Abstract: A miniature DIP switch (10) has actuator levers (82) projecting from a side of the housing (12). A plurality of cantilevered moveable contact arms (72) are supported by a section (34) of the base (30), and a plurality of oppositely disposed cantilevered contact arms (62) are supported by a complementary section (32) of the base. A plurality of insulative rotatable lever actuators (80) are supported each by a respective moveable contact arm (72). Each actuator (80) comprises a lever (82) projecting from a respective opening (18) In the housing (12), an arcuate bearing surface (86) engaging an arcuately shaped boss (22) in the housing, a pair of depending side walls (88) each having arcuately shaped ends (90), and a cam protrusion (87) disposed between the depending side walls (88) and engaging its respective moveable contact arm (72).

Abstract: This disclosure depicts a novel multiple position electric pushbutton switch. The novel switch comprises a cam and a movable contact assembly having at least two spring elements, each having an electrical contact and a cam-engaging portion. The switch further comprises at least two stationary electrical contacts for contacting the electrical contacts of the movable contact assembly. A housing is provided for containing the cam, the movable contact assembly and the stationary contacts. As the cam is depressed and moved downward into the housing, the cam engages one of the spring elements of the movable contact assembly causing the electrical contact on the spring element to contact a corresponding stationary electrical contact.

Abstract: The buttons of the push-button unit disclosed are guided in the cover and provided with restoring springs. The contact springs of a row are cut free from a strip and pretensioned against the printed-circuit board lying under the strip. In the normal position, they are pulled against the cover by the button shafts. Located below the printed-circuit board is a slide which is actuated by all buttons and acts on the common contact.

Abstract: A normally-closed switch in which a movable contact member is normally held in contact with a fixed contact member by spring-load of a plate spring member. When an operating member is pressingly operated, the plate spring member is resiliently displaced into a position where the plate spring member comes in contact with a stopper member. The movable contact member is thus separated from the fixed contact member. When the operating member is pressed further, the plate spring member is not displaced, but a resilient member is compressingly deformed, thereby compensating for the over-stroke of the operating member.

Abstract: A segment holder is mounted in a casing for rotational movement therein, and a plurality of contact wires extend substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the segment holder and are spaced from each other along the said axis of rotation, the segment holder being biased to turn in a direction under the resiliency of the contact wires. When a driver connected to the segment holder is actuated from the exterior of the casing, the segment holder is rotated against the biasing force applied thereto to make break electrical contact between the contact wires via a conductive segment(s) mounted on the segment holder.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch has a plunger guide housing in which a plunger is displaceably guided and on which control elements are detachably mounted on different sides of the plunger axis. Each control element is pushed onto a guide extending parallel to the direction of motion of the plunger and is held by a locking bolt which is rotatably mounted in the plunger guide housing. In each control element housing is mounted a spring-loaded actuator for displacement transverse to the direction of motion of the plunger, so that it can be moved by pressing the plunger from a rest position into a working position. This design has the effect that the forces produced primarily by the return springs of the actuators and transmitted over the actuators in their working position, do not exert a great force on the plunger extending parallel to the direction of motion of the plunger.

Abstract: An encoding switch generates selected patterns of voltage signals that correspond to the binary bits of a code word. A base of the switch supports a plurality of pairs of terminals. Each pair of terminals includes a conducting stationary terminal and a conducting moveable terminal that is positioned adjacent to the stationary terminal. An encoding module is inserted over the base to define a particular pattern of voltage signals. The module has a plurality of selectively detachable tabs that engage the movable terminals and press the terminals against adjacent stationary terminals when the module is slidingly engaged with the body. Relatively long tabs of the module establish connections corresponding to the data bits of a word and at least one short tab establishes a power connection for the switch.

Abstract: A miniature switching device, intended for mounting on a circuit board, is disclosed comprising a housing, having at least one switch cavity therein. Each switch cavity has therein an actuator and a spring contact member. When the switch is mounted on a circuit board, the spring contacts are directly engageable with fixed contact points on a circuit board. The switch has multiple, as well as single, function capability.

