Abstract: A button switch wherein switching operation of contact patterns 14 printed and wired on a printed circuit board 13 is performed by pushing a contact member 12 provided on a lower face of a pushing member of the button switch is constructed in such a manner that the above mentioned contact member 12 comprises a rubber piece, electrically conductive films formed on upper and lower faces of the rubber piece, and metal wires embedded in the rubber piece so as to interconnect the electrically conductive films, the obtained contact member 12 being bonded to the pushing member.

Abstract: A method of forming a key comprising the steps of: depositing an electroless metallic layer on an upper surface of a substrate; removing the metallic layer from selected portions to expose the substrate, said exposed portions of the substrate defining the image of an indicia; depositing a second metallic layer on the remaining portions of the first metallic layer by electrolysis; and coupling a lower surface of the substrate to an element for actuating a switch. A device for tactile actuation by a user, having an element, for activating a switch, coupled to a body supporting a metallic layer for tactile actuation by a user, wherein the metallic layer extends over an upper surface of the body and wherein at least one aperture extends through the metallic layer to said upper surface thereby defining at least one visible indicia.

Abstract: For increasing the reliability of contact closure in safety relays, a contact spring (10) is provided with two contact pieces (15, 16) which are disposed at the free end of the contact spring (10), spaced transversely of the longitudinal axis thereof and cooperate with contact pieces (17, 18) disposed on a common fixed contact. The contact spring (10) has a zone (19) in which it is not only flexible but also sufficiently torsional about its longitudinal axis in order to ensure the closure of both contact couples. Disposing the free end of the contact spring (10) carrying the contact pieces (15, 16) at an angle with respect to the fixed contact (12) achieves smooth and low-bounce contact closure and at the same time provides the function of a pre-contact and a main contact.

Abstract: A fine pitch electrode is provided in which fine electrode lines are disposed at even intervals and with high precision, and which has improved productivity and quality. The fine-pitch electrode 11 comprises a plurality of fine electrode lines 12, each of which is coated around its periphery with a coating film which is made of an electrical insulator, and a sealing member 19 in which a plurality of the fine electrode lines 12 are disposed on a plane and which is molded so as to incorporate the fine electrode lines 12.

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 bus bar assembly includes an elongate body including three unitary portions. A first portion and a third portion are substantially co-planar and a second portion is unitarily offset from the first and third portions. A contactor tip is mounted to a top surface of both the first portion and the third portion. During closure of the bus bar assembly, the offset second portion causes the contactor tips to roll which helps expel contaminants that may have accumulated on the contactor tips.

Abstract: A penetrating contact design that decreases the time needed to move the male and female contacts of a circuit interrupter from a closed circuit position to an open circuit position. The penetrating contact has a grip-enhancing member that can be located on either the male or female contact. The grip-enhancing member of the penetrating contact maintains physical contact between a male contact and a female contact, while the penetrating contact is in the closed circuit condition. The grip-enhancing member creates a relatively high resistance to separation of the male and female contacts. This separation resistance enhances the separation acceleration of the male and female when they are separated by the circuit interrupter. When an operator initiates a disconnect procedure, this separation resistance will maintain the male contact and female contact in the closed circuit position for a longer time as the interrupter's separation mechanism is energized.

Abstract: An electrical switch (10) has a contact system in which first and second contact protrusions (22a, 22b; 22a′, 22b′; 22a″, 22b″) are offset from the center line of the long axis of a twistable movable contact arm. In a preferred embodiment the movable contact (22) is formed with a groove (22e, 22e′) formed through the contact running generally along the center line to form first and second generally wedge shaped contacts on either side of the center line. In one preferred embodiment, converging surfaces (22f, 22g) form a groove with an angle alpha of approximately 125° and approximately 158° in another preferred embodiment. In another preferred embodiment the protrusions (22a″, 22b″) are generally hemispherical.

Abstract: A two position switch of an electric motor has an actuator that is biased by a resilient terminal arm into sliding engagement with an annular collar of a centrifugal actuator. The centrifugal actuator collar controls movement of the switch actuator which closes and opens electrical contacts to energize start and run winding circuits of the motor. The resilient terminal arm that closes the star circuit is slotted to reduce its biasing force exerted on the actuator of the switch.

