Single Snap Patents (Class 200/468)
  • Patent number: 11749913
    Abstract: A clamping device includes: a first jaw mounted on a first support member, a second jaw mounted on a second support member, movable relative to the first support member to bring the first and second jaws toward each other in a clamping position, an actuation member adapted to move the second support member relative to the first support, and a compression member such as a spring between the actuation member and second support member. Advantageously, the first jaw is hook-shaped and the second jaw is ring-shaped. Advantageously, at least the second jaw, the compression member, and a handle of the actuation member have substantially rotational symmetry around a main axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: FAMECA
    Inventors: Jessica Gajocha, Christian Constans
  • Patent number: 11289285
    Abstract: A switching device includes a housing, an operation member, a plurality of fixed contacts, a plurality of movable contacts, and a snap action mechanism for causing the movable contacts to operate. The snap action mechanism includes a plurality of first drivers in each of which a fulcrum that serves as a pivot point is formed on one end side of a given first driver and in which a given movable contact from among the movable contacts is provided on another end side of the given first driver; a second driver in which a pressing member to be pressed through the operation member is formed on one end side of the second driver and in which fulcrums that serve as pivot points are each formed on another end side of the second driver; and a coupling member integrally coupling the plurality of first drivers to constitute a first drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeki Uozumi, Toru Nishioka, Toshihisa Matsushita
  • Patent number: 10867760
    Abstract: A conducting switch mechanism includes a housing, an operating stem is exposed from the housing, a fixed terminal set, a movable terminal module, a fulcrum bar, and an elastic member. The fixed terminal set is fixed on a base of the housing, and includes a pair of constant contact terminals, a pair of first pathway terminals, and a pair of second pathway terminals. The movable terminal module has a first movable terminal, a second movable terminal, and an insulating member. The insulating member partially clads the movable terminals. The structures of movable terminals are integrally stamped. One end of the movable terminals correspondingly abuts against the constant contact terminals, and another end of the movable terminals correspondingly contacts the first pathway terminal or the second pathway terminal. The elastic member is connected between the fulcrum bar and the movable terminal module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: HUA JIE (TAIWAN) CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chieh Chen, Fa-Jui Wang, Yu-Chung Chang
  • Patent number: 10714274
    Abstract: A medium voltage circuit switch or breaker includes: at least one movable contact; a fixed contact; and a mechanical or magnetical drive system, which moves the at least one movable contact to a closed or opened position by a movement of a rod and/or a lever. The mechanical or magnetical drive system is linked to a switching generating signal. The mechanical or magnetical drive system includes at least one pyrotechnical actuator or gas generator. The pyrotechnical actuator or the gas generator is linkable to the switching generating signal of the mechanical or magnetical drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Andrea Bianco, Christian Reuber, Francesco Belloni, Juhani Koivupuro, Luciano Chenet
  • Patent number: 9837227
    Abstract: A locking structure and a system using the same are provided. The locking structure includes a rotating unit, a first switch, a sheet and a second switch. The sheet includes a recess and contact to the first switch or the rotating unit. The second switch includes a protrusion movably disposed within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: ABILITY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Kuang Tseng, Yi-Tong Wang, Chen-Kang Ma
  • Publication number: 20150122620
    Abstract: A snap-action switch has at least two switching contacts, at least one flexible circuit carrier carrying conductor tracks and at least one multifunction component receiving the flexible circuit carrier. The switching contacts and the conductor tracks are connected with each other via a non-detachable connection. The region of the flexible circuit carrier between the switching contacts is configured as a bending tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Martin KOEPSELL
  • Publication number: 20150114812
    Abstract: A switch system includes a snap action switch, an operating plunger, and an actuator. The snap action switch is configured to move, with snap-action, from a first switch position to a second switch position. The operating plunger is disposed adjacent to the snap action switch and is coupled to selectively receive an actuating force. The operating plunger is configured, upon receipt of the actuating force, to retain the snap action switch in the first switch position. The operating plunger is further configured, upon removal of the actuating force, to allow the switch to move from the first switch position to the second switch position. The actuator contacts the operating plunger and is configured to selectively supply the actuating force to, and remove the actuating force from, the operating plunger. The operating plunger comprises a dielectric material having low thermal conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Mark A. Mantua, Jeff Hall, Darryl Ballard
  • Publication number: 20150068879
    Abstract: A switch assembly includes an M-blade snap spring, an actuation arm, and a switch. The M-blade snap spring exhibits snap-action movement between a first actuator position and a second actuator position. The switch is responsive to the snap-action movement of the M-blade to move between a first switch position and a second switch position. The actuation arm is configured to selectively cause the M-blade snap spring to move, via snap-action, between the first actuator position and the second actuator position, which in turn causes the switch to move between the first switch position and the second switch position, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Green, Steven Speece, Brian Speldrich
  • Patent number: 8642907
    Abstract: An opening assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus having a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a poleshaft. The opening assembly includes a spring link comprising a first portion structured to be pivotably coupled to the poleshaft, and a second portion disposed generally opposite of the first portion. A number of opening springs each include a fixed end fixedly coupled to the housing, and a movable end coupled to the second portion of the spring link. The spring link is movable between an open position, wherein the opening springs bias the spring link and poleshaft to maintain full separation of the separable contacts, and a closed position, wherein the opening springs do not bias the poleshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Michael Slepian, Nathan James Weister
