Abstract: A micro electromechanical (MEMS) switch suitable for use in medical devices is provided, along with methods of producing and using MEMS switches. In one aspect, a micro electromechanical switch including a moveable member configured to electrically cooperate with a receiving terminal is formed on a substrate. The moveable member and the receiving terminal each include an insulating layer proximate to the substrate and a conducting layer proximate to the insulating layer opposite the substrate. In various embodiments, the conducting layers of the moveable member and/or receiving terminal include a protruding region that extends outward from the substrate to switchably couple the conducting layers of the moveable member and the receiving terminal to thereby form a switch. The switch may be actuated using, for example, electrostatic energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a micro-electro-mechanical switch, including a substrate having a gate connection, a source connection, a drain connection and a switch structure, coupled to the substrate. The switch structure includes a beam member, an anchor and a hinge. The beam member having a length sufficient to overhang both the gate connection and the drain connection. The anchor coupling the switch structure to the substrate, the anchor having a width. The hinge coupling the beam member to the anchor at a respective position along the anchor's length, the hinge to flex in response to a charge differential established between the gate and the beam member. The switch structure having gaps between the substrate and the anchor in regions proximate to the hinges.

Abstract: A micro electromechanical system switch having an electrical pathway is presented. The switch includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is offset to a zero overlap position with respect to the first portion when the switch is in open position (or in the closed position depending on the switch architecture). The switch further includes an actuator for moving the first portion and the second portion into contact.

Abstract: Provided is a key sheet or a lightproof light guiding sheet guiding light efficiently through an interior of the key sheet and preventing light leakage through a periphery of key tops. On a base sheet, a transparent resin layer, and further, a lightproof dark print layer are provided as needed, with at least one of the transparent resin layer and the lightproof dark print layer being formed of a non-corrosive coating liquid. Further, a smooth surface is formed between the base sheet and the dark print layer.

Abstract: A metallic thin plate is etched to form a plurality of keypads having hollowed portions and cut to form a metallic keypad panel having a predetermined shape. Then, an electroplated layer is coated on the surface of the metallic keypad panel. A layer of protective film is adhered on the non-electroplated surface of the metallic keypad panel, which is disposed in a mold. A plastic material is then injected into the mold, so that the plastic material is formed into a pattern layer. In addition, a plastic thin plate is prepared with one side surface printed with a displaying layer, is adhered on elastic bodies having a plurality of protrusions and is cut to form an elastic layer. Finally, after the protective film is peeled off, an adhesive layer is applied thereon. The elastic layer is adhered on the surface of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pocket-size electronic devices, including credit card sized devices such as authentication tokens. It consists of an improvement of the well-known “raised ridge” to protect individual buttons from false key presses, obtained by applying embossing. A known problem with applying embossing to cards containing electronic components, is the fact that the embossing process may damage the components or the wiring inside the card. In the process according to the invention, an embossed ridge of a judiciously designed shape is used to avoid such damage.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS switch having a free moving inductive element within in micro-cavity guided by at least one inductive coil. The switch consists of an upper inductive coil at one end of a micro-cavity; optionally, a lower inductive coil; and a free-moving inductive element preferably made of magnetic material. The coils are provided with an inner permalloy core. Switching is achieved by passing a current through the upper coil, inducing a magnetic field unto the inductive element. The magnetic field attracts the free-moving inductive element upwards, shorting two open conductive wires, closing the switch. When the current flow stops or is reversed, the free-moving magnetic element drops back by gravity to the bottom of the micro-cavity and the conductive wires open. When the chip is not mounted with the correct orientation, the lower coil pulls the free-moving inductive element back at its original position.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a production method for an electromagnetic switching device includes the following steps in the sequence listed: producing a one-piece switching chamber, producing a contact bridge carrier and equipping the contact bridge carrier with movable contact bridges, wherein the contact bridges include a plurality of primary contact bridges and at least one auxiliary contact bridge; inserting the contact bridge carrier equipped with the movable contact bridges into the switching chamber; inserting partition elements into the switching chamber so that each partition element is arranged between a bridge contact point of one of the primary contact bridges and a bridge contact point of one of the auxiliary contact bridges, and equipping the switching chamber with fixed primary counter-contact points; fixing primary covers to the switching chamber so that the primary covers cover the primary counter-contact points and fix the partition elements in the switching chamber.

