Abstract: A push button device including a supporting member which is provided with a through hole and in which a recess section is provided outside the through hole, an operation member which includes a shaft section that is slidably inserted into the through hole, and a head section that is provided on an outer end of the shaft section and slidably fitted into the recess section, a first filter which is provided in the recess section and arranged at a position surrounded by an annular first groove section into which an outer circumferential convex section of the head section is fitted and the outer circumferential convex section, and a second filter which is provided in the head section and arranged at a position surrounded by an annular second groove section into which an inner circumferential convex section of the recess section is fitted and the inner circumferential convex section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide magnetic lancet devices and methods for driving a lancet. For example, a magnetic lancet device may include a driving mechanism having a plurality of magnets and a lancet coupled to the driving mechanism. A magnetic interaction between the plurality of magnets is configured to drive the lancet from an engaged position to a penetrating position.

Abstract: A key structure is provided, including a housing, a shaft body, a first magnetic component and a second magnetic component. The housing has a bottom portion and a top portion which are opposite to each other, and has a first opening located at the top portion. The shaft body is coupled with the housing by passing through the first opening, and the shaft body is suitable for being pressed to move in a pressing direction from the top portion to the bottom portion. The first magnetic component is arranged on the shaft body. The second magnetic component is arranged on the housing. The first magnetic component and the second magnetic component are separated by the housing.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for receiving input and/or generating output comprises a key assembly. The key assembly comprises a key cover, a magnet, and an electromagnet. The magnet is coupled to the key cover. The electromagnet is operable to displace the key cover based on whether the key assembly is in an active state or an inactive state. In the active state, the electromagnet is operable to raise the key cover to a first position based on generation of a magnetic field. In the inactive state, the electromagnet is operable to lower the key cover to a second position based on cessation of the magnetic field.

Abstract: A push button capable of improving shock resistance and a timepiece equipped therewith are provided. This push button includes an operation member having a shaft section inserted into a through hole of a case and a head section provided on the outer end of the shaft section, and an elastic member which presses the head section toward the outside of the case or is elastically deformed, and this elastic member includes a buffer section that buffers a pressure externally applied to the head section which is greater than a predetermined pressure. Accordingly, when a pressure greater than the predetermined pressure is applied to the head section, the head section comes in contact with the buffer section while elastically deforming the elastic member so as to buffer the pressure. By this structure, shock resistance is improved.

Abstract: A gate latch arranged to be mounted to either a gate or gate post and adapted to co-operate with a component mounted on the other of the gate or gate post to hold the gate closed, the gate latch comprising: a latch mechanism, and a housing containing at least a portion of the latch mechanism, the housing being configured to receive at least one latch accessory to modify the gate latch.

Abstract: In a contact member, a mesh-like contact including one or more layers of a metal other than a noble metal is embedded in such a manner as to be exposed from one of the surfaces of a rubbery elastic body. The contact member includes a highly conductive metal coat layer only in the regions of the mesh-like contact which are exposed from the rubbery elastic body, the coat layer having conductivity higher than that of the metal on the outermost surfaces of the mesh-like contact.

Abstract: A waterproof button module includes a casing, a button, a resilient member, and a first waterproof portion. The casing has a first recess and a first through hole located at a bottom of the first recess. The button is located in the first recess and partially passes through the first through hole. The resilient member is located in the first recess. The button and the bottom of the first recess are respectively located on opposite sides of the resilient member. The first waterproof portion surrounds the first through hole and abuts against the resilient member and the first recess in an airtight manner.

