Abstract: The device engages the hand of the operator and maintains same in a fixed position while permitting movement of the fingers. A first rigid part is adapted to be situated adjacent the palm. A second rigid part, aligned with the first part, is adapted to be situated adjacent the back of the hand. The first and second parts are mounted in a fixed, spaced relationship to engage the hand therebetween. The pushbuttons are mounted in sets, each set being aligned with a different finger and adapted to be operated by the pivotal movements of the finger in its plane as the finger is moved relative to the palm.

Abstract: An improved membrane switch (12) of greater sensitivity and simplified, lightweight construction which is particularly adapted for sensing material levels in hoppers, comprises a first non-conductive sheet (18) with conductive open contacts (22), leads (24), and contactor (28) provided on one side thereof. The first sheet (18) is folded back on itself and secured to a spacer or second sheet (20) such that the contacts (22) and contactor (28) are in aligned, normally spaced apart relationship. A second embodiment of the membrane switch (50) comprises four non-conductive sheets (52, 54, 70 and 74) stacked, instead of folded, and interconnected to form a thin yieldable envelope for the normally open contact (62) and contactor (76). In the second embodiment, the third sheet (70) acts as the spacer.

Abstract: A device for automatically igniting the oxygen-acetylene mixture flowing from a welders torch when the tip of the torch is brought into pressure contact with an elongate resilient member that forms a part of the invention.

Abstract: A hand-controllable switch for remote control of an electrosurgical instrument is comprised of an elongated hollow body composed of an electrically insulative material with an electrical conductor tube positioned therein, a blade member inserted lengthwise through a bore in connected relation to the conductor tube, and electrical leads terminating in longitudinally spaced relation to one another so that in contacting the conductor tube they are operative to establish distinct electrical power levels. The body is composed of a resilient material in which is resiliently mounted one or more annular switch members which are depressible under hand or finger pressure at any point on their circumferences to effect closure with the electrical conductor tube.

Abstract: A headset for supporting electrical contact means which are operated by the movement of the jaw and/or the eyebrows is electrically connected to a computer, video game console or the like to provide educational and recreational opportunities to persons who can move only the jaw and eyebrows. A flexible chin strap formed with a chin cup supports a horizontally mounted chin bar having an electrode contact on one end. A housing having a plurality of sides, each inner face of which has mounted thereon an electrode connected to a computer interface is mounted around the chin bar electrode to provide a means for the user to establish contact between the chin bar electrode and one or more of the housing electrodes by up, down or sideward movement of the jaw. An adjustable head band formed to fit above the eyebrows of the user is formed with a contact electrode extending outwardly from the center portion of the headband between the eyes.

Abstract: A not-watertight touch pad for swimming competitions mounted partially submersed on the finishing wall of a swimming pool. It includes two plates located in front of each other, the front one of which is somehow perforated and loosely inserted in a frame consisting of channel sections on the four sides and movable towards the insulated back plate. Resting between the two plates, many turns of parallel conductive strips are bonded onto the back plate, whereas some hundreds of conductive springs shaped as seagull wings are welded onto the central strips. These springs are mounted perpendicularly to the strips and are acting as spacers between the two plates and as electrical contacts between the strips as soon as any pressure is applied on the front plate.

Abstract: A swimmer arrival signal panel is provided for locating at an end of a swimming lane. The panel may be mounted at the end of a pool or on a bulkhead and forms a permanent installation in the pool. The panel comprises a panel of non-conductive material, the bottom of the panel adapted for mounting at one end of a swimming lane below water level in the swimming pool, the panel being free to move forward when contacted by a swimmer. A first adjustment provides a distance of travel within a predetermined range for the panel, a second adjustment establishes the position of the panel within the distance of travel where a contact is activated to signal a swimmer's arrival, and an adjustable spring to determine force required to move the panel.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for controlling one or more movable element such as seats and side windows mounted in an automobile and the like, which includes a switch holding means having switch holding faces and control switches mounted on the switch holding faces. Each control switch has an operation knob so arranged as to be operated in the directions respectively corresponding to a direction of the respective movement of the movable element. Therefore, it is very easy for a user to operate correctly the control switches without being confused at selection of switch operations.

