Abstract: An electrical switch having a switching lever for actuating a slide which receives at least one contact bridge, and having an enabling slide which is active in the inserted position. The technical problem is to provide a switch whereof the switching lever only enables effective switching once the enabling slide is in the inserted position. Moreover, in the ON position, the switch is to have a hysteresis so that compensation movements of the switching lever are permissible. Finally, the contact bridge is to perform a sliding movement on the fixed contacts in order to clean the fixed contacts. The enabling slide has a bearing point for the switching lever which is active in the inserted position. A push rod (24) is guided linearly, is moved by the switching lever and comes into engagement with a profiled guide of the slide. In the ON position, on pivoting into a latching step, the slide and the contact bridge perform a transverse movement on the fixed contacts of the contact springs.

Abstract: Safety device for an electric part mobile relative to a complementary unit cooperating in use with the electric part in a close together position. The safety device includes a system for controlling operation of the electric part movable between an on position and an off position and a system for sensing the position of the electric part relatively near or relatively far away from the complementary unit. A single switch has a connection position in which the electric element is connected to an electric power supply and a disconnection position in which the electric element is disconnected from the electric power supply. The switch is in the disconnection position if the control system is in the off position or if the sensing system detects the position of the electric element relatively far away from the complementary unit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker position switch unit is mounted to the sidewall of an industrial type draw-out circuit breaker enclosure to indicate whether or not the circuit breaker is electrically-connected within the enclosure. A time dwell is provided by the structural arrangement of the switch actuator plate with respect to the position indicator bracket. The position switch finds application where a number of circuit breakers communicate with a central processor control unit.

Abstract: A tactile button (10) for activating a tact switch disposed on electronic circuitry enclosed within a housing element (102) having a shoulder slot (106). The shoulder slot (106) is integrally disposed with a shoulder ledge (108) with two pivot slots (110,112) and an underside flange (114). The shoulder member (104) couples to the shoulder slot (106) and comprises an actuating stub (202), a second latch (204), and two pivot protrusions (208,208). The tact switch is activated by the actuating stub (202) when depressing on an outer surface (216) of the shoulder member (104) and movement of the shoulder member (104) is restricted to an angular direction (304) that pivots on the pivot slots (110,112). In an alternate embodiment, a portable electronic device (40) has a left tactile button (402) and a right tactile button (404) and inadvertent activation of either tactile button is prevented because activation of either tactile button (402,404) is not laterally but from a top portion of the outer surface (216).

Abstract: Safety device for an electric part mobile relative to a complementary unit cooperating in use with the electric part in a close together position. The safety device includes a system for controlling operation of the electric part movable between an on position and an off position and a system for sensing the position of the electric part relatively near or relatively far away from the complementary unit. A single switch has a connection position in which the electric element is connected to an electric power supply and a disconnection position in which the electric element is disconnected from the electric power supply. The switch is in the disconnection position if the control system is in the off position or if the sensing system detects the position of the electric element relatively far away from the complementary unit.

Abstract: The remote, self adjusting operator for a circuit breaker according to the present invention allows a circuit breaker toggle to be operated from the exterior of the an explosion-proof enclosure over the circuit breaker panel. The operator includes a shaft having one end extending outside of an enclosure door and another end extending inside the enclosure door. A handle is attached to the shaft at the exterior of the door and an operating fork is attached to the shaft at the inside of the door. The operating fork having a slot for receiving the toggle is designed to prevent damage to the circuit breaker toggle or the operating fork if the door is close when the fork is not properly aligned with the toggle. A spring is provided on the shaft between the fork and the inside surface of the door which allows the fork to move axially on the shaft when it engages the toggle. A sloped surface on the bottom of the fork will cause the fork to move across the toggle until the slot is aligned over the toggle.

Abstract: An actuator switch (25) for an electrical power tool (10), having a housing (16) and an electric motor supported by the housing (16) for operatively driving a work implement, is provided. The actuator switch (25) includes a trigger (22) which cooperates with the housing (16) and is shiftably operable by the user between "on" and "off" positions. A power switch assembly (26) is oriented within the tool housing (16) adjacent the trigger (22) for actuation thereby. The power switch assembly includes a body (28) defining an internal cavity (30) with an aperture (32) extending therethrough. An electrical switch (34) is located within the switch assembly (26) and is electrically connected to the electric motor. A plunger (42) extends through the body aperture (32) to enable the trigger (22) to activate the electrical switch (34). An elastomeric pad (44) is operatively positioned between the plunger (42) and the trigger (22).

