Abstract: An electrical switch includes a body, pressure-actuated buttons, switch terminals having respective parts forming internal switches, cam sliders extending side-by-side between the buttons and the parts for movement by the buttons to turn on and off the internal switches. The buttons include a first button for turning off all but the first of the internal switches. The other buttons turn on the other internal switches. The first button incorporates a movable cam engageable with the sliders for momentarily turning on the first internal switch after the other internal switches have all been turned off.

Abstract: A machine method for providing a dome switch sub-assembly used for providing a keyboard-type user input to electronic devices. A spacer layer, attached to a retaining layer, having a plurality of spacer layer openings for receiving a plurality of dome switches is placed upon a moveable machine table. The dome switches, arranged in reel form, are machine removed and placed into the spacer layer openings. A removable release liner is then attached to the spacer layer. Also a complete dome switch assembly is provided. A spacer layer, attached to a circuit board, having a plurality of dome switch openings is placed on a moveable machine table. The dome switches, arranged in reel form, are machine removed and placed into the spacer layer openings. A retaining cover is attached to the spacer layer. An overlay layer, attached to the retaining cover layer, may also be provided.

Abstract: Set of switches mutual locking devices, comprising switches with actuator toggles and locking elements, each of the switches having a rocker supported by an elastic element and having Bowden type cables to be connected to the two arms of the rockers, the free end of a first cable of a switch being operationally connected to elements of actuation of a second switch and the free end of a second cable being operationally connected to the elements of actuation of a third switch, and the rockers being loaded at their ends to come into operational contact with the locking elements.

Abstract: A push-button switch of simple structure and highly reliable operation capable of safely stopping equipment even when the push button of the push-button switch fails to return to its normal position while the push-button switch for operating equipment is being operated. And a push-button switch device capable of easily judging the presence or not of any failure of the push-button switch for operating the equipment by using that push-button switch.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a keyboard membrane where the membrane comprises a top layer, a spacer layer and a bottom layer. The spacer layer has interconnecting voids that are connected to the atmosphere by a common vent. A patch made of a hydrophobic material prevents water entering the keyboard membrane via the vent, but allows the air pressure inside the voids to remain balanced with the atmospheric air pressure.

Abstract: An electrical switch is proposed which in addition to its mechanical functional parts and the electrical contact parts influenced by said mechanical functional parts consists of a housing and a first actuating element which is rotatably mounted therein and which can be moved into several switching positions and a second actuating element which is likewise rotatably mounted on the housing and can be moved into several switch settings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control switch device in which in an endoscope using an electrical control switch to carry out duct control, the conventional operation sense is left, and the flow rate in a duct can be regulated securely. An air/water feed switch portion disposed in an endoscope control section is configured so that a push button, first piston body, and second piston body are moved vertically by using a spring member in an upper and lower support cylinders. The second piston body is operated with an operation stroke which is longer than the stroke of the first piston body, and both of these piston bodies turn on/off an air feed switch and a water feed switch. Also, a suction switch using a pressure-sensitive sensor is used, and this suction switch is turned on/off by the piston body. At this time, in the suction switch, the operation pressure of the push button is detected, and suction of flow rate according to the operation pressure is effected.

Abstract: An interlocking device for a push-button switch in compact size and with a mechanically simple construction, capable of achieving the interlocking of a push-button switch having a pair of push buttons facing each other and being downwardly movable by pressing in multiple stages, while sufficiently securing the stroke in each stage of the push buttons. The interlocking device is comprised of a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member. The first interlocking member being inserted, at both ends, in the two push buttons respectively, forming a projection at the bottom and being disposed on the switch body swingably and in a way to be movable up and down through a spindle. The second interlocking member being extended, at both ends, to a lower position of the two push buttons respectively, forming, at the top, a projection which comes in contact with the projection formed on the first interlocking member and being swingably provided on the switch body through a spindle.

Abstract: When a front fog lamp and a rear fog lamp are turned on by swinging an operating knob 4, a holder 18 climbs up to the crest portion 13b of a cam 13 and brings the tip of an engaging piece 22 into contact with the edge face of a coupling member 41. When an operating knob 5 is swung from an OFF position to an AUTO position in this state, the engaging piece 22 is urged by a coil spring 21 to resiliently stick into an arcuate engaging hole 45. When the operating knob 5 is swung back to the OFF position, an operating knob 4 is swung back by the engaging piece 22 in an interlocking mode. Then the holder 18 climbs down from the crest 13b of the cam 13 and causes the rear fog lamp to be turned off and only the front fog lamp is held ON.

