Abstract: A sub-miniature snap-action switch which can be manufactured efficiently and reliably with minimal reliance on tedious hand assembly. The switch includes a novel pivot bracket assembly comprising a pivot bracket, a blade and a spring coupling the bracket to the blade.

Abstract: A lever operated device having an interchangable lever mounting feature is disclosed in which a body or housing is formed with a cylindrical cavity which holds a retainer configured with a recess to receive a lateral pivot portion of an operator lever. The lever is held captive with the pivot portion thereof confined to the recess in the retainer by a bounding surface of the cavity when the retainer is in place.

Abstract: A switch arrangement comprising a casing and a cover forming the enclosure for reception of a switch, provided with an automatically engaging lock pretensioned by a reset spring, a re-locking button for the lock and a pivoting switch lever for the actuation of a switch button for the switch. The technical object is the reduction of the components for the operating means and as a result of this an increase of the functional safety of the switch arrangement. The cover has a cylindrical wall which overlaps a cylinder-shaped ring wall of the casing and can be turned on the casing. Elements of the cover and the casing are formed for engagement to each other and have the function of a lock. The top surface of the cover has the function of a re-locking button. The switch lever is made in one piece with and moulded directly onto the cover.

Abstract: A laboratory mixer includes a test tube supporting cup means that translates in a circular path at high speed without rotating thereby creating an effective vortex in the materials in the test tube. A motor is mounted in the apparatus housing and supports a cylindrical metal block. The cylinder includes a circular cavity having a center located away from the axis of rotation of the motor and the cylinder itself. A pair of bearings located in the cavity support one end of a shaft that carries the test tube holding cup. The cup is allowed to translate in a circular path but is prevented from rotating by a restraining means that includes a restraining arm rotatably attached to the housing and a side arm connecting the restraining arm to the cup supporting shaft. The user rests the heel of his hand on a pressure sensitive touch plate while placing the closed end of the test tube in the cup. Pressure from the hand causes the touch plate to close a switch and automatically turn the mixer motor on.

Abstract: A combined pushbutton and lamp for a telephone dial has two housings connected together to form an enclosure for a lamp and a switch. A pivoted pushbutton is mounted on the housings, with a center part over the lamp, pivot members on one side of the center part fitting on pivots or one of the housings and a lever extending on the other side of the center part and actuating the switch. A bezel member snaps over the center part of the pushbutton and holds it assembled to the housings. The lamp extends up into the center part of the pushbutton which has restricted movement, the lever amplifying this movement to actuate the switch.

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 switch assembly incorporates miniature snap action switches (8) disposed over pins (26,28;56) molded integrally with a base member (6;52) and are held thereto by an enclosing case (4;50) to which the switch and base subassembly is snap-fit. A rocker actuator for the switches (8) is molded integrally with the base in one embodiment to have flexible wings (31) deformable to effect switch plunger (10) depression. In another version, a separate actuator (54) is pivotally supported by grooves (76) in the case (50) and the upper edge (60) of the base (52). The case is provided with serrated, variable panel thickness mounting structures (40;74) for snap-in attachment of the switch assembly in a panel opening.

Abstract: A micro-switch having an actuating mechanism comprising a pusher bearing directly on a conductive contact carrying spring blade which is trap mounted and pivotable at an anchor point distal from said contact(s), and a lever actuator hinge mounted to the switch case by means of laterally projecting trunnions having flat portions which are pivotable on fulcrum pivot points formed integrally in spaced axially aligned alcove portions in the switch case.

Abstract: A flexible arm is supported in suspended relation on a holder and includes a support leaf and one or more switch actuating leaves in overlapping relation. The outer ends of these leaves are all secured together but the inner ends of the switch actuating leaves are supported freely on the support leaf. A fulcrum is disposed between the support leaf and a holder therefor and is arranged such that when the support leaf is flexed over such fulcrum, the switch actuating leaves form a lever for actuating a movable switch contact. The connection between the support lead and the support comprises a loop formed in the inner end of the support leaf which encircles and has a telescoping removable fit on a portion of the support. The flexible arm can also move away from the fulcrum to engage and move the switch contact.

