Abstract: In an electromagnetic relay, one of the spring members of the electromagnetic relay is fixed to a cubic corner protrusion of a base block of a housing. Side projections provided in the spring member are fitted into deep holes which adjoin a slot in the cubic corner protrusion so that the spring member becomes firmly fixed to the base block.

Abstract: A simple and rugged alarm which is versatile in application includes a battery connected through first and second parallel switches to a light and buzzer alarm. The first switch comprises a first contact formed in a conductive plate and yieldably biased to an open position and a lever actuated cam for rotatably engaging and moving the first contact to a closed position. The second switch includes a second contact formed in the conductive plate which is yieldably biased to a closed position and a retractable pin for supporting the second contact in an open position.

Abstract: A not-watertight touch pad for swimming competitions mounted partially submersed on the finishing wall of a swimming pool. It includes two plates located in front of each other, the front one of which is somehow perforated and loosely inserted in a frame consisting of channel sections on the four sides and movable towards the insulated back plate. Resting between the two plates, many turns of parallel conductive strips are bonded onto the back plate, whereas some hundreds of conductive springs shaped as seagull wings are welded onto the central strips. These springs are mounted perpendicularly to the strips and are acting as spacers between the two plates and as electrical contacts between the strips as soon as any pressure is applied on the front plate.

Abstract: An electrical switch having general utility but intended primarily for use in automotive vehicles. The switch comprises a case and one or more terminal blades and is readily adaptable for a variety of different environmental conditions. The case and the blades are uniquely formed and correlated so that the case effectively insulates each blade from the others and from adjacent metallic parts of the vehicle, so that the components can be quickly and easily assembled and for inexpensive manufacture. Each blade is cantilevered from the case to provide a soft action that results in a relatively long life but at the same time maintains a good electrical connection with a compatible switch part.

Abstract: An electrical switch for use as a coding device comprises a plurality of pairs of associated contacts (2, 3) carried in a circular array by a base (1) and enclosed by a cover (5), and a coding key (11) receivable in holes (20, 21) in the base (1) and cover (5) and having removable actuator surfaces (32) the presence or absence of each of which determines the closed or open state of an associated pair of contacts (2, 3).

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided for mounting in the two-part body of a joystick apparatus. The assembly includes a circuit board held between retainers on the two parts of the body. Four leaf spring switch modules are mounted on the board, each module comprising a switch body having two spaced-apart pockets therein for respectively receiving leaf spring switch blades, the contact portions of which project from the body and are respectively backed by fingers on the body, one of which is relatively flexible. The switch bodies are secured in place by pins which extend through openings in the board and are peened over on the opposite end thereof. Terminal legs on the switch blades extend through complementary slots in the circuit board. The pivotally mounted joystick actuator extends through an opening in the center of the circuit board for engagement with the flexible fingers of the switch bodies.

Abstract: A cover for a leaf switch comprises a cover body having defining a space which receives contact elements of the leaf switch. The cover body engages with a movable contact element to allow the leaf switch to be actuated as a result of movement of the cover body and receives a fixed contact element. The fixed contact element is kept still when the movable contact element is moved together with the cover body. The arrangement described had been found to be effective in preventing or reducing contamination of the contact elements of the leaf switch by dust.

Abstract: A covered leaf switch assembly includes a switch body having resilient switch blades. A molded plastic cover includes an elongated sheath for receiving the blades therein and a coupling portion for interfitting with the switch body. In one embodiment the coupling portion has a pair of arms with fingers and ribs receivable in complementary grooves and notches on the switch body. In another embodiment the coupling portion includes a jacket frictionally receiving the switch body therein.

Abstract: The mounting structure includes a pair of side abutments, upper and lower abutments, and front and rear abutments into which a rectangular parallelepiped body of a leaf spring switch is snap fit.

Abstract: A power mirror remote control switch includes a switch body which supports a printed circuit board and two stacked, insulated levels of conducting terminal fingers which extend over the board. A four-way position control key overhangs the terminal fingers. The control key is pressed to flex selected terminals into conductive contact with underlying portions of the printed circuit board, thereby establishing conductive connections for energizing motors which rotate or tilt at least two power mirrors. A sliding switch is provided to define which one of the two mirrors is to be moved in the direction defined by the position control key.