Abstract: A slide bar interlock for interlocking adjacent first and second circuit breakers having dissimilar actuating means and preventing the first and second circuit breakers from simultaneously being in a closed operating position. The slide bar interlock includes a housing and a slide bar received in the housing. The slide bar includes a first end which extends from the housing adjacent to the first circuit breaker and a second end which extends from the housing adjacent to the second circuit breaker. The slide bar is slidable between a first position where the first end of the slide bar blocks operation of a pivoting actuating handle of the first circuit breaker and a second position where the second end of the slide bar maintains a push-to-open button of the push button actuating means of the second circuit breaker in an actuated position.

Abstract: A trim switch for a radio control transmitter capable of exhibiting satisfactory operability and permitting concurrent operation of two such switch members to be readily selectively carried out in a transmitter which is adapted to operate two-in-a-set switch members. The trim switch includes two switch members and a switch lever including two actuation sections arranged in correspondence to the two switch members. The switch lever is constructed so as to operate the switches either individually or concurrently.

Abstract: A backlighted, full travel, sealed keyboard. A translucent membrane is disposed between the keys and a printed circuit board and includes a gasket around its perimeter which is sealingly engaged by the housing for the keyboard. Domes for each key are formed integrally with the membrane, so that a liquid tight seal is formed between the keys and the printed circuit board. The keyboard is backlighted with LEDs disposed on the printed circuit board. The domes are configured to allow full travel for each of the keys so that a desired tactile feedback is provided to the user.

Abstract: A microwave oven has a switch mechanism for selecting first and second cooking functions and activating/deactivating a magnetron of the microwave oven. The switch mechanism comprises first and second rotary switches actuable by respective coaxial knobs for generating encoded signals to establish the first and second cooking functions, respectively. One of the knobs can be pushed axially to activate/deactivate the magnetron.

Abstract: A microwave oven has a cooking time selecting unit and a cooking power selecting unit. The cooking time selecting unit has a first shaft which extends through a control panel and a first knob is mounted on the first shaft. The cooking power selecting unit has a second shaft which is disposed parallel to the first shaft and extends through the control panel. A second knob is mounted on the first shaft and has an outwardly open recess in which the first knob is freely rotatably disposed. A rotary power transmitter such as an idler gear or a timing belt interconnects the second knob and second shaft.

Abstract: A pair of pushbuttons on opposite sides of a release pushbutton are individually depressible to operate a respective set of normally open contacts to a closed position. A rotatably mounted latch is spring biased against a medial surface of one of the pair of pushbuttons to engage a latch surface upon depression sufficient to close the contacts. The release pushbutton overlies a lever arm of the latch and depression of the release pushbutton rotates the latch free of the latch surface to release the depressed pushbutton. A solid bar interlock is pivotally mounted on the release pushbutton, and opposite ends of the interlock extend into the paths of the pair of pushbuttons. Latched depression of one outer pushbutton draws the release pushbutton down close to the latch lever arm, whereupon little movement of the other outer pushbutton is required to operate the latch to a release condition. Simultaneous depression of both outer pushbuttons is blocked by a limit stop prior to closure of either contact set.

Abstract: A control device for the control of stepping motors for the adjustment of a motor vehicle seat, including an adjustment of the seat depth, being the distance between the front edge of the seat surface and the backrest, for adaptation to different thigh lengths of the respective passengers. The control device comprises, in a preferred embodiment, at least one actuating element with two parts, that are displaceable independently of but parallel to each other, as well as first and second switches assigned to parts of the actuating element, respectively, wherein the first switches are provided to control at least the seat depth adjustment, while the second switches are provided to control at least the longitudinal seat adjustment.

Abstract: A vehicle windshield wiper and headlight control that only allows operation of the windshield wipers when the headlights are ON has a control switch assembly connected to a battery, wiper motor, headlights and parking lights. The control switch assembly has separate headlight and wiper switches that are simultaneously closed when a wiper actuator is turned ON so that the wiper motor only operates at least at low speed when the headlights are ON.

