Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a mechanical actuator having a first member configured to engage a contact block to move a contact slide for a first distance between open and closed positions of an electrical contact pair. The mechanical actuator also has a second member configured to engage an auxiliary device to move an actuator for a second distance between first and second positions, wherein the first and second distances are substantially different from one another.

Abstract: An input device of the invention includes a body formed with an accommodating part; an operation member having a basal end accommodated in the accommodating part and a distal end projected in a swinging operable manner to either side in a width direction and in a pushing operable manner from an neutral position; and an earth terminal for dissipating static electricity charged in the operation member. The input device is attachable to a circuit board. The earth terminal, being a metal plate insert molded in a wall, includes a contacting portion and first and second projections arranged near the operation member, and connecting parts exposed from the other end face of the body and solder connectable to respective earth patterns of the circuit board.

Abstract: A combination sliding push button switch is disclosed. The combination switch comprises a sliding button switch (101) coupled to a housing (102). The sliding switch button includes a finger (202) that slideably couples the sliding switch button to the housing and the finger has an actuator portion that selectively engages a second switch 108 as a function of a sliding action of the sliding switch button relative to the housing. The sliding switch button moves with a push-button motion in direction perpendicular to the sliding action in order to engage a popple dome switch 106 when the sliding switch button is positioned in a first sliding position 300 relative to the housing.

Abstract: A switch device that adjusts tactile sensation of a switch knob without control delay. The switch device includes a knob operated to switch an actuation state of an apparatus. A click mechanism is connected to the knob and includes a recess and a projection. Engagement of the projection and the recess provides a tactile sensation to a person operating the knob when the knob is operated. An adjustment mechanism generates a magnetic field to adjust tactile sensation of the click mechanism.

Abstract: A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of telescoping actuator and a housing having holes of different sizes, the larger hole being sized to completely receive a fastener within the housing and the smaller one of the holes being sized to retain a portion of the fastener within the housing while the rest of the fastener extends from the housing.

Abstract: A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of counteracting biasing elements that operate upon the actuating area of the switch in the absence of externally applied forces. These biasing elements set the switch very close to its actuation point. In the disclosed embodiments, these counteracting biasing elements include a lever and at least one spring which are arranged to provide a low-profile switch.

Abstract: A sealed pushbutton switch (1) includes an insulative housing (2) defining a cavity (25), an actuator (3) movably retained in the insulative housing, a base (8) conglutinated to the insulative housing by glue, a number of fixed contacts (7) assembled to the base, a spring (5) mounted below the actuator, and a movable contact (6) mounted on the actuator and provided with a number of contact portions (621) in contact with corresponding fixed contacts. The movable contact is movable with the actuator from a first position to a second position relative to the insulative housing along a top-to-bottom direction to disengage the fixed contacts. The base has four slots (811) defined near four sides thereof.

Abstract: A groove-like recess, substantially V-shaped, extending vertically is formed on the outer circumference of an operation shaft, and a projection engaging the recess is provided on a guide hole, namely the inner circumference of a hollow pipe. Such makeup provides an automotive push switch that reduces an impactive force caused when the recess hits the projection within the movable range of the operation shaft, by decomposing or dispersing the force according to the inclination angle of the slope, and so does the hitting sound.

Abstract: A large actuation area switching device includes a housing for holding a switch, means for compression and at least three slotted hinges. The slotted hinges create axes of operation such that a force applied to any point on the surface of the housing actuates the switch.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a button for engaging an electrical switch comprising: a button post that transmits a vertical motion of the button to the electrical switch, an alignment post that registers against the electrical switch and reduces lateral motion of the button, and at least two runners that connect the button to a frame and includes reinforcement that stiffens the vertical motion of the button.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switch (10) comprising a casing (12) which carries a pair of fixed contact elements (48), a contact bar (96) which is movable between a rear closure position and a front opening position, and a member (60) for actuation of the movable contact bar (96) which is mounted so as to slide between a rear rest position and a front triggering position, the movable contact bar (96) and the actuation member (60) constituting a movable assembly, and the switch (10) comprising a return spring (108) which co-operates with the movable contact bar (96) so as to urge it towards its rear closure position.

