Abstract: Electrical switch contact sets are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a movable platform having first and second contacts, where the first and second contacts electrically coupled via the movable platform, and a stationary portion having third and fourth contacts, where the movable platform is movable to bring the first and second contacts in contact with the third and fourth contacts, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third and fourth contacts.

Abstract: A keyboard device for an electronic keyboard instrument, making uniform an upper surface height of the rear end of each key in contact with a hammer in a key-released state. The keyboard device includes longitudinally extending wooden keys capable of swinging and laterally juxtaposed, a hammer support disposed rearward of the keys, longitudinally extending hammers having a rear end thereof supported by the hammer support vertically pivotally movably and a protrusion protruding downward from a lower surface thereof for contact with a rear end of an associated key, and hammer contact height-regulating parts each made of a synthetic resin and mounted on the rear end of each key, the part being in contact with the protrusion in the key-released state, to regulate a contact height of the protrusion to a predetermined height.

Abstract: A pogo pin connector includes: a piston cylinder, a cylindrical piston with its bottom latched into the piston cylinder and capable of moving along the piston. cylinder axially; a needle head partially latched into the piston and capable of rotating freely in the piston, a spring installed between the needle head and the bottom of the piston cylinder for pushing the needle head to the outside, such that the top of the needle may protrude from the top of the needle head under the elastic effect of the spring. The needle head is latched to the top of the piston under the elastic effect of the spring and the top of the needle head protrudes from the piston to contact with a connecting member for an electrical conduction when there is no external pressure.

Abstract: A system that holds a liquid such as water includes an electrode coupling the system to a surface. A capacitance sensor is coupled to the electrode. A processor is coupled to the capacitance sensor. The processor is adapted to receive a signal from the capacitance sensor to determine whether the liquid is present at the surface and to send one or more indication signals if liquid is present at the surface. A response circuit coupled to the processor causes the system to take responsive action in response to receipt of an indication signal. Responsive action includes causing the system to perform a failsafe action, such as automatic shutdown. A communication circuit notifies a user that a fault has occurred in the system over a network.

Abstract: An improved magnetic switch assembly (16) has a housing (24), a first electrode (40) positioned within the housing (24), a second electrode (42), and a magnetically movable component (48) located within the housing (24) and shiftable between a first position in simultaneous contact with electrodes (40, 42), and a second position out of such simultaneous contact. The electrode (40) has a radially enlarged contact section (44, 58) adjacent the free end thereof which prevents hangup or sticking of component (48) in the first position.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including at least one of: (1) Forming a lower electrode pattern on a substrate. (2) Forming an etch stop film on/over the lower electrode pattern. (3) Forming a first interlayer insulating layer on/over the etch stop film. (4) Forming an upper electrode pattern on/over the first interlayer insulating layer. (5) Forming a second interlayer insulating layer on/over the upper electrode pattern. (6) Forming an etch blocking layer positioned between the lower electrode pattern and the upper electrode pattern which passes through the second interlayer insulating layer and the first interlayer insulating layer. (7) Forming a cavity which exposes a side of the etch blocking layer by etching the second interlayer insulating layer and the first interlayer insulating layer. (8) Forming a contact ball in the cavity.

Abstract: A rolling-ball switch includes a surrounding wall defining an axial hole and including two opposite open ends, and two metallic terminals plugged in the axial hole respectively from the open ends. The surrounding wall has an inner surface formed with two spaced-apart first annular recesses proximate to the open ends, respectively, and two spaced-apart second annular recesses respectively adjacent to the first annular recesses but distal from the respective open ends. Each terminal has an insert portion inserted into the axial hole, and axially spaced-apart first and second barbed surfaces formed annularly around the insert portion. The first barbed surface is engaged to a respective first annular recess. The second barbed surfaces of the metallic terminals are engageable respectively with the second annular recesses when the terminals expand due to heat. A ball member is disposed rollably in the axial hole to contact the terminals.

Abstract: An input apparatus includes a case, an operation body stored rotatably in the case, a magnetic body fixed to the operation body, a magnet provided around the operation body, a magnetic detection element for detecting a magnetic flux from the magnetic body, and a frame for retaining the case. The magnetic detection element faces the operation body with a predetermined space therebetween. The frame includes depression sections for causing the magnetic detection element to elastically contact the lower surface of the case. This input apparatus can accurately detect a rotation angle.