Abstract: An improved alarm system sensing and triggering apparatus for remote detection of interruptions or alterations in an otherwise closed electrical alarm circuit. Exposed electrodes are embedded together with a substantially deformable current conducting element in a recessed housing cavity. The conducting element is compressable or deformable, momentarily, to an altered shape to activate the alarm system without the need for partially or completely detaching the sensor itself from the article to which it is connected. The recessed cavity together with the exposed electrodes and deformable conducting means cooperate with the sensor housing and alarm system integration conductors and with sensor attachment devices to provide the improved security features.

Abstract: An adjustable pressure switch is disclosed which has a generally cylindrical plastic case with a cylindrical cavity formed in one side. A mating, cylindrical pressure plate fits within the cavity and is spaced away from the bottom of the cavity by a resilient annular member. A top electrical contact member is mounted to the pressure plate and a bottom electrical contact member is mounted in the case, with the two contact members being normally maintained in spaced relation by the resilient member. A compression ring fitting within a groove in the cavity in the case holds the pressure plate firmly in position. Force applied to the pressure plate urges the same toward the bottom of the cavity until the two contact members make electrical contact. The amount of force required to close the switches can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the top contact member, formed as a set screw threaded into the pressure plate, or by selecting the shape or material of the resilient annular member.

Abstract: An inclination sensitive hand controller comprises a generally cylindrical handle having liquid contact switches mounted at different angles of orientation within the handle. The switches are actuated dependent upon the tilting of the handle from a preselected position. A squeeze responsive control switch is mounted in a non-exposed position within the handle. This switch is activated or deactivated upon squeezing of the handle to control connection and disconnection of electrical power to the tilt switches. An exposed finger- depressible switch is mounted at one end of the handle which independently controls other circuits than the circuits controlled by the tilt switches and the squeeze responsive control switch.

Abstract: A freestanding multidirectional control device for use in controlling video display images in electronic game machines comprises a handle member connected by a multiconductor cable to electric circuitry in the game machine. The handle member contains two pairs of gravity switches electrically connected to separate output signal conductors in the cable. The pairs of switches are mutually normal along the vertical axis of the handle member. The switches in each pair are oppositely inclined from vertical so that tilting the handle member one way produces an output signal on one of the conductors and tilting it in the opposite direction produces such a signal on a different conductor. The pairs of switches can be either single-ended, two-position tilt switches or double-ended, three-position tilt switches. At least one of the liquid contact switches may contain at least one electrode comprising a length of electrically resistive material to form a variable resistance electrical conduction path.

Abstract: An improved capacitive keyboard uses a standard printed circuit board provided in various locations with spaced conductor pairs. A conductive disc with a flat insulated lower surface is aligned above each conductor pair. All of the discs are suspended above the printed circuit board within apertures of a web of polymer foam material and held in position by a sheet of adhesive covered plastic that covers and adheres to the entire upper surface of the web and each of the discs.

Abstract: A pushbutton device comprises a pipe or tubular member for being affixed to a casing as of an electronic watch, a pushbutton body axially movably disposed in the pipe, resilient structure for returning the pushbutton body to an original position, structure for retaining the pushbutton body in the pipe, and a plurality of contacts selectively actuatable by the pushbutton body into and out of mutual electrical contact. Either the pushbutton body or the pipe has at least one step on its upper surface remote from the contacts to provide a plurality of stepped strokes of depressed movement of the pushbutton body with respect to the pipe for selective actuation of the contacts. The resilient structure may be a coil spring or a resilient leaf spring.

Abstract: An indicator system connected with a guide wheels steering hydraulic cylinder and informing a vehicle operator about the guide wheel angular position relative to the vehicle rectilinear travel direction under any weather, terrain or light conditions. Right and left contact plates located along one selection of the outer surface of the cylinder are contacted by a contact arm moving with the piston rod of the cylinder. Since the rod reciprocates depending on the direction of turning the contact is used to complete a circuit lighting a left or right turn lamp, thus indicating when a predetermined turn angle is exceeded in either direction.

Abstract: A membrane switch in which switch activation produces a change in the combined resistance and capacitance across leads of the switch.