Abstract: Multiple-circuit switch with selective operation, especially applicable to automotive vehicles, consisting of a chassis with a dentate configuration on its upper part, inside of which is housed a pin-bearing part and above it a cam-bearing part, and above the latter another part having a cross-section in the shape of a crown with a dentate configuration on its upper part linked to an operating lever ending in a fork so that the angular movements of the lever bring about longitudinal movements of the cam-bearing part and with it the crown part. There are contacts between the dentate surfaces which will bring about successive retentions of the movements, pushing downward the cam-bearing part in a successive and selective fashion, resulting in downward motion of some pins inserted in the pin-bearing part, the pins acting on contact plates in order to activate distinct associated circuits.

Abstract: A keyboard switch assembly includes a membrane switch matrix formed on a baseplate. There are a plurality of individual pressure applicators or keys which are mounted on the baseplate in a keyboard array. The keys are supported adjacent the membrane switch panel with each key being used to effect contact closure at a particular area of the membrane switch. Each key includes a movable plunger, a housing to support the plunger, a first coil spring biasing the plunger away from the membrane switch and a keytop affixed to the plunger. A second coil spring is seated upon the membrane switch matrix and provides the means for application of electrical contact closure pressure. Each key housing includes an enclosure which is accessible from the top of the housing. The closure is adapted to receive and retain a cam follower which controls movement of the plunger. The key housings further include a hook which can support a torsion rod.

Abstract: A miniature, two-level pushbutton switch comprises a base for mounting a plurality of relatively movable electrical contacts and a plurality of relatively fixed electrical terminals. The base includes at least one support surface for supporting the contacts and terminals. A pushbutton is mounted to the base for reciprocal movement along a predetermined straight line. The contacts include an elongate contact bar having at least one flat contact surface mounted for movement in response to actuation of the pushbutton in a first direction and a contact dome having at least one flat contact surface normally spaced apart from the contact surface of the contact bar when the pushbutton is in an unactuated condition. The terminals include a first terminal including a gripping portion for holding the contact bar in assembled condition with the base while achieving electrical contact with the contact bar.

Abstract: A moldable, impulse operation synthetic resin keyboard, and a method of fabricating the same, are provided wherein the keyboard achieves essentially standard, tactile feel and feedback, mechanical N-key rollover protection and precise, reliable output. The keyboard includes a synthetic resin base plate having a plurality of elongated, cantilever mounted flippers, along with a plurality of elongated, laterally spaced, inwardly and opposedly extending, pivotal, key-supporting arms. Upon depression of a key, the associated flipper is deformed until a release point is reached, whereupon the flipper is disengaged, allowing the flipper to quickly return to its rest position. A keyboard output is developed as the flipper, during overtravel thereof past its rest position, strikes a signal-generating assembly.

Abstract: An extremely low cost, high speed, full stroke keyboard is disclosed which provides momentary impulse operation. N-key rollover protection and standard tactile feedback. The keyboard includes a plurality of depressible keys mounted on respective upright synthetic resin flaps designed to collapse upon key depression and engage and move an underlying, resilient, U-shaped shifting member; the member in turn engages and shifts another U-shaped resilient element which supports one or more upstanding encoding posts. When the U-shaped element reaches a cocked position it is disengaged from the shifting member and allowed to snap back toward the original rest position thereof independently of subsequent return movement of the key and shifting member. The snap back motion is sensed and a corresponding key output signal developed.

Abstract: A mechanical slide selector switch assembly, or the like, is provided which includes a plurality of multi-contact switches mounted in side-by-side relationship, and which also includes a slidable actuator mounted in transverse relationship with the switches for successively actuating the switches as the actuator is moved back and forth along a rectilinear path.

Abstract: A combination selector and directional switch for electrically operated remote control rearview mirrors in which a single control fixture allows the operator to select a right or left hand mirror and then by manipulation of a pendant, movable in two plane directions, to orient the mirror glass as desired. The linear movement of a selector lever causes rotational movement of a selector ring whereby the left or right hand mirror is connected to be controlled by the selected manipulation of the pendant.

Abstract: A multi-position switch includes a movable actuator rod projecting from one end of a housing and having a cylindrical contactor disc within the housing displaceable into a plurality of radial positions to actuate a selected one or a selected pair of circuits as the contactor engages and radially deflects adjacent ones of a plurality of resilient contacts arranged concentrically about the actuator rod. The displacement of the rod and its disc is regulated by an encircling control element provided with alternate radial crests and valleys. Groups of adjacent contacts are electrically joined in series such that displacement of the disc into a control element valley axially aligned with any one group of contacts closes one circuit while displacement into either adjacent control element valley closes an alternate circuit involving two adjacent series of contacts.

