Abstract: A detachable switch structure comprising an actuator, a contact block mounted on the actuator, and an adapter for mounting the contact block on the actuator; the block comprising a dielectric housing and enclosing separable contacts; the block being mounted on the actuator; the actuator comprising detachable interfitting means cooperative with corresponding means on the contact block housing which interfitting means includes elongated hook members on the adapter engageable with projections on the housing, the hook members including windows engageable with the projections, and the hook members including openings for insertion of a tool between the hook members and the projections for disengaging the same.

Abstract: A switch operator characterized by a switch operator and at least one switch, and an adapter for mounting the switch on the operator. The adapter and the operator are provided with interfitting bayonet type connections which are engaged and disengaged by rotation of one of the operator and adapter about the axis of the assembly, whereby operation of the actuator longitudinally of the assembly does not disconnect the bayonet-type connections.

Abstract: A switch structure characterized by a pushbutton-rotatable switch handle and a plurality of switch blocks mounted in tandem, the switch blocks comprising molded base and cover portions which provide an insulating barrier between the moving and stationary contact arms for increased current capabilities, and the switches having reciprocable switch operating plungers which are actuated either together or separately by longitudinal or rotary movement of the switch actuator.

Abstract: A rotary selector switch characterized by a rotatable switch actuator and at least two switch structures, the actuator having a shaft on which a handle is detachably mounted for operation in a plurality of modes to operate the switch structures in different combinations of open and closed conditions, the handle being detachably mounted on the shaft for rotating a cam through one limited sector thereof, the handle being repositionable on the shaft for rotation through another limited sector thereof, and the handle being rotatable between a pair of spaced ribs on the switch housing.

Abstract: A terminal connector characterized by a terminal conductor, a U-shaped terminal clamp mounted on and straddling the conductor, the conductor having an aperture and the terminal clamp having a tapped hole, a clamp screw extending through the aperture and seated in the tapped hole, and the conductor and the clamp having interengaging means for preventing separation when the screw is removed.

Abstract: A convertible switch characterized by a dielectric housing comprising a contact compartment, a pair of stationary contacts at one end of the compartment, movable contacts movable between open and closed positions, a contact carrier slidably mounted in the housing and comprising a bridging contact member upon which the movable contacts are mounted, a coil spring at one end of the contact carrier for biasing the movable contacts in one of the open and closed position, and the assembly of the contact carrier and spring being reversible within the housing compartment for holding the movable contacts in the other of the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor characterized by a stationary contact structure, a movable contact structure, the movable contact structure comprising a contact arm and a conductor, and a shuntless, pivotal electrical connection between the contact arm and the conductor.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter characterized by a manually operated fast acting switch and an overload relay for tripping of switch in response to current overload. The switch comprises means for moving electric contacts between open and closed and tripped positions which means includes a releasable arm which is movable between latched and unlatched positions. The switch also comprises a pair of pushbuttons for manually opening and closing the switch which pushbuttons are effective to move a lever which in turn actuates an overcenter toggle mechanism for opening and closing the switch.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch structure characterized by a pushbutton switch handle and a plurality of switch blocks mounted in tandem, each switch block having an operating plunger for simultaneous operation by said switch handle carrier means associated with the plunger for carrying movable contacts between open and closed positions of stationary contacts, the plunger and carrier means having spaced complementary surface means engageable during movement of the plunger, whereby actuation of the pushbutton handle effects simultaneous operation of all of the plungers and a delay of movement of movable contacts from the normally closed position.

Abstract: A thermal overload relay characterized by a plurality of pole units, stationary and movable contacts, a slide within the housing for moving the movable contact between open and closed positions, a movable contact mounting arm on the slide, latch means on the slide for latching the slide in one of said positions, resetting means for moving the slides to the latched position, each pole comprising a bimetal element responsive to current flow to effect heating thereof, a crossbar associated with the bimetal element to effect unlatching of the latch means, and the housing being an integral single unit into which the several foregoing elements are inserted in place.

Abstract: An electric switch characterized by at least two contact blocks stacked in end-to-end surface abutment, which blocks comprise movable contacts and means for moving the same, and interlock means interconnecting adjacent blocks against longitudinal separation.