Abstract: A switching device for an electrical connector comprises a cover and a base securely assembled with the cover. A plurality of contacts comprising first contacts, second contacts, and third contacts are secured in the base. A plurality of switching terminals each includes a positioning portion, a first tab, a second tab, and a third tab. Each switching terminal forms a pushing end opposite the positioning portion, the pushing end also connecting the first tab to the third tab. The tabs respectively form first, second, and third contacting portions thereon. In operation, the first and the second contacting portions are respectively engaged with the first and second contacts when the pushing end is not being pushed laterally. When the pushing end is pushed laterally, the first contacting portion disengages from the first contact, and the third contacting portion moves to engage with the third contact, thereby switching a signal transmission.

Abstract: A low ampere mechanical switch has a contact design creating a line of contact between the moveable and stationary contacts. The stationary contacts are stainless steel and the moveable contact is Inconel.TM.. Both contacts have a thin plating of gold alloy to provide for good mechanical strength at high temperature with a natural lubricating ability. The contact physical design provides good wiping action and mechanical contact while preventing troughing.

Abstract: An electric switch having a contact system includes a contact with a contact body (7) and a contact surface (10). The contact is arranged in a recess (25) on a contact carrier (8) in such a way that the contact surface is exposed on the contact carrier (8) and the contact body (7) projects at least on one side (23) of the contact carrier (8). The contact is fastened on the contact carrier (8) by a region (27, 27') of the contact body that is adjacent an edge (28) of the recess (25). The region (27, 27') of the contact body is embossed with the side (23) of the contact carrier.

Abstract: To make spherical shape of the terminal end of extruding part of a push-button switch to press a curved contact portion composed of a metal belleville spring and a resin film dome. In addition, the gate injecting mouth 4 for thermoplastic material 3 is opened in the side surface of the extruding part 2 or in the side projection made in a mold to inject the resin material in order to make molding of spherical shape of the terminal end of extruding part 2 of a push-button switch possible. By this structure, the present invention can provide a sheet-like key top having improved clicking touch and preventing break of a contact portion by residual stress.

Abstract: A sliding element fixing structure for an electrical component comprising a sliding element formed of a metallic plate having tongues found in its base segment and a holding member to which the sliding element is fixed. The holding member has a flat surface and a bulged-out segment positioned and arranged below the flat surface. The base segment of the sliding element is mounted on the flat surface of the holding member with the end segments of the tongues engaging the lower part of the bulged-out segment which fixes the sliding element to the holding member.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an inbred corn plant designated 17DHD7. This invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the inbred corn plant 17DHD7, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred plant 17DHD7 with itself or with another corn plant, such as another inbred. This invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred plant 17DHD7 with another corn plant, such as another inbred, and to crosses with related species. This invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of the inbred corn plant 17DHD7, and also to the RFLP and genetic isozyme typing profiles of inbred corn plant 17DHD7.

Abstract: A microwave switch includes a housing having at least three spaced coaxial conductor terminals extending from the housing; an electrical conductor extends inwardly from each of the terminals to a housing interior; and a housing cover effectively seals the housing and includes a pair of bearing apertures. A pair of switch operators, each having a headed top confines return springs between an underside of the headed top and a top surface of the cover, a central guide portion passes through said bearing apertures and a distal end protrudes from an underside surface of the cover into the housing interior toward the electrical conductors. A switch reed is fixedly attached to the distal end of each of the operators within said housing, each switch reed including reed distal ends which electrically interconnect, upon alternative operation of said operators by a rocker assembly, a pair of the electrical conductors including a common electrical conductor.

Abstract: A switch apparatus has a fixed contact including a contact pattern formed on a printed substrate and a movable contact provided above and opposing the fixed contact. A switching operation is performed by engaging the movable contact with the fixed contact. The fixed contact pattern has a first pair of fixed contacts and a second pair of fixed contacts. The fixed contact patterns are separated by a predetermined distance from one another. The movable contact has a first movable contact and a second movable contact for engagement with the first and the second pairs of fixed contacts, respectively. One of the first pair of fixed contacts and one of the second pair of fixed contacts are formed in a unit to define a common pattern. Only the common pattern is disposed between the other of the first pair of fixed contacts and the other of the second pair of fixed contacts.

