Abstract: A light fixture, particularly suitable for recreational vehicles, such as campers, trailers, boats and vans, consisting of a base having a reflector, lens and a bulb controlled by a slide switch. The switch is received within a "drop-in" mounting formed in the base and is retained in its mounting by a manually operated switch actuating slide. The retention structure slidably mounting the slide on the base in cooperation with slide structure superimposed over the switch retains the switch in position minimizing assembly procedures.

Abstract: An electrical switch actuator mechanism which has an accurately aligned position. The actuator operates printed circuit board pushbutton switches by depressing a spring finger to operate each pushbutton. Each of the fingers has a raised land with a precisely angled slope which a rub bar on the back of the actuator handle rides upon to depress the spring. However, the angled slope and the spring action of the leaf spring also act backward against the rub bar to precisely locate the position of the actuator handle so that a group of such switches are properly aligned when the switches are in the same position.

Abstract: A cleaner having a rectilinearly movable hand grip, movable along the axis of the cleaner handle, is provided with a switch actuator that can initiate action of a switch fixed relative to the handle and, therefore, not movable with the hand grip. The switch actuator includes a lost motion arrangement engageable over a switch button of the switch so that the switch actuator and switch remain in an engaged position independent of the axial location of the hand grip. The cleaner may be a power drive cleaner in which movement of the hand grip controls power driven movement of the cleaner. In this case, the hand grip and handle may have provision for placing the cleaner in a non-drive, neutral position.

Abstract: A delayed action switch actuator includes a spring attached to one corner of a face plate, a suction cup and a ring-like toggle engaging member, sized to surround the toggle passing through the face plate, connecting the spring to the suction cup. The spring is sized to be in tension when the toggle-engaging member is in a toggle-engaging position. The suction cup is affixable to a roughened surface area on the face plate. The suction cup forms an imperfect seal with the roughened surface area, which results in the suction cup releasing after a period of time, such as a minute or two. The toggle is located between the point of attachment of the spring on one side of the face plate and the roughened area on the other side of the face plate. When the suction cup releases, the spring, which is in tension, pulls on the toggle-engaging member which subsequently trips the toggle.

Abstract: Arrow keys on the keyboard of a desktop computer, computer terminal or displaywriter which control the movement of a cursor are actuated by a manually operated mechanical device resting over the keyboard. The device entails a central control shaft and a plurality of fingers extending outward radially from the shaft toward each of the arrow keys, and preferably toward adjacent keys as well. The control shaft and fingers are pivotally mounted and arranged such that when the control shaft is pivoted in the direction of desired motion of the cursor, the appropriate finger is engaged by the control shaft and pivots downward to depress the corresponding key.

Abstract: A compact electric safety switch including a rotatably mounted double contact blade assembly. Heavy duty compression springs are positioned under the blade assembly for rapid make and break connection between opposing line and load contact stabs. A pair of contact springs directs the contact blade during transit between the line and load contact stabs and serves to increase the contact pressure between the contact blade and the contact stabs when the contact blade is inserted therein.

Abstract: An actuating member for a cradle switch comprises free ends with oblong holes for receiving male members mounted within the housing of a telephone set to define a pivot axis. A web having a recess therein is mounted within the telephone station and a detent carried by the actuating device projects into the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for using a self-aligning bearing having a ball movably seated in a socket mounted in a wall of an explosion-proof enclosure and slidably receiving a shaft for transferring motion from the outside to the electrical equipment inside of the enclosure. The abutting surfaces between the ball and socket of the bearing and the ball and the shaft have minimum flame path lengths to meet minimum safety requirements for extinguishing electrical arcing passing along such abutting surfaces.

Abstract: An outlet connection device transfers motion from outside to inside an explosion proof enclosure and includes a process for using a self-aligning bearing retained in a wall of the enclosure. The self-aligning bearing has flame paths selected to meet minimum safety requirements and contains a shaft for transferring either rotary, axial or joy-stick motion into the enclosure. In a rotary transfer arrangement an electric rotary switch is connected through a blade engaging the shaft passing through the self-aligning bearing.

