Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide a protective cover over one or more switches on an electronic device. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a housing having a first perforation and a switch coupled to the housing. A switch cover may be placed over the switch to prevent operation of the switch, with the switch cover having a second perforation that aligns with the first perforation of the housing. A locking mechanism may be inserted at least partially through the first and second perforations to lock the switch cover to the electronic device.

Abstract: This specification discloses a shredder having a safety knob switch, which is a knob control lock mechanism protruding from its housing. The lock mechanism restricts the switching of the switch. When the switch is in the off position, it is locked and prevented from moving arbitrarily. The lock state is released by imposing a torque on the knob, turning the knob to the auto or rev position. This prevents children from playing with the shredder switch and damaging the machine or getting hurt.

Abstract: A control unit for an electrical switching device comprises: a control shaft which is rotatable about a control axis for operating a moveable contact of the electrical switching device, a first blocking mechanism for the control shaft, which can be activated to block a rotary movement of the control shaft in a first rotation direction, and an activation mechanism for the first blocking mechanism, which is designed to activate the first blocking mechanism.

Abstract: A safety switch capable of detecting withdrawal of an actuator from a switch main unit in a sure and reliable manner even when the safety switch, including a lock mechanism, is in a locked condition and an attempt is made to forcibly withdraw the actuator from the switch main unit. Even when a drive cam becomes capable of rotation since not less than one of a notch cut-out section and a lock member is broken by forcibly extracting an actuator with rotation of the drive cam locked, a cam curve section of the drive cam and an operating rod are in a normal condition and free of breakage. Accordingly, if the drive cam rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, normally-closed contacts of a contact section adopt an open condition normally, and even in situations where the actuator is withdrawn from the switch main unit with a force equal to or greater than the fracture strength of the safety switch, withdrawal of the actuator from the switch main unit can be detected in a sure and reliable manner.

Abstract: A lockout device for a switch assembly includes a body and first and second laterally extending pins and a cam member assembled with the body. The laterally extending pins are laterally movable between hole engaging and hole disengaging positions. The cam member is pivotable with respect to the body between locking and unlocked positions. When the cam member is in the locking position, the cam member holds the first and second pins in the hole engaging position. When the cam member is in the unlocked position, the first and second pins are movable from the hole engaging position to the hole disengaging position. The body defines a lock opening configured to receive a lock member to secure the cam member in the locking position.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism for preventing a first circuit breaker having a first actuating mechanism and a second circuit breaker having a second actuating mechanism from simultaneously being in a closed condition. The interlock mechanism includes a frame, a sliding bar slideably mounted within the frame, and one or more retaining protrusions extending outwardly from one or more inner edges of the frame. The sliding bar is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the sliding bar blocks a path of movement of the first actuating mechanism and in the second position the sliding bar blocks a path of movement of the second actuating mechanism. The one or more retaining protrusions frictionally engage the sliding bar when the sliding bar is in the first position and holds it in place, preferably with a frictional force sufficient to resist the force of gravity and/or vibrations.

Abstract: A protective device for a latch release actuator of a vehicle seat belt. The protective device comprises a shield having an aperture. The shield is attachable to a latch body such that the shield substantially surrounds the latch release actuator and the aperture is situated proximate the latch release actuator so as to deter unintended actuation of the latch release actuator.

Abstract: A device to prevent inadvertent closure of switches. The device includes a horizontal blocking member and in some embodiments an optional vertical blocking member. The device attaches to a rotary element in communication with the switch such as an operating pipe and prevents closure of the switch by striking structural components in the area of the switch as the pipe rotates. The device is of particular application with respect to high-voltage and extra high-voltage switches as typically employed in electrical transmission and distribution substations.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for an electric power tool includes a switch for electrical connection to the power tool for controlling operation of the power tool, and a trigger coupled with the switch for operating the switch. The trigger is pivotable about an upper end between an outer position in which the switch is open and an inner position in which the switch is closed. Also included is a locking member located adjacent the lower end of the trigger for locking the trigger in the outer position. The locking member is movable from a locking position, locking the trigger in the outer position, to an unlocking position releasing the trigger.