  • Patent number: 8629363
    Abstract: An electrical switch having a contact system including at least one fixed contact and a switching contact. The switch has an actuating element for acting in switching fashion on the contact system and a switching slide which bears the switching contact and is moveable in a movement direction between two positions, wherein in one position the switching contact is remote from the fixed contact and in the other position the switching contact bears against the fixed contact. The switch has an actuating slide which is moveable by virtue of the actuating element and is coupled to the switching slide by an elastic element. The switch includes a latching mechanism which interacts with the switching slide, such that the switching slide can be switched over between the two positions on actuation of the actuating element with a type of snap-action movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Edgar Pohl, Klaus Fiederer, Alfons Steidle, Emiliano Villanova
  • Publication number: 20130306453
    Abstract: A latching device for a circuit breaker includes a manual operating toggle moveably arranged between an OFF-position and an operation-readiness position, a moveable contact and a fixed contact, wherein the moveable contact is configured to open and close a main circuit of the circuit breaker. An energy storage mechanism is configured to store an actuating force of the toggle by the toggle being moved from the OFF-position to the operation-readiness position and to exert the stored force to the moveable contact to close the main circuit of the circuit breaker. A removable retention lever is configured to prevent movement of the moveable contact into a closing position upon the energy storage mechanism exerting the stored force to the moveable contact. A holding mechanism is configured to hold the toggle in the operation-readiness position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: EATON INDUSTRIES GMBH
    Inventors: Volker Heins, Detlef Koch, Gregor Fleitmann, Hans-Juergen Mader, Wolfgang Kutsche
  • Patent number: 8563887
    Abstract: A trip latch assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The trip latch assembly includes a trip latch pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing and being movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A trip latch reset spring is structured to bias the trip latch toward the latched position. A spring housing at least partially overlays the trip latch reset spring. A trip latch spring link includes a first end movably coupled to the pole shaft, and a second end cooperating with the spring housing. When the circuit breaker needs to be reset, the trip latch spring link engages the spring housing, in order apply torque to the trip latch reset spring. When the circuit breaker is closed, the bias of the trip latch reset spring on the trip latch is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Lawrence Gottschalk, Paul R. Rakus
  • Publication number: 20130199910
    Abstract: An opening assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus having a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a poleshaft. The opening assembly includes a spring link comprising a first portion structured to be pivotably coupled to the poleshaft, and a second portion disposed generally opposite of the first portion. A number of opening springs each include a fixed end fixedly coupled to the housing, and a movable end coupled to the second portion of the spring link. The spring link is movable between an open position, wherein the opening springs bias the spring link and poleshaft to maintain full separation of the separable contacts, and a closed position, wherein the opening springs do not bias the poleshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Michael Slepian, Nathan James Weister
  • Publication number: 20130161169
    Abstract: A trip latch assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The trip latch assembly includes a trip latch pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing and being movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A trip latch reset spring is structured to bias the trip latch toward the latched position. A spring housing at least partially overlays the trip latch reset spring. A trip latch spring link includes a first end movably coupled to the pole shaft, and a second end cooperating with the spring housing. When the circuit breaker needs to be reset, the trip latch spring link engages the spring housing, in order apply torque to the trip latch reset spring. When the circuit breaker is closed, the bias of the trip latch reset spring on the trip latch is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: ANDREW LAWRENCE GOTTSCHALK, PAUL R. RAKUS
  • Publication number: 20130153384
    Abstract: A non-homogeneous cam includes an eccentric disk having side surfaces with an opening therethrough, and a cam surface disposed between the side surfaces. A first radius extending from a point within the opening to a number of first portions of the cam surface and second radii extending from the point to second portions of the cam surface define the cam surface. The first radius is greater than each of the second radii. The cam surface includes a first cam surface generally having the first radius and a second cam surface having a plurality of the second radii. The first and second cam surfaces define an angle of less than 90 degrees. The eccentric disk is generally made of a first material having a first strength. A portion of the eccentric disk between the first and second cam surfaces is made of a different second material having a greater second strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony T. Ricciuti, Daniel E. Palmieri, Patrick C. Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20130146432
    Abstract: An electrical switch device has a contact system and a movable actuator for switching the contact system. The contact system resiliently preloads a sliding contact against a first fixed contact in a first switch position and against a second fixed contact in a second switch position. In case of pressurization, the actuator moves the sliding contact mainly linearly from the first switch position to the second switch position. In the first switch position, the actuator adjoins to a snap-action element having a stable position and actuates the latter from its stable position to an instable position when switching over to the second switch position, wherein the snap-action element returns to the stable position upon completion of pressurization by means of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: METHODE ELECTRONICS MALTA LTD.