Abstract: A nanowire electronmechanical device with an improved structure and a method of fabricating the same prevent burning of two nanowires which are switched due to contact with each other while providing stable on-off switching characteristics.

Abstract: A method of forming a switch assembly that includes a magnetic intensifier constructed to extend in generally close proximity to one of the stationary contact and the arc contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier manipulates a magnetic field associated with current passing through the switch assembly and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. Preferably, the magnetic intensifier is formed integrally with a turnback associated with one of the stationary contact or the arc contact. Such a construction simplifies the manufacture and assembly of the contactor assembly and provides efficient and repeatable arc suppression.

Abstract: A nanoelectromechanical tunneling current switch includes a cantilevered nanofilament including a secured end and an unsecured end and a conductor with a surface substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nanofilament when the nanofilament is undeflected. The nanofilament is positioned with respect to the conductor to define a gap between the unsecured end of the nanofilament and the surface of the conductor substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nanofilament. The nanofilament and the conductor are electrically connected by a circuit, and a tunneling current is configured to flow from the nanofilament to the surface of the conductor substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nanofilament. In other embodiments of the nanoelectromechanical tunneling current switch, an electrically conductive membrane can be utilized in place of, or in addition to, the cantilevered nanofilament.

Abstract: To provide a metal dome sheet 10 to which a metal dome 8 is attached. The metal dome 8 elastically deforms with a pressing operation of a key top 16, thereby to have electrical conduction with a contact 6 provided on a substrate 2, and restores from a deformed state when the pressing operation is released, thereby to release the conduction with the contact. The metal dome sheet 10 has an elastic pressing projection 12 which transmits pressing force applied from the key top 16 side to a top 8a of the metal dome 8.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of a plunger has, when viewed in a longitudinal direction, a central region and two outer regions adjoining the central region. The outer regions are injection-moulded from a non-magnetizable material. In the central region, a magnetizable material is integrated in the plunger. In at least one embodiment, an injection-mouldable material is used as the magnetizable material, and the plunger including the magnetizable material is manufactured by way of a two-component injection-moulding process. A defined magnetization is impressed on a section of the central region once the magnetizable material has been integrated in the plunger.

Abstract: A contact arm assembly and a method for assembling the contact arm assembly are provided. The contact arm assembly includes a first contact arm having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion has a first contact disposed thereon and a first spring holder portion disposed thereon. The second end portion has a first tab member for coupling a first braided strap thereto. The first contact arm has a first pivot aperture extending therethrough. The contact arm assembly further includes first and second side plates. The first side plate is disposed proximate to a first side of the first contact arm and the second side plate is disposed proximate to a second side of the first contact arm.

Abstract: A unitary current path structure for a circuit breaker is provided. The unitary current path structure includes a terminal portion that is configured to couple with an electrical circuit. A flexible portion is coupled to the terminal portion. A movable portion is coupled to the flexible portion. The unitary current path structure is fabricated from a plurality of sheets stacked in a laminate arrangement. The terminal portion and movable portion are formed through a solidification process.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a current transformer, phase conductor and neutral conductor. The phase conductor and the neutral conductor are each configured to pass through the transformer from line side to load side that are defined by the current transformer. The circuit interrupter generates a continuous test current by continuous current imbalance established between the load side of the phase conductor and the line side of the neutral conductor, or between the line side of the phase conductor and the load side of the neutral conductor. A continuous test conductor may be coupled correspondingly to establish the current imbalance. Alternatively, an integrated circuit coupled correspondingly receives power and is energized by a quiescent current thereby. The current imbalance is established by the quiescent current. The current transformer detects the quiescent current as the continuous test current. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: /The present invention provides a method of use for a monolithic device utilizing cascaded, switchable slow-wave CPW sections that are integrated along the length of a planar transmission line. The purpose of the switchable slow-wave CPW sections element is to enable control of the propagation constant along the transmission line while maintaining a quasi-constant characteristic impedance. The method can be used to produce true time delay phase shifting components in which large amounts of time delay can be achieved without significant variation in the effective characteristic impedance of the transmission line, and thus also the input/output return loss of the component. Additionally, for a particular value of return loss, greater time delay per unit length can be achieved in comparison to tunable capacitance-only delay components.