Abstract: A switch assembly with a different combination of resistance and capacitance associated with each of a plurality of switches and with as few as two leads connecting the plurality of switches to external circuitry. The external circuitry detects switch activation by sensing combined resistance and capacitance across the switch leads.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch for selectively connecting an electrical system to a source of electrical power, such as a battery. At least two electrically conductive bodies are mounted within a switch housing in spaced relation to each other and in communication with a housing chamber. Fastening means are provided for connecting each conductive body to an electrical cable. An electrically conductive contactor carried within the chamber is movable between a closed position in contact with each conductive body and an open position out of contact with each conductive body. A first biasing means presses the contactor into engagement with the conductive bodies in response to movement of an actuator means toward a first position and a second biasing means snaps the contactor out of contact with the conductive bodies in response to movement of the actuator means toward a second position, actuator movement being responsive to a mechanical or electrical signal produced remotely from the switch housing.

Abstract: A gas spring arrangement in which conductive terminals on the cylinder and piston rod of a gas spring are connected by a conductive path insulated from the cylinder and piston rod. The path may be provided in part by contact elements on the cylinder and piston rod outside the cylinder cavity which engage each other when the piston rod approaches its axially terminal position during inward movement into the cavity. The path may also be provided in part by an insulated conductor helically wound on the piston rod in the cavity or outside. It may also include an axially elongated conductor secured to the axial cylinder wall outside the cavity.

Abstract: A touch type tuner of television is equipped with a touch control mechanism which has a plurality of touch fingers, each thereof having one end abutting against touch buttons of the tuner respectively. The touch control mechanism is communicating with a remote control box by a plurality of flexible tubes connecting therebetween. As one of the push buttons of the remote control box is depressed, an air pressure is transmitted through the tube to blow a bellows which subsequently biases a movable body forwards and actuates a potential conducting line to contact with the other end of the corresponding touch finger, whereby the remote control of selection is achieved.

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. Furthermore the flexible sheet may be inwardly deflectable to actuate a switch in the housing.

Abstract: There is provided a battery-operated electrical appliance such as an electric shaver including a mechanism for counting the number of times the appliance is operated. A first switch for activating the appliance is positioned in the mechanism housing, together with a rotatably mounted member provided with indicia for indicating the number of times the first swtich has been operated. An actuating member brings the movable contact and the fixed contact of the first switch into and out of engagement with each other, the actuating member including an element for engagement with the indicating member to successively rotate the same one indicia unit each time the first switch is actuated. A second switch is associated in the housing with the indicating member and has a movable contact and a fixed contact arranged to be brought into engagement after a predetermined number of successive partial rotations of the indicating member.

Abstract: A user, touch actuable switch panel of the capacitive type that includes one or more touch actuable capacitive switches, each switch including at least two capacitive plate elements formed on a dielectric panel. Conductive paths formed on the dielectric panel interconnect the capacitive plate elements to a source for applying signals to the capacitive plate elements forming said capacitive switches and sensing a resulting change in signal level when a selected switch is actuated by the user. Trim tabs formed on the dielectric panel are provided to balance the effect of stray capacitance between the conductive paths and the capacitive plate elements to maintain the level of change of signal at a determined value upon the actuation of each of said one or more capacitive switches.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the position of a drive element for automatically opening and closing a sliding door which is automatically opened upon stepping on of a mat switch by a customer who intends to enter a store and is automatically closed upon releasing of the mat switch by the customer who entered the store. The drive element of the automatically opening and closing sliding door is adjusted by merely once manually opening and closing sliding door. The drive elements such as limit switches are slidably mounted, not on the sliding door but on an endless wire such as an endless belt. Thus, adjusting the drive element so that the sliding door may stop just upon completely opening or closing of the door when mounting such an automatic sliding door can be rapidly and readily accomplished.

Abstract: An electric hair dryer shaped to appear as a western style gun or six-shooter, wherein the heated air exits from the barrel of the hair dryer gun. The hair dryer gun has a hammer and trigger operated electric switch and safety mechanism designed such that the trigger must be pulled to unlatch the hammer which is connected to the switch. Movement of the hammer serves to turn the hair dryer on and to different modes of operation.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a swag kit for ceiling mounted fans wherein the kit includes a flexible electrical conductor supported within a chain, the upper region of the chain being connected to a ceiling plate while the lower region of the conductor connects to a switch box containing a switch for the fan, and may also include a light switch. A line cord is connected to a switch within the switch box, and the ceiling plate functions to electrically isolate the fan connections from the ceiling in compliance with code regulations. Conductor strain relief means are provided at both the ceiling plate and switch box, and a chain receiving hook is homogeneously defined upon the ceiling plate to support the chain without tensioning the conductor.

