Abstract: A button unit for an electronic control apparatus of a vehicle is disclosed. The button unit comprises a button and a detector. The button comprises a controlling portion which is pivotably coupled to a front panel of the electronic control apparatus, and an extension bar which extends from the controlling portion into the electronic control apparatus to be pivoted in a direction opposite to the pivoting direction of the controlling portion. The detector comprises a switch which is located within a pivoting radius of the extension bar and can be pivoted under the action of the extension bar, and a detector body on which the switch is pivotably installed and configured to transmit at least a electrical signal to the outside according to pivoting angles of the switch.

Abstract: Remote control for a mobile machine, in particular a heavy construction machine, agricultural or handling machine comprising a remote control body, a lever fixedly attached to a handle designed to be held by a user, means for connecting the lever to the body allowing a movement of the lever relative to the body on at least one axis, and means for detecting the relative movement of the lever relative to the body of the remote control, the signals originating from the detection means being designed for the control of a member of the mobile machine. The detection means are of the contactless type, and the remote control body comprises a sealed wall separating on the one hand the detection means that are situated on a first side of the sealed wall, and on the other hand, the lever and the means for connecting the lever to the body that are situated on a second side of the sealed wall.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is provided comprising a housing; an actuator supported by the housing, the actuator having one or more downward extensions each having at least one rounded tip; an electrical circuit contained in the housing; an elastomeric pad comprising one or more collapsible domes overlying the electrical circuit; and one or more plunger elements supported in the housing between the at least one rounded tip and respective ones of the domes, the plunger element comprising a sloped surface to engage the rounded tip during movement of the actuator to cause the plunger element to collapse an underlying one of the domes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary drive for a switch actuated by a toggle lever. The rotary drive includes an operative connection which swivels, a first catch element on the operative connection, coupled to the toggle lever, and a second catch element on the operative connection. A mounting plate parallel to the switch base and a rotatable shaft are provided, the rotatable shaft disposed through the mounting plate. The rotary drive further includes a swivel arm on the shaft, a rotary knob coupled to the shaft configured to rotate the shaft. A mechanical connection couples the swivel arm to the second catch element, converting movement of the shaft into a movement of the operative connection. A swivel movement of the toggle lever is transferred to the second catch element, and the swivel arm enables the operative connection to swivel through a rotation of the shaft to move the toggle lever.

Abstract: A remotely configurable control lever is disclosed for operating an electrical switch on the control panel of an agricultural vehicle. A cam plate 22 rotatable with the control lever has a cam track 23 defining at least one notch, which is selectively engaged by a resiliently biased detent 24 to latch the control lever in a predetermined position. A solenoid 32 is provided for retracting the detent to allow the control lever 10 to return to a neutral position. A second cam track 123 is provided which is rotatable with the control lever 10 and defines at least one stop cooperating with a further retractable detent 124 to limit the range of angular displacement of the control lever 10.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switching mechanism for a motor protection circuit breaker capable of reducing a force required to adjust a handle, and capable of enhancing the reliability to break a circuit. The switching mechanism for a motor protection circuit breaker comprises a push link having an outer circumferential curved surface of a varying cam profile, so as to enhance a function to break the circuit by pressing movable contact plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric machine tool comprising a device body (10) that is disposed in a housing (11) and a handle (12) in which a switch (13) is arranged. Said switch (13) is indirectly connected to a switching element (14) located in the device body (10) in order to actuate an electric on/off switch (15).

Abstract: Disclosed is a lever operating device having a simple structure and high durability without a contact defect. In the disclosed lever operating device, when an operating lever is tilted in one of the first and second operating surfaces that are substantially orthogonal to each other, a slider supported by a lever support is selectively moved in one of two directions that are substantially orthogonal to each other in a plane parallel to a circuit board, and the electric resistance of a GMR sensor mounted to the circuit board varies depending on the position of a permanent magnet held by the slider. In this way, the operating position of the operating lever is detected.

Abstract: A switch mechanism includes a frame, an electrical switch on the frame, a lever extending from the frame alongside the switch and including an activation portion whereupon deflection of the lever, the activation portion bears upon the switch so as to activate the switch A force-transfer device associated with the frame moves upon user-activation to deflect the lever. Furthermore, the present switch mechanism is not limited in its application to ON-OFF switches as it could be equally applied to other function switches of low-profile devices.

