Richard Hunter Harris' switch prototypes

[PlacaFromHell]

Hello guys. I developed an interest in obscure IBM switches a while ago and today I was able to find some wicked stuff from the same dude who designed both beamspring switches and buckling spring switches, behold:

High profile buckling spring prototype:

https://patents.google.com/patent/US3699296A/en

Spoiler:

A switch described as "snap action" which I don't really understand how it works:

https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0075088B1/en

Spoiler:

Another snap action switch titled as a toggle switch, which actually is described as a momentary switch:

https://patents.google.com/patent/GB136 ... Ibm&page=4

(No picture for this one)

A sort of foam and foil alternative using a bulb shaped leaf spring:

Spoiler:

[sharktastica]

Awesome stuff!

[Daniel]

[...]

A switch described as "snap action" which I don't really understand how it works:

https://patents.google.com/patent/EP0075088B1/en

Spoiler:

[...]

Interesting!
I've read a little bit in the patent and the switch and the whole mechanism is there to actuate the little flag (numberd with 13 in the pictures) which would then further be detected by a sensor:

At the make point in the switch actuation, the flag 13 will snap downward with some force to interrupt a light beam or to actuate key contacts or proximity sensing mechanisms not shown. During the second part of key travel, the flag will snap upward to its original position. Any type of proximity or contact system could be employed for sensing the motions of this key mechanism.