Abstract: An alarm toe switch inserted within a shoe for energizing an alarm circuit n a covert manner includes an insole mounting pad into which a miniature reed switch is fixedly molded. An elongated slot perpendicular to the reed switch is formed in the bottom surface of the mounting pad. A permanent cylindrical magnet positioned in the forward portion of the slot with a diameter greater than the pad thickness causes a bump above the pad. A foam rubber block is also positioned in the slot rearwardly of the magnet and holds the magnet in normal inoperative relation. A non-magnetic support plate covers the slot and holds the magnet and foam rubber in the slot. The plate minimizes bending and frictional forces to improve movement of the magnet for reliable switch activation. The bump occupies the knuckle space beneath the big toe. When the big toe is scrunched rearwardly the magnet is moved within the slot relative to the reed switch, thus magnetically activating the switch.

Abstract: A mercury switch assembly is adapted to be secured to an anterior horizontal surface of a patient and connected to an electrical alarm system. The switch assembly comprises a head chamber and a foot chamber connected by a throat passageway. A ball of mercury moves from the head chamber through the throat passageway and into the foot chamber to complete an electrical circuit when the switch assembly is tilted from horizontal by a predetermined degree of inclination. The head chamber is generally elliptical with lateral extensions. The throat passageway is narrow and shallow. The foot chamber is deep and rounded. The ball of mercury normally lies within the head chamber in the horizontal position, but establishes electrical connection between a novel form of terminals contained in the foot chamber when the tilt threshold of the switch assembly is reached.

Abstract: The self-adjusting limit switch assembly of this invention has two switches mounted on a slide for sliding movement on a bracket. A transverse slot in the slide has two facing surfaces. The switches are mounted on each side of the slot with their operating members extending slightly past the slot. The actuator is positioned to extend into the slot. When the brakes are first moved to the brake released position the actuator engages not only the operating member of the switch on that side, but also a wall of the slot and moves the slide to a brake released position thereby correctly adjusting the position of the switches. When the brakes require adjustment due to wear, the actuator engages the operating member of the second switch, as before, causing an indicator to function.

Abstract: A control mechanism which includes a mercury switch associated with each down auger carried by an arcuately rotating horizontal support of a grain bin stirring apparatus which does not permit the arcuate movement to commence until a predetermined rate of auger revolution is reached and which also automatically terminates said arcuate movement whenever the structure to which the augur is journaled is tipped beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: The drink mixer (10) includes a standard (12), base (14) and motor housing (16) formed to provide an integral, unitary wall structure adjacent a stirrer arm (18). The front of the standard and top of the base are protected by a removable splatter shield (22) which is properly positioned by a locator pin (118) formed on the standard (12). The splatter shield (22) is held in place by a cup support assembly (24) and a switch actuator assembly (26). This switch actuator assembly (26) operates a power switch assembly (58) including a flat slide plate (74) which shields a normally closed microswitch (96). The lower edge of the slide plate (74) contacts a switch actuating arm (100) to depress the microswitch button (98) when the slide plate is in an "off" position. The slide plate (74) moves away from the switch actuating arm (100) to release the switch button (98) and actuate the mixer ( 10).

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a body having one open end exposed for adaptation of a pyrotechnic cartridge and the other end sealed by the base of a pin type connector assembly having short conductive pins and elongated conductive pins with relief areas containing insulative material. The pins are inserted into the body cavity. A conductive grounding plate or plates have tabs which bite into the pins and connect selected pins in a first operational state. A plunger having fracturable bosses is located adjacent the contact plate. Upon activation of a pyrotechnic cartridge, pressure is applied to the plunger, causing fracture of the bosses and resulting in the displacement of the plunger to move the contact plate to a different position thereby changing the number of closed circuits.

Abstract: A safety switch for a vacuum cleaner which includes a vacuum cleaner housing, at least two attachments adapted to be affixed to the housing, and a switch casing fixed to the housing. First and second slides are mounted for reciprocation in the casing relative to the casing and relative to each other. A pair of socket openings are provided in the casing. Each of the slides are provided with a cam surface which is located in each socket opening. Each cam surface slopes inwardly toward a central axis of each socket. Each attachment has a probe adapted to enter one or the other of the sockets when the attachment is mounted on the cleaner. Each of the probes being adapted to move the first and second slides in opposite directions a predetermined total relative distance. The first slide is adapted to operate a first plurality of switch arms while the second slide is adapted to operate a second plurality of switch arms.

