Abstract: An illuminated rocker switch having a transparent actuator in the form of a light pipe pivoted on the switch housing. The light pipe has a set of generally parallel spaced arms each transmitting light to a separate projection surface on each arm from the common edge of an aperture illuminated by a lamp. A separate arm receives light from a separate lamp at a second light receiving surface and transmits light to a projection surface on the end of the separate arm. An opaque actuator cover is attached to the light pipe and has transparent regions adjacent each projection surface for illumination. The cover has an opaque shroud tube received on the separate arm and shields it from illumination other than from its own lamp. The light pipe carries a shorting bar which, upon user movement of the actuator switches between stationary contacts on the housing.

Abstract: A switch is provided with a button frame which has two openings and two associated cam surfaces. A pivot pin can be assembled with a support structure and the button frame can be assembled onto the pivot pin by distorting the button frame. One end of the pivot pin is first inserted into a first opening of the button frame. Then the button frame is pushed downward to cause a second end of the pivot pin to move along a cam surface associated with a second opening. Further downward force causes the second end of the pivot pin to snap into the second opening.

Abstract: A computer keyboard includes a plurality of pairs of side by side keys, each pair of which is on opposite sides of a vertical plane lying between such keys. The keys are mounted for pivotal movement about respective first and second axes. The first key is located at one side of the plane and its pivotal axis is on the opposite side of such plane. The second key is located on the same side of the plane as the first axis and has its pivotal axis on the same side of the plane as the first key. The spacing between the axes is such that the keys have maximum vertical travel and minimal lateral travel. The keys have faces that are inclined toward the plane to form an upwardly concave pocket between the keys for the accommodation of a user's finger. A switch is activated by the first key and another switch is activated by the second key.

Abstract: An foot pedal switch assembly including a panel for mounting a foot pedal and a switching mechanism, wherein the panel includes a debris fence surrounding the switching mechanism and the pedal has a cap structure molded in the bottom to telescopically engage around the debris fence forming a substantially continuous barrier to the entry of dust and debris into the switching mechanism.

Abstract: A direction control key assembly comprises a base on which a cover is mounted to provide an interior space for receipt of a circuit board therein which has at least four switch units thereon respectively designating a specific direction. A button member is supported on the cover by a ball joint and has four pins depending therefrom respectively corresponding to the switch units such that when the button member is rotated with respect to the ball joint to allow one of the pins to engage and thus close the corresponding one of the switch units. A direction signal associated with the closed switch is thus generated.

Abstract: An electric switch, and particularly a rocker switch, is proposed which is constructed as a monostable rocker switch. To achieve a resetting effect of the operating rocker (8) into the respective starting position, an elastic element (13) is provided between operating rocker (8) and switch housing (3), which becomes elastically deformed during the operation of the switch. After the load has been removed from the operating rocker (8), the elastic element (13) presses the operating rocker (8) back into its starting position.

Abstract: A seesaw type switch having a first lever pivotably mounted to a case, and a second lever pivotably mounted over the first lever such that a protruding portion of the second lever abuts a top surface of the first lever. A protruding portion of the first lever positions a slider relative to a stationary contact connected to the case. The first lever is pivoted by manual actuation of a knob connected to the second lever.

Abstract: A remotely controlled switch/receptacle assembly has a housing for providing a support which has at least a first section and a second section. A remote actuator has at least one moveable section. A nonlinear motion switch is located in the first section of the housing and has a moveable actuator for making and breaking an electrical connection between at least first and second electrical contacts. A cable connects the moveable section of the remote actuator to the moveable actuator in the nonlinear motion switch. An electrical receptacle is located in the second section of the housing, the receptacle having at least a first electrical prong which has a first end connected to the first electrical contact in the nonlinear motion switch.

Abstract: A mechanically latching button for a cursor control device such as a mouse or trackball is disclosed. The latching mechanism improves performance during dragging operations, while not affecting the button's rapid response needed for ordinary clicking. A first embodiment uses a stepped button. In a second embodiment, a sliding latch button is used. In a third embodiment, a push latch button is used. In a fourth embodiment, a snap action latch with a latch release button is used.

