Abstract: A trigger switch for hand-held electric power tools in which an actuating arm for actuating a switch mechanism is pivotally supported in a case by way of a pivot shaft pivotally supported by a pair of parallel lateral walls defining the case, and a trigger member having a front end and a pair of lateral flanges is pivotally supported by the case in a coaxial relationship with the pivot shaft by way of the lateral flanges. By securely coupling an extension of the pivot shaft with one of the flanges, the switch mechanism internally accommodated in the case can be actuated by operating the trigger member. Since the switch mechanism is internally accommodated in the case, a considerable saving of space can be accomplished. Since the coupling between the pivot shaft and the trigger member can be accomplished by the extension of the pivot shaft passed through the case by way of a round opening provided in the case, sealing of the switch mechanism can be easily accomplished.

Abstract: A switch capable of significantly reducing the number of parts therefor and permitting the manufacturing and assembling to be carried out with high efficiency. Only four parts consisting of a casing, a top plate or a bottom plate, a cam lever and a leaf spring each simplified in structure are required to construct the switch. The cam lever causes pressing force acting in a small magnitude on its lever section to be changed to pressing force of an increased magnitude acting on its cam section in a lever-like manner about a support shaft.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a vacuum-type interrupter with a contact spring. The actuating mechanism of a vacuum-type interrupter has a pivotally positioned two-armed lever and a spring which holds the contact force ready and which engages with the lever. The two-armed lever is guided with limited displacement in a bearing in a direction which runs approximately parallel to the actuation direction of the interrupter. While enabling, the two-armed lever pivots about a bearing bolt around the end of the bolt guiding until the contact elements engage each other. The further pivoting of the lever takes place around a linkage assembly between the two-armed lever and the actuating impact rod. The two-armed lever can be formed from two parallel split levers with a clearance such that the spring can engage between the split levers. The actuating mechanism is suitable for one or multiple vacuum circuit breakers, e.g., for use in gas insulated switchgear.

Abstract: A wall box dimmer has a face plate having a pair of integral stand-offs extending rearwardly therefrom upon which is mounted a mounting strap. A circuit board is mounted on the rearward ends of the stand-offs. A back box is selectively removably secured to the mounting strap and covers the circuit board and circuit components.

Abstract: A multi-phase switch assembly (10) has a base (12) and an operating mechanism (14). The base (12) and operating mechanism (14) are formed to fit together as an integrated unit by sliding engagement of the base (48) of framework (32) between bosses (30,31) of the base (12) of the switch. Fastener holes (74,76) extend through both the base (12) of the switch and the operating mechanism (14) so that the entire switch assembly (10) can easily be mounted as a unit.

Abstract: A microswitch in which a good snap action feeling is obtained and an operating stroke is large is provided. Included in the microswitch is a swingable lever which is pushed by a pressing projection of a push button swingably pivotally supported. One end of the lever is pivotally supported and the other end is coupled with one end of a movable member having a movable contact. The movable member is biased by a spring in one direction.

Abstract: A snap switch is enclosed in a cup shaped housing with an open end. The open end is closed by a diaphragm. The snap action of the switch is provided through a member which has a reactor member and two reaction members which are formed by providing parallel slots in a contact blade. The switch is actuated by a switch actuator which is mounted on the cup shaped housing to provide circular lever pivoting of the actuator.

Abstract: A dimmer and switch device is adapted for mounting on a wall. The elements of the device that are visible when it is mounted on a wall are easily replaced. In another embodiment, a linear slide dimmer and push-button switch device are arranged in juxtaposition, so that a section of the dimmer slider can pass through the switch mechanism. A high-power, push-button switching device combines a high-power switch and a latching device. A dimmer includes a potentiometer that is marked by detents to permit stable, reproducible dimmer settings. The switching device and dimmer are suitable for use in the dimmer/switch.

Abstract: An article of motorized luggage is provided and consists of a plurality of wheels rotatably journaled to bottom of a container body for allowing travel along the ground and a mechanism within the container body for driving one of the wheels to make the luggage a self-powered unit. In a modification a steerable platform is connected to the luggage so as to transport a person standing upon the platform.

Abstract: A hook switch has a box-shaped body an an open end. Within the box-shaped body there is fixed at least one contact piece, and extending from the box-shaped body is an arm on which an actuator is rotatably mounted. A slider is received within the box-shaped body. This slider has a spring biased protrusion with a spherical top which extends through a hole in a cover of the box-shaped body and is engaged by the actuator and displaced against the spring bias. In the process, a movable contact piece mounted on the slider engages a corresponding fixed contact piece mounted within the box-shaped body.