Abstract: A combined microwave and electric heating oven includes a gas sensor for detecting a completion of the cooking operation, and a timer for determining a cooking time period. A selection lever is slidably secured on a control panel for selecting a desired gas concentration value at which the cooking operation should be automatically terminated. First switches are disposed at both ends of the sliding course of the selection lever for placing the combined microwave and electric heating oven in a timer controlled operation mode instead of a gas sensor output controlled automatic cooking operation mode when the selection lever is located either end of the sliding course. A second switch is disposed at a preselected position in the sliding course for selecting the electric heating cooking when the selection lever is located at the preselected position.

Abstract: A multipolar switch has elements which can be readily assembled and combined for obtaining closing conracts or opening contacts. The body of the apparatus comprises a mounting base and an upper portion, the mounting base receiving an operating member which is movable in translation, the upper portion receiving a cover to close laterally some housings for terminals, some passageways for the retention of contacts, and some breaking chambers.

Abstract: A keyboard has a planar surface with depressions formed therein. Switch devices of the type which provide tactile feedback are aligned with the depressions. Exertion of downward force on the base of the depressions will cause switch contacts to be closed with a snap-action to generate an information bearing signal.

Abstract: An optically coated, flexible glass plate cemented to a sheet of polarizing aterial combine to provide a high contrast, non-glare, polarizing filter that can be used in combination with an illuminated switch assembly such as with conventional membrane switches.

Abstract: A multiple cantilever spring contact switch has a base, a housing and a cap. A plurality of pairs of contacts are mounted in the base and the housing fits over the base and contacts. A cap is mounted for movement up and down on the housing and has a plurality of cam members which extend through slots in the housing aligned with the contacts. The cap is resiliently biased upward, and downward pressure on the cap moves the cap downwards and the cam members slide down the slots and actuate one contact of each pair. The contact pairs can be normally open or normally closed, or combinations thereof, and actuation of the one contact by a cam member changes the condition of the contact pair.

Abstract: A shortened control switch structure useful in electrical remote control rearview mirrors and serving a pair of remotely located reversible motors and selectively permitting either of the motors to be operated in the forward or reverse direction by movement in the switch and where the base closure of the switch supports stationary contacts in opposed paired relation and the stationary contacts are swaged into the closure and against connecting leads and where the connecting leads extend generally radially from the base closure. The switch is of the type that recenters upon release in accord with a bias applied at the contacts. The contactors are press fitted into recesses and self-seat against removal and in electrical contact with corresponding leads. The contactors are provided with annular spaced apart wedge rings and displace softer material upon entry and in firm contacting displacement of the leads.

Abstract: An electrical switch device applicable, for example, to a lever switch arrangement for use in motor vehicles which is arranged to smoothly change over its functioning state through at least three steps of stepwise movement in each direction in its reciprocating operation.

Abstract: A switching apparatus assembly structure is disclosed in which a plurality of blocks including actuator blocks, contact blocks, a transformer blocks and direct power-supply adapter blocks are previously prepared as independent units which can be coupled together into a releasably interlocked structure, and two or more of desired ones of the above blocks are assembled to construct any desired one of smaller-size switching apparatus assemblies including a push button switch assembly, a selector switch assembly, a push button switch assembly of lockable type, a push button switch assembly with illumination, a selector switch assembly with illumination and a push button switch assembly of lockable type with illumination.

Abstract: A keyswitch comprising a housing, a plunger which slides in a channel in the housing, a pair of crossed, opposing cantilever beams which have their fixed ends attached to the housing floor and which with their free ends make springing contact with the plunger, and a pair of electrical contacts each of which is attached to a respective cantilever beam. The keyswitch may also include a cam element to achieve switching and a third contact element to create a bounceless switch.