Abstract: An electrical line-connector device for safety application. The electrical contacts of the two-part line-connector which connect electrical conductors with one another are flush contacts, which come into contact when the connecting parts are brought together. Each connecting part contains a part of a holding-magnet arrangement which includes a permanent magnet, assuring the holding-together of the connecting parts and the required contact pressure. The one connecting part contains a switch device which is formed in such a way that the flush contacts only carry voltage when the connecting parts are placed together. The switch device can be a familiar magnetic switch, which is switched on by the permanent magnet in the other connecting part when the connecting parts are placed together.

Abstract: A gas spring arrangement in which conductive terminals on the cylinder and piston rod of a gas spring are connected by a conductive path insulated from the cylinder and piston rod. The path may be provided in part by contact elements on the cylinder and piston rod outside the cylinder cavity which engage each other when the piston rod approaches its axially terminal position during inward movement into the cavity. The path may also be provided in part by an insulated conductor helically wound on the piston rod in the cavity or outside. It may also include an axially elongated conductor secured to the axial cylinder wall outside the cavity.

Abstract: A position sensor includes first and second parts rotatable relative to each other. The first part includes first and second half-ring conductors insulated from each other. The conductors define a sliding surface and the ends of the conductors are spaced to define a slot interrupting the sliding surface. The second part includes a spherical ball closely received in a bore normal to said sliding surface. A spring resiliently urges the ball into said slot to make contact between the two conductors.

Abstract: An alarm device including an alarm switch mounted on the structure of a building that carries walking surfaces such as a floor joist. A switch is actuated upon structural deflection associated with imposition of predetermined amount of weight at the area of the switch as when a person is walking thereon. The deflection of the structure causes relative movement between an electrical contact and an electrically conductive taut wire to energize a circuit which can give an alarm or other indication.

Abstract: The battery cable switch disclosed has electrically conductive bodies positioned in an insulating housing which also contains a reciprocating contactor movable into and out of contact with said bodies. The switch is remotely operable by an actuator having a cam slide for reciprocating the contactor and a detent for holding the contactor in its open position. Each conductive body can be detachably connected to a battery cable and the housing made watertight by seals around the cables and the actuator. Snap-on means are provided for connecting the actuator to the housing and the housing to its mounting bracket. Both the cam slide and the contactor may be spring biased and the motive portion of the actuator may take various forms.

Abstract: A pair of electrical switches are arranged to be engaged by a respective pivoted carriage member, to indicate the end of tape in correlation with the diameter of a tape reel mounted on each carriage member. Each switch is generally contained within a housing having a longitudinal axis. A pair of electrical contacts, each interconnected to the circuitry of the system, are positioned within the housing adjacent to the axis. A plunger is adapted to be operable along the longitudinal axis between the two contacts and has one end extending from the housing to act as an actuator. A yoke has a base threadedly secured to the plunger and has a body extending parallel with the plunger within the housing. An elastic shorting member is partially compressed and positioned within the body of the yoke. The elastic shorting member is adapted to engage the electrical contacts to conduct electricity through the switch.

Abstract: A weighing machine with a function key device and an electronic indicator, wherein the function key device comprises an electrically conductive contact sensor and a micro key device with a movable element arranged behind the contact surface and operatively connected therewith, so that manual pressure on the contact surface can operate the device either by electrical contact with the contact surface or by movement of the micro key device.

Abstract: A capacitance type contact switch has a conductive push button in the form of a bottomed cylinder which is slidably contained in first and second fitting members attached to a support plate. One end of a conductive spring member presses on the inside of a bottom portion of the push button to bias the push button toward the back of a front contact plate, while the other end of the spring member is in contact with a conductive seat member. An electrical circuit substrate contained in a switch case is connected to the seat member by means of a lead wire. Thus, electrical conduction may be provided between the contact plate and the electrical circuit substrate by means of the push button, spring member, seat member, and the lead wire. The switch is operated when a user touches the front contact plate to form a capacitance, the charging voltage of the capacitance being detected to control the switch in a manner known per se.