Abstract: A handle (52) is guided for linear sliding movement within a housing (38) mounted to the front of a removable control unit (16) and has a hinged connection (52c,64) with the forward end of a drive lever (60) which is pivotally mounted (62) within the control unit and linked (68,72) to circuit interrupting apparatus (26) mounted in the control unit for reducing the handle throw necessary to operate the apparatus. A slide bar (84) is spring biased (86) to an extended position with the operator in the ON position to engage a fixed structure (92) of the cabinet to prevent withdrawal or insertion of the control unit when the apparatus is in an ON condition. The slide bar is driven to a retracted position by the handle (52d,88) when moved to the OFF position. A handle locking plate (94) is lockable in a position of interference with the handle to prevent movement from OFF to ON positions, and has a breakaway tab (94f) removable to permit locking the handle against movement from ON to OFF.

Abstract: A sliding switch cover assembly which comprises a switch plate on which a toggle actuator is mounted by two sets of vertically aligned pins extending from the switch plate, vertical slots in the actuator in alignment with the two sets of vertically aligned pins and a means to retain the slots on the pins for sliding movement of the actuator on the pins. The actuator can comprise a two-piece assembly pins. The actuator can comprise a two-piece assembly comprising an actuator back plate which contacts the pins on the switch plate and an actuator element which attaches to the actuator back plate.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a blower speed control lever for operating at least one electrical switch, supported by a mounting bracket which has a place for a second switch. The speed control lever has rearwardly facing rocker shaft elements which are pressed against forwardly facing semicircular bearing recesses on the switch mounting bracket. The pressure is developed by flexible flanges which project rearwardly from a mounting panel and are engageable with forwardly facing tapered shaft elements on the speed control switch. The flanges are flexed to produce a spring action. Additional guard flanges project rearwardly from the panel, into adjacent relation with additional shaft elements on the speed control lever.

Abstract: A switch device is disclosed, which comprises a mounting frame provided with a switch body or bodies, a reinforcing frame to be provided with a plate, placed on the surface of a building-forming material and threadedly fixed to the mounting frame, a decorative frame fixed integrally with or separately from the reinforcing frame, and a decorative surface sheet or sheets to be fitted into the decorative frame and attached to a switch-working portion or portions of the switch body or bodies and having an area larger than that of the switch body or bodies. A light display for indicating the on.off state of the switch is or are formed on the decorative surface sheet or sheets.

Abstract: A manual data entry keyboard includes a plurality of key assemblies, each having an elongated arm and a touch contact at an outer end region of a respective arm. The arms are movable between a retracted position and an extended position, in the latter of which the touch contacts are spaced apart from each other by distances sufficient to enable a user to engage one touch contact at a time without simultaneously engaging an adjacent touch contact. A synchronizer ring simultaneously moves all of the arms between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A decorative light switch cover for a child's room which may be easily mounted over an existing wall switch, and which serves to turn the wall switch on and off when respective actuator cords are pulled by the child. The cover also includes a decorative design with one or more moving elements that are shifted from one position to another as the wall switch is actuated. The light switch cover may be easily mounted in place over the light switch merely by removing the standard light cover by unscrewing the mounting screws, and by replacing the standard cover with the decorative cover of the invention.

Abstract: A push button assembly having a halo which interfaces with a face plate opening, a halo adapter which interfaces the halo and an electrical switch, and a switch actuator carried by the halo and halo adapter which cooperatively nest to define an actuator housing within which the actuator is movable between first and second axial limits established by the halo and halo adapter, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the halo also carries a push button identification plate within a single face plate opening.

Abstract: An improved push button switch has a highly desirable tactile feel. The switch includes a face plate having a front surface, a rear surface and an opening extending from the front to the rear surface, the opening having a geometric center as viewed from a position in front of the face plate. A push button is located in the opening. A pair of leaf springs are provided for coupling the push button to the face plate with at least a portion of the push button being biased against the rear surface of the face plate. A normally open electro-mechanical switch having a stationary contact and a movable contact is provided. The movable contact is biased against a portion of the rear surface of the push button at a location corresponding to the geometric center of the opening in the face plate.