Abstract: A button unit for an electronic control apparatus of a vehicle is disclosed. The button unit comprises a button and a detector. The button comprises a controlling portion which is pivotably coupled to a front panel of the electronic control apparatus, and an extension bar which extends from the controlling portion into the electronic control apparatus to be pivoted in a direction opposite to the pivoting direction of the controlling portion. The detector comprises a switch which is located within a pivoting radius of the extension bar and can be pivoted under the action of the extension bar, and a detector body on which the switch is pivotably installed and configured to transmit at least a electrical signal to the outside according to pivoting angles of the switch.

Abstract: A combination switch includes a combination switch body 1 fixed to a steering column of a vehicle, an operating lever 2 swingably mounted on the combination switch body 1, and a wiper switch for operating a wiper of the vehicle in accordance with a swing movement of the operating lever 2 relative to the combination switch body 1. An A/C switch 4, a fan switch 5 and a temperature control dial 6 for operating an air-conditioner are mounted on the operating lever 2.

Abstract: A switching device is provided having an air-gap switch for an electrical load. The switching device can include a switch keycap configured for controlling the switching of the electrical load. A faceplate can be configured to surround the switch keycap. In addition, an air-gap actuator can be contained substantially within the switch keycap. The air-gap actuator can be pulled from the switch keycap to short out an electrical connection to the electrical load.

Abstract: A control panel of a washing machine is provided. The buttons of the washing machine on a display panel are disposed independent from corresponding switches on a display substrate. The control panel includes a frame provided on a cabinet to form an exterior, a display panel on a front side of the frame to have at least one button formed thereon, a display substrate in rear of the display panel to have at least one switch formed thereon, and a lever between the corresponding button and switch to operate the switch by receiving an external force applied to the button.

Abstract: A knob assembly comprising a rotary knob, a rotary actuated potentiometer and an electronic display. The rotary knob has a central opening and is configured to rotate. The rotary actuated potentiometer is actuated by rotation of the rotary knob. The electronic display is located within the central opening of the rotary knob. The electronic display does not rotate with rotation of the rotary knob.

Abstract: A staked terminal rivet system and method configured to mount a switch device onto a printed circuit board is disclosed as an alternative to traditional molded-in or staked-on secondary terminal systems. An electrically conductive rivet functioning as a terminal reduces overall manufacturing costs and provides a higher degree of precision for mounting onto printed circuit boards. This technology has wide ranging applicability, including: industrial machinery and equipment, commercial aviation, test instrumentation, agricultural machinery, process control and medical instrumentation.

Abstract: A lever mounted on a support for pivotal movement between two end positions is acted upon by a toggle spring connected at its opposite ends to the lever and the support to bias the lever away from a centre position of unstable equilibrium towards its two end positions. In the invention, instead of using a conventional coil spring, the toggle spring is constructed a leaf spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gearshift mechanism for electromotive toy car is provided in a space defined by a left cover and a right cover, including a gearshift lever, a slide plate, an opening shield plate, an opening shield securing plate, a switch plate, pushbuttons, a switch plate affixing shaft, and a gearshift lever pivotal pin, using the gearshift lever to drive the switch plate to push a pushbutton for actuating a motor, and a pedal throttle to activate a power switch for halting, driving slow advancement, fast advancement or slow reversing of the electromotive toy car, so as to meet children's desires to imitate adults' driving maneuvering through realistic activities.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a lever switch capable of reliably preventing intrusion of water or the like into a casing and maintaining smooth operation of a switch mechanism for a long period of time. A lever switch provided with a switch mechanism whereby an operation lever rotates from a neutral position on a base against a spring force of a coil spring to change the position of the switch, a gap between the operation lever and base is filled with a casing, the switch mechanism is accommodated in the casing and a waterproof/dustproof mechanism is provided to seal a sliding surface between the operation lever and casing and a contact surface between the base and casing with an upper lip packing and lower lip packing respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides an actuating device suitable for remotely actuating a tool which can be the fluid delivery mechanism of a cleaning implement. The actuating device has a flexible tape attached at one end to a spring-loaded spool mechanism connected to a trigger where the spring loaded spool mechanism is located within a housing for holding the device. The tape is threaded through at least one pole segment and is attached to a tool which can be actuated by a pulling or pushing motion of the tape. The present invention also provides a pair of electric cables which are attached at one end to the spring-loaded spool and at the other end to an electric tool or device such as a motor for driving a pump. An electric switch, which is located on the housing of a pistol-grip, is used to close the electric circuit formed by the pair of cables.

