Abstract: A microswitch, comprising: a casing consisting of a base casing half and a cover casing half; a plurality of terminal pieces received, at their intermediate parts, in slots provided in the base casing half and extending substantially perpendicularly from a surface opposing a corresponding surface of the cover casing half; a contact mechanism accommodated in a cavity in the casing and electrically connected to the terminal pieces; and a push-button member elastically supported by a spring member and projecting out of the casing for actuating the contact mechanism by movement of the push-button member; the terminal pieces being provided with projections extending from their leading edges, and the slot being provided with a recess for receiving the projection; wherein the slot comprises an external part and an internal part which is narrower than the external part, and a projecting length of the projection is larger than a depth of the internal part.

Abstract: A terminal structure for an electrical switching device. The terminal structure comprises an integral thin planar member with a external terminal section, a body section, a neck section and an internal contact section all lying along a longitudinal axis. The body section is intermediate the external terminal section and the neck section. The neck section is adjacent the internal contact section that can twist about the neck section to be rotated with respect to the body and external terminal sections. During manufacture, the terminal structure is installed in planar form through a conforming passage in a molded housing. Then the internal contact section is twisted to lock the terminal structure in the housing and to form a seat for a movable contact.

Abstract: A push-button rachet mechanism switch is converted to a rotary wiping action for a moveable contact which includes one or more axial extending contact members. The moveable contact selectively engages one or more radially spaced fixed contacts and continuously engages a common conductor for selectively coupling the common conductor to one or more of the radially spaced fixed contacts to which other conductors are coupled.

Abstract: A printed circuit board slide switch in which switch actuation occurs by movement of a slide actuator perpendicular to the printed circuit board on which the switch is mounted is disclosed. Terminals having leads in a zig-zag configuration are inserted molded into an insulative body which has a plurality of individual compartments in which side-by-side contact portions of adjacent terminals comprising switched terminal pairs are located.

Abstract: A push button switch is disclosed having a case in which fixed contacts are arranged on an inner bottom surface of the case. A pair of terminals, formed integrally with the fixed contacts, project through the case and into a pair of recesses having vertical walls formed in a lower portion of the case. The terminals projecting into the recesses are both bent at substantially right angles to said fixed contacts so as to be arranged along the vertical walls of the recesses. The pair of terminals are thus formed to be in a same plane and enable the push button switch to be installed in a printed circuit board by an automatic inserter for radial lead type electronic parts.

Abstract: A double pole, double throw rocking contactor switch is operable as a reversing switch by particularly configured stationary contacts at the corresponding ends of the respective poles. Stationary contacts are formed electrically common out of a single member having the stationary contact of one pole formed to be disposed below the rocking contactor and the stationary contact of the other pole formed to be disposed above its respective contactor. Accordingly, one contactor engages the upper surface of a stationary contact while the other end of the other contactor engages the under surface of the opposite stationary contact for a given stable position of the actuator, thereby causing the respective contactors to engage stationary contacts at respective opposite ends of the contactors, accomplishing the reversing function internally of the switch without special cross connect conductors, thereby permitting press-in wire terminations to be utilized.

Abstract: For simplified and more rapid production of a switch component (1) with a bimetallic element (3) and a switch (6) which can be actuated by this via a transmission element (15), the carrier or feed parts (4) are connected to the contact parts (5) by welding. For this purpose, each carrier or feed part (4) has a vertical weld section (8) passed through the insulating body (2) and having a smaller cross sectional surface than the remaining portion of the carrier or feed part (4).

Abstract: An electric switch, particularly a thermostatic switch, includes contacts connected to at least three terminal members having connector terminals aligned along a common axis.

Abstract: A modular water proof switch which can be easily assembled, having a housing and cover secured together with complementary interfitting latches, a slide switch in the cover and containing a rocker switch actuator, a sealed flexible diaphragm between the cover and housing, a rocker switch within the housing beneath the diaphragm controlling a pair of connecting plates, the switch being controlled by the actuator and being connected to a pair of input terminals leading to the exterior of the housing, a pair of output terminals associated with the rocker switch and leading to the exterior of the housing, an external extension of the housing defining an interconnect chamber for receiving a line cord and connecting it with the input terminals, and sealing means providing a waterproof seal within the interconnect chamber. The inner ends of the input terminals provide both a fulcrum and a connection for the rocker switch and, for ease of assembly, the inner ends pass through slots in the connecting plates.