Abstract: A wireless multiple position switching system is disclosed for controlling the application of power to a load device from a plurality of remote locations. The switching system includes a power source, a load device, a master toggle switch and one or more slave toggle switches. A slave toggle switch generates an electromagnetic switching signal which changes the state of the master switch. The master switch is connected in series with the power source and the load device and controls the application of power to the load device in response to the switching signal from the slave switch or actuation of its own toggle.

Abstract: An improved operator assembly for a rocker switch having a switch contact member movable relative to fixed contacts. Movement of an inner rocker moves the switch contact to turn the switch on and off. An outer rocker is located adjacent the inner rocker. The rockers are normally coupled by an inserted safety key for common movement. The rockers include stop components interengagable when the outer rocker is moved manually without a key toward a position corresponding to the off position of the switch, for example. The stop components are not interengagable when the outer rocker is moved toward a position which would turn the switch on. With this arrangement, when the key is removed with the switch on, the outer rocker can be manually operated to turn off the switch. However, if the switch is off, manual operation of the outer rocker in the opposite direction will not be accompanied by movement of the inner rocker and consequently the switch cannot be turned on.

Abstract: An operating lever device constructed such that the members thereof having a comparatively high rigidity can be used in such a way as to minimize the wear-down thereof and enable the angle of inclination of the lever to be detected precisely over a long period of time. The operating lever device is arranged such that any one of a plurality of rod members (22) which are inserted slidably while they are constantly urged upward into the device body (10) can be pushed down by the tilting of a lever (20) so as to rotate either a first shaft (23) or a second shaft (24) through a retaining member (27) or (28) held in contact with the lower end of the rod member (22). Thus, the angle of inclination of the lever (20) can be detected precisely by either one of rotational angle sensors (25, 26) mounted on at least one end of each of the first and second shafts.

Abstract: A rocker actuator switch having a frame which has a first projection extending therefrom which passes through a yoke portion of a rocker actuator that moves between on and off positions. The rocker actuator is pivotally connected to the frame by a snapping arrangement whereby a second frame projection is guided and slides along a flexible cantilevered beam, which is disposed in a sidewall of the rocker actuator, until the second projection enters a partial circular cutout in the sidewall of the rocker actuator. Upon entering the cutout, the flexible beam retains the second projection in the cutout where it is free to pivot.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is disclosed to include a self-contained switch unit having a pair of depressible operators. A rocker actuator is rockably mounted about a rotational axis overlying the switch unit with wing portions of the actuator disposed on opposite sides of the rotational axis for alternatingly engaging the depressible operators. A two-part housing includes a base part and a cover part. The base part has a receptacle for mounting the self-contained switch unit. The cover part rockably mounts the rocker actuator. The two housing parts have complementary interengaging latches for snapping the parts into latched interengagement. The base part and the self-contained switch unit have complementary interengaging snap latches for snapping the switch unit into latched interengagement with the base part. The rocker actuator and the cover part have complementary interengaging snap latches for snapping the rocker actuator into latched interengagement with the cover part.

Abstract: A switch actuator having a bezel, paddle and spring-biased lever. The bezel has a pivot defining a first pivot axis and an outer surface defining a plane. The paddle has an outer surface and an inner surface facing in a direction opposite the outer surface. The inner surface has structure for actuating a switch in response to actuation of the paddle, which is pivotably supported in the bezel for limited pivoting movement about the first pivot axis between first and second positions. A lever is pivotably mounted on the bezel and disposed at an acute angle to said plane. The lever is pivotable with respect to the bezel and the paddle about a second pivot axis as the paddle is pivoted about the first pivot axis. The second pivot axis is spaced from and substantially parallel to the first pivot axis. A spring is disposed at an acute angle to the plane.

