Abstract: A switch system includes a snap action switch, an operating plunger, and an actuator. The snap action switch is configured to move, with snap-action, from a first switch position to a second switch position. The operating plunger is disposed adjacent to the snap action switch and is coupled to selectively receive an actuating force. The operating plunger is configured, upon receipt of the actuating force, to retain the snap action switch in the first switch position. The operating plunger is further configured, upon removal of the actuating force, to allow the switch to move from the first switch position to the second switch position. The actuator contacts the operating plunger and is configured to selectively supply the actuating force to, and remove the actuating force from, the operating plunger. The operating plunger comprises a dielectric material having low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a sliding contact, in which a movable contact that is mounted on a spring is located, the contact lying opposite a fixed contact. In an embodiment, the fixed contact has a horn-shaped contour that engages in mating contours of the switching chamber walls of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A switch body is mounted on a sub-board, the sub-board is held, by fastening it with screws together with a protective plate that protects a surface of the sub-board on the opposite side of a mounting surface of the sub-board, in a holding wall formed integrally with a jack holder such that the mounting surface of the sub-board is disposed facing a mounting surface of a main board, and an operation portion of a push button is allowed to project to the outside of a casing from a square hole disposed in the jack holder.

Abstract: A temperature responsive switch includes a housing, an actuator arm for movement in response to temperature conditions, a movable contact, and an adjustable contact connected to a defrost terminal for completing a defrost circuit on demand without requiring a separate switch. The movable contact engages and disengages the defrost contact to cycle a defroster on and off in response to temperature changes in an evaporator tube, and also engages a stationary contact to complete a compressor circuit and cycle a compressor on and off in response to changes in an evaporator tube.

Abstract: A condition-responsive electric switch mechanism for use in controlling a compressor of a refrigeration appliance. The switch mechanism includes first, second and third terminals, an actuator movable as a function of a detected condition and a bistable spring switch element electrically connected to the first terminal. The spring switch element includes a movable contact and is adapted for snap-acting movement between an open and a closed position. In the open position, the movable contact of the spring switch element is spaced apart from a fixed contact mounted on the second terminal. In the closed position, the movable contact engages the fixed contact to electrically connect the first and second terminals. The spring switch element also includes a toggle blade operable by engagement with the actuator for motion through a first switch point. At the first switch point, the spring switch element snaps between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A device for turning an electric motor on and off implements an expedient instantaneous turn-on or turn-off switching operation in which contact bridges are released for closing or pushed open by means of a spring-operated over-center device. Pivoting elements are rotated by means of the switching slide via their articulated legs such that, when the dead-center position, which is located between the axes of the pivoting elements, is overcome, one pivoting element axis is shifted in a quick-action motion. As a result of the contact bridge control levers, which are provided in different angular positions on the respective pivoting elements, a sequential switching of two contact bridges can be implemented such that initially the first contact bridge and then the second contact bridge are released for closing under the action of the contact closing spring while for opening initially the second and then the first contact bridge may be pushed open in opposition to the contact closing spring.

Abstract: A push-button switch for use in electronic devices is provided which reduces stress on contact parts. A C-shaped elastic member is secured at one end to a bottom wall of a switch casing and engages a movable member at its other end. The movable member in turn pivotably engages a contact member having movable elastic arms which abut non-conducting inclined surfaces on the bottom wall of the casing when the switch is open. To close the switch, a knob disposed slidably within the casing is depressed, bringing a bottom surface of the knob into engagement with an end of the movable member and deforming the C-shaped elastic member by bringing its ends closer together. Further, the contact member is caused to pivot about the movable member and move toward the bottom wall of the casing. Consequently, the movable elastic arms of the contact member slide off the inclined surfaces and into electrical contact with stationary contacts in the bottom wall of the switch casing to form a conductive path.

Abstract: A condition-responsive electric switch mechanism having a snap-acting bistable spring switch element carrying a movable contact, and an actuator movable in response to a detected condition to operate the bistable spring switch element. The spring switch element is capable of snapping between a circuit open position in which the movable contact is spaced from a fixed contact and a circuit closed position in which the movable contact engages the fixed contact. The spring switch element has a head mounting the movable contact thereon, and a pair of arms extending outwardly from the head being formed free of connection to one another at their distal ends opposite the head. The arms are fixed to a first terminal blade at their distal ends in a configuration deflected from the relaxed position so as to stress the switch element making it capable of snapping between the circuit open and circuit closed positions for a wide variety of preset contact gaps.

Abstract: A forced disconnect sequence switch is provided with a plunger that has two surfaces at its bottom portion. The two surfaces are disposed in planes which are displaced from each other so that cams can be actuated at different positions of travel of the plunger. The cams are sequentially rotatable to provide a positive break characteristic to the sequence switch. If either of the movable contact structures becomes welded to an associated stationary contact structure, each of the movable contacts are mechanically urged into separation sequentially by the cooperative action of the first and second surfaces of the plunger and their associated cams.

Abstract: An ultra high production snap acting switch includes a blanked sheet metal tab for providing extremely consistent and repeatable operation. The switch simply includes a sheet metal M-blade automatically spot welded (or riveted) to a sheet metal spring arm. The spring arm has an integral tab pressed between two flexible legs of the M-blade. The stress imparted by the tab accurately distorts the M-blade so that it assumes a very predictable bistable operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an electrical switch assembly generally comprising a snap-action electrical switch disposed in a module frame assembly and connected to electrical contact pins for mating with a contact pin connector. A switch module assembly is connected to the module frame assembly and includes a switch actuator assembly for actuating the snap-action electrical switch. The switch actuator includes a latch spring guide that may be configured for either "alternate" or "momentary" actuation of the snap-action electrical switch and emits audio and tactile switch status indicators perceptible to an operator. The module frame assembly and switch module assembly are releasably connectable to and form an integral unit with a cap base assembly having a cap module with a low power LED illuminatable display visible under extreme ambient lighting conditions for indicating switch status.

Abstract: A switch butterfly assembly for use in compact snap-action switches includes a pair of movable switch contact blade members, each being formed of a first end portion, a substantially flat mid-portion, and a second end portion all integrally joined together. The second end portion has a generally curvilinear-shaped configuration and is formed of a vertical section and a C-shaped curved blade section. The intermediate area of the C-shaped curved blade section is disposed opposite the vertical section so as to form an annular space therebetween. The vertical section has a first bend integrally connected to the mid-portion and a second bend integrally connected to the C-shaped curved blade section.