Abstract: An improvement for an electrically powered appliance having a pushbutton "ON-OFF" switch. A cam mechanism is manually operable by a user of the appliance to move the switch from its biased "OFF" position to its unbiased "ON" position. The mechanism holds the switch in its "ON" position when manual force is removed.

Abstract: A multi-directional switch which is utilized for completing selected ones of a number of different electrical circuits is placed in a housing in which the different electrical circuits to be controlled terminate in pairs of spaced-apart conductors located in the bottom of the housing. A cylindrical pushbutton actuating member extends upwardly through a circular opening in the top of the housing. This actuating member has a flange on the lower end which extends radially outwardly from the main body of the actuating member, and this flange is supported on a deformable support which has a circular opening in the center. A ball bearing is placed in the opening the deformable support and engages the bottom of the housing and the bottom of the actuating member.

Abstract: Operation of a pair of switches mounted on a circuit board is effected by a rocker-type actuator mounted in an escutcheon plate of a control panel spaced a substantial distance from the circuit board. Elongated compressible plungers linking the actuator to the switches and associated operating structure are used to change rocking motion of the actuators about a rocking axis into a linkage type motion of the plungers for activating the switches mounted on the circuit board.

Abstract: An alarm actuating sensor device for use in a picket barrier intrusion detection and location system including a generally t-shaped rocker element for rigid attachment to the upper end of a picket and for disposition within the upper longitudinally extending rail providing support for the picket, an elongated rocker spring pivotally engaged at its mid-point by a pin passed through the end of the picket and including downwardly turned end legs for engaging the lower wall of the rail and for exerting a biasing force on the picket pending to resist downward translation thereof, and a length of dual conductor "tape switch" the longitudinal axis of which extends generally along the longitudinal axis of the rail and passes between the rocker element and the rocker spring, whereby downward forces applied to the picket, or lateral forces tending to bend to the picket, cause the tape switch to be pinched between at least one extremity of the rocker spring and a portion of the rocker element thereby creating an electri

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a rocker-type actuator adapted to be pivoted between first and second positions within a housing in order to close and open switch contacts. The actuator carries a latch which normally engages the housing to prevent the actuator from being pivoted to its switch-closed position. By pulling on the latch and then lifting on the actuator, the actuator may be pivoted to its switch-closed position; the two-step operation protecting against accidental actuation of the switch. The actuator may be returned to its switch-open position by a simple single motion thereby enabling rapid opening of the switch under emergency conditions. In one embodiment, the latch cannot be moved to an unlatched position and the switch cannot be actuated unless an authorized person with a key connects the key detachably to the latch.

Abstract: An electric switch which translates a pivotable toggle motion to a rectilinear contact engaging and breaking movement, including an actuator assembly and a contact assembly which are clamped together during assembly with a face plate. The actuator assembly facilitates assembly by capturing a pivotable operating lever between a halo which adapts the actuator assembly to a face plate, and a halo adapter which adapts the actuator assembly to the contact assembly. The contact assembly includes a movable contact carrier to which a cam is fixed. The cam includes a recess which defines spaced lateral stops, and a cam surface which slopes axially inward between the spaced lateral stops, with the operating lever having a cam actuator end which enters the recess and rides on the cam surface.

Abstract: A switch device which can surely prevent introduction of foreign articles past an opening at the top of a case without employing a cover made of a rubber material. The switch device includes a cover made of a synthetic resin material and mounted at the top of a casing on which a switch operating member is supported for pivotal motion and within which a conductor plate is mounted for rocking motion such that a tilting motion of the switch operating member will cause rocking motion of the conductor plate to make a switching operation of the switch device.

Abstract: A switch mechanism comprises, movably mounted between a fixed yoke and at least one fixed contact, at least one conductive contact arm which is articulated to the fixed yoke, which is itself conductive. The arm is controlled by an operating member available to the user to assume one or other of at least two positions in one of which it bears against the fixed contact through a bearing area and in the other of which it is spaced from the latter. A double pivot is used for articulating the conductive contact arm to the fixed yoke, which comprises two separate pivoting areas parallel to each other, one for each of said two positions of the conductive contact arm. The conductive contact arm itself comprises two distinct contact areas for cooperating each with a respective one of the pivoting areas.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus including a plurality of nested, identically configured, keys for use in computer keyboards, typewriters, electronic switches and the like. The keyboard apparatus preferably includes a chassis having a plurality of alignment pins to receive a plurality of nested keys and a plurality of electronic switches to be activated by the keys.