    Inventor: METHODE ELECTRONICS MALTA LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130048483
    Abstract: A snap-action switch includes an M-blade snap spring, an actuation arm, a first bridge, and a second bridge. The M-blade snap spring includes a closed end, a double-loop end, a first outer leg, a second outer leg, a first inner leg, a second inner leg, and a cross member. The actuation arm is coupled to the first and second inner legs, and distorts the M-blade snap to exhibit snap-action movement between a first switch position and a second switch position. When the M-blade snap spring is in the first switch position, the double-loop end engages the first bridge and does not engage the second bridge, and when the M-blade snap spring is in the second switch position, the double-loop end engages the second bridge and does not engage the first bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Brian Speldrich, Steven Speece, Mark Green
  • Publication number: 20130043114
    Abstract: An electrical switch having a contact system including at least one fixed contact and a switching contact. The switch has an actuating element for acting in switching fashion on the contact system and a switching slide which bears the switching contact and is moveable in a movement direction between two positions, wherein in one position the switching contact is remote from the fixed contact and in the other position the switching contact bears against the fixed contact. The switch has an actuating slide which is moveable by virtue of the actuating element and is coupled to the switching slide by an elastic element. The switch includes a latching mechanism which interacts with the switching slide, such that the switching slide can be switched over between the two positions on actuation of the actuating element with a type of snap-action movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: MARQUARDT GMBH
    Inventor: Marquardt GmbH
  • Patent number: 8362380
    Abstract: A current isolation contactor includes a first contact, a second contact movable between an engaged position with the first contact and a disengaged position away from the first contact, and a cam being movable between a biased position wherein the second contact is in the engaged position with the first contact and an unbiased position wherein the second contact is able to move to the disengaged position away from the first contact. A retaining pin retains the cam in the biased position. A drive system is operatively associated with retaining pin to move the retaining pin, allowing the cam to rotate to the unbiased position such that the second contact is moved to the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Bren-Tronics Batteries International, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ake Almgren, Antonio Reis, Ilya Pritsker, Gregory Earle, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120234660
    Abstract: A contact spring for the electrical contact of an electrode housing, which is located at the distal end of an electrode line, and a shaft located inside the electrode housing, the contact spring having an external diameter having a center point, which is connectable to the housing in an electrically conductive manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: BIOTRONIK SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Gernot Kolberg, Carsten Schilk
  • Publication number: 20120168293
    Abstract: A spring housing unit connected to a switch actuator for a switchgear, which is compact and easily installed, the spring housing unit comprises a main spring housing configured as a hollow cylinder, having a flange portion formed at one end portion thereof to support one end portion of a spring, and accommodating the spring therein such that the spring is compressed or elongated; a sub-spring housing connected to the other end portion of the main spring housing such that it is separated therefrom; and a compressing cover insertedly positioned in the main spring housing and compressing the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jae Woong JUNG
  • Publication number: 20120111707
    Abstract: In order to form a tensioning apparatus for a switch-on energy store of a circuit breaker, in which apparatus a tensioning shaft, which can rotate by means of a drive wheel, for tensioning the switch-on energy store is fixedly connected in each case to a cam and to a cam disc, which apparatus has a tripping stop, in which apparatus the drive wheel is coupled to the tensioning shaft via a clutch, and which apparatus has a simple and at the same time cost-effective design, the invention proposes that the clutch is a ratchet arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Karsten Freundt, Klaus Klimek, Karl-Heinz Voss
  • Publication number: 20120048699
    Abstract: A current isolation contactor includes a first contact, a second contact movable between an engaged position with the first contact and a disengaged position away from the first contact, and a cam being movable between a biased position wherein the second contact is in the engaged position with the first contact and an unbiased position wherein the second contact is able to move to the disengaged position away from the first contact. A retaining pin retains the cam in the biased position. A drive system is operatively associated with retaining pin to move the retaining pin, allowing the cam to rotate to the unbiased position such that the second contact is moved to the disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BATTERY, INC.
