Abstract: A combined handle-guard and grip protects the actuator-handle of a circuit breaker from being inadvertently displaced during normal circuit breaker operation while also positioning a user's fingers to automatically trip the circuit breaker into a non-conducting state whenever the user grasps the grip surfaces of the handle-guard to remove or install the circuit breaker. In a preferred embodiment, the shield surfaces form a slot dimensioned to permit the unrestricted movement of the circuit breaker handle. A first grip surface is disposed at one of the slot. A second grip surface is disposed at the other end of the slot. A passageway in the second grip surface is shaped and positioned so that a distal portion of the circuit breaker actuator-handle extends through the passageway when the circuit breaker is in an on-position.

Abstract: A cover for a computer mouse utilizing a sheath having a first portion extending over the side portion of the mouse. A flap connects to the sheath and includes a notch which aligns with portions of the switch actuators on the mouse to permit access to the same. A fastener is also employed to anchor the sheath and connected flap to the cord of the mouse. The flap provides a surface for presentation of indicia or for attachment of three-dimensional objects. Such three-dimensional objects may be attached directly to the upper surface of the computer mouse.

Abstract: Disclosed is a keyboard device wherein arm portions formed at an interval are provided at one end or at the other end of the first or second lever section and wherein a connecting section for connecting the end portions of these arm portions is provided at the end of these arm portions, this connecting section being engaged with the engagement section of the support member or the key top, whereby the strength of the end portions of the arm portions increases, and the deflection of the arm portions can be reduced, so that the inclination of the key top when it is depressed decreases, thereby providing a keyboard device having a satisfactory operability.

Abstract: In the present invention, a switch plate cover for an electrical toggle switch comprises three components. The first is a face plate which has an orifice and two standard screw holes for mounting to the switch. The second is a shaped toggle actuator cover which fits over the toggle actuator of the switch and partially through the orifice. The third is a base plate with a rectangular orifice for passage of the toggle switch/dimmer actuator to the toggle actuator cover. The combined components of the switch plate cover are mounted onto the toggle actuator of an electrical switch by placing the orifice of the third component and the hollow vertical second component directly on top of the toggle actuator and then affixing the combined face plate assembly to the switch plate with screws. In operation, the second component is slid up or down, such that the above-mentioned rectilinear displacement causes the actuator to move from one of its positions to the other of its positions.

Abstract: An improved actuation structure for a vehicle horn switch is formed as a block adhesively attached to extend outward from the surface, such as a button flush with surrounding surfaces, or a flexible cover, otherwise used to actuate the horn switch.

Abstract: An improved alarm activation station protector for use with a depressible alarm activating member and which is capable of being accessed by individuals with varying degrees of hand and arm disability. A wall mounted frame member is formed in a generally "U" shape with first, second and third interconnecting sides and a centrally open area for receiving the depressible alarm activating member. A transparent protective cover includes first, second and third sides which slidably engage the frame member and an arcuate shaped body which permits the cover to be arranged over the alarm. Slidably interlocking means established between the frame member and protective cover permit the cover to be pushed upwardly with the use of a stubbed hand or arm portion and without the need of fingers to grasp the cover. The cover is elevated to a desired height, at which point the individual can activate the alarm by depressing the exposed alarm member inwardly.

Abstract: Proposed is a cured silicone rubber article such as a push button switch covering member having a protective coating layer of a urethane resin-based coating composition having excellent wear resistance against rubbing and capable of giving a dry and rigid touch feeling to the finger tip of the operator of the key tops. The coated silicone rubber article is obtained by subjecting a cured base body of a silicone rubber, prior to the coating with a urethane resin-based coating composition, first to a low temperature plasma treatment and then to a coating treatment with a specific primer composition which is a mixture of an epoxy group-containing organosilane compound and an amino group-containing organosilane compound in a molar mixing ratio in the range from 1:2 to 1:5.