Abstract: A decorative wall plate and slider cap assembly is described for use with subsurface mounted, toggle-type electrical switches. The assembly provides an adapter wall plate for fastening to the switch strap. A decorative wall plate is fitted over the adapter plate to cover the fastening means and to impart a design feature to the wall plate. A rectangular opening through both plates receives the switch toggle. A slider member has two barbed spring clips which interact with rail members protruding from the face of the decorative wall plate. Upper and lower fingers, projecting rearwardly from the slider member face, act as cams to move the switch toggle in the vertical direction. A decorative slider cap fits over the slider member to give a basic geometric form to the switch toggle mechanism. Ramped projection members on the respective edges of the plates permit the member to be removably fastened for easy assembly, maintenance and change.

Abstract: A snap-on actuator for use with a miniature switch of the type usually fitted with a toggle. The toggle is shortened and has a slot for receiving a C-shaped retainer. The retainer holds the actuator on the toggle and prevents the toggle from being moved inwardly of the switch case as a result of downward force on the actuator.

Abstract: A handgrip, having dead-man-switch action, for mounting on the pole of construction equipment. The inventive handgrip is distinguished from known handgrips by increased operating comfort, simpler construction, and a more difficult-to-circumvent safety mechanism. The handgrip has a grip member that is displaceable in a support on the pole in its longitudinal direction and against spring force. At least one of the ends of the grip member has a limited freedom of movement in the radial direction. Also provided is a positively active slide coupling that displaces the grip member in the longitudinal direction relative to the support when the grip member is displaced in the radial direction relative to the support. The longitudinal displacement of the grip member is transmitted to a switching member for drive operation.

Abstract: A vehicle reading/courtesy lamp is provided. The lamp includes a lamp body upon which is rotatably mounted a switch actuating ring. A switch is mounted within the lamp body. The switch includes a switch actuating lever which functions to turn the lamp on or off and to limit rotation of the ring with respect to the lamp body. The ring and lamp body are assembled together by means of spaced apart projections on each element. The spaced apart projections pass by each other upon assembly of the ring and lamp body and are moved to an overlapping position thereafter. The switch actuating arm prevents re-registry of the projections and spaces which would result in separtion of the ring and the lamp body.

Abstract: The invention has an enclosure, a circuit breaker mounted inside the enclosure, and a hand lever rotatably mounted upon a door of the enclosure. A drive shaft is rotatably attached at a first end to the circuit breaker so that rotation of the drive shaft operates the circuit breaker. When the door is closed a second end of the drive shaft seats in a socket in the hand lever, and rotation of the hand lever rotates the drive shaft. A spring clip is mounted within the hand lever, and the spring clip grips the second end of the drive shaft so that force applied by the hand lever to rotate the drive shaft may deform the spring clip thereby permitting deflection in a coupling between the hand lever and the drive shaft. A retainer plate attached to the hand lever catches the drive shaft when the spring clip is deformed by the force and thereby prevents opening of the door as a safety measure. The drive shaft has a reduced cross-section region between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operating apparatus is of the type having an enclosure, the circuit breaker mounted inside the enclosure, the circuit breaker has an operating toggle, the operating toggle has at least a trip position into which trip position the toggle is urged when the circuit breaker goes into a trip condition, the apparatus has a handle mounted on the exterior of the enclosure, the handle has a lever mounted for rotational motion relative to the enclosure. A guide is fixedly attached to the handle; a cam link, the cam link having a first end rotatably attached to the lever, and the cam link having a second end slidably attached to the guide so that as the lever undergoes rotation the second end of the cam link moves along the guide.

Abstract: A joystick attachment for a computer keyboard which includes a bracket on which is supported a housing for a joystick assembly, the bracket being detachably mounted on a computer keyboard having a plurality of keys arranged in a rectangular array with the joystick assembly in over lying, spaced-apart relationship with the array, the joystick assembly including an upstanding handle projecting upwardly through an opening in the housing and supported on the bracket for universal pivotal movement together with a plurality of circumferentially spaced actuating arms each operatively associated with one of said keys and movable selectively by the handle against a yieldable member from an inoperative position into an operative position into an operative position for depressing engagement by the arm with an associated key in the array.

