Abstract: A connector device is disclosed which can branch or terminate signal lines for making a mutual connection among a plurality of units. The connector device includes switches between signal line connection terminals so that the connector may serve as both a branch connector and a strap connector. A hook is provided on a body case of the connector device and usable in interlock with the switch. A groove engageable with the hook is formed on a connector element case for external circuit connection so that through the selective engagement of the hook with the groove the element case is prevented from being inadvertently detached from the body case. During the detachment of the element case, the contact pin is placed in a short-circuited state at all times. A terminating connector device is also disclosed which is comprised of a combination of a connector body with first and second connector elements. The connector body includes first and second pairs of terminal.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a housing, coil connector screws and associated connection rails within the housing, a module in a casing received in a recess of the housing, the module being adapted to limit or attenuate voltage peaks, the module having electrical connectors for electrically connecting the module to the connection rails otherwise than through the coil connector screws, the electrical connectors being a pair of metallic leaf springs each in contact with one of the connection rails, the case being of a generally rectangular configuration with a corner recess at two corners thereof, and each corner recess mating with a projection of the housing and being snap-connected thereto.

Abstract: An electrical connector containing a switch which makes or breaks an electrical connection when the connector is plugged into or unplugged from a mating connector. The switch is located in an aperture in the electrical connector. It is capable of limited reciprocal motion parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aperture. The switch includes at one end a pair of normally touching contacts and a dielectric finger. Electrical connection is broken when the switch reciprocates so that the dielectric finger is interposed between the normally touching fingers and, likewise, electrical contact is made when the reciprocation movement of the switch removes the finger.

Abstract: A modular lamp socket and switch device with fixed switch contacts formed in a ratchet face, and movable contacts in a matching ratchet face cam driven in a snap-acting manner. A turn-knob or a push or pull-type switch assembly provides the cam drive action. Either a one-way or a three-way lamp socket device may be constructed for a turn-knob, push-knob, or pull-chain type using essentially the same components.

Abstract: A pressure switch having mechanical and solid state components enclosed within a common cover. The mechanical components and the cover are secured to a support. The mechanical components include a snap acting switch having terminals connected to an alternating current source and an alternating current motor and a diaphragm that operates the snap switch in response to pressure changes in a fluid system. The cover includes a dividing wall that separates an internal cavity within the cover into two chambers with a rear chamber providing an enclosure for the mechanical components and the front chamber providing an enclosure for the solid state components that include means for detecting the motor current and voltage and a microcomputer. The dividing wall has spaced openings for connectors that provide a separable electric connection between the terminals in the rear chamber and the solid state components in the front chamber.

Abstract: An integral switch connector with remote actuator has a plurality of conductive terminals disposed within a switch housing. A slide member is remotely biased to make or break contact between contact arms to switch voltage between terminals. A connector disposed within switch housing provides connection to a remote apparatus. The remote actuator has a snap-action feature, to bias the slide member independently of the speed of movement of the manual biasing means. Movement of the actuator assembly biases a non-conductive actuator rod disposed within a non-conductive sleeve, to bias the slide member within the switch housing to make or break electrical communication between terminals. A spring disposed between the slide member and the switch housing breaks electrical contact between terminals should the actuator rod fail. A link coupling provides a removable connection between rod and sleeve at a location between actuator and switch assemblies.

Abstract: This invention discloses a switch structure wherein a plurality of metallic contacts are recessed in a contact holding member of electrical insulating material, each contact is arranged not to overlap one another when each contact is developed on the same plane, and by bending a part not to be recessed of at least one contact a contact area is formed facing a corresponding contact area formed on the part not be recessed of another contact so as to perform a relative contacting and separating operation.

Abstract: A connection socket (11) includes an electrical component (16) having a control shaft (18, 35) which is coaxial with a rotatable cylindrical plug (12) in a recess (19) of the connection socket (11). The component (16) can be adjusted by rotation of the plug (12) which engages a coupling member (30) on the control shaft (18, 35) of the component (16).

Abstract: A safety receptacle or contact system for use at the outlet end of an electric supply line and for connection of at least one attachment plug that has at least two contact pins; the receptacle comprises a base plate; at least two connector ends supported by the base plate; a lid or cover housing including a front plate having at least two openings for receiving the plug pins and for guiding them into contact with the connector ends; an electrical circuit associated with the receptacle for controlled connection of the connector ends with the electric supply line and comprising a relay for breaking contact between the connector ends and the supply line when the two plug pins are withdrawn from the receptacle; and a light barrier connected with the relay for control thereof and arranged for operation in response to connection or non-connection of the plug with the receptacle.

Abstract: An electrical device of the type which is mounted on a base plate is formed of a plurality of individual components which are mounted on only one portion of a divided base plate. In one embodiment, the electrical device is a multipolar switch and the individual components are plate-shaped elements. The divided base plate is provided with at least first and second base plate portions which are separable from one another along a division which extends transverse to the major planes of the base-shaped elements. The plate-shaped elements are coupled to the first base plate portion, and the second base plate portion is advantageously replaceable in a simple manner such that electrical connections to the electrical device can be configured illustratively as screw-receiving connections, or connector connections. The interchange between various types of second base plate portions can be achieved without disassembly of the electrical device.

