Abstract: A push-type switch 12 with the operation of a switching component 24 through a long extended push component 11 is described. The switch features, in the push direction 13, a push-type guideway and an elastic support which acts against the application of the push. An extended, torsionally and flexurally rigid transmission component 30 is arranged between switching component 24 and push component 11. The transmission component is supported like a flap in a pivotable manner around the axis of a hinge 31. The hinge runs parallel to its transmission component lengthwise direction and crosswise to the direction of the push 13.

Abstract: A button interface for a state machine provides three signals, X, Y, or X and Y. The state machine further detects a single contact, a double contact, or a persistent contact to provide a matrix of nine separate states which control player functions. The cover of the button interface has two degrees of freedom, rotation and depression, which are achieved by various embodiments of leaf and coil springs.

Abstract: A switching device includes a switch body, a base plate provided in the switch body, an operation knob provided in the switch body so as to pushed therein, an elastic member arranged on the base plate, the elastic member including a contact holder portion, which is elastically deformable, for switching a first switching member in response to a pushing operation of the operation knob, a switching knob provided near the operation knob; and a contact holder for switching a second switching member in response to a switching operation of the switching knob, the contact holder slidably arranged on the base plate.

Abstract: A switching device with drain passages includes a switch body having at least one drain aperture opening onto a side wall of the switch body, a base plate provided in the switch body, an operation knob provided in the switch body so as to be pushed therein, an elastic member arranged on the base plate, the elastic member including a contact holder portion, which is elastically deformable, for switching a first switching member in response to a pushing operation of the operation knob, a switching knob provided near the operation of the operation knob and a contact holder for switching a second switching member in response to a switching operation of the switching knob, the contact holder slidably arranged on the base plate.

Abstract: A slide switch opening and closing a circuit for supplies electricity to a load by making and breaking contact between a movable contact and a stationary contact. The stationary contact is integrally formed with an arc generating portion for generating an arc when the circuit is opened or closed. The arc generating portion protrudes in the direction of movement of the movable contact and has a width which gradually decreases from its base portion towards its tip portion. The slide switch is capable of preventing the arc generating portion and the movable contact from having a groove due to wear.

Abstract: A thin plate-like switch unit comprises a board having a plurality of contacts, and a sheet-like rubber contact member superposed on the board, the rubber contact member having convex switch portions for opening and closing the plurality of contacts, respectively. A side cover covers the switch unit fixedly mounted on a side surface of a seat portion. Windows are formed through the side cover, and the switch portions are exposed through these windows. Flanges are formed at peripheral edge portions of the windows, and projects outwardly beyond the switch portions. Preferably, the switch portions are arranged in corresponding relation to directions of movement of the seat.

Abstract: A combined-operation type switching apparatus which is downsized and exhibits excellent operability. An operation unit is rotatably and slidably held by a housing. An operation ring is also rotatably held by the housing. The operation ring is rotated together with the operation unit only when the operation unit is pressed. A drive unit is movably supported by a shaft of the operation unit via a spring. A push switch (swell) actuated by pressing the drive unit and rotation detecting switches (projections) actuated by rotating a drive rod of the operation ring are placed inside the housing. A first pair of rotation detecting switches is actuated by rotation of the operation unit when the operation unit is not pressed. The push switch and a second pair of rotation detection switches are actuated by pressing the operation unit such that the operation unit slides along its axis toward the push switch, and then rotating the operation unit.

Abstract: In order to enable switching electric currents with a part of a human hand for an accessory of a firearm having a firearm handle, that firearm handle is complemented with an arcuate member, which is formed in similarity to a portion of that human hand in a clenched position at the mentioned part. An electric switching device on that arcuate member is at a location corresponding to the mentioned part of the human hand in its clenched position. The arcuate member may be provided with a mount. A bidirectional electric circuit extends along or through the arcuate member and may extend along or through the mount to and from the electric switching device.