Abstract: A small switch comprising a plurality of switching elements with a hole which are oscillatably disposed one in each switch body and a single switching rod inserted through the holes of the switching elements whereby the contacts in a plurality of small switches can be made or broken simultaneously by operating the switching rod from the outside of the electronic device containing the switches. This small switch has projections and recesses on both sides of the switch body where the holes are formed so that a plurality of switches can be connected in series by fitting the projections of one switch into the recesses of other switch.

Abstract: A miniature switch assembly of dual-in-line configuration having a plurality of switching chambers, each of the switching chambers having at least a pair of terminal lands disposed therein. Each switching chamber is sealed by means of an electrically-insulative, elastic membrane and has an electrically-conductive contact within each chamber disposed closely adjacent the membrane. The contact is permitted to float within its respective chamber and is adapted to interconnect one of the pair of contact lands with the other of the pair of contact lands by means of an actuator which flexes the membrane from outside of the chamber without extending through the membrane. An actuator of a rocker-type is retained in either an OFF or an ON position by means of a bezel which engages a detent on the upper surface of the actuator. The membrane and contact together bias the actuator in a desired operative position.

Abstract: A selector switch assembly includes modular switch units that are serially-arranged in a housing and are operated by a single rotatable control member that is biased to a first position by a biasing unit. A modular switch unit includes a housing that has an end wall and two opposite sidewalls that each have two recesses at opposite ends which receive planar blade portions of switches to define an enclosure. The control member includes a hollow tube that has a friction member which has cams on the periphery to actuate the switches and also has an opening for frictionally engaging a rotatable adjusting screw on the next modular switch unit. The modular units are sealed into a support and the hollow tube provides access to the adjusting screw outside the support.

Abstract: A two speed switch (20) for electric motors permits both forward and reverse operation of the motors and eliminates the possibility of simultaneous operation of the switch in both directions. The switch (20) includes a housing (50, 80) for receiving a contact bar (140) therein. First, second and third contact terminal poles (66, 68, 70) are spaced along the longitudinal length of the contact bar (140) within the housing with the third terminal pole (70) positioned on the opposite side of the contact bar (140) from the first and second terminal poles (66, 68). The terminal poles are positioned such that when the contact bar (140) engages two of the terminal poles, it is not in engagement with the third terminal pole. First and second biasing structures (28, 30) engage the bar and normally position the bar against the first and second terminal poles.

Abstract: A switch assembly including a base member having a contact receiving cavity open at the top and defined by a floor that is laterally enclosed by side wall means, first terminal means in the cavity adapted for electrical connection to outside circuitry, second terminal means in the cavity adapted for electrical connection to outside circuitry having a resilient contact blade portion with an end above the first terminal means. The contact blade portion is moveable between a normally open position wherein the end is spaced from the first terminal means in a closed position wherein the end contacts the first terminal means. A thin, stretchable, resilient, impermeable sealing gasket is provided on the base member which ovelies the cavity. A cover engages the periphery of the gasket and includes interengaging means cooperating with the base member to lock the covering gasket to the base member to form a hermetic seal over the cavity.

Abstract: Folded circuit switch apparatus includes multiple contacts responsive to a single switch capable of making contacts selectively with one or two switch elements at any particular time.

Abstract: A push-button assembly in which a cluster of push-buttons arranged in a circle or in a rectangular matrix, when depressed, engage a common plate positioned beneath the push-buttons. The plate is pivotally supported at its center by a spring which urges the plate towards the push-buttons. When any of the push-buttons is depressed it engages the plate at a point spaced from the central pivot. This causes the plate to tilt about its outer periphery, compressing the spring and actuating a common switch.

Abstract: An electronic switch keyboard for typewriters or office machines includes a multiple switch at selected key positions to provide two signal inputs to a utilization device. A first capacitor switch is actuated to provide a first signal upon initial key depression and a second contact switch, common to all selected key positions, is actuated to provide a second signal upon further key depression at the selected key positions. A ground plane forms a portion of the contact switch and further serves to reduce parasitic capacitance and to shield the capacitive switches from stray electrical noise occasioned by the contact switch or other electrical inputs. A dielectric material is used to accurately separate the ground plane from the capacitive switch and further serves as a force spreading device for the contact switch.

