Abstract: A single in-line package switch comprises a dielectric frame along which movable electrical contact members are disposed. An electrical bus contact is mounted on support members of the dielectric frame, each of the movable contact members extending between a pair of the support members. Each of the movable contact members has a sinusoidal contact section, one end of the contact section being secured in the dielectric frame as a terminal section while the free end of the contact section is disposed within a recess of an actuating member pivotally mounted on the pair of support members between which the contact section is disposed.

Abstract: Four push portions are provided in a switch knob in a switch case. Four pairs of opposed contact switches are disposed in the switch case and opposed to the push portions. A blocking member for preventing the push portions from being pushed in are also provided in the switch case. When one of the push portions is pushed in, the other push portion opposite to the one push portion is mechanically prevented from being simultaneously pushed in.

Abstract: A lever switch includes a plurality of microswitches arranged along a line and having respective pushbuttons, first pressing members disposed in confronting relation to the pushbuttons, respectively, a second pressing member arranged for displacement with respect to the first pressing members for selective engagement therewith, and a lever member for displacing the second pressing member to selectively displace the first pressing members for selectively pressing the pushbuttons to switch the microswitches.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprises a dielectric housing along one side of which movable electrical contact members are disposed. A stationary electrical contact is disposed along the other side of the dielectric housing. Each of the movable contact members has a curved contact section, one end of the contact section being secured in the dielectric housing as a terminal section while the free end of the contact section is disposed within a recess of an actuating member pivotally mounted on the housing with actuating sections of the actuating members being operable from one surface of the housing to one position thereby moving the curved contact sections in electrical engagement with the stationary contact and to another position thereby moving the curved contact sections free of the stationary contact, the spring forces of the curved contact sections maintaining the actuating members and the contact sections in the one or the other position.

Abstract: A switch for adjustably tilting a mirror member of each of a pair of right and left outer mirrors of a motor vehicle in upward, downward, rightward and leftward directions. The switch includes a switch casing, a changeover switch for selecting one of the outer mirrors and an operating switch for adjustably tilting the mirror member of the selected one of the outer mirrors such that a changeover switch knob of the changeover switch is movably tilted in an opening formed at a central portion of an operating switch knob of the operating switch. The operating switch knob is formed with an inner peripheral face and an outer peripheral face such that a lower end of the inner peripheral face is disposed more adjacent to a bottom wall of the switch casing than that of the outer peripheral face.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multiple switch using a rotary actuator comprising a stationary terminal block in which a plurality of stationary terminals are arranged, a movable terminal block in which a plurality of movable terminals are arranged for the elastic contact with the stationary terminals, an actuator incorporated into a body to be rotatable at a specified angle when an external force is applied by means of a plunger or the like and returning automatically to its original position by means of an elastic member when the external force is released, a first projection group having at least one projection mounted on the actuator pressing at least one movable terminal to separate the movable terminal from the stationary terminal, a second projection group having at least one projection mounted on the actuator releasing the pressure to at least one movable terminal to come in the elastic contact with the stationary terminal, an the on-off control thereof being carried out based on the principle of a

Abstract: An X-Y input device comprises a rotatable ball, a first driven roller held in contact with the rotatable ball and rotatable in response to rotation of the rotatable ball, a second driven roller held in contact with the rotatable ball and rotatable in response to rotation of the rotatable ball, the second driven roller having an axis of rotation extending substantially perpendicularly to that of the first driven roller, first rotation detector means for detecting an amount of rotation of the first driven roller, and second rotation detector means for detecting an amount of rotation of the second driven roller.

Abstract: Apparatus for setting and displaying a numerical value to be encoded to an electronic device, including a molded plastic support structure, a printed circuit board membrane type switch assembly which is affixed to the support structure and which includes a plurality of rows of four switches, and a like plurality of molded plastic switch actuator shafts associated respectively with the rows of four switches. Each actuator shaft has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the associated row of four switches, and is pivotally connected to the support structure for rotation about its axis. Each shaft includes a plurality of raised annular segments for opening and closing the four switches in the adjacent row. The segments are arranged so as to provide ten combinations of open and closed switches as the shaft is rotated, to provide a 4-bit binary code corresponding to one of ten numbers 0-9, depending on the rotary shaft position.

