Abstract: A push button switch assembly includes a combining member comprising an inserting portion into which an operating rod of a push button switch, which is arranged in a cabinet for electronic apparatus, is inserted. An engaging portion of the push button assembly, with which a knob inserted through an opening of a panel is engaged, is also provided and includes elastic connecting portions to connect the inserting portion to the engaging portion. The combining member is formed of synthetic resin. The knob and the operating rod of the push button switch are assembled to each other through the combining member, and they are elastically movable relative to each other in directions normal to the pushing direction of the knob when the push button switch is operated.

Abstract: Apparatus drivingly couples a rotary motor operator mechanism to a reciprocating circuit breaker operator member such as to provide a braking zone intermediate the end of an operating member charging stroke and the start of an operating member return stroke during which the deactivated motor operator mechanism is brought to a stop without disturbing the operator member in its home position. Apparatus includes a latch for latching the operator member in its home position during the braking zone and a link assembly constructed to accommodate shortening of its effective drive length while a spring absorbs the kinetic energy of the motor operator mechanism. By the conclusion of the braking zone, the operator member is unlatched from its home position, and the spring discharges to propel the operator member to its return stroke while re-establishing the full effective driving length of the link assembly, thereby rendering the operator member charging and return stroke lengths equal.

Abstract: A rotary type microswitch wherein a rotary handle member having at its body periphery a handle for driving a free end of a movable contact spring plate carrying a movable contact opposed to a stationary contact is rotatably borne at both axial ends between opposing side walls of a housing, and a lever member receiving an external operating force for rotating the handle member is coupled on a desired side of the housing to either one of the both ends of the handle member which are exposed to the exterior of the side walls. With the handle member thus providing a free selectivity in operating-force applying direction with respect to the both ends at which the member is borne, stably reliable switching operation is obtained. Such operation is further assured to be achieved with a smaller operating force due to the fact that a slidable card is inserted between the free end of the movable contact spring plate and the handle.

Abstract: A pushbutton linear operator for use with an electrical contact block includes a base portion, which is preferably rectangular, and a hollow cylindrical extension having external threads on an end opposite the base portion. A pushbutton having a flush, extended or mushroom cap connected to a stem is disposed in the extension. A base plate, also preferably rectangular, is integrally formed with the stem and fits within the base portion of the operator. A clamp ring is threaded to the extension to retain the cap, stem and plate in the extension and base portion of the operator. The operator is adapted to be connected to a biased contact block or biasing means may be included in the extension to "load" the pushbutton operator against a gasket for "Oil-Tite" sealing.

Abstract: A safety switch assembly for use in filling a gasoline products tanker and having a body portion and a gasoline level sensing portion. A channel (part-circular in plan) in the body portion fits over the rim of the filler opening of the tanker to enable the rim to actuate a first electrical switch contained in the body portion. The sensing portion projects into the filler opening and includes a reed relay and a float carrying a magnet to actuate the reed relay. The first electrical switch is a double pole microswitch having one pole normally open and the other pole normally closed. The normally open pole is connected to delivery apparatus to prevent delivery unless the rim actuates the microswitch. The normally closed pole is in parallel with the reed relay which has its contacts closed when the float is unactuated. When the gasoline level nears the top of the container the float rises to de-actuate the reed relay and disable the delivery system to prevent spillage.

Abstract: A limit switch wherein a first spring means for actuating a push-button of selfcontained micro-switch and a second spring means only which engages an operating means for absorbing an over-travelling stroke of the operating means which receives an external operating force are both disposed inside a limit switch housing. In normal non-actuating position, respective biasing forces of the both spring means are balanced so that the second spring means restrains the first spring means from engaging the push-button but, upon application of the operating force through the operating means to the second spring means, the restraint of the first spring means is released due to a resilient bowing of the second spring means so as to have the push-button actuated by the biasing force of the first spring means, and the second spring means continues to further bow for absorbing the over-travelling.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, operation of microswitches is to be made possible with sterile operating gloves in the operating room. To this end, the disclosure provides that the cover plate be covered with a continuous stiff plastic sheet. The latter plastic sheet is arched so as to be raised in a bubble-like fashion in the region of each switch actuating element. There thus results an edge-free and gap-free surface which can be wiped off with a disinfectant solution. In addition, the invention provides that the interior sides of the bubbles may be printed with symbols. The disclosed embodiments are particularly suited for control consoles which are to be utilized in sterile rooms.