Abstract: A chain saw mounting assembly wherein a chain saw is pivotally mounted at the motor housing end, on a support frame, for pivotal movement in the cutting plane of the saw blade. A throttle actuator on the assembly regulates the speed of the cutting chain between idling speed, when the saw is in its inoperative pivoted position, and an accelerated cutting speed when the saw is in its pivoted operating position. The device is adaptable for mounting on a workpiece supporting table.

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: A push button switch is disclosed which includes a switching body which works as it is, a holder supporting the switching body on one end wall thereof, and a key top swingably mounted on the holder, in which the switching body, the holder and the key top are assembled as a single unit and can be manually disassembled.

Abstract: An adapter is disclosed which is applicable for use in conjunction with a video game controller system. The disclosed adapter increases the manual inputs that can be communicated from one of the manual controller units to the video game controller system. The adapter comprises a shell opened at one end and adapted to fit over and envelop the joystick member such that the joystick member can be moved by manually moving the shell. A switch is mounted in the shell, and a conductor is provided for coupling the contacts of the switch to elements of an auxiliary connector. The auxiliary connector is adapted for coupling to an input port of the video game controller system. The auxiliary connector includes an auxiliary input port for receiving the connector of the respective manual controller unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adapter for enabling an actuating switch, which has at least one contact section and an actuating section movably accommodating therein an actuator for actuating the contact section and which is so arranged that a first hollow cylindrical portion constituting a part of the actuating section and axially movably accommodating therein the actuator, can be directly mounted in a first hole having a first predetermined inner diameter and previously formed in a panel, to be mounted through the adapter in a second hole having a second predetermined inner diameter and previously formed in the same or another panel. The adapter comprises a first engaging device for engaging with the actuating section and a second engaging device for engaging with the panel through the second hole.

Abstract: A wall switch cover and actuator of the type used in combination with a standard wall toggle switch whereby operation of the switch between its on and off positions is accomplished by pressing on the face of the invention. The wall switch cover and actuator basically comprises a frame which is held in position over the standard switch by the switch's cover plate. A switch actuator element is removably held within the frame, and portions of the switch actuator abut opposite sides of the standard toggle switch. A cover is also mounted on the frame over the switch actuator so that pressure on the cover will be transmitted through the switch actuator to operate the toggle switch.

Abstract: An improved diluent valve actuator for a soft drink beverage dispenser serves dual functions. The first function, accomplished when the actuator is in a first operative position, is to actuate the solenoid controlled valve for the beverage diluent (such as carbonated water) when the actuator is pressed by an operator. The second function, accomplished when the actuator is in a second non-operative position is to act as a cover over the opening in the dispenser where the actuator would have extended if the actuator were in the first position. In the second position, the remainder of the actuator is concealed within the beverage dispenser out of view.

Abstract: A switch for controlling the current to a load combining an ON-OFF switch in series with a variable resistor. Switch has a housing which includes an actuator guided along a dimension of the housing. An opening through the actuator permits a portion of the regulator switch to pass through the actuator for operation. The actuator also includes a cam surface for operating the ON-OFF switch.

Abstract: A push button switch assembly includes a base having an internally threaded aperture therethrough and a cylindrical housing closed at one end by a circular end wall having a cylindrical bushing portion which is threadedly engaged in the base aperture. A mounting member surrounds the bushing portion and is clamped between the base and the housing, the mounting member having resilient arms respectively received in corresponding recesses in the housing and projecting therefrom adjacent to the other end of the housing for resilient gripping engagement with an associated support wall in which the assembly is mounted. An actuator reciprocates in the bushing portion and is coupled to a push button disposed at the open end of the housing, the actuator engaging the contact means of a switch which is secured between attachment members on the base. Two different bases are provided for respectively mounting a microswitch or a leaf switch.

