Abstract: A piston operated by a cable stretched out within hand reach along a dangerous zone actuates a tappet whose movements are transmitted to a slider. The slider in turn compresses a spring until in a first phase, before any switch actuation, a pawl engages a groove in the slider. This prevents return of the tappet to its rest position, whereby any attempt to simulate a machine breakdown by fraudulent actuation of the device leaves a trace in the device even before effective switch actuation has occurred. In a second phase the force of the spring exceeds the force necessary to retract locking pins of a striker which is therefore released abruptly to operate the switch. To restore the device to its standby state, a lock plug carrying a cam adapted to release the pawl from the groove in the slider is rotated by means of a key.

Abstract: A battery pack for footwear heaters is shown employing spring like electrical contact elements wherein one element is brought into and out of contact with a fixed electrical contact by means of a sliding cam switch or a rotary cam switch, with means for inhibiting water penetration. The battery pack is provided with a trimmable skirt for conforming its contour to the mounting surface on footwear.

Abstract: An electrical switching device is disclosed, which is particularly well adapted for use in a hold-up alarm system. The device comprises a casing having a longitudinal axis and two lateral openings symmetrically positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis and a push-button switch centrally mounted inside the casing, and having an actuating push-button coaxial to the casing. The push-button switch is connected in series with an electrical circuit so that this circuit is switched on or off when the button is pressed. The device also comprises a flexible blade extending transversally inside the casing, the blade having a central portion adjacent to the push button and two opposite ends; and manually operable device for squeezing the blade in such a manner as to cause it to bend and press onto the push button to activate the switch.

Abstract: A cable-controlled electrical safety switch device comprises a piston 15 tensioning a cable 2 under the action of a spring 23 via a rod 10 and a screw thread 12a for adjusting the tension of the spring and of the cable. A piston groove 25 actuates a push member 28 for the switch 40. The piston is angularly adjustable. The flank 32 of the groove remote from the spring is helicoidal. When the cable is long, a higher tension is selected so that the groove flank 31 moves away from the push member 28. This distancing is desirable in order that any length variations due to heat--which are greater with a long cable--may be prevented from triggering the switch. The clearance between the other flank 32 and the push member 28 is then corrected by rotation of the piston.

Abstract: A microscope comprises a housing, a stage shiftably arranged on the housing, a shifting device including an operation handle to be rotated by an operator with respect to a shaft provided on the housing and a transmitting mechanism for shifting the stage in response to rotation of the handle, an electric circuit means and an input means for inputting commands to the electric circuit means. The input means includes at least one operation switch arranged on a surface of the housing at a position where the operator's finger can reach the switch without the operator removing his hand from the handle.

Abstract: A rotary switch assembly for use with a stand-mounted appliance includes a conventional rotary switch which is installed through the side of the stand and mounted therein on a plate such that the stem of the switch is coaxially aligned with the long, central axis of the stand. A control knob in the form of a split, annular sleeve is snapped circumferentially around the stand to cover the opening and has an arm which extends radially inward through the opening to grasp the switch's stem such that rotation of the knob about the stand in the circumferential direction produces a corresponding rotation of the stem.

Abstract: A contact device for delivering electrical signals corresponding to the movement of a movable body having two opposing layers including a base layer and a flexible layer spaced from the base layer. An electrical input conductor attached to one of the two layers and is electrically connected to a power source. The device also includes an electrical output conductor attached to one of the layers for transmitting an electrical signal when the output conductor is electrically connected to the input conductor. A plurality of contact elements are attached to one of the layers for electrically connecting the input conductor to the first output conductor. A pressure device attached to the movable body moves along a path defined by at least one of the conductors, abuts the flexible layer and displaces the flexible layer toward the base layer.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a protection casing (2) fixable to a wall (3) and housing an air-delivery unit (4). The protection casing (2) has a base portion (6) from the upper part of which a dome-shaped portion (8) projects, and two side portions (9) extending parallelly from the lower part of the dome-shaped portion. The air delivery unit (4) is located between the dome-shaped portion (8) and the side portions (9) and is oscillatably engaged with respect to the casing to be displaced from a non-use position to a use position. When in its use position, the air delivery unit (4) is switched on upon command of a pushbutton (5) housed in the casing (2) and operated by the delivery unit itself.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument comprises a plural number of component blocks capable of being coupled mechanically and electrically in succession and each having therein musical tone elements control means and at least one of the blocks having also musical tone signal generating means. Time range or tonal range of generated musical tones are changed according to how many blocks are connected consecutively in a predetermined or a selected order. The blocks can generate a series of musical tones in a sequence corresponding to a connecting sequence when a switch arranged on the leading block is operated, and a desired musical piece can be performed by operating performance operating means of each block. The electric musical instrument also can be used as an educational toy allowing infants to learn music while amusing and is convenient for transportation since it can be easily dismembered into each block.

