Abstract: The control element according to the invention which for example can be in the form of a pushbutton switch or display element, is intended to be fastened to a front panel having at least one circular opening. It has a housing with an essentially cylindrical section and, at its front, a collar projecting radially outward and beyond the cylindrical section. The cylindrical section is provided with at least one all-around groove in which a ring of an elastically deformable material is present. When the control element is inserted into the front panel, it is fixed into the opening by virtue of the fact that a support surface of the collar rests on the front plate on the one hand and by the ring being pressed against the lateral surface of the groove by the lower edge of the opening on the other hand.

Abstract: A switch for selectively supplying power or signals from a fixed first conductive pin to fixed second and third conductive pins includes a housing, a pushbutton unit including a tappet situated in the housing, a conductive unit including the first, second, and third conductive pins, and a switching unit including a conductive sway element for respectively selectively connecting the first conductive pin to either the second or the third conductive pin. The switching unit also includes an elastic element coupled at a first end with the tappet and at a second end the sway element such that when the first end of the elastic clement is in a first position, said elastic element causes the sway element to connect said first and third conductive pins, and when the first end of the elastic element is moved past a critical line to a second position, the elastic element causes the sway element to also move past the critical line and connect the first and second conductive pins.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an electronic equipment with comparative ease of freely choosing the push-button location and with satisfactory operability of the push-button device.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated pushbutton switch has individual switch modules pre-assembled as standalone subassemblies. Each subassembly has a platform with a cavity on its underside. A portion of the platform is magnetized. A metallic armature is held in the cavity by the magnetic attraction of the platform. The switch subassemblies are mounted on a substrate that has switch contacts thereon. The armature is movable into and out of shorting relation with the contacts. A major spacer on the substrate has openings aligned with the switch contacts for receiving the subassemblies. An overlay film covers the subassemblies and major spacer. The armature may have a lens therein for transmitting backlighting. The platform can be magnetized at the time of installation on the substrate.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated pushbutton switch has individual switch modules preassembled as standalone subassemblies. Each subassembly has a platform with a cavity on its underside. A portion of the platform is magnetized. A metallic armature is held in the cavity by the magnetic attraction of the platform. The switch subassemblies are mounted on a substrate that has switch contacts thereon. The armature is movable into and out of shorting relation with the contacts. A major spacer on the substrate has openings aligned with the switch contacts for receiving the subassemblies. An overlay film covers the subassemblies and major spacer. The armature may have a lens therein for transmitting backlighting. The platform can be magnetized at the time of installation on the substrate.

Abstract: An improved keyswitch includes a stage having a mounting hole and a keycap having a plunger on a bottom thereof. The plunger is movably arranged within the mounting hole. The keyswitch is characterized in that one of the keycap and the stage is provided with at least one guiding rib, while the other of the keycap and the stage is provided with at least one dent corresponding to the guiding rib. The guiding rib is fit within the dent and the dent and guiding rib have multiple point contacts to restrict movement of the keycap with respect to the stage.

Abstract: A composite molded product has a frame body (1) with a through bore that terminates at openings, and a button portion (2) with a pressing portion (3) extended through the through bore and a flange portion (4) fused to the frame body (1). A silicone resin layer (5, 24) is interposed between the frame body and the flange portion, and surrounds one of the openings. A method of manufacturing a composite molded product by molding a frame body, forming a silicone resin layer on a surface of the frame body, and simultaneously molding a button portion to a predetermined shape while fusion boding areas of the button portion contacting the frame body.

Abstract: A push-button switch including a sliding member, a lock pin for locking the sliding member at a certain location, a heart cam including a lock cam along which the lock pin slides, and a movable stopper member, disposed at the heart cam, for holding the lock pin in a lock position as a result of cooperating with the lock cam or for unlocking the lock pin. The push-button switch incorporates a self-restoring function, wherein friction between the lock pin and the lock cam during an auto-off state is reduced to decrease the amount of force required to unlock the lock pin, thereby reducing the solenoid actuating current, and simplifying the actuating structure, as a result of which a more reliable product with a longer life and a smaller size can be produced.