Abstract: A Sabbath Switch Cover that easily mounts with adhesive film inside any major kitchen appliance directly adjacent to the switch housing, and which incorporates a self-adhesive cover plate and a slide member that can be urged in or out of the cover plate, thereby selectively covering the recessed spring-detent of the appliance switch. The slide member stays in place over the spring switch until it is manually slid back into the switch cover plate, when normal light operations resume. The Sabbath Switch Cover can be used to selectively disable or enable the internal lighting system of most major kitchen appliances in order to assist in keeping the Jewish Sabbath and Holidays, and it is easily manufactured, inexpensive to produce and purchase, and convenient to apply and use.

Abstract: An enclosure restricts access to control buttons of an overhead crane pendant. The enclosure has sidewalls, a top piece, a back piece and a bottom piece. A hinged portion of the enclosure carries a door with an aperture. An appropriate blocking plate is slid into position behind the aperture, thereby blocking the appropriate control buttons, but allowing the other control buttons to remain accessible through the aperture. The lockout box is lockable, and once locked the blocking plates are not movable.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a network protector where the network protector includes a circuit breaker and a housing assembly, the circuit breaker having a trip bar structured to move between a first position and a second position corresponding to an open and closed position of the circuit breaker, respectively, the housing assembly having a sidewall with an opening. The handle assembly includes a linkage assembly, a shaft assembly, a handle member and locking assembly. The shaft assembly has a shaft, where the shaft rotatably is disposed in the opening and structured to move between a first and second position. The handle member has an elongated body and an elongated grip extending generally perpendicular to the handle body. The handle body is coupled to, and structured to rotate, the shaft. The locking assembly has an elongated release grip.

Abstract: A switch and switch box masking cover is adapted for frictional mounting to the switch box when pressed into switch box in one orientation, and for frictional mounting to a toggle type of switch that is already mounted in the switch box, when the cover is pressed onto the switch in an alternate, reversed orientation. The masking cover is formed in continuous strips wherein one or more of the covers may be disconnected from the strip for use on a switch box of any size.

Abstract: An operating switch for a motor vehicle with a housing having an operating opening for accessing an operating element, and a protective device movable relative to the operating opening for temporarily covering the operating element on the operating side. The protective device is formed as a slide member guided in the housing, displaceable at right angles to the access direction of the operating opening, the slide member and the operating element being pivotable together so that the slide member is movable from a first position, in which the operating element is arranged in the operating opening, to a second position in which the operating element is covered within the housing and the operating opening is closed by the slide member.

Abstract: A power tool includes a hollow housing defining a handle with an external wall. A motor is disposed in the housing. A switch is pivotally mounted in the handle about a first axis for actuating the motor. The switch has a first locking abutment. A latch is located adjacent the switch and is pivotally mounted in the handle about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis for movement back and forth between an engaged and a disengaged position. The latch has a second abutment for engaging the first abutment and preventing the switch from being actuated. The latch when pivoted to engage the first and second abutments applies a force vector generally intersecting the second axis.

Abstract: A lanyard that is of simple construction and is made from insulated components so as to eliminate any possibility of accidental electrical shock. The lanyard when in the off mode insures that the on/off switch of an overhead disconnect outlet box cannot be accidentally moved into the on position, and when in the on mode insures that the on/off switch remains in operating position, thus allowing for electrical current for energizing machinery, unless there is a power failure.

Abstract: A slide switch, in particular for an electric small appliance, with a switch slide slidably mounted in a housing and a locking switch that is arranged in the switch slide and is adapted to be locked with the housing or with a member connected with the housing in at least one switching position of the switch slide. The locking switch is comprised of at least one resiliently biased pushbutton pivotal about a pivot axle, the pivot axle being arranged in a fixed relationship to the switch slide.

Abstract: The invention-relates to a latching mechanism for locking a spring energy store (1) of an electric switching device, said store being tensioned by a rotary drive (10 and 11) and an extensible lever system (2, 3 and 4). In said latching mechanism, the extensible lever system is locked with the spring energy store under tension by means of a support clement (12), an auxiliary lock (14) and a primary lock (16), in addition to a stop (17) that is allocated to the primary lock (16), whereby the auxiliary lock (14) can be pivoted by the extension of the lever system and the position of the primary lock (16) during the pivoting of the auxiliary lock (14) can be influenced by working surfaces that are allocated to one another. To configure the locking mechanism for pivoting the primary lock (16) in a manner which obviates the use of a return spring that acts on said primary lock, the auxiliary lock (14) and the primary lock (16) respectively have at least two working surfaces (24, 25 and 26, 27).