Abstract: A hand-held control device for use in controlling directional characteristics in apparatus, such as the direction of movement of video display images in electronic game machines, includes a body having an opening and four depressible switches regularly spaced about the opening. The opening is sized to receive the finger of a user inserted endwise therein, and the switches are disposed adjacent the sides of the opening so that each of the switches can be actuated with the side of the user's finger when the user's finger is received by and moved toward a corresponding side of the opening. When the device is in use, each switch is responsible for initiating a directional control signal corresponding to an X or Y coordinate direction in an X-Y plane. Fifth and sixth switches are mounted in the body for actuation by the thumb and index finger of the hand which holds the device and are responsible for control signals, such as "fire" or "jump" signals, which are independent of the directional control signals.

Abstract: Contact link for flight controls of aerodynes, especially helicopters. The link comprises a rod (2) mounted axially slideably over a limited stroke under tension and under compression in a body (1). A leaf spring (35) subjected to compressive buckling prestress is accommodated in a recess (27) of the rod (2) between two supports (36, 37) pushed against stops of the rod (2) and stops of the body (1). Under any axial tensile or compressive force higher than the prestress of the leaf spring (35), one of the supports (36, 37) is brought nearer to the other, so that the leaf spring (35) works by buckling, and its central part increases its deflection to an extent amplified in relation to the axial stroke of the rod in the body and shifts radially a movable contact member (55) actuating an electrical contactor (45) fastened in the recess (27) of the rod (2). The contact link is used for equipping flight controls for cutting in or cutting out an automatic pilot.

Abstract: An exercise machine has an electrical safety switch which switch includes a base with a switch actuator attached thereto. A paddle is rotatably attached to the base for movement toward and away from the actuator. The paddle has an upper element and a lower element to form a void therebetween. The lower element as an aperture through which the actuator passes when the paddle is depressed. Placement of an enabling card in the void obstructs the aperture and enables operation of the actuator between "on" and "off" positions by depression of the paddle. Removal of the enabling card prevents accidental actuation of the machine.

Abstract: A switch for a hair drying device having a rotatable curling iron and a hair dryer comprises a switching member, first and second microswitches, and a supporting member, preferably including a resilient spring, for the switching member. The supporting member permits the switching member to undergo a planar movement and a tilting movement independently of each other. The planar movement brings the switching member into and out of engagement with the first microswitch, thereby switching the rotation of the curling iron on and off. The tilting movement brings the switching member into and out of engagement with the second microswitch, thereby turning the hair dryer on and off. Thus, the curling iron and the hair dryer are operated independently of each other.

Abstract: An appliance switch for an electric shaver is equipped with a safety device guarding against accidental operation, which device is slidable coplanar with the appliance switch, is arranged in a housing and is equipped with positive engagement members which are adapted to be slipped over a latch member of the appliance switch and prevent the latch member from being movable out of its locking position. In this manner, a reliable safeguard is provided preventing accidental operation of the shaver.

Abstract: A push button safety switch. A pair of switch terminals are mounted within a housing which also carries a plunger for movement relative to the housing. The plunger is biased for movement along a path of travel by a compressed spring. A push button actuator has a knob for contact by user and a plunger actuator carried by the knob. The actuator also defines a stem portion to support a tether clip coupled to the boat operator. The boat motor ignition circuit is electrically connected to the switch terminals and the motor can be de-activated by either user contact with the knob or through movement of the plunger initiated by separation of the tether clip from the push button actuator.