Abstract: A pressure switch has a plunger, axially displaceable by the pressure being measured, which enables a contact pin of a microswitch to be actuated. Between the plunger and the contact pin there is arranged a rocker. The microswitch is fastened to the housing of the pressure switch so as to be displaceable in the main extension direction of the rocker. This provides a way to vary the step-up ratio between the plunger motion and the contact-pin motion, whereby the magnitude of the hysteresis of the pressure switch can be varied.

Abstract: A slide switch has a switch operating member at its upper surface which is slid back and forth for operating the slide switch. An adapter is provided for operating this slide switch from the side, and has a main body which has a base and clamp members extending from opposite sides of the base to define a space between them, the clamp members being adapted to grip the slide switch between them so as to secure the adapter on the top of the slide switch with the slide switch being held at least partly in the space between the clamp members. The adapter has an actuator pivotally fixed to the main body, and this actuator has a lever portion which protrudes out from the main body to the side and an actuation portion which, with the slide switch held between the clamp members, engages with the switch operating member of the slide switch, so as to slide it as the actuator is pivoted with respect to the main body.

Abstract: A switch mechanism having redundant spring mechanism for use in rocker type switches. The switch mechanism has a housing which has at least an opening on a top end and a pivot mechanism on two opposing sides thereof. A pair of electrical contacts is located in a bottom end of the housing and an electrically conductive armature establishes an electrical connection between the electrical contacts. A movable rocker extends through the opening in the top end of the housing and has at least first and second opposed sides which have a structure for engaging the pivot mechanism on the housing. A one-piece plunger assembly has at least one bottom end for contacting the armature and a top end rides in a recess in the rocker. At least two coil springs are located between the top end of the plunger assembly and a bottom of the recess. One of the springs is sufficient to cause the plunger assembly to move the armature when the rocker is moved from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An improved switching apparatus comprising a housing defined by a casing body with an upper lid and fixed and movable contacts built within the housing which are capable of being opened or closed by the manipulation of an operable member supported on the upper lid. Switch connections are achieved in engaging portions at the lower end of a movable contactor having a movable contact. The engaging portions are supported at and extend from the lower end of the movable contactor. The movable contact of the movable contactor is located opposite a fixed contact.

Abstract: A switch device having a casing, a central terminal and stationary contacts arranged on the bottom wall of the casing, at least one conductor plate swinging at the central terminal as a center for contacting or separating the central terminal with or from the stationary contact, at least one movable contact formed at the conductor plate for contacting with or separating from the stationary contact, and a driver for swinging the conductor plate by tilting at the tilting fulcrum as a center which comprises an edge formed at the upper end of the central terminal, guide grooves extending elevationally at both side walls of the casing oppositely through the central terminal and formed, projections formed at both side edges of the conductor plate to be inserted into the guide grooves, the lower surface of the conductor plate being placed on the edge of the central terminal. Thus, the switch device can be simply assembled with the conductor plates.

Abstract: An electrical switch construction includes a housing having an aperture therein, fixed and movable contacts in the housing, an actuator in the housing, and an O-ring in the housing. The actuator includes a substantially hemispherical portion and an actuator arm which extends outwardly from the substantially hemispherical portion and through the aperture in the housing. The actuator arm is pivotably mounted in the housing, and it is manipulatable from the exterior of the housing for moving the movable contact between a position of engagement with the fixed contact and a position of spaced disengagement therefrom. The O-ring is mounted in the interior of the housing so that it extends around the aperture therein, and so that it engages the surface of the substantially hemispherical portion of the actuator to provide a water-resistant seal between the actuator and the housing.

