to electric power lines. A housing supports a plurality of sliding contacts of substantially cylindrical symmetry disposed parallel to an axis. The housing can be slid axially into and out of electrical contact with the female contacts to make or break a circuit. The sliding contacts are in permanent sliding contact with another set of female contacts that are connected to load terminals that are adapted to receive an electric plug. Each sliding contact is split along its axis and is spring-loaded from within to exert radial forces that assure good electrical connections between the sliding contact and each set of female contacts. Seals are readily installed in the housing to make the receptacle explosion-proof and also appropriate for outdoor use.

Abstract: The disclosed slide action selector switch, which is adapted to switch the connections of four push button switches between left and right mirror motors, comprises an insulating plate with an elongated guide flange projecting therefrom and having a T-shaped cross section. First and second sets of electrical contacts are mounted along the plate on opposite sides of the flange for sliding engagement by first and second contactors on an insulating carriage having a T-shaped channel slidably receiving and interlocking with the flange. Springs are provided on the carriage for biasing the contactors against the contacts while biasing the carriage away from the plate. A detent ball is disposed in a seat formed in a leaf spring on the carriage and is biased by the leaf spring against the flange for reception in successive detent recesses therein.

Abstract: Clustered push button switches are provided in a casing having an insulating mounting plate with openings therein for guiding push button shafts which carry U-shaped spring contactors having respective first and second contactor arms. Front and rear sheet metal conductors are mounted on front and rear sides of the plate and are formed with front and rear contact tabs extending into the openings and successively engageable by the first contactor arms. The front contact tabs are bent rearwardly from the front sheet metal conductors. The rear contact tabs are bent forwardly from the rear sheet metal conductors. Additional sheet metal conductors are mounted on one side of the plate and are formed with elongated additional contact tabs extending into the openings for constant sliding engagement by the second conductor arms. The additional contact tabs are bent from the additional conductors in a substantially rectangular relation thereto.

Abstract: Compact electrical power disconnect switch modularized to provide very broad current rating and comprising reverse-loop fingers which cooperate in pairs and form flexible spring-loaded contact members. An enlongated rotatable contact member is positioned between the reverse-loop fingers and makes and breaks electrical contact with same upon being rotated. Operation is fast and positive and three-phase power can readily be accommodated. A viewing window can be provided for a rapid check of the position of the switch.

Abstract: A slide selector switch mechanism for use within slide switches for controlling electrical circuits includes a detent spring centrally connected to a slide actuator member and to opposite ends of a movable bridging contactor. The detent spring provides contact pressure for effecting adequate pressurized electrical engagement of the contactor with underlying fixed terminal contact elements. The detent spring also functions as a separate actuating member for causing pivotal movement of the bridging contactor.

Abstract: A bridge-contact assembly used in combination with an inner contact ring and a contact terminal of an array concentrically surrounding the ring comprises a contact hoousing rotatable concentrically with and between the ring and array, a pair of bridge-contact jaws extending between the ring and the array and having inner ends gripping the ring and outer ends gripping a one of the terminals of the array, and a contact holder spacedly surrounding the pair of jaws and spacedly surrounded by the contact housing. At least one jaw spring supports the jaws in the holder and urges the jaws together and at least one holder spring supports the holder in the contact housing.

Abstract: A self-resetting push switch includes a closed-end insulating housing having first and second pairs of opposing inner wall surfaces. First grooves are formed on the first pair of surfaces, while a second groove having a projection is formed on at least one of the second pair of surfaces. First and second movable contact pieces project outwardly from a sliding sleeve being integral with an operation rod and having at least one engagement piece engageable with the projection of the second groove. The movable contact pieces are capable of coming into sliding contact with a first stationary contact piece inserted in one of the first grooves, and a second stationary contact piece.