Abstract: Cycle stop-light equipment having a deformable member which is squashed upon operation of the hand-brake lever to operate an electrical switch to illuminate the stop-light.

Abstract: A theft protection electric cable includes at least one conducting core, a sheath which is least partially insulating, and a suitable connection. The cable is characterized in that it is connected between a source of electrical voltage and a user member by at least one contactor (3), said contactor receiving information concerning the conducting or non-conducting state of the cable and including a spring or switch (11, 34) for interrupting the passage of electricity as a function of said information.

Abstract: Disclosed is an XY controller made up of a base and a seperate wand. The base has a flat top on which are arranged four separate electrical conductor strips in a square pattern except that the strips do not meet at the corners of the square but are closely spaced apart to provide normally open switches. The strips are individually connected to the data buss, for example, of an electronic apparatus such as a computer, game, etc. The wand is also connected to the apparatus and is freely manipulable manually relative to the base to make electrical contact with any strip or, selectively, with neighboring strips at each corner of the square, thereby to close the selected switch. Thus, manipulation of the wand, movable up and down, cross-wise and diagonally effects corresponding actuation of the circuits in the apparatus. The connection of the wand to the apparatus includes a line serving as a tether to the base.

Abstract: A plurality of sensor surfaces upon the touching of which an electric pulse is given off are arranged on a surface in an operating arrangement; the surface is surrounded by a frame whose surface is so shaped three-dimensionally as to provide the operator with a feelable indication of the position of the individual sensor surfaces.

Abstract: An alarm assembly specifically designed to warn sleeping occupants within a dwelling structure as to the occurrence of earth tremors such as those caused by relatively serious earthquakes wherein an activating member is movably positioned relative to a supporting base and is sensitive to such earth tremors to the extent of being displaced within a predetermined range of movement and into activating engagement with a switching assembly also mounted on said base to cause operation and/or activation of preferably an audio alarm to awaken the sleeping occupants.

Abstract: A dual acting safety switch for a land or marine vehicle which disables the ignition circuit of the engine by removal of a cord held holding member and closes the circuit of a secondary circuit to activate an alarm device.

Abstract: A keyboard proximity switch having a detecting face for detecting a position of a movable key member is disclosed. An operator controlled keyboard having a plurality of movable key members is modified by the addition of a proximity switch having no moving parts for each of said movable keys, thereby greatly increasing reliability and decreasing down time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capacitance keyboard switching device comprising a fixed electrode formed on one surface of a first insulating film, a movable electrode formed on one surface of a second insulating film, a spacer interposed between the first and second insulating films and provided with a switching opening formed through the spacer for allowing the fixed and movable electrodes to come close to and separate from each other with one of the first and second insulating films interposed between the fixed and movable electrodes, a movable electrode depressing member provided with a depressing portion for depressing the movable electrode to cause the movable electrode to come close to the fixed electrode through the one insulating film, in order to keep the movable electrode flat when the movable electrode is depressed toward the fixed electrode, the depressing portion is provided with a surface area selected to be larger than a surface area of the movable electrode so that the surface area of the depressing member c

Abstract: An aid to steering of a vehicle having directional control defined by rotation of a steering wheel consists of a wedge shaped member strapped to an operator's thigh, having a pliable, frictional surface material for mating with the outside rim of the steering wheel. An alternative embodiment provides for a sleep alarm to sound when biasing between the invention and the steering wheel slackens.

Abstract: A spring switch for electronic circuits and a method for making same are disclosed. The spring switch employs a coil spring having a helical wind of a plurality of coil turns. The diameter of the coil spring is selected to receive, between two adjacent coil turns, two legs of a dual in-line packaged, integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is mounted, top down, on a plate which has an electrically conductive surface. An electrical circuit having two open circuit terminals has one terminal connected to the electrically conductive surface. The second open circuit terminal is electrically connected to the electrically conductive coil spring. A cam mechanism depresses a free end of the coil spring and wipes the free end against the electrically conductive surface to complete the circuit.