Abstract: A switching apparatus includes a case, an operation shaft whose one end outwardly projects from inside of the case and which is provided at its central portion with a flange, a support member which supports the flange such that the operation shaft can rock and rotate, an operation knob mounted on one end of the operation shaft, a first contact which is switched when the operation knob is pushed to move the operation shaft, a second contact which is switched when the operation knob is rotated to rotate the operation shaft, and a third contact which is switched when the operation knob is rocked to rock the operation shaft.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a shutoff apparatus that can be controlled In either front or side mode, consisting of a minimum number of parts and resulting in a simple, economical, mechanically dependable, and compact unit. The shutoff apparatus (1) includes a rotating control element (20) in the shape a star with four branches (22), provided with a profiled extremity (25) and connected to the control rod (5) oriented toward one of the other of the two control axes (A, B) corresponding to front and lateral control modes, respectively. The present invention has a transmission element (30) connected to movable contacts (7) and equipped with inclined ramps transforming rotational movement by the control element (20) on one or the other of the two control axes (A, B) into translational movement by the movable contacts (7) between the released and engaged positions, and conversely.

Abstract: A switch comprising a switch body and a control actuator, which can be associated with a control button and can move with respect to the switch body, the control actuator having a receptacle for a light source at a containment portion which is directed toward the button: the switch body is provided with fixing elements for a panel, by backpanel insertion, which comprise at least two abutment portions and at least two locking elements which act, with the panel in the mounted position, respectively at opposite faces of the panel, the two locking elements being arranged proximate to the button. Elements for detachable connection between the button and the control actuator are also provided.

Abstract: A switching apparatus includes a case, an operation shaft whose one end outwardly projects from inside of the case and which is provided at its central portion with a flange, a support member which supports the flange such that the operation shaft can rock and rotate, an operation knob mounted on one end of the operation shaft, a first contact which is switched when the operation knob is pushed to move the operation shaft and the support member is moved, a second contact which is switched when the operation knob is rotated to rotate the operation shaft, a third contact which is switched when the operation knob is rocked to rock the operation shaft, and a substrate respectively having the first, second and third contacts.

Abstract: When a small-size dummy has collided against a vehicle and once the head of the small-size dummy hits the deployed external airbag at a pre-determined velocity, the inner pressure of the deployed external airbag is set to a characteristic such that the inner pressure takes a predetermined maximum level value capable of not only preventing the dummy from bouncing off the airbag but also preventing the head of the dummy from hitting the bottom of the airbag. When a medium-size dummy has collided against the vehicle, the inner pressure of the deployed external airbag is set to a characteristic such that the inner pressure decreases away from the maximum level value at a predetermined decrease rate to prevent the medium-size dummy from bouncing off the airbag.

Abstract: An operating switch mechanism in an IC recorder having an operating switch button for slide operation includes an IC recorder main body and an operating unit. The operating unit is attached to the main body by fixing a frame member on the operating unit side with a screw hole of a groove portion. The operating unit includes an operating switch button, a slide plate which switches-on/off switches, and a click spring member which holds a rubber roller. The rubber roller is abutted against a projected portion, a cam surface and an inclined can surface of an inner cam surface portion arranged on the main body side, and the operating switch button is held at the click determining position. The operating switch mechanism is used for an electronic device with high maintenance performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sub-miniature switch including a housing, an actuator and terminals. The actuator protrudes from the housing at a position offset from the center of the housing. The terminals are electrically conductively coupled with fixed contacts (positioned within the housing). A contact maker is moved via the actuator and held in a first or second switching position by means of a bistable spring arrangement. An additional component, a separator or auxiliary actuator, is in snap-fit engagement with or clamped or glued in the cover of the housing and is pushed through by the actuator as the switch is operated. According to the present invention, the contact point of the fixed contacts is on a side of the housing which is opposite the actuator. The separator or auxiliary actuator is moved in the direction of the contact position by the actuator. Thus a structurally simple forced-opening capability is provided for the sub-miniature switch.