Abstract: A switching mechanism interfaces a flexible shaft to a handle of a circuit interrupter which is rotatable in an arcuate path between an on position and an off position. The switching mechanism includes a handle attachment attached to the handle for rotating the handle between the on position and the off position, and a bracket pivotally mounted to the handle attachment and attached to the flexible shaft for movement thereby. The handle attachment may also extend a length of the handle. The switching mechanism may further include a baseplate for securing the flexible shaft thereto and attached to the circuit interrupter. The bracket may have a generally U-shape, two arms pivotally mounted to the handle attachment, and a base which is attached to the flexible shaft. The handle attachment may be generally U-shaped and have a base and two arms which each are pivotally mounted to one of the two arms of the bracket.

Abstract: A three-position floating beam armature switch includes a hollow housing, in which a floating beam armature is resiliently biased toward the closed top of the housing. An operator member is carried by the housing to apply a predetermined force to the armature; so that a first end of the armature initially moves toward the bottom of the housing by pivoting the armature about its second end. Continued application of additional force by the operator member, causes the armature to pivot about the first end; so that the second end then moves toward the bottom of the housing. With both the first and second ends at the bottom of the housing, the third position of the switch is attained. Release of force by the operator member allows the floating beam armature once again to be biased toward the top of the housing to the initial position.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed snap switch assembly involving a housing that includes a hermetically sealed snap switch chamber in which a projecting terminal type subminiature snap action switch is mounted in slip fit association with a similar number of depending electrically conductive open ended tubes that are adapted to, prior to use of the switch assembly involved, be respectively hermetically sealed to the switch terminal that is received in same, and be respectively electrically connected in suitable circuitry at the option of the installer, with the arrangement of the assembly being such that optionally a selected one of the depending tubes, prior to such hermetically sealing of same, may be employed for switch chamber purging and backfilling purposes, after which said sealing of same is effected. Also disclosed is a method of backfilling said switch chamber (using such backfilling option) with a switch life enhancing gas.

Abstract: A known switch is mounted on a base of a switch actuator assembly. When the switch is to be actuated, an input shaft and switch actuator member are rotated together relative to the base. A helical return spring urges the input shaft back toward the initial position. When the input shaft and switch actuator member have been rotated together to an actuated position, the switch is actuated and the switch actuator member engages a stop surface. During continued rotation of the input shaft from the actuated position to an overtravel position, a pin connected with the input shaft moves away from one end of a slot in the switch actuator member. A helical overtravel spring is deflected along with the return spring. Deflection of the overtravel spring urges the switch actuator member and input shaft back toward their initial position relative to each other.

Abstract: A retractable handle mechanism for controlling the operating handle of a circuit breaker. The handle mechanism consists of a housing which may be mounted on an electrical enclosure in which the circuit breaker may be disposed. Pivotally attached to the housing is a first lever which is movable between an on position and an off position. Retractably attached to the first lever is a second lever which is movable between a first position substantially adjacent the first lever and a second position substantially extended away from the first lever. The retractable handle mechanism may also be equipped with a lever restraining mechanism which allows the second lever to be non-movably disposed in either its first position or its second position. The retractable handle mechanism may also be equipped with a lever off locking mechanism which prevents the first lever from being moved from the off position to the on position.

Abstract: A palm operable electrical switching apparatus which is integrally constructed with the cover plate of an electrical junction box. The switching apparatus comprises a padded button assembly which is easily operable from off-center directions, an activator assembly which converts motion transferred from the button assembly to straight line movement suitable for operating an electrical switch such as a contact block and a contact block positioned for actuation by the activator assembly. The switching apparatus enables a higher degree of operational flexibility and greater amount of conformity with human operators.

Abstract: A mechanically latching button for a cursor control device such as a mouse or trackball is disclosed. The latching mechanism improves performance during dragging operations, while not affecting the button's rapid response needed for ordinary clicking. A first embodiment uses a stepped button. In a second embodiment, a sliding latch button is used. In a third embodiment, a push latch button is used. In a fourth embodiment, a snap action latch with a latch release button is used.

Abstract: A tightline apparatus for draglines which includes a pair of mechanical safety devices, each having an engaging bar pivotally attached to a swivel frame of the dragline above each drag rope at the point where the respective drag rope extends between each set of guide rollers. A limit switch is also mounted on each fairlead frame in close proximity to the corresponding engaging bar, such that movement of the drag ropes upwardly responsive to swinging of the dragline bucket past a predetermined point toward the boom causes the drag ropes to engage the engaging bar element of each tightline apparatus and pivot the engaging bar into contact with the limit switches, respectively, to terminate operation of the dragline bucket.

