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

Abstract: A thermally actuated motor which has a short piston stroke is provided with mechanism for converting the stroke to a selected longer stroke without prolonging the motor actuation time. The said mechanism comrises a base, means pivotally mounting the motor on the base, a crank arm pivotally mounted at one end on the base and having a fitting on its opposite end for connection to the object to be actuated by the motor; said crank arm being pivotally connected between its ends to the motor piston shaft. A limit switch is adjustably mounted on the base for contact by the crank arm. Coiled springs connected to the base and crank arm return the crank arm to normal position after it has been actuated by the motor shaft. In a thermal motor having an approximately 11/16 inch piston stroke, the mechanism converts the stroke to a selected longer stroke of approximately 3 inches.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting limit switches directly on the cylinder of a fluid-actuated motor or similar linearly reciprocable actuator. An extruded housing of V-shaped cross-section has exterior slots for alternate mounting on fittings extending from the cylinder ports and interior slots for supporting limit switches in a variety of positions. A reciprocable rod carrying a switch actuating cam is slidably mounted in the housing and connected to the piston rod or other actuator by a novel yoke-and-connector arrangement which, by virtue of the free rotary movement allowed the rod and the annular shape of the cam, prevents misalignment between the cam and switches during assembly or maintenance of the parts. The unit furnishes maximum freedom of choice in positioning the switches, and is adaptable for various cylinder diameters.

Abstract: An improved limit switch operator head assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a rotatable operating shaft which is rotatable in reverse switch commutating directions, and a helically coiled torsion spring for effecting return of the operating shaft to a center or non switch commutating position. It further includes a U-shaped member formed of thin spring steel which is held in friction producing abutting relation against the coils of the torsion spring to damp the snap-back action of the latter and thereby prevent reverse rotations of the operating shaft beyond its center position.

Abstract: An apparatus for bagging a comminuted material such as broken or shredded tree bark, shredded insulating materials, plastic pellets, granular fertilizer material, grain or the like has a hopper provided with a discharge chute and bag holder adapted to sense the presence of a bag associated therewith, means for discharging a measured volume of bark into the bag responsive to the bag holder, means for conveying the bag after it is charged with bark through means for sealing the bag, and conveyor means for carrying the sealed bag to storage or transporting means.

Abstract: A device is disclosed by which two paired controls in an aircraft flight control system, such as pitch controls, or the roll controls, which are ordinarily operated in coordination by the pilot by use of a single operating control may, when the control on one side of the airplane is damaged and jammed, accomplish a disconnect of that side, and so free the opposite side control for operation. The aircraft can often be flown with just the one side control in commission, if freed from the opposite side. The device is in the nature of a bell crank, and the disconnect means is in the hub thereof.Also disclosed is a novel bi-directional sensor incorporated in the input arm of the bell crank, and which gives an indication to the pilot when the linkage to the corresponding control surface, or the control surface, is damaged and jammed. This sensor has application other than in aircraft control systems.

Abstract: An electrical limit switch has a rotary camshaft provided in an operating head which is mounted upon a main switch body which houses electrical switch contacts. Rotational input motion of the camshaft is translated into a linear output motion of an actuator for operating the switch contacts. A minor return spring acts in series with a major return spring upon a flat formed in the camshaft to center the camshaft in a neutral position. The minor return spring is compressed as the camshaft is initially rotated to enable a low torque operation of the shaft until after actuation of the switch contacts, while the major return spring is compressed after switch actuation to provide a principal return force for the camshaft upon its rotary deviation from the neutral position. A spring stop element is inserted between the major and minor springs to limit compression of the minor return spring following an operation of the switch contacts.

Abstract: A limit switch construction is provided in which a first component is affixed to a first section of a housing and a second component is affixed to a second section of the housing. When the two sections of the housing are assembled, the components electrically engage one another and are encompassed by the housing. The first component includes a pair of stationary contact means and a third contact means selectively movable into electrical contact with either of said stationary contact means. The second component is provided with a plurality of terminals which are electrically connected to corresponding contact means of the first component when the housing sections are assembled. The contact means and terminals are located adjacent one of the side walls of the first and the second sections and the second housing section is provided with an elongated pocket for accommodating portions of the electrical leads extending into the housing and connected to the terminals.

Abstract: The utility and range of application of conventional electrical limit switches is greatly increased by the provision on the pivoted switch actuating arm or lever of a unidirectional actuator attachment. The attachment element is pivoted to the arm and cooperates with a stop lug on the arm to render the element active for moving the switch actuator arm in response to engagement of the element by an object moving in one direction relative to the element. When the element is engaged by an object moving in the opposite direction, it yields relative to the arm and is incapable of moving the arm to actuate the switch. In an alternate operating mode, the attachment element may be rendered rigid with the switch arm to form an effective extension thereof.

Abstract: A rotary lever operated limit switch for indicating when a device reaches a limiting position. The switch is comprised of a motion converter at least partially disposed within a first portion of a housing, and a switch assembly disposed within the interior of a second portion of the housing. The motion converter is comprised of a lever having one end adapted to engage the device, and a shaft assembly having one portion thereof attached to the other end of the lever and another portion thereof for providing a switch motion to open and close contacts of the switch assembly upon movement of the shaft assembly and the lever. A first means is provided for restoring the shaft assembly towards its initial position from a position within a range defined by a first predetermined position and the initial position of the shaft assembly. A second means is provided for restoring the shaft assembly towards its initial position if the shaft assembly exceeds the above defined range.