Abstract: A step selector for a stepped transformer has an electrically insulating cylindrical wall provided with fixed contacts, e.g. at different levels and, for each contact level, a radial arm composed wholly of electrically insulating material is affixed to a cylindrical shaft rotatable about the axis of the cylinder and within the latter. The radial arm has a flange lying against the shaft and extending over substantially 120.degree. of an arc thereof. An inward projection on the flange engages a recess in the shaft and the flange is held against the shaft by at least one band of fibrous material impregnated with a self-hardening synthetic resin. The outer end of the arm carries a contact bridge slidable on a contact ring which nonrotatably surrounds the shaft and lies in the plane of the respective fixed contact which is engageable by the bridge.

Abstract: A switch having a carriage with a pair of substantially opposite sides and a contact surface of conductive parts facing one of the sides and a reaction surface facing the other of the sides in spaced relation therewith, and wherein the carriage is movable relative to and substantially parallel with the contact surface and the reaction surface, and has an improved contact mechanism carried by the carriage. The carriage has plural openings extending therethrough perpendicular to the contact surface and the reaction surface. The contact mechanism comprises a respective plurality of plungers, springs, conductive contact members and a common conductive retainer. Each contact member is slidably disposed in a respective one of the carriage openings and is adapted for engagement with the contact surface. Each spring is interposed in compression between a respective contact member and a respective plunger.

Abstract: A push button switch assembly. A switch housing supports two parallel conductive switch contacts. A torsion spring wiper member carried by a push button switch actuator selectively bridges the gap between the conductive switch contacts. The torsion spring wiper member is a wire coiled in the middle and having two arms that engage the switch contacts.

Abstract: A contact assembly is provided for a high-voltage switch. The contact assembly includes one or more contact members that cooperate with a contact element. The arrangement of the contact members is such that an interference fit results with the contact element and one or more of the contact members are displaced. To provide operation of the contact assembly in ice-forming environments, facilities are provided to prevent the ingress of moisture and the formation of ice in the space required for displacement of the appropriate one or more contact members. Of course, if ice were allowed to occupy the space required for displacement of the one or more contact members, due to the relatively incompressible nature of ice, appropriate contact engagement would be inhibited since displacement of the one or more contact members would be unable to occur when engaged by the contact element. In a specific arrangement, the contact assembly includes a contact support structure which carries the contact members.

Abstract: The sealed toggle action switch comprises an operating lever having a front operating arm projecting out of the front component of the casing. The lever has a rear arm, projecting into the casing and carrying a contactor plate for relative sliding and swinging movement. A coil spring is received around the rear arm and is compressed between the contactor plate and the front sealing flange of a soft resilient sealing boot, such sealing flange being compressed against the operating lever. The boot has a rear, outwardly projecting sealing flange which is retained between the front and rear casing components. The contactor plate has a pair of J-shaped flanges which are slidably engageable with first and second fixed contacts having forwardly projecting protuberances, affording a detent action with the J-shaped flanges. In one position of the operating lever, the J-shaped flanges of the contactor plate engage both of the first and second contacts.

Abstract: Electrical contacts of silver-cadmium alloy or other silver alloys suitable for I/O in which the cadmium is oxidized adjacent one side only are made providing a tube of silver-cadmium alloy, coating the inner wall with a layer of parting compound or inserting in the tube a sheet separator coated on each face with a layer of parting compound, compressing the tube to flatten it, heating the flattened tube in an oxygen-containing atmosphere to oxidize the cadmium content adjacent the outer face of the tube and to leave it unoxidized the cadmium content adjacent the inner face, and removing the layer of parting compound and cutting the wall of the flattened tube into individual contacts.

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: A switch mechanism is disclosed as including a body member containing the switching elements for an electrical circuit and a rotary external actuator for producing corresponding rotary motion to the switching elements for placing the switch mechanism into its controlling conditions. The actuator is held in a restrained position upon the body member and also resiliently biased into a controlling condition by a single element, a coil spring.

Abstract: A control center for distributing electric power characterized by a cabinet enclosing bus bars, a drawout stab assembly comprising a dielectric housing containing a clamping jaw for each bus bar, each clamping jaw having a wedge and wedge-receiving means for clamping the jaws tightly on the bus bar, and a nut and bolt assembly for releasably clamping the wedge in place.