Abstract: An automatically reversing, self-cleaning electric switch preferably for use in miniature, electronic aggregates such as hearing aids comprises a box (1) manufactured from electrically insulating material with a pushing rod (2) also from electrically insulating material mounted in the upper end of the box, a U-formed spring (4) fastened in a hollow space within the pushing rod and spring legs (5,6) which depending on the position of the pushing rod may rest against one or more end terminals (7,8,9) mounted in the lower part of the box for disconnecting or connecting a current through the switch. The resilient force of the U-formed spring causes the pushing rod to revert automatically to a center or zero position when no outer force is applied to the rod and a self-cleaning effect is obtained through the spring legs (5,6) resting slidingly against the terminals (7,8,9).

Abstract: A plurality of switches are arranged in a polygon on a printed circuit board and each of the switches is beneath or under a switch activating portion formed at the center of a pushbutton operation receiver portion. The pushbutton operation receiver portions are each supported over the corresponding switches through resilient arms that are integrally formed with a stay, which is secured to the printed circuit board at the center of the polygon. The pushbutton has a plurality of pushbutton operation transmission portions, each of which conveys the pressing force to the facing ends of the adjacent pushbutton operation receiver portions. When the pushbutton is depressed at a point between two switches, the pushbutton operation transmission portion nearest the depression point is lowered, pushing down the facing ends of the adjacent pushbutton operation receiver portions.

Abstract: A toggle switch includes a toggle lever with a spherical portion that is held against a partially spherical surface by a retaining ring or a pin to permit the toggle lever to swivel. A coil spring coaxial with the toggle lever and enclosing a portion of the lever forces a plunger against an actuator that rocks to place a blade in contact with a terminal to operate the switch. Terminals are molded into the case of the switch to maintain the terminals in a desired position. The actuator may be shaped in one of several ways to provide maintained contact, momentary contact, or a combination of these. Electrical contacts are formed by placing spherical balls or similar shapes made of a contact material into holes in the terminals and then forming the balls or other shapes to produce a contact surface.

Abstract: A contact switch arrangement is provided where from a nonoperative position two switch positions can be assumed via actuatable rocker-type switch units. Such a switch arrangement is especially provided for operating windows in motor vehicles. The arrangement includes a housing that also serves to accommodate switch elements. Provided in the housing are at least two separate switch element arrangements, each of which is actuatable via a separate rocker-type switch.

Abstract: Pivotal movement of a switch actuator drives a finger projecting from the actuator against a convexly bowed leaf spring, depressing an intermediate portion of the leaf spring to an unstable concave condition. The leaf spring resists the actuator movement, initially with an increasing force but changing to a decreasing force at a predictable point in actuator movement to provide tactile feedback at an operator affixed to the actuator. The leaf spring is a flat beam. The spring force and point of changeover can be readily and predictably varied during manufacture by selecting springs having different widths, thicknesses or other variable parameters. A modular block holds the spring in the bowed condition and is positioned relative to the actuator finger by a support plate. The actuator finger drives the spring against a conductive rubber block, compressing the block against spaced conductors on a printed circuit to complete the circuit.

Abstract: A dual lighted rocker switch having a printed circuit board. Bi-pin terminated bulbs and conductive terminals are connected to a printed circuit board to form a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is placed upon a cover, which is then slid in to place in a housing. The housing has a rib that acts as a stop to inhibit movement of a rocker which would cause the switch to short directly across the terminals of an external battery. The printed circuit board and cover improve the durability of the rocker switch. The printed circuit board is provided to make the assembly of the rocker switch easier. Thus the design of the switch provides for a reduction of cost and time in production of the rocker switch.

Abstract: A split switch case has a base and a mounting bracket fitted thereto. The top wall of the latter has a lateral rib defining sockets for receiving shoulder portions of the actuator. Plungers in the actuator can bottom out to break free the switch contacts should they fuse together. The rocker has a unique shape and is coupled to the actuator for positive pivotal movement on a lateral axis defined by surfaces in the rocker and in the mounting bracket's top wall rib. In the illuminated switch shown, the lamp circuit has at least one lead provided in a slot defined inside the mounting bracket. The lamp can be mounted in the mounting bracket either from above or from below, two depending legs will accommodate a conventional LED from either direction.

