Abstract: A control apparatus includes outer housing which encloses a switch assembly and a connector terminal mounting block. The switch assembly includes stationary and movable switch contacts. A push button and actuator link are connected with the movable switch contacts. Light sources are disposed on a light module housing. Conductors extend through openings in the actuator link and are connected with the light sources. The push button is illuminated by light from the light sources. An alternate action mechanism is connected with the push button and is disposed in an opening in the connector terminal mounting block. The switch assembly may be mounted on a printed circuit board with the alternate action mechanism extending through an opening in the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An improved push button assembly having solid state light sources may be utilized to replace push button assemblies having incandescent light sources in previously installed switch assemblies or may be used in original equipment. The push button assembly includes a base which at least partially encloses a printed circuit. A plurality of solid state light sources are connected with the printed circuit. A display is illuminated by light from the solid state light sources. One or more electrical circuit components, which emit heat, are connected with the printed circuit. A metal heat sink is disposed adjacent to the electrical circuit components. The metal heat sink engages a metal housing which encloses a display which is illuminated by light from the solid state light sources.

Abstract: An improved control apparatus includes an actuator module mounted on an upper side of the circuit board and a switch module mounted on the lower side of the circuit board. The actuator module includes a push button which is manually movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. A force transmitting member extends from the push button, through the circuit board, into the switch module. An actuator link is movable relative to the housing to effect operation of a plurality of switches between an unactuated condition and an actuated condition in response to movement of the push button. A releasable connector is provided to connect both the actuator link and a switch action mechanism with the force transmitting member. The force transmitting member can be disconnected from the actuator link and the switch action mechanism by pulling the push button away from the circuit board.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a housing having a plurality of terminals at one end and a push-button at the opposite end. An actuator mechanism is disposed in the housing and is connected with the push-button. The actuator mechanism is operable to move movable switch contacts relative to stationary switch contacts upon manual actuation of the push-button. A printed circuit extends between terminals at one end of the housing and the push-button. The printed circuit has a zig-zag portion disposed within the housing to accommodate movement of the push-button relative to the housing. The push-button is at least partially illuminated by light sources mounted on the printed circuit. The actuator mechanism includes a plurality of longitudinally extending actuator levers which are connected with the movable switch contacts and are pivotally connected with an actuator link.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes a switch actuator assembly which is operable to actuate a plurality of switches. The switch actuator assembly includes a pushbutton which is manually depressed to move a core relative to a coil from a first position to a second position. As the core moves to the second position, the plurality of switches are actuated and a magnetic field from the core cooperates with a base or frame member to hold the core in the second position. As the pushbutton returns to its unactuated position, a force transmitting lever moves into an extended position in engagement with a coil switch actuator arm. Subsequent depressing of the pushbutton causes a drive pin connected with the pushbutton to depress the force transmitting lever to open a coil switch and deenergize the coil. As the pushbutton is subsequently released, the core and drive pin move upwardly. The coil switch then closes and a retainer pin connected with the core pushes the force transmitting lever back to a retracted position.