Abstract: A protective cover for a hand operated computer control device. The device includes a cover having a cavity shaped to receive a control device such that the control device is releasably held within the cavity. The cover further includes weakened sections creating a push button member oriented to be adjacent a button on the control device when the control device is positioned within the cover. The push button member is moveable into the cavity to engage and actuate a button on the control device when a user presses down on the push button member.

Abstract: For a manually operated trigger or switch lever for electric appliances, particularly hand-held electric appliances, such as a portable drill, screwdriver, drilling hammer, grinder, right angle grinder, etc., which, when the appliance is started up, is shifted by the action of pressure applied by the operator and, at the same time, brings about switching processes (switching on and off, accelerating, switching over, reversing) in the appliance, at least the surface of the trigger, which comes in contact with the fingers or a portion of the hand of the operator when pressure is exerted, has at least one elastomeric coating.

Abstract: An arcuate switch plate assembly for a standard wall toggle switch comprising a convex base plate and a convex switch actuator wherein the convex actuator moves in an arc similar to the arc of the toggle switch.

Abstract: A foot operated pump guard assembly for a portable pump includes a pair of upwardly extending support legs connected at their lower ends to a pump. A foot guard substantially surrounds an operator's foot and is pivotally connected to the upwardly extending support legs. Springs react against one another to cause the guard to self return upon removal of the operator's foot from the guard assembly. The guard has a built-in locking device and a carrying means to enhance in its transportability.

Abstract: A carrying case for portable electronic equipment is provided which is designed to allow a case carrier to stop an alarm or call sound produced from the electronic equipment without opening the carrying case. The carrying case has a protrusion formed on an inner wall of a cover at a given interval away from an operating button on the electronic equipment disposed within the carrying case. The cover is supported elastically by a case body with a given gap between front edges of the cover and the case body. The depression of the operating button of the electronic equipment through the protrusion to stop the alarm or call sound is achieved by pressing one of the cover and the case body against the other to decrease the gap therebetween.

Abstract: A push button switch covering member of a silicone rubber is imparted with excellent resistance against stain deposition and abrasive wearing by providing a protective overcoating layer of a urethane resin-based coating composition capable of being cured by forming urethane linkages between isocyanate groups of a polyisocyanate compound and hydroxy groups of a polyhydroxy compound. The coating procedure with the coating composition on the surface of a silicone rubber-made covering member is preceded by a plasma treatment so as to activate the surface resulting in an increased adhesive bonding strength between the silicone rubber body and the coating layer. The improvement is more remarkable when the plasma-activated surface is subjected to a priming treatment with a silane coupling agent and coating with the coating composition is undertaken as soon as possible or within 60 minutes after completion of the plasma treatment.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a freezer compartment in which an ice maker is disposed. The ice maker includes an ice-making container and an operating mechanism for automatically twisting the container to cause ice to fall from the container. The operating mechanism includes a test switch that can be manually actuated to cause the operating mechanism to perform its functions. The test switch includes an electrical contact and a manually actuable button for activating the contact. The button is in the form of a strip formed of one piece with a wall of a case in which the contact is disposed. One end of the strip remains integral with the case wall to create an inherent bias for positioning a free end of the strip in spaced relationship to the contact, in the absence of a separate elastic spring element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emergency driver system for a motor vehicle. The emergency driver system allows a passenger in the motor vehicle to safely maneuver the motor vehicle should the driver become incapacitated by exposing a brake actuator and an accelerator actuator concealed by a cover. Upon opening the cover, a cover sensor actuates emergency lights, headlights, and a horn, and disengages the operation of the driver brake pedal and accelerator pedal. This allows the passenger to control the steering with the left hand and the acceleration and braking of the motor vehicle with the right hand, via the brake actuator and the accelerator actuator positioned on an emergency control panel located under the cover.

Abstract: A molded plastic current limiting circuit breaker includes an interrupter assembly that includes an over-molded magnet, arc stack, baffle stack, and a chamber liner in which a trip unit is described.

Abstract: A heating apparatus of the present invention relates to a high speed oven having a turntable mechanism for heating food products by utilizing a combination of jet impingement of heated air (a jet impingement) and microwaves or either of them, the apparatus comprising a safety device and an exhaust device.