Abstract: A switch device includes an insulating base formed of a plastics material which defines upper and lower switch operation spaces, a pair of confronting hinge bosses interposed between the upper and lower switch operating spaces, and a lamp-mounting space. An operation lever having upper and lower ends is pivotally coupled to the hinge bosses such that the upper end extends into the upper switch operation space and a lower end extends into the lower switch operating space. In this manner, the operation lever may be pivotally moved between first and second states. The lower end of the operation lever includes a bridge portion which establishes a hole such that an opposed pair of resilient contact members associated with a U-shaped movable contact are disposed adjacent to the hole and are thereby capable of being resiliently displaced therewithin. A lamp-holding connector is mounted to the base for holding a lamp within a lamp-mounting space.

Abstract: A three-position electrical switch includes a rocker-type actuator adapted to be pivoted within a housing in opposite directions from a neutral position to first and second actuated positions in order to close first and second sets of switch contacts. The actuator carries a latch which normally engages the housing to prevent the actuator from being pivoted from its neutral position to either of its switch-closed positions. By manually pulling on the latch and then pivoting the actuator, the actuator may be moved to either of its switch-closed positions; the two-step operation protecting against accidental actuation of the switch. The actuator is frictionally maintained in one of its switch-closed positions but may be returned to its switch-open position by a simple single motion thereby enabling rapid opening of the switch under emergency conditions. The actuator is only momentarily held in its other switch-closed position and returns automatically therefrom as soon as it is manually released.

Abstract: A switching device comprising a rubber switch, an operating member displaceable between at least two operative positions and a neutral position, and a cooperating member shiftable between the at least two cooperative positions and neutral position in response to displacement of the operating member. The operating member and the cooperating member are held in their neutral position due to the resilience of the rubber switch, while one contact is brought into engagement with a corresponding conductive element in the rubber switch when the corresponding member is shifted to one of the cooperative positions in response to the displacement of the operating member against the resilience of the rubber switch. The operating member includes a dial and a finger rest which in combination allows a finger of the user to be simultaneously placed on both the dial and finger rest.

Abstract: A rocker switch, particularly for selecting voices in an electronic organ. A translucent tab is pivotally mounted at its center on a printed circuit board such that when the tab is pressed at either end, it actuates a respective elastomeric electric switch also mounted on the printed circuit board. A lamp is releasably mounted on the printed circuit board through an aperture in the back thereof by a twist-lock mechanism. A petal-like reflector and shield is disposed behind the tab for reflecting light from the lamp through the tab while blocking stray light and minimizing heat buildup. Elastomeric electric switches are positioned on the circuit board by pins and held in place by the pressure of the petal-like reflector, which is attached to the circuit board by plastic rivets. The tabs snap onto pivot points integrally formed as part of a rocker bar that includes the petal-like reflector.

Abstract: A switch device includes an insulating base formed of a plastics material which defines upper and lower switch operation spaces, a pair of confronting hinge bosses interposed between the upper and lower switch operating spaces, and a lamp-mounting space. An operation lever having upper and lower ends is pivotally coupled to the hinge bosses such that the upper end extends into the upper switch operation space and a lower end extends into the lower switch operating space. In this manner, the operation lever may be pivotally moved between first and second states. The lower end of the operation lever includes a bridge portion which establishes a hole such that an an opposed pair of resilient contact members associated with a U-shaped movable contact are disposed adjacent to the hole and are thereby capable of being resiliently displaced therewithin. A lamp-holding connector is mounted to the base for holding a lamp within a lamp-mounting space.