Abstract: A momentary push-button switch wherein a movable contact piece is made of an elastic and conductive metal sheet by incurvating the latter and providing a pair of coupling portions on its sides in parallel with the depressing direction of the switch, and the coupling portions are bent to increase their rigidities against a pressing force. A switching tactility based on the inversion of the movable contact is clearly developed.

Abstract: The present invention provides low cost electrical switch assemblies and methods for manufacturing same. The switch assembly comprises an array of resiliently flexible metallic conductors arranged in predetermined circuit pathways on a dielectric carrier panel. A plurality of apertures or cavities are provided at predetermined locations in the carrier panel. The switch contacts comprise a pair of generally L-shaped fingers which are integral extensions of the flexible conductors. The fingers extend from opposite edge surfaces of the carrier panel defining an associated aperture or cavity, to pass one another over or within their associated aperture or cavity, with the free ends of the fingers terminating adjacent one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoelectric relay in which a bimorph is used as a flexible element. First, second and third relay contacts (14), (14') and (14") are disposed coplanar with the third relay contact sandwiched between the first and second relay contacts. First and second flexible members (11) and (11'), each of which is supported as a cantilever, are displaced in directions opposite to each other when an electric field is applied to one. The first flexible member (11) displaces the first and second relay contacts (14) and (14'), and the second flexible member (11') displaces the third relay contact (14"). Thus, the first and third relay contacts (14) and (14") and the second and the third relay contacts (14') and (14") are turned on or off in response to the different polarities of the applied electric field.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coding switch comprising at least two conductor paths each having a plurality of contact points disposed on a circuit board about at least a portion of a circle, the circles about at least a portion of which the contact points of the respective paths are disposed being coaxial, and a wiper having at least two spaced and electrically connected contact points secured to the circuit board to rotate about the center of the coaxial circles so that each contact point of the wiper can come into electrical contact with the contact points of a respective conductor path. The wiper is preferably provided with a handle at an end thereof outwardly of the center of the coaxial circles for manually rotating the wiper. The wiper can be set without setting apparatus such as setting rings and the like and the handle can be moved, even from a distance, by a pencil, for example.

Abstract: A segment holder is mounted in a casing for rotational movement therein, and a plurality of contact wires extend substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the segment holder and are spaced from each other along the said axis of rotation, the segment holder being biased to turn in a direction under the resiliency of the contact wires. When a driver connected to the segment holder is actuated from the exterior of the casing, the segment holder is rotated against the biasing force applied thereto to make break electrical contact between the contact wires via a conductive segment(s) mounted on the segment holder.

Abstract: An improved electromechanical timer for accurately controlling relatively short time intervals, such as fill time intervals for washing appliances. A cam-actuated switch includes a first cam-following member rigidly supported from a first contact arm and a second cam-following member movably, preferably pivotally, supported from the first cam-following member. The switch actuating control cam is of the circumferential edge track type rotatably driven by a timer motor. The first cam-following member is biased into cam-following engagement with the cam track by the resiliency of the contact arm. The second cam-following member extends between the cam track and a second contact arm and is biased into cam-following engagement with the track by the second contact arm. The cam track includes a plurality of arcuate segments of different fixed radii.

Abstract: The mounting structure includes a block having a bore therein and a stud thereon, their axes being substantially parallel. A leaf spring switch has two leaf springs carried by a body having a pair of bores. The surfaces of the block and the body are in juxtaposition, with the stud extending into one of the bores in the body and a threaded fastener extending through the other of the bores in the body and into the bore in the block.