Abstract: An electric transfer switch includes a linear actuator operable to switch a plurality of movable contacts from a normal power supply to a standby emergency power supply, when the normal power supply has a power outage, so as to continuously serve electricity to electric loads. A plurality of leaf springs and an offset linkage angle help prevent any incidental disconnection between the moveable contacts and the stationary contacts. The transfer switch also includes a magnetic strip. The magnetic strip is magnetized when there is a "fault" current passing by the contact tips of the moveable and stationary contacts. The attractive force between the magnetic strip and the moveable contacts due to the magnetization overcomes the repulsive force caused by the "fault" current so as to make the contact between the moveable contacts and the stationary contacts unopenable.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control-key device having a shape such that the control-key device easily fits the hands of an operator. The control-key device has a top case 11 and a bottom case 12 having a curved shape. The control-key device has three circuit substrates 81, 82 and 83 having angles formed therebetween so that the curved shape of the top case and bottom case matches these the three circuit substrates. Rubber contact members 70, 63 and 22 are placed on the circuit substrates, push buttons 31, 32, 33 and 60 and a direction specifying key 20 being placed thereon.

Abstract: The invention includes a keycap having a top surface having a first and second end, and a body portion, said keycap being pivotally connected to a support for movement of the keycap from a first to a second position. A lever extending downward from the body portion of the keycap. The lever is sandwiched between and constantly engaged by a first and second opposed dome structures. Each dome structure has a conductive material on the underside thereof and the dome structure is supported on a substrate having an open circuit. In the first position for the keycap a first dome structure is collapsed and the electrically conductive element on the undersurface of the dome engages the open circuit to close the circuit. When the keycap is moved to a second position, the keycap pivots causing the lever to move in a rotational direction collapsing the second dome structure and said first dome structure biases the lever against the second dome structure.

Abstract: A switch for preventing unintentional actuation of, for example, a door lock in an automobile. The switch includes a slider and a control lever pivotally mounted on the slider. When the slider is in a neutral position, a guide member located in a housing of the switch abuts a protrusion of the control lever such that pivoting of the control lever is prevented, thereby preventing unintentional actuation of the door lock. To actuate the switch, the slider is moved to a second position wherein the protrusion of the control lever is not blocked by the guide member, and subsequent pivoting of the control member causes the protrusion to push a movable contact into a fixed contact of the switch. A ball is biased into a groove formed in the slider to provide a click sensation when the slider is moved from the neutral position to the second position.

Abstract: A multidirection input apparatus including a housing, a driving member movably positioned within the housing, and an operation member fixedly attached to the driving member and extending from the housing for manual manipulation. The driving body is supported by an elastic member over an input switch. The elastic member includes six protrusions (two rotation protrusions and four tilt protrusions), each protrusion having a movable contact formed on a lower surface of the elastic member, and each movable contact is positioned over an associated fixed contact located on a lower substrate of the housing. Manual rotation of the operation member causes rotation of the driving member which, in turn, presses against one of the two rotation protrusions, thereby causing the movable contact associated with the rotation protrusion to contact its associated fixed contact on the lower substrate.

Abstract: An operating device for electronic switching devices, which operating device includes a front plate, one or more actuators applied to the from plate for the purpose of actuating one or more modules, a changeable from foil which can be applied to the front plate and which is designed to hold a coding, a recognition system which reads in the data of the coding, and an intelligent control device which picks up the read-in data from the recognition system and assigns, in dependence on the read-in data, a user-specific activation function to each actuator.

Abstract: A rotatively-operated electronic component with a push switch includes an attachment base plate. A rotatively-operated electronic component portion supported on the attachment base plate has a rotatable operation knob. An electric signal can be generated in response to rotation of the operation knob. The rotatively-operated electronic component portion can move relative to the attachment base plate by application of a force to the operation knob. A push switch portion is supported on the attachment base plate. The push switch portion is actuated in response to movement of the rotatively-operated electronic component portion relative to the attachment base plate by the application of the force to the operation knob.

