Abstract: The invention concerns a high coulomb transfer switch useful for high current pulse supplies, employing a self-bouncing arc mechanism, wherein two cylindrical electrodes are coaxially arranged and the pathway of current inside the switch is specially designed such that arc current sheet positioned between the coaxially arranged electrodes makes a self bouncing movement in an axial and/or circumferential direction. The self-bouncing arc switch according to the present invention makes it possible to maximize the working area of the electrodes, thereby spread arc energy effectively over the electrodes.

Abstract: A switching device changes over breaking and closing of an electric current by opening/closing a contact portion. An electrically-operated motor generates energy for closing a contact and energy generated by the rotation of the electrically-operated motor is accumulated in a breaking spring. The energy generated by the electrically-operated motor is transmitted to the contact by way of a cam, a breaking spring link, a transfer lever and the like. The breaking spring is arranged in the midst of the converting lever. When the contact is opened, the electrically-operated motor is stopped and the energy accumulated in the breaking spring is released.

Abstract: The aircraft applicable current imbalance detection and circuit interrupter interrupts an electrical circuit when a current imbalance is sensed. The current imbalance detection and circuit interrupter includes a housing, power supplies, a sensor for sensing a current imbalance at the line side of the electrical circuit, a logic controller and a power controller. In a preferred embodiment, the invention can also include a fault indicator, a press to test switch and a reset switch. The power supplies provide power to the sensor, logic controller, and the power controller. The logic controller receives input from the sensor and the relay control signal, and the power controller receives input from the logic controller, and interrupts power to the load side of the electrical circuit when the sensor senses a current imbalance. Power interruption due to a sensed current imbalance is maintained until the line side power source is cycled.

Abstract: A protective device (1) for an electrical power distribution network has: means for processing measured values (14) from measurement appliances (3,4) for the power distribution network, means for initiating switching commands (16) by means of primary appliances (2) for the power distribution network, as well as a programmable protective function which, when it is carried out, determines the switching commands on the basis of the measured values. In this case, the protective device (1) has programmable logic (13), which can be programmed in order to carry out the protective function.

Abstract: A finger guard for an electrical circuit breaker includes a rear plate with an opening, a guard portion extending from the plate adjacent the opening, and a removable portion, or knock-out, positioned within the opening. A further finger guard for an electrical circuit breaker includes a rear plate with an opening, a guard portion extending from the plate adjacent the opening, and opposing ramped finger grips on the outer walls of the guard portion. A further finger guard for an electrical circuit breaker includes a rear plate with an opening, and a guard portion extending from the plate adjacent the opening, the plate further including a designation holder. An electrical power distribution system with a chassis having an electrical circuit including a mount for an electrical circuit breaker and an opening providing access to the mount, includes a finger guard mounted across the opening.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting and providing electrical power to devices. One embodiment includes an elongated member coupled to the structure and configured to support a device and to supply electrical power to the device. A coupling member is operable to engage the elongated member or power bus and support the device. The coupling member is operable to be moved from a first position to a second position along the elongated member to reposition the device with respect to the structure. In one embodiment, the elongated member is configured to supply electrical power to the device substantially continuously during movement of the coupling member along the elongated member.

Abstract: An electronic releasing device for pyrotechnic igniters has a primary and a secondary charge. The primary charge is ignited by means of a circuit that comprises electronic components and whose essential electronic components are accommodated as an integrated components as an integrated circuit in an IC housing, with the housing being disposed on a printed circuit board. The terminals of the IC housing are provided as connecting points for test instruments for checking the serviceability of the integrated circuit and the igniter function and also serve for connection to external electronic devices for programming the releasing device.

Abstract: A supply reference voltage circuit is coupled to an output node, a supply voltage node and a supply reference voltage node and is operable to connect the output node to the supply reference voltage node and prevent current flow through an output device coupled to the output node in response to sensing a low voltage level at the supply voltage node and a non-zero voltage at the output node. The circuit is further operable to connect the supply reference voltage node to the supply voltage node in response to the voltage at the output node being a threshold voltage above the voltage at the supply voltage node. The circuit is further operable to bypass a blocking diode in response to sensing a high voltage level at the supply voltage node.