Abstract: A telephone attachment is provided for fitting over the keyboard of a pushbutton telephone for converting from the telephone pushbutton format to a calculator pushbutton format. The attachment design includes a plurality of u-shaped levers in contact with several attachment-mounted pushbuttons arranged in a calculator format. The individual levers are so disposed within the attachment that they depress correspondingly-numbered telephone pushbuttons when the calculator format pushbuttons are depressed. Through the use of the attachment, a telephone user operates a pushbutton telephone using the calculator pushbutton format.

Abstract: A large overtravel operating lever for a plunger (6) actuated miniature precision snap action switch (2) that includes a supporting bracket (8) having a cantilever strip (8c) extending over the plunger (6). A pivot (10) couples a lever arm (12) to the end of the cantilever strip above the plunger. A cam strip (16) is riveted to the lever arm (12) and extends between the plunger and the pivot and is formed with a nib (16c) for depressing the plunger and a constant radius contour (16b) leading from the nib for large overtravel of the lever arm. The cam strip (16) extends through a hole (8h) in the cantilever strip for clearance on movement and a stop (16e) abuts the latter to limit counterclockwise rotation of the lever arm to off position. A metal strip (18) riveted to the bracket extends across the plunger to prevent wear.

Abstract: A machine safety guard for stopping a machine during any phase of operation to prevent injury to workers in which a guard lever is disposed between the worker and the hazardous area of the machine and is connected on one end to a pivot shaft. An activating arm extends from the shaft and has a post for operating a microswitch which is connected to the emergency circuit of the machine. When the guard lever is touched the lever pivots on the shaft, thereby lowering the post from the microswitch, causing the emergency circuit to stop the machine. A counterweight is used to control the sensitivity of the guard lever.

Abstract: A guard apparatus for production machines having hazardous work areas in which injury to the machine operator can occur, in which a guard rod is disposed around the perimeter of the hazardous work area and is attached on one end to an emergency circuit activation mechanism connected by an electric circuit to the emergency stop circuitry of the machine. If the guard rod is deflected either upwardly or downwardly, a switch in the activation mechanism is tripped, causing the emergency circuitry of the machine to go into an emergency off condition, thereby stopping the machine. A second emergency circuit activation mechanism can be connected to the other end of the guard rod to provide a back-up for the operation of the guard apparatus if the first switch fails.

Abstract: A waterproof electrical switch or circuit breaker is precluded from being set in the ON position, except after a plug has been inserted into the receptacle and a safety-interlocking mechanism has been activated. Withdrawal of the plug from the receptacle is precluded, except when the circuit breaker is in the OFF position.

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: Microswitches customarily have a casing assembly housing the switching mechanism, and an actuating button projecting from the casing. For some applications it is desirable to provide a pivotally mounted lever for depressing the button. Such lever has usually been secured in assembly of the casing.To enable levers to be added as required to stocks of assembled switches, the lever 4 is pivotally mounted on a mounting block 5 which can be snap-fitted to the assembled casing 2 of a switch as required. The block comprises a spigot 6 which is received in a socket in the casing. Oppositely-facing knife-edges 10, 12 of the lever engage bearing faces 9, 11 of the block. A key-hole slot 13 allows the lever to be passed over a post 8 of the block, projecting head portions 14 of the post 8 retaining the lever after assembly with the block.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for adapting the primary control button (23) in an elevator control panel (4) for use by handicapped people who are not able to normally reach the buttons (1-3). Apparatus (10) includes an auxiliary control panel (12) which mounts a plurality of auxiliary buttons (1a-3a). A first link arm (28) connects each of the auxiliary buttons (1a-3a) to one end of a pivot rod 22. A second link arm (30) connects the other end of the pivot rod 22 to a false primary button (1f-3f) located immediately in front of the primary buttons (1-3). The primary buttons can be actuated either by pushing inwardly on the false primary buttons (1f-3f) or by pushing inwardly on the auxiliary buttons (1-3) and causing rotation of the pivot rods (22).

Abstract: A lever switch has an actuating member and a cover member to be connected to each other. The actuating member includes first and second slots and notch portions. The cover member includes legs to be engaged with the notch portions of the actuating member. The first slot of the actuating member acts as a guide when it is attached to a mounting rod, and the second slot of the actuating member may support the mounting rod after the actuating member and cover member are connected, whereby the actuating member may be rotatably and removably attached to the mounting rod.