Abstract: A mechanical switch having a plurality of sequentially energized outputs responsive to the displacement of a push button or other linear actuator comprises an arcuate array of fixed contacts on a rigid printed circuit board and a single movable contact comprising a helical spring member with its axis normal to the circuit board and having one end contacting one of the fixed contacts. The spring rate of the spring progressively varies along its length such that when the spring is compressed by an axially applied force the spring sequentially and progressively contacts and bridges the fixed contacts thereby sequentially engaging the fixed contacts.

Abstract: A touch controlled dimmer switch is provided so that a user may indicate the level to which the illumination output of a light or lamp is to be maintained by touching a control keyboard. Digital control circuitry responds to touching of the keyboard by the user to adjust the amount of electrical power furnished to the lamp and regulate the illumination output.

Abstract: A momentary or latching mechanical switch wherein the externally threaded outer end portion of the housing has axially parallel external grooves each including a deeper portion, and the frame for the illuminated knob for a reciprocable plunger in the housing has elastic arms extending into the grooves and provided with protuberances received in the deeper portions of the respective grooves. The arms are separably held in their grooves by a nut which meshes with the end portion and is rotatable in a direction to expose the arms. The housing is inserted into the opening of a control panel from within before the arms of the frame are inserted into their grooves from the outside of the control panel, and the nut is thereupon rotated against the inner side of the control panel to confine the arms in their grooves and to urge the frame against the outer side of the control panel. The inner end portion of the housing is separably coupled to an adapter which separably supports several microswitches.

Abstract: In a camera having a folding electronic flash unit, an improved dual actuator system for sequentially closing a flash charge switch to charge the flash unit's storage capacitor and operating a slider member that closes an internal switch to initiate an automatic cycle of camera operation. A charge switch actuator and slider actuator are mounted in telescoping relation for sequential operation with provisions made for optional independent operation of the slider actuator to bypass charging and operation of the flash unit. When the flash unit is folded, a detent thereon latches the charge switch actuator to inhibit inadvertent operation.

Abstract: Two parallel rows of three fixed electric contacts are mounted on an insulating base. An insulating slider movable lengthwise of the rows carries a pair of bridging contacts from a position in which each bridging contact bridges the adjoining middle fixed contact and either of the end contacts in the same row to a position bridging the same middle contact and the other end contact in that row. When the bridging contacts are moved into engagement with a pair of end contacts, the slider also moves a metal shorting contact into engagement with the other pair of end contacts, whereby those two contacts are electrically connected.

Abstract: A double pole sliding contact trigger switch is disclosed having auxiliary butt contact means for affording sequential actuation of a pair of switches in a single housing. Upon depression of the trigger, a double pole switch is closed by sliding bridging contactors to energize a portable tool motor. Upon further depression of the trigger, a single pole switch is closed by a butting bridging contactor to energize a solenoid in the tool.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly includes a U-shaped carrier member and a plurality of key members connected thereon by resiliently yieldable legs having detent portions which engage cooperating recesses provided in the bottom wall of the U-shaped carrier member with snap action. Each key member has an upper and a lower housing port which are snap-fastened to each other, and an actuating shaft axially movable to energize an electrical component mounted below the carrier member. A locking member is also provided to lock the shaft in a down actuating position.

Abstract: To permit multiple use of data entry keys, and to effect different circuit connections by a single key, operation of any one of the keys is associated with time slots, or time windows so that, upon operation of anyone of the keys, a course, or sequence of time slots at intervals is initiated, each interval or time slot being temporally associated with a specific circuit connection. The length of the time course, that is, the number of time slots or time intervals is selected by continued operation of anyone of the control buttons, this continuance of operation or operating of another button, entering the then pertaining circuit into the system. An indicator is provided, continuously indicating the then pertaining time slot, and an additional indicator providing a symbolic output representative of the finally established circuit connection.

Abstract: A rear window washer wiper control comprising a first movable member and a second movable member, the movable members comprising a slide switch for a washer circuit and a slide switch for a wiper circuit. Both switches are incorporated in one case to energize a wiper motor by moving the second movable member to the right and also to push and move the second movable member accordingly when the first movable member is moved to the right, thereby working a washer motor and a wiper motor simultaneously.Once an operating piece of the first movable member is released, the first movable member is forced back to the original position thereof by virtue of a built-in spring for automatic resetting, thus resulting in the washer motor stopping. The wiper motor continues to work so long as the second movable member is not manually reset to the original state thereof.