Abstract: A holding device for receiving switching elements for a command and alert device, with a first housing portion in which a recess for receiving an actuator of a command and alert device is arranged, and with a second housing portion arranged on the first housing portion and which continues the recess of the first housing portion, where guide rails for guiding transmission elements are formed in the housing portions, and where the transmission elements transmit an actuation of the actuator to a switching element.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles to provide a charging cradle or base station that includes one or more movable electrical contacts. Generally, each of the movable contacts protrudes through an opening in a surface of the cradle only when a cordless electrical device is positioned on or within the cradle. When the cordless electrical device is not positioned on or within the cradle, the one or more movable contacts are retracted inside the body of the cradle such that the movable contacts cannot be bumped or hit by the reader during insertion of the reader into the cradle and during removal of the reader from cradle. Systems, methods, and articles to provide a charging cradle or base station with selectively removable electrical contacts are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a switch having a small longitudinal size of movable contacts and reduced size. The switch includes a base, a pair of fixing terminals standing on an upper surface of the base, an insulating wall section integrated with at least one of the fixing terminals, a push button arranged to be upward and downward movable in the axial direction, and a slider movable upward and downward with the push button. The slider has elastic arm sections in both ends thereof, the elastic arm sections being provided with movable contact portions to be brought into sliding contact with the fixing terminals or the insulating wall section while pressing the fixing terminals or the insulating wall section from one side The switch is configured to enable the movable contact portions to connect to and separate from the fixing terminals based on operation of the push button upward and downward.

Abstract: A switch structure with display and playback functions includes a base, a circuit board, a holder, a display screen, and a cover. The circuit board is received in the base and has an electrical connection region. A supporting member and a flexible flat cable are provided below the holder. An elastic supporting element in the supporting member corresponds in position to the electrical connection region and is provided with an electrical connector. The display screen is provided on the holder and is electrically connected to the circuit board by the flexible flat cable. The cover covers the holder and the display screen. When the cover is pressed downward, thereby compressing the elastic supporting element, the electrical connector is contacted with, and closes the circuit of, the electrical connection region to connect the display screen to the circuit board. The switch structure features a small internal space and small thickness.

Abstract: A push & lock unit includes cam sections mounted on an outer wall of a rotary body that is disposed on an underside of an operating body, and each one of the cam sections contacts a saw-tooth section disposed on a lower end of a rib on an inner wall of a cover and a projection disposed at a bottom center of a housing in response to an up and down movement of the operating body, whereby the rotary body is rotated. When the operating body is pushed, a push face thereof is locked at a position almost flush with an outer face of a panel. When the operating body is pushed once more, it is released from the lock, and restores to a state where the operating body projects from the outer face of the panel.

Abstract: A button mechanism includes a circuit structure and an actuating structure. The circuit structure includes a substrate, a first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are disposed on the substrate, and the second electrode layer is separated from the first electrode layer. The first electrode layer includes a first section and a second section. The second electrode layer includes a third section and a fourth section. The second section stretches to the third section, and the fourth section stretches to the first section. A predetermined gap is formed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and the predetermined gap includes a plurality of curved portions. The actuating structure includes a conductive portion for conducting the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

Abstract: A key structure comprises a bottom portion, a keycap and an elastic element. The bottom portion includes a pressing portion. The keycap includes a conducting portion and a fixing portion. The elastic element is a hollow structure formed by linear winding, and it is disposed between the bottom portion and the keycap. The conducting portion passes through the hollow structure and corresponds to the pressing portion, and the fixing portion is used to fix the elastic element. The keycap is movably fixed to the bottom portion, and the conducting portion is connected to the pressing portion when the keycap moves towards the bottom portion.

Abstract: A switch includes a switch main body having a movable section displaceable downward by pressure to bring a movable contact into contact with a fixed contact, the movable section being displaced upward to open each contact by a release of pressure; a button section that presses the movable section in response to a downward pressing operation; and a support arm having one end portion supporting the button section. An end of the support arm not coupled to the button section is turnable and held at a location in a support surface arranged vertically. The button section bottom surface is inclined and separated from the movable section when the button section is not pressed. When the button section is pressed and is lowered to a position at which the fixed contact and the movable contact are closed, the bottom surface is in an approximately horizontal state and presses the movable section.

Abstract: An electrical contact (1) that comprises a core body (3) made from elasticmaterial and having outer, inner and side surfaces, a metal mesh layer (5) extending to the outer and sidesurfaces of the core body (3) and a bonding layer (7) covering the edge of the metal mesh layer (5) at the side surface of the core body (3). Since the metal mesh layer (5) is provided to the outer surface (contact surface) of the core body (3), the outer surface comes in contact with the other contact surface with a number of contact points. By providing the bonding layer (7), the edge (cut surface) of the metal mesh (5) is rarely exposed to air and the rusting which occurs easily at the edge can be prevented. And, the bonding layer (7) has a function for preventing the key top material from coming into around the outer surface of the electrical contact at the process for attaching the contact (1) to the key top.