Abstract: An electric contact element for an arcing contact including a contact body arranged to be applied against a contact element. The contact body includes a Mn+1AXn-material, wherein M is at least one transition metal, A is at least one element selected from group 13-17 in the periodic table, X is C and/or N, and n is 1,2,3 or higher. A method of making a contact element including a contact body including a Mn+1AXn-material. Use of an electric contact element including a contact body including a Mn+1AXn-material in an arcing contact.

Abstract: A method for making an electronic switch mountable on a circuit board includes the steps of: (A) providing a housing that includes a base having opposite inner and outer sides, and a cover body having a main portion that cooperates with the inner side of the base to define a chamber, and an end portion that cooperates with the outer side of the base to define a sealing space; (B) providing a terminal having a connecting part extending through the base and the sealing space for connection with the circuit board; (C) providing the base with a hollow portion that projects outwardly from the outer side thereof into the sealing space and that confines an air-discharge hole communicating fluidly with the chamber; (D) providing a first adhesive layer to seal the sealing space without covering the air-discharge hole; and (E) sealing the air-discharge hole.

Abstract: A circuit breaker device has a first electrode piece and a second electrode piece. In order to ensure protection from weather, the circuit breaker device is equipped with an electrically isolating housing. The electrically isolating housing has a first shell and a second shell. The first shell serves as a volatile casing for the second shell during production.

Abstract: A multi-coil automatic transfer switch (ATS) adapted for automatically switching an appropriately rated component to render the ATS operational over a worldwide voltage range is provided. A low voltage contactor includes a low voltage coil magnetically linked with a normally open low voltage main contact. A high voltage contactor is coupled in parallel with the low voltage contactor. The high voltage contactor includes a high voltage coil magnetically linked with a normally open high voltage main contact. A normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact is magnetically linked with the high voltage coil. The normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact has a phase opposite the normally open high voltage main contact. The high voltage contactor opens the normally closed high voltage auxiliary contact to disconnect the low voltage coil.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides high temperature thermal cutoff devices having a high-temperature thermal pellet with a transition temperature of greater than or equal to about 240° C. and comprising at least one organic compound. The pellet is disposed in a housing, which is sealed with a high-temperature seal that provides substantial sealing up to at least the transition temperature. The high-temperature TCO also has a current interruption assembly, which establishes electrical continuity in a first operating condition corresponding to an operating temperature of less than said transition temperature and discontinues electrical continuity when the operating temperature exceeds the transition temperature. Methods of making such high-temperature thermal cut off devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS switch that is fully integratable in a semiconductor fabrication line. The method consists of forming two posts, each end thereof terminating in a cap; a rigid movable conductive plate having a surface terminating in a ring in each of two opposing edges, the rings being loosely connected to guiding posts; forming upper and lower electrode pairs and upper and lower interconnect wiring lines connected and disconnected by the rigid movable conductive plate. The conductive plate moves up, shorting two upper interconnect wirings lines. Conversely, the conductive plate moves down when the voltage is applied to the lower electrode pair, while the upper electrode pair is grounded, shorting the two lower interconnect wiring lines and opening the upper wiring lines.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for assembling a first component, such as a switch pad, to a second component, such as a circuit board.