Abstract: A compact universal switch with integral contact tabs which includes a housing, an axially slidable connecting bar for movement in an axial direction and a pair of spaced-apart L-shaped contact tabs fixed to the housing such that the axially slidable connecting bar is movable between the contact tabs, the contact tabs each comprising a deformable metallic electrically conductive plate having a leg portion and a foot portion having a contact thereon. An axial bar actuation device is fixed to the housing for moving the axially slidable connecting bar in the axial direction and a connection bridge is provided for completing interrupting an electric circuit between the contact tabs in response to movement of the axially slidable connection bar. A tab-contact insulating case is fixed to the housing and at least partially covers the contact tabs.

Abstract: A switch housing extends to enclose wiring terminals, incorporating holes for insertion of wire conductors and for accessing a clamping screw assembly with a tool to clamp the conductor against the terminal. Individual cavities for each terminal are substantially sealed against ingress of dust, electrically isolating the terminals, and preventing removal of the screw from the respective cavity.

Abstract: A subminiature switch includes a housing having a base portion in the central part of which is implanted a common stationary contact comprising a rod-shaped conductor and having a common stationary terminal extending outside the housing. Implanted in the base portion on both sides of the common stationary contact are switching stationary contacts each comprising a rod-shaped conductor bent at two locations and having a switching stationary terminal extending outside the housing. The arrangement is such that the inter-terminal spacing outside the housing is greater than the inter-contact spacing inside the housing, thus making it possible to reduce the size of the switch housing and adapt the switch to various mounting structures.

Abstract: An electrical switch mounting structure includes a housing for the switch, terminals on the exterior of the housing, a substrate incorporating an opening into which the housing is inserted, conductive elements on the base which contact the terminals upon insertion of the housing, and elastic mounting members which both retain the housing in the base and assure contact between the terminals and the conductive elements.

Abstract: An electrical switch apparatus adapted for plug-in wiring. The switch apptus has an insulating housing made of a cover and a body. The body defines a plurality of terminal receiving cavities therein. A terminal portion of a plurality of electrical contact strips is disposed in each of the terminal receiving cavities. The terminal portions are adapted for receiving and grippingly engaging an electrical wire inserted through an opening in the housing. A cantilevered strip extends from each of the terminal portions, and each of the cantilevered strips has a switching contact thereon. The contacts on each of the cantilevered strips are mutually aligned. When the switch handle is in a first position, the contacts on a pair of the electrical contact strips are in electrical communication. When the switch is in a second position, the electrical contacts on another pair of electrical contact strips are in electrical communication. The switch handle has a pin thereon for engaging one of the contact strips.

Abstract: The existent current and thermal path of a diaphragm and a movable rod contained within an electronic switch are paralleled with a shunt which does not have to support external loads, and can thus be made of material more ideally suited for the transfer and dissemination of heat generated by the passage of current upon actuation of the switching device.

Abstract: An electrical rotary switch having a housing formed of an electrically insulative material and including a plurality of fixed electrically conductive contacts therein. A rotatable contact is arranged to be rotated into a plurality of positions and includes electrically conductive means to electrically interconnect selected ones of the fixed contacts depending upon the rotational position of the contactor. A detent mechanism is located in the housing and comprises a generally planar, frame-like plate formed of a resilient material and having an opposed pair of elongated arms extending generally parallel to each other and interconnected adjacent their respective ends by cantilever arms. The cantilever arms form tapering cam surfaces which are adapted to engage diametrically opposed recesses in the rotatable contactor to establish the various rotational positions of the rotatable contactor. The decent plate is located within a recess in the housing.