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 tilt and telescopic switch 10 includes a main body 19 received and accommodated in the space defined by a first hemispherical recess 38 of an upper casing member 12 and a second hemispherical recess 60 of a lower casing member 14. The main body 19 accommodated in the space continuously receives the pressing force of a spring 44 and allows a first hemispherical member 28 of the main body 19 to come into contact with the first hemispherical recess 38 along the substantially whole surface thereof. The first hemispherical member 28 of the main body 19 is thus guided by the hemispherical inner surface of the first hemispherical recess 38, so that the main body 19 rocks from its neutral position in the direction shown by the double-headed arrow X or in the direction shown by the double-headed arrow Y.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for controlling movement of a vehicle power window (22) between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The apparatus (20) comprises an energizable electric motor (66) for, when energized, moving the window (22). A switch assembly (62) for energizing the electric motor (66) to move the vehicle window (22) to one of the positions. The switch assembly (62) includes a first electrical contact (282) and a second electrical contact (284) electrically insulated from the first electrical contact. An electrically conductive disk (286) has a periphery (288) domed portion (290) and is in electrical communication with one of the first and second electrical contacts (282, 284) at a portion of a periphery of the disk. The other of the first and second electrical contacts (282, 284) is located adjacent the disk (286) and initially spaced from the disk.

Abstract: A rotatively-operated electronic component with a push switch includes a rotatable operation knob. A rotary contact plate is connected to the operation knob for motion together with the operation knob. Resilient contact arms provided on an attachment base plate touch the rotary contact plate. The resilient contact arms and the contact plate cooperate to generate an electric signal in response to rotation of the operation knob. A drive member connected to the attachment base plate rotatably supports the rotary contact plate. The drive member is swingable relative to the attachment base plate. The drive member is allowed to swing relative to the attachment base plate by application of a force to the operation knob. A push switch portion is supported on the attachment base plate. The push switch portion is actuated in response to swing of the drive member relative to the attachment base plate by the application of the force to the operation knob.

Abstract: A control module (1) for servo assisted window operation in motor vehicles comprises a number of individual controls (2a-2d) for the respective side windows and also other controls (3, 4, 5) for actuating the locking out of rear seat controls for rear side windows, the release of jamming protection and the roof hatch servo. The control module (1) is preferably intended for placing on a central console (16) between the vehicle's front seats for easy access by the driver. Each individual control (2a-2d) for the respective side windows not only has an asymmetry of shape pointing towards the respective window but is also designed with first and second operating surfaces (12 and 13 respectively) which made it possible to press the control downwards towards and lift it upwards away from a horizontal baseplate (6) of the control module (1) so as to permit logical actuation of the controls (2a-2d) with respect to the movement of the windows.

Abstract: A dual function button for keyboards and keypads. The button includes a first contact switch which is activated by a first manual pressure. The first contact switch is preferably formed by a resilient cover having a conductive pellet on its interior face, and a flexible substrate having spaced contacts below the pellet. The first manual pressure causes the pellet to impinge upon the spaced contacts, completing a first circuit. The button also includes a second contact switch which is activated by a second, greater, manual pressure. The second contact switch includes the resilient cover of the first switch, a rigid substrate mounting spaced contacts, and a flexible conductive dome mounted on the rigid substrate below the resilient cover. The second manual pressure will cause the dome to resiliently deform and impinge upon the contacts, closing a second circuit. In this manner two functions may be provided by a single switch. The two functions may advantageously be a dual-speed cursor control.

Abstract: A switching device for selectively actuating front and rear windows of a vehicle. The device includes: a case, a first switch assembly mounted on a front end of the case for raising and lowering the selected windows, and a second switch assembly for selecting between the front and rear windows controlled by the first switch assembly. The second switch assembly includes a switch which is biased into a first state in which the first switch assembly controls the front windows. The first switch assembly only controls the rear windows when an operator depresses an operation member of the second switch assembly while manipulating the operation members of the first switch assembly. In one embodiment, the second switch assembly is positioned such that the operation member is manipulated by a palm of the operator's hand. In another embodiment, the second switch assembly is positioned such that the operation member is manipulated by a thumb of the operator's hand.