Abstract: A rolling-ball switch includes a surrounding wall defining an axial hole and including two opposite open ends, and two metallic terminals plugged in the axial hole respectively from the open ends. The surrounding wall has an inner surface formed with two spaced-apart first annular recesses proximate to the open ends, respectively, and two spaced-apart second annular recesses respectively adjacent to the first annular recesses but distal from the respective open ends. Each terminal has an insert portion inserted into the axial hole, and axially spaced-apart first and second barbed surfaces formed annularly around the insert portion. The first barbed surface is engaged to a respective first annular recess. The second barbed surfaces of the metallic terminals are engageable respectively with the second annular recesses when the terminals expand due to heat. A ball member is disposed rollably in the axial hole to contact the terminals.

Abstract: In an electrical switch, in particular an electrical microswitch, has at least one electrical contact designed as a hollow-shape section of a component of an electrically conducting material. In this electrical switch, the occurrence of vibrations with the introduction onto an opposing contact is prevented.

Abstract: A rolling-ball switch includes a housing defining at least two receiving sections, at least one separating member provided in the housing between the two receiving sections, at least two conductive balls disposed rollably and respectively in the receiving sections, a pair of first terminals extending into one of the receiving sections to contact one of the conductive balls, and a pair of second terminals extending into the other one of the receiving sections to contact the other one of the conductive balls. The conductive balls are rollable toward the respective pairs of the first and second terminals in a first direction. The separating member prevents movement of the conductive balls from one of the receiving sections to the other one of the receiving sections.

Abstract: Techniques for making high voltage connections are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an electrical switch. The electrical switch may comprise a component extending from a first electrical contact to a second electrical contact. The component may also comprise a non-conductive section and a conductive section. In a first mode of operation, at least a portion of the non-conductive section may be positioned between the two electrical contacts to insulate the two electrical contacts. In a second mode of operation, the conductive section may be positioned between the two electrical contacts to connect the two electrical contacts.

Abstract: A latching and electrical switch mechanism includes an insulated housing having a cavity therein with an opening thereto along with an electrically conductive ball disposed therein. The ball includes a stem with a smaller diameter than the ball and extends therefrom with a ball being sized for rotational and translational movement within the housing cavity. At least one groove is provided in the housing cavity and a coil spring is disposed in a groove for making electrical contact with the ball and retaining the ball for rotation within the cavity with the stem at selected conical angles with respect to the housing centerline. At least one electrical contact is disposed in the cavity at a spaced apart relationship with the coil spring for providing electrical connection with the ball upon translational movement of the ball within the cavity, which also produces an audible sound.

Abstract: A latching and electrical switch mechanism includes an insulated housing having a cavity therein with an opening thereto along with an electrically conductive ball disposed therein. The ball includes a stem with a smaller diameter than the ball and extends therefrom with a ball being sized for rotational and translational movement within the housing cavity. At least one groove is provided in the housing cavity and a coil spring is disposed in a groove for making electrical contact with the ball and retaining the ball for rotation within the cavity with the stem at selected conical angles with respect to the housing centerline. At least one electrical contact is disposed in the cavity at a spaced apart relationship with the coil spring for providing electrical connection with the ball upon translational movement of the ball within the cavity.

Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.

Abstract: A multiple positioning assembly with integral switch contact includes a cylindrical housing along with a ball assembly including a ball portion received by the cylindrical assembly. The ball portion includes an electrically conductive surface and a neck extending therefrom. A plurality of spaced apart spring retainers are disposed within the cylindrical housing with electrically conductive coil spring contacts therein. Adjacent spring contacts complete an electrical circuit through the ball portion surface when in simultaneous contact therewith. Spring contacts further enable positioning of the ball portion within the cylindrical housing for conical movement of the neck with the ball portion being axially moveable between the spring contacts.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a sensor includes a housing with an annular track; a cylindrical contact within the annular track, the cylindrical contact being appropriately sized to allow movement within the annular track; and a plate coupled with the housing, the plate including one or more pairs of electrical contacts situated substantially adjacent to the annular track.

Abstract: An electrical contact includes a hollow tube having first and second end portions and a center portion; and a spring portion formed in a wall of the hollow tube. The spring portion may be located in the center portion of said hollow tube or in one of the first and second end portions of the hollow tube. The spring portion may be a helical spring portion and may include two helical portions wound in opposite directions. At least one of the first and second end portions may have a diameter that is less than a diameter of said center portion. At least one of the first and second end portions may have a hemispherical shape or closed end. The hollow tube may be of a metal such as stainless steel or may be a hollow tube coated with an electrically conductive material such as one of copper, silver, or gold.