Abstract: The switch includes a case, first and second manipulation members, two switching mechanisms, cam projections two locking members, guide grooves, and an operating member. The guide grooves for guiding the locking members are arranged so that tip ends of the locking members can be put in contact with the operation member for forcibly returning the manipulation members from a pressed-in position to a released position and that the tip ends are prevented from facing the operation member when the tip ends are located in a normal paths of the guide grooves, thereby preventing deformation of locking members and damages of the cam projections due to an erroneous pressing operation.

Abstract: An omnidirectional input device comprising a circuit board and switches arranged in a directional pattern, each switch having an open and closed position. Each switch further having conductive switch components mounted in directional pattern on a surface of the circuit board and a conductive actuator operably connectable to the switch components to place the switch in either the open or closed position. The omnidirectional input device also includes a plurality of output signal lines coupled to the circuit board and a decoding matrix connected between the conductive switch components and the output signal lines. The decoding matrix determines which of the switches is in the closed position and couples the conductive switch components of a switch in the closed position to one or more of the output signal lines.

Abstract: A switch device comprising a first sliding switch operated by a first knob, a second sliding switch operated by a second knob, a connecting member for connecting the slider of the first sliding switch and the slider of the second sliding switch and a mechanism prohibiting operation of the second sliding switch when the first sliding switch is operated and conversely prohibiting operation of the first sliding switch when the second sliding switch is operated. With such an arrangement, the capacity of the electro-conductive network for power source which is shared by the two sliding switches in such a switch device can be significantly reduced and consequently the size and weight as well as the manufacturing cost of such a device can be considerably reduced. Such a switch device can be conveniently used for a power operated automobile seat.

Abstract: A switching mechanism is provided including a control member and a switching element which is coupled to the control member and by means of a coupling element can be moved between a first and a second position. The switching mechanism includes two coupling elements which are arranged in series in the switching direction, each coupling element being constituted by a hinging V-shaped member, a point of intersection of a V-shaped member being alternately located within range for action thereon by the control member.

Abstract: A switch device suitable for application in a window regulator of an automobile. The switch device is capable of detecting three distinct operations of a knob, and is comprised of: a first operation to one side from a neutral position; a second operation to the opposite side; and a third operation to the first side larger than the first operation. Two switches are provided in correspondence to the respective first and second operations and these switches are provided with contacts which are switched by these three operations. When the third operation is effected, an interlock member transmits this third operation to the second switch, whereby the contacts of both the first and second switches are caused to be switched simultaneously.

Abstract: A control switch is disclosed for a two-speed vacuum cleaner motor and the like. The switch provides three sensors which operate in response to the mounting of three different types of accessories on a vacuum cleaner. One sensor causes low motor speed operation when an accessory is mounted requiring low speed operation. Another sensor operates to provide high speed motor operation when a high speed accessory is mounted. The third sensor prevents motor operation when an accessory is not mounted on the outlet of the vacuum cleaner. The control switch provides a high speed/low speed switch and a power switch. The power switch is automatically moved to its open or OFF position in response to the mounting of an accessory. Consequently, the high speed/low speed switch cannot oeprate ot start the motor, and is therefore provided with low cost contacts. The control switch and motor provide plug-type connectors which automatically connect the internal motor wiring when the switch is installed.

Abstract: A double interaction switch has a case in which a single block of contactors is controlled by two levers; namely, one monostable lever and one bistable lever. The bistable lever may be locked in one of its two stable positions. When the bistable lever is so locked, the monostable lever may be moved, and actuation of the bistable lever thereafter causes it to return to its unlocked position. When the monostable lever comes back to its rest position, with the bistable lever initially locked, the bistable lever comes back to its rest position. The bistable lever is lockable by means of a rod which may pivot under the action of a labyrinth, provided on the lever. The switch is suitable for use with "hands free" telephone receiver sets.

Abstract: A switching device is disclosed in which a depression switch and a rotation/depression switch are interconnected by means of a coupling mechanism. When one of the knobs is turned ON, the remaining knob is automatically turned OFF. The switching device includes a depression knob projecting from a plate and disposed depressingly manipulatable; the depression switch for performing a predetermined switching operation in response to depressing operation of the depression knob; a rotation/depression knob provided on the plate and disposed rotatable and depressingly operable; the rotation/depression switch for performing a predetermined switching operation in cooperation with rotation or depressing movement of the rotation/depression knob; and, a coupling mechanism provided between the depression switch and the rotation/depression switch. The coupling mechanism releases a contact of one of the switches in response to ON operation of remaining one of the switch.