Abstract: In the exemplary embodiments, an actuating element projecting from the basic transport carriage and deflectable by means of the transport container is designed as a tappet which bears against a two-arm lever with a projection; the second arm of the lever lies against a switch control element of a switch device and is under the influence of a second spring force directed against the first spring force and dimensioned smaller than the first spring force. Such switch devices are employed as monitoring switches for a transport car composed of a carriage and a transport container which can be placed thereon.

Abstract: A control device wherein the component parts comprising a switch or switches, expandable bellows and a kinematic train for transmitting expansion or contraction of the bellows to the switch or switches for actuating the same are removably contained in separate compartments in a fully-gasketed, weathertight enclosure, but are readily accessible in their respective chambers for adjustment, removal and replacement. The switch or switches are sealed within a hermetically-sealed receptacle within the enclosure and operation of the switch or switches is effected without breach of the receptacle by displacement of a flexibly displaceable portion of the wall of the receptacle. The kinematic train includes means for effecting displacement of the flexibly displaceable wall portion and may include a Belleville washer assembly to impart snap action to the kinematic train and to hold it in its operative and inoperative positions.

Abstract: An electrical switch has an operating handle which snaps onto a housing assembly, and when so attached is rockably mounted in engagement with a switch actuator projecting forwardly from the face of the assembly. The handle is formed with tapered projections at opposite sides, which resiliently yield upon insertion of the handle through the opening of a conventional wall plate and engage in back of the wall plate immediately prior to movement of the switch into its pivotal mounting on the housing assembly, to deter those who would casually and without authorization detach the handle from the housing assembly assembly. Removal of the wall plate permits the handle to be detached, to facilitate selection and interchangeability of handles according to a particular room decor or other aesthetic considerations.

Abstract: A variable drive coupling link assembly is utilized to drivingly couple a rotary motor operator mechanism to a circuit breaker mechanism operator member such as to provide a coasting zone intermediate the end of an operating member charging stroke and the start of an operating member return stroke during which the motor operator mechanism may coast to a stop. The link assembly is structured to abruptly shorten its effective driving length at the conclusion of a charging stroke and to re-establish its full effective driving length by the conclusion of the return stroke, thereby rendering the charging and return strokes of the operator member equal in length.

Abstract: An imitation wall switch adapted to be placed over an existing wall switch and operably connected to the latter, said imitation wall switch including an imitation wall plate of large area for receiving a distinctive color and/or legends and a correspondingly large imitation switch lever.

Abstract: A mechanically or electrically operated toothbrush is actuated by a reversing switch operated by a movable handle section mounted over the housing of the toothbrush. The direction of the rotation of the toothbrush is changed by movement of the handle relative to the housing while the brush is applied to the teeth to provide the desired direction for the section of teeth being brushed.

Abstract: In a reversible motor-operated wiper mechanism including a rotary gearwheel through which drive is imparted to a wiper from the reversible motor, a device is provided for operating a limit switch for stopping the motor at a parked position of the wiper. The device has an annulus and integral cam form and neck disposed under the gear wheel and rotatable relative thereto. An arcuate plate is rivetted to the underside of the gearwheel and includes a downwardly projecting plate portion. During forward rotation of the gearwheel, an abutment surface of the plate portion engages the neck to drive the annulus and cam form. In this direction, a spring urges the cam form upwardly so that a plunger of the limit switch does not lie in the path of movement of the cam form. In the reverse direction of rotation of the gear wheel, a ramp surface on the plate portion urges the cam form downwardly so that the limit switch is operated.

Abstract: A toggle switch includes a double-pivoting actuator for alternately actuating at least a pair of switches and a pivotable toggle lever having detents for maintaining the toggle lever in one or more positions. The toggle lever includes a spherically shaped pivot portion which is provided with a pair of flat surfaces for preventing rotation of the toggle lever about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An actuating device for attachment to a toggle actuated low-voltage circuit breaker having an insulating housing has a housing and a guide mechanism supported therein including a fork-shaped lever which can be turned and which transforms the rotary motion into the rectilinear motion needed to actuating the toggle lever. A slider, movably guided radial to the axis of rotation by the fork arms of the lever, has a circular cylindrical opening which receives a substantially spherical head piece. The head piece contains an opening for receiving the end of the toggle lever. The housing of the actuating device contains a slideway which serves as a guide surface for the head piece. An operating handle can be placed on a shaft end of the fork-shaped lever.