Abstract: This invention provides a switch including a housing, a plunger that slides in a press direction or a return direction with respect to the housing, a return spring that biases the plunger in the return direction and is compressed by a slide of the plunger in the press direction, a plurality of terminals that are brought into a conductive state according to a predetermined position of the plunger, and a terminal contact spring that makes contact with the terminals so as to bring the terminals into a conductive state by the slide of the plunger in the press direction. The terminal contact spring is disposed so as to be compressed according to the slide of the plunger in the press direction under a contact state of making contact with the terminals.

Abstract: A push switch includes a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact disposed apart from the first fixed contact. Furthermore, the push switch includes a dome-shaped metallic movable contact facing the first fixed contact with a space therebetween, and a protrusion disposed above a center of the movable contact. When the protrusion is pressed, the movable contact is elastically reversed, and the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact become electrically conductive with each other via the movable contact.

Abstract: An electric SMD type switching element has a body incorporating the switching element, at least two contact surfaces, which are provided on the underside of the body for mounting an SMD, and an actuating element provided on the side opposing the underside, which is movably connected to the body as a moving portion in keeping with the longitudinal axis of the switching element. Here, an electrically conducting connection is created between the contacts via a switching contact, which can be closed by the movement of the actuating element relative to the switching contact. The body has a lower section featuring the two contact surfaces and the switching contact, and an upper section incorporating the actuating element.

Abstract: A thin film switch, comprising: a first thin film, having a first conductor unit mounted thereon; and a second thin film, having a second conductor unit mounted on a surface thereof facing toward the first thin film; wherein, the first conductor unit is composed of at least one first electric conductor; and the second conductor is composed of a plurality of second electric conductors to be arranged in a manner that one of the plural second electric conductors is disposed at a first position defined on the second thin film while designating another one of the plural second electric conductors to be disposed at a second position of the second thin film. Operationally, the thin film switch is capable of outputting different signals in response to different forces exerted thereon for triggering different electric conductors mounted on different positions in the thin film switch.

Abstract: An actuator includes a housing, a resilient member and an actuator member. These components are arranged such that the actuator member is displaceable relative to the housing such that upon application of a force to the actuator member against a bias of the resilient member, a terminal end of the actuator member contacts a target area of a screen surface of a touchscreen device such that an electrical charge is allowed to be conducted between a top portion of the actuator member and the target area of the screen surface.

Abstract: An electronics enclosure and associated components form a self-contained, unitized assembly including control buttons and illuminated indicator elements, that can be mated as a single piece with an outer user interface control panel fascia. A front panel of the electronics enclosure provides a mounting location for various buttons and lighted indicators that will show through mating apertures provided in the control panel fascia. This may include light pipe collars and integral spring levers. Specially configured cup structures may be integrally molded at the ends of the spring levers to provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. A mount of planar spring button pieces on the front enclosure panel, over the associated spring levers, results in an assembly incorporating two springs serving to bias the associated button to its return position, and eliminating any rattle or looseness of the parts.

Abstract: A push-on switch includes a first contact plate, second contact plate, spacer, movable contact, and lid. The first plate has a projection at its center and a first terminal at its end. The second plate faces a face of the first contact plate protruding the projection and has an opening at its center and a second terminal at its end. The spacer is interposed between the first second plates for bonding them together. The movable contact is dome-shaped and has a protrusion protruding downward and touches a top face of the second plate. The protrusion faces the projection of the first plate via the opening with a given space therebetween. The lid holds the movable contact and is mounted on the top face of the second plate. A push onto the movable contact reverses the movable contact downward, which allows the protrusion to touch the projection.