Abstract: An actuator suitable for multi-directional actuation of a push button switch is disclosed. This actuator has an actuation button attached to a plunger to define a predetermined angle therebetween. The actuation button has a surface for multi-directional activation. The actuator also has a pair of hinge pins that is attached to the actuation button for pivotably mounting the actuator about a pivoting axis. Activation on any point on the surface of the actuation button results in a unidirectional moment about the pivoting axis to tilt the plunger to releasably actuate the push button switch. Also disclosed is a personal digital assistant that uses the actuator for actuating a notification switch from between two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: Power terminals constituting a power switch are provided in both of connector housings, respectively. Fitting sensing terminals forming a fitting sensing switch are provided in a lever attached to the one connector housing and the other connector housing. When the lever is operated from an operation start position to an operation completion position, the power terminals are brought into contact with each other to turn ON the power switch, and thereafter, both of the fitting sensing terminals are brought into contact with each other to turn ON the fitting sensing switch, and a power supply circuit is brought into a conductive state by the turning ON of the fitting sensing switch. The fitting sensing terminal provided in the other connector housing is formed of a pair of male terminals utilizing bus bars, and the fitting sensing terminal provided in the lever is formed of a short pin formed into a substantially U-shape.

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: In order to facilitate fixing an operating button to the front panel of an electric device, the operation button includes a rectangular frame having at least one engagement piece integrally connected to and extending downwards from its bottom side. The operation button can be fixedly held on the lower side by press-fitting the engagement piece into an associated engagement slot made in the bottom plate of the cabinet. The front panel has at least one tapped boss fixed to its rear side, thereby allowing the frame to be screwed on the upper side to the tapped boss. Alternatively, the front panel has at least one apertured engagement piece fixed to its rear side, whereas the frame has at least one yieldingly bendable curved hook integrally connected to its upper side. The curved hook has a nail formed at its free end. The upper side of the operation button is fixed to the front panel by press-fitting the nail of the curved hook in the aperture of the engagement piece of the front panel.

Abstract: A multi-directional switch contains a bearing 4, an operating shaft 3 supported rockably by the bearing 4, and a cam 15c for giving a required feeling of operation to a rocking operation of the operating shaft 3. In the cam 15c, a spherical surface-shaped bottom portion 41 for holding the operating shaft 3 in a non-operation position, first inclined surfaces 42, 43, 44 and 45 formed in a radial shape at an outer circumference of the bottom portion 41, and second inclined surfaces 46, 47, 48 and 49 formed in a radial shape at an outer circumference of the first inclined surfaces, are formed, and at the boundaries between the first inclined surfaces and the second inclined surfaces, swelled step portions 50, 51, 52 and 53 are formed, respectively.

Abstract: A switching device having a housing, an indexing bolt, a spring, and guiding ribs. The bolt is mounted in a longitudinal direction in a guide channel of the housing to move axially through the guide channel. The bolt has a tip at a front end. The spring is connected between the housing and a rear end of the bolt to axially bias the bolt tip against a switch plate. The ribs are distributed along the periphery of the front end of the bolt. The ribs radially project outward from the bolt to abut the surface of the guide channel such that the ribs are radially biased against the surface of the guide channel. The ribs are distributed along the periphery of the front end of the bolt in the longitudinal direction. The ribs guide the front end of the bolt as the bolt moves axially through the guide channel.

Abstract: A plurality of switchable contacts are provided on a relaying printed circuit board for centralized relaying of signals between a vehicle per se and a switch unit; a plurality of contact change-over members for connecting and disconnecting the switchable contacts are mounted on this printed circuit board; a drive member oscillatable from outside to inside of a box-shaped housing is fitted to each end of the housing in a lengthwise direction; the printed circuit board is fixed to an outer part of an under face of the housing to cause the contact change-over members to face the inside of the housing; the drive members and the contact change-over members are engaged with each other to oscillate the drive members; and the switchable contacts on the printed circuit board are thereby changed over.

Abstract: An automated device (10) has a curved outer cover (12) through which a switch arm (48) extends. The switch arm is pivotally supported inside the cover and is connected therein by means of a lost motion mechanism (51) to a switch actuator (46) of a switch (44) to control operation of the switch.