Abstract: Power distribution busses and methods are disclosed that provide flexible protection and alarming capabilities. Various embodiments provide interchangeability of fuses and circuit breakers within the same power distribution bus configuration. These various embodiments also provide discrete alarming for fused lines, discrete alarming for lines with circuit breakers, combined alarming for lines having mixed forms of protection, and/or selectable alarming such as combined versus discrete in relation to employing all fused lines, employing all circuit breaker protected lines, or employing mixed line protection.

Abstract: An adapter allows a remote device to use a contactless power supply. The adapter has a contactless power interface for receiving power from a contactless power supply and a power regulator for supplying power to the remote device. The adapter may have a rechargeable power source for operating the adapter and a power regulator.

Abstract: A fused electrical disconnect device comprises a housing and line and load connectors extending from one side of the housing. A line buss is disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the line connector. A load buss is also disposed within the housing and is electrically connected to the load connector. A fuse holding cartridge is removably insertable into the housing. The fuse holding cartridge includes a body and line and load terminal blades extending from one side of the body. The line terminal blade contacts the line buss and the load terminal blade contacts the load buss when the fuse holding cartridge is inserted into the housing. A load protection fuse is removably insertable between the line and load terminal blades to establish an electrical current path between the line and load terminal blades.

Abstract: An electromagnetic circuit breaker assembly, comprising at least one circuit breaker, is provided with a reverse polarity circuit that reduces the voltage presented to the terminals of the circuit breaker to which it is electrically connected when the terminals are further connected to a source of voltage in reverse polarity. The circuit breaker assembly is tripped due to the reverse polarity set-up, and remains tripped until the polarity is corrected. The electromagnetic coil is continuous provided with sufficient voltage so that the breaker may not be manually reset until the polarity is corrected. Preferably, the breaker is mechanically connected with another circuit breaker to create an assembly that will protect circuitry and devices against both a reverse polarity condition and an overload condition under normal operation. To this end, the reverse polarity circuit does not affect operation of the circuit breaker assembly if the polarity is in accordance with the normal set-up.

Abstract: A system for providing integrated communications, navigation and surveillance capabilities. A space segment comprises a plurality of time synchronized satellites broadcasting navigation signals and have two-way communication capabilities. Each satellite also has communication switching capabilities and is part of a network. A terrestrial segment comprises processing apparatus that communicates the satellites through the network. A user segment comprises at least one mobile user device capable of two way communication with the plurality of satellites and of using the navigation signals to derive its position. The user device broadcasts surveillance signals which the processing apparatus uses to derive the position of the user device. The signals are also used by the system to measure and transmit the state of the ionosphere.

Abstract: An electrical coil module of planar type manufactured by printed circuit techniques on a generally flat substrate (21) has a first layout (20) of conducing material constituting a first electrical conductor having an input terminal (23), arranged on one side of the substrate (21). A second layout (20′) of conducting material constituting a second electrical conductor having an output terminal (24), is arranged on the opposite side of the substrate. The first and second conductors are connected by an electrical connection (22) through the substrate (21), so that an electrical voltage connected between the input and output terminals of the coil module will drive a current from one terminal through the conductor on one side of the substrate via connection (22) through the substrate and the conductor on the other side of the substrate to the other terminal.

Abstract: A battery for electrical appliances that consume low voltage battery has a body containing a fluid material that is composed of active carbon and water therein, two conductive rods functioning as the opposite electrodes of the battery and extending into the body, and a water receptacle attached to the body. Water stored in the receptacle is able to be drawn into the body via a water absorbent bar to react with the two conductive rods. With such an arrangement, a chemical reaction of the two electrodes and water generates electricity to provide to an electrical appliance.

Abstract: A gate drive integrated circuit for switching power transistors using an external controller includes a gate driving capability and low quiescent current and allows use of a bootstrap supply technique for providing the logic supply voltage. The gate driver integrated circuit detects power transistor desaturation, protecting a desaturated transistor from transient over voltages by smoothly turning off the desaturated transistor via a soft shutdown sequence. A fault control circuit of the gate driver integrated circuit manages protection of supply under-voltage and transistor desaturation and is capable of communicating with a plurality of gate driver integrated circuits in a multi-phase system using a dedicated local network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device for a thermal magnetic type molded case circuit breaker capable to display a phase deficiency occurred on a line to a user such that the user rapidly deals with the phase deficiency and prevents loss caused by over-heating generated due to the phase deficiency. The thermal magnetic type molded case circuit breaker has a bimetal, which is bendable when heat is applied thereto, and a shifter coupled to an upper end of the bimetal and horizontally moved corresponding to a bending degree of the bimetal when over-current is applied thereto. The display device includes a power source for supplying electric power, a display for displaying the phase deficiency of the thermal magnetic type molded case circuit breaker by receiving power from the power source, a stationary contactor electrically connected to the power source and having a stationary contact, and a movable contactor electrically connected to the display and having a movable contact.