Abstract: An ON-OFF switch system for use between first and second conductors utilizing a first plate having first and second sides. The second side of the face plate includes an appendage which contacts an arm passing through a second plate. First and second plates slidingly engage one another to operate the arm. The arm is further connected to one of a pair of electrical contact members and is movable to operate contacts of the electrical members.

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: 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: 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 switch is provided with a normally-open terminal and a normally-closed terminal arranged on the same place with a relatively wide gap formed therebetween. A pivot member pivoted to the switch casing carries a clip-like movable terminal one end of which clamps and engages with a supporting hole bored in a common terminal, and the second end of which clamps and slidingly engages the normally-open and normally-closed terminals.The normally-closed terminal has a guide post for maintaining expansion of and guiding the second end of the movable terminal as it traverses the gap between the normally-open and normally-closed terminals so that smooth switching operation is obtained.

Abstract: A vacuum switch is provided with a drive lever (9) which may pivoted for switching on and switching off a vacuum switch tube. Between the drive lever (9) and the movable contact bolt (7) of the switch tube (1) there are provided a spherical bowl (13) and an adapted spherical hinged cavity (14), as well as a force transmission part (15). If the unit switch-on position is considered wherein the medial line (22) of the drive lever (9) is at right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis (23) of the movable contact bolt (7), the bowl central point (24) of the hinge device is shifted with respect to the medial line (22) of the drive lever (9) in the direction of the switch tube in a proportion corresponding to approximately half of the stroke of the movable contact bolt (7) during switch on and switch off. Thereby, the lateral displacement, more precisely the lateral forces exerted on the movable contact bolt (7) upon switching on and switching off are decreased down to a negligible value.

Abstract: A momentary membrane switch that includes not only a normally open set of electrical contacts but also a normally closed set of electrical contacts. In one embodiment, a downward force applied to the switch pivots an elongated, flat rocker, to close the normally open contacts and simultaneously open the normally closed contacts. Pivoting of the rocker is yieldably resisted by an overlaying resilient membrane, which forceably returns the rocker to its original position when the force is removed. In another embodiment, a downward force applied to the switch lowers the center of a special disk into contact with an underlying circuit board, to close the normally open contacts, and simultaneously deforms the disk's periphery upwardly, to open the normally closed contacts. Internal stress in the deformed disk returns the disk to its original position when the force is removed.

Abstract: Switch assembly for use with equipment mounting apparatus backplane terminal pins. The assembly comprises an insulating housing member that is placed over a pair of adjacent terminal pins and secured to the backplane. An electrical shorting spring member positioned within the housing member engages both terminal pins to electrically short one terminal pin to another. An actuating member normally in engagement with the electrical shorting member is rotated by a connector inserted onto the backplane terminal pins to disengage the electrical shorting spring member from the pair of terminal pins.

Abstract: Key switch assembly comprises a frame having a column in which a plunger is contained. The plunger is biased to an extended position by a spring and is movable to its depressed position. A bell crank is mounted adjacent to the column and has a camming arm which extends alongside the plunger and a switch closing arm. The plunger has a stiffly flexible camming rod and the column has a cam which flexes the camming rod during depression of the plunger so that it engages the camming arm and causes the switch closing arm to close the switch associated with the plunger and frame. The switch is closed for only a brief interval during depression of the plunger and the switch closing lever returns to its normal position after the camming rod moves past the cam.

Abstract: A environmentally sealed snap action switch mechanism suitable for use in high temperature (900.degree. F.+) environments comprises a casing having a flex area formed on one surface so as to be susceptible to snap-action movement. A switch is situated inside the casing. An inner actuator leaf affixed at one end to the flex area links the latter with the switch. An outer actuator leaf is affixed to the flex area on the outside of the casing. The outer and inner actuator leaves move in concert to open and close the switch and cause the flex area to snap between normal and actuated conditions. To ensure proper performance at high temperatures, a helper leaf spring extends between the outer actuator arm and the exterior surface of the casing to bias the outer actuator arm away from the casing. Preferably, the switch includes a flexible steel blade, and, in one version, includes a two-layer blade to achieve extended switch life.

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

Abstract: In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, a clip-on switching device is disclosed to prevent the placing of unauthorized outgoing calls from a (Touch Tone) telephone and/or to selectively switch an incoming call to an accessory (extension) telephone circuit. The switching device includes a housing which is particularly shaped to conform to the contour of the telephone cradle so as to be releasably connected therewithin. Positioned within the housing is a card having a control circuit thereon for selectively controlling the telephone circuitry. A unique spring-biased light emitting diode push-button switch is associated with the instant switching device, whereby to provide a visible signal, so as to indicate the operation of the telephone control circuit.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a small-sized switch of the type, in which a clip-shaped moving contact made coactive with a knob is selectively and simultaneously brought, by operating the knob, into sliding contact with both the outer sides of at least two of a plurality of fixed contacts arranged in the bottom of a switch body, thus effecting the switch changing operations. The small-sized switch has its plural fixed contacts made of a round wire.