Abstract: An electric switch having a tactile feel and capable of carrying high current without requiring the use of relays, the switch being resistant to arcing damage by effecting sequential making and breaking at different contact points.

Abstract: A switch arrangement on an electrical apparatus includes a base with two parallel rows of receptacles, a switch module held plugged in, in the base, in which the pairs of contacts together with a switch rocker form a rocker switch, and a cover fastened releasably on the base in one single possible fastening position, which on the inside of its end wall carries operating lugs for the rocker switches.

Abstract: A simplified electric switch construction is disclosed. The switch construction comprises at least a pair of confronting first and second terminals each having a bridge portion, a conductive resilient plate having one end shaped as a polygonal pyramid disposed in confronting relation to the bridge portion of the first terminal and an opposite end connected to the bridge portion of the second terminal, a presser for depressing an intermediate portion of the resilient plate to bring the tapered end into contact with the bridge portion of the first terminal, and a driver for depressing the presser. The switch construction may contain a printed-circuit board with an electric circuit thereon.

Abstract: A first printed circuit board with electronic components mounted thereon is connected to a second printed circuit board having a first contact for key input by electrically connecting means. A spacer is interposed between the electrically connecting means and the second printed circuit board to separate them. The electrically connecting means has a second contact which contacts the first contact, and is connected to the first printed circuit board by urging means.

Abstract: A switch capable of individually switching two circuits through a double action of an actuator. The switch comprises: an actuator adapted to slide in a casing by a given stroke; a spring for energizing the actuator toward an initial position; a locking mechanism for preventing the actuator from returning toward the energizing direction by the spring at an intermediate position in the stroke; primary-side contacts adapted to be switched by means of the actuator in the course of movement thereof from the initial position to the intermediate position in the stroke; and secondary-side contacts adapted to be switched by means of the actuator in the course of movement thereof where the actuator further reciprocates against the spring from the locked state at the intermediate position.

Abstract: A dual-path, multicontact connector for a printed circuit board includes two perpendicular groups of contacts and a plurality of internal switches which permit conductivity to be selectively established between one or more pairs of contacts or between either contact of each pair and an electrical circuit on the circuit board. Each contact of a contact pair is included in a respective group of contacts. The perpendicular arrangement of the contact groups allows one group of contacts on the dual-path connector to engage corresponding contact groups on adjacent abutting dual-path connectors. Selective operation of the internal switches in a series of abutting connectors can provide alternate conductive pathways to electrical circuits on any board through the contacts of one or more adjacent connectors.

Abstract: A four-way integral switch mechanism allows activation of any one of four switches. This mechanism may be used to position a cursor on a display in both the vertical and horizontal directions where there is a need to control four separate switches to properly locate the cursor. The switch mechanism includes two switch toppers, one of which snaps into and pivots within the other along an axis in a first direction. These two switch toppers then snap into a base which provides a second pivot axis for the second topper which is 90 degrees from the first. The base may have guide pin holes for positioning it as well as the two switch toppers. A spring mechanism engages each of the four lower surfaces of the switch toppers. The switch toppers thereby form one integral whole providing control of four switches by sliding a finger in the direction that cursor movement is desired. Each key has only one degree of freedom, that of rotation, which gives the key a firm controlled feel.