Abstract: An electric circuit interrupter and associated mounting comprises an elongated support element of insulating material mounted for swinging movement about a fixed pivot and having a pair of movable contacts mounted thereon and engageable with fixedly mounted contacts, a circuit interrupter mounted on said elongated support element and having a pair of terminals respectively connected with the movable contacts, and an electric bus of conducting material connected with one of the movable contacts and having a plurality of points of connection for cooperating with one terminal of the circuit interrupter whereby circuit interrupters of different ratings and physical dimensions may be mounted on said elongated support element.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a protective device for an electronic instrument wherein input and output lines to and from the instrument are always isolated from calibration input and output terminals. This is accomplished by placing reed switches on or closely adjacent the non-magnetic instrument front panel, the switches being arranged to connect one of the input lines and terminals to the instrument circuitry while disconnecting the others therefrom, this being accomplished under control of a magnet placed adjacent the switches during a calibration procedure. The switches are further arranged to short circuit the output test terminals in the unenergized switch state to prevent insertion of unwanted signal current or voltage in that state.

Abstract: An output jack for an electric acoustic guitar is installed at a guitar body and is adapted to receive a first plug connected to one end of a first cable which couples an output tone signal of the guitar to an external power amplifier. The jack further comprises a receptacle portion inside the guitar body for receiving a second plug connected to one end of a second cable, the other end of which is coupled to a pickup device. The output tone signal of the guitar is transmitted to the external power amplifier via the second cable, the second plug, the jack, the first plug, and the first cable in this order. The jack further comprises an electromagnetic shielding member for shielding the second plug from an electromagnetic induction against the second plug.

Abstract: A wall switch and a wall outlet each comprises a plug-in unit to be inserted in a niche installed on a base which also includes a panel and a base plate bing fixed together. Between the panel and the base plate, a control frame and a movable latch are sandwiched, and each of them has a projected end extending out of the apertures in the panel so as to facilitate manual operation for removing the plug-in unit. In addition, a thumbtack pin may be furnished at the back of the base plate, penetrating through the base plate and the movable latch so as to prevent the plug-in unit from being removed directly.

Abstract: A controlled access socket assembly wherein a locking device prevents unauthorized movement of the actuator of an electric switch that selectively connects and disconnects a source of electrical power to an electrical outlet socket adapted to receive the male plug of an electric power cord. A plug holding device is movable between positions that selectively holds and releases a power cord plug from being held in the socket. A cam is operatively associated with the switch actuator to urge the holding device to its holding position when the latter is in its plug-releasing position when the actuator is moved to cause deenergization of the socket, with the cam preventing movement of the holding device to its releasing position solely when the switch actuator has been moved to cause deenergization of the socket.

Abstract: An electrical plug comprises a plug body which houses two or more electrical terminals for connection to electrical cables, at least one of the terminals being conductively connectable and disconnectable from its respective contact pin. To achieve this, the plug body is provided with a tumbler switch, operable to effect electrical contact between a spring contact permanently conductively connected to the contact pins and the terminal by means of a pivoted lever normally biassed out of contact with the terminal by means of the spring contact. The rocker of the switch may be operated manually, but manual operation will be over-ridden on insertion and withdrawal of the plug from its complementary socket. The automatic switch control means comprises an axially slidable pin projecting from the plug body in the "switch on" position and retractable into the plug body on engagement of the axially slidable pin with the front face of the complementary socket, to urge the switch into the "off" position.

Abstract: An integral switch means on a printed circuit board is provided by a plurality of parallel conductor segments having insulating gaps which are aligned in a column transverse to the conductor tracks. Posts supported on the printed circuit board support and align a rigid support member for an elastomeric member having a plurality of conductor strips positioned to separately bridge the respective gaps of the connector segments on a printed circuit board when the elastomeric member is positioned against the printed circuit board. Spring biasing means extends between support posts and the rigid support member for normally urging the elastomeric member into the printed circuit board in position to close the switches. Actuator means is movably supported relative to the printed circuit board to cooperate with the support member to move the elastomeric member against the bias of the spring away from the printed circuit board.

Abstract: In a high-current connector, a plug and plug socket are provided with means for relative locking in a position in which at least one contact-pin of the plug and/or of the plug socket is located opposite to the corresponding contact-strips but without touching them.

Abstract: An electrical switch for use as a coding device comprises a plurality of pairs of associated contacts (2, 3) carried in a circular array by a base (1) and enclosed by a cover (5), and a coding key (11) receivable in holes (20, 21) in the base (1) and cover (5) and having removable actuator surfaces (32) the presence or absence of each of which determines the closed or open state of an associated pair of contacts (2, 3).