Abstract: A housing in which electrical components may be mounted. The housing is formed from a single integral molded part which includes a living hinge connecting a base portion and a cover portion such that the two portions may be secured to each other to define the housing. A test button extension is likewise secured to the housing via a living hinge such that the test button extension may be rotated to provide a test button assembly which is appropriately positioned such that the test button extends through an opening in the housing and may be manually displaced to engage an electrical component within the housing to perform an appropriate test function.

Abstract: A switch assembly for an automotive vehicle. The switch assembly comprises a support having a shape that is a reduced scale three dimensional reproduction of at least a portion of a vehicle, and the support includes a multitude of surfaces geometrically corresponding to outside surfaces of the vehicle and mutually arranged to allow tactile recognition of the surfaces of the support corresponding to surfaces of the vehicle. A plurality of switches are mounted on the support for movement between first and second states to actuate and deactuate articles of equipment on the vehicle, and each switch is positioned on the support on a location corresponding to the location on the vehicle of the article of equipment controlled by the switch.

Abstract: A switch arrangement is disclosed which may be used with an enclosed fluid resistant container. A pin-like element is inserted through a wall of the container to actuate a switch contained within the container. Thereafter, the circuit is not easily deactivated. The switch arrangement includes a switch located within the container for activating a particular circuit function. The switch includes a mechanical trigger which is moved to effect the switch activation. A narrow switch actuator, such as a pin, is used for moving the trigger. A slide block is positioned between the trigger and a container wall for impacting the trigger in a single direction. A plug is placed in the wall and has an aperture therethrough for receiving the switch actuator, and the plug also includes a separate labyrinth path therethrough for passing fluid to the outside of the container. The aperture in the plug is structured such that the switch actuator fits slidably in the aperture and substantially seals the aperture.

Abstract: This invention provides a highly portable device for counting athletic activities of a repetitive nature, e.g., pool laps swum, track laps run, pushups, situps, etc. The device has a mat-like body flexible enough to be rolled up and carried in a handbag. It is comprised of: (1) a watertight upper section containing a weight for anchoring the device during use, battery and circuit means for powering a lap counting electrical circuit, (2) a middle section for displaying an athletic activities card and (3) a watertight lower section containing a lap count display and a touch pad which operates the lap counting electrical circuit in a manner such that the display count advances by one for each touch of the pad.

Abstract: A button set and switch particularly useful for an automotive power seat switch are disclosed. The button set is a single one-piece, molded set of buttons each connecting by living hinge to a frame such that each button may be displaced independently but are physically arranged to simulate a preselected design. A printed circuit board may be mounted to the button set and may include a series a clicket switches appropriately positioned to be engaged by each botton for providing appropriate signals to obtain the desired output controlled by the switch.

Abstract: A power switch for a battery is disclosed, which includes a battery-receiving chamber having anodic and cathodic contacts for the battery, an aperture provided centrally in the anodic contact, and a switching mechanism having a protrusion which is movable through the aperture relative to the anode of the battery. The switching device comprises an on-off switch which is positioned within the battery receiving case to minimize damage to the switch. The switch operates by moving the anode of a battery towards and away from a contact to make or break a series circuit between a plurality of batteries located in the battery-receiving chamber. Movement of the anode in an axial direction is effected by axial movement of a protuberance on the switching device.

Abstract: Two generally U-shaped pieces are adapted to fit together end-to-end so that when they are nested in an appropriately-sized passage in an escalator entry box, they cooperate to form a generally cylindrical actuator that at one end has brushes protruding through the opening of the entry box and that is slideable in the entry box over the handrail to actuate a safety shutoff switch located therein in the unlikely event of a foreign object being pulled by the handrail into the entry box.

Abstract: The measuring device is constructed as an oval chain link which upon experiencing load will tend to lengthen so that its long sides move closer to each other; switching devices or other proximity sensing devices respond to this approach to signal, for example, overload.