Abstract: An actuator plate type electrical switch employs an actuating mechanism which includes an overcentering cam, sleeve, actuator plate, plunger, and biasing spring. The cam is rotatable between first and second overcentered positions and has an actuating lobe aligned with a contact assembly causing the assembly to assume respective contact and non-contact positions upon rotation of the cam to corresponding first and second overcentered positions. The sleeve has a central passage and a transverse slot communicating with the passage. The cam is received through the transverse slot. The sleeve also mounts the actuator plate outwardly from the cam. The sleeve and actuator plate are pivotal together about an axis which extends parallel to the cam rotational axis. The plunger, biased by the spring toward and into continuous engagement with the center of the cam, is slidably mounted in the sleeve passage for reciprocal movement toward and away from the cam.

Abstract: A switch device includes a housing including an upper member and a lower member, an actuator reversibly supported on actuator support portions in the upper member, a switch disposed in the housing, a translator disposed below the actuator and reversibly supported on translator support portions in said upper member for turning the switch on and off by the reversing action of the translator, and an interlocking mechanism for reversing said translator in the same direction as that of the reversing action of the actuator, the interlocking mechanism including pressing portions provided on said actuator and bearing portions provided on said translator with the surface of said bearing portions being formed into a given curved surface, and the pressing portions being provided with a V-shaped groove which contacts with said curved surface.

Abstract: A low flow resistant dry break fluid coupling suitable for military and industrial refueling applications wherein the coupling is connected to a male adapter by radially displaceable detents operated by an axially movable locking sleeve. The coupling including a valve having a manual actuating handle which includes locking sleeve interference structure preventing the locking sleeve from being displaced to the adapter release position while the valve is in the open position. Additionally, electric switch structure mounted upon the coupling body permits gloved actuation to control a fluid pump.

Abstract: Pivotal movement of a switch actuator drives a finger projecting from the actuator against a convexly bowed leaf spring, depressing an intermediate portion of the leaf spring to an unstable concave condition. The leaf spring resists the actuator movement, initially with an increasing force but changing to a decreasing force at a predictable point in actuator movement to provide tactile feedback at an operator affixed to the actuator. The leaf spring is a flat beam. The spring foce and point of changeover can be readily and predictably varied during manufacture by selecting springs having different widths, thicknesses or other variable parameters. A modular block holds the spring in the bowed condition and is positioned relative to the actuator finger by a support plate. The actuator finger drives the spring against a conductive rubber block, compressing the block against spaced conductors on a printed circuit to complete the circuit.

Abstract: A silicone seal is molded-in-place to a frame and toggle lever pivotally mounted in the frame, the seal integrally providing a closed loop bead gasket on the lower surface of the frame surrounding the periphery of a switch cavity at the upper surface of a base. Lamp sockets are formed through the base and frame outside the closed loop gasket surrounding the switch cavity, the sockets being surrounded by additional closed loop gaskets integral with the seal, and further comprising lamp receiving resilient boots integral with the seal disposed in a front opening pocket of the frame for convenient insertion/removal of lamps from the front of the switch. A rocker button snaps onto a stub end of the toggle lever within the pocket to overlie the lamps, the button being provided with one or more windows and selected indicia. A panel gasket is molded-in-place to an under surface of a peripheral flange on the frame in the same molding operation as the aforementioned seal, and may also be an integral part of the seal.

Abstract: A control mechanism operable for selectively moving an on-off switch into on and off positions includes an on-off switch having opposed, first and second ends simultaneously movable in opposite directions, an actuator disposed adjacent the on-off switch selectively movable for engaging the first end of the on-off switch and urging it in a first direction to an on position accompanied by movement of the second end of the on-off switch in the opposite direction, and a biasing device disposed adjacent the on-off switch and externally thereof for engaging the second end of the on-off switch and normally maintaining it in the off position. The biasing device yieldably resists movement of the actuator when it engages the first end of the on-off switch and moves it in the first direction toward the on position.