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: This invention concerns a sensitive key device with capacitive effect working through an electrically insulating plate, the key being supported by a printed circuit board. According to the invention, the bottom of a single part having a spring blade made of an electrically conducting material is fixed to the printed circuit board. The top (11) of this part forms a detection surface designed to be placed in contact with the transparent plate. The center of the part makes the part flexible such that the detection surface is in elastic contact with the plate, regardless of parallelism defects between this plate and the printed circuit board.

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: A domed contact element 50 for a keypad assembly comprising a substrate (52) having the dome (54) formed therein, the dome being depressible towards the substrate so as to move from a first natural-bias position to a second position; a soldering site (62) on the substrate by which the contact element can be soldered to a circuit board; and a port (56) positioned between the dome (54) and the soldering site (62) to inhibit ingress of solder into the dome (54) during soldering.

Abstract: A three-way switch for individually connecting either a dummy load, a first antenna, or a second antenna to a radio transmitter power amplifier output. The switch includes a first member connected to a dummy load and a second flexible member fixed in position relative to the first member and biased against the first member so as to make an electrical connection between the first and second member. The second member is connected to the radio transmitter output and includes two contact areas for connecting to a first and a second antenna. When a first antenna is applied against the first contact area, the transmitter is disconnected from the dummy load and only the first antenna is connected to the transmitter output. When a second antenna is applied to the second contact area the flexible member of the switch disconnects from the first antenna and only the second antenna is connected to the transmitter output.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for a vacuum interrupter is disclosed having a coil structure that produces an axial magnetic field during operation of the assembly. The electrode coil includes at least one arcuate arm having a radial cross section which provides more material adjacent to a base of the coil than adjacent to a contact plate of the assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the cross sectional area of the arcuate arm has a trapezoidal shape. The electrode assembly provides improved heat transfer during operation of the vacuum interrupter while maintaining a sufficient axial magnetic field. As a result, the electrode assembly may be operated at higher continuous currents than conventional designs.

Abstract: A device and method establishing an electrically conductive path between a pair of contacts in low voltage, low current applications, such as in electronic circuits. The device and method feature a flexible spanner that contacts a pair of fixed contacts with a sweeping movement. The spanner includes a bent portion that flexes when a force is exerted on the spanner such that a contact portion of the spanner sweeps across the surface of the pair of fixed contacts.

Abstract: A slide switch S includes a sliding member 1, a fixed contact 10 of a pole plate 7, a movable contact plate 2, a spring 12 interposed between the sliding member 1 and the movable contact plate 2, pawl portions 121, 122 formed on wall surfaces 111, 112 on both sides of the sliding member 1, and slots 41, 42 engaging with and anchoring the pawl portions 121, 122 and functioning as a guide and formed on both leg pieces 211, 212 of the movable contact plate. The movable contact plate 2 is bent and expanded outward on the side of an end portion 221 of the leg piece 211 with respect to the portion where the slot 41 is formed. This slide switch construction eliminates damage between the movable contact plate of the slide switch and the pawl portions engaging with, and anchoring, the movable contact plate, and results in a smoother operation of the switch.

Abstract: A switch having two planes opposing and substantially in parallel to each other and switching between a first electrode and another electrode by pressing down one of the planes. Contact point patterns each made of a conductive material having a specified shape are provided on one of the planes. Stripe electrode patterns in which the first electrode and the other electrode are alternately positioned are provided on the other plane in a region where the contact pattern on the one plane is superimposed when that plane is pressed down.

Abstract: A combined connector terminal blade contact is formed by stamping a flat blank from sheet stock and following an end portion to form a double thickness connector terminal which is sufficiently rigid to provide for mounting through a slot in a housing; and, the terminal portion is intended to extend through the housing for external electrical connection thereto. An electrical contact is welded to the blade portion for forming one side of a switch.