Abstract: A switch, as for a windshield wiper, has a housing, a carriage rotatable in the housing in opposite directions from a first position to respective second and third positions, one or more electrical contacts mounted on and moving with the carriage, a conductive contact surface fixed in the housing for engagement by the contacts moving with the carriage, a primary actuation member which is manually actuatable from a first to a second position and may control a windshield washer, a drive member carried by the primary actuation member along a path, a resilient reaction member affixed to the carriage and extending into the path of the drive member for engagement therewith and displacement thereby, and wherein the carriage is displaced from the first to the second position by the displacement of the reaction member. The reaction member is the cantilevered arm of a torsion spring.

Abstract: A female interrupting contact for a current-interrupting unit includes a smoothly contoured, apertured pressure ring which is held in a groove formed in the wall of a bore through a contact body. A spring in the groove maintains the ring to one side of the bore so that the aperture is normally misaligned with the path of a male contact through the bore. When the male contact enters the aperture, it moves the ring against the action of the spring to align the aperture with its path. This alignment effects intimate sliding engagement between the male contact and both the ring and the wall of the bore, one or both of the latter of which are conductive so that a reliable electrical path through the contacts and the interrupting unit is established.

Abstract: A plug-in type electric circuit breaker utilizing a detachably fastened stab assembly for interconnecting the circuit breaker to current carrying members such as bus bars. The stab assembly incorporates a plurality of opposed, independently movable spring-biased contact fingers having limited axial and arcuate motion allowing for good electrical and mechanical interconnection between misaligned circuit breakers and bus bars and reduction in the amount of force required for installation while preventing the engagement of the circuit breaker with oversized or undersized conductors.

Abstract: In each of the two disclosed switches, an electrically conductive contactor plate is mounted on an insulating carriage, slidable in a casing along a path which is parallel with first and second parallel contact bars, mounted on an insulating wall of the casing. The contactor plate has first and second contact points for slidably engaging the contact bars during a portion of the movement of the contactor plate. During the remainder of such movement, the contact points slidably engage insulating boss portions which project from the insulating wall and are flush with the contact bars. The contactor plate has a third contact point projecting therefrom and slidable along an insulating ridge projecting from the insulating wall and disposed between the contact bars. The insulating ridge is flush with the contact bars for slidably supporting the third contact point while keeping it from engaging the contact bars. The insulating ridge is also flush with and connects with the insulating boss portions.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism for an optical instrument, such as a microscope, includes a support, a rotatable assembly having a plurality of detents, and a fixed member and a rotating wheel mounted to a spring. The non-rotating member is adapted to engage the detent formed in a flange on the nosepiece shell to provide positive and accurate alignment between the support and the rotatable assembly. When the rotatable assembly is rotated relative to the support, the rotating wheel engages the flange and provides for essentially friction-free rotation between detents. By insulating the spring and rotating wheel, the indexing mechanism may be used as a switch to control an electrical function of the optical instrument.

Abstract: A female contact of an interrupter includes a number of flexible fingers in a cylindrical array defining a cavity toward the axis of which the fingers are biased. A pair of semi-annular refractory members are located at the free ends of the fingers and define a passageway which is continuous with the cavity. The members are not welded or brazed to the fingers and are, accordingly, transversely free-floating relative to the fingers; they can move laterally of the axis independently of the fingers, but are prevented from movement along the axis. When a male contact is out of the cavity and the passageway, the fingers act against the exterior of the members until facing stop surfaces on the members abut, setting the minimum size of the passageway, which is smaller than the diametric size of the male contact but larger than the diametric size of the cavity between contact buttons on the fingers.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with unitary actuating shaft characterized by a dielectric housing having separable housing sections for mounting opposed stationary contacts; a unitary, hollow actuating shaft for mounting movable contacts between open and closed positions with the opposed stationary contacts; and each section having an end wall with an aperture through which the shaft extends and is retained in alignment.