Abstract: A power use circuit breaker includes an arc generating switching unit which adds an electrical resistance in a circuit during current interruption to attenuate a current to be interrupted, a vacuum bulb which is electrically connected in series with the arc generating switching unit and interrupts the attenuated current and a current conducting switching unit connected in parallel with the series circuit of the vacuum bulb and the arc generating switching unit. For current conduction the current conducting switching unit is closed after the vacuum bulb and the arc generating switching unit are closed, and for current interruption after opening the current conducting switching unit, the vacuum bulb and the arc generating switching unit are opened.

Abstract: A segmentation architecture for wiring segments which provides interconnections for a gate array integrated circuit is described. Programming is provided by selectable vias between wiring segments and to the semiconductor substrate surface. The wiring segments of two interconnection layers are arranged in two directions and a programmable buffer can drive signals in a selectable direction depending upon how the via contacts are made to the buffer by the wiring segments carrying the buffer signals.

Abstract: A circuit breaker has a threaded collar fixed on a breaker housing and an approximately cylindrical actuating element displaceably guided in a bore of the threaded collar and partially protruding from the breaker housing for manual push-pull actuation in an advantageous way on the actuating side. In order to seal the circuit breaker, a sealing ring seals an annular gap formed between the wall of the bore and the circumference of the actuating element.

Abstract: A microtransformer for a high-performance system-on-chip power supply is disclosed. Through-wafer openings in a substrate allow the primary and secondary wiring on both surfaces of the silicon substrate. An insulating silicon oxide layer is first deposited on all surfaces of the substrate. A magnetic film is further deposited on the silicon oxide layer followed by the application of another insulating layer. Coils are fabricated next by patterned deposition on both sides of the substrate and through the holes. The coils can be, e.g., single coils or primary or secondary coils of a transformer structure, with secondary having one or more output taps to supply different output voltages. For better flux closure, various magnetic layers and insulators can be deposited on top of the windings.

Abstract: A protective switching device, such as a differential-current circuit breaker, having a corebalance transformer which monitors a line network and which, via a tripping circuit and an actuation circuit, actuates a release which is coupled to a switching mechanism in order to operate a power breaker. The invention provides that a tripping circuit, which can be tripped by means of a remote tripping signal, is connected to a transformer which can be actuated on the secondary side and whose primary side is connected to an actuation circuit of the release for remote tripping of the protective switching device.

Abstract: In a remote controller of a circuit breaker capable of making an maintenance man control a circuit breaker instantly and safely at any place without approaching a certain area such as a control board or a control room, the circuit breaker includes a receiver for receiving a radio control signal for turning on/off or tripping a circuit breaker; a control unit for generating a first control signal or a second control signal depending on the radio control signal inputted from the receiver; a motor driver for controlling the on/off operation of the circuit breaker depending on the first control signal; and a trip unit for tripping the circuit breaker depending on the second control signal.

Abstract: A protection device for monitoring current in a power cable to an electrical device and for controlling a remotely located starter for the electrical device in response to a system controller. The device includes a transformer magnetically linked with the power cable to produce a voltage signal in response to the presence of a changing current within the power cable. An input circuit located in a single housing together with the transformer is electrically connected to the transformer so as to receive the voltage signal. The input circuit produces, in response to the voltage signal, either a first signal or a first circuit condition at the output terminal of the input circuit, representative of the changing current in the power cable. A switch circuit also in the same container with the transformer has a terminal for sensing either a second signal or a second circuit condition of the remotely located system controller.

Abstract: A shorting switch eliminates arcing faults in power distribution equipment. The shorting switch includes a magnetic core having a pin member and an opening. A conductor is electrically connected between the first and second terminals and passes through the opening of the magnetic core. A switch member is pivotally mounted to the pin member of the magnetic core and is adapted to pivot toward and engage the conductor in response to arcing fault current flowing through the conductor. A third terminal is electrically interconnected with the switch member. A latch member has a first position, which holds the switch member apart from the conductor, and a second position, which releases the switch member to permit the switch member to pivot toward the magnetic core and engage the conductor in response to the arcing fault current. A solenoid unlatches the latch member in response to an activation signal.

