Abstract: A combined pressure cutoff and pressure relief valve includes a normally closed switch movable between closed and open contact positions. A normally closed pressure relief vent is located in a common housing with the switch. A pressure responsive diaphragm applies force to a switch snap disc and a vent snap disc. Under high pressure conditions, the switch snap disc snaps and opens a pair of contacts. In the event an abnormal pressure condition occurs, the vent snap disc operates and causes a pin to rupture the diaphragm for opening the relief vent.

Abstract: A multipurpose combination barrier and auxiliary current transformer board is provided for a circuit breaker. The board is located at the rear of the circuit breaker housing to close an open portion of the housing and act as a barrier to prevent contact with internal circuit breaker components. Vent holes, provided in the bottom portion of the board, allow heat generated within the circuit breaker to be exhausted to the atmosphere. The top portion of the board serves as a mounting plate for the auxiliary current transformers. The top portion of the board is formed from a printed circuit board having an electric circuit disposed thereon for the connections between the main current transformers, auxiliary transformers and the electronic trip unit. Connectors are provided on the printed circuit board adjacent each auxiliary current transformer to connect the main current transformers to the printed circuit.

Abstract: Layers of a thin, electrically insulating material are bonded together to form a switch. The bottom layer of the switch has electrically conductive areas aligned with openings through a second layer. A third layer has a pattern of spaced lines of an electrical conductor positioned over the openings in the second layer. Fluid pressure applied to the bottom layer causes flexing of the bottom layer toward the third layer to bring the electrically conductive areas into contact with the pattern of conductive lines on the third layer, thereby closing the switch. A vent chamber in the second layer is pneumatically coupled to the openings in the second layer so that when the switch is closed air in the openings in the second layer can be vented to the vent chamber. The switch can be used to sense changes in fluid pressure in a water system, for example.

Abstract: A low-profile rubber keypad with good tactile feel and illuminability includes a plurality of layers adhesively bonded to one another. The top layer of the keypad is a silicone rubber overlay having a plurality of keys protruding therefrom. The rubber overlay is adhesively bonded to an actuation layer including a plurality of thin actuating strips. The actuation layer is adhesively bonded to a tactile layer including a plurality of collapsible resilient domes. The tactile layer is adhesively bonded to a shorting layer including a plurality of conductors. The shorting layer is adhesively bonded to a flex circuit layer including a plurality of conductors.

Abstract: A push-button switch of a water- and dust-proof structure wherein a good operating force charateristic is always assured. The push-button switch has a dummy terminal which is not to be directly soldered to a wiring pattern and is provided at a location of the push-button switch to which flux which appears when a terminal is being soldered to the wiring pattern does not come around. When the switch is soldered to a printed circuit board for the wiring pattern, flux may not possibly enter a gap between a case of the switch and the dummy terminal. After mounting of the switch on the printed circuit board, communication of air between inside and outside the case is assured by the gaps so that the inside of the case is maintained at an equal pressure with external air.

Abstract: A barrier for isolating the electrical contacts of a circuit breaker from the operating mechanism for the contacts. The barrier includes openings to allow the operating mechanism to pass through the barrier, and venting channels for venting gas from within the circuit breaker to the exterior of the circuit breaker.

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, a 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: An apparatus and process for using a self-aligning bearing having a ball movably seated in a socket mounted in a wall of an explosion-proof enclosure and slidably receiving a shaft for transferring motion from the outside to the electrical equipment inside of the enclosure. The abutting surfaces between the ball and socket of the bearing and the ball and the shaft have minimum flame path lengths to meet minimum safety requirements for extinguishing electrical arcing passing along such abutting surfaces.

Abstract: An outlet connection device transfers motion from outside to inside an explosion proof enclosure and includes a process for using a self-aligning bearing retained in a wall of the enclosure. The self-aligning bearing has flame paths selected to meet minimum safety requirements and contains a shaft for transferring either rotary, axial or joy-stick motion into the enclosure. In a rotary transfer arrangement an electric rotary switch is connected through a blade engaging the shaft passing through the self-aligning bearing.

Abstract: A sub-assembly comprising a contact finger support cage and a connection pad of each pole is securedly united to an intermediate insulating partition of the case by a bracket and screw fixing device. The cage is pivotally mounted on a spindle positioned in bearings of the pad, and is connected to a switching bar by a mechanical link cooperating with a disengageable coupling, capable of breaking the linking system with the bar at the level of each pole. One side wall of the insulating case includes an opening communicating with the compartment housing the separable contacts of each pole. The arc chute is fixedly secured to an insulating support capable of being moved in translation in the longitudinal direction of the pole to ensure either blanking-off of the opening in the inserted position of the arc chute inside the compartment, or removal of the arc chute via said opening allowing the condition of the contacts of each pole to be checked visually, without removing the main fixing screws of the case.