Abstract: An alarm device for a circuit breaker box is provided that is especially designed for mounting on the face panel of conventional breaker boxes. The alarm device includes an audible signaling device and a switch box having a plurality of switches arranged in parallel electrical relationship for selectively coupling the audible signaling device to a source of operating power. The switch box includes a pair of spaced apart, apertured sidewalls for mounting the switches in side-by-side pairs of opposed switch members. A spring is interposed between each pair of switch members for urging the switch member pairs away from each other and into abutting relationship with electrical contacts carried by the sidewalls. In operation, the switch box is mounted between the vertical rows of breaker arm toggle switches of a conventional circuit breaker box.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a push button switch mechanism that has a pair of spaced operating buttons and plurality of electrically and physically interconnected movable contacts. The switch includes a plurality of stationary contacts that are engaged by the movable contacts when one of the switch buttons is moved from an at-rest position and a mechanism that is positioned between the push buttons to prevent simultaneous actuation of the push buttons and provide a tactile indication of a plurality of operated positions when one of the push buttons is moved from the at-rest position.

Abstract: A hand controller for use with a home electronic video game produces electrical control signals in response to manipulation of a control stick extending through an aperture in the controller housing. The control stick is attached to an actuator stem which forms part of a multi-position switch assembly within the housing. The switch assembly includes a helical coil spring which is attached at one end to an interior surface of the housing and is arranged to concentrically receive the actuator stem so as to support the actuator stem and control stick in an upright non-actuated position. Displacement of the control stick and actuator stem causes the helical spring to contact one or more of a plurality of electrical contact pads disposed generally concentrically around the spring. This causes appropriate control signal to be produced for application to the video game.

Abstract: A multiple position switch includes a housing containing a plurality of membrane switches located in a predetermined pattern. A spring-based, normally centered actuator is mounted in the housing for selective movement to actuate one of the switches. A finder plate is attached to the housing and has a notched circular opening in alignment with the plurality of switches. The actuator is guided to a selective switch location by its engagement with one of the finder plate notches when the actuator is moved in close proximity to a selective switch location.

Abstract: A switch suitable for use in the remote control of electrically driven rearview mirrors of a motor vehicle. The switch is adapted to close and open a plurality of switch elements by means of a single or divided operation member. The switch occupies only a small space in an instrument panel, etc. of a motor vehicle because the switch is thin and small. Fixed contact pairs (3a, 4a) to (3f', 4f') forming fixed contact components are printed approximately point symmetrically around a specific center on an insulating base plate. Movable contact means is disposed on top of the fixed contact components, said movable contact means being adapted to electrically connect each of the fixed contact pairs (3a, 4a) to (3f', 4') when said means is pushed.

Abstract: Input unit for electronic equipment, consisting of a body of insulating material with finger guides in which sensor contacts and pushbutton switches are arranged. By moving the finger along the guides characters can be written and the sensor contacts produce corresponding electrical signals. By operating a corresponding pushbutton it is indicated that the writing-in operation is completed.

Abstract: A hook switch comprises a dielectric base member having series of stationary electrical contact members secured in aligned rows therein; the contact members in one row are offset with respect to the contact members in the other row and they include V-shaped contact sections and terminal sections. A dielectric cover member is latchably secured onto the base member. A movable contact assembly mounted in the cover member includes an operating member and a contact-carrying member. The operating member is linearly movable within an opening in the cover member from a normally inoperative position to an operative position against spring members extending betweeen the operating member and the base member.

Abstract: A single in-line package switch comprises a dielectric frame along which movable electrical contact members are disposed. An electrical bus contact is mounted on support members of the dielectric frame, each of the movable contact members extending between a pair of the support members. Each of the movable contact members has a sinusoidal contact section, one end of the contact section being secured in the dielectric frame as a terminal section while the free end of the contact section is disposed within a recess of an actuating member pivotally mounted on the pair of support members between which the contact section is disposed.