Abstract: A vibration switch includes a housing with an accommodation chamber for receiving securely two electric contact bodies therein. The electric contact bodies are spaced apart from each other, and respectively have rolling surfaces, each of which defines a farthermost area and a tangential area. Two electrically conductive rollable bodies are respectively rollable on the rolling surfaces such that the rollable bodies respectively abut against the tangential areas by virtue of gravity to establish electric contact between the electric contact bodies. Once the housing is caused to quiver, the rollable bodies will lurch towards one of the farthermost areas so that one of the rollable bodies is out of contact with one of the rolling surfaces, thereby breaking the electric contact between the electric contact bodies.

Abstract: A spherical movable contact is housed in housing portions of a first case and a second case so as to be able to roll, and is to come into or go out of contact with a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact. The first case and the second case are fixed to each other so as to form an integral body in such a manner that the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact are opposed to each other. At least one of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact is divided. The movable contact is disposed so as to roll while bridging the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact. Contact portions where the movable contact is to contact the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact assume arc shapes, respectively.

Abstract: A three-axis gravity switch having a curved chamber with an inner wall in the shape of a convex hemisphere and an outer wall in the shape of a concave hemisphere which retains a gravity responsive member such as a ball of liquid mercury, the chamber having a three-dimensional sensing pathway defined on at least one of its walls, where the gravity responsive member and pathway are conductive, either electrically or optically, such that a circuit is completed when the gravity responsive member contacts the pathway, where the switch can be rotated, inverted and translated in three dimensions such that the pathway defines an acceptable three dimensional course of rotation for the switch.

Abstract: A vibration induction switch includes a metal bottom holder having a top center convex, a metal top holder matched with the metal bottom holder and having a bottom center convex, a metal ball received in between the metal bottom holder and the metal top holder to switch on the circuit when the vibration induction switch is maintained immovable, or to alternatively switch on/off the circuit when the vibration induction switch is moved.

Abstract: A rotary switch is contained inside a knob. The switch operates on a surface of an electrical device. The switch has a rotating housing, an axle, an axle bearing, switch contacts, and a knob, in which the knob is the housing, and the knob, axle, axle bearing, and switch contacts are all located external to the surface of the electrical device, and are all contained within a space defined by a surface of the knob.

Abstract: An electrical rotary switch for several switch positions having a control knob mounted in a housing supported on first, second and third ball bearings that, guided by a cage disk, roll in a housing groove formed by an axial wall and a radial wall against which the ball bearings are loaded under an applied force of a conical bearing surface of the control knob. Axial and radial wall bearing surfaces respectively have first and second contact segments and first, second and third contact bands thereon that extend out of the housing via terminal lugs, the first contact segment and first contact band being shorted by the first ball bearing in predetermined switch positions. In a last switch position, contact occurs between the second contact segment (19) and the second and third contact bands (20, 21) through the second and third ball bearings (6, 7).

Abstract: A tilt switch array is used to determine the orientation of an object relative to an upwards direction. The array includes at least one pair of electrodes within a housing, diametrically opposed along a measurement axis. A conductor equidistantly surrounds each electrode to form a tilt switch gap therebetween. A moveable conducting element within the housing closes the gap between one electrode and its associated conductor under certain orientation conditions of the measurement axis relative to an upwards direction. A number of pairs of electrodes may be placed within the housing, with associated measurement axes so that the orientation of any one of the measurement axes may be detected.

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 battery powered device (100) utilizing a rechargeable battery (135) comprises a ball bearing (300) having a first diameter for receiving a current and a housing (200) having an opening (405) formed therethrough in which the ball bearing (300) is situated, wherein the opening (405) has a second diameter of less than the first diameter. The battery powered device (100) further comprises a spring (305) situated in the opening (405) in contact with the ball bearing (300) and a spring cap (310) fastened to the housing (200) for forcibly holding the spring (305) in contact with the ball bearing (300). A conductive element is coupled between the spring and the rechargeable battery such that the current received by the ball bearing (300) is supplied to the rechargeable battery (135) via the spring (310).

Abstract: A movable electrical contact assembly forms a potentiometer and includes at least one strip of electrically conductive material having a significant resistance, a conductive rolling contact device in contact with the strip, a mechanism for moving the rolling contact device along the strip, and the rolling contact device or the strip being made of a deformable conductive material. In one preferred embodiment, two strips are provided at least one of which has a significant resistance. Also in one embodiment, the rolling contact device is deformable and is defined by a conductive elastomeric contact roller.