Abstract: A limit switch sealing a non-contact type microswitch has a stainless steel actuator lever subjected to nitriding processing which is cantilever supported on a housing upper portion by a plate spring made of polyimide. A non-contact type microswitch stored inside a housing cavity is slightly adjusted for upward and downward positions by a screw mechanism, and after that, is sealed inside the cavity by the filler such as silicon rubber and the like. A piston which transmits the movement of the actuator lever to the microswitch is supported air tight by the housing at the center of a flat conical bellows, and the limit switch including a return coil spring is highly sensitive, and is excellent in water resistance, oil resistance, abrasion resistance and durability.

Abstract: A push-button switch includes an insulating board, an actuator, an urging body and a push button. The insulating board has plural switch-contacts. The actuator is made of resilient material and includes a base section placed on the board, a primary and secondary actuating sections. Both the sections are disposed above the switch-contacts and linked to the base section via respective linking sections. The urging body has a first end rotatably supported by a supporting section formed on the actuator or another supporting section formed on the insulating board, and has a second end for urging the primary actuating section. The push button depresses a mid-section of the urging body. The structure discussed above allows the push-button switch to have various combinations of operating forces and strokes. The push-button switch and a multiple switch employing this push-button switch can be used in various electronic apparatuses.

Abstract: A rod (40) is pivotally provided in a lever (28). The rod (40) is divided into a small-diameter lower rod (37) and a large-diameter upper rod (38). When a knob (45) is pivotally moved, the lower rod (37) and the upper rod (38) are moved in an integrated fashion. A movable contact (31) is slid by means of movement of a pusher (57) of the lower rod (37). In this case, the rigidity of the upper rod (38) is improved, and hence the upper rod (38) becomes less susceptible to deflection induced by the load of the spring (53). Accordingly, inclination of the knob (45) toward the lever (28) is prevented, and hence a clearance between the lever (28) and the knob (45) can be maintained constant by means of a single set consisting of a spring (53) and a moderation ball (54).

Abstract: An electronic equipment having a lever mechanism equipped with a button which when pushed operates an electric switch mounted to a printed wiring circuit board. The lever mechanism includes a first member having an end thereof which is bendably connected to the electronic equipment via a first elastic portion. A second member is also provided in this lever mechanism with an end thereof which is bendably connected to the electronic equipment via a second elastic portion. This elastic portion includes an arm for operating the electric switch. The first lever members are connected by third and fourth elastic portions mounted to the ends of the coupling member to transmit a displacement caused by the bend of the first lever member to the second lever member.

Abstract: A safety press-button switch includes a linkage formed of a lever and a switching rod pivoted together, and a press-button cap having a push rod and a hook arm respectively aimed at the switching rod and a positioning rod of the lever and adapted to force the lever to shift a bimetal plate from OFF position to ON position and to hold the lever in position after the bimetal plate switched on, the positioning rod of the lever being forced away from the hook arm by the deformation force of the bimetal plate for enabling the bimetal plate to trip off automatically upon an overload.

Abstract: A remotely switchable circuit breaker mounted in the casing of an electrical device comprises a circuit breaker unit, provided with a switching paddle, and a remote switching mechanism connected to the switching paddle. The remote switching mechanism comprises a connecting rod that pivotally connects a remote switch and rotatably and slidably connects the paddle. The remote switch, including a key button, is pivotally fastened with the casing via a first fastening base. The connecting rod is further rotatably and slidably fastened with the casing via a second fastening base. A pressing action on the key button causes a rotation and slide of the connecting rod that actuates a switching movement of the paddle of the circuit breaker unit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker drive is disclosed. The circuit breaker drive includes an actuator for assuming a plurality of positions and a lever coupled to the actuator and responsive to the action of the actuator. The circuit breaker drive also includes a cam rotatable about an axis, the cam is juxtaposed proximate the lever, and the lever is operative to rotate the cam about the axis. The circuit breaker drive further includes a rack coupled to the cam and to an operating handle of the mol circuit breaker. Rotation of the cam about the axis drives the rack to move the operating handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric switch (1) with a contact system (9) which consists of at least one fixed contact (10, 11) and of a movable contact tongue (12). A movable actuating member (5) is operatively connected to the contact tongue (12) for changing over the contact system (9). The contact tongue (12) is arranged on a bearing (18) designed in the manner of a knife-edge bearing. The switch point of the contact system (9) is adjustable by the shift of part of the contact system (9) in the direction of movement (20, 20′) of the actuating member (5), in that the bearing (18) and/or the fixed contact (10, 11) and/or the contact tongue (12) is capable of being set in the direction of movement (20, 20′) of the actuating member (5). In order to adjust the switch point of the contact system (9), part of the actuating member (5) may also be capable of being set in the direction of movement (20, 20′) of said actuating member (5).