Abstract: For use with coffee bean grinders, a safety switch is actuated by a pivot arm having a pivot point located below a contact area at which a removeable container engages the pivot arm. The pivot arm pivots about the pivot point on a substantially horizontal axis between a forward and a retracted position. Also, the contact area is disposed forwardly of a vertical plane containing the pivot point and the horizontal axis. This construction reduces the amount of force necessary to move the pivot arm and actuate the switch. Because this force is smaller than before, this safety switch can be used with thin-walled containers, like plastic bags, without compromising the proper operation or safety of the grinder.

Abstract: A rotary handle operator for a circuit breaker with a linearly movable handle has a housing which is mounted over the circuit breaker handle. A slide carrying a rack engages the circuit breaker handle and is slidable within a chamber in the housing. The rack engages a pinion gear sector mounted on a rotatable shaft which extends through a cover on the housing. A rotating handle mounted on the shaft is rotated to linearly operate the circuit breaker handle or is positioned thereby when the circuit breaker trips. The handle may be locked in the off position by inserting the shackle of a lock through an aperture in a lever arm on the rotating handle to urge a pin on a spring biased locking piece within the handle lever into an aperture in the housing cover, or the shackles of several locks may engage a slot in a shroud surrounding the rotating handle to interfere with rotation of the handle out of the off position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double button device on a VCR comprising a front panel where a double button being set, a cover door being hinged at an inner front panel and opened selectively whenever necessary, an outer button set outward on a cover door, a tact switch for sending an electrical signal to a printed circuit board by an inner or an outer button being pressed, an inner button set on an inner front panel to connect a tact switch with an outer button of frequent use, and a mode switch for changing the mode of a tact switch when a cover door is opened or closed.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly operable by means of a force applied in a first direction and including a switch having an switch actuator member responsive to a force applied thereto in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The switch assembly further comprises a transfer actuator having a force receiving portion facing the first direction and an end portion flexibly connected at a first end thereof to the force receiving portion and at a second end thereof bearing against a surface slidably in the second direction. A tab connected to the end portion and movable therewith is operably aligned with the switch actuator member. A force applied in the first direction to the force receiving portion of the transfer actuator is transferred to the second direction to operate the switch. This is accomplished by means of the transfer actuator having a shape that flattens out when a force is applied thereto from the first direction.

Abstract: A device for manually controlling a thermal relay associated with a contactor and housed, together with the contactor, in a case having stop and reset push-buttons, comprises levers mounted for rotation in a support fixed to the front of the box of the thermal relay. Each of the push-buttons engages a respective lever so that the latter is applied on a stop pusher or a reset pusher of the thermal relay. A combined stop and reset operation from the actuation of the stop push button alone is possible because the stop lever bears on the reset lever.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for the operation of a circuit breaker by movement of a toggle handle in a vertical plane and a switch handle movable in a horizontal plane, and comprising a housing, a shaft, a toggle handle and a gear plate mounted on the shaft, and a pivot plate. The pivot plate has slots arranged in an arcuate path, a butterfly cut-out section which receives and engages the switch handle of the circuit breaker, and an arcuate opening and pin arrangement for guiding the pivot plate in its pivotal movement. The gear plate has a flat portion and an arcuate portion with gear teeth. These gear teeth on the gear plate enter the slots in the pivot plate to rotate the pivot plate for operation of the switch handle. Rotation of the pivot plate is generated by movement of the toggle handle in a vertical plane.

Abstract: In a push-button switch in which a switch mechanism switched over on the basis of push-button depression is supported between a pair of split-type switch bases so as to be switchably operated, a falling-off prevention engage portion is formed at an end of a lever pivotal axle of a inclination lever provided for the switch mechanism, so as to be engageable with a pivotal hole formed in an opposing side wall of the switch base for prevention of falling-off of the inclination lever from the switch base.

Abstract: A commercially available micro-switch is enclosed in a two-piece plastic housing which is provided with centering pins. A tab and slot connection forms a labyrinth between the two housing halves and helps protect the interior from intrusion by dust and water. A mechanical actuator is preferably a U-shaped configuration of flat spring steel with one leg located inside the housing and with another leg located outside the housing. The inner leg of the actuator is divided into a first curved tongue and a second tongue. The second tongue extends along an interior of a side wall of the housing and has a free end which engages the micro-switch unit. A base which connects the inner and outer legs extends through an aperture in the housing and is supported, free from any wear, by an O-ring seal between both housing halves.