Abstract: A unitary, self-enclosed electric switch having a pivotally mounted subactuator (6) that actuates the contacts (18 ) and carries a locking element (24) that normally catches on the switch housing (4k) to lock the switch in "off" position. A combined actuator and lock release member (8) is snap-in mounted on the subactuator and has push-to-unlock means (8b, 8c, 22) that releases the off-lock to allow pivotal actuation of this actuator and the subactuator in unison from "off" to "on" position. This actuator is normally spring-biased (22) into ineffective position from which it must be pushed in to unlock the switch and is removable to prevent unauthorized use of the switch. The subactuator has an upward extension (6h) that serves as a handle to enable the switch to be moved from "on" to "off" position even when the actuator has been removed, this extension serving also to trap the actuator bias spring (22) to retain it in place when the actuator is removed.

Abstract: In an autothrottle system for multiengine aircraft having separate throttle servos for each engine and servo tracking means for detecting and compensating for servo drift during autothrottle mode of operation, a pressure sensitive switch on each throttle handle for temporarily disengaging the autothrottle system and establishing a new reference for servo tracking means in response to manual adjustment of throttles by the pilot.

Abstract: An alarm switch includes a hollow casing having a keyhole and a finger opening formed therein, at least one electrical switch mounted in the casing having a spring-loaded actuation pin, a reversible cam pivotably mounted in the casing for movement between a first position, in which it is held in biased engagement with the switch pin so as to maintain the pin in a retracted biased state, and a second release position, in which it is disposed in a substantially non-engaging position with said pin so as to permit extension of said pin and triggering of an alarm signal by the electrical switch, a block slidably mounted in the casing having at least one latch lug which, in a first position of the block, maintains the cam in biased engagement with the switch pin and, in a second position of the block, releases the cam to permit movement to its release position so as to thereby activate the alarm.

Abstract: A control unit having a condition selector, an electrical switch having an actuator unit provided with an adjustable movement differential, a condition responsive device for actuating the switch when the condition responsive device senses certain conditions selected by the selector, and a lever arrangement carried by the unit and being operatively associated with the actuator unit of the switch and the device whereby the device can actuate the switch by the lever arrangement, the lever arrangement having a first adjustable lever operatively interconnected to the selector and acting as a main range lever. The first lever is operatively interconnected to the condition responsive device and to the actuator unit of the switch. The lever arrangement has a second adjustable lever operatively interconnected to the selector and to the actuator unit of the switch for adjusting the movement differential of the actuator unit of the switch.

Abstract: An interlock switch comprises a standard snap action switch, provided with an actuating leaf, coiled at one end and fixed to the switch housing at the other end. In one application the switch is to be actuated by a door latch handle which passes between an open and a closed position by engaging the coiled actuating leaf. The leaf is initially coiled such that the coil is engaged by the latch handle early in its travel. When the latch handle is closed for the first time, the coil is unrolled to a closed coil position at the closed position of the latch handle. When the latch handle returns to the open positon, the coil re-rolls only slightly to a new open coil position displaced a short distance from the closed coil position. The coil is thus positioned so that in subsequent latch handle closings, the coil is not engaged until the latch handle approaches the closed position.

Abstract: A switch housing covering an elongated base has a top wall spaced from a plurality of fixed contacts mounted along the base for engagement by a bridging contact carried by a slider inside the housing. The top wall of the housing is provided with a slot extending inwardly from one end and having a pair of side walls formed from downturned areas of the top wall, each of which is provided with an upwardly extending notch. A lever disposed in the slot normally extends above the housing, with the lower end of the lever provided with laterally projecting trunnions extending through the side wall notches. The lower end of the lever outwardly beyond the trunnions extends downwardly into engagement with the end of the slider for pushing the slider toward the opposite end of the base when the upper end of the lever is swung outwardly away from the underlying end of the housing.

Abstract: An electrical control device having a joystick operator normally biased to a central position by resiliently biased rigid strips secured to a base plate. The joystick operator is pivoted in anyone of a plurality of directions through a 360.degree. arc. No more than two electrical switches or actuatable devices can be operated simultaneously by the joystick operator. The rigid strips are resiliently biased by either the internal springs of the actuator elements of respective switches or by springs externally of the switches. Movement of the strip causes depression of the associated switch actuator element. When the joystick operator is released, its shaft is returned to an equilibrium position.

