Abstract: A utility knife includes a blade, a housing to store the blade, an actuator, and a pinion gear to deploy the blade. The pinion gear includes one or more sets of teeth that are engaged with a fixed rack of the housing and a sliding rack of the blade holder. The pinion gear is also coupled to the actuator, which is configured to linearly translate the pinion gear. As the pinion gear linearly translates between front and back ends of the housing, the pinion gear rotates due to its engagement with the fixed rack. The further engagement between the pinion gear and the sliding rack causes the sliding rack to advance in the same linear direction as the pinion gear by a distance that is greater than the linear distance traversed by the pinion gear, thereby advancing or retracting the blade connected to the blade holder.

Abstract: An animal trap sensor includes a base having a distal end and a proximal end, a switch having a first metallic element and a second metallic element, and a signal unit, in which, when the first metallic element contacting the second metallic element, thereby forming a closed circuit, such that the signal unit transmits a signal to an off-site receiver. Or, an animal trap sensor includes a first portion and a second portion electrically connected with a signal unit including a power supply, in which, when the first and the second portions are disposed at a first distance between each other, thereby generating an output property, in which, when the first and the second portions are disposed at a second distance between each other, which is different from the first distance, thereby changing the output property and causing the signal unit to transmit a signal to an off-site receiver.

Abstract: An insulating switch assembly is disclosed. The insulating switch assembly provides electrical insulation between a user and highly charged electric components by employing highly-resistive or nonconductive material. The insulating switch assembly also distances the user from the electrical components by increasing the distance from the user input device and electric components. The user of the insulating switch assembly is provided layers of electrical insulation.

Abstract: A key button and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The key button includes an upper surface, a side surface formed at a certain height along a border of the upper surface, and at least two worked surfaces formed to have a certain slope in a boundary portion between the side surface and the upper surface, wherein at least one first worked surface and at least one second worked surface are formed such that a shortest distance between the upper surface and the side surface differs from each other.

Abstract: Provided is a waterproof toggle switch, which includes a panel, a shift lever, a fixed contact and an elastic element. The panel is provided with an opening portion, with the opening portion running through the panel, between a front wall surface and a rear wall surface of the panel. The shift lever is rotatably held in the opening portion of the panel, and the shift lever includes a rotation center portion, a driving portion and an operation portion. A fit clearance between the rotation center portion and the opening portion ranges from 0.02 mm to 0.2 mm. By providing the panel with the opening portion and providing the shift lever with the rotation center portion, and by controlling the fit clearance between the opening portion and the rotation center portion, a waterproof toggle switch having superperformance and a low cost is provided.

Abstract: A command and signaling device responsive to movement of an actuating tappet includes a spring element to which the tappet is operatively connected to compress the spring element in response to movement of the tappet. A plurality of contact pads are defined on the surface of a printed circuit board. The spring element has a conical portion that is mounted on the printed circuit board proximate the contact pads, and a cylindrical part to which the tappet is connected. As the tappet movably advances, it drives the spring element into increasingly compressed positions that are sensed by contact of the spring element conical portion with multiple ones of the contact pads so that the spring element provides monitoring contact in a first compression position, a command and messaging signal in a second compression position and return urgency for return movement of the tappet.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. The frame includes a main body providing an aperture therethrough for the introduction of breathable gas into a nasal breathing cavity. An elbow assembly is swivelably coupled to the front surface of the frame. The elbow assembly includes a swivel elbow that defines an intake port and an exhaust port separated from the intake port using a baffle. The elbow assembly includes an end portion that interfaces with the aperture of the frame.