Abstract: A switch mountable in a feeding aperture in a support plate has an elongated housing having a base, a retention device for fixing the switch to the support plate, a switch plunger movable longitudinally against a spring action, a slider movable relative to the switch plunger and surrounding the switch plunger over a part of its length, radial vanes provided and guide grooves are guided in the guide grooves parallel to the longitudinal axis so as to move longitudinally up to opposite wall sections of the housing, limit stops for fixing the slider in an axial direction between the limit stops, notched tracks having locking teeth extending parallel to the longitudinal axis and provided on a shank of the plunger and inside the slider, which intermesh and fix the switch plunger to the slider in an axial direction when the switch plunger is turned with respect to the slider, the switch plunger with the housing being rotatable about the longitudinal axis with respect to the slider until a mutual engagement of the no

Abstract: A push button system used to actuate pedestrian timing intervals at traffic signalized locations operating using a normally closed circuit rather than a normally open circuit, such that an open circuit resulting from the common faults of such devices and systems will result in the recognition of the failure.

Abstract: A push button assembly adapted to be mounted to a bezel includes a button body and a pair of anchoring members arranged on opposite sides of the button body and connected to the button body by resilient arms for resiliently supporting the button body. Each anchoring member forms a plurality of ledges for being interferentially inserted into and engaging with a corresponding hole defined in the bezel thereby mounting the button body to the bezel. The bezel defines a bore through which a post extending from the button body extends for being accessible to a user. The button body has an inner end adapted to drivingly engage with a switch whereby when the post is depressed, the button body moves under the resilient support of the resilient arms to engage with and thus actuate the switch.

Abstract: A robust switch assembly has a support structure with a hermetically sealed high temperature switch secured to it. A high temperature current conductor is within the switch. A spring is in contact with the switch and with the plunger of a plunger mechanism. A lead wire assembly extends from the opposite end of the switch.

Abstract: A push-on switch includes a casing made of insulating material and having an inner bottom surface. First fixed contacts are provided on the inner bottom surface of the casing. Second fixed contacts are provided on the inner bottom surface of the casing. Movable contacts have base portions and resilient contact arms. The base portions are placed on and electrically connected to the first fixed contacts respectively. The resilient contact arms extend from the base portions to regions above the second fixed contacts respectively. A dome-shaped spring member made of resilient insulating material has a top portion, a conical portion, and a lower end. The top portion and the lower end are connected by the conical portion. The lower end is placed on the base portions of the movable contacts. The top portion has a lower surface located above free ends of the resilient contact arms of the movable contacts.

Abstract: A silicon switch is provided. A silicon member biases a contact into abutment with an opposing contact located on a substrate such that a normally closed switch is provided. A plunger is provided which has an axis that extends along the axis of the two contacts. The plunger is secured by the silicon member in such a way that pressure on the plunger causes the switch contacts to open. When pressure is released, the bias built into the silicon member pushes the contacts back together. The switch is intended for use in a pen, for example in a white board application, where pressure of the pen to a marking surface forces the plunger upwardly into the pen and thus opens the switch contacts.

Abstract: A safety switch with a contactor structure including first and second contactor contacts electrically connected to each other. The switch has an "on" state in which first and second terminal contacts are contacted with the first and second contactor contacts, respectively, to thereby electrically connect the terminal contacts therebetween, and an "off" state in which the terminal contacts are not electrically connected to each other by the contactor structure, whereby current cannot flow between the terminal contacts. The switch also has a cycle control mechanism with a normal-state in which the switch is free to cycle between the "on" and "off" states, and a welded-state in which one of the terminal contacts is welded to one of the contactor contacts and the other of the contactor contacts is separated from the other of the terminal contacts. When the cycle control mechanism is in the welded state, the switch is prevented from moving from the "off" state to the "on" state.

Abstract: A button with at least one flexible cantilever and an actuating portion coupled to the button can either be integrally formed from a single piece of material or assembled into a single device so that the button can be easily and quickly installed into a button housing. Additionally, because of the simplified one-piece design of the button, the button housing is further simplified.