Abstract: An electric switch wherein a fixed contact is engaged by a tiltable and reciprocable second contact under the action of an elastic washer or a coil spring. The second contact can be tilted by a projection, which extends from the housing, in cooperation with a flat abutment in the housing. When the projection is tilted, it causes the second contact to pivot relative to the abutment and to become disengaged from the fixed contact. The projection can be tilted by a bar or a tube which must be displaced by a person or object tending to penetrate into a danger zone, such as the nip of two cylinders in a printing machine or a machine tool. A third contact can be provided to be engaged by the second contact when the latter is disengaged from the fixed contact.

Abstract: A switch adapted for an automotive power window comprises a housing, fixed contacts connected together by a crank-shaped connector member, barriers that hold the connector member therebetween, and connecting, fixed terminals disposed on the bottom of the wafer. When selected ones of energizing fixed terminals are connected together, the switch is adapted to be disposed around the driver's seat of an automobile. When the connecting member is omitted, the switch is adapted to be disposed around other passenger's seat.

Abstract: A keyboard having ten elongate keys extending in a row substantially at right angles to a transverse centerline through the keys with each of the keys having a longitudinal trough on its upper surface defined by three recesses extending longitudinally of the key, with the sides of the recesses of adjacent edges of the fourth and fifth keys and of the sixth and seventh keys being reduced in height so as to facilitate movement of the index fingers from the fourth to the fifth key and from the seventh to the sixth key. Each of the elongate keys actuates three switches depending into which of the three recesses of the key a finger is applied, and the elongate key of one form of the invention is formed by a central relatively short auxiliary key and a long auxiliary key on its opposite ends, with these being articulated. Switch mechanism actuated by the key includes three plates in face-to-face contact.

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

Abstract: A rocker switch incorporating a sliding contact that provides both the detent action and high current capacity desirable in such switches. The sliding contact is in the shape of a shoe with an essentially inverted wedge shape in which the angle of the wedge is an obtuse angle with its apex pointed away from the rocker. The sliding of this shoe-like contact across electrical contacts in the bottom of the switch creates the switching action.

Abstract: A small, low-power switch, such as a toggle switch, includes a plastic housing which surrounds a switching contact assembly and provides a mounting for an electrically conductive handle. To ensure adequate grounding of the handle, the housing is made of two parts. A first portion made of insulating plastic surrounds the switching contact assembly and insulates it from the handle, as well as other components. A second portion made of conductive plastic is integrally molded to the first portion and is in electrical contact with the handle. The second portion also includes suitable structure for adapting the switch to be mounted on, or otherwise connected to, a grounded conductor, to thereby ground the handle.

Abstract: An actuating member for a cradle switch comprises free ends with oblong holes for receiving male members mounted within the housing of a telephone set to define a pivot axis. A web having a recess therein is mounted within the telephone station and a detent carried by the actuating device projects into the recess.

Abstract: An actuator pivotally mounted within a switch housing has cantilevered side members positioned in blocking alignment with projections on interior side surfaces of the housing to prevent movement of the actuator from an OFF position to an ON position. A removable operator has depending key portions which deflect the cantilevered side members inwardly to clear the projections when the operator is assembled to the actuator. The cantilevered side members engage inner surfaces of the projections when the operator is removed with the actuator in the ON position, permitting movement to the OFF position wherein the cantilevered side members return to the blocking position. A compression spring may be disposed between distal ends of the cantilevered side members to provide additional outward bias to the side members.

Abstract: An electric apparatus is provided with a manual control switch with indication of the "on" and "off" positions, the case of said apparatus having on a front face a pivoting manual control switch capable of occupying two endmost "on" and "off" positions, said switch being mounted on a shaft provided in the case. The switch is pierced with two openings which, by a contrast between the colors of the switch and of the underlying shaft, stand out against the shaft, one of rectilinear shape indicating "on" position and the other of circular shape indicating the "off" position.