Abstract: A high-current, low-voltage load-break switch of the type having a plurality of fixed contacts and a plurality of movable contacts. Each of the movable contacts moves between a closed position in bolted pressure contact with one of the fixed contacts and a open position which is displaced from its fixed contact. An actuating bar connects the movable contacts for movement of the contacts in unison. A switch-operator mechanism is provided for rapidly closing the switch by driving the movable contacts to their closed positions and also to their open positions. An electrically non-conductive operating rod assembly is provided for connecting the actuating bar and the switch-operator mechanism. This rod assembly includes an elongated metal rod having threads at its opposite ends. One end of the rod is threaded to a first metal yoke which is pivotally connected to one end of an insulator link. The insulator link is pivotally connected to an operating lever formed as part of the switch-operator mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a magnetically operated impulse actuator unit susceptible of assembly with a variety of conventional pneumatic limit valves or electric limit switches to respectively secure an impulse of fluid or an electric charge in the systems monitored by such valves or switches.

Abstract: Unitary switch mounting and actuating apparatus, particularly suitable for use on automatic conveyer systems, comprises a case having a back wall with an aperture formed therein and two spaced side walls. A shaft is pivotally mounted between the side walls opposite the aperture in the back wall. An externally threaded nipple is welded to the back wall over the aperture therein. A radial leg is fixed on the shaft and extends through the aperture and nipple to a contact foot. A radial arm is fixed on the shaft. A torsion spring surrounds the shaft and resiliently urges the leg and arm into the unactuated position. A platform welded to the case supports a switch with its actuation element aligned with the radial arm. Movement of the leg from its unactuated position moves the shaft angularly and swings the radial arm to depress the actuation element of the switch to change the condition of the switch.

Abstract: A load type circuit switch of the kind requiring a minimum time delay between the closing thereof and opening thereof is taught. The minimum time delay is utilized to allow a separate circuit clearing apparatus to completely interrupt overload current in the event the switch contacts are closed upon an overload. The time delay is provided by a removable manual spring charging handle which is collapsible or non-operable in one direction of movement. The handle is rectangularly shaped and is inserted in a rectangular opening in a movable hub of a spring charging mechanism. The handle is insertable into the rectangular opening in an orientation which is appropriate to allow charging of the spring for the closing operation. After the closing operation, attempted movement of the handle in the opposite direction will cause collapse thereof thus preventing recharging of the spring for a subsequent circuit breaker contact opening operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lever switch for switching electric circuits. The switch has a driving lever rotatably secured to a switch frame which accomodates a slider having movable contacts and a click container accomodating a click member. The slider has a driving portion adapted for engagement with a driving projection formed on the driving lever, so that the slider may be driven to bring the movable contacts housed therein into and out of contact with fixed contacts, thereby to switch the electric circuits. The click member is adapted for engagement with a cam portion of the driving lever to allow the clicking motion of the latter. The click container is fixed to the switch frame in such a manner that grooves formed at the sides thereof receive corresponding tongues formed on the switch frame, so that it is unnecessary to spread the walls of the frame away from each other during the insertion of the click container, thereby to facilitate the assembling.

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 microphone and stand assembly for either hand held use or use with the base resting on a flat surface. An arm parallel to the microphone supporting structure which activates a switch when depressed to turn the microphone on, a spring mechanism to bias the arm in a normally off position. A key mechanism which can be engaged by the fingers or thumb and when minimum pressure is exerted will co-act with the switch arm to turn the microphone on. When the fingers or thumb pressure is released the microphone switch will return to the normally off position.

Abstract: A micro-switch having an actuating mechanism comprising a slide member which is movable longitudinally of itself in the switch casing and engages the electrical switching element, and a pivoted actuator which extends externally of the switch casing and comprises a length of wire which is pivoted in a hole in the switch casing and which has a bent end portion within the casing which is connected to the slide member so that pivoting of the actuator in one particular sense causes the slide member to move longitudinally to operate the switching element. Preferably, said end portion of the wire is connected to the inner end of the slide member by engaging an aperture or recess in the latter. The recess is conveniently a transverse channel formed in the side face of the slide member which is exposed on removal of a switch cover. That portion of the wire projecting from the other side of the casing can be bent through 90.degree.

Abstract: A manual operator for a pushbutton control device includes a cover having protected space surrounding an opening receiving the pushbutton. The cover further includes a raised stop surface adjacent the protected space. A lever actuator is pivotally mounted to the cover so as to concurrently overlie the pushbutton and the stop surface when in a nonoperating position. The actuator is moved into alignment with the protected space and is depressed to assume an operating position.