Abstract: Presented is a control system and method for minimizing the adverse affects resulting from conventional hysteretic current control of power inverters, and an uninterruptible power supply using same. The system of the present invention uses control circuitry for monitoring and classifying the PWM switching events commanded by conventional hysteretic current control and adjusting the dead time delay injected based on these PWM events. Preferably, the control circuitry uses a minimum delay dead time component to preclude the possibility of a shoot through condition from occurring, and also includes a frequency control component of the total dead time delay. In one embodiment this frequency control component may vary in proportion to the switching frequency commanded by the hysteretic current control loop. In an alternate embodiment, the PWM switching events are classified into differing modes of operation, during which a particular fixed frequency control dead time delay is selected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus generates an enhanced trip time curve capable of capturing both the non-sinusoidal energy and series effects. Relevant data including time, current, and energy is plotted on a three-dimensional set of axes. The resultant three-dimensional representation is useful for representing trip times for a protection device accounting for energy effects, and for determining selectivity in a multi-tier electrical distribution system.

Abstract: An electric pole (1) for a low-voltage automatic power circuit breaker, comprising: a fixed contact (2) and a movable contact (3) that can be coupled/uncoupled with respect to each other, said fixed contact being electrically connected to a phase conductor, and a sensing unit that comprises a first section suitable to accommodate a current sensor associated with the phase conductor, the current sensor generating sensing signals that are indicative of the intensity of the electrical current that flows through the phase conductor, the sensing unit being electrically connected to a protection unit of the automatic power circuit breaker, the protection unit being suitable to receive the sensing signals and to generate control signals for actuation means operatively connected to said movable contact, and comprising at least one input section (14) provided with one or more electrical input terminals (141); whose particularity consists of the fact that the sensing unit comprises a second section (20), which is rigid

Abstract: A switching apparatus is provided for a fuse block that is disposed in a cabinet. The switching apparatus enables a user to connect and disconnect the fuse block from its power source when the interior of the cabinet is accessed. Locking mechanisms are provided to prevent the power supply from being reconnected to the fuse block 50 until cabinet door is closed, and the switching apparatus is turned on.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving interrupters (SRE) of circuit breaker systems, especially vacuum interrupters for medium-voltage switchgears, comprising a shell-shaped insulating housing (SIG) which envelopes the interrupters (SRE) up to their front side. Said insulating housing (SIG) is provided with rear fixing links for fixing the position. The shell-shaped insulating housing (SIG) is made up of a combination of thin-walled insulating struts (IST), thick-walled bearing struts (TRS) and a support device (SER) which is provided in the rear area. Said housing (SIG) is configured as a single piece and in the top and bottom end areas, is provided with an enveloping contour (UKo, UKu) opening upwards and downwards, respectively. Said contours are configured in such a way that a top and a bottom cooling and fixing fitting (Kat, KAu) of the interrupters (SRE) is received and the interrupters are fixed at the level of the effect of the axial force (EAK) on the shell-shaped insulating housing (SIG).

Abstract: A current sensing system including a carrier strip, the carrier strip disposed so as to be associated with a current carrying conductor, wherein when an electrical current flows through the conductor, the electrical current flowing through the conductor creates a magnetic field having a magnetic flux, wherein the magnetic flux is responsive to the electrical current flow, a Hall effect sensor disposed relative to the carrier strip such that the Hall effect sensor is communicated with the magnetic field, wherein the Hall effect sensor generates an electrical signal responsive to the magnetic flux and a metering device in communication with the Hall effect sensor, wherein the metering device processes the electrical signal so as to create a processed signal responsive to the electrical current flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection and control assembly comprising several multipole electrical switch devices each having a box (10,20,30) provided with input side and output side conducting connection strips, that project along a vertical axis on a horizontal connection area on the input side, and output side respectively, of the box (10,20,30) and that can be inserted in openings (44) of removable power terminal blocks (40,40′,50,50′,60). The assembly comprises at least one connecting element (80,80′) that electrically connects the poles of a first and a second electrical device of the assembly, the connecting element (80) being arranged such that it is positioned firstly between the box (10) and a power terminal block (40,50) of the first device, and secondly between the box (20) and a removable power terminal block (40′,50′) of the second electrical device.