Abstract: The switch housing for a combined ignition and starting switch of a motor vehicle has a peripheral housing wall (8) having a substantially circular transverse cross-section and a central axis (9) substantially parallel to it, an extended portion (5) laterally projecting approximately tangentially to the peripheral housing wall (8) and displaced laterally from the central axis (9), an insert device (7) held releasably in the extended portion (5) and a snap lock device (16,17,20,21) for releasably holding the insert device (7) in the extended portion (5). The extended portion (5) is provided with a receptacle (2) for the insert device (7) and the receptacle opening (6) for the receptacle (2) is of a size and shape so as to be completely covered by the insert device (7) received in it.

Abstract: A remote-control, foot-operated unit for use with trolling motors on boats is revealed. The unit has a snap-together design that does not use screw fasteners extending through holes. As a result, the sensitive electronic components are completely sealed from contact with any water or water vapor. The snap design has a back-up feature to prevent accidental snap-release in the event of shock loading. The assembly fits together as a sandwich, effectively positioning a sealing component in juxtaposition with the snap arrangements to promote a secure connection around the periphery of the unit, as well as a tight sealing engagement between the sandwich components to, in effect, isolate the sensitive electronic components from exposure to any moisture.

Abstract: For a manually operated trigger or switch lever for electric appliances, particularly hand-held electric appliances, such as a portable drill, screwdriver, drilling hammer, grinder, right angle grinder, etc., which, when the appliance is started up, is shifted by the action of pressure applied by the operator and, at the same time, brings about switching processes (switching on and off, accelerating, switching over, reversing) in the appliance, at least the surface of the trigger, which comes in contact with the fingers or a portion of the hand of the operator when pressure is exerted, has at least one elastomeric coating.

Abstract: A switch lock having a reliable side-opening door and an improved rotatable handle is provided for use in motorcycle ignition systems. The side-opening door is rotatable between an open position wherein the lock plug assembly is exposed and a closed position wherein the lock plug assembly is covered. In the closed position, the side-opening door forms a part of the handle by fitting tightly against the side and top of the handle. The side-opening door also has a latch which receives and securely retains the side-opening door in the closed position. The handle is rotatable into a finite number of predetermined engagement orientations and is lockable at some or all of these orientations.

Abstract: A protective switch having an actuation side. The protective switch includes a base having walls, a pivot shaft connected to the walls of the base, and a switching rocker pivotal on the pivot shaft to be pivotally seated on the base. The switching rocker includes two lever arms for switching the protective switch on and off. A housing is placed on the base and protectively surrounds the switching rocker. A housing cover is located on the actuation side of the protective switch and protectively covers the switching rocker. The housing cover includes an opening therethrough. A plurality of hinges are each disposed on a respective lever arm of the switching rocker. An actuation attachment extends through the opening of the housing cover and is modularly connected to the switching rocker by the hinges for pivoting the switching rocker.

Abstract: A key actuated lock is mounted within a protective enclosure which has a double hinged panel cover that projects into a slot between the bottom panel of the protective enclosure and the bottom of the lock mounted within the protective enclosure when the double hinged panel cover is closed. Both the protective enclosure and the double hinged panel cover have apertures that align when the double hinged panel cover is closed. Actuation of the lock within the protective enclosure moves a locking bolt from a unlocked retracted position to a locked extended position that projects the locking bolt through the two aligned apertures, thereby holding the double hinged panel cover closed.

Abstract: An electric disconnect switch enclosure for outdoor applications includes a viewing window to visually ascertain the ON-OFF conditions of the switch contacts without having to motivate the switch handle or open the enclosure door. The viewing window can be formed in the enclosure door in an automated manufacturing process.

Abstract: The safety switch unit controls the source of power for machinery in accordance with the opening and closing of a room door. The safety switch includes an actuator (2) secured to a door, a cam shaft extending transversely of a direction in which the actuator (2) advances into the switch unit (1), the actuator (2) having a stepped top end in correspondence to which cam plates (13), (14a) and (14b) are provided within the switch unit (1) each capable of independently rotating, these cam plates having start sides (17) and (22) and a single cam follower pin (29) passed therethrough, thus protecting the switch unit (1) against mischievous or malicious operation.