Abstract: A lock having depending sides with holes therein is snap fit attached to a rocker actuator by causing the sides to straddle the actuator and the holes to receive beveled lateral tabs on the actuator, the holes being longer than the tabs to permit and define sliding movement of the lock on the actuator. Four feet depend from the depending sides of the lock within a housing opening in which the actuator is pivotally mounted to abuttingly align with corresponding abutments in the housing on opposite sides of the pivotal axis of the actuator, preventing rotational movement of the actuator when the lock is in a first position with respect thereto under the bias of a compression spring. The actuator is released by sliding the lock against the bias of the spring to move the feet radially offset from the abutments, thereby permitting rotational movement of the actuator in either direction, actuating corresponding switch contacts.

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 slidably supports 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 switch housing is mounted with a snap fit in an opening iun a panel. A lug on the housing engages the underside of the panel to prevent the switch from being pulled out of the opening in the event a heavy lifting force is applied to the actuator without first releasing the latch. One switch contact is adapted to pivot and slide on a fulcrum which is laterally offset from the pivot axis of the actuator in order to delay opening of the switch relative to the position of the actuator.

Abstract: A member for controlling a device of the type shaped as a pivoting lever mounted in a case so that at least one end thereof may swing between a position retracted into the case and a position in which it would project at least partially from the case to be visible, at least one portion of the outer surface of the visible part of that end being colored to show the operating state of the device colored surface of the indicating portion is the surface of a separately made piece and the lever end is shaped to allow a removable assembling of the piece onto the lever, this being applicable to an electric switch operating handle or grip.

Abstract: A golf game comprises a base which is formed as a ramp covered with a carpet to simulate the green of a golf course. A ball is tethered by means of cord to the control stick of a joystick controller. A "pull-to-close" switch is incorporated in the cord so that data on the position of the control stick when the cord is taut can be fed to a computer in order to calculate the trajectory and distance of a drive. Putting practice can be obtained by use of a free ball which is putted into a hole formed in the base and provided with a microswitch which closes when the ball enters the hole. A computer program for game play or practice is described.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker of the type using electrodynamic repulsion to separate the circuit breaker contacts under intense overcurrent conditions also includes an arc chute arrangement for cooling and quenching the arc that occurs during such contact separation. A plastic cover insert added to the interior of the circuit breaker cover multi-functionally retains the arc chute within the circuit breaker case while providing clearance for the circuit breaker operating handle shutter. A resilient pad on the top surface of the cover insert receives the circuit breaker operating handle skirt upon contact separation and dampens the energy imparted to the operating handle and to the circuit breaker cover.

Abstract: A switch assembly having an actuator including a body with at least one movable section, a rocker switch having at least one movable cap which is movable to one switch position of at least two switch positions of the rocker switch, an activating assembly having a housing containing at least one movable part contacting the movable cap of the rocker switch and a cable for operationally connecting the movable section of the actuator to the movable cap of the rocker switch. The first end of the cable has an outer sheath removably attached to the body and an inner connector connected to a first end of the movable section. A second end of the cable has the outer sheath removably attached to the housing and has the inner connector connected to a first end of the movable part. When the movable section is moved, the movable cap is changed from one switch position to another switch position via the cable and activating assembly.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a rocker-type actuator molded of plastic and adapted to be pivoted between first and second positions within a housing in order to close and open switch contacts. The actuator includes an enlarged molded head and a separately molded indicator cap which is of a different color from the head and which is adapted to be snapped onto the head.

Abstract: A multi-directional switch assembly, such as a joypad or joystick for an electronic game apparatus, including a printed circuit board, a resiliently deformable member having contact elements thereon and an input member mounted to deform the deformable member to effect closing of the switches. The input member is pivotally mounted by a post assembly, and the post assembly is supported by the game apparatus housing in a manner which is independent of the printed circuit board to substantially isolate the printed circuit board from thrust forces manually applied to the joypad input member.

