Abstract:
A strip switch assembly or switch array formed in a flat configuration with minimal depth and of relatively small size wherein the array is formed of a number of individual switches and the switches are formed of components used in common, and wherein the number of components in the array effectively revolves itself into less than one component per switch.
Abstract:
A tabulator keyboard of simplified design may be fabricated from a single flexible circuit and a minimum of other mechanical structures. The flexible circuit combines in one piece an array of deformable upper contacts, an array of stationary lower contacts, as well as the required interconnections between the elements of these arrays and the electronics module. The flexible circuit may be made of a reasonable transparent dielectric film (e.g. polyamide). The flexible circuit is folded in use such that the lower stationary array has its conductive surface opposite the upper deformable array. Means are provided for making electrical contact between a selected element in said lower array with a selected element in said upper array.
Abstract:
Membrane keyboard apparatus is disclosed including an insulator having a conductive sheet thereon providing a plurality of first electrode members in the form of an array of apertures, and a plurality of second electrode members located concentrically within and spaced from the periphery of the apertures of the first electrodes to form an array of individual switching units. The height of the conductive sheet is greater than the height of the second electrode members whereby the level of the top surfaces of the plurality of first electrode members is vertically spaced above the level of the top surfaces of the second electrode members. A flexible, conductive member is disposed in a spaced relation above and adjacent to the level of the top surfaces of the pluralities of first and second electrode members. An identification member having an array of indicia corresponding to the array of individual switching units is disposed in a spaced relation above and adjacent to the flexible conductor. A threshold member is included in the form of an array of elastic bubble members corresponding to the array of individual switching units and including air escape means for the bubble members to avoid problems with trapped air. The bubble members are actuable by the touch which causes the selected bubble member to be deflected into the flexible conductive member to provide a conductive path between the associated first and second electrode members of the underlying switching units.
Abstract:
A multiple switching apparatus comprising two spring-like switching members disposed in a tandem array with each integral with its metallic support base. The central area of each of the switching members is defined by a plurality of slots formed in the support base with the length and displacement of the slots defining the force-displacement characteristics of each switching member and, accordingly, of the tandem array. The top switching member moves downward until it produces a first switching function, with further movement of the top switching member effecting movement of the second switching member such that a second switching function is produced.
Abstract:
An elastic diaphragm switch has a diaphragm assembly formed as an airtight interface between a substantially rigid substrate material and a diaphragm of highly flexible film to which is adhered a copper conductive pattern designed to withstand large deflections without fatigue. This is accomplished by an extended length conductor such as a spiral conductor path extending from the diaphragm supported contact to a stationary conductor. Thus the diaphragm switch may be formed of a single thin film and activated by very low-pressure levels.
Abstract:
An electrical contact apparatus having low silver content and defined thickness and length geometry. The electrical contact apparatus has a contact body made of a silver-containing alloy having SC≤60 wt. %, and having L/T≥5.4, wherein L is a longest contact length dimension of the contact body, T is a maximum contact thickness dimension of the contact body, SC is the silver content in wt. %, and L/T is a contact dimension ratio. Electrical contact assemblies, circuit breaker electrical contact subassemblies, and methods of operating a circuit breaker electrical contact subassembly are disclosed, as are other aspects.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a direct current relay, and more particularly, to a direct current relay capable of reducing an electronic repulsive force generated between a fixed contact and a movable contact by a permanent magnet installed to extinguish an arc. The direct current relay includes: a frame; first and second fixed contacts spaced from each other with a predetermined distance there between; first and second magnetic substances formed to enclose a lower part of the first and second fixed contacts; a movable contact movable to contact or to be separated from the first and second fixed contacts, having a first movable contact contactable to the first fixed contact, and having a second movable contact contactable to the second fixed contact; and a pair of permanent magnets installed on long sides of the frame.
Abstract:
This invention discloses a preparation method for precious metal switching contact components by means of plating masking, plating and etching processes. The plating masking process is performed by using a plating mask ink with or without a photo exposure machine. Plating of precious metals is performed by electroless plating or electro plating methods. Etching is carried out with etching solutions containing weak organic acids, weak inorganic acids or acidic buffering agents. Improvement of the etched surface gloss and prevention of the side etching are realized with the sulfur-contained compounds. The dust- and oil stain-resistances of the switch contacts are improved by increasing the etching depth. The switch contacts made by this invention are featured with the advantages of good reliability, good resistance to dust and oil stain, short contact bounce time, long service life, low cost of raw materials and so on.
Abstract:
In an electrical contact in which aggregation phases including Cu are dispersed in a matrix phase including Mo, Cr, and Cu, a maximum grain size of the aggregation phases falls in a range of 4 to 20 μm and, when the total Cu content in the electrical contact is denoted by Wt, the Cu content in the matrix phase is expressed by C×Wt, where C ranges from 0.54 to 0.81. A process for producing an electrical contact including Mo, Cr, and Cu includes a step of compacting mixed Mo and Cr powders, thus forming a powder-compression compact and a step of making the powder-compression compact infiltrated with molten Cu.
Abstract:
An electrical contact area on a printed circuit board (“PCB”), that would otherwise be subject to abrasion and possibly also corrosion, can be protected by covering it with another, more durable contact structure that is bonded to the first-mentioned contact area using an anistropic conductive adhesive (“ACA”). The more durable contact structure may include a member of PCB material or the like with electrically connected electrical contacts on its upper and lower surfaces. At least the upper one of these contacts (which is exposed for the service that involves possible abrasion and/or corrosion) may be given high durability by plating it with hard gold. The lower of these contacts is adhered to the main PCB via the above-mentioned ACA.