Abstract: A proximity switch assembly (10) for signaling the location of a movable member (36) at either of opposite end limits of movement relative to a stationary frame (44,46) includes a compact elongate housing (58) adapted to be mounted on the frame to extend along the path of movement of a power driven member (32), such as the piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder, which shifts the movable member between its end limits. The proximity switch is fixedly mounted in the housing and carries a switch actuating member (74) mounted for sliding movement over a relatively short distance sufficient to move two actuating targets (104,106) into an out of actuating proximity of respective air core proximity sensing coils (132,134) within the housing. Lost motion abutment structure (76,78) on the switch actuation member and power driven member (54) move into engagement with each other as a power driven member approaches each end of its stroke.

Abstract: A protective shroud (22) for a flexible electrical cable (20) at the location where it emerges coaxially from the rear end (14) of an electrical device, such as an inductive proximity or photoelectric sensor (2), serving as a strain relief and protection from being bumped as well as retaining such electrical cable (20) at a gradual right-angle bend from a horizontally-mounted sensor (2) to keep it out of the way, such as from the aisle adjacent a conveyer on which the sensor is mounted. Snap-in means including an annular groove (18) on the rear end of the sensor (2) and a constricted-opening (22f) slot (22e) in the inner side wall (22d) of the shroud (22) afford snap-in mounting of the latter onto the rear end (14) of the sensor (2) with the shroud (22) being rotatable thereon to allow the electrical cable (20) to be oriented in any desired direction. Another version of protective shroud (24) adapted for a vertically-mounted sensor ( 2) in FIG.