Abstract: A control device for stopping and/or starting plate saws, for a plate saw having at least one workpiece support table operably associated therewith. An actuation member is provided which is accessible to an operator positioned adjacent the workpiece support table or behind it, or between two or more tables. The actuation member is a bar-shaped member, rotatably supported about an axis extending beneath and parallel to a longitudinal edge of a table surface of one of the workpiece support tables.

Abstract: An actuating device for the mechanical positive actuation of a pressure-responsive switch utilizes a pivotably movable spring-loaded switch lever which, when activated by a control component movable in relation to the switch, is pivotable out of a lift-off position separate from the switch into a switch-triggering position bearing on the switch which is thereafter maintained in the bearing position. The switch lever is motionally coupled to the control component by spring force until the switch-triggering position is reached. It is possible to trigger the switch at an exact point, the switch lever is made bend-resistant and is pivotable about a joint and spring-loaded in the direction of its switch-triggering actuating advance.

Abstract: A switch apparatus for an electrical machine comprises a keyway and a removable key. A spring-loaded protrusion on the key prevents direct insertion of the key into an "ON" position, and communicates with a guideway for movement of the key between the "OFF" and "ON" positions. The key is directly removable from both the "ON" and "OFF" positions simply by pulling, to deactivate the machine in an emergency or accident. Unauthorized and accidental operation of the machine may be prevented by control of the key.

Abstract: A switch operator is provided that is capable of field retrofit installation by being affixed to manually operable switchgear to provide power operation thereof. The switch operator includes provisions for connecting the drive output of the switch operator to a switch-operating shaft of a manually operable switch within the switchgear. The drive output provisions of the switch operator include a selectively operable decoupling arrangement which is operable without the need for tools. The switch operator also provides for manual operation without the need for decoupling or the disconnection of parts. The drive output of the switch operator is defined at an output shaft of a motor/gear train. Two coaxially arranged levers, an operator drive lever and a switch drive lever, are selectively coupled to transmit the drive output of the switch operator to the switch-operating shaft. A manual drive connection is affixed to the output shaft which is rotatable to provide manual operation via a handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detecting the open or closed state of a hinged window (14) in a wall (11) of a document track. The state of the window is sensed by a micro-switch (22) operated by a lever (21). The lever has one arm (31) which operates the plunger of the micro-switch and another arm (33) which senses the position of the window relative to the wall (11). When the window is open, the spring loading on the micro-switch plunger (37) acts on the arm (31) to rotate the lever (21) clockwise with respect to the window frame. When the window is closed, engagement between the wall (11) and the front face (38) of a projection (34) on the lever arm (33) rotates the lever anticlockwise relative to the window frame so that the projection (32) on the lever arm (31) depresses the micro-switch plunger against the spring loading.

Abstract: A new, inexpensive and unobtrusive opto-electronic sensor which requires no manual adjustments after installation under the keys of the piano keyboard. Post-installation manual adjustments are unnecessary because a method embodied in a computer program and performed by a microprocessor digitally adjusts the operating ranges of the keys. After electronic adjustment, the opto-electronic sensors are scanned and sampled according to another portion of the method to determine the current key position and velocity. The key position and the velocity determined by the method are then transmitted in a MIDI compatible data stream.

Abstract: An actuation device for a switch of a hand machine tool, particularly for a Totmann switch which provides for fatigue-free operation. The actuation device includes a front wall provided with a locking projection engageable in a recess formed in the wall of the switch housing. A restoring spring acts on an actuation member. Two spaced ribs with inclined surfaces are provided on the housing wall. The locking projection slides along the inclined surfaces of the spaced ribs. The locking projection may be broken away from the front wall of the actuation member whereby the end of the front wall would slide along the inclined surfaces of the ribs.

Abstract: A touch-controlled switch for electrical pneumatic vacuum flask, including a switch plate with which a glass or the like contacts, a gutter connected to an air cavity, a venting tube connected to the gutter, a fine switch disposed in a lid of the vacuum flask, and a touch rod disposed under the fine switch and fixedly inserted in a top portion of the vacuum flask. A spring is fitted to the touch rod, whereby when using one hand to hold a glass or the like and press the same against the switch plate, a sealing rod formed therebehind will seal an outlet of the venting tube to kept the air contained in an internal vessel tightly enclosed therein. A lateral projection is formed on the sealing rod for lifting the touch rod to touch the fine switch and consequently activate a motor to pump air into the internal vessel for discharging water therefrom.