Abstract: An electrical switch of the type actuated by depressing a spring-loaded plunger functions as a bi-directional limit switch. It utilizes a lever mechanism having two fulcrum points on opposite sides of the plunger. Deflection of the switch lever arm in either direction depresses the switch plunger.

Abstract: An alarm switch is mounted by means of a support for actuation by relative movement between the support and a member such as a door or window. Switches are carried by the support and an operating arm for the switches extends from the support and is adapted to be pulled a limited distance relative to the support for actuating the switches to complete an alarm circuit. Interengageable gripping members on the arm and the member pull the arm the limited distance relative to the support to actuate the switches when there is relative movement between the member and the support, and automatically disengage to free the member from the arm when the relative movement is greater than the limited distance. The gripping members are selectively disengageable to permit relative movement between the support and the member without actuating the alarm switch.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner structure having a motor driven suction unit and a motor driven rotary brush. A control is provided for selectively operating the driven brush independently of the operation of the suction unit. The control may comprise a switch mounted to a handle portion of the vacuum cleaner and may be biased to prevent operation of the driven brush upon release of the handle by the user.

Abstract: An electric motor assembly for driving a helical feed screw for use in a vending machine. The helical feed screw is intermittently operated through cycles of similar duration and must be accurately positioned at the end of each cycle. Operation of the motor is initiated by the insertion of coins and is continued for the remainder of a cycle by a holding circuit. An actuating member for the holding circuit switch is positioned adjacent a cam which rotates with the helical feed screw. A pawl is positioned between and engages the switch actuating member and the cam. The cam has a notch indicating the end of the cycle which notch receives the pawl thereby allowing the switch actuating member to open the holding circuit and stop the motor. The pawl also has a dog which engages the edge of the cam notch to prevent reverse rotation of the cam at the end of the cycle. The pawl transmits cam forces to the switch actuating member only along the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A portable power angle tool includes a housing and an operating head for performing work on a workpiece. A power source supplies energy for the operating head and a switch mechanism includes a switch for interrupting the flow of energy to the operating head as well as an angle lever for actuating the switch. The angle lever is mounted on the housing and the arms of the lever extend outwardly away from the bottom of the housing. The lever can be rotated by the operator to a first position whereat one of the lever arms actuates the switch and a second position whereat the lever arms of the angle lever conjointly support the tool on the rest surface. The weight of the tool bearing down on the angle lever tends to hold the lever in its second position when the tool is set down to rest by the operator on the rest surface thereby substantially minimizing the danger that a person stepping on the tool could inadvertently turn on the tool and cause either injury to himself or damage to the workpiece to be worked.

Abstract: An alarm switch adapted to be mounted on the wall above a door on the side of the wall toward which the door swings open, having an electrically conductive arm adapted to be set in a position for actuation by the door, when the door swings, to swing inwardly and then upwardly into engagement with a terminal of the switch to complete an alarm circuit. The arm has a finger at its free end adapted to be set in a downwardly extending position for engagement by the door and a raised position clear of the door for deactivating the switch.

Abstract: A toothed wheel is fixed to the control shaft of a television channel selector. A second class lever is mounted to freely rotate about a fulcrum colinear with the axis of the control shaft. A remotely operable cord is attached to the lever at an end thereof opposite the fulcrum to rotate the lever about the fulcrum. A pawl is mounted on the lever and has a hook end which engages the teeth of the toothed wheel. When the lever rotates, the pawl rotates the toothed wheel and thus the control shaft.

Abstract: Switch actuator having a base adapted to be mounted adjacent a switch and an elongated lever hingedly mounted on the base to make it possible to operate the switch by means other than the fingers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to switches and switch actuating devices to be operated for purposes of arming a bomb or other missile as it is dropped or released from an aircraft. The particular bomb or missile in which this invention is applied is one in which there is a plurality of circuits which are to be armed by the closing of switches upon dropping or releasing of the bomb. The operation of the switches to closed position is normally accomplished by means of a pull-out wire; that is, a wire which is withdrawn from the bomb or missile at the time of release of the bomb, one end of the wire being attached to the aircraft. The conditions to be met are that the arming switches must be positively and surely maintained in open position until the bomb is released and the arming action is effected. The action of the pull-out wire in achieving the arming action must be sure and positive with minimum danger of malfunctioning, jamming or binding.