Abstract: A button assembly for a television receiver control box, wherein a center button is located within a cluster of outer buttons. The outer buttons are cantilevered from the truss of a button plate that is mounted to a printed circuit board which has a plurality of microswitches. Located within the cluster of outer buttons is a center button. The center button is cantilevered from a button bracket that is mounted to a front panel of the control box. The buttons extend through corresponding openings in the front panel. Each button has a column that engages a corresponding microswitch when the button is depressed.

Abstract: A manual switch (2) has a switching plate (9), which can be tilted to several sides and is mounted on a mounting (10). This switching plate (9) can move with star-shaped actuating arms that correspond to the contact arms of a contact spring (7) in the direction of a printed circuit board (6), so that it can close a circuit by means releasably, lockingly engaging the selected actuating arm against a respective contact arm and an electric contact on the printed circuit board. At any switch position one can switch back directly into the zero position by pressing an adjusting arm (13) which moves the switching plate (9) back into its non-tilted position.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated key switch that actuates when a force is applied to an individual key but does not actuate when a uniform pressure is applied to all of the keys. The pressure-compensated key switch includes at least two keys arranged approximately symmetrically about, and balanced on, a pivot. A switch mechanism actuates when a force that offsets the balance and depresses one of the keys. The uniform pressure applied equally to all the keys will not depress or actuate any of the keys. When an individual key is depressed, a pad made of conductive material contacts and bridges a gap between two electrodes to complete an electrical path. The bridging of the gap is the actuation of the switch mechanism. The pressure-compensated key switch is typically part of a system that includes an electrical device to sense completion of the electrical path. A spring returns the key to its un-depressed position when no depressing force is applied.

Abstract: An elastomeric rocker switch assembly (10) which is particularly suitable for hand held industrial controllers includes an elastomeric switch pad (11) having one or more rocker switch blocks (13) suspended within a sheet (12) by a thin, flexible and resilient web (14). A base plate (25) is provided to support the sheet (12) and to provide a rocker fulcrum point (27) for each rocker switch. An electrical switch supporting member, here printed circuit board (29), is positioned in spaced relationship to the underside of base plate (25), the circuit board having one or more pairs of momentary push button switches (30) thereon, one pair per rocker switch. Switches (30) are positioned to interfere with the underside of the rocker switch when the switch is pivoted about its fulcrum point.

Abstract: A computer key includes a housing, a switch set and a control plate. The switch set includes first and second switches mounted spacedly in the housing. Each of the first and second switches has a top end with a push button that extends through the housing. The control plate extends above the first and second switches and has a pivot portion mounted pivotally to the housing. The pivot portion has a pivot axis disposed between the first and second switches. The control plate is operable so as to pivot relative to the housing to depress the push button of a selected one of the first and second switches.

Abstract: A keyswitch-integrated pointing assembly in which a plurality of substantially planar force sensing elements are disposed on a planar surface adjacent a keyswitch on a keyboard. The keyswitch includes a plunger which extends downwardly from a key cap for actuating a switch at the lower end of vertical key cap travel. The key cap engages an indexing surface when fully depressed which transmits force applied to the key cap to the force sensing elements. The force sensing elements are sandwiched between a pair of opposing plates thereby biasing the elements into a substantially linear operating region when no force is applied to the key cap.

Abstract: A bi-directional multifunction switch which incorporates a single contact carrier having conductive contacts adapted to be moved in various directions as a result of rotary and push/pull actuation of an interconnected knob. Electrically conductive circuit paths formed in a substrate surface are contacted by protrusions on the conductive contacts to accomplish electrical switching functions. The contact carrier is moved via a shaft which securely retains the contact carrier along opposing axes and which moves as a result of turning, pushing or pulling the actuating knob.