Abstract: A single lever directional control system for positively conditioning a tractor transmission for either a forward or reverse mode of operation. The control system includes a controller for engaging the transmission in either of two modes of operation as a function of the electrical signals directed to the controller, an electrical switch for directing electrical signals to the controller as a function of the operative state of the switch, and an over-center control lever for controlling the operative state of the switch. The over-centering of the control lever positively positions the lever in either of two positions corresponding to the two modes of operation of the transmission. Precise shifting of the transmission is facilitated by configuring the control lever for movement in two distinct directions of movement to shift the transmission.

Abstract: A control device, switch unit therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the electrical switch unit comprising a switch having a movable actuator, a lever pivotally carried by the switch unit and having one end adapted to be operatively interconnected to a movable part of a control device so as to be pivoted by the movement thereof, the lever being operatively interconnected to the actuator to operate the switch between the different conditions thereof in relation to the pivoted position of the lever, and a pair of mounting plates respectively having holding structure that hold the switch between the plates and respectively having pivot structure that pivotally mount the lever between the plates whereby the plates, the switch and the lever form a self-supporting switch unit.

Abstract: A clicked key board switch capable of minimizing an error or deviation between a position at which click feeling is produced and a position at which the switch is turned on while reducing the number of parts. In the switch, when a key stem slidably arranged in a frame is pushed down, a membrane switch is forcedly operated through a pressing element provided in the frame. The pressing element includes a base fixed at an upper end thereof on the side of the frame and provided thereon a projection engaged with the key stem when it is pushed down and a pressing section connected to the base so as to extend from the base to a position above the membrane switch and forcedly operating the membrane switch when the base is laterally forced by the key stem.

Abstract: A control device, switch unit therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the electrical switch unit comprising a switch having a movable actuator, a lever pivotally carried by the switch unit and having one end adapted to be operatively interconnected to a movable part of a control device so as to be pivoted by the movement thereof, the lever being operatively interconnected to the actuator to operate the switch between the different conditions thereof in relation to the pivoted position of the lever, and a pair of mounting plates respectively having holding structure that hold the switch between the plates and respectively having pivot structure that pivotally mount the lever between the plates whereby the plates, the switch and the lever form a self-supporting switch unit.

Abstract: Electrical control switch mechanisms of the so-called "dead-man" type which may be used to actuate the operation of small electrically powered tools such as mowers, trimmers and the like. These switch mechanisms provide for immediate deactivation of the tool upon release by the operator.

Abstract: New cover assemblies for electrical fixtures in buildings allow conventional outlets and (toggle) light switches to be cheaply converted into a variety of different color designs and/or colors without changing the electrical infrastructure of the fixture. The cover assemblies comprise a cover plate with an appropriate number of orifices, each orifice being covered by a slider so that the whole cover assembly shields the conventional parts of the fixtures normally visible in building interiors.

Abstract: A control device, switch unit therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the electrical switch unit comprising a switch having a movable actuator, a lever pivotally carried by the switch unit and having one end adapted to be operatively interconnected to a movable part of a control device so as to be pivoted by the movement thereof, the lever being operatively interconnected to the actuator to operate the switch between the different conditions thereof in relation to the pivoted position of the lever, and a pair of mounting plates respectively having holding structure that hold the switch between the plates and respectively having pivot structure that pivotally mount the lever between the plates whereby the plates, the switch and the lever form a self-supporting switch unit.

Abstract: A doorbell ringing device for pets. Consisting of a movable device to be hung respectively on the outer surface of a house or other building for yieldable movement under the impetus of a pets clawing or scratching thereagainst, activating a electrical switch, which provides a audible means to indicate that the animal desires ingress.

Abstract: A drive lever of an auxiliary handle operator is pivotally mounted alongside a molded case circuit breaker to move in a plane parallel with a plane of movement of a constituent handle of the circuit breaker. A superstructure attached to the top of the circuit breaker carries a slide disposed over the constituent handle for linear reciprocal movement. The slide has a projection which is disposed in a hollow shaft of a roller bearing structure carried by the drive lever for limited translation perpendicular to slide movement with a limited amount of free play between the corresponding parts.