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 hand held power tool, particularly of the type of a dental handpiece or the like is provided with power shut-off means disposed directly within the handle. The shut-off means is mechanically connected with a suspension means for suspending the hand piece or the like power tool such that the weight of the tool shuts off power supply to the tool. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a dental handpiece is disclosed wherein the suspension means is a magnet, whereby the handpiece can be suspended on any ferromagnetic surface without having to reach to a suspension fork which, in the known devices, is itself associated with a shut-off valve. The basic idea of the invention has broad application in many different fields of technology.

Abstract: An actuation apparatus for a control switch which, in accordance with the position of a switching member, produces various control signals, in which an actuation arm coupled with the switching member is provided. The actuation arm is pivotable out of a central position of rest about a pivoting shaft counter to the restoring force of a torsion spring provided with free arms. A respective stationary initial stop is provided for each arm for the purpose of fixing the arm position in the position of rest and in which at least one coupler in contact with the free arms is connected with the actuation arm. At least one second stop, which acts as an end stop, is operatively associated with each free arm of the torsion spring to define the end of the switching paths.

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

Abstract: In a controller of the type having a body, a pivot member within the body and an actuator shaft on the pivot member, a push button switch for the controller includes a handle fitted over an external end of the shaft and having a longitudinal opening therethrough, a push rod slidably positioned within the opening, a collar connected to the push rod, a switch operator which slidably engages the collar, and a switch positioned between the switch operator and the body such that, as the push rod is displaced toward the body, the push rod urges the collar to displace the switch operator toward the body thereby operating the switch. The switch operator preferably has an outer convex or arcuate bearing surface and an opening through which passes the actuator shaft. The sliding collar preferably has a lower concave portion which slidably engages the bearing surface of the switch operator, so that the push rod can actuate the switch at any given position of the controller.

Abstract: A manual operating handle assembly for an enclosed switch includes a walled frame which resides within the switch enclosure and rotatably mounts a shaft. A sprocket on the shaft turns therewith to move a chain coupled to another sprocket which operates the switch or a stored-energy operator therefor. A pair of arms keyed to the shaft mounts a handle for longitudinal sliding movement toward the shaft and into the frame, and away from the shaft and out of the frame. Rotation of the handle between extreme rotative locations rotates the arms and the shaft. A contoured surface within the frame interferes with the handle in its extreme rotative locations when it is within the frame to prevent rotation thereof. Only if the handle is first slid out of the frame does it clear the surface for rotation between its extreme rotative locations. When the handle is between its extreme rotative locations, it cannot be slid into the frame due to interference of the contoured surface.

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

Abstract: A 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: A lever operated switch actuator has a resilient lever secured at its lower end to a bracket and having a control knob at its upper end. The bracket is secured to a supporting surface. A pair of switches having plungers are secured to the bracket on opposite sides of the lever. A lever stop member is secured to the bracket and has stops positioned on opposite sides of the lever and immediately above the switch plungers. The stops of the lever stop member are adjustable with respect to the switch plungers. The lever can be manually grasped at the control knob and deflected forwardly or rearwardly to depress a plunger which activates a switch. A lever stop contacts the lever once a plunger is depressed.

Abstract: A multiple cantilever spring contact switch has contact members stacked both vertically and side-by-side. The contact members are gripped at one end between surfaces which impose a predetermined inclination of the contact members relative to a base. A pivotally mounted lever on the contact assembly actuates the contact members and can also serve as a member which is actuated by a telephone handset. No specific spring is provided for the lever, the lever being biased by the spring contact members.

Abstract: An enclosed multipole fuse disconnect switch is constructed of a single molded base, a single contact carrier, and an overcenter spring powered toggle mechanism constructed solely of a coiled compression spring and a stamped sheet metal tongue which extends through an aperture in the contact carrier. The tongue is formed integrally with a pivot shaft through which operating forces are applied to the toggle mechanism. Each pole includes a U-shaped bridging contact constructed of spring metal and floatingly mounted in an aperture of the contact carrier.One end of the pivot shaft extends into a slot in the enlarged end of a bearing rivet that extends through the sidewall of the switch enclosure and is keyed to a manual operating member at one end thereof. The latter extends through a guide slot in an arcuate bracket outside the enclosure.

Abstract: A snap acting switch has a switch blade which is pivotally mounted for movement between two positions and is normally held in one position by an actuator spring. An actuator lever is pivotally mounted on the switch housing and has an external lever arm portion and an inner lever arm portion within the housing which is engageable with the actuator spring to move the spring laterally past the longitudinal axis of the switch blade in response to movement of the external actuator lever arm portion, to thereby cause snap acting movement of the switch blade from its normal position to a second position. Release of pressure on the external lever arm portion permits the actuator spring to cause snap acting movement of the switch blade back to its normal position.