Abstract: A control method of a powered sliding device for a vehicle sliding door, wherein when an operating switch is operated, a buzzer is sounded, and at the same time, a motor is rotated until a clutch mechanism is switched to a connected state from a disconnected state, and after the stopping of the buzzer, the sliding movement of the sliding door is started by the power of the motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing for latent faults in the isolation devices of a system comprising redundant power supplies which supply power to one or more system units. A system controller is operable to perform a test cycle to perform the fault checks, which may comprise checks for short circuits and/or open circuits. The checks may be performed within a test cycle in which each of the isolation devices in the system is tested. The test cycle may be performed at regular intervals, the interval between each cycle being determinable by user input. In the event that a fault in one of the isolation devices is detected, the system controller may be operable to report the fault to an alarm system.

Abstract: In order to provide as short a switching delay as possible in an undervoltage release which contains an electromagnet for tripping a switching device, and a driver circuit feeding the winding of the electromagnet, with the driver circuit being used to produce a pulsed holding current for the electromagnet, an electronic switch is fitted in the self-holding circuit that is produced via a freewheeling diode. This electronic switch can be driven as a function of the output signal from an undervoltage detector which is arranged within the driver circuit.

Abstract: In a high voltage system having a device for optical detection of a parameter of a high voltage device, an optically detectable code is provided in the detection range of the device and permits an assignment of the parameter to a specific location in the high voltage system.

Abstract: An electric power system relay includes a simulator that substitutes test values of current and voltage for sensed values for use by relay logic to perform specified relay functions, but without loss of the relay protection functions. The sensed values of current at least are monitored even while the test values are being used by the relay logic. If the monitored sensed values exceed a threshold value, a data switch operates to return to use of the sensed current and voltage values by the relay logic. In addition, the sensed values of current and voltage replace the test values, if a time interval longer than that required to perform the specified relay functions using the test values has expired.

Abstract: An input signal (SIN) is inverted by an inverter (101), and the inverted input signal is entered into a tri-state type inverter (104). An output portion of this inverter is connected via a delay path (105) to an input portion of an operational amplifier (106). This operational amplifier owns a hysteresis characteristic with respect to a signal entered thereinto. An exclusive-OR gate circuit (103) controls to set the output state of the inverter to a low impedance state upon receipt of a signal (S11) obtained by inverting the input signal, and controls to set the output state of the inverter to a high impedance state upon receipt of a signal (S16) output from the operational amplifier. As a result, an amplitude of a signal (S15) is limited to a constant amplitude in response to the hysteresis characteristic of the operational amplifier (106), and a delay time is made constant.

Abstract: A system and method to eliminate the influence of Dead Time delay in a PWM driven system. The system is implemented using a switching control circuit to operate a pair of upper and lower switching devices in a standard half-bridge arrangement, wherein both a PWM pulse train input and the direction of current flow (current command direction) are both utilized to operate the switching devices. Depending on the direction of the current command, the PWM pulse train input is directly applied to control one of the switching devices (the first switching device), while the second switching device is kept open at least during the closing time of the first switching device. Thus, a precise average PWM output voltage can be obtained, independent of the Dead Time delay, so that a large Dead Time can be used, to provide a precise voltage output over the full range of the DC power supply, while maintaining high reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus having an enclosure, at least one circuit breaker and at least one plug receptacle, in particular on ships to supply containers with electrical energy, the circuit breaker being arranged in the enclosure and the plug receptacle preferably being arranged on the outside of the enclosure. An interlocking of the circuit breaker and the plug receptacle is designed such that the circuit breaker can only be switched on when the plug receptacle is occupied and at the same time, it is only possible to remove a plug from the plug receptacle when the circuit breaker is switched off.

Abstract: A method for detecting faults in an electrical system having a plurality of control lines and an error indicator line is disclosed. This method determines which of the plurality of control lines are active and whether the error flag line is indicating that a fault is present. One of the plurality of control lines is deactivated when the error flag line is indicating that a fault is present. Further, the method re-determines whether the error flag line is indicating a fault is present and then determines that a fault is present on the deactivated control line when the error flag line indicates that a fault is not present. In a further aspect of the present invention, the method re-activates the deactivated control line when the error flag line indicates that the fault is still present. These steps are repeated until the control line having a fault is identified.