Abstract: A push button-type switch device includes a pair of fixed contacts, an operable member to be pushed, an actuating member elastically deformable upon the operable member being pushed, a movable contact which short-circuits the pair of fixed contacts due to elastic deformation of the actuating member, and a limiting part arranged to limit a direction in which the operable member moves and making the operable member move in a fixed orientation. The limiting part includes a pair of link members that engage with each other, one ends of the link members rotatably supported by the base portion, and the other ends thereof slidably supported by the operable member. This produces a good click irrespective of a position where the operable member is operated.

Abstract: A switch includes a housing, a sliding member, and at least one connecting button. The housing includes at least one conductive member. The sliding member is slidably received in the housing. The sliding member includes at least one connecting member and at least one bevel surface. The connecting button is connected to the bevel surface. The connecting button is operable to be pressed to move along a pressing direction, and push the bevel surface such that the sliding member slides along a sliding direction substantially perpendicular to the pressing direction of the connecting button. The connecting member is electrically connected to the conductive member when the sliding member slides to a first position.

Abstract: A light guide sheet guides light emitted from a light introducer. The light guide sheet includes a film-shaped substrate, a light emitting section formed on the substrate, and a belt-shaped light-blocking section. The light emitting section reflects or scatters light transmitting in the substrate to the outside. The light-blocking section is formed in the substrate by coloring a position of the substrate to a color. In the position, the light emitting section is not formed. The color absorbs the light which is emitted from the light introducer. The light emitting section can alternatively be composed of a plurality of projections and/or a plurality of recesses. Such a light-blocking section is formed in a position of the substrate where the projections and/or the recesses are not formed.

Abstract: A control assembly is assembled between a housing and a printed circuit board of an electronic device. The housing defines a mounting hole. The control assembly includes a force member assembled in the mounting hole, a switch electrically fixed on the printed circuit board under the force member, and a resilient member abutted between the force member and the printed circuit board. The resilient member is compressed to allow the force member to contact the switch when external force applied to the force member.

Abstract: A push switch includes a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact disposed apart from the first fixed contact. Furthermore, the push switch includes a dome-shaped metallic movable contact facing the first fixed contact with a space therebetween, and a protrusion disposed above a center of the movable contact. When the protrusion is pressed, the movable contact is elastically reversed, and the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact become electrically conductive with each other via the movable contact.

Abstract: An electrical contact (1) according to the present invention comprises a core body (3) made from elastic material and having outer, inner and side surfaces, a metal mesh layer (5) extending the outer and side surfaces of the core body (3) and a bonding layer (7) covering the edge of the metal mesh layer (5) at the side surface of the core body (3). Since the metal mesh layer (5) is provided to the outer surface (contact surface) of the core body (3), the outer surface comes in contact with the other contact surface with a number of contact points. By providing the bonding layer (7), the edge (cut surface) of the metal mesh (5) is rarely exposed to air and the rusting which occurs easily at the edge can be prevented. And, the bonding layer (7) has a function for preventing the key top material from coming into around the outer surface of the electrical contact at the process for attaching the contact (1) to the key top.

Abstract: An emergency push-button includes a housing that, in turn, includes at least one guide surface and an actuator supported by the housing. The actuator may be reciprocable along a generally linear axis between an actuated position and a released position. The actuator has at least one indicator window located thereon. The emergency push-button may further include an indicator disposed proximal to the actuator head and being biased for movement therewith. The indicator may include an indicator surface that has indicia thereon that provides status of the emergency push-button and that is configured to be selectably viewable through the indicator window of the actuator head. The indicator further includes at least one arm extending therefrom that is engageable with the at least one guide surface.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: A switch includes a housing, a sliding member, and at least one connecting button. The housing includes at least one conductive member. The sliding member is slidably received in the housing. The sliding member includes at least one connecting member and at least one bevel surface. The connecting button is connected to the bevel surface. The connecting button is operable to be pressed to move along a pressing direction, and push the bevel surface such that the sliding member slides along a sliding direction substantially perpendicular to the pressing direction of the connecting button. The connecting member is electrically connected to the conductive member when the sliding member slides to a first position.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a shell, and a push button including a fixing member, a pushing member, an elastic member and an electrical-conductive member. A shell includes an upper surface and a cavity extending from the upper surface to a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The fixing member is received in the cavity of the shell. The pushing member is slidably received in the fixing member and exposed out of the cavity. The elastic member is positioned between the pushing member and the shell. The electrical-conductive member is mounted on an end of the pushing member.

