Abstract: A circuit breaker apparatus characterized by a molded case forming a plurality of intercommunicating compartments with a circuit breaker structure within a compartment, arc-quenching means in an adjacent compartment, a line terminal in a next adjacent compartment and electrically insulating shield means between the line terminal and the arc-quenching compartment.

Abstract: A molded insulating switch housing (2) has a rectangular opening (2a) in an end wall thereof through which an actuator (4) having a rectangular cross-sectional shape extends for linear reciprocable movement and is biased to an extended position with respect to the housing. A trigger operator member (6) is affixed to the outer end of the actuator (4) and has a recess (6b) open toward the end wall of the housing (2). A continuous rectangular flange (2b) surrounds the opening (2a) in the end wall and is telescopically received within the recess (6b) of the trigger operator (6) to form a dust and foreign contaminant material seal for the switch.

Abstract: A manual operating device for a slide type electrical device, which is mounted inside the housing of an electrical apparatus, includes a manual operating slide with an operating plate disposed at a hole in the housing. The manual operating device further includes a cover plate to cover the hole and provides a support on which the operating plate moves back and forth. A slide slot is formed by the cover plate and housing, and a connecting arm of the manual operating slide extends through the slide slot to connect the operating plate to an actuating slide of the slide type electrical device.

Abstract: An interlock switch used with an electrical appliance such as a microwave oven. The interlock switch comprises a housing having a plurality of conductive swtich elements operated by an actuator. At least two of the conductive switch elements are biased in opposite directions, thereby reducing the force that would otherwise be needed to operate the actuator.

Abstract: At a slot in a control panel of an automotive vehicle, the slot traversed by a slidable actuating lever for controlling the operating state of a heating and ventilating or air conditioning system of an automotive vehicle, an elongate web is disposed parallel and proximate to the slot for preventing the passage of light and dust. The web covers the slot, is attached at its ends to a control panel plate and traverses an opening in the lever.

Abstract: An arrangement for preventing operation of an electric switch includes substantially pin-shaped male formations rigid with the switch and substantially socket-shaped female formations which are mounted on spaced mounting portions of a protecting element and which engage the male formations with snap action. The protecting element for use with a wall-mounted toggle switch has a strip-shaped configuration and its central portion located intermediate the mounting portions outwardly hugs the trajectory of pivotal movement of the actuating member of the switch. Two lugs may extend from the central portion toward the switch at the opposite sides of the trajectory of movement of the actuating member. The male formations may be mounted on connecting screws which connect a cover plate of the switch to a bracket which carries a switch housing and is mounted on a switch box.

Abstract: According to the reciprocal movement of a movable arm, a stationary arm is connected or disconnected to fingers mounted to the movable arm. A metal ring electrically connected to the stationary arm and coated on the front end with an insulator coating surrounds a contact end of the stationary arm.

Abstract: An ignition distributor for suppressing electromagnetic waves in an internal combustion engine wherein the distributor cap includes a material which functions to absorb electromagnetic waves radiated from the spark gap between the distributing electrode and the side terminal electrodes thereof. The cap may be formed of the material alone or with other materials or may be coated at its inside and/or outside surface with the material.

Abstract: A cover for protecting connecting leads and terminals of a switchgear, which extend to one side of the switchgear from an upper part, is made in the shape of a Z. One arm of the Z extends upwards, parallel to the outside wall of the upper part and the other arm of the Z extends downwards and covers the region of the terminals. The first arm is provided wih outward facing grooves or slots which have spacings like the spacings between the connecting leads when they are connected to the terminals. When the switchgear is disconnected from the leads and removed from the mounting, the Z-shaped cover is reversed and fastened to the mounting in its place. Since the leads are more or less rigid, the covering now extends over and protects them. Thus, the same cover, by simple reorientation, serves to protect the connecting leads when they are connected to the switchgear and when the switchgear is not in place.

Abstract: A housing is provided for encasing a video cassette playback machine with selected portions of the machine being accessible through relatively small access openings in the housing to permit restricted operation of the machine. The housing comprises an impact resistant portable carrying case which can be opened for reception of the machine loaded with a selected video cassette and then closed and locked. The carrying case supports a face plate in a position covering the machine control panel wherein one or more access openings are formed in the face plate to permit access to selected machine control devices, such as, for example, the "play" switch, while masking and thus preventing access to other machine control devices, such as, for example, the "record" switch. In one embodiment, a hinged panel is mounted on the inboard side of the face plate and is selectively positioned to open or close access openings in the face plate.