Abstract: A switch and plunger mechanism which allows for simple, inexpensive and reliable actuation of a switch is disclosed. A plunger having two flanges and a plunger pin is disposed in an opening within a computer housing which includes angled surfaces. When the plunger is pushed in, the flanges press against the tapered surfaces so as to deflect each of the flanges inwardly. Continued movement of the plunger into the engaged position moves the plunger pin such that it engages the switch. As the plunger moves into the engaged position, changing contact surfaces between the plunger and the surfaces of the plunger receptacle causes an audible and tactile snap to be emitted. The movement of the plunger into the fully depressed position deflects the flanges so as to store potential energy. When the finger pressure is released from the plunger, the stored energy is released so as to straighten the flanges and push the plunger pin back into the fully extended position.

Abstract: A pedestrian crosswalk switch (140) for registering force applied to a crosswalk button (172) is provided. The pedestrian crosswalk switch (140) includes a button housing (142), a crosswalk button assembly (143) including a compression spring (174), a button coupling assembly (176), and a microswitch assembly (178). The crosswalk button assembly (143) has a button shank (184) that protrudes through the compression spring (174) and into a button aperture (162) of the button housing (142). The button coupling assembly movably couples the crosswalk button (172) via the button shank (184). The microswitch assembly (178) has a movable trigger (196) and a compression spring (198) pivotally mounted to a microswitch (194) by a pivot pin (202). The microswitch assembly (178) is mounted to a flange (168) protruding from the button housing (142) such that the trigger (196) is in engaging alignment with the button coupling assembly (176).

Abstract: A push switch is disclosed which includes: an insulation substrate (11) having a circular hollow portion (14) therein, first and second adhesive layers (15A, 15B) on the hollow portion and a top surface respectively and a fixing portion (12A) having a first C-shape and a hollow portion (18), having a second C-shape, arranged inside the first C-shape. The hollow portion is arranged in the circular hollow portion and fixed by the first adhesive layer and the fixing portion fixed on the top surface of the insulation substrate by the second adhesive layer. The hollow portion has at least three protruding portions (19) thereon. A center contact (21) is arranged at inside the second C-shape. There is an arm portion (22) extending from the center contact toward the outside of the second C-shape through an opening of the second C-shape. There is a movable contact (24) having a dome shape on the protruding portions and a cover sheet (26), fixed on the fixing portion so as to cover the movable contact.

Abstract: A key switch is provided which includes a key top which is pressed down by optional force and which can move in the press-down direction. The key switch also includes a spring for generating a rebound according to the optional force applied to the key top. The key switch also includes a housing having an elastic member which generates the press-down force against the rebound according to a distance by which the key top moves. The key switch realizes the press-down characteristics in which the inclination of the rebound is zero or negative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary electronic component with a push switch which includes a single control knob for assuredly and individually operating a rotary component portion and a push switch. The rotary electronic component with the push switch comprises a rotary component portion such as an encoder portion including a rotary body horizontally rotatable in a fixed position, a knob shaft, a control knob fitted concentrically around the outer periphery of the knob shaft, a resilient portion disposed between the knob shaft and the inner periphery of the control knob, and a push switch portion located outside the control knob, wherein the rotary component portion is actuated by the horizontal rotation of the control knob and the push switch portion is actuated by the horizontal movement of the control knob.

Abstract: A switching mechanism comprising a housing, a spring, first and second movable contacts mechanically attached to the spring, first and second substantially fixed contacts attached to the housing, and an actuator is provided. The spring comprises first and second edges substantially fixed to the housing. In a rest position the first and second movable contacts do not electrically contact the first and second substantially fixed contacts, respectively. The actuator centrally actuates the spring to cause the first and second movable contacts to move in the same direction as the central portion of the spring and to electrically contact the first and second substantially fixed contacts.The spring is preferably a snap spring shaped in the form of a cross comprising a column member and first and second protruding wings. The first and second movable contacts are preferably mechanically and electrically connected to the first and second protruding wings respectively.