Abstract: A lighted contact switch comprising: a non-conductive housing; a conductive biased spring member in electrical contact with a first terminal disposed in the housing base, and adapted to provide electrical contact with a second terminal disposed in the housing base when the biased spring member is depressed; an actuator positioned adjacent to the biased spring member; and a cap adapted with opposing tabs sized to engage and secure the cap to the actuator at assembly. The lighted switch includes opposing lamp terminals disposed at one end within the actuator sides, and extending at the opposite end through apertures in the housing base, the lamp is releasably secured between the lamp terminals and may be independently illuminated by electrical communication with the lamp terminals extending from the base. Graphics, lettering or numbering may be marked upon a translucent insert secured to the cap to identify the switching function. For non-lighted use, the switch may be assembled without the lamp.

Abstract: Pin terminals projecting from a side of a switch housing are led out upon being arranged in one direction and in a plane parallel to the side of the switch housing, and distal end portions of the pin terminals are secured to a printed circuit board. This reduces the space needed for mounting the switch, facilitates the mounting of the switch on the printed circuit board and mounts the switch more reliably.

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 contact includes an arcuately-shaped member having opposite end portions which are joined by an intermediate U-shaped portion. The end portions are slotted to form bifurcations which include contact-engaging surfaces. A contact element includes elongated first and second portions which are joined by an intermediate portion. A lanced-out tab is formed in, and forms an acute angle with, the first portion with the tab opening toward the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A sub-miniature snap-action switch which can be manufactured efficiently and reliably with minimal reliance on tedious hand assembly. The switch includes a novel pivot bracket assembly comprising a pivot bracket, a blade and a spring coupling the bracket to the blade.

Abstract: A slide switch comprising fixed contacts and a contact bridge which, by displacing a slider provided with cams, can be tilted so that one of its ends comes in touch with a further fixed contact. The contact bridge is firmly connected by being welded thereto. This results in a reliable center contact which avoids chatter and phenomena of wear.

Abstract: A switch has four separate electrical terminals. A first electrical contact selectively electrically bridges three of the four terminals while a second electrical contact selectively bridges the fourth terminal and one of the first three.

Abstract: An alternate mechanism comprising a plunger (4) supported for a linear movement, a rotary cam (71) rotatably supported by the plunger, a spring (43) for biasing the plunger toward an original position (P.sub.1) of the plunger, a first stationary cam (76) which as the plunger is pushed to a first position (P.sub.2, P.sub.3) against the spring, is adapted to be engaged with the rotary cam so as to rotate the rotary cam by a predetermined angle, and a second stationary cam (32) which as the plunger supporting the rotary cam at the predetermined angle returns from the first position, is engaged with the rotary cam so as to lock the plunger in a second position (P.sub.4), and as the plunger locked in the second position is pushed again, the rotary cam is further rotated by the first stationary cam so as to be disengaged from the second stationary cam when the plunger returns to the second position.

Abstract: A miniature snap action switch comprises a movable spring sheet which is pivotally supported to a common contact member for movement with a snap action into and out of contact with a cooperative fixed contact. The movable spring sheet is plated with a precious metal such as silver, gold, or an alloy of each at a portion to be pivoted to the common contact member as well as at a portion for contact with the fixed contact for improving electrical conductivity at the respective interfaces and at the same time defining on the movable spring sheet a movable contact of extremely reduced thickness. Accordingly, the movable spring sheet can be dispensed with a conventional contact tip of rather bulky configuration to thereby enable the entire contact assembly to be made in a greatly reduced dimensions particularly in the direction of the thickness of the movable spring sheet, resulting a very compact arrangement of the miniature switch.

Abstract: A two-position electrical switch assembly is disclosed for mounting in an aperture of a metal panel. The housing for the switch assembly is constructed of an electrically non-conducting body having a head portion and a shank portion. The head portion is integrally formed with the shank portion such that the shank portion extends transversely away from a panel contacting surface of the head portion. A central opening is formed through the head portion and extends coaxially with an axial opening formed longitudinally through the shank portion. The shank portion includes means for resiliently mounting the switch assembly housing in the apertured middle panel where the resilient mounting means includes a first electrical conducting member, a pair of spring-biased electrical conducting fingers, and a second electrical conducting member. The pair of spring-biased electrical conducting fingers are disposed longitudinally in the axial bore with their free ends normally biased together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure switch which comprises a body, a metal support with a part thereof embedded in the body, the support having an attachment portion outside the body to be attached to an external portion, a fixed contact portion formed on the support and disposed at the inside of the body, diaphragm provided at the inside of the body for receiving a pressure from a pressure source and for being displaced in response to the pressure received, and a movable contact responsive to the displacement of the diaphragm to thereby constitute a switch in cooperation with the fixed contact portion.