Abstract: A mechanical slide selector switch assembly for operating a series of pushbutton switches which includes an elongated support having a series of spaced parallel transverse members between which the switches are mounted, an elongated actuator slidably mounted on the support for reciprocal movement along the support, and a spring-loaded plunger mounted on the actuator to be moved across the transverse members from one switch to another to operate the switches as the actuator is moved to positions between successive pairs of the transverse members. When operating a switch the actuator is supported only by the switch and there is no contact between the actuator and the transverse members. However, when the actuator is moved off a switch it is supported by the transverse members until it engages the next switch.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a multi-directional control unit for video games and the like are disclosed. In each embodiment, the control unit includes a base structure, a circuit board with directional circuit segments, a resilient conductive pad arranged adjacent the circuit segments on the circuit board, a raised matrix on the conductive pad normally maintaining the pad in spaced apart relation from the circuit segments, a control element movable relative to the base structure and a directional actuator coupled with the control element for response to relative movement between the control element and the base structure for applying pressure to the resilient pad and establishing electrical contact with one or more of the circuit segments on the circuit board. One of the embodiments is a hand-held unit with the control element being a joystick, auxiliary triggers being mounted on opposite sides of the hand held unit for establishing selective contact in an auxiliary circuit segment.

Abstract: A keyswitch apparatus for electronic typewriter keyboards and the like including a circuit board having at least one pair of electrical conductors, each conductor having contact means, at least one single-piece spring and contact system, each including a frame portion adapted for directly mounting to the circuit board and at least one spring and contact unit.

Abstract: A multiposition switch for operatively selecting any of the multipositions which are aligned and spaced from each other in two different directions. The multiposition switch includes a structure wherein all stationary contacts to be switched by first and second switching contacts are insert-molded onto an insulator member simultaneously and are fixed thereonto exactly in a predetermined arrangement. A first contact holder is moved in a first direction when an operation knob is operated in the first direction. A second contact holder is moved in a second direction when the operation knob is operated in the second direction while the first contact holder is maintained in a neutral position.

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

Abstract: The movable contact (52) of an on-off switch is moved, through drive means (5), by balls (4) rotated by a disc (23) in the peripheral surface of which regularly spaced cavities are provided to accomodate the balls. The balls can be either withdrawn or inserted through a channel or bore (20) which can be closed by a plug (7) so that the switching pattern can be varied depending upon the angular position of the disc. The device can be used e.g. in a selector switch or a program control apparatus.

Abstract: A hand controller for use in controlling the motion of a cursor on a video display comprises a spherical surface on which is mounted a flat plate. On the bottom of the flat plate is a unique electrical switch capable of indicating the direction in which the flat plate is rocked over the spherical surface. Attached to the bottom of the flat plate adjacent the spherical surface is a spring consisting of a substantially flat center portion and four spiralling arms extending from the periphery of said center portion to attach to the structure on which the spherical surface is mounted. When the flat plate is rocked over said spherical surface, the spring generates a restoring force which, upon removal of the rocking force, restores the flat plate to its nominal position. The spring makes possible rocking motion of the flat plate over the spherical surface without pinning the flat plate to a point on the spherical surface.

Abstract: In a hand video controller having two portions (11, 13) tiltable with respect to each other to make or break a series of spaced electrical switch contacts (26) to move a video cursor and having one-piece spring (47) having inner and outer connected rings (31, 33) to return the portions to a neutral position, an improved spring mounting comprising a mounting block (15) having a bearing recess (19) attached to one controller portion (11), a switch operator holding member (20) having a matching bearing surface extension (22) and attached to the other controller portion (13), switch contact means (27) between the block and holding member, and wherein the rings of the spring are connected respectively to and between the block and holding member and tilting movement of the controller portions deflect the spring rings and bring spaced flexible switch operators (28) extending from the holding member into contact with at least one of the switch contacts (26).

Abstract: A switch assembly adapted especially for use in a pivotal hookswitch mechanism which includes a transverse camshaft acting as a contact operating shaft for a plurality of transversely spaced contact spring operating pairs, each pair having a contact spring in a first and second spaced apart alignment. A housing encloses the shaft and contact springs. The contact springs are leaf springs resting in two parallel arrays of slots in the housing, the springs being identical. The housing is formed of two identical shell members each forming a half of the housing with one half being inverted relative to the other to form the central cavity for the operating components of the mechanism. An insert between spring arrays forces formed sections of the springs of an alignment into insulation piercing engagements with insulated wires during the assembly of the insert to the two housing sections.