Abstract: A vehicle seat safety system using an electric seat mounted switch sensing the operator's presence in the seat. The electric switch includes an upwardly extending actuator and an actuator plate is superimposed over the switch actuator which is deflected downwardly by the vehicle operator's weight. The actuator plate is formed of an upwardly bowed resilient material and includes lateral extensions whereby the safety switch will sense the operator's weight even though the operator's center of gravity is significantly laterally shifted. Additionally, the switch is received within a uniquely configured opening whereby the switch may be easily replaced, or installed, from the lower side of the seat without disassembly of the upper seat components.

Abstract: A steering column switch for motor vehicles comprises a base plate and first, second, and third identical microswitches placed onto the plate that are indirectly actuated by an operating lever through terminal links. The operating lever has a neutral position and two operating positions. The third microswitch that is assigned to the neutral position is arranged in a flat position. The terminal link actuating the third microswitch is arranged in a plane parallel to the base plate. A sampling roller prevents frictional losses during the actuation of the third microswitch via a control contour on the control lever.

Abstract: A closure-sensitive signalling device with a cantilever switch responsive to the opening of a folded article such as a business card holder, greeting card, folder, or other article having panels foldable with respect to each other along a fold line. The cantilever switch has a stationary electrical contact and a conductive cantilever arm engageable therewith, and is mounted along with a battery-powered signal generator IC on a low-profile printed circuit board adapted for mounting on one panel of the folded article with the cantilever switch adjacent to the fold line. The cantilever arm's free end is engageable with another panel of the folded article such that the switch is held open when the article is closed and is closed when the article is open. The signalling device generates an audible or visible signal in response to a signal from the signal generator IC.

Abstract: A blender 30 includes a base housing 32, a jar mount 34 which nests on the housing, and a jar 36, which is threadedly attached to the jar mount. A motor 66 is contained within the base housing 32 and drives a blending implement 74 located within the base of the jar 36. The jar mount 34 rests on a plurality of compliant pads 88 to support the jar mount and the jar 36 during operation of the blender 30. An extension 42 of the base housing 32 provides an enclosure for a switch assembly 68 which includes four switches 96 for facilitating external control of the operation of the motor 66 and the blender 30. Each of four compliant actuator pads 54 extend through respective openings 148 in a cover 50 of the extension 42 and engage a respective actuator block 158 which is mounted on a pivotable panel 152.

Abstract: A user-activated modular switch assembly includes an actuator assembly slidable between a first position and a second position on a housing. A static knob or a rocking knob is selectively mounted to the actuator assembly to provide either conventional slide actuation or rocking activation of the switch. The actuator assembly configuration includes integral mounting members allowing for the direct mounting of either knob type.

Abstract: A return device for an electronic system push button. The return device includes a torsion bar for storing torsion energy when a push button is moved from a non actuating position to an actuating position. The return device includes an arm extending from the torsion bar for receiving a user generated force on the push button and for providing a return force for the push button. One end is rotatably coupled to a housing panel and the other end is coupled to the panel to restrict rotation of the end with respect to the housing. In one example of a return device, the push button and an actuator are fixably coupled to the arm. The return device can be used with a variety of push buttons which perform different operations for an electronic system. For example, a return device may be utilized with a push button that actuates a panel retention mechanism of a housing.

Abstract: A mechanism (10) for actuating an electric circuit is disclosed including a cover (124) having a front wall including a broad surface and movably mounted by pins (126) extending through apertures (108) formed in a mount (90, 90') of a housing (12, 12'), with the cover (124) being biased by springs (130) located on the pins (126). Tongues (136) of the cover (124) engage the legs (118) of first and second actuating arms (112, 114) to pivot the arms (112, 114) to pivot an actuation lever (100). The lever (100) includes an actuation finger (104) which pushes against the toggle (38) of a switch (36) to de-energize the circuit. Thus, when any point of the cover (124) is pushed towards the mount (90, 90'), the switch (36) is moved to de-energize the circuit. A switch lever (70) is pivotably mounted to the housing (12, 12') and is pivoted by a slideable actuator (42) to move the switch (36) to energize the electric circuit.