Abstract: An electrical energy distribution system and contactor for such system includes a common control device for the power and interconnection contactors that is a programmable computer operating according to a truth table, without prior checking of the state of the contactors. With each interconnection contactor there is associated a device able to prevent the closure of the contactor if its contact terminals are simultaneously energized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing the misfiring of a protection device. The protection device includes line terminals and load terminals. The protection device further includes a latching mechanism, adapted to move between a closed state which establishes electrical contact between said line and load terminals, and an open state which prevents electrical contact between said line and load terminals; and an initial reset prevention mechanism, adapted to prevent said latching mechanism from being set in said closed state until power is applied to said line terminals.

Abstract: A dimmer comprises a PWM circuit for driving through pulse width modulation and a switching device formed on the same chip. The switching device has a driving circuit, an overheat cut-off protecting circuit, a main control FETQA to be a semiconductor switch, a first reference FETQB for generating a reference voltage and a resistor. Furthermore, overcurrent detecting means is implemented by a comparator for detecting a difference between the reference voltage and a drain—source voltage of the main control FETQA and an output thereof cuts off and controls the driving circuit so that the main control FETQA is ON/OFF controlled. The overcurrent detecting means and ON/OFF control means have a soft start function of suppressing a rush current flowing to loads of an illuminating system.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a processor. An arithmetic logic circuit group includes a plurality of operation units and a connection channel connecting the operation units in a reconfigurable manner. Parameter-based dedicated hardware can change a process specification thereof by parameter setting. An intermodule interface connects the processor, the arithmetic logic circuit group, and the parameter-based hardware to each other.

Abstract: Plasma-assisted methods and apparatus that use multiple radiation sources are provided. In one embodiment, a plasma is ignited by subjecting a gas in a processing cavity to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency less than about 333 GHz in the presence of a plasma catalyst, which may be passive or active. A controller can be used to delay activation of one radiation source with respect to another.

Abstract: A power breaker includes a switching contact arrangement having a current loop in order to allow a force dependent on the current to act on the contact members. For this purpose, sections, which are arranged parallel to one another and such that they are arched and concentric, are arranged on a stationary current conductor and on a contact lever. Depending on the position of a center of a resultant force, originating from the arched sections, in relation to a pivot bearing of the contact lever, a torque acts on the contact lever causing the switching contact arrangement to open or close. Using largely identical parts, power breakers which have a current-limiting or contact-force-increasing action can thus be produced.

Abstract: A system for communicating with a residential electrical load center, including a residential electrical wiring system and at least one electronic communicating circuit breaker. The electronic communicating circuit breaker includes a fuse protected communications and control module. The system provides power to the fuse protected communications and control module utilizing the residential electrical wiring system, and operates the electronic communicating circuit breaker utilizing the fuse protected communications and control module regardless of whether the electronic communicating circuit breaker is in an ‘Open’ or ‘Closed’ state.

Abstract: A combustion-powered tool having a workpiece contacting element movable relative to the tool as the tool is depressed prior to firing includes a spark unit having a high voltage spark supply for providing an ignition spark, a printed circuit board having a first portion configured for receiving and being electrically connected to the high voltage spark supply, and a second portion configured for receiving and being electrically connected to both an actuator switch and a trigger switch, the switches and the spark supply being electrically connected so that to enable firing, the workpiece contact element actuates the actuator switch, which then enables activation of the trigger switch. A unitary actuator has a fixed end, a movable end engageable by movement of the workpiece contact element and a middle portion for engaging the actuator switch upon movement of the movable end caused by depression of the tool against a workpiece.

Abstract: A MEMS switch assembly comprising a substrate and a resilient switching member is provided. The resilient switching member comprises a transverse torsion member having a flexible portion, and a leaf spring and cantilever that extend from the flexible portion of the torsion member. The switching assembly further comprises a first anchoring member mounting the torsion member to the stable structure, and a second anchoring member mounting the leaf spring to the stable structure. In this manner, the leaf spring has a flexible portion between the first and second anchors that can be alternately flexed in opposing directions to deflect the cantilever end in the respective opposing directions. The leaf spring can exhibit a first stable geometry (e.g., a convex geometry) when flexed in one of the opposite directions, and a second stable geometry (e.g., a concave geometry) when flexed in another of the opposite directions.