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.

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 push-button switch wherein a spring loaded plunger (22) is carried by a push-button operator (4) along a surface of a rocking contactor (20) across the plane of the support contact (16) for the contactor (20) to rock that contactor into and out of engagement with stationary contacts (12, 14). A U-shaped conductive bearing (18) is mounted over the end of the support contact (16) to provide a uniformly smooth pivot and current transfer surface for the contactor (20). The plunger (22) and spring (24) are loaded in a through-hole (4f) in the operator (4) wherein the spring (24) may be compressed just prior to final assembly into a switch housing (2), facilitating assembly operations for the switch.

Abstract: A key device, as used in a keyboard, comprises(a) a hinge,(b) a key tab projecting in one direction relative to the hinge, and connected with the hinge,(c) a pusher projecting in another direction relative to the hinge, and connected with the hinge, and(d) a spring arranged to be deflected when the key tab is downwardly depressed about the hinge axis, to resist such depression.

Abstract: This is an electrical switch mechanism actuated by a piano-style key of a musical instrument. The switch consists of a pair of cross-bar contacts, at least one of which is resiliently flexible. This resilience permits a moveable contact member to be driven into engagement with a fixed contact member, and also keeps it firmly biased against the fixed contact member for electrical communication therewith whenever the key is in its actuated position. When the key is released, an actuator member on the key captures the moveable contact and moves it away from the fixed contact. Upon actuation, the key over-travels beyond the point of contact engagement, but the actuator decouples from the contact so as to avoid any increase in contact pressure and prevent double-keying. Various techniques for minimizing impact noise during contact recapture, and for mounting the contacts upon a circuit board, are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a radio receiver which is electrically tuned to a broadcasting frequency, a preset station selecting device having a memory, a first circuit which previously writes a broadcasting frequency into the memory when it receives a write selection and write command, and a second circuit which reads the broadcasting frequency out of the memory and sets the frequency in the receiver. The station selecting device further includes a switch which in turn includes a switchable member which has two switched positions. This switch gives a write selection/write command to the first circuit when the switchable member is at one switched position, and a read command to the second circuit when the switchable member is at the other switched position.

Abstract: A miniature insert molded slide (10) or rocker (12) switch assembly is designed for machine insertion on printed circuit boards. A metallic strip (90) is blanked to form pairs of oppositely disposed terminals (22) still attached to the carrier strip (92). The insert-molding operation forms a box-like housing (14) about the terminals (22) on the strip (90), each pair of terminals (22) being embedded in the base (16) of said housing (14). During the insert-molding operation, the die forms the terminal head (28) of each terminal (22). The housing-terminals construction is utilized for both the slide (10) and rocker (12) switch assemblies. The slide switch assembly (10) includes an actuator (40) having a double cantilevered resilient contactor (50) entrapped in a through opening (48) in the actuator (40), the contactor (50) having a depending arcuately shaped contactor head (54) for engaging and disengaging the terminal heads (28).

Abstract: Two or more metal toggles, such as a bat or paddle can be alternatively assembled with a plastic actuator in an otherwise conventional toggle switch so that the bat type toggle can be made as a body of revolution whereas the paddle type toggle is made with non-circular projections on its shank portion which are oriented with respect to the broad dimension of the paddle in order that either the paddle or the bat toggle can be assembled with the same plastic actuator part of the toggle switch assembly. Both types of toggles can be conveniently assembled by inserting the shank portion of either toggle in the opening provided for this purpose in the actuator, and each toggle is adapted to be securely held in the actuator in spite of the difference in the geometry between these toggles.

Abstract: A diverter switch comprises at least two contact pairs, each pair having a fixed contact and a movable contact. The movable contacts are movably arranged on a pivoted current-carrying contact carrier. Each movable contact consists of two contact elements pressed by means of springs against the contact carrier on either side thereof. The current-carrying capacity of the movable contacts can be improved by means of silver plates arranged between the contact elements and the contact carrier.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid-proof slide switch having at least a pair of contacts contained in a housing, and a horizontally movable slider for electrical connection or disconnection of the contacts.A flexible sealing member is placed between the slider and contacts to form a fluid-proof chamber containing the contacts. The sealing member is deformed in response to the movement of said slider to make the electrical connection or disconnection.