Abstract: An enclosure, for a circuit breaker, is provided with a venting arrangement to allow release of internal pressure caused by a short circuit fault condition in the circuit breaker. The venting arrangement is provided in the form of a blow out panel mounted over an aperture formed in the enclosure. Insulating barriers are provided to prevent vented exhaust particles from coming into contact with electrically live conductors.

Abstract: A load bearing housing provides environmental protection and submergibility to an actuator and associated control electronics housed within, and effectively carries the resultant stresses and moments produced by the actuator when actuated. The housing comprises a plastic enclosure which generally seals the actuator and control electronics within an internal cavity. A metal bracket supports the actuator within the enclosure. The enclosure is connected to a rigid, metal strong back which reinforces the bottom and lower sides of the enclosure. The bracket also attaches to the strong back such that when the actuator is actuated, the bracket and strong back carry the resultant stresses and moments. The plastic enclosure is substantially isolated from such stresses, and, thus, is less likely to fracture.

Abstract: The front panel of a control panel is provided with a recess for receiving a keypad. The recess is larger than the keypad to define a channel between the edges of the keypad and the sides of the recess. A sealant fills the channel to provide a smooth transition between the front panel and the keypad that protects the edges of the keypad and prevents the entry of moisture and debris into the channel. The control panel can be assembled by fixing the keypad within the recess, placing a temporary barrier over the top surface of the channel, and introducing the sealant into the channel. The sealant can be introduced through one or more ports in either the front panel or the temporary barrier. The temporary barrier is removed when the sealant hardens within the channel.

Abstract: A safety interlock for an overhead projector utilizes only one electrical switch to provide the functions of both a conventional power switch and a safety interlock switch. In an operational mode, the switch responds to a cam surface for actuation. In a safety interlock mode, the switch is allowed to rotate in response to forces generated by the cam surface rather than being actuated.

Abstract: A cover assembly, for a wall-mounted pushbutton control unit, which normally overlies an array of pushbuttons, and is designed to prevent deliberate, or accidental, actuation of the pushbuttons, is described. The cover assembly, includes a wall plate, attachable to a room wall in surrounding relation to the pushbuttons, and a cover plate, hingedly connected to an upper edge of the wall plate, so that the cover plate, is manually swingable between a closed position, concealing the pushbuttons, and an open position, extending upwardly along the room wall surface.

Abstract: An elastomeric protective cover for use with an electrical switch of the type including a movable actuator, such as a rocker switch. A housing region of the protective cover defines an interior cavity for sealing and receiving a portion of the movable actuator of the switch. An interior surface of the cavity includes a projection such as a reinforcing rib which is positionable above the movable actuator. The projection coacts with the surface of the actuator upon application of tactile pressure near the engaging means which deforms the cover. The cover which is made from a flexibly resilient material returns to its original shape upon removal of the tactile pressure. The cover includes a flange for mounting the cover to the outside of a panel or other surface.

Abstract: A tubular body is mounted against a wall of a dwelling and surrounding a distribution box and a portion of incoming cables which terminate within the distribution box. A cover closes the tubular body and switches detect when there is an attempt to remove the body from the wall and when the cover is removed.

Abstract: A dome-shaped cap which fits over standard stove knobs to prevent small children and toddlers from turning or engaging the knobs. Two latches, one of each side of the cap, are simultaneously depressed to release or install the cap. The latches are attached to the underside of a skirt which extends around the bottom of the dome-shaped cap. Each latch is an L-shaped member which rotates around a pin extending from the skirt.