Abstract: A modular control station construction wherein a single housing may receive numerous possible combinations of contact blocks (switches) and panel light socket blocks which cooperate with either one, two or three panel members, as desired. The panel members available are a spring loaded push button contact block actuator, a rotary switch contact block actuator that is adjustable between two and three positive positions, and a panel light lens.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring device is disclosed which is adapted to couple a source of fluid with a tripping device. The tripping device includes a tripping switch movable between a first position in which a tripping signal is generated and a second position in which a tripping signal is not generated, and biasing means for biasing the tripping switch into the first position. The pressure monitoring device comprises pressure transmission means which is operable in a first mode and in a second mode, and coupling means having a first position and a second position. The pressure transmission means when operating in the first mode is responsive to the pressure of the fluid being monitored and when operating in the second mode is independent of the pressure of the fluid. The coupling means is operatively associated with the pressure transmission means and the tripping device for coupling the pressure transmission means to the tripping device.

Abstract: A push button adapter has a housing with an open bottom mounted on top of a slide switch, with the actuating button of the switch extending up into the housing. Slidably mounted in the housing and extending out of one end of it is a push button plunger with a recess therein loosely receiving the actuating button for moving it with the plunger. A coil spring normally holds the plunger in its outermost position with the button at one end of its travel, the plunger being movable into the housing far enough to move the button to its other position.

Abstract: A switch includes an actuating element movable against a biasing force from a rest into a working position. The element is engageable with a member movable under a force of a predetermined magnitude applied thereto between a first position corresponding to the rest position of the element and a second position in which it displaces the element into the working position. The member is provided with a spring for urging the member against the applied force into the first position so as to release the actuating element. The member tends to prematurely move into the first position in response to a slight decrease of the applied force to a lever below the predetermined magnitude. The switch is further provided with an arrangement for preventing the premature movement of the member into the first position until after the applied force decreases below the above-mentioned level.

Abstract: An improved actuating mechanism is provided for a power switch that includes a "tripped" position intermediate an "on" position and "off" position. The mechanism includes an auxiliary switch and improved cam operating means for operating the switch.

Abstract: A mechanism for transmitting movement of an operating handle located at the exterior of an enclosure to an operating handle of a circuit breaker mounted within the enclosure. The mechanism includes components which may be adjusted so the operating handle and circuit breaker may be vertically spaced varying distances from each other and adjustments which will compensate for manufacturing tolerance deviations in the externally mounted operating handle and the circuit breaker which will cause the two operating handles to move concurrently to their two full operating positions.

Abstract: An electric switch actuator having a housing with a switch cavity and an associated bore. A spring biased piston is contained within the bore and actuates the switch in response to pressure. The switch cavity is closed by a transparent window allowing the switch actuation to be viewed.

Abstract: An inexpensive, yet highly reliable, electrical switch contact assembly with excellent human factors considerations includes an electrical contact assembly having a plurality of switch positions, a cover plate disposed adjacent the switch contact assembly with an aperture for each switch position, and at each switch position an apertured key, a follower disposed within the key aperture, a cap containing the follower within the key aperture and key and follower springs biasing the key and follower respectively to provide separate and independent control over key actuation and switch contact closure forces. A contact engagement post of the follower may be accurately positioned above a switch contact notwithstanding variations in spring characteristics an a curvilinear engagement surface assures optimum distributed switch closure pressure for high reliability switch actuation.

Abstract: An electrical switch apparatus includes at least a pair of electrical switches and an actuating mechanism for sequentially actuating the switches. Each of the switches includes a push button which is movable between first and second positions, and the actuating mechanism includes an actuator which is movable between a first position, at least one intermediate position, and a third position. The actuator includes a cam for each of the push buttons. One of the cams is engageable with one of the push buttons to move the push button to its second position as the actuator moves to an intermediate position, and the other cam is engageable with the other push button to move the push button to its second position as the actuator moves to its third position.

Abstract: A push button switch is supported in a mounting plate. A control panel is positioned in front of the mounting plate and spaced therefrom. A secondary push button of decorative appearance is positioned in an opening in the control panel to be offset from the centerline of the first push button. The secondary push button has a flange extension on one side thereof behind the control panel to serve as a fulcrum means for an improved motion of the secondary button. A spacer spring is attached to the mounting plate to bear against the inner end of the secondary button.