Abstract: In a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), a pair of flexure arms having moveable contacts disposed thereon are deflected in response to the activation of a solenoid having a moveable core. The core of the solenoid causes a pair of cam actuators which are preferably coupled together by a catcher to rotate. The rotation of the cam actuators causes the deflection of the flexure arms, thereby separating the moveable contacts from the stationary contacts and interrupting the flow of current. The activation of the solenoid is controlled by an electronic module. The electromechanical current interrupter and the electronic module are disposed within a housing that can be mounted within a standard electrical receptacle box.

Abstract: A contact assembly for a rotary switching unit incorporated in a vehicle suspension unit in which a pair of stamped and formed metal terminals are moulded in a plastics stator block of a stator with contact portions precisely flush with a contact face of the block and wire-connecting portions with wire-receiving slots protruding radially from the side of the block in alignment with wire-confining grooves formed in the block periphery. A rotor comprises a plastics disc heat staked to a support plate and carrying a brush arranged to wipe around the contact face of the block and make electrical contact with the flush contact portions.

Abstract: A switch actuator assembly comprises an insulating base and an insulating retainer assembled therewith. A switch contact assembly initially includes at least a first contact and a second contact interconnected by an integral narrow strip of sheet metal. The base and retainer are provided with an integral punch and die, and during assembly of the switch contact assembly with the base and the retainer the punch and die sever the connecting strip so that the first and second contacts are thereafter electrically isolated. During such severing the strip is deflected from its initial plane to augment the electrical isolation.

Abstract: A snap acting electrical switch in which a frame carries first, second and third wireform contacts and a plunger movable along a first axis. The first and second wireform contacts are biased together along a second axis transverse to the first axis, and are also biased against an end of the plunger. The first and second wireform contacts together are adapted to be deflected along the second axis by a cam surface on the housing as the plunger is depressed. As the second contact is caused to slide off the end of the plunger, it snaps against the third wireform contact which is in a fixed position along side the plunger.

Abstract: A terminal assembly for connecting a line cable to the bus conductor of a circuit interrupter or similar device by means of a locking screw that extends through the top wall of a metal lug component and clamps the inserted ends of the cable and bus conductor in overlapping relationship with each other and positive electrical contact with the bottom wall of the lug component. The bus conductor is held in slip-fitted interlocked position at the bottom of the lug component opening by the coaction of a pair of undercut grooves in the side walls of the lug component that accommodate the side edges of the bus conductor and cooperates with a coupling screw which extends through the bottom wall of the lug component and engages an unthreaded hole in the inserted end of the bus conductor.

Abstract: An electrical contactor device has a molded insulating body base member with at least one boss having a bore extending from a contact element support surface. A stationary contact element having a generally planar plate portion and a projection extending from said plate portion adjacent, in a bent condition, to a terminal screw receiving boss is positioned on the boss of said base member and the terminal receiving screw is threaded into engagement with the contact element to assemble the contact element with the screw and to simultaneously bend the projection into a keyway formed in the bore to secure the contact element to the base member. A second projection adjacent the first projection is of substantially greater width than the first projection and is permanently bent into a position for engagement with a shelf extending from a portion of the base member adjacent to the bore to assist in securing the contact element to the base member.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a dielectric case having defined in it a cylindrical cavity with a larger diameter counterbore in its upper portion. Slots extending across the case and through the cavity have the same depth as the cavity and carry wire conductors whose diameter is less than the difference between the depth of the cavity and the depth of the counterbore. Located medially in the bottom of the cavity is a raised bridge which has a height approximately equal to the amount the diameter of the wire conductors is less than the difference between the depth of the cavity and the depth of the counterbore. Thus the top surfaces of the wires lie below the counterbore proximate the periphery of the cavity and lie approximately co-planar with the lip of the counterbore at the center of the cavity. An electrically conductive deformable dome having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the counterbore is secured in the cavity by a piece of transparent tape adhered to the top of the case.