Abstract: A switch assembly which has a mount (12), an elongate member (14), a switch (16) and a fulcrum (18). Pressing on elongate member (14) provides a force to actuate switch (16). Elongate member (14) is resilient or, alternatively, is resiliently biased to return to an unactuated position. Fulcrum (18) is movable along a length of elongate member (14). Positions of fulcrum (18) along the length enables variation of the force to actuate switch (16). As a result of this variation, different tactile feel of the switch assembly can be provided depending on position of fulcrum (18) relative to switch (16). Fulcrum (18) can also be positioned along elongate member (14) to provide a locking position that prevents switch (16) from being actuated.

Abstract: A device for manually turning-on at least one circuit-breaker from the front panel of a cabinet includes at least one sleeve having a front end and a rear end. The sleeve extends through an aperture in the front panel and is movable between a backward position, in which the front end of the sleeve projects slightly from the front panel, and a forward position, in which the front end of the sleeve projects away from the front panel. A spring is compressed to push the sleeve from the forward position to the backward position. A rod is operably connected to the sleeve so as to be displaced following the forward movement of the sleeve and to remain in its position uneffected by the backward movement of the sleeve.

Abstract: An enlarged cover plate assembly is used with a conventional electrical wall switch having a rotatable rocker arm within a mounting bracket with threaded mounting holes with a spacing for conventional cover plates. An enlarged cover plate has an area substantially greater than the area of the wall switch and has a front surface forming a decorative surface and a back surface facing the wall switch. The cover plate further defines an aperture connecting the front and back surfaces and having a length less than the distance between the mounting holes. The enlarged cover plate is attached to the switch mounting bracket. Two flanges extend between the back surface of the enlarged cover plate and the wall switch and are oriented so that the rocker arm moves parallel with the flanges.

Abstract: Apparatus for a radio microphone enables hands-free operation of the microphone when it is attached to a user's shirt, jacket or other article of clothing, for example. The apparatus preferably comprises a cover which is attached to the microphone and includes an integral actuating lever that is positioned to be actuated by movement of a user's head or chin. Police, fire or other emergency personnel at the scene of an emergency can utilize the cover to keep their hands free for other tasks during operation of the microphone, and this also avoids the possibility that the user will contaminate the microphone by contacting it with their hands.

Abstract: A lever switch apparatus having a movable board adapted to be unchanged by the operating position in a second direction of an operating lever, even where the movable board is modified by designing. The apparatus is provided with a lever (2) and a movable board (3A). The lever (2) is arranged to be swingable respectively about first and second axes (21, 22) in first and second directions, and has an engager (23) at a tip thereof. The movable board (3A) is arranged to be swingable about a third axis in a third direction, and has an elongate hole (32A) and a movable contact piece (33A) mounted thereon. The engager (23) is engaged with the wall surface (34A) of the elongate hole (32A) The inclination angle of the wall surface is varied as the third axis is approached.

Abstract: A mechanism (10) for actuating an electric circuit includes a cover (124) having a front wall including a broad surface and movably mounted by pins (126) extending through apertures (108) formed in a mount (90) of a housing (12), with the cover (124) being biased by springs (130) located on the pins (126). Tongues (136) of the cover (124) engage the legs (118) of first and second actuating arms (112, 114) to pivot the arms (112, 114) to pivot an actuation lever (100). The lever (100) includes an actuation finger (104) which pushes against the toggle (38) of a switch (36) to de-energize the circuit. Thus, when any point of the cover (124) is pushed towards the mount (90), the switch (36) is moved to de-energize the circuit. A switch lever (70) is pivotably mounted to the housing (12) and is pivoted by a slideable actuator (42) to move the switch (36) to energize the electric circuit.

Abstract: An actuator button is mounted in a housing by a cantilevered beam fixedly attached to the intermediate portion of a torsion beam. The ends of the torsion beam are nonrotatably fixed with respect to the housing. The actuator button is maintained at a normal, spaced-apart position with respect to a switch positioned within the housing. Movement of the actuator toward the switch induces bending stress in the cantilevered beam and torsional stress in torsion beam. The actuator button arrangement permits direct, vertical insertion of the actuator button into the housing, does not require any secondary assembly operations, and has a unitary construction.

Abstract: A position transducer determines a current key position through variation of light intensity interrupted by a shutter plate attached to a key, and a semi-column shaped convex lens elongates the light beam radiated from an optical fiber in a direction parallel to the trajectory of the key so that the light beam fully covers the motion of the shutter plate.