Abstract: An emergency push-button includes a housing that, in turn, includes at least one guide surface and an actuator supported by the housing. The actuator may be reciprocable along a generally linear axis between an actuated position and a released position. The actuator has at least one indicator window located thereon. The emergency push-button may further include an indicator disposed proximal to the actuator head and being biased for movement therewith. The indicator may include an indicator surface that has indicia thereon that provides status of the emergency push-button and that is configured to be selectably viewable through the indicator window of the actuator head. The indicator further includes at least one arm extending therefrom that is engageable with the at least one guide surface.

Abstract: A device may include a key having a key head and an actuator configured to move and to change a position of the key head when the actuator moves, where the actuator is configured to change the position of the key head to a first key position, and when the key head is at the first key head position, the key, when at a depressed position, cannot provide a connection with respect to an electrical interface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a switch that includes multiple parts, and is arranged to function after extended periods of being in a depressed state are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-part switch includes a first contact, a second contact, and a plate. The first contact is electrically coupled to a first lead on a circuit board, and a second contact is electrically coupled to a second lead on the circuit board. The plate includes an electrically conductive area that contacts the first contact and the second contact to allow a signal to flow from the first contact to the second contact through the plate. In contacting the first contact and the second contact, the plate applies a compressive force to the first contact and to the second contact.

Abstract: A low profile limit switch utilizes a bowed spring actuator for advancing a bridge contact into and out of contact with a pair of terminal contacts to close and open the switch. The bridge contact is mounted on a glide on an end of the spring and formed from an insulating material. The terminal contacts are spring loaded and maintained in spaced apart and staggered relationship so that only one of the terminal contacts remains in contact with the bridge contact when it is retracted by the bowed spring. A mounting clip including a mounting flange and spaced apart spring loaded arms extending generally perpendicular to the mounting flange is used to mount the switch to a surface proximate an edge without having to obtain any significant amount of vertical clearance above the switch for bolting it to the surface.

Abstract: A plunger switch comprises a switch body housing a first contact element, a second contact element and an elongate plunger. The first contact element is partially housed in the switch body and extends out for operative communication with a circuit. The second contact element is movable along a longitudinal axis of the switch body and is aligned to contact the first contact element through movement. The elongate plunger is movable along the longitudinal axis of the switch body, and is able to be completely recessed in the switch body. Movement of the plunger in a first direction facilitates contact between the first and second contact elements. The contact elements contact at contact portions. At least a pair of the contact portions may have ridged surfaces that are oriented so as to have intersecting points at contact and configured to perform oxidation cleanup. At least a pair of the contact portions may include silver nitride.

Abstract: Switches and devices suitable for use in soft articles such as textiles are provided, which can be used to create integrated soft component systems. According to one embodiment, a conductor carrier (2) containing two parallel electrically conductive tracks (1) is disposed adjacent to a flexible contact maker (4). The flexible contact maker (4) comprises an electrically conductive substrate. One of the electrically conductive tracks of the conductor carrier (2) is permanently attached to the flexible contact maker (4) at a contact point (6). The other electrically conductive track has a contact point (3). In an open configuration, the flexible contact maker (4) does not make electrical contact with the contact point (3). In a closed configuration, the contact maker does make contact with the contact point (3) and closes the circuit between the two electrically conductive tracks. The flexible contact maker may be resiliently biased in either or both of the open and closed configurations.