Abstract: A swimming pool bulkhead is disclosed having a vertical surface on one or both sides which may be used as swimmer arrival signal devices. The bulkhead has swimmer arrival signal panels in all swimming lanes on at least one vertical side face and comprises a rigid structure having top members and bottom members extending lengthwise along the bulkhead, a walkway supported on the top members, the bulkhead vertical side face divided into substantially equal portions establishing individual swimming lanes. Roller support means are provided at each end of the bulkhead and removable locating and anchoring means at each end of the bulkhead. At least one swimmer arrival signal panel is provided within each of the portions representing individual swimming lanes, the panel extending between the top member and the bottom member on at least one side of the bulkhead, the panel having a switch means adapted to be activated when the panel is contacted by a swimmer.

Abstract: A mercury switch assembly adapted to be secured to an anterior horizontal surface of a patient and connected to an electrical alarm system. The assembly includes a pair of connected and enclosed chambers which contain a quantity of mercury which moves into contact with electric terminals that project into one of the chambers only when the switch assembly is displaced from horizontal by a predetermined degree of inclination. The assembly contains an elliptical shaped head chamber with lateral extensions connected to a deep rounded foot chamber by a narrow throat passageway. The mercury normally lies within the head chamber in the horizontal position, but establishes electrical connection between the terminals contained in the foot chamber when the tilt threshold of the assembly is reached. The foot chamber retains the mercury in contact with the terminals despite subsequent displacements of the assembly until the device is removed and inverted, thereby causing the mercury to return to the head chamber.

Abstract: A buzzer switch comprising a housing of plastic material including a laterally extending slot. A contact made of spring material is positioned in the slot and has a first portion thereof extending in cantilever fashion adjacent the upper end of the body. The body has a second slot therein for receiving a second contact. The second contact has a portion extending in cantilever fashion in generally the same direction as the cantilever portion of the first contact. An actuator is pivoted to the body and has a portion thereof adapted to engage and move the cantilever portion of the first contact inwardly of the body into contact with the second contact. A cover closes the slots in the body. The cover includes openings through which terminals extend into contact with first and second contacts.

Abstract: An actuating switch (30) is provided for a stylus pen (10). The actuating switch (30) includes a first contact (74) and a second contact (78). A spring (100) is disposed between the first contact (74) and the second contact (78), such that when pressure is applied to the stylus pen (10) to actuate the switch (30) the spring (100) compresses to simultaneously contact both the first contact (74) and the second contact (78) to positively actuate the switch (30) and provide a sensed indication of movement to an operator to alert the operator of closure of switch (30).

Abstract: The tail gate of a station wagon carries an electric lamp for automatically illuminating the adjacent portion of the body compartment when the tail gate is open. The lamp is energized from the battery of the vehicle through a pneumatic spring which biases the tail gate toward the open position. The two fastening eyes of the spring insulate the piston rod and cylinder of the spring from the tail gate and body of the vehicle respectively. A switch sealed in the spring conductively connects the piston rod and cylinder, otherwise insulated from each other, when the spring holds the tail gate open, terminals on the piston rod and cylinder outside the cylinder cavity being connected to the battery and the lamp respectively.

Abstract: An external operation device for electronic timepieces having a switch unit made up of an array of a plurality of electric switches is inserted in an external member of a timepiece and said electric switches being electrically connected to an internal module.

Abstract: A safety stop switch for a marine engine includes a control unit housing, and a normally closed, single throw toggle switch mounted on the housing and including a switch arm extending away from the housing to permit operation of the switch between closed and open positions. The switch is electrically connected to the engine to interrupt engine operation when switched to the open position. A hood extends from the periphery of the housing and covers the switch arm when in the closed position, and has a peripheral lip which is spaced from the switch arm a dimension which is less than the thickness of a key which encircles the switch arm. A lanyard is connected to the key and to the boat operator, and upon the exertion of a force on the lanyard, the key pulls the switch arm down into the open position, thereby interrupting operation of the marine engine.

Abstract: A thin-film transparent electrode is provided on the front glass of an electronic wristwatch to form a part of a switching mechanism cooperation with a metal frame provided at the back of the wristwatch. The metal frame is maintained in contact with the operator's wrist in an operative condition. When the operator touches the thin-film transparent electrode, the switching mechanism in its ON condition provides a signal for controlling an operation mode of the electronic wristwatch, for example, a display condition.

Abstract: The pneumatic spring which holds the rear gate of a station wagon in the open position transmits electric current to heating filaments in the window of the rear gate by way of terminals on the piston rod and the cylinder of the spring, the terminals being connected by a contact spring in the cylinder cavity in the closed position of the rear gate.