Abstract: A keyboard including an upper casing which has a key-holder member for movably supporting keys with a movable electrode, and a lower casing which has an integrally formed upraised portion which defines a recess open in the bottom wall of the lower casing. A printed-circuit board is held in direct contact with the top wall of the upraised portion of the lower casing such that stationary electrodes on the printed-circuit board are opposite to the corresponding movable electrodes. The printed-circuit board may be a flexible film-like member on which an elastic sheet having elastically collapsible cap portions is disposed such that the cap portions cooperate with the film-like printed-circuit board to form enclosures in which the corresponding movable and stationary electrodes are accommodated, and such that the cap portions collapse upon operation of the keys for moving of the movable electrodes toward the stationary electrodes.

Abstract: A shielded electrical switch includes a pressure-actuated switch comprised of three layers, the top and bottom layer of which are electrically-conductive and the intermediate layer of which is a spacer layer containing apertures at the switch points. A sealing membrane is coupled over the layered switch, the membrane having thickened push-button supports overlying the switch points. The thickened push-button supports are spaced from the membrane via frustro-conical mounting portions on the membrane. This frustro-conical mounting gives the buttons the sufficient "feel" or resistance when depressed, and also insures that the switch-actuating portions of the membrane will make contact with the upper surface of the switch to insure that the switch points of the upper and lower layers of the switch will make contact via the intermediate layer. The membrane and the sealed, layered switch are, in turn, enclosed in an armored, sealed push-button enclosure.

Abstract: An electric component for use in a motor vehicle has a casing accommodating an electric circuit therein, and a terminal holder mounted in the casing in covering relation to the open end thereof and supporting electric terminals from the electric circuit for connection to wires. The terminal holder has a tubular member projecting outwardly from the casing and vent holes defined in the tubular member for communication between the space in the casing and the exterior thereof. The tubular member is covered with a cover which provides communication between the vent holes and the exterior only when there is a pressure difference developed between the space in the casing and the exterior thereof.

Abstract: There are provided arc quenching plates for leading an arc formed by operation of electric contacts away from the contacts, and there is provided a housing for holding the arc quenching plates. The housing has grooves made into opposing internal walls, and the grooves extend from a first side of the housing for a predetermined distance into the housing, the arc quenching plates are insertable from the first side of the housing into the grooves, and a retaining plate holds the arc quenching plates in place in the grooves. The retaining plate may have an exhaust channel between the housing and the retaining plate for exhaust of arc gases in a direction substantially parallel to a plane of the retaining plate, and substantially perpendicular to a plane of the arc quenching plates.

Abstract: A moulded case low voltage circuit breaker for high currents has no arcing contacts and is equipped with arc blow-out means drawing the arc very quickly away from the contacts. An insulating shield associated with the moving contact forms an arc formation chamber of a small volume which is open in the direction of the arc chute. The moving and stationary contacts are fitted with arcing horns constituting a small divergent path in proximity to the contacts favoring rapid displacement of the arc, this divergent path leading to an area defined by a hump of the horn. In this area, the clearance of the arcing horns is smaller than the clearance between the contacts as soon as the latter separate to avoid any rearcing on these contacts.

Abstract: An inlet to work with an ignition distributor in an internal combustion engine where the distributor includes a distributor cap, a rotor, spark plug electrodes, a coil electrode, a shaft, a bowl-shaped housing, a rotor electrode, a vent, a spark shield and switch plate and the inlet is formed by the interaction of pockets, which are located on outer circumferential edge of the switch plate, legs located on the outer circumferential edge of the spark shield and seated in the pockets of the switch plate and further defined by the bottom circumferential edge of the distributor cap thereby leaving a gap through which air is urged inside the distributor cap.

Abstract: A remote actuator means for a pressure-switch operated device such as a conventional latching relay acting as as on-off switch for an electric motor is provided which comprises a remote spring-loaded actuator cap connected to the device to be actuated via an air actuator conduit. The air actuator conduit communicates with the atmosphere through a vent provided only in the actuator cap. When the operator manually depresses the actuator cap, he or she will automatically cover the vent opening, causing the heretofore open system to be temporarily closed. As the actuator cap is depressed, it compresses air within the now temporarily closed system, causing the latching relay to be "pulsed", which, in turn, activates or deactivates whatever the relay is electrically connected to, e.g., an electric motor driving a water pump in a whirlpool bath system.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with arc chamber vent characterized by a molded insulating housing containing circuit breaker means and an arc quenching chamber, the housing having wall means forming a compartment containing a terminal, and the wall means having gas vent opening communicating between the chamber and the compartment and a tubular wall surrounding the terminal for preventing any arc gases exhausting from the chamber into the compartment from causing electrical breakdown between the terminal and any proximate conductor.