Abstract: A tactile bumper is configured to obtain sensory information for impact dction and collision avoidance from the entire perimeter of an associated autonomous mobile robot or platform. The tactile bumper comprises a plurality of free-floating strips encased in a housing and is disposed in a spring-loaded fashion so as to normally be in an extended position. A plurality of microswitches are affixed to the housing and are arranged behind the plurality of free-floating strips in such a fashion so as to be activated by any displacement thereof. The most significant component(s) of the tactile bumper are a plurality of free-floating corner pieces, each of which is configured with an angled cut at its ends so as to mate with complementary angled cuts of juxtaposed ones of the plurality of free-floating strips.

Abstract: A magnetic sensing device which includes a reed switch installed in a housing of synthetic resin and electrically connected with an automobile body. The device further includes a metal plate member having a projection fitted into the housing, the reed switch being electrically connected with a control circuit at a first end thereof and which is electrically connected with the metal plate member at a second end thereof, and a mechanism for grounding current from the reed switch to a portion of an automobile body through the metal plate member.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle circuit breaker having a non conductive base plate with two contacts thereon spaced apart to form a non conductive gap, one contact connected to a battery and one contact to an electric starter motor. A non conductive front plate is attached to the non conductive base plate by a hinge with a third contact thereon aligned with the gap to form an electrical contact between the two contacts on the base plate and a cable means for remote manual movement of the front plate toward and away from the base plate whereby the third contact may be engaged and disengaged from the gap, thereby making and breaking an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A non-water-tight touch pad for swimming competitions mounted partially submersed on the finishing wall of a swimming pool. The pad includes two plates located in front of each other. The front plate is perforated plastic material and is loosely inserted in a frame consisting of channel sections on the four sides and movable towards the metal back plate.Resting between the two plates, a plurality of parallel metal strips are mounted on the back metal plate but remain insulated from the back metal plate while connected to each other. A number of conductive springs shaped as seagull wings are welded on each parallel strip. These springs are mounted perpendicularly to the strips and act as spacers between the two plates and act as electric movable contacts between strips and the rear plate as soon as any pressure is applied on the front plate.

Abstract: In a manual digit data input device, including a set of cups configured to captivate the distal phalanges of a human hand; a housing; apparatus resiliently mounting the cups in the housing for mutually orthogonal transverse movements of the cups; and control apparatus actuated in response to movement of the cups.

Abstract: A keyboard switch is provided with an insulating substrate, a first electrode laid on the insulating substrate, a second electrode formed of a conical coil spring and facing the first electrode, a dielectric disposed on the first electrode, a button positioned on the top portion of the second electrode, and a rubber cap disposed between the button and second electrode, for giving snap feeling to an operator when the button is depressed and the capacitance of the switch exceeds a given value. The capacitance varies with the change in the facing area which changes substantially in proportion to the depth of depression of the button. The switch is capacitive-coupled for a switching operation and the snap feeling is given to the operator when the capacitance exceeds the given value.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly having a first switch contact member behind a housing panel which has an opening through which the shank of a bolt extends. The bolt shank carries a second switch contact member for engagement with the first switch contact member. An enlarged head on the bolt has a flat rear face for engaging the front of the housing panel around the opening. A rigid washer on the bolt shank is spaced slightly farther from the rear face of the bolt head than the thickness of the panel at the opening, so that normally the shank of the bolt tilts downward inside the housing. This establishes a first position of the second switch contact member, which is on the bolt shank, with respect to the first switch contact member. A person's finger pressing on the bolt head can raise the bolt shank to establish a second position of the second switch contact member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction of a control switch for use in measuring instruments of various types, such as digital indication type slide calipers. A link member is pivotally supported and pivoting thereof is effected by a movement of a control button. The link member is interposed between a switch portion for effecting the electrical connection or disconnection and the control button, which control button is provided in a side wall of a case body disposed for movement in a direction perpendicular to the working direction of the switch portion, and, when the link member is pivoted by movement of the control button, the electrical connection or disconnection can be effected.

Abstract: A capacitance membrane switch (1) including first (64,68), second (52,58) and third capacitor plates (44-48) wherein the third capacitor plates consist of conductive adhesive.