Abstract: A modular electrical switch and electrical switching device includes a housing detachably mounted relative to the switching element and replaceable by another housing for a different control, and detachably fixed relative to the switching element in order to change to electrical function of the switching element or the mode of action of the switching element. The invention is particularly applicable in truck-like vehicles.

Abstract: A washing machine for reducing the movement of a dial knob. The washing machine comprises a control panel disposed on one side of a housing forming the external appearance of the washing machine, and provided with a circuit board installed therein for controlling the operation of the washing machine; a rotary switch installed on the circuit board and rotated for allowing a user to select functions of the washing machine; a dial knob passing through the control panel for transmitting external force to the rotary switch; a rotary shaft for transmitting the force from the dial knob to the rotary switch; a shaft receiving hole, in which the rotary shaft is installed; and shaft support ribs interposed between the rotary shaft and the shaft receiving hole for reducing the movement of the dial knob in the radial direction.

Abstract: A switching signal input device for use with an electronic apparatus is provided. The switching signal input device includes a switch part, an operating part and a resilience element, and is capable of performing four-directional switch control actions in response to the elastic forces generated from the resilience element on two planes perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A switch for adjusting a plurality of states of a load is provided having a large paddle actuator for adjusting a first state of a lightning load and incorporating an integrated rocker switch for adjusting a second state of a lighting load. The switch also comprises a concealed air-gap switch for disconnecting the switch from line phase when the paddle actuator is placed in a disconnect position and connecting the switch to line phase when the paddle actuator is placed in a connect position.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for changing a direction of an electrostatic discharge includes: providing a structure having a path capable of passing an electrostatic discharge, and changing by over about 90° (ninety degrees) a direction of an electrostatic discharge passing through the path. In another embodiment, a case assembly includes: a case member; and a light pipe assembly coupled to the case member. The light pipe assembly includes a body, a leg member coupled to and depending from the body, and a head supported by the body. In an embodiment, a case assembly includes a switch actuator assembly coupled to the case member and capable of activating when pushed a switch supported by a circuit board.

Abstract: A keyboard has a base plate, a membrane sheet, a housing, a key-top, a link mechanism disposed between the housing and the key-top, and a switch operating member disposed under the key-top and operated by the key-top. The housing, the membrane sheet and the base plate have slits at a position corresponding to a surrounding portion of the key-top. Consequently, the distance between the key-top and the housing can be decreased even if the skirt part of the key-top is long. Furthermore, the slit of the housing is formed as a discontinuous annular shape to surround the link mechanism, and the surrounding portion of the key-top has a slit corresponding to the bridge shaped portion of the housing.

Abstract: An in-wall mounted electrical actuation device is covered by a surface mountable cover plate. The cover plate provides a planar surface having a linear groove in it preferably extensive over a full length of the cover plate. Within the linear groove is an aperture. An actuator strip is slidably engaged within the linear groove, The linear strip provides a strip planar surface contiguous with the plate planar surface for thereby presenting a common planar outwardly facing surface. Inwardly protruding from the actuator strip through the aperture is an actuator finger which receives a device control for linear motion with the actuator strip relative to the cover plate so as to control the electrical actuation device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes articulated driver means coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, it urges the articulated driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clock wise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and determines its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by a spring to pivot back to its initial position.

Abstract: A switch operates between a first and a second position which selectively connects a load to a first and a second power supply. The connections are made by sliding one or more rods along their axis. The ends of the rods fit within channels to form electrical contact with the first and second power supply.