Abstract: An electrical switching device such as a low voltage power circuit breaker, can have a cover with a slot-like opening for providing access to a switch lever of the switching device. The cover can extend to cover over any chambers for shunt releases and/or auxiliary switches etc. which chambers can be located on both sides of the switch lever within the enclosure. The cover can also have fastening devices for attachment of a mechanical rotary actuator or a motor drive. The cover is connected to the enclosure in a manner which provides for a simple opening and closing of the cover, and essentially eliminates the danger of losing and mixing up such covers. The cover is designed with bearing legs which are bent at an angle of 90 degrees in relation to the cover plane. The bearing legs are preferably parallel to one another and laterally overlap the enclosure. The cover is mounted to the enclosure by means of the bearing legs and pivot bearing with coaxially interlocking pivots and pivot bearing openings.

Abstract: This is two embodiments of a sealed switch, one embodiment of which utilizes a plastic film which abuts the upper surface of the support portion and covers the upper edges of the walls defining the base and which is trapped between the upper edges of the walls defining the base and the cover portion forming a seal.The second embodiment utilizes a start button which comprises a disk like support which is formed of an elastomeric material that on assembly is trapped and squeezed between the upper edges of the walls defining the base and the cover portion forming a seal.

Abstract: A vehicular steering wheel horn surface receives a pad member, having an adhesive layer for adherence of the pad member to provide for projection for enhanced physical indication of the horn surface in use.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a paint shield that covers all exposed surfaces of an electrical outlet or switch assembly and its cover plate includes a front wall having top, bottom and side walls extending rearward thereof, and devices such as a pair of prongs or a suction cup which temporarily attach the shield to the assembly with the rear edge sections of the top, bottom and side walls positioned tightly against the adjacent side surfaces of the cover plate. The shield has a handling tab on the front wall that is longitudinally aligned with the prongs or suction cup.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a cover for a sensor button having a shell portion and a touch zone on the upper surface of the sensor button, the cover comprising: an electrically conductive wall portion surrounding the shell portion; an electrically conductive upper portion attached to the wall portion and substantially overlying the upper surface of the sensor button; and an opening defined in the upper portion to expose a small portion of the touch zone, the opening being sized so as to accept therein a touch probe having a cylindrical shell with a contact disposed concentrically therein and extending from the end thereof.

Abstract: A protective cover for a hand operated computer control, sometimes referred to as a "mouse" where the protective cover has a cavity in which the "mouse" is held and shielded from dust and dirt. The cover has pivotal levers with downwardly projecting adjustable projections that contact buttons on the "mouse" to signal commands to a computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a push button switch which is capable of preventing deformation of a belt-like metallic plate serving as a terminal of the push button switch during its insertion molding process into the housing of the push button switch.To this end, a push button switch comprises a square housing, a belt-like metallic plate inserted in the housing so as to penetrate the housing, the housing having an outer wall from which the belt-like metallic plate protrudes outward, the belt-like metallic plate having an inner portion exposing from a bottom surface of the housing and an outer portion extending outward from the outer wall of the housing, and the outer wall being planed-off obliquely at a portion where the belt-like metallic plate protrudes.Therefore, the span of the belt-like metallic plate becomes short. Thus, the push button switch can be made compact in size.

Abstract: A compressed-air generator with adjustable pressure output and/or adjustable air throughput has a housing (11) and a fan motor arranged in the housing (11) below the top side (27) thereof. Further provided is an adjustment member which may be adjusted by way of a rotary knob (45) and which is provided for adjustment of the pressure output and/or the air throughput. In the compressed-air generator (8), a protective apparatus (47) at least partially covering the rotary knob (45) is provided, with the rotary knob (45) preferably being arranged on the top side (27) of the housing (11) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated switching device comprises a pneumatic bulb including a base plate for anchoring the bulb by frictional contact with surfaces in contact therewith. The base plate further having pneumatic seal about an outer periphery thereof, and an actuator dome having a convexly extended pneumatic activation wall supported by an outer peripheral annular rim engaged with the base plate for pneumatic sealing with the seal to define a pneumatic pump chamber. The bulb further including a conduct for conducting a quantity of air pressurized by operation of the dome and, electrically conductive switch responsive to the discharge of a volume of air pressurized by the pneumatic bulb for producing a corresponding electrical signal.