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: In order to produce keyboards, two pairs of diagonally connected squares with rounded corners are used as fixed contacts. A direct diagonal connection electrically connects two non-adjacent squares. The squares are conductive lacquer (carbon lacquer) and cover copper pads on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A thin switch includes, (a) a rectangular insulating substrate, (b) a unitary fixed contact member comprising a T-shaped conductive thin-metal including a fixed contact, a first terminal, and a first conductive part therebetween, and (c) a movable contact member including a unitary elastic and T-shaped conductive thin-metal including a domed contact, a second terminal, and a second conductive part therebetween. The fixed contact member is placed so that the fixed contact is located roughly at the center of a surface of the insulating substrate and the first terminal is located at one edge of the insulating substrate. The first terminal is attached to the insulating substrate. The movable contact member is placed so that the domed contact is located over the fixed contact and the second terminal is located at the opposite edge of the insulating substrate. The second terminal is attached to the insulating substrate.

Abstract: An external terminal end of an electrical element of a switch has a thick central portion providing enhanced elimination of heat generated by switching arcs to a connected female spade receptacle.

Abstract: Control device for selectively closing electrical contacts situated on a plate (9), formed by a push-button (1) co-operating with a flat spring (3); the spring (3), fastened to a case (5) at one of its ends and attached to the push-button (1) at the other end, comprises strips (31, 32) formed by a series of loops (31i, 32i) giving it elasticity along the axis of the stem (11), and flexible lamellar extensions (35, 36, 38) outside the plane of the spring (3), by the action of the lugs (20, 21, 22) of the stem (11) when the push-button is moved in rotation and/or translation.

Abstract: Contacts such as contact points, contact strips, or contact sections are usually provided with hard solder on a copper-silver basis in the form of a flat solder layer. The contact is then connected over this solder layer with a contact carrier. The solder layer is melted, whereupon the free surface of the solder layer (13, 130) is covered during melting with a material (1, 5, 15) that has no solubility with silver or copper. The material can, during melting of the solder, form a covering (1, 15) beneath the contact (10, 12, 100) provided on its solder side with the solder layer (13, 130) or can also form a covering over the contact (10, 12, 100) provided on its solder side with the solder layer (13, 130). As materials for covering the solder layer (13, 130), high-melting metals, preferably tantalum, or a ceramic are used.

Abstract: This electrical switch (1) consists of a flat spring, profiled in order to provide both a contact function and a spring function; the flat spring (1) includes a first leg (2) which can be deformed by bearing on a fixed pivot pin (3) of a support (4), and a second leg (5), which can move at the same time as the first leg deforms and whose end (5a) can assume either of two positions for contacting pins (14,15) of an electrical circuit. The switch according to the invention is less bulky than the usual switches by virtue of its flat shape, less expensive to manufacture, because it only consists of a single component, and easy to install on its support.

Abstract: An improved acceleration sensor (10) includes a housing (12) having an internal passage (14) defined therein, a sensing mass (18) located within the passage which moves from a first position within the passage towards a second position therein in response to acceleration inputs to the sensor housing, and a pair of electrical contacts (22) projecting into the passage so as to be bridged by the sensing mass when it reaches its second position within the passage, thereby closing an electrical circuit. The supported end (28) of each of the contacts includes diametrical arms (32) which are themselves secured to the housing only at their outboard ends (36). The arms are thus free to rotate elastically when the sensing mass deflects the contact's cantilevered free end (30), thereby permitting greater elastic travel of the contact's free end, with its enhanced reliability and an attendant increase in contact dwell.