Abstract: A portable type electric appliance powered by incorporated main and reserve batteries. The batteries are connected to an electric load selectively by means of a switching device including a main switch for connecting the main battery to the load and a subsidiary switch for connecting the reserve battery to the load. A lock locks the subsidiary switch in a disconnected position until the main switch is closed. Namely, the subsidiary switch can be closed only after the main switch is closed. Therefore, the main battery is always used prior to the reserve battery, and when the main battery is exhausted, the reserve battery remaining unexhausted is capable of taking over to operate the appliance without requiring immediate replacement of the main battery. Accordingly, the accidental interruption of the operation of the appliance can be avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a line driven device such as a traverse rod. The apparatus includes a frame member adapted to be mounted on or near the device, a reaction arm mounted on the frame member for pivotal movement, a motor mounted on the reaction arm and having an output shaft with a drive member, the reaction arm being adapted for pivotal movement about the output shaft, and a tensioning member disposed in spaced relation to the drive member. With this arrangement, the tensioning member can engage a line to maintain the line in tension in response to pivotal movement of the reaction arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a squeeze switch assembly or switch housing which is particularly adapted for inclusion in a stuffed toy that has some type of electrical mechanism within it. A flat layer of resilient material is attached on one surface to a switch plate and on the other surface to a cover plate. The cover plate and the layer of resilient material have an aperture passing through them so that the apertures are coaxial. The cover plate is attached to and seals a container which contains a switch to and optionally the electrical mechanism. A plunger passes through the apertures in the layer of resilient material and the cover plate and slides when the switch plate is moved toward the cover plate so that the sliding action of the plunger actuates the switch thereby energizing the electrical mechanism.

Abstract: A switching arrangement for a rotating toothbrush which includes a rectangular casing accommodating the electric motor has a gravity switch provided in the housing and a switch actuated manually and provided externally on the housing. As a mercury gravity switch, a sensor is used, which consists of a tube closed at each end thereof and provided with a respective bottom portion at each end. Through each of the bottom portions at a lateral location, a conductor wire projects wherein through one of the bottom portions a further conductor wire projects whose forward portion within the tube is arranged at a distance to the wall of the tube and extends parallel to the conductor wires and leads almost to the end of the other bottom portion.

Abstract: A switch is provided comprising an insulating case supporting two conducting terminals, and a removable conducting rod coming to bear against the terminals so as to establish electric contact. The rod is held in abutment against a portion of a case and against the terminals by a retaining disk urged by a spring and operable by means of a resetting lever. Auxiliary electric conductors, formed from spring wires, comprise a helical part held in place by the screw shaped terminals and a rectilinear part bearing resiliently against the rod. The auxiliary electric conductors remain in contact with the rod during its reversible resilient travel so as to maintain the electric contact until definite release of the rod. Definite release occurs when the rod exceeds its reversible resilient travel and escapes the case and the retaining disk. The switch is effective to break an electrical circuit in the presence of frost and vibration such as to provide safety on cable transporting pylons.

Abstract: A body coordination training aid is presented for providing audio signals to a user in response to the user's head and shoulders assuming a predetermined relative orientation. This is accomplished via an electronic device responsive to a movable electrode contacting an adjustable electrode to complete an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A user operated switch has a support frame mounted to a person's body. A first electrical contact is mounted on and extends from the frame. Contacting structure includes a friction device positioned against a portion of the person's skin and is supported by an electrically conductive support arm. An electrically conducting lever arm has a first end mounted in the friction device in electrical contact with the support arm. A second end of the lever arm is located adjacent the first contact. Skin movement will cause contact between the first contact and the lever arm. The switch may be modified to act as a double throw, single pole switch.

Abstract: A housing has a wall constituted by a rigid metal plate formed with an array of throughgoing perforations and by a flexible synthetic-resin sheet overlying the inner face of the rigid wall and having a multiplicity of projections each extending through a respective perforation and beyond the outer surface of the rigid plate. Futhermore the flexible sheet may be inwardly deflectable to actuate a switch in the housing.