Importance

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Abstract

A switch module includes a base and an array of one or more switches spaced adjacent to one another on the base. Each switch includes a fixed contact as well as a moving contact and supporting arm therefor. All of the switches in the array are formed from a single planar conductive blank composed of a closed frame and first and second sets of opposed elongated cantilevered panels extending from opposite sides of the frame, one set of panels forming the stationary contacts and the other set of panels forming the moving contacts and supporting arms therefor. The blank is deformed to move all of the corresponding stationary and moving contacts into overlapping relation and to give bias to all of the contact arms so that they urge the associated moving contacts into or out of engagement with the corresponding fixed contacts. All of the switches while they are still integral parts of the deformed blank are mounted to the base so that the relative positions on the base of all of the switch contacts are predetermined by their positions in the deformed blank. Finally, the deformed mounted blank is severed at selected locations to electrically isolate some or all of the switch contacts mounted to the base. Various blanks for making the switch module are disclosed as is the method for doing same.

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First Claim