Abstract: An inter-locked button actuated matrix switch system for automotive instrumentation with button cluster switching, in which the switches form a 2.times.2 matrix switch circuit free of diode feedback protection in its input lines, the button structures being rocker mounted preventing the concurrent actuation of their associated switches. One button structure integrally includes two, closely spaced button elements having the look and feel of two independent buttons, with the other button structure having a relatively wide, single, continuous button actuation surface, the three "buttons" being located in line forming a button cluster for the automobile's information center.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a blower speed control lever for operating at least one electrical switch, supported by a mounting bracket which has a place for a second switch. The speed control lever has rearwardly facing rocker shaft elements which are pressed against forwardly facing semicircular bearing recesses on the switch mounting bracket. The pressure is developed by flexible flanges which project rearwardly from a mounting panel and are engageable with forwardly facing tapered shaft elements on the speed control switch. The flanges are flexed to produce a spring action. Additional guard flanges project rearwardly from the panel, into adjacent relation with additional shaft elements on the speed control lever.

Abstract: A switch device of the swing type comprising snap hooks provided with a slit extending from the foremost end to the base thereof, a part of the slit being made wider to form a bearing portion; a shaft fitted into the bearing portion in the snap hooks; and an operation piece freely swingable round the shaft. A stopper is arranged, adjacent and parallel to the snap hooks to stop the relative movement of the shaft toward the base of the snap hooks. The shaft cannot be pressed into a narrower portion of the slit which extends downward from the bearing portion thereof, thereby preventing the snap hooks from being spread out and broken.

Abstract: A snap switch with a self-cleaning function having a switch body with a fixed contact and a movable contact for performing make-break operations. A knob, mounted on the switch body, operates a contact operation member causing the movable contact to abut the fixed contact when the knob is rotated by a predetermined rotational angle and further causing the movable contact to slide on the fixed contact when the knob is further rotated.

Abstract: A rocker switch assembly includes a rocker pivoted about a central axis, an actuator responsive to the rocker and pivoting about either end, and conductive rubber push-button switches selectively operated by the actuator with minimum lateral deformation. The actuator is translucent to serve as a light conductor to carry light from an adjacent lamp to the rocker which bears translucent legends. The actuators of adjacent pairs of switch mechanisms are lit by a single lamp between them.

Abstract: The sealed toggle action switch comprises an operating lever having a front operating arm projecting out of the front component of the casing. The lever has a rear arm, projecting into the casing and carrying a contactor plate for relative sliding and swinging movement. A coil spring is received around the rear arm and is compressed between the contactor plate and the front sealing flange of a soft resilient sealing boot, such sealing flange being compressed against the operating lever. The boot has a rear, outwardly projecting sealing flange which is retained between the front and rear casing components. The contactor plate has a pair of J-shaped flanges which are slidably engageable with first and second fixed contacts having forwardly projecting protuberances, affording a detent action with the J-shaped flanges. In one position of the operating lever, the J-shaped flanges of the contactor plate engage both of the first and second contacts.

Abstract: A rocker switch has within a housing, a two-position actuator which moves a spring-loaded plunger from a first position to a second position of engagement with a bar, moving the bar over a fulcrum and wedging a second conductive end of the bar into bridging engagement between a second pair of spring contact terminals while simultaneously forcing the first conductive end out of engagement with a first pair of terminals. During moving from the first position to the second position the plunger disengages from contact with the bar at a first position proximate a first end of the bar and rides over a peaked camming surface which substantially compresses the spring while the bar remains stationary, bridging the first pair of terminals. When the plunger reaches the peak of the camming surface, the plunger is released to impact on the bar at a second position proximate the second end of the bar, suddenly forcing the second end downward into bridging the second pair of terminals.

Abstract: A four-directional switch which can be turned on and off in four directions, which comprises a base plate having a plurality of electrodes formed thereon, a key top having an indication showing predetermined four pressing directions in an identifiable manner, a support member constituting a fulcrum between the base plate and the key top, a plurality of conductive rubbers disposed opposing to the plurality of electrodes so as to be in electrical contact with corresponding ones of the electrodes, and a sustaining member having the plurality of conductive rubbers fixed thereto and having elastic force for sustaining the conductive rubbers so as not to be in contact with the electrodes when the key top is not pressed.

Abstract: A snap-on actuator for use with a miniature switch of the type usually fitted with a toggle. The toggle is shortened and has a slot for receiving a C-shaped retainer. The retainer holds the actuator on the toggle and prevents the toggle from being moved inwardly of the switch case as a result of downward force on the actuator.