Abstract: An emergency vessel or vehicle location system (EVLS) is provided with a protected mayday switch for controlling the transceiver or module to which it is attached, so as to permit activation of the emergency vessel location system by use of a switch, in one embodiment, on the same microphone used for two-way communication. The protection of the mayday switch is provided by a specialized transparent latch in which the latch is spring loaded over the mayday switch such that accidental depression of the mayday switch is prevented, while permitting viewing of the switch legend through the transparent latch. The protected switch may be used on the microphone, on an auxiliary unit, or on the transceiver itself.

Abstract: A system used for monitoring the flow and speed of traffic has a strip member (1) comprising electrical contacts (3, 7) on distinct layers (2, 6) separated by a dielectric spacer layer (4), such that, when a vehicle drives over the strip, the weight of the vehicle on the strip closes the contact through holes (5) in the dielectric spacer to cause a monitoring and/or timing means to be activated and subsequently deactivated. The monitoring and/or timing means is programmable to distinguish vehicle types and between a plurality of vehicles passing over the strip at the same time.

Abstract: A cover apparatus including a transparent housing overlying a computer keyboard, wherein the cover apparatus includes a plurality of forward and rear side walls defining rows of openings, wherein each row of openings is arranged overlying rows of computer keys. The openings are provided with cover housings to selectively cover individual or the plurality of keys, wherein each of the plurality of keys of the computer keyboard is positioned within the openings to provide selective covering thereof to minimize inadvertent pressing of such keys in usage of the keyboard.

Abstract: A backlit control actuator includes a substrate of translucent material having a front surface with a three-dimensional symbol integrally formed thereon, and a boot of opaque, relatively soft material which is molded around the substrate so that an upper surface of the symbol is flush with an outer surface of the outer covering to permit light transmitted from the control device to backlight the symbol.

Abstract: A signal activating device for activating a nurse call system as commonly used in hospitals and nursing homes to summon the attending personnel for assistance, wherein an elongate bar having circuitry electrically interconnected to the call system is supported on the railing structure of a bed or chair so as to extend transversely thereacross in a readily accessible location over a midportion of the body of a person in the bed or chair. A hollow tube is fitted over the bar in engaging, supported relation on a number of electric switches mounted at spaced intervals along the bar's length such that pressure applied by the person to any location along the upper portion of the tube serves to operate at least one electric switch on the bar, thereby activating the nurse call system.

Abstract: A power switch cover having an elongate base member with a track formed therein and adapted to support a sliding member which includes an end portion to protect a recessed switch. The switch is accessible through the base member and once turned on is protected by the sliding member. The sliding member includes at least one spring for biasing the sliding member against the base member and provides for continuous contact of said sliding member with the track of said base member. A top member is inserted over the sliding member and the base member to provide the contact points for the spring thereby biasing the sliding member against the recessed track.

Abstract: A molding method for manufacture of a resin molded part having one or more flexibly movable, pushbutton-shaped thick projections formed integrally with a base through the intermediary of thin wall portions continued from the peripheral edges of the projections, wherein a thermoplastic elastomer is used as a molding material, and wherein the thick projections, the thin wall portions, and the base are integrally molded by supplying a mass of the molding material into a mold through a gate provided adjacent the center of a portion corresponding to each of the projections. The method requires no vulcanization and permits efficient production. Furthermore, it allows well balanced flow of the molding material and eliminates the possibility of burrs and sink marks being produced.

Abstract: An interlocked infrared detector wall switch which prevents use of the full "on" position that bypasses the infrared sensor, but permits changeover by service personnel to use the full "on" position. The slide switch on the wall switch assembly is partially covered by a snap-on interlock plate so that it can not be moved to the full "on" position. Removal of the interlock plate requires a screwdriver for leverage within an opening at the bottom of the interlock plate, but this opening is covered by the decorative switch plate, so that removal of the interlock plate is impossible without first removing the covering decorative plate. Casual disabling of the interlock is thereby prevented.