Abstract: A combination electro-optic sensor and switch including a printed wiring board supporting an electro-optic sensor enclosed in a sealed housing, a sleeve mounted on a shaft for rotation within the housing in the light path the electro-optic sensor with a portion of the shaft extending through the sealed housing and connected to a wire actuator, the engagement of the wire actuator by a copy sheet providing an approximately 20 millisecond response time of the sensor.

Abstract: An integrated protection unit is a circuit breaker which includes basic overcurrent protection facility along with selective electrical accessories. A molded plastic accessory access cover secured to the integrated protection unit cover protects the accessory components contained within the circuit breaker cover from the environment. An auxiliary switch unit is one such accessory component which can be field-installed without affecting the integrity of the circuit breaker overcurrent protection components.

Abstract: An improved mail sorting computer keyboard, having a plurality of keys arranged in first and second groups for rotational movement, is provided. A first rod is disposed through apertures of each key of the first group of keys while a second rod is disposed through apertures of each key the second group of keys. A third rod extending transversely across the keyboard and under a front portion of the first group of keys and a fourth rod extending above the first group of keys define the rotational arch for the first group of keys. A fifth rod transversely disposed under a front portion of the second group of keys and a sixth rod transversely disposed under the rearward portion of the second group of keys defines the rotational arch for the second group of keys. Each key of the keyboard actuates a corresponding electrical switch for sending impulses to a mail sorting computer.

Abstract: A slide switch has a switch operating member at its upper surface which is slid back and forth for operating the slide switch. An adapter is provided for operating this slide switch from the side, and has a main body which has a base and clamp members extending from opposite sides of the base to define a space between them, the clamp members being adapted to grip the slide switch between them so as to secure the adapter on the top of the slide switch with the slide switch being held at least partly in the space between the clamp members. The adapter has an actuator pivotally fixed to the main body, and this actuator has a lever portion which protrudes out from the main body to the side and an actuation portion which, with the slide switch held between the clamp members, engages with the switch operating member of the slide switch, so as to slide it as the actuator is pivoted with respect to the main body.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for use with an associated barbell includes a support for holding the body of a user in reclining position on his or her back, first and second generally vertically columns disposed on respective sides of the support and first and second bar raising arms carried respectively on the first and second arms. Each bar raising arm is mounted for vertical movement with respect to one of the columns; apparatus for raising and lowering the bar raising arm synchronism; and apparatus for sensing the lowering of the associated barbell to a predetermined position and actuating the apparatus for raising and lowering upon such event.

Abstract: An air gap switch assembly with a status indicator that prominently indicates when the switch is in the OFF position and disappears from view when the switch is in the ON position. The status indicator is located on the control lever for the switch, which is formed of a clear material and is difficult to see. The control lever is moveable relative to the housing of the assembly so that when the control lever is in the ON position, the portion of the lever on which the status indicator is located is hidden from view by the housing of the assembly. When the control lever is moved to the OFF position, the portion of the lever on which the status indicator is located is exposed, thereby providing an indication that the switch is in the OFF position. The switch is formed of two contacts which are biased together in electrical contact by an elongated flat metal strip. The control lever is coupled to a cam.

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 foot operated electric switch comprising a housing and a push-button actuator projecting therefrom, actuator means attached to the housing and movable between a release position out of contact with the push-button and a hold position whereby the push-button is held in a depressed condition, the actuator means comprising a generally U-shaped bracket having two legs and a cross member, the legs being pivotally attached to the housing, and the cross member depressing the push-button when in the hold position.

Abstract: A switch mechanism for an image intensifier hood in an x-ray diagnostics system is connected to a motor for moving the x-ray image intensifier toward and away from an examination subject. If the hood inadvertently comes into contact with the examination subject or a technician, the hood is displaced thereby actuating the switch mechanism and disengaging the motor to stop movement of the x-ray image intensifier, thereby avoiding injury to the examination subject and technician and avoiding damage to the x-ray image intensifier. The switch mechanism is constructed such that actuation thereof occurs upon the presence of forces acting on the hood in the direction of the luminescent screen surface or a direction perpendicular thereto, and each intermediate direction.

Abstract: A repair kit for repairing a lever switch, such as a turn signal lever. The repair mounting includes a bore dimensioned so as to insertably receive the broken end of the lever arm therein. A correspondingly shaped switch engaging portion is permanently affixed to the sleeve opposite the bore. The lever arm is affixed in the bore by a fastener, threading, adhesive, or the like. The repair kit includes the sleeve, an affixed and correspondingly shaped switch engaging portion, means for manipulating the broken switch engaging portion and removing it from the column, and an adhesive for attaching the broken lever arm to the sleeve.