    Inventors: Ake Almgren, Antonio Reis, Ilya Pritsker, Gregory Earle, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120018287
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a tripping apparatus, particularly for circuit breakers, which includes at least one controllable tripping magnet having an armature that is operatively connected to a downstream tripping gear, which engages in a tripping mechanism that acts on the circuit breaker and is coupled to a preloaded spring serving as a force amplifier. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the tripping mechanism includes a camshaft having a plurality of cam lobes, wherein at least one actuating device is associated with each cam lobe having an offset rotational angle, and wherein, when tripped, at least two actuating processes associated with the respective actuating means take place consecutively, so that the full spring force is transmitted by way of the camshaft to at least one of said actuating means so as to perform the relevant actuating process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Jörg Gassmann, Matthias Kulke, Thomas Müller
  • Publication number: 20110147186
    Abstract: A switch device includes a housing having a receiving portion; an operation member that receives a pressing operation; a plurality of fixed contact points provided in the receiving portion side by side at predetermined intervals; a plurality of movable contact points having contact point portions that come into sliding contact with the fixed contact points; and a snap action mechanism that drives the movable contact points when the operation member is pressed to a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiharu MORI, Osamu HAGA, Syuji FUJIWARA
  • Publication number: 20100236912
    Abstract: A snap action switch apparatus and method includes a non-metal interchangeable spring for providing a customized spring force thereof. The apparatus further includes one or more mutually spaced fixed contact elements and one or more movable contact elements that can move between a closed position and an open position. An actuating member can be provided for moving the contact elements between the closed position and the open position. The non-metal interchangeable spring can be utilized for performing a snap action operation and is capable of supplying a force needed to maintain the movable contacts in one or more positions. A switch mechanism (e.g., push button) eliminates the applied force to change the movable contacts to the normally open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Manuel Anaya
  • Publication number: 20090242373
    Abstract: An electrical switching device comprises a contact point having two double-break contacts, a contact link having a width, a contact pressure spring exerting a pressure on the contact link, a striker pin configured to act on the contact link counter to the pressure of the contact pressure spring during a switch-off operation so as to move the contact link into an open position, and a thruster actuatable by a switching mechanism and configured to guide the striker pin, the thruster having two limbs projecting in the same direction towards a free end of the thruster so as to form a slot there between, wherein a distance between the two limbs tapers towards the free end such that the distance at the free end is smaller than the width of the contact link, so that the contact link is clamped between the two limbs during the switch-off operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: ABB AG
    Inventors: Frank Hustert, Ralph Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 7538291
    Abstract: A micro switch includes a base, a common terminal, a normally open terminal, a normally close terminal, a top cover, a pressing element, a resilient piece and a cushioning pad. The cushioning pad is disposed on an inner surface of the top cover. By means of the cushioning pad, the noise generated during operation of the micro switch is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Chih Cheng
  • Publication number: 20090101486
    Abstract: A triggering structure provided in a housing includes a circuit body, a pillar, an elastic part, a light-emitting part, and a power supply unit. Part of the pillar in the housing is exposed. When being pushed with an external force to draw back to the inside of housing, the pillar may make the contact points disconnecting from each other in the circuit body, thereby the light-emitting part being made to light; contrarily, when the pillar normally extends out of the housing, the circuit where the disconnected contact points is not turned ON by the pillar is open, and thus the light-emitting part does not work. Depending on a service state, the triggering structure may automatically enable and disable a sound-light part and may be applied to various products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Ming Tay HSU
  • Publication number: 20040149558