Abstract: A toggle switch has a switching rocker having at least one arm and one guide plate that has at least one receptacle, in which at least one activation push rod is movably guided in a linear fashion. The arm of the switching rocker can exert a force on the activation push rod. A switching unit is provided, on which the activation push rod can act so as to close an electrical contact. The guide plate and the activation push rod each have a break line, along which, before the assembly of the toggle switch, they were joined to each other in an integral fashion.

Abstract: A light switch device that aids a person to reach a pull chain attached to a light switch located above a bed having a movable side rail includes an elongated strap having a first member and a second member is disclosed. The first and second members are releasably secured to each other via hook and loop fasteners. The strap is secured to the pull chain via a tubular member with an opening formed therein. A portion of the pull chain is inserted through the opening and is secured thereto. The first and second members of the strap are releasably attachable to the movable side rail of the bed by separating the members, inserting the rail therebetween, and securing the members together. When the rail is lowered inadvertently the first and second members of the strap are pulled apart and are no longer secured together.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plunger switch for electric appliances, which is mounted to an electric appliance to control a lamp, a motor, a heater, etc. and has enhanced safety and electrical and mechanical properties, thus maintaining the original condition of the switch without reduction of elasticity or deformation of the switch, even if the switch is repeatedly used. Thereby, the operational reliability is increased and malfunctions caused by arc discharge are prevented. Unlike the sliding structure which does not use another separate contact point, this invention can be adapted to a high-current or high-temperature switch. Further, this invention has a hook, thus allowing easy assembly and replacement of the plunger switch to a proper position on an electric appliance.

Abstract: A cover for an electrical switch, wherein the electrical switch includes a yoke and a switch handle. In a first embodiment, which is particularly well suited for rocker-type switches, the cover comprises a handle cover sized and shaped to substantially conform to and fit over the switch handle. The handle cover has rotation points disposed parallel to an axis and including two planar surfaces, each of the planar surfaces being parallel to and passing through the axis. The cover also comprises a cover plate having a switch handle aperture for receiving the handle cover. The cover plate includes contact points for receiving the rotation points in movable relation.

Abstract: To electrically connect switch terminals of a housing and a control member in a switch for an electric tool with ease and to prevent the electric connection from becoming incomplete even when vibration occurs, elastic bodies for maintaining an electric connection are interposed between the control member and the switch terminals so that the control member and the switch terminals can maintain a stable connection even when vibration is imparted to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular disconnect switch (10) for use in an electrical enclosure cabinet (26) having a plurality of different operating mechanisms that can be assembled with the switch. These include, but are not limited to: a dial-type ratcheting rotary switch with a door-sensitive actuating mechanism (40), a dual rotary switch (30) that meets certain standards and provides a butterfly handle inside the cabinet, a lock accessory (60) for enabling the lockout of the switch in the off position, a motion translator device (50) for interfacing to a side-mounted cabinet door handle, a network connectivity module (70), and a module for adding at least one switch pole to the basic disconnect switch (10).

Abstract: There is disclosed a paddle switch operated by pushing on the lower portion of a rocker paddle to turn the switch “on” or “off”. The lower edge of the paddle pivots in and out about its upper edge. The switch includes articulated driver means coupled to be driven by the rocker paddle when it is depressed and to urge the rocker paddle back to its out position. When the rocker paddle is pushed in, it urges the articulated driver means to rotate a cam means in a first, clock wise direction, or a second, counter clockwise direction. Alternate rotation of the cam drives a slider member having a cam follower back and forth along a linear axis. A shaped leaf spring cooperates with the cam follower to assist in the movement of the slider and to determine its rest positions. An indicator such as an LED is used to indicate the state of conduction of the switch. When the rocker paddle is released, it is biased by the articulated drive means to pivot back to its initial position.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a switch having an actuator extending from a base that is movable between first and second switch positions. A housing defines an opening in which the switch is seated. A pivot member extends from the control member and is received by a socket defined in the housing such that the control member is movable on the pivot member between first and second controller positions. A contact member extends from the control member so that movement of the control member between the first and second controller positions moves the actuator between the first and second switch positions.