Abstract: A switch lockout and rocker switch includes a switch cover, a rocker plate, a base, and a lockout slide. The rocker plate has opposite first and second ends, and is pivotally mounted to the cover. The rocker plate is thus pivotable about a pivot axis between oppositely tilted first and second tilted positions. The slide is selectively translatable relative to the base, being slidably mounted on the base for translation of the slide in a slide direction perpendicular to the pivot axis so as to slide relative to the rocker plate between a first lockout position and second lockout position.

Abstract: The present invention is for an ambidextrous lockout switch system for use with a power tool. With the system of the present invention in place, a multi-step process must be carried out before the power tool can be activated. The system is adapted for the process to be carried out with either a left or a right hand. The present invention includes a handle body having a switch trigger or lever blockable by a barrier. The barrier is movable with either a left of a right lockout button, with the right lockout button being operably linked to the left lockout button. The system includes also a spring, which is mechanically coupled to the barrier. The spring effectively restores the barrier to a position in which the barrier blocks actuation of the switch trigger or lever.

Abstract: A circuit breaker mechanical interlock apparatus is provided for preventing an electrical system from being energized by more than one of a plurality of power sources at any given time. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a receptacle for receiving two or more circuit breakers having actuating switches for energizing the electrical system. The apparatus further includes one or more interlock slides movably mounted on the housing and a faceplate for restricting unauthorized access to the slides. The number of interlock slides is one fewer than the number of circuit breakers so that the slides can be positioned to provide access to only one of the switches of the circuit breakers, while the remaining switches of the circuit breakers cannot be accessed. Each of the switches of the circuit breakers can be individually accessed without the slides extending beyond the periphery of the housing.

Abstract: A blocking mechanism is used for switching devices. The manual control element of the blocking mechanism can be locked against unauthorized actuation. The blocking mechanism is able to be blocked such that it cannot be detached. Retaining elements can be moved in relation to each other in a guide, and can engage with retaining lugs in recesses of a switching device to be locked. A catch element locks the actuation of the retaining elements in predetermined retaining positions in its engaged position.

Abstract: A device is provided for preventing accidental operation of a switch including a body having a surface with an opening and a cavity extending from the opening at an angle for receiving and releasably engaging the actuator member of a switch. With the switch in the desired on or off position, its actuator member is mounted into the cavity to engage the device, via the opening, such that the surface of the body lies adjacent the switch plate. Operation of the switch is prevented by the surface of the body providing a stop against the switch plate without physically anchoring the device to the switch plate.

Abstract: A rotary handle operator for a circuit breaker includes a lock plate having a live spring, formed as one piece with the lock plate, for biasing the lock plate in its unlocked position. With the lock plate in this unlocked position, rotation of the rotary handle operator's handle will actuate movement of a sliding member within the rotary handle operator, thereby moving the operating lever of the circuit breaker from its on position to its off position, and vice versa. When the rotating handle is in its off position, the lock plate may be pivoted against the bias of the springs so that the lock plate fits within a slot in the housing of the rotary handle operator, thereby resisting movement of the handle. In this position, an aperture dimensioned and configured to receive the shackle of a lock protrudes upward from the handle, permitting insertion of a lock to secure the lock plate in this locked position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker safety clip and associated method are provided to identify and secure circuit breakers in an open position. The safety clip securely engages a circuit breaker in an electrical panel such that the circuit breaker must remain in an open position while the safety clip is attached thereto. The size and shape of the safety clip are selected such that the safety clip does not contact, and thus does not damage, other portions of the electrical panel. The safety clip design also provides ease of installation and removal. Additionally, the safety clip may include a warning tag that is durably attached and is appropriately sized to be noticeable without blocking the view of other circuit breakers. Still further, the wrap-around safety clip design of one embodiment protects at least part of the circuit breaker, typically the head of the circuit breaker, from direct impact.

Abstract: An interlocking device for preventing the simultaneous throwing of a pair of switches. An elongate locking bar is provided with two laterally spaced apart switch actuator-receiving recesses formed therein. The elongate locking bar has a first position where a first switch actuator receiving recess is in alignment with a first switch actuator so that said first switch actuator can be thrown. A second switch actuator recess is misaligned with a second switch actuator when said first switch actuator recess is in alignment with the first switch actuator. The elongate locking bar has a second position where the second switch actuator receiving recess is in alignment with the second switch actuator so that the second switch actuator can be thrown. The first switch actuator recess is misaligned with the first switch actuator when the second switch actuator recess is in alignment with the second switch actuator.