Abstract: A four-way electrical switch having a die-cast, metal housing, a set of fixed-contacts disposed in the base of said housing and a central movable-contact assembly disposed within the housing above the fixed-contacts. The die-cast housing serves as a ground contact for the switch. Various provisions are disclosed for assuring good electrical connection between the contacts. Additionally, a mechanical strain relief structure is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides low cost electrical switch assemblies. The switch assembly comprises an array of resiliently flexible metallic conductors arranged in predetermined circuit pathways on a dielectric carrier panel. A plurality of apertures or cavities are provided at predetermined locations in the carrier panel. The switch contacts comprise a pair of generally L-shaped fingers which are integral extensions of the flexible conductors. The fingers extend cantilevered from opposite edge surfaces of the carrier panel defining an associated aperture or cavity, to beyond the geometric center of the said associated aperture or cavity, with the free ends of the fingers terminating adjacent one another.

Abstract: A step switch is formed by a rocking member which is coupled at its ends to perpendicular pivotting interlocking levers which, in turn, reciprocate a control plate in a longitudinal direction. The control plate carries pawls which engage ratchet teeth on a slidable contact holder to move the latter through one step in response to pressure on either end of the rocking member. A notch is formed for receiving each pawl at the end of its reciprocating path for preventing slip in the switch operation.

Abstract: A keyboard (61) includes plural keybar actuators (11) each including plural keys (19, 23, 27, 31) hingedly interconnected (25, 29, 33) and a sensing device (13). The keys of a keybar actuator are all actuated by a common finger (45) in touch typing and therefore are not jointly actuated. Depression of one key causes the keybar actuator (11) to pivot and the sensing device (13) indicates which key is depressed depending upon the amount of keybar actuator rotation. Alternate sensing devices include individual contact switches (79-81) associated with each key.

Abstract: A joy stick assembly is characterized by a joy stick resiliently mounted in an aperture through a hand holdable housing and normally biased to a neutral position. The joy stick is manually pivotable at one of its ends in any one of a plurality of directions through a 360.degree. arc, and has a conductive sphere at its opposite end. Four contacts are positioned at 90.degree. increments around the sphere and out of contact therewith when the sphere is in its neutral position, and the joy stick is manipulatable to establish electrical connections between the sphere and individual ones or adjacent pairs of the contacts to provide a signal from the sphere to the contact or contacts.

Abstract: A multiple position switch is provided which is actuated by a lever to plug the switching element into a selected one of a plurality of receptacles. The switch is particularly applicable in connection with peripheral equipment for computers.

Abstract: A hand controller for use in controlling the motion of a cursor on a video display comprises a spherical surface on which is mounted a flat plate. On the bottom of the flat plate is a unique electrical switch capable of indicating the direction in which the flat plate is rocked over the spherical surface. Attached to the bottom of the flat plate adjacent the spherical surface is a spring consisting of a substantially flat center portion and four spiralling arms extending from the periphery of said center portion to attach to the structure on which the spherical surface is mounted. When the flat plate is rocked over said spherical surface, the spring generates a restoring force which, upon removal of the rocking force, restores the flat plate to its nominal position. The spring makes possible rocking motion of the flat plate over the spherical surface without pinning the flat plate to a point on the spherical surface.

Abstract: A key switch comprises a casing, at least one key slide guided in the cas against the force of a spring and at least one J-shaped leaf spring having a long spring arm and a short spring arm connected to the long arm by a curved intermediate part, the leaf spring being clamped to assume a unilateral curvature between two abutments, one fixed and the other moveable, the leaf spring having the free end of its long spring arm supported in a first abutment in the key slide and its curved intermediate part in a second abutment formed in a fixed contact member provided in the casing. For providing a minimum space the leaf spring is mounted parallel to the sliding direction in an elongated recess of the key slide.