Abstract: A rotary type switch for switching a relatively large plurality of independent circuits from one set of contact to a second set of contacts for manual or remote operation using a solenoid or linear actuator. The switch utilizes as contacts a simple wire form cantilevered for compliance at one end, and free to move vertically at an opposite end. A plurality of bridging contacts, properly sized and plated shorts adjacent pairs of wires together when the contacts move in an arcuate path or motion, causing the wires in the path to deflect, and causing the contacts to bridge pairs of adjacent wires to complete a circuit between them. Insulative members are positioned adjacent the gaps between the bridging contacts to limit the degree of flexing of the wires during movement of the bridging contacts.

Abstract: A switch comprises a movable conductive contact in the form of a curved plate having an arcuate cross section, and terminals having ends projecting into a cavity. The movable conductive contact is pressed into the cavity to cause an end of the contact to be resiliently held against and slidably supported on the ends of the terminals.

Abstract: A plastic switch actuator is fitted with a spring so as to impart sliding and rocking motion to a movable contact by virtue of direct engagement between spring and element. The actuator has a depending integral portion received in an opening of the element but it is the spring which keeps the element in contact with the fixed switch contacts. Other embodiments provide for illuminating the rocker in the miniature switch made possible by this simplified switch construction of fewer component parts. Still further embodiments provide for a toggle style actuator having a movable contact capable of retention in a "center-off" position wherein the movable contact is releasably retained on shelf-like lands defined for this purpose in the switch base, and wherein this contact can be moved by the depending actuator portion through joint action by the actuator and the spring provided on said actuator.

Abstract: An electric switch mechanism for portable electric motor drive type tools having a reciprocable contact carrier and a movable electrically conductive bridging contact carried by the contact carrier for making and breaking electrical contact with coacting stationary contacts in the switch mechanism. The bridging contact has a protuberance at each point of contact with the contact carrier to ensure that such contact therebetween at each such point is always at the same spot(s) on the bridging contact when the bridging contact is reciprocated by the contact carrier in either direction.

Abstract: An electric switch having contact elements designed in the form of contact pins is disclosed. Contact pins and flat springs are arranged in units, each unit having a contact pin and an associated flat spring, and each unit extending in the make/break direction of the switch. Each contact pin-flat spring unit is held between a contact carrier and a cage. The cage may be held in place by outer ends of the flat springs. A tubular conductor or a contact blade can be used as a mating contact. The mating contact is in electrical connection with the contact pins when the switch is in the make position. The individual contact elements can be easily replaced, and a standard design contact element can be used in switches of various sizes and types. A switch according to the present invention is particularly suitable for use with large surge currents.

Abstract: A modular vault type load break switch wherein the switching assembly is carried within an oil filled vault such that the operation of the switching mechanism is independent of the vault structure. The switching contact mechanism employs a positive actuator which is energized by the operator and contact movement effected by a remotely controlled mechanism independent of operator contact.

Abstract: A slide switch intended for mounting on a circuit board to switch terminal pads on the board comprises a channel-shaped sheet metal switch housing, an insulating slide member captured between the sidewalls of the housing, and switch contact members mounted on the outwardly facing surface of the slide member. When the switch is mounted on the circuit board, the switch contact members contact the terminal pads on the circuit board. Retaining means and detent means for the slide member are formed from the sidewalls of the sheet metal housing. Switches can be produced in strip form with the switch housings integral with, and extending laterally from, a continuous carrier strip.

Abstract: An electrical switch having spaced stationary contacts and a contact carrier carrying a bridging contact in linear reciprocation relative to the stationary contacts, with the bridging contact biased toward the stationary contacts. The bridging contact has spaced opposite contacting ends forming a leading contact end and a trailing contact end for sliding movement between a bridging position where the contacting ends contact their respective stationary contacts, and a non-bridging position where the leading contact end is out of engagement with its stationary contact. The bridging contact is rotatably hinged to the contact carrier and a projection is disposed between the stationary contacts for engagement with the leading contact end for pivoting and lifting the leading contact end from its stationary contact in coaction with the hinged connection with a quick break action during movement of the contact carrier to the non-bridging position.