Abstract: An axial magnetic field vacuum interrupter includes electrode stems each having a member made of a highly conductive material, such as high conductivity copper. The conducting member has a plurality of angularly spaced, longitudinally extending slots that can be left open or filled with a material of lower conductivity. The member can by surrounded by an annulus of a lower conductivity material for added structural support. An axial core fabricated of a lower conductivity material can also be used. The slots and the lower conductivity materials reduce the production of eddy currents in the stems by the axial magnetic field, and thereby serve to reduce the phase delay between the field and the current and improve the quality of the field in the intercontact region.

Abstract: The control switch according to the present invention provides different electric conduction states and may be used for setting a point indicated by a cursor on a monitor in a navigation system. The control switch comprises (i) two terminal members each having four terminals, and (ii) common terminals respectively corresponding to the two terminal members. One terminal member is different in phase from the other terminal member. When one common terminal and its terminal member are short-circuited by a movable contact-piece member, the other common terminal and its terminal member are in a non-conduction state. When the common terminal and its terminal member are short-circuited by a movable contact-piece member, the one common terminal and its terminal member are in a state of non-conduction.

Abstract: A dishwasher control panel assembly includes an escutcheon which supports various controls. A switch mechanism is mounted on the inside of the escutcheon and the push buttons extend through a slot in the escutcheon. A liner overlies the outside of the escutcheon and the push buttons extend through a corresponding slot in the liner. A thin, flexible cover overlies the liner and has an outwardly projecting touch pad aligned with each push button. In their extended positions the push buttons bias the touch pads outwardly and the cover is sufficiently flexible for the touch pads to move inwardly enough to depress the push buttons.

Abstract: A two color, light emitting diode having a green diode and a red diode therein is incorporated with a control switch for an automotive accessory. The control switch is normally green in color providing a finger target when the system is not operated because only the green diode emits light. The diode is amber in color upon closing the switch because the red diode and green diode are both illuminated. The two color, light emitting diode is used for accessory systems such as electric windows, traction control systems, rear window defrosters and other accessory systems.

Abstract: The soft interior trim panel (52) includes a substrate (54), a foam layer (56) and a flexible skin (58). An electrical switch (60) is supported by the trim panel (52) adjacent to the flexible skin (58). A contoured area (62) and indicia (64) indicate the location of a switch (60) under the flexible skin (58). A clear coat (65) is applied to protect the flexible skin (58) and the indicia (64). The switch (60) is closed by applying pressure to the flexible skin (58) on the contoured area (62). The contoured area (62) can be a depression or indentation as well as a raised area. The indicia (64) can be provided using luminescent ink.

Abstract: In a switch apparatus for an automobile having a pair of right-hand switch units and left-hand switch units to be arranged vis-a-vis in a driving compartment of an automobile, a commonly available casing for each of the switch units comprises a pair of housings symmetrically arranged to each other with respect to the central axis thereof in order to accommodate therein switch component parts. One of the housings is provided for the right-hand switch unit and the other is for the left-hand switch unit, whereby resulting in a decrease of component parts and a diminution of the die cost.

Abstract: A switch assembly having a rocker type actuator user rotatable for sequentially actuating plural switches. The rocker contacts, off center a lever beam supported at its end by plungers disposed to actuate the individual membrane switches or optical activators. User applications of an initial force to the rocker causes the lever beam to pivot about the remote plunger for actuation of the switch closest to the rocker contact point. After actuation of the closest switch, user application of a greater force continues rotation of the rocker to cause the lever beam to pivot about the closest plunger for causing actuation of the remote switch. Overtravel is shared by beam deflection of the lever and columnar compression of cylindrical tower portions of the resilient membranes.

Abstract: A seesaw switch including a rigid member bridging first and second elastic click members, each elastic click member carrying a moveable contact positioned over a fixed contact. A lever is pivotably positioned over the rigid member and includes a first projection contacting the rigid member near the first elastic click member, and a second projection contacting the rigid member near the second elastic click member. When the lever is pivoted a first angular amount in a clockwise direction, the first projection presses against the rigid member, causing the rigid member to rotate with respect to the second elastic member to buckle the first elastic click member. Further pivoting of the lever in the clockwise direction causes the rigid member to rotate with respect to the buckled first elastic click member, thereby buckling the second elastic click member.

