Importance

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Abstract

A screw-switch assembly for use in place of present Dual-Inline-Package (DIP) slide-or snap-action switch assemblies is disclosed. An insulative body is molded to form a strip of joined segments arranged side-by-side, each segment constituting a single, independent switch having two poles and a single bridging contact member in the form of a screw head. The segments provide two passageways opening to both the top surface and the bottom surface of the segment and a socket opening to at least the top surface of the segment adjacent alternating passageways in sequential segments. A headed stake is inserted through the passageway of each segment adjacent the socket and a bent stake is inserted through the other passageway of each segment. The top portions of the stakes of each segment are formed to provide electrical contact surfaces adjacent the socket of that segment. The bottom portions of the stakes extend beyond the bottom surface of the segment for mounting in a printed circuit board. A headed screw is threadedly inserted in each socket and, when screwed home, the head makes electrical contact across the two stakes to close the switch and, when backed off, the head is spaced from the stakes to open the switch. Two connecting webs are formed between pairs of adjacent segments, one at each end of the segments. Blocks of desired numbers of switches are separated from the assembly by cutting through both of the connecting webs between a pair of adjacent segments, the remainder of the connective webs remaining intact.

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First Claim