Abstract: Disposed before and behind stationary contacts 6U and 6L are one pair each of roller contacts 5FM and 5FH, and 5BM and 5BH which are supported collectively at the upper and lower ends thereof by bridge links 4FU and 4FL, and 4BU and 4BL. These paired upper and lower bridge links are then supported by either of support shafts 3F and 3B respectively. The support shafts 3F and 3B for these two pairs of roller contacts and bridge links are supported by a pair of guide shafts 2U and 2L. The guide shafts are loosely engaged with a drive arm 1 and contacting pressure springs 7U and 7L are fitted between the two support shafts.

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: An electrical contact assembly comprises a nonconductive housing (30) having a top portion (32) with at least one aperture (36). A rotatable spherically shaped contact (40) extends partially through the aperture (36). A conductive retainer (50) attached to the housing (30) supports the contact within the housing (30).

Abstract: A multiple switch, particularly for switching-on, switching-off and/or switching-over of motor vehicles and the like has at least one roller-shaped contact roller with a generated contact surface liftable from and bringable in contact with at least two rectilinear contact faces located near one another. The contact roller is arranged in a springy deflectable manner in a guiding part displaceable rectilinearly transversely to an axis of the contact roller and parallel to the contact surfaces. The contact roller is provided with bearing pins extending at its end sides outwardly beyond the roller surface, and is linearly displaceable by the bearing pins running over at least one control path with the ramp device so that during a displacement of the guiding part the roller is lifted at its one side from one of the contact faces.

Abstract: Described herein is a roller contact device wherein, upon moving a drive arm into a contact closing position, a pair of roller contacts are pressed across a pair of stationary contacts through a pair of bridge links and a pair of roller shafts by a pair of support shafts which are each forwardly pressed by a compression spring, thereby closing the contacts. In the event if there is a difference in height between the contacting surfaces of the two stationary contacts, the bridge links are inclined to hold the roller contacts securely in the contact closing positions.

Abstract: A remote control switch for posture adjustment of automotive mirrors comprises plural fixed contact groups each having a first to third fixed contacts formed on both sides of a substrate and plural pairs of moving contacts disposed corresponding to the fixed contact groups, respectively. Each of the moving contact pairs consists of two electrically-conductive rolling elements movable on the substrate while being so kept by slidable actuating members disposed correspondingly to each moving contact pair. Each of the actuating members are forced by a resilient member disposed correspondingly to the actuating member in a direction where each moving contact pair takes a first contact position in which it is put into contact with the first and second fixed contacts.

Abstract: A snap acting switch comprising an elongate cantilever mounted spring member having a contact portion, an electrically conductive element upon which the contact portion bears, and an actuator having surfaces intersecting at an angle, one of the surfaces bearing on the spring member. The switch is actuated by causing the spring member to approach and pass over the intersection of the surfaces, which causes the bearing pressure of the contact portion to increase before the snap action occurs.

Abstract: A push button device for electric contacts or the like, particularly suitable for instrumentation panels, that includes a fixed annular body having a movable body external thereof. Two small cylinder-shaped members of conductive material, which in their rest position, are between the fixed body and the movable body and in their contact operative position, are adjacent to the base of the annular body. The device also includes return springs connected to the respective ends of the cylinder-shaped conductive members.

Abstract: A motion sensing device wherein a conductive ball is movable with a cavity defined by a base member defining a cylindrical cavity and a closure member to make and break electrical contact between top and bottom contact members of a first potential and sidewall contacts of another potential.

Abstract: A device which senses position through a conductive ball which may be seated on one of a plurality of pairs of contacts in a cavity within a housing in accordance with the angular position of the sensor and which also senses motion through movement of the ball making and breaking contacts as the device is subjected to movement.

Abstract: A miniature rotary switch having nested terminals in its bottom wall, and a disc shaped movable contact element arranged in a rotatable member such that a portion of the disc periphery rolls and slides across fixed contacts defined by the upper ends of these terminals. The rotatable member is restrained from movement axially in a cylindrical chamber defined for it by either a one piece housing, or in a key switch version by a two piece housing.

Abstract: The housing has a cylindrical cavity and central bore in the bottom wall for rotatably receiving a post on the cylindrical control member and the terminals have upper ends defining circumaxially spaced fixed contacts. A tubular conductor surrounds the post and is connected to one such fixed contact to provide a common contact adjacent all of the other fixed terminals. A ball is biased downwardly into contact with the common contact and selectively with the fixed contacts. The ball is provided in a recess of the rotary control member and moves over protuberances in the bottom wall of the housing to selectively connect the common contact with the individual fixed contacts.