Abstract: A double detect device includes first and second parallel and superposed rows of steel balls retained in a block, the first row being in contact with a steel roller whose axis is parallel to the rows of balls. An actuating rod is urged resiliently against an end ball of the second row. In operation, currency notes are fed between the roller and the first row of balls. The passage of a note through the device depresses the balls of the first row thereby urging apart the balls of the second row so as to move the rod. If two superposed notes pass through the device movement of the rod is sufficient to actuate a switch. The device can distinguish between multiple notes and a single note having a localized increase in thickness, since such single note does not move the rod sufficiently to actuate the switch.

Abstract: A rocker switch comprises a contact spring in the shape of a loop, supported against a pivot member. The spring has a catch in the free end of the loop. The contact spring can be pivoted by means of a rocker lever into its open or closed position. The rocker lever is mounted on a roll provided with two additional cams in the form of a rocker. By means of an elastic switching arm arranged on the slide, the rocker is actuated by overrunning, thereby effecting the pivoting of the end support cam over the pivot member. This in turn yields movement of the contact springs into their open or closed positions. The contact springs may be arranged in series adjacently to each other and/or on a common axis successively to each other with their loop openings in the same or in opposing directions.

Abstract: A switch operating member for actuating a switch is pivotably accommodated in an opening of a base plate. A bearing member is secured to a rear surface of the base plate near the opening and overlying the same. The operating member is provided with U shaped supporting members on both sides to pivotally mount the operating member on a shaft in cooperation with the bearing member.

Abstract: A push button actuator for an electrical switch device is disclosed which provides high tactile feedback with small button travel. Movement of the push button is resisted by a resilient column extending between the button and a force transfer device which is adapted to laterally engage the column in response to a sufficient force applied to the force transfer device through the column. The lateral engagement initiates buckling of the column which sharply reduces its load bearing capacity and causes the push button to snap to its depressed position.

Abstract: A functional and aesthetic switch plate providing an extension to a wall toggle switch. The switch plate not only provides a useful mechanical extension to a toggle switch, but has a sliding toggle switch lever extension member which covers its own wear marks and is of sturdy unibody construction. The sliding toggle switch lever extension member is connected to the reflecting rear surface of the base plate by sliding contact members positioned beyond the reflecting base edges to prevent chipping of the reflecting base edges.

Abstract: A unitized manual actuator assembly is attached to a printed circuit board for operating poppet switches mounted thereon. The actuator assembly comprises a two-piece housing having a pair of integral tube guides disposed in the housing. A pin is slideably disposed in each tube guide with one end protruding out of the housing for operating the switches. The internal end of each pin has an integral hollow cap covering and protecting the upper open end of its associated tube guide. A coil spring surrounds each tube guide and engages the integral hollow cap of the pin to bias it against a rocker member pivotally mounted in the housing. The rocker member has an operator portion extending through an opening in the housing and a pair of oppositely extending arms engaged by the hollow caps so that the pins translate in opposite directions when the rocker member is pivoted.

Abstract: A pressure pump for fluid in which tubing is wound about an orbitally movable pressure member inside of a sleeve member which is defined by a pair of pivotally mounted, substantially semi-circular jaws to permit opening and closing of the jaws about the pressure member to facilitate installation of tubing. Sliding gripper means may be carried by the pump and positioned to interact in one position with grippable means on the free ends of the jaws to hold them in closed relation, and for the sliding gripper means to be moved to a second position to permit the jaws to open. Simultaneously, the sliding gripper means can serve as a latch for a lid of the casing in which the pump is carried. Also the casing may have a partition with groove means having an enlarged portion for receiving joined connectors in the tubing, and a power source such as a battery may be attached to a removable portion of the casing in such a manner as to prevent accidental reverse installation of the battery.

Abstract: A safety device for power control in various situations. A housing contains an electrical toggle-type switch which is connected in circuit with the power source and the various elements to be controlled. A depression of a first push-button of relatively small size causes a switch to be turned on, while a subsequent depression of a relatively large surface member pivotally secured to the housing causes the toggle switch to be turned off. A key-operated lock prevents unauthorized operation of the first push-button.

Abstract: A switching device has a switch and an actuating member displaceable in switching on and switching off directions and tiltable in engaging and disengaging directions coordinated with one another so that when the actuating member moves in switching on direction and tilts in engaging direction it switches on the switch and is arrested, and when the actuating member moves in switching off direction and disengaging direction it is released and switches off the switch. The actuating member is tiltable about an axis located in a plane which extends between a point of connection with the spring and gripping surfaces provided on the actuating member.