Abstract: A flexible movable contact having fulcrums for pivoting the contact within notches of a terminal has a tab between the fulcrums offset downwardly and projecting outwardly that extends through an aperture in a flat U-shaped insulating contact carrier to attach one end of the contact to the carrier. A right-angle flat transition surface between the offset tab and primary plane of the contact abuts a convex surface forming an edge of the aperture to permit the contact to pivot relative to the carrier for self-alignment of the fulcrums in the notches. A beam of the contact extends obliquely away from the carrier and has lateral arms terminating in hook portions engaging an opposite side of the carrier. Ears bent over on the free end of the contact beam arrest overtravel movement of the carrier, which movement can be closely controlled by tolerances between the ears and hook portions during manufacture of the movable contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a plate on a plate cylinder includes a plate lockup device, a reference pin, a detecting sensor, and a lamp. The plate lockup device is provided in a gap formed in a circumferential surface of the plate cylinder. The reference pin is supported by a gripper portion of the plate lockup device and engaged with a reference pin hole formed at an insertion end of a plate when the plate is inserted into the gripper portion of the plate lockup device. The detecting sensor is arranged at a position corresponding to at least a bottom portion of the reference pin hole to electrically detect that the bottom portion of the reference pin hole contacts the reference pin. The lamp confirms and indicates insertion of the plate on the basis of an output from the detecting sensor.

Abstract: A contact unit for a switch comprises: a wafer comprising a first terminal, a second terminal separated from the first terminal, and a fixed contact having the shape of a spring metal clip and electrically connected to the first terminal; an elastic movable contact electrically connected to the second terminal and capable of being brought into contact with the fixed contact; and an actuator for applying pressure to the elastic movable contact to bring the elastic movable contact into contact with the fixed contact. The second terminal is a portion of a spring metal frame, and the elastic movable contact is formed by bending a portion of the same spring metal frame. The first terminal, the second terminal, the fixed contact and the elastic movable contact are combined by insert molding to form the integral contact unit. Thus, the elastic movable contact is never disconnected from the second terminal, the contact unit is highly reliable and the contact unit can be readily applied to various kinds of switches.

Abstract: The contact element (10) is formed from a round wire, this round wire being bent in the shape of a hairpin having two parallel limbs (11, 12), at least one of which is used as a soldering connecting pin. The curved region between the two pins is stamped flat to form a common contact zone (14) having a flat surface, and is provided with a contact piece. In consequence, heavy-current contacts can be constructed particularly favorably with printed-circuit board connections.

Abstract: A contact piece for a rotary encoder is an unitary piece having a terminal, a thin plate spring, and a bent-back section on the tip of the thin plate spring. The bent-back section is bent at an angle of approximately 180 degrees in the plane. The contact brush is located on the bent-back section. In one embodiment, the terminal, thin plate spring, bent-back section and contact brush are stamped from the same metal plate. In another embodiment, the terminal, thin plate spring and bent-back section are stamped from the same metal plate and a separate contact brush is connected to the bent-back section. The contact piece is pushed in from the bottom side of the rotary encoder housing, and the contact brush is set such that contact is made with an electrode pattern. When a rotating plate turns, a pulse having a low or high signal is generated. This configuration provides the rotary encoder with an adequately long span S, which can be precisely set and easily produced.

Abstract: In an electric switch, a movable contact element (6, 106) is linked to a first fixed contact (3, 103) by an end portion (14, 114) having a sharp-edge outline and housed in a seating having a rounded outline. The movable contact element (6, 106) has an interconnecting portion (9, 109) provided with a frusto-conical projection to be engaged in a coupling opening (18, 118) having rounded edges and formed in a second fixed contact (4, 114), so as to establish an electric continuity between the first and second fixed contacts when the movable contact element (6, 106) is brought to a closed condition. A first silver insert (16, 116) is joined on the interconnecting portion (9, 109), which insert has a larger volume than a second silver insert possibly joined on the edges of the coupling opening (18, 118).

Abstract: A miniature keyboard assembly for generating code signals representative of selected characters and functions. The assembly including at least one but preferably, two glide keys, each coupled to a depressible keybutton for controlling the movement of its respective keybutton. In one embodiment, each keybutton base carries an electrically conductive layer and is slidable on a membrane panel having thereon a plurality of signal code generating switches. The keybutton being movable along orthogonal axes in response to movement of the glide key. Each keybutton extends upwardly through a longitudinal slot opening in a lateral slide support member and then through a fitted opening in an indicator panel. The indicator panel also includes an indicia marker which underlies a transparent keyboard panel and is visible therethrough.