Abstract: The push switch of the invention includes: a case including a plurality of contact terminals placed on an inner bottom surface thereof and a contact member that includes a plurality of conductive protruding portions which come into contact with the plurality of contact terminals at selected positions while sliding on the inner bottom surface of the case; a fulcrum portion supported in a rotatable state by an axis parallel to the inner bottom surface of the case; and an elastic bent portion for connecting the protruding portions with the fulcrum portion. The push switch further includes a sliding body which is supported so as to move up and down along a direction vertical to the inner bottom surface of the case thereby pressing the contact member and sliding the conductive protruding portions in accordance with the vertical motion in order to switch the contact terminals between an electrical connection state and an electrical disconnection state.

Abstract: A cam follower assembly for use in a latching switch assembly comprises a case having opposed walls with a slot in one of the walls. A cam follower disposed in the case has a post movable within the slot. A spring adjacent the cam follower biases the cam follower toward a longitudinal axis of the case. The cam follower assembly cooperates with a cam in the latching switch assembly to operate an electrical switch. In a preferred embodiment, the cam follower assembly moves in a plane parallel to the plane of the cam surface. When an operator depresses the latching switching in the latching switch assembly, the cam follower rides along the cam to an "on" position where the latching switch is held in place. Upon depressing the latching switch once more, the cam follower moves out of the first position and into its original "off" position. The slot guides the cam follower for proper desired movement. The spring is preferably a C-shaped spring with two arms positioned on each side of the cam follower.

Abstract: A push button is provided with a steel ball pressed by a spring. A separate retaining spring retains the steel ball in a gap between coils of the retaining spring. The push button thus is retained at prescribed pressed down positions.

Abstract: A keytop sheet of a push-button switch includes a keytop, which is made of synthetic resin, molded on a sheet of resin film. A portion of the film sheet surrounding the portion thereof on which the keytop is molded is provided with a curved projection protruding in a downward and/or upward direction from the surface of the film sheet. Alternatively, a cut-out separates the portion of the film sheet on which the keytop is molded from the remainder of the film sheet while leaving a hinge portion, and a nameplate through which the keytop passes is attached to the film sheet so as to over the cut-out and hinge portion of the film sheet. The nameplate may have an outer diameter greater than that of the film sheet, and a frame made of synthetic resin is fixed to an underside of the film sheet on an outer peripheral portion thereof. The outer peripheral portion of the nameplate is bent and fixed to an outer peripheral side surface of the frame.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a plunger-type switch having alternative open and closed conditions and having a plunger movable between an extended position and a retracted position whereby said switch condition is changed by the movement of said plunger comprises a flat spring, having a first spring end, a second spring end and a middle portion, and a housing having an upper surface wherein the plunger-type switch and spring are positioned within the housing such that the first spring end is positioned in closely spaced relation to the plunger in the extended position and the middle portion of the spring bows above the housing upper surface such that application of a force to the middle portion of the spring and directed towards the housing upper surface compresses the spring advancing the spring first end toward the switch a distance sufficient to move the plunger to the retracted position and upon removal of the force the first spring end advances away from the switch a distance sufficient to allow the plunger

Abstract: A two-layer membrane switch particularly suited for application as a keyswitch in low-profile keyboard applications, such as keyboards for notebook or laptop type personal computers. When used as a keyswitch, the switch comprises a first conductor layer including a conductive ink patterned as an electrical contact on a polyester dielectric film around an opening through the film. A second conductor layer, also includes a conductive ink patterned as an electrical contact on a polyester dielectric film. With the electrical contact of the second conductor layer located under the corresponding opening in the first conductor layer, a moveable, conductive elastomer switch closure is used to establish electrical contact between the electrical contact of the first conductor layer and the electrical contact of the second conductor layer through the opening in the first conductor.

Abstract: A switching apparatus has a cylindrically shaped hollow insulated body with first and second parts that sealingly engage each other at longitudinal abutting surfaces. The first part has a longitudinal recess. The body is formed with a radial button retaining passage. A conducting unit is disposed in the recess and includes elongated first and second conducting elements with a respective first end portion contacting a corresponding one of two input terminals of a driven element, and a respective second end portion. The second end portion of the first conducting element contacts one of two output terminals of a power source. A third conducting element has a first end portion extending out of the body and contacting the other output terminal of the power source, and a second end portion spaced apart from the second end portion of the second conducting element. A button unit is movably disposed in the button retaining passage.