Abstract: A pedal assembly includes a one-piece accelerator pedal without moving linkages that is mounted to a pin for rotational movement relative to a mounting stay. The throttle cable is operatively connected to the accelerator pedal for movement thereby as the pedal rotates, at least one of the pedal and mounting stay configured to provide a first ratio of pedal stroke movement relative to cable stroke movement at initial depression of the accelerator pedal, and a different, second ratio of pedal stroke movement relative to cable stroke movement upon further depression of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: Attachment mechanisms that may be employed to attach accessory devices to electronic devices are provided. The attachment mechanism may include a displaceable post that is moveable between deployed and stored configurations. In the deployed configuration an accessory may be attached to the displaceable post, whereas in the stored configuration the displaceable post may be at least partially inaccessible. Movement of the displaceable post may be controlled by cam surfaces, a spring, and a follower. The spring may be conical and configured to fold flat to reduce the height of the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A contact assembly is disclosed herein with a spring contact located in a housing wherein a plurality of coils of the spring contact are interconnected with one another and all slanted or canted. The coils further have outside diameters of different outside dimensions, such as one section of the spring contact having a larger outside diameter than the other section or sections of the spring contact. When inside the interior cavity of the housing, the first end and the second end are spaced from one another and wherein some of the plurality of coils do not contact the housing. A pin, rod, or shaft is locatable in a passage of the spring contact of the contact assembly but less than all of the coils of the spring contact grip against the exterior surface of the pin, rod or shaft.

Abstract: An electrical contact device for controlling operation of an aluminum processing bath includes an electrically insulating body and a first bore having a first diameter. The first bore opens into a through second bore having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The second bore opens into a third bore having a third diameter greater than the first and second diameters. A fastener received in the body includes a shank having a male threaded portion and a male threaded head. A conductive biasing element has a connecting end engaged with the male threaded head. The connecting end and the male threaded head are slidably received in the first bore, and the shank is slidably received in the second bore. The male threaded portion extends into the third bore. A nut positioned in the third bore engages the male threaded portion coupling the fastener and tubular body.

Abstract: A contact assembly is disclosed herein with a spring contact located in a housing wherein a plurality of coils of the spring contact are interconnected with one another and all slanted or canted. The coils further have outside diameters of different outside dimensions, such as one section of the spring contact having a larger outside diameter than the other section or sections of the spring contact. When inside the interior cavity of the housing, the first end and the second end are spaced from one another and wherein some of the plurality of coils do not contact the housing. A pin, rod, or shaft is locatable in a passage of the spring contact of the contact assembly but less than all of the coils of the spring contact grip against the exterior surface of the pin, rod or shaft.

Abstract: A rotary switch for activating selected functions in a hand held device. One embodiment of the invention provides a rotary switch having a rotatable switch selector. Whenever the switch selector is rotated, it reduces the diameter of a torsion spring causing the torsion spring to contact a switch contact and signal a microprocessor to selectably power a particular circuit or a step in a routine.

Abstract: A flexible joint may include a conductive compression spring and a pair of non-conductive spring cages disposed at opposite ends of the compression spring to support the compression spring. A conductive member disposed inside the compression spring may extend between the pair of spring cages. One end of the conductive member may be fixed for movement with one of the spring cages and another end of the conductive member may be fixed for movement with the other of the spring cages.

Abstract: An electrical circuit operating system for controlling operating of an aluminum processing bath includes an electrical contact device. The electrical contact device includes a tubular body of an electrically insulating material, the body including at least one circumferential slot receiving a seal member. A fastener is disposed in the tubular body. A conductive biasing element has a compressed connecting end engaged with the fastener, and an extending portion axially protracting from the compressed connecting end. A piston forms a portion of an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is closed when the conductive biasing element is contacted by the piston. A piston rod is connected to the piston and is displaceable with the piston, the piston rod operable to break a crust of the aluminum processing bath.

Abstract: A switch for a switching unit for energy supply and distribution includes a first connection and a second connection, each with a cylindrical bolt. The bolts are axially adjacent one another and spaced apart. An annular sleeve with an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the bolts, is arranged in such a way that it can be axially displaced on the bolt of the first connection, and partially on the bolt of the second connection. At least a first contact element is arranged between the surface of the bolt of the first connection and the inner surface of the annular sleeve. At least a second contact element is arranged and constructed in such a way that it can be positioned between the surface of the bolt of the second connection and the inner surface of the annular sleeve.

Abstract: An electrical circuit operating system for controlling operating of an aluminum processing bath includes an electrical contact device. The electrical contact device includes a tubular body of an electrically insulating material, the body including at least one circumferential slot receiving a seal member. A fastener is disposed in the tubular body. A conductive biasing element has a compressed connecting end engaged with the fastener, and an extending portion axially protracting from the compressed connecting end. A piston forms a portion of an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is closed when the conductive biasing element is contacted by the piston. A piston rod is connected to the piston and is displaceable with the piston, the piston rod operable to break a crust of the aluminum processing bath.