Abstract: This is an electrical switch mechanism actuated by a piano-style key of a musical instrument. The switch consists of a pair of cross-bar contacts, at least one of which is resiliently flexible. This resilience permits a moveable contact member to be driven into engagement with a fixed contact member, and also keeps it firmly biased against the fixed contact member for electrical communication therewith whenever the key is in its actuated position. When the key is released, an actuator member on the key captures the moveable contact and moves it away from the fixed contact. Upon actuation, the key over-travels beyond the point of contact engagement, but the actuator decouples from the contact so as to avoid any increase in contact pressure and prevent double-keying. Various techniques for minimizing impact noise during contact recapture, and for mounting the contacts upon a circuit board, are also disclosed.

Abstract: One-piece stamped and formed switch device which is intended for mounting on a circuit board comprises an elongated flat base having mounting tabs or posts extending from its ends. A flange extends from one of the ends in the opposite direction from the direction of the mounting tabs and provides a fixed contact surface. A cantilever spring is integral with the base portion at the opposite end and extends alongside the base portion past the flange. In use, the switch device is mounted on the circuit board by inserting the mounting tabs through holes in the circuit board. Thereafter, an intermediate portion of the base is removed by shearing so that the remaining portions are electrically isolated from each other and the spring arm can be engaged with the flange to close a circuit between the conductors on the underside of the circuit board.

Abstract: The control station comprises an enclosure having two terminal blocks disposed therein. Each terminal block has a set or normally opened and normally closed contacts which are mechanically interlocked and movable into an open and closed position respectively by an actuating lever. The ground terminals of each set of contacts on each terminal block are electrically interlocked for common connection to an external ground line. The wiring terminals of the normally closed contacts are electrically interlocked to provide a parallel connection through the respective normally closed contacts between an external circuit and the ground line. The terminal of the normally open contact on each terminal block is electrically connected to an external circuit, each proceeding an independent sequence for some controlled device when the contact is closed.

Abstract: A vibration-preventing mechanism for a lock type push button switch eliminates vibration, chattering and vibration noise of a resilient spring contact by forming a projection on each push button.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single piece, stamped and formed electrical switch assembly which is intended to be mounted on a printed circuit board. More particularly, the switch assembly comprises a U-shaped member with one arm comprising an elongated cantilever spring blade and the other arm having means for mounting, and a detachable contact post attached to the one arm by a break-away strap. Additionally, means are included for holding the spring blade in a stationary open position during shipping, handling, mounting, and cleaning of the assembly.

Abstract: A control device for an electrical circuit has switch means adapted for movement between circuit making and breaking positions including means for stiffening the switch means having a force receiving end spaced therefrom. Fulcrum means is disposed for pivoting engagement with the switch means. Means is operable for applying a control force onto the force receiving end of the stiffening means so as to yield the switch means in its circuit making position into pivotal engagement with the fulcrum means and thereafter pivotally move a part of the switch means about the fulcrum means toward the circuit breaking position.A method of operating a control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A keyswitch includes a tubular plunger with a body slidable vertically in an open-top housing that has a bottom wall supporting the lower end of a coil spring extending up around a pair of opposed upright spring contact strips, the lower ends of which extend through the bottom wall. The inside of the plunger is provided with a cross member that normally separates the upper ends of the contact strips, but permits them to engage each other when the plunger is pushed down. The contact strips are substantially identical. Each has at least two parallel slits extending downwardly from its upper end to form a plurality of narrow contact fingers beside a wider contact finger that is wide enough to be engaged by the narrow contact fingers of the opposing contact strip.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improvement in an electric switching device comprising at least one leaf spring mounted in curved position between the internal surface of a casing and the opposite surface of a member mounted pivotally about an axis parallel to the axis of the casing and carrying an electric contact member. The leaf spring is fixed on the internal surface of the casing by the head of a screw with a tightening nut. A stop member is interposed between the said spring end to be fixed and the said internal surface of the casing and provided with a recess of a shape complementary to the shape of the said spring end so as to lock the said spring end in the said recess, and stop means are provided integral with the said casing and comprising a flat stop surface perpendicular to the internal surface of the casing, upon which bears a planar lateral surface of the head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a push-button or key switch comprising at least one contact member stationary in a case and a switch blade whose contact tongue is resiliently pivotal from one switching position into another switching position by means of a key push member supported on a return spring.