Abstract: An electrical rotary switch includes a single support housing (18) for rotation about a base (12). The base (12) is a circuit board which includes an opening (16) through which the housing (18) is secured to the base. A pair of contact pads (14) extend radially away from the opening (16) on the base (12). The housing (18) includes a cavity (34) facing the base (12). A conductive roller (38) is located in the cavity (34) for rolling over the pair of contact pads (14) to establish an electrical connection. The switch is characterized by a fulcrum ridge (40) extending from the housing (18) into the cavity (34) for allowing the roller (38) to rock in case a bump is incurred in the contact pads (14) to ensure an electrical connection.

Abstract: A locking switch for electrical automobile systems connects and disconnects an automobile battery to the starter. The locking switch has two normally separated contact plates, one connected to a cable from the battery and the other being connected to a cable from the starter. A lock cam is mounted at the end of a cylinder lock, which is key-actuated. The lock cam carries a spring-loaded copper ball that rotates with the lock cam upon actuation by the key. The cam and ball can be moved from an open position on one stationary contact to a closed position, whereby the ball provides electrical contact between the two stationary contacts, thus completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the starter. Each stationary contact is provided with a semispherical indentation in which the ball is received in the open position, thereby providing a substantial contact area between the ball and each of the two stationary contacts.

Abstract: A switch for use in a printed circuit board having printed circuits on a surface (1a) thereof. One or several contact rollers (6, 7, 8) are adapted in a slider (4) for movement relative to the surface (1a) in such a way that the rollers interact with the printed circuit strips for closing and interrupting electrical circuitry connected to the printed circuit strips in dependence of the position of the slider.

Abstract: This invention is directed at a key lock switch having antistatic means. The antistatic means include a tubular element and a tubular antistatic wall which extends from a mid-plate and a tubular engagement portion which extends from the actuator of the switch. The antistatic wall circumscribes the tubular element in spaced relation. When the mid-plate is engaged to the actuator the tubular engagement portion is positioned between and in spaced relation to the antistatic wall and the tubular element.

Abstract: A pressure switch having a ball valve or contact mounted in an internal chamber to move in response to predetermined relatively high and relatively low fluid pressures in an inlet that opens into the chamber to make or break an electrical circuit through the switch and that incorporates a one-piece sealing element that is constantly exposed to the fluid pressure and is uniquely formed and cooperative with the ball contact and with the walls of the chamber to prevent leakage of the fluid from the chamber effectively without significantly interfering with free unobstructive movement of the ball contact in use.

Abstract: A differential pressure operated electrical switch construction is provided and has a housing carrying a pair of rigid terminals and an electrical switch for electrically interconnecting the terminals together under the control of an actuator that is responsive to differential pressure acting across the same. The terminals have free ends angled toward each other and the switch comprises a movable contact member and a spring operatively associated therewith for urging the contact member into bridging contact with the free ends of the terminals to thereby place the terminals in electrical contact with each other.

Abstract: A rotary switch having a housing carrying a plurality of terminals which may be assembled within the housing in various combinations to give the switch different operating characteristics, with the terminals providing a circular array of spaced switch contacts arranged in a plane normal to the switch axis, has a rotary carrier mounting at least one disc contactor facing the array of contacts, the carrier being biased toward the plane of the contacts to urge the contactor into circuit closing relation with the contacts. A switch base snaps together with the terminal housing to enclose the carrier and an actuator, preferably in the form of a key lock tumbler plug, extends through the base and drivingly engages with the carrier to effect rotation of the contractor relative to the contacts and thereby operate the switch.

Abstract: An electrical pressure switch that can be readily adapted for either normally open or normally closed operation and that has opposed annular seats, a movable contact and ball valve movable between and individually engageable with the seats, and an O-ring uniquely associated with the ball valve and a related sealing surface in seated, unseated and all intermediate positions of the valve to maintain an effective seal at all times against fluid pressure to which the switch is connected.

Abstract: A change-over switch for an on-load tap changer comprising a main arcing roller contact for achieving the arc interrupting function upon tap changing, a current-carrying roller contact, disposed in axial alignment with the main arcing roller contact, for achieving the current-carrying function upon current carrying, a current-carrying bushing, rotatably extending through the axes of the current-carrying roller contact and the main arcing roller contact, for providing a current-carrying path upon tap changing and current carrying, and a roller contact holder supporting opposite ends of the current-carrying bushing and accommodating both of the main arcing roller contact and the current-carrying roller contact.

Abstract: A radio frequency coaxial switch includes a movable contact piece and at least one stationary contact roll which is supported at one end portion of a leaf spring. The other end of the leaf spring is connected to an inner conductor of an associated coaxial connection. The leaf spring prestresses the contact roll in direction of the movable contact piece so as to guarantee a secure contact between these parts.