Abstract: An automatic keyboard operator including a plurality of carriers located over the keys of a keyboard, each carrier having a depending depressor for engaging a respective key and an upstanding tab for engagement by an actuator, the actuator being prearranged to engage preselected tabs for depressing corresponding keys.

Abstract: A keyboard switch assembly for use in telephones, calculators and the like positions a thin, flexible dielectric member with a switch closure conductive pattern printed thereon between substrate switch contacts and flexible bubble actuator mechanisms. The separate switch closure member permits the closure conductor pattern to be selected independently of constraints for proper bubble operation while permitting the flexible bubbles to be designed independently of requirements for switch closure patterns for optimum switch assembly design and operation.

Abstract: An economical yet versatile dual spring actuator switch assembly providing an excellent tactile impression includes a planar switch closure assembly having domed protrusions extending from a surface thereof to provide switch closure when depressed and a switch actuator assembly.

Abstract: An assembly of at least two single-pole, double-throw slide switches, with one of the switches being mounted 90.degree. with respect to the other switch. A movable plate is positioned above the two SPDT switches, and the movable plate has apertures or the like which engage the projecting arms of the two SPDT switches, whereby translating movement of the movable plate causes action of one or both of the SPDT switches. Appropriate springs are provided to bias the movable plate to a centered, rest position at all times. Hence, movement of the movable plate as a result of some manual force may affirmatively generate any one of eight distinct signals. The centered rest position of the movable plate may also be considered as a signal-generation position, such that nine distinct bits of information may be communicated through the manual manipulation of a single knob that is connected to only two SPDT slide switches.

Abstract: A polarity switch circuit in a machine for electrostatically copying images from an original document image including corona charging means for imposing an electrostatic charge on a photoconductive medium, power supply means having a first output of one electrical polarity and a second output of the opposite polarity, and switch means for selectively connecting the first and second outputs to the corona charging means to selectively and alternatively impose an electrostatic charge on the photoconductive medium of the one electrical polarity and the opposite electrical polarity.

Abstract: A control lever for a machine or the like includes a grip or handle for a control member defining a housing for mounting a switch and includes a thumb actuated rocking actuator positioned on the top of the grip for ease of actuation by the thumb of an operator while grasping the handle of the control lever.

Abstract: A rotary selector switch characterized by a rotatable switch actuating unit and two switch structures, the actuating unit having a shaft with multiple sides on which a cam is detachably mounted for operation in a plurality of modes to operate the switch structures in different combinations of open and closed conditions, whereby a single cam mounted on the shaft in different positions is useful to operate the switch structures in a plurality of switch combinations.

Abstract: A reset assembly for an overload relay adapted to function in conjunction with a contactor for controlling an electric load such as a three-phase motor. The overload reset assembly is characterized by a reset rod and an extension rod detachably mounted on the reset rod which rods comprise detachable interlocking means for assembly and disassembly whereby the extension rod extends from the reset rod to the access door of a metal enclosure containing the overload relay.

Abstract: Switching apparatus for switching an electrical load between alternative sources of electrical power includes a pair of switches having their load terminals connected in common to the load and their line terminals respectively connected to the two sources. The mechanisms of the switches are interconnected by a reciprocating slide which is manipulated such as to connect one or the other, but never both of the sources to the load.

Abstract: A pneumatic jack for electric welding comprises a cylinder which houses a piston the connecting rod of which is connectable with an electrode. The piston rod is movable between a retracted and an extended position and at the closed end of the cylinder an electric switch is located in a recess and is embedded in electrically insulating material. The switch is provided with an operating rod which extends into a passage effecting communication between the bottom of the recess and the interior of the cylinder and which operates the switch when the piston in the cylinder is in the retracted position thereof.

Abstract: A device adapted to be mounted on an existing multiswitch panel includes a plurality of spring biased trip rods which are adapted to engage the switch levers to move them to the OFF position when released. The rods are moved conjointly with the switches when the switches are turned to the ON position. Flexible detents block the return of the rods in the OFF direction until displaced by a single actuator rod operated by a programmed timer.

Abstract: A sensor switch is described for use within an object handling conveying system such as a baggage conveying system, adapted for actuation by passing objects, such as baggage, though not limited thereto, or a transport vehicle, for objects or materials, by engagement against an upstanding sensor element.The sensor element comprises a semi-elliptical shell, topped by a vertical stem, and is mounted for depression and angular deflection, against spring support means, when engaged laterally by a unit object, or a transport vehicle. The spring support means includes an element which actuates a microswitch when the sensor element is thus depressed and/or tilted. The circuit of the microswitch energizes an indicator, such as a signal light, for information of a distantly located operator.