Abstract: A system for assisting physically challenged users in operating at least one device comprising a frame, at least one user operable switch lever mounted to the frame and having a generally large activation region, and at least one switch operatively connected between the at least one switch lever and the at least one device, and for energizing the at least one device. A tensioning device applies tension to the at least one switch lever, for holding the at least one switch lever under tension in a first position, but allowing the at least one switch lever to be moved by the user into a second position to energize the at least one device upon the user applying a force to the at least one switch lever in an opposite direction of the tension that exceeds the tension applied by the tensioning device, and for returning the at least one switch lever to the first position.

Abstract: The present invention disclosures a two-position three-wire switch comprising a shell and two three-wire switches located in the shell.

Abstract: A camera operating apparatus for operating at least one camera unit at first and second operation speeds and at an operation direction which are to be changed by an operator, comprises a retainer having an operation surface, a joystick mounted on the retainer and having a center axis and a center point located on the center axis, the joystick being pivotable around the center point of the joystick at a variable inclination angle between the center axis of the joystick and the operation surface of the retainer to input a first speed signal indicative of the inclination angle varied in response to the first operation speed to the camera unit, a plurality of keys each operatively arranged on the retainer to perform a key-pushed action and a key-released action, each of the keys being operative to input a key signal indicative of the key-pushed action, the keys including one specified key selected for the second operation speed to the camera unit desired by the operator, and output signal generating means for gen

Abstract: A sunroof and a sunroof switch are disclosed. The switch includes provisions that assist in preventing the simultaneous operation of two different modes. A mechanical arrangement is used to prevent the knob from being depressed and slid at the same time. Also, in some cases, the mechanical arrangement can help to prevent the knob from being depressed once it has been moved or moved once it has been depressed.

Abstract: Ergonomic plow control system has a housing which can be mounted to a component in a cab of a vehicle; and a switch pad having control keys, the pad mounted in the housing such that the keys are readily accessible to an operator of the vehicle during plowing operation such as shifting and/or steering. A securing member may be attached to the housing away from the pad and keys for mounting the housing to the cab component. The switch pad may include an arrangement for control of a straight plow and/or of a V-plow having a central element divided into a plurality of independently actuatable switches as for controlling orientation of the plow; and at least one laterally disposed switch set for controlling vertical adjustment of the plow. Another switch set as for controlling “on-off” of the plow may be provided. The housing may be resilient, making for increased comfort especially in long-term operation. Also, the control system can be wireless and remote.

Abstract: A multi-functional control assembly having a rotary controller with a push-button switches contained therein. The rotary controller has a shaft. A bore is formed through the shaft. A communicator extends through the bore and is configured to communicate information regarding the push-button switch through the bore.

Abstract: A device for activating an opening mechanism and/or closing mechanism for lockable movable parts on vehicles includes a manual actuator which in the activating situation acts on at least one contact maker of at least one switch, wherein the actuated switch switches on a drive for opening or closing the movable part. A car body has a wall thickness which is rigid in itself and non-compressible, but a free car body portion is of such a large size relative to an adjoining substantially shape-stable neighboring area of the car body that, when exerting a pressure, this car body portion will form a dent by a travel stroke and this dent serves for actuating the switch.

Abstract: A sunroof and a sunroof switch are disclosed. The switch includes provisions that assist in preventing the simultaneous operation of two different modes. A mechanical arrangement is used to prevent the knob from being depressed and slid at the same time. Also, in some cases, the mechanical arrangement can help to prevent the knob from being depressed once it has been moved or moved once it has been depressed.

Abstract: A dimmer control system has a communication control loop that connects a master unit in series with a plurality of remote units, and it is superimposed in series on the dimmer load line so as to allow two-way communication between the master unit and remote units without affecting the operation of the load. Communications from the master to the remote units are encoded in loop current fluctuations, whereas communications from any remote to the master unit are encoded in loop voltage fluctuations. The master unit has a switched power supply, for use during normal LOAD ON operation, in tandem with a capacitive power supply, for use during LOAD OFF operation of the control units so as to minimize hum. The master unit power supply circuit provides an output rail voltage comprised of a reference voltage for the load superimposed with a control loop voltage for the voltage drop across the series-connected remote units.