Abstract: A lockable rocker switch apparatus suitable for use with or without an electrical switch includes a rocker switch actuator that is movable between at least two positions. The rocker switch apparatus also includes a locking element that is biased to a position so as to automatically lock the rocker switch actuator in a position. Once the rocker switch actuator is locked, the lock may be manually disengaged and held against the bias before the rocker switch actuator can be moved to a different position.

Abstract: A power tool includes a hollow housing defining a handle with an external wall. A motor is disposed in the housing. A switch is pivotally mounted in the handle about a first axis for actuating the motor. The switch has a first locking abutment. A latch is located adjacent the switch and is pivotally mounted in the handle about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis for movement back and forth between an engaged and a disengaged position. The latch has a second abutment for engaging the first abutment and preventing the switch from being actuated. The latch when pivoted to engage the first and second abutments applies a force vector generally intersecting the second axis.

Abstract: A cover is provided for a control switch in a vehicle that is movable between open and closed positions. In the cover open position, the switch paddle is freely accessible. In the cover closed position, the switch paddle is partially covered to limit access to the paddle and alert the operator to thereby avoid unintended actuation of the switch. In the closed position, the paddle is still accessible if needed to actuate the switch in an emergency without first opening the cover.

Abstract: There is presented an inexpensive control lock or locking device for preventing changing the state of a toggle switch from an open circuit to a closed circuit or from a closed circuit to an open circuit. The control lock bears against the projecting lever of a toggle switch to prevent movement of the projecting lever and thereby prevents changing the state of the toggle switch.

Abstract: An inexpensive control lock or locking device for preventing changing the state of a toggle switch from an open circuit to a closed circuit or from a closed circuit to an open circuit. The control lock bears against the projecting lever of a toggle switch to prevent movement of the projecting lever and thereby prevents changing the state of the toggle switch.

Abstract: A switch lever lock out assembly which is engagable with a switch having a lever positionable in at least two positions. The assembly includes a lock rail fixable relative to the switch. At least one transverse opening is formed in the lock rail. One end of an elongated lock arm extends through the opening and an opposing end extends toward the switch. In one aspect of the present invention, a switch engageable head is fixed to the lock arm opposing end, and is clampable to the lever. In another aspect of the invention, the head is slidably mounted to the lock arm. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the head is fixed to the lock arm, and offset from a lock aim longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism for preventing or enabling the operation of a handle operator or a contactor in certain circumstances comprises a system of mechanical linkages which interact to determine whether a lock-out mode or an enabling mode exists with respect to the electric motor being controlled. In the handle assembly, the lock-out bar has a circular aperture that receives a push rod in the enable mode and blocks the push rod in the lock-out mode. The push rod is connected to a blocking bracket which must be depressed by a human operator prior to cycling the handle operator. If the blocking bracket cannot be fully depressed by the human operator because the push rod is blocked by the lock-out bar, then the human operator can not cycle the handle operator between its OFF and ON positions, thus a first half of the interlock is achieved. Conversely, the interlock is also designed to prevent the contactor from supplying power to the electric motor if the handle operator is being cycled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary controller for electrical or electronic apparatuses (21, 22, 23), having a rotating knob (10). In order to offer the user a reference position of the rotating knob (10), with a simple design of the rotary controller, when making a selection between various options or when setting parameters, the invention provides a controllable latching and locking device (15), by means of which the rotating knob (10) can be locked selectively, in order to provide a stop for the rotary movement.

Abstract: The locking device comprises a first member disposed adjacent a toggle switch wall plate to pass a switch arm therethrough and having a first longitudinal slot of predetermined length along a given side thereof; a second member to pass the switch arm therethrough, to slide within the first member from an “ON” position to an “OFF” position and vice versa in step with the switch arm and having a lever extending out of the first longitudinal slot; and a third member disposed to cover the first and second member and to pass the switch arm therethrough, the third member having a second longitudinal slot along the side thereof adjacent the given side and coextensive with the first longitudinal slot and a detent disposed in the second longitudinal slot to lock the lever and, hence, the switch arm in a selected one of an “ON” position and an “OFF” position.