Abstract: A circuit breaker in which arc shielding members are provided for predetermined contacts among a plurality of contact pairs arrayed in parallel, so that the arc will take place between predetermined contacts when the contacts are opened. The arc shielding members are made of a material having resistivity greater than that of the conductors to which the contacts are attached. The arc shielding members work to effectively inject metallic particles of contact material into the arc, so that the arcing voltage is rapidly raised and so that feet of the arc will not spread to the conductors in the vicinities of the contacts.

Abstract: A shield unit for interchangeable fit within circuit breaker compartments of various manufacture contains a split linkage arrangement of two pivotally connected arms, a return spring and a connecting spring to operate a shield linkage mechanism. The shield assembly comprises two moveable shields brought into a closed configuration when a circuit breaker is removed from the breaker compartment and into an open configuration when the circuit breaker is inserted within the breaker compartment. The interposition of the moveable shields between the power stabs within the breaker compartment and the breaker plugs prevents inadvertent contact by an operator when the circuit breaker unit is disconnected from the stabs. A balanced arrangement of shield linkage mechanisms on both sides of the shield unit prevents manual operation by an operator in any attempt to bypass the shield unit.

Abstract: A thermal shield is employed with a circuit breaker operating spring to protect the spring from thermal degradation during contact arcing. One embodiment includes an ablative plastic coating on the outer surface of the shield to promote arc quenching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grounding switch having a fixed switch piece attached to an equipment part to be grounded and a switch piece displacable relative to the fixed switch piece by a drive. The switch pieces partially form a switch-piece overlap in their closed position. It is desirable to arrange such a grounding switch such that, while maintaining its geometrical dimensions, it can switch even large currents such as short-circuit currents without the main contacts being overloaded by the switching arc. By the present invention, the switch pieces are each equipped with at least one main contact and at least one sparking contact surrounded at least partially by the respective main contact. One of the two sparking contacts is arranged as a bush and the other as a pin. The bush includes a follow-up contact or follow-up pin which is movable in the direction of displacement of the displacable switch piece. The follow-up contact is located substantially within the interior of the bush.

Abstract: A vacuum switch of the type having contact electrodes which are coaxially movable with respect to each other for interrupting large currents. In one embodiment where a substantially cylindrical housing is arranged around the contacts, a radially inward bulge of metallic material is arranged near a center plane intermediate of the contacts. Such a bulge may be formed by inserting a metallic, annular insert within the housing, or producing an annular bulge in the housing itself. The bulge produces an inclination which is selected so that a plasma which flows from the arc which is produced upon interruption of the current is deflected in the axial direction. Such deflection reduces the stress on the vapor shield and is particularly advantageous with single-pulse switches which experience relatively long arcing times.

Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum interrupter in which an evacuated envelope includes a cylindrical housing made of a metallic material, disc-shaped upper and lower end plates made of inorganic insulating material and stationary and movable contact rods. The envelope of the vacuum interrupter is manufactured by brazing the end plates to the housing by using a sealing member made of a plastically deformable metallic material which is deformed by thermal stress generated during a cooling process after hermetic brazing. The coefficient of the housing differs from that of the upper and lower end plates. According to the present invention, the sealing performance can be enhanced, even when the thermal coefficient of the housing differs from those of the end plates, since the sealing member is used.

Abstract: A method of applying a switch guard device to a wall switch to prevent unintentional actuation of the wall switch. The wall switch has an actuating lever extending through an aperture in a switch plate with the switch plate normally being attached to the wall switch on opposite sides of the actuating lever by screw threaded fasteners. The switch guard device is formed from a flexible body portion, initially relatively flat, having a pair of spaced apart apertures for receiving the threaded fasteners. The spaced apart apertures are spaced a sufficient distance that when the threaded fasteners are received by the spaced apertures attaching the body portion to the switch plate, the body portion flexes into an arcuate configuration covering the actuating lever sufficiently to prevent accidental movement of the lever but to allow intentional movement of the lever.