Abstract: The acceleration sensor is formed of a cylinder; an inertial member slidably mounted in the cylinder so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder; a conductive member fixed at least on an end surface of the inertial member facing one longitudinal end of the cylinder; a pair of electrodes fixed relative to the cylinder at one longitudinal end of the cylinder and which, when the conductive member of the inertial member makes contact with the electrodes, are caused to conduct via the conductive member; and an attracting member fixed relative to the cylinder near the other longitudinal end of the cylinder, for magnetically attracting the inertial member. The electrodes are formed by a metal sheet whose basal ends are held by an electrode holding member and whose front ends are protruding in the travel area of the inertial member, and one of planes of the metal sheet is disposed so that it faces to the inertial member.

Abstract: An end (2) of an electrical connecting line (1) for feeding a switching current is connected in an electrically conductive fashion, engaging through a recess (4) of a contact support (3), to a contacting piece (7) arranged on the contact support (3).In order to simplify the manufacture of such a contacting device, it is provided that the one end (2) is connected to an extension (10) which is formed by a stamping process in which the recess (4) of the contact support (3) is used as a shaping tool for the extension (10). It is thus ensured that the dimensions of the extension (10) are matched in an optimum fashion to the dimensions of the recess (4). In addition, due to the production of the extension (10) in the recess (4) itself, the positioning of the end (2) bearing the extension (10) relative to the contact support (3) or to its recess (4) is dispensed with.The contacting device can be manufactured, in particular for switchgear and relays.

Abstract: A whip usable in a high tension section switch, in particular a vertically-opening switch, the whip comprising a flexible metal rod whose section is a truncated circle whose area diminishes progressively from the base of the whip to its tip.

Abstract: A sliding switch having a tandem-type contact structure in which a first and a second insulation portion are disposed in a first and a second negative fixed contact, respectively, of a first and a second group of fixed contacts. When a first and a second movable contact slide between a neutral position and a first operating position, an arc is produced between the first movable contact and the first negative fixed contact in which the first insulation portion is disposed. When the first and the second movable contact slide between the neutral position and a second operating position, an arc is produced between the second movable contact and the second negative fixed contact in which the second insulation portion is disposed. A decline in the insulation performance between the fixed contacts of different polarities is prevented.

Abstract: A contact arrangement for a change-over contact relay has a movable contact spring (2), on the free end (3) of which switching contact pieces (5, 6) are arranged on both sides, the current to be switched being supplied via an electrical connecting line (9) to the switching contact pieces (5, 6). [2.2] In order to permit a mass distribution, which is as symmetrical as possible, in the region of the free end (3) of the contact spring (2) and a supply, which is as loss-free as possible, of the current to be switched to the switching contact pieces (5, 6), [it is provided that] the switching contact pieces (5, 6) are connected directly in an electrically conducting manner to the one end (8) of the electrical connecting line (9). For this purpose, the one end (8) of the connecting line (9) or a switching contact piece (5, 6) preferably has an extension piece, the end face of which forms a joining face for the purpose of producing the electrically conducting connection.

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 switch is configured that: in the closed-circuit state, at least part of its movable contact arm enters into a oblong generally hexahedral space defined by its elongated stationary conductor in its closed circuit position. Both contacting and breaking of the moving contact and the fixed contact occur in the space. Overall electromagnetic forces generated by the current flowing through the stationary conductor, movable contact arm and the arc induced at the time of breaking effectively act to extend the arc toward a terminal section of the stationary conductor and to increase the arc resistance at the time just after the breaking of both the contacts.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a snap switch which employs a conical contact mounted at the free end of a spring blade. The contact completes an electrical circuit by contacting and electrically joining two, round, spaced apart terminals. The resulting dual radii contact provides high unit pressure and a minimum of polymer-forming wiping action. The switch introduces little resistance into the electrical circuit, since the spring blade carries no current. The terminal wires are of nickel with sleeves of oxidized nickel bonded thereto in the region where the wires pass through the base of the switch. The oxide provides a tenacious surface for the adherence thereto of sealing glass to insulatively bond the wires to the base.