Abstract: A switch is disclosed comprising a casing member within a carriage member movable therein between first and second positions, the carriage member having a pushable operating member extending outside the casing member. A spring is operative between the casing member and the carriage member for resiliently returning the carriage member to the first position. A cooperative switch is provided on the casing member and the carriage member to perform at least one switching function in response to movement of the carriage member. A latching cam is provided on one of the members. A spring latch is provided on the other member for cooperatively engaging the latching cam.

Abstract: An improved keypad includes a plurality of apertured bases in the keyboard, a pressing rod and a keypad for each of the apertured bases. The pressing rod has opposing projected tracks and the apertured base has slots on its interior wall. This structure allows the pressing rod to be housed inside the apertured base so as to reduce the friction during the keypad operation. The reduction of friction provides a smooth keyboard operation. Moreover, the gap between the exterior wall of the pressing rod and the interior wall of the aperture base is wider, therefore, the keypad resonance is lessened during operation.

Abstract: A keyswitch device has a good operational feeling in a keytop and is easily and simply assembled. When the keyswitch device is assembled, the engaging pins 55, 56 of the hinge member 47 and the engaging rod 61 of the hinge member 48 are slid on the holder plate 65 toward the open sides of the sliding slots 68, 69 in the holding portions 66, 67 while being guided through the guiding walls 73 . Further, the engaging pins 55, 56 and the engaging rod 61 are slid until the engaging rod 61 rides over the stopper 69A formed in the sliding slot 69. When the guide support member 46 and the keytop 41 are connected with each other, after the engaging rod 53 of the hinge member 47 is opposed to the vertical slot 44 of the keytop 41 and the engaging pins 63, 64 of the hinge member 48 are opposed to the long slot 45 of the keytop 41, the keytop 41 is slightly pressed downwardly.

Abstract: A push-button switch keytop includes a flexible resin film deformed in such a manner that the resin film bulges upwardly to form a curved portion that is filled with a molding resin while the resin film is being deformed. The molding resin is allowed to harden to form a keytop body, whereby the top side of the keytop body consisting of the molding resin is integrated with the resin film in a state in which the top side of the keytop body is covered by the resin film. The keytop is manufactured by clamping a resin film between upper and lower molds, charging a molten resin from a pin gate provided on the lower mold into a cavity provided in the lower mold, thereby deforming and urging the resin film upward by pressure and heat produced by the molten resin and causing the resin film to adhere to the inner surface of the upper mold, filling the cavities of the upper and lower molds with the molten resin and separating the upper and lower molds after the resin hardens.

Abstract: A miniature pushbutton switch of modular construction is provided. The switch can be readily assembled in an inexpensive manner without need for skilled personnel and without need for any special assembly tooling. In a preferred embodiment, the switch includes respective assemblies each of plastic molded construction which are configured to be snap fitted together for final assembly of the switch.

Abstract: An ON/OFF push button switch is disclosed which includes a housing, a fixed contact fixedly mounted on the housing, and a movable contact adapted to be brought into and out of contact with the fixed contact. An operating portion of the disclosed switch is supported in the housing in which the movable contact is to be movable in a direction towards the fixed contact. A contact connect spring located between the housing and the movable contact is provided to urge the movable contact towards the fixed contact. A contact release spring is located between the housing and the operating portion to urge the operating portion away from the fixed contact with an urging force greater than that of the contact connect spring. A coupling arrangement is provided for releasably coupling the movable contact and the operating portion together with the movable contact being inhibited from being moved away from the operating portion towards the fixed contact.

Abstract: A switch apparatus includes a cap having an axially extending flange for mounting in an opening of a cover plate and a releasably attached switch carrier. A signal light element is slidably mounted inside the cap and has a hollow, cylindrical head portion. Extending from a rear surface of the head portion are a pair of guides and a push rod. A sleeve threadably engages threaded exterior surface of a side wall a switch carrier, a forward end of the sleeve and the flange of the cap engaging opposite sides of the cover plate and retaining the switch apparatus in the opening. Provided at the rearward end of the switch carrier are board holders which retain a rear circuit board on which is mounted a microswitch actuated by the push rod. Positioned in the head portion of the signal light element is an annular light conductor and a front circuit board which has light-emitting semiconductors integrated thereon.