Abstract: A protection device for protecting an electrical installation, which protection device is designed to be connected in parallel with the electrical installation and includes at least two electrically conductive contact members (3, 4) that are suitable for going from a closed position to an open position when a current (I) of magnitude greater than a predetermined threshold value passes through the protection device (1), said protection device being characterized in that, in the closed position, the contact members are separated from each other by a potentially insulating piece (15), thereby forming a spark gap (E) for protecting from voltage surges between the contact members (3, 4). The invention also relates to apparatus for protecting electrical installations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to MEMS device that comprises a first electrode, and a second electrode suspended with a distance to the first electrode with the aid of a suspension structure. The MEMS device further comprises at least one deformation electrode. The second electrode or the suspension structure or both are plastically deformable upon application of an electrostatic deformation force via the deformation electrode. This way, variations in the off-state position of the second electrode that occur during fabrication of different devices or during operation of a single device can be eliminated.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for fabricating a micro-electro-mechanical switch. The switch has a cantilever arm disposed on a substrate that can be moved in orthogonal directions for latching and unlatching. For latching, the cantilever arm is moved back by a comb-drive actuator and then pulled down by electrodes disposed on the substrate and the cantilever arm. The comb-drive actuator switch is then released and the cantilever arm moves forward to be captured by a dove-tail structure on the substrate. When the voltage is removed, the cantilever arm is held in place by the dove-tail structure. The switch is unlatched by actuating the comb-drive actuator to move the cantilever arm away from the dove-tail structure. The cantilever arm will then pop up once it is released from the dove-tail structure.

Abstract: In a method for forming an in-molded capacitive sensing device a plastic film is provided, the plastic film comprising a first side and a second side. A capacitive sensor pattern is disposed on at least a portion of the second side, the capacitive sensor pattern including a region for facilitating electrical contact. A resin layer is printed over a portion of the capacitive sensor pattern such that access to the region for facilitating electrical contact is maintained. A plastic layer is injection molded onto a portion of the resin layer such that the capacitive sensor pattern becomes in-molded between the plastic film and the plastic layer while access to the region for facilitating electrical contact is maintained.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical (MEMS) relay decouples a flux path from magnetic actuation from the electrical path through the switch to eliminate signal degradations that result from fluctuations in the current around the core and, thereby the flux. In addition, the MEMS relay has a suspension structure that is independent of the core.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a housing and switching elements arranged within the housing for switching electrical power. Each switching element has a longitudinal direction which corresponds to the direction of a current flow with the switching element closed or which is parallel thereto. The circuit breaker is a three-phase breaker and has three switching elements the longitudinal directions of which are parallel, the three switching elements being arranged adjacent to each other in a cross-section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal directions and forming the vertices of a triangle.

Abstract: A method of forming an actuator and a relay using a micro-electromechanical (MEMS)-based process is disclosed. The method first forms the lower sections of a square copper coil, and then forms an actuation member that includes a core section and a horizontally adjacent floating cantilever section. The core section, which lies directly over the lower coil sections, is electrically isolated from the lower coil sections. The method next forms the side and upper sections of the coil, along with first and second electrodes that are separated by a switch gap. The first electrode lies directly over an end of the core section, while the second electrode lies directly over an end of the floating cantilever section.

Abstract: Provided is a push switch including: a tubular case; a slider which is supported by the tubular case to reciprocate and advance during a pushing operation; and biasing means for biasing the slider to retreat, wherein the slider upon retreating is automatically returned to a non-operation position by allowing a contact inclined surface provided at a contact portion of the slider to come in contact with a restriction inclined surface provided at a restriction portion of the tubular case, the slider is a mold made of a resin material having a higher thermal contraction coefficient and a lower melting temperature than those of the resin material of the tubular case, the shape of the contact portion is similar to and slightly smaller than the shape of the restriction portion in order that they be complementary to each other, and the tubular case is provided with a pair of restriction inclined surfaces.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metallic keypad panel having a ripple luster is described. First, a metallic thin plate is prepared. The metallic thin plate is subjected to an etching process, thereby forming a plurality of keypads having hollowed portions. The metallic thin plate is cut to form a metallic keypad panel having a predetermined shape. Then, an electroplated layer is coated on the surface of the metallic keypad panel. A layer of protective film is adhered on the non-electroplated surface of the metallic keypad panel. Finally, the metallic keypad panel is disposed in a mold. A plastic material is then injected into the mold, so that the plastic material is formed into a pattern layer. In addition, a plastic thin plate is prepared. One side surface of the plastic thin plate is printed with a displaying layer. The plastic thin plate is adhered on elastic bodies having a plurality of protrusions. The plastic thin plate is cut to form an elastic layer.