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 compact nonsnap switch has an actuator moveable in arcuate paths from center off to actuated positions on a shaft which pivots about first shaft shoulders on outwardly discrete casing shoulders. The shaft has second pivot shoulders located in the same diametric plane as the casing shoulders for cooperation with an elongated movable contact member which is normally biased in columnar alignment with the shaft by a coil spring. Fixed contact members are aligned below the casing shoulders for contact by the end of the movable contact member.

Abstract: The disclosed one piece self-locking switch contact member is arranged to mount on the handle of a printed circuit board. The switch member functions as a movable switch contact which is operable from the user's finger pressure to electrically connect together two test terminals located in an aperture of the handle. The switch member is made of a resilient dielectric material having an open loop end arranged for a snap-on lock mounting between the aperture and an edge of the handle. The other end of the switch member contains an electrical contact area and is cantilevered by the mounting to provide a resilient movement which permits contact with the test terminals when acted upon by finger pressure.

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: A DIP rotary switch comprising a housing within which rotatable members such as a rotor and a disc are disposed around a pivot protruding from the center of a molded base which horizontally sandwiches a one piece plate terminal manufactured by a punching process. A contact segment of the plate terminal is bent first upward along a step of a hollow disposed at the surface edge of the base and then pressed down to be located along the slot arranged at the surface thereof, while a lead foot is bent downward to a right angle by touching on a step of a hollow arranged at the under surface of the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric switch comprising an actuator, a first electrical contact which acts are a fulcrum, a second electrical contact and a contact bridging member. The contact bridging member is slidably movable over the fulcrum and pivots thereabout whereby to bring the leading or trailing end of the member into or out of contact with the second contact. Platform means are provided on the side of the fulcrum remote from the second contact to support the member in a position out of contact with the second contact. A further embodiment provides an electrical switch comprising a plurality of such switching assemblies. A single actuator is adapted to move both the contact bridging members, and the fulcrums of the first and second switch assemblies are positioned to obtain multiposition characteristics.

Abstract: A multi-pole toggle switch achieves sub-miniature dimensions by mounting the four see-saw contacts, four stationary contacts and four actuating pads in two parallel, linear rows, each row on an opposite side of the path of the tip of the toggle lever plunger within the switch housing. A single actuator block carries the four pads and pressure is applied by a single spring from the plunger tip to the sliding block, then to the pads and then to the see-saw contacts. A depending tongue on the block slides in a groove in the base to form a moving insulation barrier between the rows of contacts.

Abstract: A multiple cantilever spring contact switch has a plurality of cantilever spring contacts, in one or more series, with the contacts of each series clamped between surfaces which provided a predetermined relative inclination of the contacts. A pivotal member is mounted on the switch assembly for actuation by an operating member, the pivotal member in turn actuating the contacts. The contact between operating member and pivotal member is localized so that misalignment between operating member and the switch assembly does not affect actuation of the contacts. Such misalignment can occur when the switch assembly or operating member or both are mounted on printed circuit boards. The switch is particularly suitable for a hook switch of a telephone.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a casing, an actuator, and a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a contact bridging member movable between a plurality of spaced electrical contacts. The contacts act as fulcrums on the contact bridging member during its movement to assist in making and breaking the electrical connections. A conductor connects the contact bridging member to one of the contacts or to a second switching mechanism mounted in a common housing.

Abstract: A switch apparatus is provided which closely approximates transmission medium parameters for reducing impedance discontinuities by utilizing a high frequency contact arrangement permitting high bandwidth operation. The apparatus is adaptable for use with both high and low impedance circuitry.

Abstract: The drawings illustrate a double pole, double throw switch for use in selectively controlling energization of either a first or second electric circuit. The switch includes two sets of first, second and third terminals, with each of the second terminals being offset in opposite directions from one another, and a pivotally mounted actuator button. A pair of legs are formed on the inner portion of the actuator button for carrying first and second contact strips, the latter being mounted for universal movement with respect to the second terminals so as to normally contact respective opposite first or third terminals.