    Abstract: Resonators 4 and 5 are able to oscillate horizontally and vertically to substrate 1. Resonator 4 is primarily composed of a supporting portion in stationary contact with substrate 1, a movable portion including a contact surface making contact with resonator 5 and a contact surface making contact with electrode 7, and a crossing portion that couples the supporting portion and movable portion. Electrode 6 is disposed in the direction in which resonator 5 is spaced apart from resonator 4. Electrode 7 is disposed in the direction in which resonator 4 is spaced apart from resonator 5. Electrode 9 is disposed in a position that causes resonator 5 to generate electrostatic force in a direction different from the direction of both forces of attraction acting between resonators 4 and 5 and between resonator 5 and electrode 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshito Nakanishi, Yoshito Shimizu, Hiroyuki Yabuki
  • Patent number: 6373009
    Abstract: A safety switch with a spring toggle linkage which causes the switch shaft to rapidly rotate for opening and closing the switch has a lost motion coupling between the switch handle and the switch shaft which engages at about the point of toggling to assure positive operation of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Prohaska, Warren Clift Sipe
  • Patent number: 6188033
    Abstract: A switching element (40, 40′) for use in a snap-acting electrical switch (10) has a pair of outer legs (40a, 40b; 40a′, 40b′) and a center leg (40c) extending in substantially the same direction from a junction portion. The outer legs have a semi-annular band portion which blend together at the junction portion and a center leg at one end of the band portion. A mounting portion extends from the other end of the semi-annular band portion and is provided with mounting apertures (40k, 40l) for placement on mounting posts (18, 20) in a warped, stressed condition. A strengthening portion (40n, 40r) is formed in each semi-annular band portion, preferably along the outer portion thereof, i.e., the outer portion being away from the junction portion. An electrical contact (32) is mounted on the distal free end of the center leg for snap-movement between a pair of stationary electrical contacts (28b, 30b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: William J. Bentley, Peter G. Berg, David A. Koczwara
  • Patent number: 5278373
    Abstract: A molded plastic current limiting circuit breaker includes an interrupter assembly that includes an over-molded magnet, arc stack, baffle stack, and a chamber liner in which a trip unit is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Timothy R. Faber, Tak M. Wong
  • Patent number: 5270506
    Abstract: A snap action switch has a base and cover enclosing upper and lower electrical terminals. A spring blade disposed between the terminals is movable by a cover-mounted actuator between engagement with one terminal or the other. The spring blade has only one stable position to which it returns upon release of the actuator force. The spring blade includes an anchor mounting the blade in the base and defining a generally planar junction portion. A pair of wings extend out of the plane of the junction portion. An elongated center beam connects at a fixed end to the junction. Outer beams on either side of the center beam connect to the wings. The free ends of all three beams are joined at a contact portion. Crimps in the outer beams place them in tension and the center beam in compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Lake Center Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Garold W. Masoner
  • Patent number: 4941254
    Abstract: A method for producing a resilient element such as a thin flat plate or disc spring, commonly known as a "Belleville" spring is disclosed. The spring is capable of deflecting along an axis normal to its surface is modified in the process to include an amplifying segment disposed in a central aperture in the form of an approximately "W" shaped strip connected at its ends to opposite positions on the inner margin of the central opening. The central portion of the "W" forms an inverted "U" which is subjected in the process, after positioning within the central aperture, to torquing stress in the plane of the material to bring the ends of the open end of the "U" slightly closer together than the inner edges of the "U" nearest its closed end. One of a pair of switch contacts is affixed to the closed end of the "U" shaped portion of the device in position to be opposite another contact carried on the switch bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: Allen V. C. Davis
  • Patent number: 4894499
    Abstract: The electric push-button switch comprises a housing portion and a linearly moveable push-button portion. Guide columns at the housing portion and the push-button portion attain accurate linear guiding and rotational positioning of the push-button portion. These guide columns mutually interact or interengage and are in multiple line contact with one another. This multiple line contact extends in the direction of movement of the push-button portion. The length of such line contact is variable between a rest position and an operating position of the push-button portion. This line contact is greatest when the push-button portion assumes its operating position. A contact surface of a fixed counter contact comprises a planar slide surface for resilient contact arms carried by the push-button portion. The friction arising during the forced sliding movement of the resilient contact arms over the contact surface produces self-cleaning of the contacts and damping of contact chatter movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Contraves AG
    Inventors: Hans Beck, Heinz Waser, Peter Bettschart