Abstract: A dome switch structure that includes an actuator integrally formed with a dome is disclosed. Advantageously, the actuator can be formed so as to be positioned over and properly aligned with the dome. In one embodiment, the dome switch structure is used by an electronic device to provide user input. When the actuator is pressed by a user, the actuator depresses the dome and induces a switching action. In one embodiment, the dome switch structures can be manufactured (i.e., machined) as a unitary structure. Consequently, since actuators and domes can be formed together, the dome switch structures yield not only consistent accurate alignment but also simplified assembly of dome switches. Given the accurate alignment of an actuator to a corresponding dome, dome switches formed from the dome switch structures can have consistent and reliable tactile feel to users, which thereby provides reliable usage by users.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a touch panel for acquiring a plurality of touch panels in one machining process comprises the steps of: sticking a rectangular transparent film to a back liner as to be formed with an upper material piece; each upper electrode unit of the transparent film being formed with a closed gluing frame along an inner periphery of the cutting line; forming a plurality of lower electrode units with an identical specification as the upper electrode units on the transparent film on a surface of the glass substrate; sticky a surface of each upper electrode unit on the transparent film to a surface of a respective lower electrode unit on the glass substrate by the gluing frame; a glass cutter cutting along a cutting line into one lateral side of the surface on the glass substrate; performing a piece peeling operation so as to acquire each touch panel.

Abstract: A switching contact, an electromagnetically operated electromagnet for driving the switching contact, and a drive power source device for driving the electromagnetically operated electromagnet. The electromagnetically operated electromagnet includes a movable core coupled to a movable contact of the switching contact, a fixed core located in a peripheral portion of the movable core, and coils wound around the movable core and the fixed core. Currents are supplied to the coils to drive the movable core. Capacitors store charges for supplying the current to the coils. Resistors are arranged in series with a path through which the capacitors are connected with the coils of the electromagnetically operated electromagnet and through which a current for closing operation flows. Capacitances of the capacitors and values of the resistors are controlled to adjust a supplied current characteristic to the electromagnetically operated electromagnet.

Abstract: The simplification of a mounting structure of a side surface operation part, the simplification of the mounting process, and the reduction of the manufacturing cost can be realized.

Abstract: MEMS switches and methods of manufacturing MEMS switches is provided. The MEMS switch having at least two cantilevered electrodes having ends which overlap and which are structured and operable to contact one another upon an application of a voltage by at least one fixed electrode.

Abstract: A method manufactures a keyboard with injecting keys and an inmold metal sheet. The bottoms of grooves of the keys are combined with an elastic material layer to form a keyboard. The metal layer is disposed at a surface of said keyboard.

Abstract: A keypad suitable for use with a mobile communication or a handheld device. The keypad includes an actuator component formed from multiple materials and comprises a plurality of actuators, a sealing bead and/or a light guide. The sealing bead is formed from a flexible or compressible material such as silicone rubber. When the keypad is installed the sealing bead is compressed against the mounting surface in the device and provides a seal for the keypad against environmental agents such as moisture, dust and/or electrostatic discharges.

Abstract: Angled spring contacts and switches made with contactors containing angled spring contacts are disclosed. The housing for the angled spring contacts has a generally cylindrical shape. The contacts are contained within the housing with their ends extending from the housing on either side. The contacts are formed by making bullet-shaped internal contacts that are joined by a spring. The spring is mounted to the two contacts to urge the two contacts away from each other at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the housing. This angle forces contact between each contact and the housing in at least two places, thus creating redundant paths between the contacts. Switches, such as plunger switches having a normal or OFF position, and an actuated or ON position, may be made with one or more angled spring contacts. The contacts have separate surfaces for electrical conduction and for arcing.