Abstract: An alignment device (10) for indicating alignment between two component parts, the first component part (12) having an arcuate track (14) with a track following member in the form of a ball bearing (28) to follow the track under the influence of gravity to seek an equilibrium position. The body having a signal input (18) and a signal output port (20) and the second component part comprising an alignment member axially mounted within the body in restraining engagement with the track following member (28) so as to be rotationally displaceable within the body in response to displacement of the member 28, whereby alignment between the alignment member and the input and output ports in response to displacement of the alignment member by the ball bearing, effects operation of an indicator means to provide an indication that such alignment between the alignment member and the alignment ports has been achieved.

Abstract: A light dimmer capable of receiving a faceplate fastener while thermally insulating the fastener from a heat-generating device, such as a triac or a field-effect transistor, is presented. In a preferred embodiment, the dimmer includes a thermally insulating boss integrally formed with the body of the dimmer such that the boss includes a fastener-receiving aperture adapted to be axially aligned with the fastener-receiving openings of the faceplate. In addition, the dimmer includes a heat-dissipating aluminum yoke to which the heat-generating device is in thermal communication, thereby allowing the yoke to act as a heat sink. The yoke has a fastener-receiving aperture formed therein in axial alignment with the fastener-receiving aperture of the thermally insulating boss, with the yoke fastener-receiving aperture proportioned to receive the fastener therethrough in non-contacting relationship.

Abstract: A switch unit is provided which is free from causing contact damage even in case applied to a high power voltage, whose switch unit is not greatly increased in size. Switches A and B are to take a motor stop status, a motor forward rotation status and a motor reverse rotation status. A switch C is to electrically connecting and disconnecting between the switches A and B and the power source. This switch C, when the switches A and B transits from the motor forward rotation status or motor reverse rotation status into the motor stop status, is operated from a connection state to a disconnection state at a time of any of completing the transition to the motor stop status and prior to a predetermined marginal period of time.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes outer housing which encloses a switch assembly and a connector terminal mounting block. The switch assembly includes stationary and movable switch contacts. A push button and actuator link are connected with the movable switch contacts. Light sources are disposed on a light module housing. Conductors extend through openings in the actuator link and are connected with the light sources. The push button is illuminated by light from the light sources. An alternate action mechanism is connected with the push button and is disposed in an opening in the connector terminal mounting block. The switch assembly may be mounted on a printed circuit board with the alternate action mechanism extending through an opening in the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A multi-directional switch grip includes an insulating body, a lamp socket and an insulating disc positioned between the insulating body and the lamp socket. A pair of terminals, an intermediate contact member and a rotating member with a ratchet respectively on two sides is fixed in the insulating body. A conductive member fits around a large ratchet and has half numbers of contact pieces as that of the large ratchet. One of the terminals and the intermediate contact member contact the teeth of the large ratchet in a turned off condition, or contact the contact pieces in a turned-on condition. A switch grip is provided to be pulled or bent in any direction to move a hooking member, which moves and rotates the large ratchet for a set angle to turn on the switch and the switch is turned off by repeating the same action.

Abstract: An assembly including a support housing and an actuator device. The actuator device includes an extendable initiator cup including at least one non-random fold and at least in part defining a storage chamber containing a reactive charge reactable to produce reaction products. The extendable initiator cup longitudinally extends from a first length to a second, greater length upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The extendable initiator cup is at least partially disposed within a longitudinally extending bore of the support housing. The support housing is effective to limit lateral expansion of the extendable initiator cup upon reaction initiation of the reactive charge. The assembly can include an electrical conductive member or an electrical switch. The extendable initiator cup can extend to sever the electrical conductive member or disengage the electrical switch, thereby interrupting the conduction of electricity through an electrical system.