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: A molded case circuit breaker includes an improved system for venting gaseous arc products from the interior of the molded case to the exterior thereof and for preventing the ingress of environmental contaminants. At least one slot is formed through the molded case and a one-way, resilient valve is disposed within the slot.

Abstract: A deep barrier ring on the interior of an ignition distributor cap complements deep side walls and rings on the upper portion of the rotor which follows the contour of the cap to increase cylinder to cylinder misfire resistance and to create a pumping action to urge the atmosphere inside the distributor out through a cap vent.

Abstract: A multilayer membrane switch structure is disclosed wherein the flexible membrane is fixedly attached to a support frame member by a pattern of adhesive regions, the regions positioned in locations corresponding to the switch locations of the structure. The adhesive engagement of the bottom surface of the membrane structure stabilizes the bottom electrical contact and, at the same time, leaves open regions between the adhesive regions which will accommodate air which is exhausted from the switch cavity through a hole formed in the bottom layer of the multilayered switch structure into communication with the open regions between the adhesive regions. Thus, the open regions act to exhaust the air in a switch cavity when the switch is activated.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard construction is provided and comprises two circuit layers, a spacer disposed and secured between the circuit layers and having an opening passing therethrough to permit the circuit layers to be pressed together in the opening and thereby provide a switching function, a face plate, and an adhesive layer disposed between the face plate and one of the circuit layers and securing the face plate to the one circuit layer, the adhesive layer having a passage therein and leading from an area thereof that is aligned in superimposed relation with the opening to the exterior of the construction to vent that area thereof. The area is isolated from the opening by the one circuit layer and is vented by the passage to tend to enhance tactile feel and avoid false switch closure of the opening by tending to prevent entrapment of air bubbles in the area.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes an improved system for internally venting gaseous arc products to control the internal gas pressure increase and expansion during an arc interruption. The system includes a first gas expansion chamber disposed proximate to a stationary electrical contact of a pair of separable electrical contacts of the circuit breaker and a second gas expansion chamber disposed proximate to an electrically insulating arc chute barrier that is positioned at an end of an elongated arc chute remote from said stationary electrical contact. The arc chute barrier and the stationary electrical contact are physically configured to effect the rapid internal venting of gaseous arc products to the first and second chambers.

Abstract: This invention concerns a multi-pole circuit breaker with molded case and static tripping unit, comprising an electronic device to process the signals delivered by current transformers associated with each pole, which electronic processing device is part of a subassembly inserted in a compartment of the molded case and delivers a tipping signal to a tripping coil in the case of an overload or a short-circuit. A feature of the circuit breaker according to the invention is that the aforementioned compartment is sealed off from the rest of the inside of the molded case and is in open communication with the ambient atmosphere by means of ventilation holes provided in the outer walls protected from the circuit-breaking gases generated inside the casing and is cooled down by the air circulating through these ventilation holes, while the aforementioned current transformers are housed in the other separate part of the casing.

Abstract: A rotor with vanes is secured on the distributor shaft of the ignition distributor, by means of which ozone produced by arc formation during the interruption of the high-voltage current, is discharged through openings of the distributor housing into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A keyboard comprising a flexible-foil printed circuit in which an insulat foil or sheet substrate is provided with printed conductors and contact surfaces, in which the insulating foil sheet is provided with holes, and which includes a plurality of press buttons or keys associated with the contact surfaces, each key comprising an elastically deformable snap-action element which is adapted to be deformed upon actuation by means of an actuating button in order to bring the contact element into contact with the contact surface.The flexible-foil printed circuit comprises an insulating foil substrate having a thickness not exceeding 0.6 mm which is provided on both sides with printed conductors and on one side with electrical contact surfaces and/or contact elements. The conductors may be formed in separate printing steps for each side of the foil or sheet. Contacts extending through the holes in the substrate may be produced by means of the printing step itself during the printing of the conductors.