Abstract: A simplified linkage and cam member having first and second cam surfaces for interacting with a bail to drive said bail between first and second limits is provided. The cam surfaces restrict the movement of the bail when the bail is at either limit. However, when the bail is intermediate of the limits, the relationship of the effective portions of the cam surfaces allow increased bail movement for a given position of the cam member and associated cam surfaces. The structure is particularly well adapted for actuating a bail from a first to a second position wherein forces other than those applied by the cam also act on the bail; and at a critical bail position, the other forces take control and urge continued motion of the bail independent of the cam member.

Abstract: A toggle switch of the type used on the casing of a camera or intercom device solves the problem of moisture entering the casing through the switch to thereby damage the electronic circuitry, cause rust, mildew and other damage. The exterior of the switch housing is watertight by reason of a turn nut compressing an O ring. The interior of the toggle switch handle housing is made watertight, while still permitting toggle motion, by an elongated seal of solid cross section engaging the outer face of the bulbous portion of the handle and a second elongated seal of solid cross section engaging the inner face of the bulbous portion.

Abstract: The printer includes at least a receipt paper feeding and printing mechanism and a journal paper feeding and printing mechanism each operated in synchronism by a control circuit. A mechanical switching means is provided in either one of the receipt and journal paper feeding and printing mechanism adapted to be operated for rendering it to be inoperative and a switch is provided connecting the one of the receipt and journal paper feeding and printing mechanism to the control circuit. The switch is operatively coupled with the switching means so that, when the one of the receipt and journal paper feeding and printing mechanisms is rendered to be inoperative by the switching means, the switch is opened so as to electrically disconnect the one of the receipt and journal paper feeding and printing mechanism from the control circuit.

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

Abstract: 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: An actuator for pushbutton type switches comprising a single molded plastic unitary structure. The actuator provides for operation of both locking and nonlocking switches and for actuation of switches mounted both parallel to and perpendicular to the plane of operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A toggle switch having an insulating housing that completely encloses all metal parts enabling connection of "live" wires to the switch terminals safely. The housing includes a molded base and a molded snap-in cover. A toggle lever supporting bushing is clamped between the base and cover and is provided with a snap-in collar for snap-in mounting the switch in a hole in a mounting panel. The toggle lever actuates an over-center wire link that imparts shear and wiping motion and snap-action to butt contacts. The terminals have insulation shearing slots into which unstripped wires are forced to make electrical connections. An integrally molded plug overlies a hole in the cover and is connected to the cover by thin sections which break when the plug is depressed into such hole to force the wires into the connectors.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism having three detented actuating positions. The actuating mechanism includes an arm having a roller rotatably mounted thereon. The roller bears against the sides of two juxtaposed coil springs which bias the arm into a neutral position when the roller is received between the springs, and an actuated position on either side of neutral when the roller rides past the centerline of one or the other of the springs. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, directional switches are actuated by the arm when the arm is moved to either side of neutral.

Abstract: A short sleeve is provided for telescoping over a switch toggle and an elongated lever arm has one end thereof pivotally attached to one end of the sleeve for angular displacement relative thereto about an axis extending transversely of the sleeve and the lever arm. The sleeve and lever arm include coacting structure operative to releasably retain the lever arm in predetermined angular position relative to the sleeve with the arm defining an endwise outward extension of the aforementioned one end of the sleeve, the other end of the sleeve being open for telescoping over an associated switch toggle.

Abstract: A snap-action appliance switch, whose construction meets European safety standards as well as U.S. (Underwriters Laboratory) standards.This invention relates to an electrical switch. In particular, it relates to a snap-action appliance switch, whose construction meets European safety standards as well as U.S. (Underwriters Laboratory) standards.Appliances such as coffee making machines, having burners that remain hot so long as the machine is turned on, desirably employ switches that include an indicator lamp, wired to be illuminated when the circuit including the power source is closed, thereby giving warning that the burner is on, and to be dark when the circuit is open. Since the appliances may be intended for sale both in the U.S. and abroad, it is necessary that such a switch meet European safety standards as well as the standards of Underwriters Laboratory, used in the U.S.

Abstract: A rotatable member which may comprise a toggle lever for a wiring device is supported by two sets of bearing elements, one set being located on a base and the other set being located on sidewalls integral with the base to provide a self-contained unitary assembly. In one embodiment, the rotatable member may be snapped into position and is simultaneously engaged by both sets of bearing elements in the housing portion of a molded wiring device to provide locational integrity independent of the location of other parts of the wiring device.

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.