Snap action devices and methods and apparatus for making same

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Abstract of the, Disclosure, An inherently mechanically bistable self-supporting blade element for actuating snap-action switches, circuit breakers and devices and methods and apparatus for producing such elements. The elements are formed from initially flat, unstressed spring material, and comprise two outer legs and a bridging portion integrally connecting them. By progressive coplanar relative displacement of the outer legs the bridging portion is deflected normally to the nominal plane of the element. Detection of this deflection enables attachment together of the outer legs to form a calibrated, inherently bistable blade element.