Abstract: A control unit for manually controlling six reversible electromechanical adjusting devices utilizing a single joy stick actuator which is rotatable to two positions from a neutral position tiltable in a first direction to two other positions from the neutral position and tiltable at right angles to the first direction to two further positions from the neutral position. At each of the six positions various switches are either opened or closed to provide a binary code output which is fed to a decoding and control circuit which operates selected one(s) of the six adjusting devices. In this manner three rear-view mirrors on a vehicle can be properly positioned by two adjusting devices rotating the mirrors along a right angled axis.

Abstract: Electric toothbrush includes a hollow handle and a rotary brush. A gravity-induced movement responsive switch, such as mercury switch, is located within the handle, and a hand-operated switch is located on the outer surface of the handle. A user by operating a hand-operated switch sets the brush to a lower row of teeth or an upper row of teeth thus switching over an electromotor located within the handle whereas the mercury switch automatically reverses the direction of rotation of the electromotor shaft depending upon respective tilted positions of the handle. An intermediate element, for example a spur-gearing coupling is interconnected between the shaft of the motor and the brush.

Abstract: A switch device including a first switch, a first push-button assembly having a push surface and disposed to alternately turn on and off the first switch in response to a push force, a first spring for urging the first push-button assembly in a direction opposite the push force, a locking device including a spring and a cam for locking said first push-button assembly in a pushed-in position, a second switch, a second push-button assembly having a push surface and disposed to turn on the second switch-in response to a push force, a second spring for urging the second push-button assembly in a direction opposite the second push force, and a lug for preventing the locking device from unlocking in response to an inadvertent push force.

Abstract: A switch assembly for use, as example, for a wiper switch or an illumination switch of an automobile includes a plurality of switch units each having a control lever. The control lever of one of the switch units has a function of turning on the corresponding switch unit and, additionally, returning the control levers or contact holders of the switch units disposed at ON positions to OFF positions. The switch assembly eliminates the need for the provision of a special return lever or release lever for only returning the control levers or the contact holders from the ON positions to the OFF positions. Accordingly, this construction reduces the number of control levers, which makes the switch assembly small.

Abstract: A multiple leaf spring interlock switch having a pair of contacts in each side of an A.C. supply inherently biased to open positions and operated to closed positions by a linearly reciprocably movable cam acting only against the biased of the contacts. A latch is operable to alternately latch and release the cam on successive operations to hold the contacts closed or released. An interlock system has plural slides coupled to a rotary cam which is in turn coupled to a lock member to block movement of the linearly movable cam when either slide is in a non-operated position and to release the latch when a slide is moved to a non-operated position while the cam is latched, such action also causing the rotary cam to separate the contacts. An energy storage and release mechanism provides non-reversible momentum for a depressible operation.

Abstract: A push switch comprises first and second push/lock mechanisms, and first and second switch units. The operating members of the first and second push/lock mechanisms are disposed opposite to the corresponding levers of the first and second switch units. A first driving pin whose one end is secured to the slider of the first switch unit is pressably engaged at the other end with cam member of the second push/lock mechanism, whereas a second driving pin whose one end is secured to the slider of the second switch unit is pressably engaged at the other end with the cam member of the first push/lock mechanism.

Abstract: A switching device equipped with a plurality of operating elements has one of the operating elements installed in the switching device pressed in a direction different from the direction in which the other elements are pressed and a single lock plate provided with a counter part formed on each operating element to hold the operating element in the depressed state and releasing its hold based on the operation of pressing the operating element. The lock plate allows depression of only one operating element a time.

Abstract: Four different versions of multi-position selector switches can be assembled from a kit of parts by selecting various combinations of the parts and assembling them into a housing consisting of an insulating case and cover. Inventory of parts is reduced by mutual use of some parts in two or more versions. The possible selector switch versions are a three position selector switch having three momentary pushbuttons for selectively closing two normally open contacts and opening a normally closed contact a two-position slector switch having two momentary pushbuttons for selectably closing a normally open contact or opening a normally closed contact, a three-position selector switch having three maintainable pushbuttons for selectively closing two normally open contacts and opening the same, and a three-position selector switch having three pushbuttons including a momentary pushbutton and two maintainable pushbuttons for selectively closing two normally open contacts and for opening the maintained contact.