Abstract: A switching apparatus to be substituted in a conventional wiring system of a building for the on-off switch of a conventional light such as a porch light for causing the light to flash on and off, the switching apparatus including a flasher wafer which is switched into and out of the circuit for the light and which flasher wafer is confined in an open and unobstructed pocket within the switch housing so as to be readily inserted and removed for replacement, the switch toggle being translucent and illuminated in synchronism with the flashing produced by the flasher wafer.

Abstract: The drawings illustrate a double pole, double throw switch for use in selectively controlling energization of either a first or second electric circuit. The switch housing encompasses a pivotally mounted actuator button, two sets of first, second and third terminals mounted on a base member, and an insulator disc carrying two separate criss-crossing contact strips and pivotally mounted such that the strips normally contact respective first and third terminals of one set with one terminal contacting the second terminal of the other set. Oppositely disposed actuator elements are formed on the inner portion of the actuator button for contacting opposite edge portions of the pivotable base member.

Abstract: A hand-held hair styling appliance incorporates an improved rotatable switch assembly which is mounted in the styler in axial alignment with the fan, thus eliminating the need for a handle in the appliance. The switch is constructed such that the heating elements are energized only when the motor is running, and the higher heat elements are energized only when the motor is operated in a high speed mode. The improved switch assembly is of an annular configuration having a central axial aperture through which a conventional electric cord is positioned. A switch housing includes a hollow annular work area in which a plurality of resilient electrical contacts are fixedly mounted. A commutator assembly includes a disc-shaped base which is rotatably mounted in a working portion of the housing. The base includes a plurality of evenly spaced detents positioned along the outer circumference thereof which engage the fixed contacts to provide discrete stopping positions during the rotation of same.

Abstract: An electrical switch including a body and a rotor mounted on the body for movement relative thereto about first and second spaced and generally mutually perpendicular axes. First and second fixed electrical contacts are carried by the body and are engageable by a first movable contact carried by the rotor. A plunger is movable generally parallel to the first axis by movement of the rotor about the second axis and a second movable contact carried by the plunger is engageable with a further fixed contact on the body. A conductive wire spring including a pair of resilient limbs which, in a rest position of the spring, are resiliently biassed in opposite directions respectively into engagement with the first fixed contact, has one of its limbs movable against its inherent bias by the rotor, during movement of the rotor about the first axis so as to engage the second fixed contact whereby the spring bridges the first and second fixed contacts.

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: Switching functions of an electronic timepiece including switching for time amendment, are controlled by a stem which is rotatable and axially movable. When in neutral axial position, the stem is rotatable to display alternatively hours, minutes and seconds or month and date. When pulled out to its outer axial position, the stem is rotatable in one direction to select the time function (hours, minutes, month or date) to be amended and is rotatable in the opposite direction to supply pulses from a dividing circuit to the counter of the selected time function to effect the desired amendment. When pushed in to an inner axial position, the stem actuates which means to illuminate the time display.

Abstract: A movable switch contact of a switch for connecting in a circuit at least a pair of stationary contacts which may be the lands or terminal pads of a printed circuit on a printed circuit board includes an actuating member and a bridging portion. The actuating member is supported for movement in at least two directions and the bridging portion is attached for movement with the actuating member. The bridging portion includes a body of a deformable material having a capacity to conduct current and provide electrical continuity between the stationary contacts when the actuating member shall have been moved to a switch closed position. The actuating member may be adapted for movement toggle fashion as well as for sliding movement. Movement of the actuating member toggle fashion may be through snap action and momentarily whereby the return memory of the body causes the actuating member to return to a neutral or switch open position.

Abstract: A sub-miniature, two position, double pole switch has flat, terminals of rectangular cross section with projecting portions, bent at right angles to the portions inside the case, and having blades of reduced dimensions for insertion in the circular apertures of a modular printed circuit board. The inner portions of the flat terminals, and the dual rockers are separated by an insulator member having an elongated tongue groove for slidably receiving a tongue on the insulated tip of the spring pressed handle. The tongue and groove means prevents arcing, twisting and uneven closing of the switch.