Abstract: Switches for a variety of circuits for different purposes are formed by using similarly designed contact modules each having a module case incorporating a normally closed or normally open contact mechanism and a plunger for operating this contact mechanism, a single actuator having two end parts and being biased so as to rotate around a supporting axis between these contact modules, this actuator undergoing a rotary motion if a force is applied to one of its end parts so as to operate the plunger of an associated one of the contact modules with at least one of the end parts, a switch case that contains the contact modules and the actuator, and a push button for applying a force on one of the end parts of the actuator from outside the switch case.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical contact that incorporates a movable metal connection component such as a contact pin. The metal connection component is mounted within an insulating body. An electrically conducting path, from a contact head of the metal connection component to an interior of a base chassis is created only when a handset has been positioned within a cradle cavity of the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle power plug with a control switch, comprising a body formed by two mating semi-circular arc covers; an electrode set having a positive pole and a negative pole; and a control switch having a press rod axially connected with an conductive blade, wherein a snappingly engaged structure is disposed in the body with two conductive blade clamps arranged on its two sides, respectively, one blade clamp being coupled with the positive pole, and the other blade clamp and the negative pole being coupled with a power cord, respectively, and then extending out of the body through line holes; consequently, the press rod extending out of a button hole of the body is applied with a force on its one end, and the locating structure longitudinally displaces in the snappingly engaged structure of the body to be selectively located, so as to render the conductive blade contact with or separate from the two conductive blade clamps and thus to control the connection or disconnection with po

Abstract: A two-in-one button structure includes a casing, a grounded plate, two signal plates, and two button bodies. The casing has two containing spaces and a plurality of guiding grooves respectively communicating with the two containing spaces. The grounded plate is contained in the two containing spaces. The two signal plates are separated from the grounded plate and are contained in the two containing spaces, respectively. The two button bodies are covering the two containing spaces, respectively. Each button body has a conductive element disposed on a bottom side thereof for allowing a conductive state to form between the grounded plate and a corresponding one of the two signal plates. Therefore, when one of the two button bodies is pressed, the grounded plate and the corresponding one of the two signal plates become conductive via the conductive element.

Abstract: A vehicle interior illumination lamp for mounting at an opening portion formed in a roof panel (interior member) of a vehicle includes a function part including a bulb (light source), and a switch unit for supplying and interrupting electric power relative to the bulb, and a design part including a housing for mounting at the opening portion in the roof panel, a retaining mechanism securely engaging the function part with the housing, and a switch knob engaged with the switch unit. The retaining mechanism includes a retaining member which cooperates with the switch knob to hold the switch unite therebetween.

Abstract: A push-button switch includes a fixed member having a first fixed contact strip disposed on the inner surface of the fixed member and a second fixed contact strip disposed on the inner surface of the fixed member and opposite the first fixed contact strip; a control member biased by a spring from the fixed member and locked in a desired position; and a movable contact strip configured, when attached to the control member locked in the desired position, to be in contact with and to short-circuit the first fixed contact strip and the second fixed contact strip. The movable contact strip is configured to be isolated from the first and second fixed contact strips at substantially the same time when the control member is controlled against a biasing force of the spring.

Abstract: An intermittent contact connector device including a frame having a first frame section movably connected to a second frame section; two electrical contacts connected to the second frame section, and an electrical shorting member connected to the first frame section. At least one of the contacts is an insulation displacement contact (IDC) member. The shorting member is adapted to contact the two electrical contacts to thereby electrically connect the two electrical contacts to each other when the first frame section is moved towards the second frame section.

Abstract: A switch structure of a lamp unit mounted at an interior wall member, includes a switch member and a switch knob. The switch member includes a switch lever which slides in a first direction for turning on or off the lamp unit. The switch knob includes an engagement portion for engaging with the switch lever of the switch member, and the switch knob being slidably retained on a design member. The switch lever is inserted in the engagement portion of the switch knob in the first direction and in a second direction in which the design member is mounted to the interior wall member while the engagement portion is elastically deformed.

Abstract: Parts of a base film that correspond to respective movable contacts are formed into projections. Operating projections each including a projecting member fixed to a top surface of the base film by an adhesive resin are formed and correspond to the movable contacts, respectively. The adhesive resins have different fixed diameters.

Abstract: A knob having a button for a rheostat includes a base, at least one arcuate contacts, a hub, a pushbutton cap with a conductive arc corresponding to the arcuate contacts and a biasing member mounted in the pushbutton cap. The biasing member can be mounted between the pushbutton cap and the hub or the base to make the pushbutton cap return to its original position when pressure on the pushbutton cap is released. A rotating shaft of a rheostat extends out from the base and connects to the hub. The pushbutton cap is mounted on the hub to turn the hub and the rotating shaft to change resistance of the rheostat.