Abstract: The keytop of a push-button switch includes a keytop portion situated on the top of a resin film, and a retaining portion situated on the underside of the resin film. The keytop portion and retaining portion are formed into a unitary body by a resin-molding process in which resin is passed through a hole provided in the resin film such that the resin film is sandwiched between the keytop portion and the retaining portion. In another embodiment, the retaining portion is loop-shaped and is formed into a unitary body with the keytop portion by a resin-molding process in which the resin passes through a plurality of holes provided in the resin film in a pattern corresponding to the loop-shaped circumference of the retaining portion. The resin film is sandwiched in a water-tight state between the keytop portion and the loop-shaped retaining portion.

Abstract: The keytop of a push-button switch includes a keytop portion situated on the top of a resin film, and a retaining portion situated on the underside of the resin film. The keytop portion and retaining portion are formed into a unitary body by a resin-molding process in which resin is passed through a hole provided in the resin film such that the resin film is sandwiched between the keytop portion and the retaining portion. In another embodiment, the retaining portion is loop-shaped and is formed into a unitary body with the keytop portion by a resin-molding process in which the resin passes through a plurality of holes provided in the resin film in a pattern corresponding to the loop-shaped circumference of the retaining portion. The resin film is sandwiched in a water-tight state between the keytop portion and the loop-shaped retaining portion.

Abstract: A push-button switch which has a comparatively small overall thickness or height and rattling of a stem upon movement is eliminated or minimized. The push-button switch includes a stem having a flat plate and a plurality of legs each having a protruded portion at an end thereof. The flat plate of the stem is placed on a click rubber element accommodated in an insulating case while upper portions of the protruded portions of the stem are resiliently engaged with an open end of the insulating case to position the protruded portions within the insulating case. The insulating case has a plurality of relief grooves formed at a plurality of corner portions thereof, and when the stem is depressed, the protruded portions thereof are inserted into the relief grooves. Sliding surfaces for the protruded portions of the stem are formed at the corner portions of the insulating case between the open end of the insulating case and an inner bottom face of the relief grooves 25.

Abstract: This is two embodiments of a sealed switch, one embodiment of which utilizes a plastic film which abuts the upper surface of the support portion and covers the upper edges of the walls defining the base and which is trapped between the upper edges of the walls defining the base and the cover portion forming a seal.The second embodiment utilizes a start button which comprises a disk like support which is formed of an elastomeric material that on assembly is trapped and squeezed between the upper edges of the walls defining the base and the cover portion forming a seal.

Abstract: A push button switch comprises a housing having an opening at the top and provided with a fixed contact member at the inner bottom, a stem supported to be vertically movable in and with respect to the housing, and an elastic member being capable of buckling and having one end attached to near a lower end of the stem and the other end attached to near the inner bottom of the housing, the elastic member being positioned in the housing to extend diagonally and urging the stem upward by its own resilient force. A high degree of reliability is ensured with the simple structure and a good click feeling is provided.

Abstract: An adjusting shaft for an electric regulating or control device, which operates equipment functions by means of a control cam, is profiled to engage the control cam and can be installed subsequent to the complete assembly of the control device and fixed relative to the control device by a spring detent and associated stop. The stop can also serve to prevent unintentional rotation of the control cam until displacement of the stop against the opposition of a biasing spring. The subsequently installed shaft can allow use of universal control devices with random shaft lengths and types.

Abstract: A mechanical key switch for a membrane keyboard including a key cap supported on an actuating spring member by a compression spring and made to slide on a key body vertically, the actuating spring member having a unitary, arched bridge plate in the middle, which curves inwards to trigger an electrical signal and simultaneously to produce a click sound upon pressing of the key cap against the compression spring, and curves outwards to return the key cap and simultaneously to produce a click sound upon releasing of the key cap.