Abstract: A miniature push-button switch having and improved switch body wherein a plurality of fixed contacts are each formed by bending an electrically conductive plate material to have one end acting as a contact portion, for contacting a movable contact which is adapted to slide in the longitudinal direction of the switch, and the other end acting as a switch terminal. The switch terminals are arranged in order along the direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the switch and comprise a normally open, NO, switch terminal, a common, C, switch terminal and a normally closed, NC, switch terminal interposed between the NO switch terminal and the C switch terminal.

Abstract: The switch has at least one contact plate, mounted on the inner side of an insulating wall forming one side of a casing. The contact plate has a contact rail or some other contact element which is engageable by a contactor on a movable carriage within the casing. The contact plate has a mounting hole surrounded by a circular flange extruded from or otherwise formed in one piece with the contact plate. A terminal bar is mounted against the outer side of the insulating wall and is connected to the contact plate by a terminal rivet, extending through the circular flange with an interference fit to establish good electrical contact therewith. The rivet also extends through an opening in the insulating wall and a mounting hole in the terminal bar.

Abstract: An electrical switch is disclosed, including contact plates having fixed contact portions which are slidably engageable by at least one movable contactor. At least one plate has a submarining crossover portion bent into a U-shape and extending across an overlapping portion of another plate but in a different plane to obviate any electrical contact between the submarining crossover portion and the overlapping portion. The plates may be mounted on an insulating casing wall having a recess for receiving the submarining crossover portion. The plates may have first end portions formed as L-shaped hooks inserted into slots formed in the casing wall. At their opposite ends, the plates may have second end portions formed as L-shaped terminal portions including terminal flanges and terminal prongs. Such prongs may be received in notches formed in a casing end wall, and may be retained in such notches by tooth-like projections on a casing cover.

Abstract: An alternate mechanism comprising a plunger (4) supported for a linear movement, a rotary cam (71) rotatably supported by the plunger, a spring (43) for biasing the plunger toward an original position (P.sub.1) of the plunger, a first stationary cam (76) which as the plunger is pushed to a first position (P.sub.2, P.sub.3) against the spring, is adapted to be engaged with the rotary cam so as to rotate the rotary cam by a predetermined angle, and a second stationary cam (32) which as the plunger supporting the rotary cam at the predetermined angle returns from the first position, is engaged with the rotary cam so as to lock the plunger in a second position (P.sub.4), and as the plunger locked in the second position is pushed again, the rotary cam is further rotated by the first stationary cam so as to be disengaged from the second stationary cam when the plunger returns to the second position.

Abstract: A sealed toggle switch is formed of a hollow thermosetting plastic base, a metal cover closing off the base, a rocking blade, and a bat actuator handle having a ball disposed to rotate in a socket bushing in the cover and a resiliently biased finger pushing against the blade to rock it from one position to another when the bat actuator is moved. Sealing is accomplished by an O-ring seated in a groove on an upper surface of the base and extending around the periphery of the same. This O-ring is compressed by the cover to form a seal. Another O-ring is seated in an annular groove in the bushing and is compressed against the ball of the actuator handle. Contacts of the switch are selectively connectable by rocking of the blade, and these extend through the base. Seals, such as O-rings or flat rubber seals, are provided between these contacts and the base.

Abstract: A switch assembly adapted especially for use in a pivotal hookswitch mechanism which includes a transverse camshaft acting as a contact operating shaft for a plurality of transversely spaced contact spring operating pairs, each pair having a contact spring in a first and second spaced apart alignment. A housing encloses the shaft and contact springs. The contact springs are leaf springs resting in two parallel arrays of slots in the housing, the springs being identical. The housing is formed of two identical shell members each forming a half of the housing with one half being inverted relative to the other to form the central cavity for the operating components of the mechanism. An insert between spring arrays forces formed sections of the springs of an alignment into insulation piercing engagements with insulated wires during the assembly of the insert to the two housing sections.