Abstract: An alternate action push-push switch is disclosed, having a housing with a dielectric bar portion; a plurality of conductive terminals; a plurality of conductive spring contactors having an inclined segment in proximity to the dielectric bar portion and a contact segment in proximity to the terminal contact portion; at least one push member slideably disposed at least partially within the housing; an alternate action switch mechanism having a closed loop cam slot, a cam follower, and a resilient spring disposed between the housing and the push member, to provide unidirectional travel of the cam follower in the cam slot as the push member is alternately biased between first and second operating positions. More than one push member may be used to supply multiple switching configurations. A protrusion on a first push member may be adapted to actuate an adjoining second push member, while allowing the second push member to be operated independently of the first push member.

Abstract: A switching device comprises a movable member which makes the first switch turn to an opposite phase at the first thrust-in position and makes the second switch turn to an opposite phase at the second thrust-in position, a first locking means which locks the movable member at the first thrust-in position, a second locking means comprising a torsion coil spring engaging member and a heart type cam recess on which the engaging member slides, which locks the movable member at the second thrust-in position, and a reset member which releases the movable member from the locking state. The first and second switches are selectable to set and can be alternatively operated only by repeated thrust-operation.

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: A switch having a pair of spring-biased switch pushbuttons (6, 10) for operating respective switches (8, 12). A slidable interlocking bar (24) allows depression of only one pushbutton at a time. The switches may be either double-throw (18, 20) or single-throw (22). The switch housing (2, 4) will accept a selected one of two interchangeable switch accessories including latching and auxiliary contact means having a pair of latching members (26, 28) pivotally mounted in the housing, a spring-biased release pushbutton (30) slidably mounted in the housing, and actuator (32) pivotally mounted on the release pushbutton for actuating either latching member, and auxiliary contacts (38, 40) for actuation by the release pushbutton, or a transformer (42) operated pilot light (44).

Abstract: An alternate action headlamp switch with mechanical logic is provided. One plunger and overcentering latching mechanism are provided for a push-push operation to turn parking lights on and off. A second plunger and like latching mechanism are provided for turning headlamps on and off. Interlocking mechanism between the plungers is provided so that when the headlamp plunger is depressed the park plunger is also depressed whereby to turn on both the headlamps and the parking lights. Further interconnecting mechanism is provided so that if the park plunger is already depressed and the parking lights are on, depression of the headlamp plunger will release the park plunger latching mechanism. The operating portion of the parking light plunger is held in on condition through the interconnection with the headlamp plunger until such time as the headlamp plunger is again depressed to release it whereby the headlamps and parking lights simultaneously are extinguished.

Abstract: A multiple push-button switch having three push-button actuators for operation of two contact carrying leaf spring strips each normally urged to a rest position by its natural resilience but adapted for flexing to an actuated position. Each strip is associated with a respective latch member adapted to releasibly retain the strip in its actuated position. A first of the actuators engages the two strips when depressed to deflect the strips from their rest positions to actuated positions in latched engagement with the latch members. The second actuator when depressed interacts with one strip and the latch member associated with the other strip to deflect the one strip from its rest position to its actuated position in latched engagement with its associated latch member and to concurrently disengage the other latch member from the other strip for return thereof to its rest position from an actuated positon.

Abstract: An interconnect is described as coupling the arms of a pair of double-throw switches, to ensure that, although both switches can be in simultaneous "OFF" conditions, only one, or the other, can be in an "ON" condition at any given instant of time.

Abstract: A transceiver having transmitting, receiving, and standby modes of operation includes in a first embodiment, a first push button actuable for selectively establishing the receiving and transmitting modes and a rotatable element positionable to select the standby or receiving modes or the inoperative state of the transceiver. An interlocking mechanism interconnects the first push button with the rotatable element. In another embodiment, a second push button, rather than the rotatable element, is depressible for establishing the standby mode. In each case, the transceiver can be changed over from the standby to the transmitting or receiving mode by depressing the first push-button, or by depressing and then releasing the first push button, respectively.

Abstract: First to third switch contact pairs are provided for each of the performance keys of an electronic keyboard musical instrument such that they are successively closed in an interlocked relation to the operation of the associated key. A first time interval from the closure of the first switch contact pair till the closure of the second switch contact pair and a second time interval from the closure of the second switch contact pair till the closure of the third switch contact pair are counted in a CPU, and their ratio is obtained therein. The tone color of the output musical signal is controlled according to the value of this ratio, and the volume of the musical signal is controlled according to the length of the second time interval.