Abstract: A computer keyboard employs a single monoblock structure to both support the keys and to define the aesthetic enclosure. The monoblock has multiple key supports into which key bodies are slidably mounted. The keyboard includes a switch membrane disposed on top of the monoblock and a dome sheet positioned on top of the switch membrane beneath the key bodies. The dome sheet has multiple resilient domes with openings formed therein to provide access for the key bodies to corresponding key supports. The domes support the key bodies and provide the "spring-like" feel during operation of the computer keys. The switch membrane has annular switch contacts positioned about the monoblock key supports beneath the domes. As one of the key bodies is depressed, the associated dome buckles and actuates the annular switch contact. The computer keyboard is low cost due to having only one structural component and is quiet due to the position of the rubber or elastomer dome sheet beneath the key bodies.

Abstract: A key switch includes a rectangular key cap having a unitary, hollow, rectangular plunger inserted into a rectangular hole on a key base and pressed to squeeze a rubber tone causing a conductor to electrically connect a contact on the printed circuit board of a keyboard, wherein the rectangular plunger has four circular rails on the four corners thereof along its length respectively inserted in four circular grooves on the rectangular guide slot of the key base for stable movement, and two smoothly curved, hooked spring plates releasably hooked with two opposite hooked portions on the key base for positioning.

Abstract: A cursor movement control key and electronic keyboard for a computer having a video display incorporates a force-sensitive resistor having a junction resistance which varies inversely with pressure applied thereto. The external key cap engages an actuator which bears against the force-sensitive resistor. The actuator has a plurality of four pads which bear against respective electrode regions of the force-sensitive resistor. The pads are positioned at the 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree., and 270.degree. positions. The actuator mounts relative to a keyboard mounting plate. At least one of the actuator and mounting plate include opposed lateral projections which engage relative to the other of the actuator and mounting plate to both, a) retain the actuator to the mounting plate, and yet b) allow clearance for tilting movement of the actuator relative to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A multi-step switch includes a resilient or resiliently mounted push button. In a first stage of the pressed-in state, the push button presses a contact surface against an at least partially resiliently constructed printed circuit board, which, on the upper side thereof, is provided with conductors. In a second stage of the pressed-in state of the switch, the push button and, in turn, the printed circuit board press with the aid of a resilient push element against additional conductors arranged underneath the printed circuit board. The multi-step switch is suitable for low switching capacities, particularly for use in hand-held control transmitters of remote controls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a push button switch which is capable of preventing deformation of a belt-like metallic plate serving as a terminal of the push button switch during its insertion molding process into the housing of the push button switch.To this end, a push button switch comprises a square housing, a belt-like metallic plate inserted in the housing so as to penetrate the housing, the housing having an outer wall from which the belt-like metallic plate protrudes outward, the belt-like metallic plate having an inner portion exposing from a bottom surface of the housing and an outer portion extending outward from the outer wall of the housing, and the outer wall being planed-off obliquely at a portion where the belt-like metallic plate protrudes.Therefore, the span of the belt-like metallic plate becomes short. Thus, the push button switch can be made compact in size.

Abstract: A simple and reliable electrosurgical instrument includes a cable having a main contact wire and first second insulated switch wires all provided with a short insulated or bare portion. The cable is received in a main member having a first holding mechanism for holding the switch wires adjacent uninsulated portions thereof on one lateral side and spaced from one another as well as a second holding mechanism for holding the switch wires adjacent the uninsulated portions thereof on the other lateral side so that the uninsulated portions span between the first and second holding mechanisms and are spaced longitudinally from one another. A blade receiver receives an electrode blade and is then electrically connected to the contact wire. A switch device selectively connects one of the uninsulated portions of the switch wires to the contact wire during operation. The first and second holding mechanisms preferably include channels and a cover includes projections which hold the wires in place.

Abstract: A keyboard membrane keyswitch assembly comprises a housing, a button, a compression piston and a rubber element. The housing holds the compression piston and the rubber element. The compression piston preferably has a cylindrical shape with a vertical guider along its longitudinal axis. The vertical guider is used to connect the assembly to the button. A supporting ring is linked to the vertical guider by rib elements. The rubber element is adapted to receive the supporting element of the compression piston thereby maximizing the displacement of the button and preventing the button from tilting when it is depressed.