Abstract: A mechanical limiter device, having: a housing with a slot passing at least partially therearound, the slot forming a plurality of teeth in a side of the housing; a plunger movable within the housing; a biasing mechanism configured to urge the plunger in a proximal direction within the housing; a contact member extending through the slot in the side of the housing, the contact member being configured to advance past at least one of each of the plurality of teeth in the slot each time the plunger is moved back and forth within the housing. The contact member may perform a switching function.

Abstract: The switch is comprised of a case, a first fixing terminal formed with a contact section exposed at the bottom surface of the case at one end with the other end being outside of the case, a second fixing terminal formed with a contact section exposed at a side surface of a case at one end and with the remaining end being provided outside of the case, a contact piece provided within the case, formed with a fixed contact section always in contact with the first fixing terminal at one end and a moveable contact section capable of contact with the other second fixing terminal at the other end, and with a coil spring section having resilience in a coil winding direction and compression direction at a central section, and an operation body with one end positioned within the case so as to form a pressing section capable of pressing the contact piece in a direction of compression and another end being positioned outside of the case so as to form an operation section pressed from outside.

Abstract: A mechanical limiter switch device, having: a housing with a slot passing at least partially therearound, the slot forming a plurality of teeth in a side of the housing; a plunger movable within the housing; a biasing mechanism configured to urge the plunger in a proximal direction within the housing; a contact member extending through the slot in the side of the housing, the contact member being configured to advance past at least one of each of the plurality of teeth in the slot each time the plunger is moved back and forth within the housing. The contact member may perform a switching function.

Abstract: A push button assembly (30) includes a spring member (32) and a button (34). The spring member is secured to a computer bezel (10), and includes a rod (36), a pair of U-shaped crooks (38, 40), and a deformable arm (42) extending from one of the crooks. The deformable arm includes a connecting portion (44), a receiving portion (48) and a neck (50). The button is movably received in an aperture (16) of the bezel. The button defines a pair of grooves (54) which movably accommodate the receiving portion, so that the button can slide freely along the receiving portion. Thus the button can move freely in the aperture of the bezel.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a housing within which is arranged a convex, over-center spring which deforms when pressure is applied to a push button. In a default position, the push button sits atop an apex of the spring, with the spring being spaced from a contact associated with a first electrical lead. One end of the spring projects from the housing and defines a second electrical lead. When pressure is applied to the push button, the spring is pushed into electrical communication with the contact, thus completing a circuit between the electrical leads. In a first embodiment, a base housing member and a separate snap-on cover is provided. In a second embodiment, the cover is attached to the base housing via a living hinge. In both the first and second embodiments, the cover assists in holding the spring in the default position.

Abstract: A user-friendly controller provides a special dynamic interconnect which reliably connects terminals of electronic device, such as solenoids, to a circuit board to enhance vehicle performance and help obtain a smoother more comfortable ride. The special interconnect comprises a coil spring contact. The coiled spring contact can have an enlarged head which can be soldered to a contact on the circuit board. The central portion of the spring contact provides a terminal-receiving opening to slidably receive the terminal of the electronic device. The smaller end portion of the spring contact can compressively engage and dynamically contact the terminal of the electronic device. A cover can be provided to environmentally protect and cover the circuitry and circuit board. The cover can have chambers for receiving and engaging the spring contacts.

Abstract: To provide a water-resistant pilot switch in which the shape of a shield member is simple, processibility of parts and workability in mounting the parts to a housing are good, cost cutting is possible, and the on precision of the switch in action can be improved. The water-resistant pilot switch comprises: a housing having a receiving section, a fixed contact provided in the receiving section, a movable contact rotatably provided and being brought into or out of contact with the fixed contact, a lever member rotating the movable contact in the direction of the fixed contact, a cover member having an insertion hole through which one end of the lever member protrudes outwardly from the receiving section and being provided on the receiving section of the housing to be engaged therewith, and a shield member shielding the insertion hole.