Abstract: A disconnect switch for use in a metal-encapsulated high-voltage switching installation, wherein the switch includes a movable switching pin, a mating contact axially associated therewith, and a cylindrical member arranged in surrounding spaced relationship to the mating contact. The cylindrical member is further formed so as to extend beyond that end face of the mating contact which is in facing relationship with the switching pin, whereby the member projects into the gap between the switching pin and the mating contact when the disconnect switch is in the "off" position and surrounds the switching pin when the switch is in the "on" position.

Abstract: An electrical switch construction having a housing carrying an electrical switch and an actuator for actuating an operating plunger of the electrical switch, the construction having a flexible diaphragm seal disposed against the electrical switch to seal the same to a part of the housing and define a chamber with that part of the housing so that the electrical switch is sealed therein. The diaphragm seal has a portion thereof disposed between the plunger and the actuator. The diaphragm seal has means for preventing a pressure increase in the chamber thereof that would adversely act across the portion of the diaphragm seal when there is an increase in the volume of fluid in the chamber regardless of whether the increase in volume is caused by a change in temperature and/or an out gasing of the plastic parts of the switch.

Abstract: A protector for a pendant control is a protective cage formed by a pair of spaced ring-shaped bumpers joined by a plurality of connecting rods disposed around the bumpers. The cage is supported on the pendant control housing by a pair of spaced adjustable clamps, each clamp being attached to a bumper by at least two, and preferably three, shock absorbing members, such as coil springs, which are preferably disposed equidistant from one another about the bumpers and clamps to maintain the cage substantially concentric with the pendant control housing.

Abstract: A shielding arrangement for preventing the buildup of ice on the contacts of an outdoor high-voltage switch structure. The shield includes one or more flexible members which overlie the contacts and are in the path of the travel of a switch element.

Abstract: A means for preventing the bypassing of the timer protective mechanisms in an automatic washing machine is provided by a shield freely rotatable on the timer shaft fully covering the indicator dial across its face and over its edges and being transparent so as to allow the indicator to be seen, while preventing manual access to the control components associated with the timer shaft.

Abstract: A circuit breaker structure comprising a multipole circuit breaker having separable contacts for each pole, which circuit breaker is contained within an insulating housing; incoming and outgoing terminals extending from one wall of the housing which incoming terminals are aligned and reinforced against movement due to short circuits by a brace extending between and around the terminals on one side and a cap on the other side of the terminals for clampingly holding the aligned terminals in place.

Abstract: A gas-tight molded casing of an electrical compressed gas circuit interrupter comprises a resilient and/or ductile sack shaped net embedded in the wall of the casing. The net is designed to retain the fragments of the exploded casing while permitting escapement of the compressed gas.

Abstract: A molded elongated arcuate shield is snap-fitted to a circuit breaker operating handle to achieve a lost motion connection thereto. The operating handle projects through an elongated wall opening in the circuit breaker housing and is movable longitudinally thereof. The shield is disposed between an arcuate interior surface of housing and an arcuate surface of an apron formed integrally with the handle. While the apron above is too short to close the wall opening for all positions of the handle, the apron in cooperation with the shield fully closes the wall opening for all positions of the handle. Latch tabs formed integrally with the shield engage a blocking formation internally of the housing to hold the shield stationary while the handle moves from its On to Trip position. In the former position ON indicia carried by the apron is viewable through an aperture in the shield through which the handle extends, and when the handle is in its Trip position the latched shield blocks the ON indicia from view.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat features a memory unit receptive of unit values of temperature desired at different times on different days all individualy or in various combinations both as to days and times. An output device signals a temperature control system. As controlled by a clock, the memory unit is addressed during different times of the different days to provide a signal representing the corresponding value desired. Existing temperature level is sensed and compared with each value so as to develop an error signal. In response to that error signal, the output is operated in a direction to reduce the difference between actual and desired temperatures. Numerous details as to layout, construction and circuitry are presented.

Abstract: A unitary molded housing for a multipole high capacity circuit breaker wherein the housing may receive and support modules of different current carrying and interrupting capacity. The molded housing has vertical side walls and parallel vertical integral interphase barriers as well as a back wall and top wall. Disconnect contact bars are mounted through the back wall and support and are connected to circuit breaker contact structures at the front side of the back wall. Recesses which receive the arc extinguisher structure are formed by adjacent vertical walls and the top wall. The interior of the top wall forms a baffle or guide on which arc gases vented from the arc extinguisher impinge and are guided to the vertical walls and the spaces between the said walls and the arc extinguishers.