Abstract: A common switch base and rocker are combined with either a sliding contact or with a pivoting contact lever to provide two different types of electrical switches from fewer different component parts. The rocker has a depending post portion for sliding the smaller contact, and the longer contact lever has an elongated slot to accommodate the rocker post portion without interfering with it. The rocker also has internal abutments that engage the contact lever to assure positive action thereof, which abutments do not interfere with action of the sliding contact.

Abstract: A push and rocker action switch includes a pair of switchable contacts, either of which is switchable in response to a rocker motion of a depressible actuating member, and both of which are switchable at the same time in response to an overall push depression of the actuating member. The actuating member is positioned by an opening defined in a faceplate such that it is centrally supported by a resiliently yieldable pivot. The pivot and the switchable contacts are provided by raised portions in an elastomeric sheet material which is supported by a circuit board fastened to an underside of the faceplate.

Abstract: A split case circuit breaker is fitted with a bracket assembly which defines a rectangular boss to cover the smaller circuit breaker boss on the front face of the breaker housing. An actuator link operates the otherwise conventional breaker mechanism inside the housing, and has a free end portion coupled to a rocker pivotably provided in a rectangular recess defined for it in the rectangular boss of the bracket assembly.

Abstract: An electrical switch device which includes a pair of movable contact arms which are operatively associated with a three-position switch mechanism so as to permit, in a unitary structure, passage of current to a partial load or to a full load and also to prevent passage of current to any load.

Abstract: An integral switch connector with remote actuator has a plurality of conductive terminals disposed within a switch housing. A slide member is remotely biased to make or break contact between contact arms to switch voltage between terminals. A connector disposed within switch housing provides connection to a remote apparatus. The remote actuator has a snap-action feature, to bias the slide member independently of the speed of movement of the manual biasing means. Movement of the actuator assembly biases a non-conductive actuator rod disposed within a non-conductive sleeve, to bias the slide member within the switch housing to make or break electrical communication between terminals. A spring disposed between the slide member and the switch housing breaks electrical contact between terminals should the actuator rod fail. A link coupling provides a removable connection between rod and sleeve at a location between actuator and switch assemblies.

Abstract: A keyboard including an elastomer dome keypad (15) and rocker mounted keys (25) positioned to acutate the domes (17) of the keypad (15) is disclosed. The rocker action keys (25) include outwardly extending flanges (29) that include apertures (49, 51) positioned to receive protrusions (33) that extend downwardly along the edge of the bezel apertures (23) in which each key (25) is to be positioned. The bezel (21) is positioned such that each key aperture (23) and, thus, each key (25) overlies the dome (17) of the elastomer dome keypad (15) that the key (25) is to actuate. The dome contacting region of the keys (25) is a pair of curved webs (53, 55). The curved webs apply a broad steady orthogonal force to the top of the underlying dome causing the dome to collapse in an even, positive manner even though the keys follow an arcuate path of travel.

Abstract: A switch comprises a dielectric housing having electrical contact members secured in a base thereof with one of the contact members including a stationary contact section and the other of the contact members having a movable contact section. The contact sections are disposed in a profiled arcuate inner surface formed by the base and resilient sections of the housing. A dielectric actuator having a cavity and an external arcuate surface mates with the arcuate inner surface. The surfaces are movable relative to each other when the actuator has been mounted on the housing with the contact sections being disposed in the cavity. The resilient sections of the housing maintain the actuator on the housing. The movable contact section is disposed in a section of the actuator cavity and is movable into and out of electrical engagement with the stationary contact section upon movement of the actuator from one position to another position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having an integral handle cover assembly for manual operation of the circuit breaker. The handle assembly comprises a cap segment and a base segment. The base segment removably engages with the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker with the cap segment positioned exterior to the circuit breaker cover and engaged with the base segment such that the handle assembly is attached to the cover while being movable in the opening thereof during the opening and closing of the circuit breaker allowing the cover to be removed from the circuit breaker without the detachment of the handle assembly from the cover.