Abstract: A decorative member includes a housing having a chamber for receiving a frame of a light device. A sleeve is secured on one end of the frame. A spring is secured in the sleeve, a light member is electrically coupled between the spring and the frame. A lid is secured on the sleeve and spaced from the spring for electrically contacting with the spring when the spring is vibrated, and for generating a twinkling light when the spring is intermittently contacted with the lid. The housing may be attached to various kinds of objects for generating twinkling lights for the objects.

Abstract: A contact device consisting of a helical spring which is adapted from SMD mounting, and which is formed with a base portion adapted to be positioned on and attached to a contact face by soldering or gluing, and with a top portion adapted for handling with a tool preferably associated with an SMD apparatus. This provides the possibility of achieving a generally better and less expensive contacting between components, such as acoustic transducers, batteries or the like and printed circuit boards by means of simple features. Constructing the contact device as a screw or helical spring provides a great safeguard against transfer of laterally directed forces or moments from the contact face which destroy the contact face and/or the solder connection with the printed circuit.

Abstract: A contact indicating switch includes an actuator body with an upper body portion pivoted to an insulating seat body and a smaller lower body portion. The lower body portion has a downwardly opening bore that terminates at an abutment seat, and a slit communicated with the abutment seat. A biasing spring is received in the bore, and has an upper end with a finger portion extending outwardly of the slit, and a lower end biasing a rolling member to slidably engage an electrically conductive lever between a right position, where a contact end of the lever engages a right electric contact member in the seat body, and a left position, where the contact end disengages the right electric contact member. An electrically activated indicator is received in the upper body portion, and has a first terminal extending downwardly and outwardly of the upper body portion to contact a left electric contact member, and a second terminal extending in the receiving chamber.

Abstract: A contact mechanism for use with a switch has at least two spaced stationary electrical contacts. The contact mechanism includes a rolling contact member. The contact mechanism moves between a circuit closed position where the rolling contact member electrically joins the stationary electrical contacts, and a circuit open position where the rolling contact member does not join the stationary electrical contacts.

Abstract: A tilt sensor comprises at least two elastically deformable electrodes, a ball having conductivity on at least a surface thereof, and a case which is non-conductive on at least an inner surface thereof for sealing therein the electrodes and the ball.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a plunger-type switch having alternative open and closed conditions and having a plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position whereby said switch condition is changed by the movement of said plunger comprises a flat spring, having a first spring end, a second spring end and a middle portion, and a housing having an upper surface wherein the plunger-type switch and spring are positioned within the housing such that the first spring end is positioned in closely spaced relation to the plunger in the extended position and the middle portion of the spring bows above the housing upper surface such that application of a force to the middle portion of the spring and directed towards the housing upper surface compresses the spring advancing the spring first end toward the switch a distance sufficient to move the plunger to the retracted position and upon removal of the force the first spring end advances away from the switch a distance sufficient to allow the plunger

Abstract: An illuminator assembly is disclosed which is formed from a light emitting diode (LED) having two electrode pins extending therefrom which are cut to predetermined lengths. One lead then is formed to provide a circularly shaped spring support base and the other lead is bent to provide an attachment potion extending through the center of the opening formed by the spring support base. A capture spring of conical configuration then is attached to the centrally disposed lead which extends through the spring support base opening. A compressible coil switching spring then is attached to the spring support base. The assemblage thus formed is employed with a battery of a variety having a forward face which engages the free end of the switching spring and which includes a rod shaped electrode extending from the center portion thereof.

Abstract: A high-voltage switching device is provided having an insulating base member mounted to a panel such that a wiper arm assembly of the switching device is accessible from the front of the panel for pivoting a switching member between open and closed positions. Preferably, the switching member is a conductive rod having a portion coiled about a primary terminal assembly of the switch such that a first end of the conductive rod may be pivoted about the axis of the coiled portion between the open and closed positions. Although the switch is intended for high-voltage applications, the conductive rod is of sufficiently small gauge so as to allow for the manual pivoting of the rod without the need of leveraging linkages. The insulating base member of the switching device provides effective electronic isolation of the terminal assemblies and the conductive rod from one another and from the ambient environment of the switch such that a protective insulating housing is unnecessary.