Abstract: A switch including a housing in which a pair of electrical contacts are positioned for movement between open and closed positions. An actuator movably mounted in the housing moves between contacts open and contacts closed positions. The actuator includes a wiper wall movable between and across the contacts for opening same and wiping same upon movement of the actuator to its contacts open position. The entire switch is assembled without the use of mechanical fasteners or bonding of any kind.

Abstract: An electric switch having an insulating housing and at least one opening into said housing from outside thereof, with a user inserted wire terminal insertable into said opening from the outside thereof and lockable coincidentally with such insertion, said wire terminal serving a first function of providing an internal switching contact within the switch and a second function of coupling the switch into an electric circuit.

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: A switch responsive to changes in fluid pressure includes a conductive body member with a passage therethrough and flexible diaphragm sealingly mounted thereon. One surface of the diaphragm is in contact with the fluid and the other surface has a deformable protrusion which bears against a resilient contact member causing it to break contact with the body member when fluid attains a sufficient pressure. The contact member has a spade terminal which is mounted through a cap fixed to the end of the passage. Only five parts are utilized. An alternative normally open switch is disclosed.

Abstract: A sub-miniature, two position, double pole switch has flat, planar terminals of rectangular cross section with projecting portions outside the case bent at right angles, all in the same plane, to the portions inside the case, and having blades of reduced dimensions for insertion in the circular apertures of a modular printed circuit board. The flat planar terminals are pre-formed initially with the right angular configuration before receiving at least one coating layer thereon, to avoid cracks in the coating due to bending. The coatings compromise a nickel barrier and a gold plate layer.

Abstract: A condition responsive electrical switch has relatively movable contacts and contact arms and the like secured in precisely predetermined locations relative to each other on a molded dielectric base by sensing the relative positions of the switch components to each other on the base and by fusing portions of the base to the switch components while they are held in the desired spaced relation to each other.

Abstract: An AC switch mechanism utilizes a ball contact to which generally linear motion is imparted by a rockable actuator having a spring providing downward contact force and a spring acting ball pusher leg to provide a snap action. In a single pole configuration disclosed as a typical and basic embodiment of the switch, the ball contact in one extreme position engages and extends as a conductive bridging element between bared conductor wires of an electric cable. The cable thus dispenses with the need for assembling separately made switch terminals with the other components of the mechanism. When moved from the "on" position to its other extreme, "off" position, the ball moves onto sloping ramps having a slight, gradual inclination relative to the lengths of the conductor wires. The construction offers a slow break to provide a minimum arc length before the zero point of the AC cycle, a characteristic of great importance in the design and operation of AC switches.

Abstract: A multiple pole switch assembly is disclosed which is a simple structure of a housing having contact means and a metallic conductor comb with a plurality of teeth overlying the contact means. The housing is formed of base means and a cover therefor, which cover slides onto the base means in a first direction substantially parallel to the conductor teeth on the comb. The teeth of the comb extend through apertures in the base means and are clamped in position by the cover, with the cover latched in place on the base. The teeth extending through the base means may then be soldered to the base means, and the back of the comb may be broken off along a weakened area of the comb teeth. Switch actuator means is provided in the form of a thin insulator card having a preselected spacing of apertures in a row. The presence or absence of an aperture in the row establishes switch-open or switch-closed conditions.

Abstract: A switch assembly of the type including a moveable contact and at least one additional contact having a free end lying generally across the line of travel of the moveable contact and having a further portion secured against movement within the switch assembly. A crushable rib is attached to a portion of the housing and is crushed into engagement with the further portion as the switch is assemblied. The invention also employs a pocket for securing a portion of the additional contact terminal against undesirable movement. A spring tab is employed for ensuring a good electrical connection between the moveable contact and a yet further contact terminal arranged within the switch.

Abstract: A self-retaining electrical terminal readily insertible into a slot provided in a switch housing or the like which is positively retained in its slot by means of a retaining tab which self locks with the housing upon insertion of the terminal into its slot.