Abstract: A pressure switch including a diaphragm displaceable under pressure and a switch chamber containing a switch element responsive to the displacement of the diaphragm, the switch chamber further including a vent hole formed therein for communicating said switch chamber with the surrounding atmosphere, the vent hole being closed at one end by a porous filter having air permeability and water repellency, the filter extending outwardly from the surrounding walls of a holder.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly is shown utilizing a keypad formed from a sheet of soft rubber having a plurality of dome shaped portions. A conductive layer is disposed on the bottom surface of each dome shaped portion and is aligned with spaced interdigited conductive runs on a substrate at a switching station and is adapted to move into and out of bridging electrical contact with the spaced interdigitated runs. The keypad is compressed around the switching stations to form an environmental seal by ribs formed on an escutcheon and held there by posts projecting from the escutcheon through the keypad and substrate and deformed against the substrate. The substrate may be a flexible membrane supported by a rigid plate or it may be a circuit board type member. The dome shaped portions are integrally vented by a channel formed in the keypad extending between the dome shaped portions.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard with a circuit means having a plurality of snap action domes formed therein has a cover sheet thereon. A plurality of cavities formed between the cover sheet and the domed circuit layer has air passages connecting each cavity with the ambient environment. The structure of the present invention permits lower tensile force during actuation and results in improved snap action and tactile feel.

Abstract: A keyboard switch includes upper and lower substrates spaced from each other by a spacer having a plurality of spaces in which upper and lower contacts respectively on the upper and lower substrates are placed, respectively. An insulating sheet is sandwiched between the lower substrate and a base plate and has a plurality of slits aligned respectively in vent holes in the base plate and the lower substrate for preventing substantial passage therethrough of dirt or dust while allowing air to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly including a plurality of key operated switches, each of which includes a dome associated with contacts on a printed circuit board which when triggered upon being subjected to a triggering force closes the switch and upon being released opens the switch and a keycap or push button for operating the dome and a transmission system for transmitting a force from the keycap to the dome which includes an actuator extending from the keycap and a conically shaped helical spring between the actuator and the dome with the small end of the spring in working engagement with the dome. The underside of the dome is vented to the atmosphere through a vent in the printed circuit board which is sealed against contamination of dust by a perforated adhesive backed plastic film or sheet over the underside of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A switch array is defined by a pair of printed circuits separated by a nonconductive spacer which is provided with apertures which form cavities into which switch contacts on the circuits may be forced to produce switch closures. The spacer is contoured to define gas flow channels which communicate with the cavities whereby switch operation will not be impeded by gas trapped in the cavities.

Abstract: A novel capacitance type switch has a completely dust proof structure and ensures smooth switch operation. The switch comprises a stem supporting a movable contact and slidably inserted into a switch case; a plurality of holes formed in the switch case around the stem so as to permit air to pass therethrough into and out from the switch case; a cover surrounding the holes and in intimate contact with the switch case so that the inside of the switch case can communicate with the inside of the cover; the cover being made of a resilient material; and a dust filter made of a seal material interposed between the inside of the switch case and the atmosphere.

Abstract: A small-sized relay and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The relay comprises a prefabricated relay mechanism and an insulating cover covering the relay mechanism. Prior to assembling the relay mechanism and cover, a laser machining device is utilized to form, in the cover, holes of very small diameter which permit flow of gas molecules therethrough but do not permit the flow of dust particles or liquid molecules therethrough. The prefabricated relay mechanism is covered with the cover formed with such holes, and the opening of the cover except the portion including the holes is closed to hermetically seal the relay mechanism.

Abstract: A membrane switch assembly having an apertured air permeable spacer positioned between a pair of printed circuits. Air may diffuse through the permeable material into and out of the regions which define individual switch cavities during operation.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly of the type comprising a pair of printed circuits separated by an apertured spacer wherein passages are provided to vent gas from the region of each individual switch and the edge of the assembly.

Abstract: A membrane switch assembly wherein the internal pressure is automatically equalized with the external pressure through the use of a self-regulating vent. The vent is defined by a non-linear slit formed in an outer layer of the membrane switch assembly, the slit producing a normally closed valve which is caused to open by a pressure differential between the internal pressure and the external pressure.

Abstract: A circuit breaker in which the case comprises two half-cases abutting together to jointly form the case. A handle link includes a handle with a portion extending through the half-cases. The half-cases have abutting, interfitting tongue and groove portions to increase the creepage and clearance distances from outside the circuit breaker to the closest electrically energized parts within the circuit breaker. Further the handle link and the half-cases have a pivotally semi-circular interfitting tongue and groove connection. The abutting, interfitting tongue and groove portions of the half-cases are disposed on both sides of said semi-circular connection and pivotally adjacent thereto so as to form a tongue and groove connection at the opening of the case through which the handle extends and on either side thereof. Also, the handle link has pintles pivotally extending into recesses provided therefor in the half-cases.