Abstract: A snap-action switch unit uses as its movable element a spring strip (23) mounted in a frame (20) such that the strip is bowed. A rod or the like (22) across the strip at its middle constrains the strip so that one half is bowed away from a flat surface (21) while the other half is adjacent to and roughly parallel with the flat surface.On the opposite side of the spring strip (23) to the flat surface (21) there is a rocker (28) depression of which flips the spring strip (23) between two stable states. Integral with the strip (23) there are contact-bearing tongues (26, 27) which co-operate with stationary contacts on the supporting surface (21).Alternatively the spring strip carries a transverse strip carrying two contact buttons which co-operate with stationary contacts.

Abstract: An electrical device, which preferably forms a plug-in relay unit, includes a terminal board assembly most advantageously formed by a pair of insulating plates made of thermoplastic material and between which are clamped the intermediate laterally extending portions of terminal blade members having outer portions projecting transversely beyond the outermost plate constituting a base plate and transversely innermost portions projecting beyond the innermost plate constituting a clamp plate. One or more of the terminal blade members carry stationary contacts on the inner ends thereof. The insulating plates are held secured together and a bobbin assembly having thermoplastic pins are passed through apertures in the base assembly and ultrasonically vibrated to weld the same to the walls of the apertures.

Abstract: A component, versatile pushbutton actuated electrical switch capable of breaking one electrical circuit prior to establishing a further, different electrical circuit on successive actuators of a plunger ratchet mechanism, wherein a pair of spaced contact terminals are supported on opposite sides of a moveable contact. One of the contact terminals includes a plurality of attached portions defining a generally dog-leg configuration, wherein the portions extend in at least one plane lying generally across the line of travel of said moveable contact, with the portions having longitudinal axes forming a sufficient angle to one another with respect to the plane or planes whereby one of the portions, while bending causes torsional strain in at least one of the remaining portions of the contact terminal.

Abstract: A keyswitch comprising a housing, a plunger which slides in a channel in the housing, a pair of crossed, opposing cantilever beams which have their fixed ends attached to the housing floor and which with their free ends make springing contact with the plunger, and a pair of electrical contacts each of which is attached to a respective cantilever beam. The keyswitch may also include a cam element to achieve switching and a third contact element to create a bounceless switch.

Abstract: A relay having a housing and a base has a number of flexible contact elements mounted in slots in the base, each having a fixed terminal extending out of the relay and a contact portion extending inside the relay movable by an electromagnetic actuator. Each contact element has a longitudinal slot therein for receiving a transverse rib carried on the relay base for rigidly retaining the contact element in place and minimizing transmittal of mechanical displacement forces from the terminal portion of the element to the contact portion thereof. Each contact element may also be provided with a retaining tooth which engages a cooperatively disposed slot in the relay base to add further stability to the contact element mounting. Each contact element may thus be provided with a greater flexible portion thereof having unimpaired movement without increasing the size of the relay housing.

Abstract: A piece part, such as a flat metal contact spring (12), is mounted between two plastic details (11 and 25), so that an end portion of the spring 12 projects from the mounting details. One of the details, such as a base member 11, has a cavity 17 within which the spring is placed so that a mounting section (12A) fits within the cavity. The second detail, such as a thermoplastic locking insert 25, includes a finger 25B adapted to fit in the cavity adjacent to the spring section (12A). The insert is provided with pointed energy directors (30 and 31) arranged so that the members can be heated and compressed together, and the directors melt to weld the parts together. The insert and/or the base member is formed with slots (33) so positioned that portions of the molten plastic are forced to flow into the slots during the process so as to encapsulate the mounting section of the spring or other piece part in the plastic.

Abstract: A switch operable by either one or both of two adjacent doors of a two-door refrigerator-freezer to control the lights therein. When both doors are closed, the lights in both compartments are deenergized and when either or both doors is open, the lights in either or both are energized respectively.

Abstract: A pair of movable electrical contact blades are linked together through a lost motion linkage. An actuator means engages one of the blades to initially move it by itself. Subsequent movement of the actuator means moves both blades to selectively open and close electrical contacts carried by the blades and to open and close an electrical contact carried by a fixed contact blade.