Abstract: A push button switch is disclosed comprising first and second spring returned push buttons movable in a resinous plastic casing along parallel paths, switching contacts in the casing and operable by the first push button, a flexible resilient latching spring arm molded in one piece with the casing and extending between the push buttons, cooperative latching elements on the first push button and the latching spring arm for causing deflection of the spring arm followed by latching of the first push button in its depressed position, and cooperative unlatching elements on the second push button and the spring arm for deflecting the arm and thereby causing disengagement of the latching elements in response to depression of the second push button.

Abstract: An electrical switch adapted to control a plurality of circuits therethrough has a plurality of push buttons reciprocally movable to effect the control of the circuits and including an "off" push button operable generally upon the depression thereof to open all of the circuits. Means is responsive to the depression of the "off" push button for precluding depression of certain of the other of the push buttons, and means actuated by an operator for rendering ineffective the precluding means includes one of the "off" push button and another of the push buttons.

Abstract: A switching device comprises a flexible film of insulative material on which is printed a pictorial diagram or the like illustrating a plurality of controlled devices. A plurality of first conductive elements is arranged on a plane in contact with the illustration film and a plurality of second conductive elements is arranged on a second plane spaced from the first plane. In response to a pressure manually applied to the illustration film at a point corresponding to a desired controlled device, the first and second elements of the corresponding pair are brought into electrical contact to complete a circuit through a pair of terminals. Preferably, between each pair of corresponding first and second conductive elements is disposed an elastic element having resistance which varies from a non-conductive value to a conductive value in response to a pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly of ganged push-button switches each movable between a first position and a latching position. The assembly is comprised of a first switch block and a second switch block connected thereto. The operation rod of each push-button switch is formed with a symmetrical cam portion engaging a single latch member common to both blocks of switches so that any switch previously locked into its latched position will be unlatched by the latch member upon actuation of any one of the switches.

Abstract: A secretarial shift mechanism which includes two shift keyswitches and one shift lock keyswitch is disclosed. The two shift keyswitches have T-shaped actuating bars secured to their plungers. The shift lock and release keyswitch has a generally C-shaped wire spring retainer placed around its housing which is utilized to secure a hook on a latching finger on a ledge that is formed on the plunger of the shift lock keyswitch. The latching finger is secured to an elongated torsion bar which has a pair of arms at the ends of the bar that are bent toward the two shift keyswitches. The torsion bar is held at its ends against the frame that holds the keyswitches of the keyboard by clamping caps that project from the shift keyswitches and have grooves in them that receive the torsion bar therein. When the shift lock keyswitch is depressed, a hook on the latching finger that is secured at the torsion bar engages a ledge on the plunger of the shift lock keyswitch and holds it down.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple switch assembly including first and second push-push switches positioned side by side. The operating member of the first switch carries a shoulder which cooperates with a peg on the second switch operating member so as to move the second switch along with the first switch when the first switch is moved from a first to a second position. Additionally the second switch carries a resilient strip which during movement of the second switch beyond its second position, is deflected towards and engages the first switch operating member. The resultant movement on the first switch operating member releases it from its detent such that by pushing said second operating member, said first and second switches are returned to their respective first positions. The resilient member acts as an effective interlock element to assist in the retention of the operating members in the depressed position and the automatic return of both operating members to the first position.

Abstract: A switch actuator and position-locking means for module keyboard assemblies such as are used in data-processing machines and the like, utilizing key operable electric switches. The switch actuator is of the type normally associated with what is commonly called a "shift key" or "spacer bar," wherein the finger-engaging portion of the actuator is of a size greater than a single switch module, with the switch adapted to be mechanically locked in operative position and released by successive actuation of a related switch module.

Abstract: Two standard momentary pushbuttons mounted in spaced-part relation on a common support normally directly actuate two switch units, respectively. A maintaining and interlocking attachment is interposed between the pushbuttons and switch units so that when one pushbutton is depressed, it will be maintained depressed and will restore and lock out the other pushbutton so that it cannot be depressed simultaneously. This is done by mounting a plurality of spacer rods between the pushbuttons and their associated switch units to provide space for a bracket secured therein and mounting a dual-spring-biased center-pivoted bistable toggle mechanism having a pair of driven pins, one for each pushbutton. A pair of push-levers are clamped to the standard washer-like drive plates of the respective pushbuttons and are provided with push-flanges and elongated drive slots.