Abstract: A membrane switch, which is vented to equalize air pressures within and outside the switch, includes a scavenger material in the vent passage selected to react with airborne contaminants and prevent or substantially reduce their passage into the area of the switch contacts.

Abstract: A relay for a printed circuit board, which can be dip-washed, comprising a relay cover which is mounted and sealed to a relay body, said relay cover being provided with a thin-walled portion which can be easily broken after dip-washing to define an opening in the cover.

Abstract: A push button switch has an operator that is mounted for axial movement within a bezel towards its exit end. A contact assembly is disposed across the exit of the bezel. The contact assembly includes a pair of termination areas formed on a substrate and a shorting patch disposed on a flexible membrane, the shorting patch being separated from the termination areas by a spacer to provide a switch air gap. A second spacer is disposed on the other side of the substrate and forms an air reservoir that communicates with the switch air gap through an aperture in the substrate. When the operator is moved against the membrane to close the switch air gap, air is circulated into the air reservoir increasing the pressure therein, and returns to break the contact of the termination areas with the shorting patch when the operator is retracted.

Abstract: This method of manufacturing gas-charging electric switches comprises a step of housing an electric switch in a container provided with two gas substituting ports and closing an opening of the container for the housing to render the container hermetical except at the gas substituting ports, a step of pouring a gas through one of the gas substituting ports of the container and discharging a gas in the container through the other gas substituting port to perform the gas substitution in the container and a step of tightly sealing the gas substituting ports with punches when the concentration of the charged gas in the container reaches a required level, and these steps are incorporated in other steps as sequential steps in the general atmosphere.

Abstract: A labyrinth vent path is defined by the side walls of a mated cap and base of an ignition distributor. The vent path is biased open by a spring molded into the dielectric portion of the distributor rotor.

Abstract: A low voltage circuit breaker has a housing of insulating material divided into an upper part and a lower part along a parting gap. The interior of the housing is subdivided by partitions to accommodate the adjacent pole channels of a multiple pole circuit breaker. The partitions of the upper part and the lower part overlap along their entire length and the outside walls of both housing parts overlap essentially over their entire length having only short interruptions. The overlap of the outer walls and the partitions lengthen the electrical leakage paths within the housing and between adjacent insulating housing and prevent the passage of switching gases into adjacent breaker spaces and between adjacent breakers.

Abstract: A retainer plate is pivotally mounted on a panelboard cabinet door lock housing, which carries a latch for locking the door. A detent on the plate engages in a rabbet opening to enable limited opening movement of the door in response to the pressure developed by arc gases generated by fault currents passing through a tripped circuit breaker in the panelboard cabinet. For ordinary opening movement, the lock latch is manually operated to pivot the retainer plate and disengage the detent from the rabbet opening.

Abstract: A membrane switch has a substrate and a plurality of first conductors formed on the substrate. A flexible membrane having a plurality of second conductors formed thereon is positioned relative to the substrate by a spacer which may be adhesively secured to both membrane and substrate. There are openings in the spacer in register with aligned first and second conductors. The membrane is caused to move toward the substrate through an opening to cause contact between the aligned first and second conductors in response to pressure upon the exterior of the membrane. There are vent passage means interconnecting the spacer openings, which vent passage means may be open to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A unitary molded housing for a multipole high capacity circuit breaker wherein the housing may receive and support modules of different current carrying and interrupting capacity. The molded housing has vertical side walls and parallel vertical integral interphase barriers as well as a back wall and top wall. Disconnect contact bars are mounted through the back wall and support and are connected to circuit breaker contact structures at the front side of the back wall. Recesses which receive the arc extinguisher structure are formed by adjacent vertical walls and the top wall. The interior of the top wall forms a baffle or guide on which arc gases vented from the arc extinguisher impinge and are guided to the vertical walls and the spaces between the said walls and the arc extinguishers.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switch has a movable contact and a stationary contact accommodated and sealed in a container of a given shape. In the container, there are provided at the axial top and bottom of the container, meander venting paths for communicating the inside of the container with surrounding atmosphere. The ventilation of the inside of the container is thus effectively attained by the meander paths so that the formation of ice on the stationary contact can be prevented.

Abstract: A membrane switch has a substrate and a plurality of first conductors formed on the substrate. A flexible membrane having a plurality of second conductors formed thereon is positioned relative to the substrate by a spacer which may be adhesively secured to both membrane and substrate. There are openings in the spacer in register with aligned first and second conductors. The membrane is caused to move toward the substrate through an opening to cause contact between the aligned first and second conductors in response to pressure upon the exterior of the membrane. There are vent passage means interconnecting the spacer openings, which vent passage means may be open to the atmosphere.