Abstract: A buzzer switch comprising a housing of plastic material including a laterally extending slot. A contact made of spring material is positioned in the slot and has a first portion thereof extending in cantilever fashion adjacent the upper end of the body. The body has a second slot therein for receiving a second contact. The second contact has a portion extending in cantilever fashion in generally the same direction as the cantilever portion of the first contact. An actuator is pivoted to the body and has a portion thereof adapted to engage and move the cantilever portion of the first contact inwardly of the body into contact with the second contact. A cover closes the slots in the body. The cover includes openings through which terminals extend into contact with first and second contacts.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated electrical switch assembly is disclosed which includes a member for dampening the vibration experienced by the contact arm of the switch to prevent undesirable fatigue and breakage. The electrical switch is housed within a dome-like container having an entry port that is connected to a hydraulic circuit. The container is divided interiorly by a diaphragm assembly into upper and lower sealed chambers, the upper chamber having the electrical contacts for the switch and the lower chamber receiving fluid pressure through the entry port. A button actuator is fixed to the diaphragm, and it is movable vertically upward in response to fluid pressure in the lower chamber against the underside of the diaphragm which deflects the diaphragm thereby causing the button actuator to engage the cantilevered electrical contact arm which is mounted in the upper chamber.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprises a housing (1) carrying a first, fixed contact (3) and a second, movable contact (6) in the form of a resilient contact arm secured to the housing (1) at one end. The resilient contact arm comprises a single inner limb (9) and two outer limbs (10, 11) one of which is engaged by the actuator member (15) and the other of which engages the fixed contact (3) on operation of the actuator member. The housing (1) is preferably of one-piece construction, the actuator member (15) being retained in the housing (1) by a part of the second contact (6).

Abstract: A multiple cantilever spring contact switch has contact members stacked both vertically and side-by-side. The contact members are gripped at one end between surfaces which impose a predetermined inclination of the contact members relative to a base. A pivotally mounted lever on the contact assembly actuates the contact members and can also serve as a member which is actuated by a telephone handset. No specific spring is provided for the lever, the lever being biased by the spring contact members.

Abstract: A pressure responsive electrical switch uses precalibrated snap acting monometallic or bimetallic discs freely disposed in a disc seat formed on a base member. Over pressure protection in the form of a surface spaced just beyond the normal snapped position may be provided to avoid calibration changes. A flexible thin gasket is positioned over the disc and is sealed to the base by trapping between the base and a cap which is clamped to the base. Several seal variations are shown to provide varying degrees and types of seals. A rocker member having a specially curved surface rests on a movable contact arm and transfers motion from the disc to the movable arm. A support for the movable arm has a portion which is formed with a complementary curved portion which cooperates with the rocker member and a stationary contact to limit the amount of stress imparted to the movable contact arm.

Abstract: A multiple cantilever spring contact switch has a plurality of cantilever spring contacts, arranged in one or more series with the spring contacts of a series each clamped at one end in grooves which have base surfaces inclined relative to each other. By this means, predetermined angular inclinations are imposed on the spring contacts, urging the contacts into a correct positional relationship. Particularly the individual contact members are positioned side-by-side at their clamping positions, the free ends of one or more contact members extended laterally to overlie each other. In another arrangement two or more contacts can be stacked, with a spacer member between adjacent contacts, the spacer member having one or more of said grooves.

Abstract: A keypad for telephones includes a case composed of two parts. One part has slots for mounting and guiding keys. The keys are arranged such that each causes the closure of two contacts which are fitted onto a substrate mounted inside the case. The contacts are installed with the assistance of a number of modular supports, each of which consists of two independent elements that are fastened together and, when joined define a means for positioning the contacts pertaining to the adjacent modular support. Means provided on the keys to cause two simultaneous closures includes two identical protuberances which are integral with the keys and protrude from diametrically opposite points of the respective bases. The keys have a positioning mechanism to restore them to their idle position, including pushing elements with an elastic action which react against the substrate where the contacts are fitted.