Abstract: In a switch mechanism for an electronic timepiece, stationary switch electrodes are fitted in openings provided in a dielectric base plate. Movable contacts on a pivoted switch lever extend into the openings and are normally out of contact with the electrodes. The switch lever is movable by operation of the watch stem to bring one or another of the movable contacts into engagement with the respective electrode and thereby close the circuit, for example for adjusting the hour and minute displays of the timepiece. This construction permits making the timepiece thin.

Abstract: A switching system comprises a switching mechanism including at least two stationary contact members, a movable contact and a rotatable switching member. The switching member rotates in one direction to urge the movable contact into contact with a first and then the second of the two stationary contacts and in the opposite direction to urge the movable contact into contact with the second and then the first stationary contact. A circuit has the two inputs thereof connected to the stationary contacts and has two outputs and is responsive to the order in which the first and second stationary contact members are contacted for generating an output signal at only a first of the two outputs when the rotatable switching member is rotated in one direction and for generating an output signal at only the second of the two outputs when the switching member is rotated in the other direction.

Abstract: A miniature electrical switch including a housing having a cover and a base plate and a switching assembly within the housing. The switching assembly includes a switch actuator, a ball contactor and a spring, together with a contact assembly. A plurality of contacts are engageable by the ball contactor to electrically interconnect contacts connected to a circuit. The contacts are arranged to enable the switch to be used in single-pole double-throw, double-pole double-throw or multiple-pole double-throw modes.

Abstract: A switch, and a dual lamp and switch combination comprising two conductive strips spaced from each other and each having a contact point adjacent an upper end. The conductive strips contacting filament wires of the lamp or electrical conductors of a power line. A handle including a base is pivotably mounted relative to the contact points, and a conductive member operated by the handle, selectively contacts at least one of the contact points. The conductive member is integral with at least a portion of the conductive member and engages a metallic screw-on section of the lamp or electrical conductors of the power line.

Abstract: A miniature switch assembly comprising a base member having a plurality of parallel finned projections, a pair of contact members each having a plurality of contact terminals being fixed on both sides of the base member, respectively, a plurality of lever wheels being disposed between the adjacent finned projections, and a housing having a plurality of partition walls for accommodating the base member with the contact members and the lever wheels, wherein the lever wheels each having conductive plate perform the switching action in a manner that the conductive plate slides over the contact terminals. A locking member is also provided for locking the lever wheels. Preferably, a dust cover is provided for protecting the switch assembly from dust or mechanical injuries.

Abstract: A switching system for an electronic timepiece has: a plurality of display sections which are individually activated in response to movement of manual member for effecting an amendment of said display sections. A switching mechanism is operated by axial movement and rotational movement of said manual member for effecting the desired amendment.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for an electronic timepiece is disclosed. The switching mechanism comprises an external means for selectively activating an internal switching assembly. The external means is rotatably coupled to a grooved rod member which is in turn coupled to the internal assembly. Various contact arms disposed across the grooved rod member are adapted to become selectively disposed on various electrical contacts in the timepiece. By rotating the grooved rod member, these arms are selectively disposed on or off corresponding electrical contacts thus causing the internal switch assembly to be turned ON or OFF. By the use of the invented switching mechanism, various internal switching assemblies such as for alarm systems and the like may be easily activated and deactivated without the problems associated with prior art switching mechanisms.

Abstract: A manually actuated switch includes a pair of terminals forming switch poles and a knob which is manually actuated to complete or interrupt an electrical circuit across the poles. A pair of spaced contacts are embedded in the knob and resiliently grip therebetween a diode which controls current direction of the completed circuit.

Abstract: A molded plastic mounting base is provided for stop tablets on an organ or the like. Pivot shoulders are integrally molded on the mounting plate. Each stop tablet has complementary pivot recesses integrally molded therein. A single blade-type spring snapped on to depending structure on each stop tablet simultaneously operates as a retaining means for a respective stop tablet and as an overcenter biasing spring therefor.

Abstract: Combination turn-signal and hazard-warning switch means for an automobile wherein a turn-signal movable contact member has two operating portions disposed along a row of stationary contact members on an insulator plate and a hazard-warning movable contact member is movable into an operative position along said row of stationary contact members. The combination switch means thus constructed is capable of reducing the number of the stationary contact members required therefor and space required for the arrangement of the stationary contact members and capable of being formed very compactly.