Abstract: A slide included in the push button set of a telephone instrument reciprocable to actuate a number of contact devices in the set. Each contact device comprises a pair of movable contact arms associated with fixed contacts. The slide is disposed between two oppositely situated contact assemblies and comprises an arm having two oppositely directed wedge members. Each member has a longitudinal center portions and is provided on each side with a rounded camming surface. The reciprocating action of the slide is effected by a push button on the set, one camming surface then contacting a flange on a movable contact arm thus establishing a contact between this arm and the associated fixed contact. The camming surfaces on both sides of the wedge member are displaced relative to each other to provide a sequential contact action.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing system for liquor, soft drinks, or mixed drinks comprising: a display board indicating the location of multiple groupings of ingredients which correspond to a similar locational layout of selector buttons on the dispenser handset. The disclosure also relates to a dispenser handset which can be switched to various modes so that a small number of selector buttons can select any one ingredient from multiple groupings of ingredients on the display board. The dispenser handset is connected by multiple flexible control and supply lines to an electronic dispensing control, and multiple displacement pumps and ingredient supplies. The disclosure also relates to an electronic dispensing control with display board lighting and recording counters and is disposed to delay the first selected ingredient of a pre-determined quantity until the selection of the second ingredient is made.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a housing with a plurality of switch means movable therein for operation between circuit controlling positions. Means is movable in the housing for engaging each switch means of the switch means plurality to effect the operation thereof from one of the circuit controlling positions toward another of the circuit controlling positions, respectively. The engaging and actuating means include means interiorly of the housing for camming at least two switch means of the switch means plurality so as to effect the operation of the at least two switch means from the one circuit controlling positions toward the another circuit controlling position thereof.

Abstract: A switching device is provided which permits connection of two incompatibly wired electrical components. The electrical signal from each lead on the first electrical component is isolated on a particular switch assembly and re-routed along a selected path to a desired terminal, which then feeds the signal to a particular lead on the second electrical component. Each switch assembly operates independently of the other switch levels, thereby permitting any combination of electrical routes or paths to be selected and accommodating a great variety of wiring designs.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a manual switch having a lever positioned in opposition to a resilient coiled return spring anchored to a block which includes a projection engaging one of the coils of the return spring and thereby detaining either compaction or expansion of the spring until sufficient pivoting of the lever forces the detained coil to suddenly slidably traverse over the projection of the block to provide an audible noise and a tactile feel indicating sufficient pivoting of the lever.

Abstract: A keyboard-operated electronic apparatus such as an electronic calculator is made by forming a dielectric card with a plurality of recesses in one card side. Preferably the card is formed with a number of apertures extending through the card. Electrically conductive films are deposited in a selected pattern on the recessed card to define first and complementary contacts within each card recess and to define circuit paths which are connected to these contacts in a selected manner. Electrically conductive elements of a dished configuration are disposed in the respective card recesses to be located by the recesses in engagement with the first contacts in the recesses, and key means are mounted on the recessed card side for selectively moving the dished elements with snap action into an inverted dished configuration so that the elements further engage complementary contacts in the recesses to close selected circuits.

Abstract: An assembly of at least two single-pole, double-throw slide switches, with one of the switches being mounted 90.degree. with respect to the other switch. A movable plate is positioned above the two SPDT switches, and the movable plate has apertures or the like which engage the projecting arms of the two SPDT switches, whereby translating movement of the movable plate causes action of one or both of the SPDT switches. Appropriate springs are provided to bias the movable plate to a centered, rest position at all times. Hence, movement of the movable plate as a result of some manual force may affirmatively generate any one of eight distinct signals. The centered rest position of the movable plate may also be considered as a signal-generation position, such that nine distinct bits of information may be communicated through the manual manipulation of a single knob that is connected to only two SPDT slide switches.

Abstract: The keyswitch pad includes a plurality of keyswitches on a common backing member, each of the keyswitches including a fluid filled bag underneath a key cap. The bags of the keyswitches are interconnected and the system of bags is closed so as to be of limited volume so that only one keyswitch at a time can be depressed. Several different types of keyswitches can be used in any one switch pad and several types of switching, latching, and display mechanisms are disclosed for the keyswitches.