Abstract: A snap disc operator pressure switch is disclosed in which a thin flexible diaphragm is positioned adjacent to the disc to isolate the pressure chamber from the disc chamber and to transmit the pressure forces directly to the surface of the disc. The disc is positioned in a disc seat and is held therein by the diaphragm. The calibration of the disc is not adversely affected because it is not necessary to provide a seal directly with the disc. The disc seat member is shaped to support the disc against overpressure and to provide a guide for the switch bumper. When higher operating pressures are required, two discs are positioned in the disc seat at face-to-face adjacency and the device operates at a pressure substantially equal to the sum of the calibration pressures of the discs. In another embodiment, the movable arm of the switch is biased closed and is moved to an open position by a spring-biased operator.

Abstract: A multiple cantilever spring contact switch has a plurality of cantilever spring contacts, in one or more series, with the contacts of each series clamped between surfaces which provided a predetermined relative inclination of the contacts. A pivotal member is mounted on the switch assembly for actuation by an operating member, the pivotal member in turn actuating the contacts. The contact between operating member and pivotal member is localized so that misalignment between operating member and the switch assembly does not affect actuation of the contacts. Such misalignment can occur when the switch assembly or operating member or both are mounted on printed circuit boards. The switch is particularly suitable for a hook switch of a telephone.

Abstract: An electrical blade switch including a pair of spaced contact leaves, one of which comprises a fixed portion which is hingedly connected to a movable portion for permitting deflection thereof in a direction to effect engagement of contacts on the contact leaves.

Abstract: An electrical switch, comprises, a casing of a nonconductive material, having first and second spaced apart upstanding supports, with a contact plate of an electrically conductive material having an intermediate spring portion, with an outwardly extending arcuate bulge portion intermediate its length and a bridging member on each side of the spring portion, and an end portion on each end interconnecting the spring portion with at least one end of each bridging member and supported on respective spaced apart supports. The intermediate spring portion is held in an outwardly biased position extending in the direction of the arcuate portion by the contact plate construction, and it bears against an actuating member which may move it in a direction opposite to the bias direction.

Abstract: An electrical snap action switch for use in a temperature regulator has a movable contact assembly consisting of a conductive contact carrying arm movable between fixed stops and cantilevered within the switch housing, the contact arm being parallel to and cooperating with a Q-shaped snap-action spring, so that the arm carries the working current while the snap spring acts on the arm to make the switch monostable in operation between the stops.

Abstract: A snap-action switch for use with electric circuits is disclosed, having a roof-shaped elastic sheetmetal member intended to cooperate with several contacts of a printed circuit. By depressing the roof along a folding edge, the sheetmetal member is caused to snap along a line extending transversely in relation to the folding edge, thus first opening one contact and thereafter closing another contact.

Abstract: An electric switch comprising a plurality of electrically conductive resilient strips secured to an electrically insulating base member and a supporting member for supporting the strips in such a manner that these strips extend substantially in parallel with each other at a given distance and store resilient force in a direction opposite to that of an operational force. An electrical contact is made by displacing one of the resilient strips toward the other strip against the stored resilient force. In a preferred embodiment prior to securing the strips to the base member the strips have been bent in the direction opposite to the acting direction of the operational force.

Abstract: A switching assembly includes an insulative substrate upon which is carried a plurality of conductive paths respective portions of which are selectively bridged upon depression of a resilient conductive contact element. That contact element is generally in the shape of a dome and has a central region of substantially planar conformation from which the remainder of the dome slants integrally downward and outward to a lower marginal rim portion. The dome-shaped element is disposed adjacent to the substrate with at least a portion of its rim portion electrically and physically contacting one of the portions of one of the paths. The central region is generally in registry over another of the portions in another of the paths so as to enable connection between the central region and that other portion upon depression of the central region.

Abstract: A push button switch having a plurality of fixed terminals and an inversion leaf spring member opposing the fixed terminals. The inversion leaf spring member is adapted to be actuated by an actuator lever pivotally supported by a switch block which is adapted to extend in parallel with the direction of movement of a switch lever. A coiled spring is disposed between the actuator lever and the switch lever.