Abstract: A conventional rocker switch case has a secondary pair of aligned openings to pivotably receive a uniquely configured rocker in which the lost motion spring couples the rocker to a conventional floating contact and also serves to return the rocker from one of two limit positions to the other limit position. The momentary switch thereby provided utilizes a floating contact rather than a pivotal lever type movable contact of the non-sliding variety.

Abstract: A switch device for controlling an electric motor which is used, for example, in a power window or sunroof of an automobile. The switch device includes a magnetically attractive piece, an electromagnet, sets of electrical switch contacts, and a spring coil of an alloy which, when heated to a predetermined temperature after being compressed, is restored to a released position.

Abstract: A motor controlling switch device in which, when the motor is stopped in locking manner, an operating member for operating the switch and for applying current to the motor is returned from an operating position to an original position. The magnetic force of a voltage coil holding the operating member at the operating position is cancelled out by a magnetic force of a current coil which is induced therein by the locking current of the motor.

Abstract: Electrical switch keyboards comprise a one-piece mat made of resilient material laid in sealing engagement upon a frame within which switching elements are positioned to operate in conjunction with key portions of the mat. The mat is the uppermost layer of the keyboard and comprises the key portions connected by integral spring portions to frame positioning portions. Operation elements carried on integral extensions depending from the key portions of the mat function with the switching elements in the frame to produce switching currents upon actuation of the key portions.

Abstract: A momentary contact rocker switch utilizes a pair of torsion springs as movable switch contacts, with fixed terminal posts being used as fixed contacts. The terminal posts are grooved in the region of contact with the torsion spring to provide a wiping action. This wiping action, along with the high electrical contact forces provided by the torsion spring, eliminates the need for silver contacts.

Abstract: A four-way integral switch mechanism allows activation of any one of four switches. This mechanism may be used to position a cursor on a display in both the vertical and horizontal directions where there is a need to control four separate switches to properly locate the cursor. The switch mechanism includes two switch toppers, one of which snaps into and pivots within the other along an axis in a first direction. These two switch toppers then snap into a base which provides a second pivot axis for the second topper which is 90 degrees from the first. The base may have guide pin holes for positioning it as well as the two switch toppers. A spring mechanism engages each of the four lower surfaces of the switch toppers. The switch toppers thereby form one integral whole providing control of four switches by sliding a finger in the direction that cursor movement is desired. Each key has only one degree of freedom, that of rotation, which gives the key a firm controlled feel.

Abstract: A plunger which opens and closes a switch is actuated by a hollow switch button which is trapped between a switch housing and a post which carries the plunger. An edge of the post bearing against the inside corner of the hollow button and the chamfered ends of the button flanges bearing against the intersection of the open end housing walls and a rim extending from the walls provide the button pivot axis to actuate the plunger. The switch includes two resilient blades one of which is longer than the other. One end of each blade is fixed with their distal ends pointed toward and overlapping each other.

Abstract: A toggle switch of sub-miniature dimensions eliminates the need for machining flat parts on the toggle lever or drilling a pin on the toggle lever by mounting a one piece lever lock insert within the upper portion of the cylindrical housing of the toggle lever, above the spherical portion of the lever, the insert having three aligned, generally truncated conical recesses in the top surface thereof, the larger openings being each adapted to selectively receive the generally circular, spring pressed detent on the end of the toggle handle and the smaller openings merging with the straight parallel side walls of a guide slot, equal in width to the diameter of the toggle lever, and also formed in the lever lock insert, none of the lever lock structure extending laterally beyond the externally threaded, generally cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A keyboard, particularly for control of electronics in vehicles, has at least one key mounted in a recess in the keyboard and pivotable about a pivot to press against a shaped portion of a rubber gasket to operate an electrical switch. A display, preferably a multiple character LCD, for labellingthe switch is visible through a transparent member and connected to a p.c.b. by zebra striped members. The display is not obscured by a finger operating the key. The key has a transverse bore in which a compression spring is mounted with balls at the end of the spring to co-operate with stepped generally cylindrical members mounted with their axes perpendicular to the pivot pin and forming detent means to give the key a tactile operation. Preferably the key operates three switches by way of three shaped portions.