Abstract: An assembly of overload relays is mounted so that the reset handles are spaced a substantial distance from the operable cover of the enclosure wherein the relays are mounted. A reset extension is provided for resetting all relays simultaneously by depressing a single reset button mounted on the cover. The reset extension is constructed so as to be self securing to the overload relays, and is mounted and dismounted without requiring tools.

Abstract: A switch member for portable, battery operated apparatus, such as staff location systems, which is provided with hearing sets worn on the head, ear-phones, speech amplifiers, radio receivers and the like including at least one attachement or suspension member. The switch member is arranged to be automatically moved to and forcibly retained in a circuit-closing contact position under pressure from the attachment or suspension member of the apparatus.

Abstract: An electric power switch arrangement for a hand-held, portable electrical appliance is disclosed which provides improved positive, mechanical switch detenting. A mount for the switch comprises a receptacle having integrally formed fingers for gripping and captivating the switch.

Abstract: A combination switch for use in a standard wall receptacle for controlling the range of power supplied to the receptacle and also for turning on and off the power to the receptacle in accordance with a predetermined time sequence.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker enclosed in a metal cabinet with an openable cover. An operating mechanism has a mounting plate secured to the face of the circuit breaker and a sliding plate movably supported on rollers by the mounting plate at the side of the circuit breaker. A handle mechanism is secured to the sliding plate with a portion extending through an aperture in the cabinet cover. A gasket is disposed between the handle mechanism and the interior of the cabinet cover. The handle mechanism is spring-loaded against the gasket and interior of the cabinet cover to provide a dust-tight seal.

Abstract: A rotary handle mechanism for operating a switch device secured to the rear wall of an enclosure is mounted separate from the enclosure cover and extends through a cover opening to be operable from outside of the enclosure when the cover is closed. The mechanism is designed so that the elements thereof may be assembled selectively for operation within an enclosure having a cover that is hinged along one or the other of its edges.

Abstract: A switch construction, particularly a rapid data entry switch for connecting one or more select contact circuits comprises a first block member which has a first finger engagement side and an opposite second side which is arranged in opposition to a second block member first side. The second block member defines one or a plurality of contact guide bores therethrough and it provides a pivotal support base for the first block member. The first block member advantageously has recesses defining finger engagement positions which when depressed by a finger engagement will cause the first block member to pivot on the second block member to displace a select contact rod member in order to cause it to actuate or establish a connection in a select contact circuit. The block member is comprised of rectangular block elements having opposed surfaces which are formed as pyramidal segments which interengage.

Abstract: A captive pivot nut is fastened to a panel either by a separate bolt or, in the case of a toggle switch, by being threaded onto the switch and a rocker arm is pivotably snapped onto the captive nut and actuates the switch by being pivoted about the nut to depress the switch, or, in the case of a toggle switch, the rocker arm is mounted over the switch toggle arm.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism which can be adapted for use in devices such as a rocker type electrical switch assembly. The rocker can be inserted in a housing through an opening in one side thereof. The rocker is held for rotation about a fixed axis by the combination of the closure member for the housing opening and parts of the housing which engage the rocker.

Abstract: For telephone sets and similar forms of apparatus in which pushbuttons are mounted more or less flush with the outside surface and actuated by pivoting, a series of such pushbuttons are mounted on a shaft secured in a housing. The pushbuttons are mounted on the shaft at one end and at the other end rest on pushbutton switch mechanisms. Each button is identical and interchangeable. Locating formations on buttons and housing interengage to locate the pushbuttons. The switch mechanisms are spring loaded and urge pushbuttons to a non-actuated position. Indicator windows for removable and interchangeable indicators can be provided.

Abstract: Two-piece assembly fixed to inner forward margin of driver's door of vehicle so as to position a horizontal support arm generally parallel to and spaced from auto dashboard, with a terminal abutment arm carried normally overlying the face of the pull knob of headlight pull-push switch-rod when retracted to its (OFF) position. Abutment arm is pivoted or spring-loaded for manual retraction to disengaged position which is automatically restored upon door opening, so that subsequent closing of door will cause abutment arm to axially contact outdrawn switch-rod and press it back to light-off position.