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 key switch is disclosed which employs a coil spring formed of a spring element and which has a smaller-diameter portion, a conical portion joined to one end of the smaller-diameter portion, and a larger-diameter portion joined to the other end of the smaller-diameter portion. The smaller-diameter portion has the spring element coiled at a relatively small diameter. The conical portion has the spring element extending coiled so as to increase its diameter progressively toward an open end thereof. The larger-diameter portion has a diameter larger than the diameter of the smaller-diameter portion. The conical portion is maintained under compression and the small-diameter portion is maintained in proximity to a contact area by elements of the key switch to provide a linearly increasing depression force for the key switch.

Abstract: An alarm device is provided consisting of a non-conductive base with two conductive inserts, a latch mechanism integral to a base and a trip device which is connected to a coil spring. A set of L-shaped legs are attached to each end of the coil spring and one leg coacts with the latch mechanism and is released when the trip device is activated, and the other leg coacts with one of the inserts and the coil spring coacts with the other when the trip device is activated.

Abstract: A spring switch for electronic circuits and a method for making same are disclosed. The spring switch employs a coil spring having a helical wind of a plurality of coil turns. The diameter of the coil spring is selected to receive, between two adjacent coil turns, two legs of a dual in-line packaged, integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is mounted, top down, on a plate which has an electrically conductive surface. An electrical circuit having two open circuit terminals has one terminal connected to the electrically conductive surface. The second open circuit terminal is electrically connected to the electrically conductive coil spring. A cam mechanism depresses a free end of the coil spring and wipes the free end against the electrically conductive surface to complete the circuit.

Abstract: A switch comprising a first contact leading to one terminal, a second contact in the form of a coil spring leading to the other terminal via a receiving plate with an elongate protuberance, a wafer receiving the first and second contacts, a case mounted on the wafer so as to cover an opening thereof, and a slide reciprocably received through an guide hole of the case for bringing one end portion of the second contact into and out of engagement with the first contact. The other end of the second contact extends substantially parallel to the protuberance and is disposed against the receiving plate so as to be engageable with the protuberance.

Abstract: A switch of the push-type is assembled using a housing provided with a clip formed integrally from a fixed lead terminal incorporated into the base of the housing. A torsion coil spring is fixed inside the housing with a free end available to be clamped by the clip. A slide for actuating the free end of the torsion coil spring is provided with a case cover to be coupled with the housing and the cover having a thru-hole through which one end of the slide projects outward.The torsion coil spring serves as a movable contact means with respect to the clip and a returning means for the slide.

Abstract: A position switch is set forth which is adapted to generate a signal whenever two masses, such as a vehicle sprung and unsprung mass, are at or nearer than a desired spacing. The switch includes a grounded, conical, coiled spring attached to one mass, and an electrically charged plate secured to the other mass. The spring has a relaxed length to lie adjacent the plate when the masses are at the desired spacing. When the masses are brought together the spring contacts the plate, is compressed, and the plate is grounded generating a current signal indicating that the masses are at or nearer than the desired spacing.

Abstract: An electric switch construction having a housing with electric terminals, two concentric springs disposed in the housing and respectively connected with the terminals, and a movable contactor cup adapted to establish continuity between the terminals and a conductive, barrel portion of the housing. The outer spring biases the cup to a circuit-closing position wherein both terminals are connected to the barrel portion of the housing. A manually-engageable plunger is arranged to engage the cup. When the plunger is actuated, first one terminal is disconnected from the barrel portion of the switch, and subsequently, upon further movement of the plunger, the remaining terminal is disconnected therefrom. The plunger carries an O-ring which forms a partial seal along the bore of the housing, so as to minimize the accumulation of dirt or moisture from the surfaces where electrical contact is made or broken.