Abstract: A switch device wherein components including an actuator bar and a spring can be installed one after another from above an upper opening of a casing, enabling automation of an assembling operation. The switch device includes a conductor plate mounted for rocking motion within a casing to cause switching of the switch device, and a switch operating member mounted for pivotal motion on the casing and including an actuator element and an operating element snap-coupled to each other. The actuator element has a vertical through-hole perforated therein while the operating element has formed thereon a depending projection which is received in the through-hole of the actuator element.

Abstract: An electrical switching device of the dual in-line package type. A multiple-pole switching device contains a plurality of independent switching elements aligned on individual pole planes. Each switching element includes first and second terminals and stationary contacts centered on the pole plane. A movable contact engages a first stationary contact and is held in position by a boss on a cover actuator. An actuator, captured in the cover-actuator, includes a cam that engages an intermediate portion of the movable contact to move the second end of the movable contact into engagement with the second stationary contact to complete an electrical circuit. The cam and movable contact are configured to produce a detent action as the actuator moves between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A contact switch having two switch positions that are attainable from a rest or unoperated position via a movable rocker-type button. The contact switch is particularly suitable for the operation of motor vehicle windows, and includes a housing that also accommodates switching elements that include switch springs that are provided with switch contacts. Actuating elements are provided that are articulatedly connected to the button and extend essentially perpendicular to the switch springs, with the actuating elements, as push members, acting upon the switch springs, which are essentially planar.

Abstract: A switch assembly having first and second snap acting switches sequentially actuated by user movement of a single rocker which contains a cantilever blade spring for effecting actuation of the first switch; and, upon continued user movement of the rocker overtravel of the first snap acting switch is absorbed by resilient movement of the cantilever blade member.

Abstract: A switch device where the components include an actuator bar and a spring which can be installed one after the other from above through an upper opening of a casing, thereby enabling automation of a switch assembly operation. The casing, having a fixed contact, eccentrically supports a rockable conductor plate with a movable contact at one end. A switch operating member having an actuator element and an operating element is pivotally mounted in the casing. The actuator element has a vertical through-hole into which the actuator bar and spring are placed. The actuator bar extends out of the bottom end of the actuator element to contact the conductor plate. The operating element has a depending pressing projection formed on its bottom matching the location of the top of the through-hole into which the actuator bar and spring are placed.

Abstract: A switch assembly having switch contacts located in a lower housing component and having a movable actuator located in an upper housing component and extending downwardly into the lower housing component through a sealing gasket located between the two housing components. The gasket prevents liquid spilled into the upper housing component from leaking into the lower housing component and shorting out the switch contacts. Drain openings are formed in the upper housing component and prevent the liquid from rising to a level where the liquid could leak past the sealing gasket. The actuator includes a manually operable button which is shaped to direct spilled liquid toward the drain openings. In addition, fin-like portions of the gasket extend beneath the drain openings to deflect the discharged liquid away from the outer side of the switch assembly.

Abstract: A push button switch which may be used, for example, as a zooming switch in a video camera, having a uniform electrical resistance/applied pressure characteristic and which can be manufactured easily and at a low cost. The switch includes a conductive layer and a pressure-sensitive resistance element disposed between electrode patterns provided on a printed circuit board and an insulated push button. The conductive layer is coated with a pressure-sensitive conductive paste and the pressure-sensitive resistance element is fixed to the insulated push button at a opposed surface to the electrode patterns separated by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A switch is disclosed having a case, a button with an operation portion and housed in the case, a fixed terminal fixed to the case, and a generally U-shaped movable piece having one end rotatably held by a holding member while the other end being provided with a movable contact for making and breaking contact with a fixed contact of the fixed terminal. The generally U-shaped movable piece has a middle portion which is in contact with the operation portion of the button between the movable contact and a bent portion of the movable piece.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a display unit, for use in a motor vehicle for digital presentation of vehicle operational data, is located within a housing having a display face. A multi-way push button is accessible on the display face and extends into the housing for operating at least two switches. The push button is pivotally mounted for operating different ones of the switches when specific operational data is desired.