Abstract: A power mirror remote control switch includes a switch body which supports a printed circuit board and two stacked, insulated levels of conducting terminal fingers which extend over the board. A four-way position control key overhangs the terminal fingers. The control key is pressed to flex selected terminals into conductive contact with underlying portions of the printed circuit board, thereby establishing conductive connections for energizing motors which rotate or tilt at least two power mirrors. A sliding switch is provided to define which one of the two mirrors is to be moved in the direction defined by the position control key.

Abstract: A keyboard for a musical instrument having a frame structure and a plurality of elongated keys. Flat pivot springs are provided for each key and are rigidly held in a vertical position in the frame structure. Each key has a chamber with a lower opening in a rear section for receiving the upper section of an associated pivot spring so that the pivot spring forms the sole pivot about which the key may rotate in a single plane only. The pivot spring is rigidly held in the key chamber in a force fit without the use of a separate fastening device.

Abstract: A sealed electrical contact assembly comprises a dielectric frame in which a plurality of aligned stationary electrical contact members are secured as opposing sets of contact members and movable electrical contact members interconnect each set of stationary contact members. One of the opposing sets of stationary contact members and the movable contact members have mateable pivot areas at which the movable contact members are mounted so that the movable contact members can be moved to a position electrically connecting the opposing sets of stationary contact members. A membrane is sealingly secured onto the frame covering each set of stationary and movable contact members associated therewith.

Abstract: A rocker-actuating mechanism comprises a housing having top and sides with openings in the sides that extend part way into the top. A bottom member is latchably secured to the housing. A rocker member is rockably mounted in the housing and includes pie-shaped members extending outwardly from the sides of the rocker member with apexes of the pie-shaped members and an apex of a top surface of the rocker member engaging the inside surface of the top of the housing thereby defining a pivot about which the rocker member rocks. Arcuate surfaces of the pie-shaped members are for engaging the bottom member when the rocker member is moved. Actuating arms extend outwardly from the rocker member and are disposed in the openings for actuating the rocker member. A spring-biased button is disposed in a cavity of the rocker member and moves along the bottom member. Stop surfaces on the rocker member engage the inside top surface of the housing to limit movement of the rocker member.

Abstract: A plurality of individual electrical load switches each having an operating tab are so mounted and oriented that the operating tabs extend toward a central axis to define a circle substantially normal to the central axis and operate substantially in the direction of the central axis. An operating arm having ends thereof arranged to be brought into register with each operating tab at mutually exclusive angular positions is normally tilt mounted in a first direction upon a rotor that may be positioned in selected ones of a plurality of angular positions by a step motor. Upon one end of the arm being brought into register with a switch operating tab, the arm is tilted in the opposite direction to effect the operation of the operating tab with which the one end thereof is in register to place the corresponding individual electrical load switch in a selected circuit condition.

Abstract: A composite switch assembly including in a cylindrical rotary knob, four contact mechanisms in which four quadrantal push buttons are combined and arrayed into a circular form and which are operated by the four push buttoms respectively, and two contact mechanisms which are operated by turning the rotary knob clockwise and counterclockwise respectively, thereby to permit a switch arrayal and a control configuration corresponding to the moving directions of a controlled object.

Abstract: Joystick switch comprises a handle attached to a contact carrying support member which is latchably carried by latch arms attached to a contact carrying base member. Contacts are cast in loop-like patterns toward the periphery of each member and an elastomeric member inside the bounds of the contacts between the support member and base provides resilient return action. A plunger carried in a bore in the handle and through the elastomeric member closes contacts in the base and is operated independently of the joystick directional control.

Abstract: A dual in-line package miniature electrical switch module has its active members, the contact members and sliding actuators, mounted on a unitary frame member to minimize misalignment problems. The cover serves primarily a protective function. The contacts have integral terminal pins and clamp to an edge of the frame to simplify assembly. A substrate having an electrical circuit pattern applied on one or both major surfaces can be contacted and clamped by the contact members against the bottom of the frame to form an integral switch and circuit module, such as an attenuator switch. Two or more sliding actuators may be rigidly interconnected to form a gang unit.