Abstract: The present invention can include a mechanical actuator having an interface region and an actuation region that is thicker than the interface region. The interface region can provide an interface for a user to move the actuator. The actuation region can incorporate a feature that mates with an electronic component within an electronic device. When a user moves the interface region, that motion can be translated by the actuation region to actuate the electronic component. The present invention also includes methods of manufacturing the actuator.

Abstract: An array of reed switches (13) is assembled on a circuit board (11) having a plurality of through-apertures (12) with one reed switch (13) disposed in each aperture with the axis of the switch envelope (14) extending perpendicularly to the plane of the board. A plurality of coils (16) is provided on the board so that each switch (13) is surrounded by a respective coil, the coils being connected to conductors on the board for operation of the switches. Also disposed is a control circuit wherein the reed switch drive coils (26) are connected in series across a constant-current voltage source and a respective solid-state switch TR1, TR2 . . . connected across each coil, with divers for each solid-state switch to permit operation of a selected reed switch.

Abstract: A movable arm assembly for a circuit breaker includes a unitary structure having two blade portions being connected by a bend location. The bend location forms a gapless surface region. A contact is connected to the unitary structure wherein the gapless surface region and a contact surface of the contact are connected to form a joint therebetween. A method for forming a movable arm assembly includes forming a blank from a conductive sheet, the blank including a unitary structure having two blade portions, bending the blade portion at a bend location to form a gapless surface region at the bend location and joining a contact to the unitary structure on the gapless surface region at the bend location to form a movable arm assembly.

Abstract: A universal termination system is provided for power tools. The universal termination system includes criteria for each of the main switch platforms that define the number, type, location and orientation of the terminations. That is, the number, type, location and orientation of the terminations in each main switch platform are standardized and the power tools that use that type main switch platform use the main switch platform having the standardized terminations. That is, power tools that use push button switches use the push button switch with the standardized terminations, power tools that use overhang switches use the overhang switch with the standardized terminations, and power tools that use in-line VSR switches use the in-line VSR switch with the standardized terminations. In an aspect of the invention, a right-angle pin terminal is received in one or more sets of the standardized terminations.

Abstract: This invention discloses a power switch that includes a fast-switch semiconductor power device and a slow-switch semiconductor power device controllable to turn on and off a current transmitting therethrough. The slow-switch semiconductor power device further includes a ballasting resistor for increasing a device robustness of the slow switch semiconductor power device. In an exemplary embodiment, the fast-switch semiconductor power device includes a fast switch metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and the slow-switch semiconductor power device includes a slow switch MOSFET wherein the slow switch MOSFET further includes a source ballasting resistor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to MEM switches. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for making MEM switches having a common ground plane.

Abstract: A switch to be used mainly for controlling a variety of electronic devices in automobiles, and a method of manufacturing the same switch are disclosed for providing a switch free from positional deviation in its display section and easy to manufacture. Operating units having no display sections are mounted to a housing, then the shapes of each one of the operating units are recognized by a control circuit. An upper jig and a lower jig are moved for a laser beam device to remove a non-translucent section and expose parts of a translucent section, thereby forming the display sections. This structure allows eliminating positional deviation of the display sections and also requiring no visual checks done for confirming the display sections in manufacturing.

Abstract: An actuating device for an electromedical apparatus and in particular a foot switch. The foot switch includes a floor part, at least one pedal part that is tiltably connected to the floor part, and at least one switch element that is actuated by the pedal part. Further, at least the floor part is manufactured by one of an extrusion-coating method or a casting method such that at least a portion of the floor part is fully coated by a coating material.

Abstract: A MEMS hysteretic thermal actuator may have a plurality of beams disposed over a heating element formed on the surface of the substrate. The plurality of beams may be coupled to a passive beam which is not disposed over the heating element. One of the plurality of beams may be formed in a first plane parallel to the substrate, whereas another of the plurality of beams may be formed in a second plane closer to the surface of the substrate. When the heating element is activated, it heats the plurality of beams such that they move the passive beam in a trajectory that is neither parallel to nor perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. When the beams are cooled, they may move in a different trajectory, approaching the substrate before moving laterally across it to their initial positions.