Abstract: An electrical switch is provided with a switch operator having a resilient pad on its distal end, the operator being mounted for axial movement in an operator housing to actuate contacts deposited in a double spiral pattern on a substrate coupled to the operator housing. The operator tip is moved first to contact the front side of a flexible membrane which is separated from the contacts by a spacer. The operator pad is then moved further to deflect the membrane and close the gap formed between the shorting patch and the switch contacts, the travel of the operator and the action of the pad providing a sensation of feel to the user. The switch is constructed in single units and in arrays.

Abstract: A switch actuator in the form of a bifurcated elongated member has a pair of legs pivoted relative to each other. In the "off" position of the switch, the legs may be pivoted relative to each other, and the actuator may be withdrawn from the switch. This precludes an unauthorized operation of the switch and the equipment controlled thereby. In the "on" position of the switch, an interlocking means precludes the relative pivotal movement of the legs, and the actuator may not be withdrawn from the switch. In the preferred embodiment, the legs of the actuator automatically engage an operating element of the switch, upon the insertion of the actuator into the switch. Thereafter, the actuator has a limited sliding movement to alternately move the switch into its "on" and "off" positions. Preferably, the switch is of the "pull on/push off" type; and the sliding movement of the actuator is in a plane which is substantially parallel to the linear movement of the switch operating element.

Abstract: A mechanical slide selector switch assembly, or the like, is provided which includes a plurality of multi-contact switches mounted in side-by-side relationship, and which also includes a slidable actuator mounted in transverse relationship with the switches for successively actuating the switches as the actuator is moved back and forth along a rectilinear path.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiple switch actuating mechanism for use in combination with a biased open switch unit. The multiple switch actuating mechanism includes an angle shaped member for receiving the biased open switch unit. The angle shaped member has a pivotal means secured thereto. A rocker arm is secured to the pivotal means for oscillatory motion. The rocker arm has first and second rotatably mounted switch contact bearing elements secured to the rocker arm remote from each other. This just described arrangement of rocker arm and rotatably mounted switch contact bearing elements is such that the aforementioned oscillatory motion is transmitted simultaneously to the rotatably mounted switch control bearing means. There is also provided at least one actuating handle for the mechanism and this handle is secured to the rocker arm.

Abstract: A switch protecting and adjusting arrangement for a switch operating mechanism, wherein a movable member is connected to one end of an operating lever, a slide member is provided on the movable member through a spring so as to be displaceable thereon, and a switch knob is held between the movable member and the slide member.

Abstract: An improved switch unit for use, for example, in a motor vehicle in which a first and a second switch mechanisms are integrally incorporated together with a first and a second operating members for operating the switch mechanisms so as to reduce the space to be occupied by the switch unit on the whole, while the first operating member is arranged to be rotatable in association with the depression of the second operating member for elimination of troublesome operating procedures, with simultaneous simplification of the entire construction.

Abstract: A miniature switch assembly of dual-in-line configuration having a plurality of switching chambers, each of the switching chambers having at least a pair of terminal lands disposed therein. Each switching chamber is sealed by means of an electrically-insulative, elastic membrane and has an electrically-conductive contact within each chamber disposed closely adjacent the membrane. The contact is permitted to float within its respective chamber and is adapted to interconnect one of the pair of contact lands with the other of the pair of contact lands by means of an actuator which flexes the membrane from outside of the chamber without extending through the membrane. An actuator of a rocker-type is retained in either an OFF or an ON position by means of a bezel which engages a detent on the upper surface of the actuator. The membrane and contact together bias the actuator in a desired operative position.

Abstract: A pressure plate is depressed to actuate a momentary closing switch by exerting pressure on a flexible cover on the switch through a semi-rigid separator and an elastomeric diaphragm. A projection on the plate contacts the separator to focus the pressure on a portion thereof. A foam ring is disposed around the projection and between the plate and separator and is compressed as the plate is depressed.