Abstract: A retention device for removably carrying a leverage arm on a switchgear cabinet includes a mounting member structured to be mounted on a housing of the switchgear cabinet and a tab structured to extend outwardly from the housing. The tab is formed with an opening that slidably receives a shank of the leverage arm therein, the opening being configured to resist movement of a head of the leverage arm through the opening. A moveable cover is positioned in relation to the retention device to retain the leverage arm on the retention device when the cover is in a closed position, yet permit the leverage arm to be removed from the retention device when the cover is in an open position.

Abstract: A switch, having a mechanical user interface including a lever handle and an electrical socket interface including a set of contacts separable upon application of tension. The switch includes a handle guard and an extraction tool, adapted to apply sufficient tension to the switch to separate the contacts from the electrical socket, wherein the extraction tool has a first position and a second position, said extraction tool being adapted, upon application of tension when in said first position, to move the lever handle of the switch from an active to an inactive position before assuming said second position, and upon application of tension when in said second position to separate the set of contacts from the electrical socket.

Abstract: A power tool includes a hollow housing defining a handle with an external wall. A motor is disposed in the housing. A switch is pivotally mounted in the handle about a first axis for actuating the motor. The switch has a first locking abutment. A latch is located adjacent the switch and is pivotally mounted in the handle about a second axis generally parallel to the first axis for movement back and forth between an engaged and a disengaged position. The latch has a second abutment for engaging the first abutment and preventing the switch from being actuated. The latch when pivoted to engage the first and second abutments applies a force vector generally intersecting the second axis.

Abstract: A switch inhibitor provides an obstacle for the switch-toggle, the obstacle having a switch-obstacle position and a switch-release position. The obstacle may be held to the switch-obstacle position by a spring, which may be overcome by applying force to a release mechanism. The switch inhibitor may be permanently or removably attached to the cover plate for the electric-switch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker lock-out device is disclosed, the lock-out device including a U-shaped channel member with a plurality of closed slots paired opposite one another in the side walls of the channel. The device includes lock-out bars comprising a notched stem transversely aligned with the channel member to immobilize a circuit breaker switch in either the “OFF” or “ON” position as desired. The bars are “locked” in position with a padlock or closed-door padlockable bar, immobilizing the circuit breaker switch.

Abstract: A switch inhibitor provides an obstacle for the switch-toggle, the obstacle having a switch-obstacle position and a switch-release position. The obstacle may be held to the switch-obstacle position by a spring, which may be overcome by applying force to a release mechanism. The switch inhibitor may be permanently or removably attached to the cover plate for the electric-switch.

Abstract: A high output level is maintained in power supplies having multiple cells in each leg. Failed cells in any leg are bypassed to provide a current path through the respective leg. All of the unfailed cells are utilized while maintaining equal magnitude between phases and a balance phase relationship in the line-to-line output voltage. The invention may be utilized in conjunction with a peak voltage reduction circuit, and a by-pass switch.

Abstract: A latching handle mechanism can secure a module containing a circuit interrupter. The mechanism has a lever mounted at a handle frame to rotate between a secured position and a released position for securing and releasing the module at a structure. Also includes is a shuttle plate that is mounted at the handle frame and adapted to connect mechanically to the circuit interrupter. The shuttle plate is mounted to reciprocate between an engaged and disengaged position in order to operate the circuit interrupter. The shuttle plate is also manually reciprocatable to operate the circuit interrupter, when the lever is in the secured position. The lever is operable in the released position to restrain and prevent manual reciprocation of the shuttle plate in order to prevent manual operation of the circuit interrupter.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a housing and a multi-position switch for selecting various modes of operation. A security block is mounted to the housing adjacent the switch. The security block may be attached to the housing in at least two different orientations. In a first orientation, the security block prevents the switch from being in a position corresponding to certain modes (e.g., those which create a high intensity light beam). When positioned in a second orientation, the security block is attached to the housing but permits the switch to be in other or all positions, thereby permitting various modes of operation.

Abstract: A switch manipulation prevention device including a front plate that has a generally square configuration. The front plate has an upper edge, a lower edge, opposed side edges, a front surface, and a rear surface. The front plate has at least one recess extending downwardly of the upper edge. The recess has an open upper end and a closed lower end. The recess is dimensioned for receiving at least one electrical wall switch therein. The front plate is securable to a switch plate whereby the recess is positioned so as prevent movement of the electrical wall switch.