Abstract: A switch device has a housing with a chamber therein including at least one surface, and terminal members and switch elements are arranged in the chamber for electrical engagement and disengagement, respectively. A pedestal is integrally formed with the at least one surface and has a free end predeterminately spaced from the at least one surface. The terminal members are engaged with the free end and predeterminately extended beyond the marginal edges thereof so as to shield at least a part of the pedestal from the depositing thereon of any minute conductive material particles emanating in an arc blast from at least one of the terminal members and the switching elements upon the electrical disengagement thereof under load thereby to prevent the establishment of a conductive path of the deposited particles across the pedestal between the terminal members and the at least one surface. A method of making a switch device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coaxial switch capable of operating in a vacuum with high RF power in the 1.2 GHz range without "multipactor" breakdown, and without relying on pressurization with an inert gas, which requires a hermetic seal, is achieved by completely surrounding the RF carrying conductors of the switch with a high grade solid dielectric, thus eliminating any gaps in which electrons can accelerate.

Abstract: A shutter for a circuit breaker compartment in which the upper and lower stationary back disconnect contacts at the rear of the compartment are protected, as the circuit breaker is withdrawn from the compartment by a clam-shell shutter. The two halves of the shutters are biased toward closed position; a circuit breaker operates a cam end of a bell crank lever to open the clam-shell as the circuit breaker moves toward the rear of the compartment. The insulated rear wall has openings through which the stationary back disconnect contacts are accessible. The rear wall is curved at the openings for the contacts to correspond with the curvature of the clam-shell halves and to provide added guidance and support.

Abstract: The following specification describes a thin walled insulating boot formed of a thermoplastic molding material and attached by means of the circuit breaker in encircling relationship to the open end of the breaker. The boot prevents ionized gas created when the circuit breaker is tripped from completing a circuit path to adjacent metal portions. The boot walls extend past the open end of the breaker and a back wall spaced from the open end of the circuit breaker defines a chamber enabling expansion of the ionized gas.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting the touch calling unit and associated pushbuttons of a coin telephone, wherein the arrangement consists of metal pushbuttons interchangeable with the touch calling units standard pushbuttons and a decorative shield plate. The pushbuttons include a rectangular operating member of a reduced size, extending from an upper section of each pushbutton. The shield plate include protective collars, adapted to encompass the pushbutton operating member.

Abstract: A protective boot of flexible, insulating material for use in covering the grounded portions of a circuit interrupter and thereby preventing accidental shorting between the current carrying sections of the circuit interrupter and the grounded portions. The standard, pole-mounted circuit interrupter consists of a number of movable switches used in high voltage applications where shorting can be extremely damaging to the unit. The protective boot of the invention is fabricated in a number of separate parts which correspond to the individual grounded elements of the interrupter. Thus, when in place, the boot will substantially encase the entire grounded portion providing the requisite insulation. At the same time, due to the number of separate parts of the boot, installation on pole-mounted interrupters is easily accomplished, and at the same time, the moving parts of the switches remain unobstructed.

Abstract: A high current, low voltage, load-break switch of the type which is installed in a housing having an access door. The switch comprises a fixed contact, a movable contact which is movable between a closed position in bolted pressure contact with the fixed contact and an open position which is displaced from the fixed contact. A mechanism is provided for rapidly opening and closing the switch by driving the movable contact to its closed position and also to its open position. A transparent shield is supported across the front of the switch contacts to visually expose the switch contacts when the access door to the housing is open while providing protection in the event of electrical arcing and mechanical failure of the switch contacts.

Abstract: A coaxial, polarity switch, for insertion in and electrical connection to a oaxial power transmission line, designed to carry high currents. Coaxial transmission lines are used to contain stray magnetic fields and this coaxial switch maintains the coaxial relationship. An outer rotary switch member, made up of insulators and conductors, is rotatable about a fixed inner switch member, and has multi-louvered contact material, containing many contact points, to conduct the high current. The outer switch member, in one position, maintains forward polarity; in a central position, the switch is off; in a third position, the polarity is reversed. Thus the switch is a DPDT, center-off type, but SPST, SPDT, and DPST types are possible. Non-conductive coolant may be circulated through passages in the switch, and may be sealed in the switch by seal members.