Abstract: A switch device is proposed which includes a plurality of stationary contacts fixedly formed on an insulating substrate, a plurality of movable contacts capable of sliding on the insulating substrate for independently contacting with and separating from the stationary contacts, a common holder case fixed to the insulating substrate, and positioning member provided between the insulating substrate and the holder case for positioning the insulating substrate and the holder case relative to each other. The movable contacts are supported slidably so as to be brought into and out of contact with the stationary contact in a switching manner. Thus, the positioning of the movable contacts relative to the stationary contact is extremely easy, thereby providing an improved assembling efficiency.

Abstract: A switch assembly of the type having a rocker actuator user rotatable in opposite directions from a neutral position for alternate actuation of individual switches on opposite sides of the rocker each having a moveable actuator member movement of which by the rocker effects actuation of the switches. The rocker has a plurality of arcuately spaced recesses which are resiliently engaged to detent the rocker in a neutral and an actuated position. In one embodiment, the recesses engage a resilient wire beam spring extending parallel to the rocker axis. In another embodiment, the recesses are formed on a portion of the rocker which resiliently deflects to permit engagement and disengagement with a stationary pivot surface. In another embodiment, recesses in the rocker are engaged by a detent surface provided on a stationary resiliently deflectable beam extending at right angles to the rocker axis.

Abstract: An automotive seat switch assembly for controlling seat movement comprising a switch housing having front and back covers and a middle switch plate, where the middle switch plate has a plurality of conductors molded in and a plurality of conductor contact surfaces on its outer surface, and a plurality of switch actuator assemblies, where each actuator assembly comprises a contactor for electrically contacting a respective one of the contact surfaces, a contactor actuator slidably mounted to a rail for slidingly actuating the contactor, and a pari of spaced apart support posts extending from the housing upon which the rails are mounted, where the front cover encloses the switch actuator assemblies.

Abstract: A teaching toy (8) includes at least one receptacle (12). Receptacle (12) has a conductive signal-out pad and a plurality of conductive code-in pads (46) at an inner surface. At least one remote unit (14) is included which is removable from receptacle (12). Remote unit (14) has multiple sides and a conductive signal-in pad for capacitive coupling to the signal-out pad. Remote unit (14) also has at least one conductive code-out pad (50) electrically connected to the signal-in pad for capacitive coupling to one of the code-in pads (46). The signal-in pad and the code-out pad (50) are disposed on a first side of unit (14). Remote unit (14) also has a datum disposed on a second side. A processor (20) is included for generating a control signal to the signal-out pad and detecting data signals from the code-in pads (46). Processor (20) associates the data signals with and generates data representing the datum. A memory (22) is included which stores instructions for operating processor (20).

Abstract: A sliding switch having a tandem-type contact structure in which a first and a second insulation portion are disposed in a first and a second negative fixed contact, respectively, of a first and a second group of fixed contacts. When a first and a second movable contact slide between a neutral position and a first operating position, an arc is produced between the first movable contact and the first negative fixed contact in which the first insulation portion is disposed. When the first and the second movable contact slide between the neutral position and a second operating position, an arc is produced between the second movable contact and the second negative fixed contact in which the second insulation portion is disposed. A decline in the insulation performance between the fixed contacts of different polarities is prevented.