Abstract: A switch assembly particularly suitable for electrical keyboard applications includes a pair of wire conducting members disposed in substantially collinear relationship on a supporting base and defining a pair of switch contact surfaces disposed radially outward from the circumference of the wire conducting members. In one embodiment, surrounding the exterior of the collinearly disposed wire conducting members, and spaced from and in facing relationship with the contact surfaces thereof, lies a cylindrical or tubular contactor member. The contactor member may include a closely-wound electrically conductive wire. The contactor member is supported in spaced apart position by a resilient sealing tube which encloses the end portions, including the contact surfaces, of the wire conducting members. A spring biased actuating force is provided to move the sealing tube and contactor member into engagement with the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A momentary contact rocker switch utilizes a pair of torsion springs as movable switch contacts, with fixed terminal posts being used as fixed contacts. The terminal posts are grooved in the region of contact with the torsion spring to provide a wiping action. This wiping action, along with the high electrical contact forces provided by the torsion spring, eliminates the need for silver contacts.

Abstract: An electric switching apparatus having a trough-shaped body member formed of tough, non-conductive, flexible and substantially fully resilient material within which are seated a plurality of switching mechanisms. A pair of tubular shaped sheath members formed of flexible highly resilient non-conductive material snugly encompasses the device in weatherproof electrically insulated manner; portions of said sheath members being shaped to simulate manually push-operable button devices for actuating said switching devices.

Abstract: A hand controller for use with a home electronic video game produces electrical control signals in response to manipulation of a control stick extending through an aperture in the controller housing. The control stick is attached to an actuator stem which forms part of a multi-position switch assembly within the housing. The switch assembly includes a helical coil spring which is attached at one end to an interior surface of the housing and is arranged to concentrically receive the actuator stem so as to support the actuator stem and control stick in an upright non-actuated position. Displacement of the control stick and actuator stem causes the helical spring to contact one or more of a plurality of electrical contact pads disposed generally concentrically around the spring. This causes appropriate control signal to be produced for application to the video game.

Abstract: Key switch assembly comprises a frame and a plunger in the frame which is movable from an extended position to a depressed position to close a switch. A one piece member is provided which serves as both a return spring for the plunger and an actuator for closing the switch when the plunger is depressed. The one piece member has a force-receiving portion which is against the end of the plunger. The return spring and the actuator are integral with, and extend from, the force-receiving portion.

Abstract: When an actuator held in a body of an insulating material is activated, one of arms of a conductive torsion spring in the body is displaced towards the other arm. By this displacement, the arm is inserted between contact portions of a pair of leg pieces of a conductive clip disposed between the actuator and the coil portion of the torsion spring, by which a terminal connected to the other arm and a terminal connected to the clip are connected via the torsion spring.

Abstract: This invention is directed at an electric switch which utilizes a helical spring as a bridging element. The element has each of its terminal ends in moveable engagement with a vertical channel formed in the switch housing. Special forms of fixed contacts provide means of varying the number of circuits that can be activated by the switch. The plunger may also have means of guiding the element in its movement.

Abstract: A switch wherein an expanded coil spring is utilized as a first contact and a striker bar having a transverse member disposed in the compression path of coil is utilized as a second contact. Various contact structures and mechanisms for compression spring contact are described.

Abstract: A single or multiple pole key switch having a molded plastic housing formed with snap-in devices for mounting connection with a support and having a key stem reciprocatingly movable through one wall of the housing and having multiple guide surfaces thereon cooperating with corresponding surfaces of said housing for minimizing rotation, wobble and binding of the key stem in operation. The lower end of the key stem engages a return spring and is provided with at least one lateral cavity for carrying at least one contact spring for cooperation with stationary contacts mounted on a terminal block mounted in opposing adjacency thereto. A detent bar is provided on the terminal block to radially deflect the contact spring during key stem operation which provides the operator with "feel" of the switch action and produces an adjustable hysteresis or differential between the make and break of the contacts to avoid unwanted contact opening or closure and afford dampened make and break contact action.

Abstract: Joystick switch comprises a handle attached to a support member carrying a ball member which rides in a socket fixed on a base. A straight length of resilient wire fixed to the base passes through an aperture defined by four discrete contacts in the base and into a bore in the ball member where it is slideably received. Arcuate movement of the handle causes lateral deflection of the wire into contact with the contacts to generate signals for x-y directional control. Die cast zinc circuitry in the base provides grounding for the wire and signal current for the contacts. Resilient return action for the handle is effected by an elastomeric ring in the base which bears on an annular surface of the support member.