Abstract: A portable console includes a universal positioning arm for holding a surgical instrument such as an endoscope during a surgical procedure. Coarse adjustment of instrument elevation above an operating table is provided by a reversible drive motor which extends and retracts an upright support shaft from which the instrument is supported. Coarse adjustment of instrument X-Y position within the sterile zone above an operating table is provided by an articulated arm which is rotatably coupled to the upright support shaft. Fine adjustment of instrument position across the sterile zone is provided by a reversible drive motor which extends and retracts the instrument along the longitudinal axis of the support arm. Fine adjustment of instrument elevation is provided by a reversible drive motor which lifts and lowers the distal end of the support arm. The insertion orientation of the instrument is adjustable by a rotatable coupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for a load hoist comprising a load device supported by a lifting cable and a driver for driving the load device in a horizontal direction. The driver is arranged to be actuated by the movement of the lifting cable in the lateral direction in order to displace a supported load device, together with an associated load, in an appropriate direction. The displacement may be controlled by load personnel who maneuver the load device, causing the load to move in a desired direction. The invention results in simple and efficient actuation of a load hoist.

Abstract: A switch controller having a housing cover with a central ridge and opposed top surfaces which incline downwardly away from the central ridge. The top surfaces also incline on progressing from one end of the housing to the opposite end. A pair of footpads are mounted on the upper surface of the housing and incline consistently with their associated portions of the housing surfaces. The under surfaces of the footpads have spaced apart contact points thereon. Underlying the contact points are associated switches which are actuated by pressing downwardly on selected regions of the footpads. Fulcrum means are disposed between the associated pairs of contact points and switches to inhibit simultaneous actuation of adjacent switches.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting two poppel-type actuation switches at a housing, such as a radiotelephone handset housing. The actuation switches are positioned beneath a support body of the support assembly and maintained in a desired orientation relative to such support body by pawl arms which extend beneath the support body. Post members extend beneath the support body to abut against membranes of the respective actuation switches. The support body is affixed to the housing by way of retaining arms positioned to extend beneath the support body midway along the length thereof while permitting limited pivotal movement about rocker arms positioned at sides of the support body responsive to twisting moments applied to the support body. The twisting moments applied to the support body are transmitted to the poppel-type switches by way of the post members form the actuation forces to actuate the poppel-type switches supported thereat.

Abstract: A system for controlling power windows of vehicles includes a module mounted on a console between the driver and passenger seats of a vehicle having front and rear sets of power windows with a separate switch module for operating each rear window proximate that window. The console includes a pair of operating switches for the front windows and a rotary selector switch movable between first and second positions. When the rotary selector switch is in the first position, the front operating switches raise and lower the front windows and the rear operating switches raise and lower the rear windows. When the selector switch is in the second position, the rear operating switches are disabled as are the motors for the front windows, while the front operating switches are connected through to the motors to operate the rear windows.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a housing with facing mounting surfaces on which opposed facing switches are mounted. In one embodiment, three spaced generally planar mounting members extended between end supports with actuating levers extending in the two spaces between each of the horizontally extending mounting members. Mounted in facing relationship on opposing surfaces are switches such that an actuating lever extending into a space between the opposing surfaces engage a first switch when moved in a first direction and a second switch when moved in a second direction. The actuating levers are, in the preferred embodiment, pivotally coupled by axles means to end walls supporting the switch mounting members so that they can be moved in first and second directions for actuating the associated first or second switch with each of the levers.

Abstract: A direction control key assembly comprises a base on which a cover is mounted to provide an interior space for receipt of a circuit board therein which has at least four switch units thereon respectively designating a specific direction. A button member is supported on the cover by a ball joint and has four pins depending therefrom respectively corresponding to the switch units such that when the button member is rotated with respect to the ball joint to allow one of the pins to engage and thus close the corresponding one of the switch units. A direction signal associated with the closed switch is thus generated.

Abstract: An armrest comprising a supporting portion bounded above by a surface supporting the forearm of a user, and a terminal portion constructed in such a way as to house a first and a second switch panel located on opposite sides of the said terminal portion for the control of at least one corresponding service in the vehicle; the terminal portion is hinged onto the supporting portion to be rotated with respect to the supporting portion between a first working position in which the terminal portion extends longitudinally beyond the said supporting portion and in which the first switch panel is located on the same side as the supporting surface, and a second working position in which the terminal portion overlaps the supporting portion and the first and the second switch panels are located in contact with the supporting surface and in a position facing away from the said part of the supporting surface respectively.