Abstract: A portable electrical circuit control unit with a key-lockable switch means assembled on a molded base member of insulating material with said unit including an electrical receptacle or outlet for receiving the plug on a conductor from a motor and also including an extension cord for connection to a source of electricity all on said base member which is covered by a molded member of insulating material to house that which is assembled on said base member and cooperate in maintaining the same on said base member, with said switch means including bridging contact means in continuous electrical connection with the receptacle or outlet and selectively operable to electrically connect with said extension cord and complete a circuit to said receptacle or outlet, said switch means including a removable key to disable said latter means.

Abstract: Electrically powered apparatus is provided with a remote primary control station from which energization of the apparatus is usually controlled, and a secondary control station, such as a jog control station, which is remote from the primary control station and close to the apparatus, from which energization of the apparatus may also be controlled. A single manual push button start control module may be mounted at either station, so that when the module is at the secondary station there is no start button at the primary station. A holding circuit provides for extended energization of the apparatus when the push button is momentarily depressed at the primary station, and there is a stop button at the primary station; while the secondary station has no holding circuit. The holding circuit is disabled when the module is mounted at the secondary station, so the apparatus cannot be energized by mounting a second identical start control module at the primary station.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle has a stationary terminal bracket at each blade opening and a spring loaded center contact pressure element which deflects as the blades of a plug are inserted. A push button snap switch is mounted to the back of the receptacle and is operated by the contact pressure element as a plug is inserted or removed from the receptacle. The spring loaded biasing of the center cntact pressure element is non-conductive and isolated from the electrical circuit of the receptacle.

Abstract: A probe-actuated guard-shield switch mechanism automatically disconnects a guard shield to an input terminal of a measurement instrument upon insertion of a guard probe, and reconnects the guard shield upon removal of the guard probe. The mechanism provides a break-before-make connection sequence for safety reasons, and also provides a non-conductive safety gate to minimize shock hazard.

Abstract: A watthour meter socket assembly of the type which engages the blades of a watthour meter. The blades are frictionally held by pairs of spring-loaded conductive jaws, which form the female contacts of the socket assembly. Helper springs are provided to increase the biasing of the jaws. In order to provide a conductive bypass when the meter is removed for servicing or replacement a reciprocable, conductive blade is mounted on a slide mechanism so that it can be wedged between the jaws. The wedging action simultaneously spreads the jaws apart, allowing removal of the meter.

Abstract: In a tape recorder provided with a power jack which includes a rod-like conductive member, a relay conductive member insulated from the rod-like conductive member, and an elastic conductive member having elasticity and being capable of moving a first position, at which the elastic conductive member is separated from the relay conductive member by inserting a plug to the power jack, and a second position, at which is in contact with and electrically connected to the relay conductive member, a main switch for the tape recorder comprises a cylindrical rotary member having an inner periphery, an outer periphery and a recess formed in the outer periphery.

Abstract: An assembly protectively housing an electrical component includes electrical test points connected to the electrical component and accessible by electrical test instrument probes to enable testing of the electrical component while the assembly is physically mounted in an operational location and electrically connected in a circuit. In one embodiment an end of a lead is exposed flush with the end of a rectangular housing. In another embodiment an end of a lead is exposed within a small well defined in an outer surface of the housing. In a third embodiment of the invention openings are provided in a cover portion of a housing to permit test probes to contact electrical circuit conductor terminals protectively contained within the housing.

Abstract: A quick attach/detach instrument panel and method in which the panel may be both mechanically and electrically connected to the support frame by zero insertion force connectors and in which the individual instruments on the panel may be easily removed from the front of the panel and electrically and mechanically connected thereto by zero insertion force connectors.

Abstract: A hot line load pick-up hand tool for use in electrical transmission and distribution systems has improved electrical conductivity and is capable of temporarily picking up and safely carrying high voltages being transmitted by energized main and branch feeder cables and transferring current therefrom to non-energized distribution lines prior to and during installation of permanent current transfer connections, all without any likelihood of damage to the cables or appreciable danger to workmen. Trip mechanism for closing the circuit through the tool after installation can only be reset prior to being placed in use, and the tool is inherently incapable of permitting breaking of the circuit while it is in place clamped to the main line. The entire tool is easily and quickly disassembled for inspection and cleaning of all its component parts.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a body having one open end exposed for adaptation of a pyrotechnic cartridge and the other end sealed by the base of a pin type connector assembly having short conductive pins and elongated conductive pins with relief areas containing insulative material. The pins are inserted into the body cavity. A conductive grounding plate or plates have tabs which bite into the pins and connect selected pins in a first operational state. A plunger having fracturable bosses is located adjacent the contact plate. Upon activation of a pyrotechnic cartridge, pressure is applied to the plunger, causing fracture of the bosses and resulting in the displacement of the plunger to move the contact plate to a different position thereby changing the number of closed circuits.

Abstract: A unitary rectangular junction box module composed of a back rectangular base block molded from non-conductive material and having parallel bus bars laid edgewise in its front face and arranged lengthwise of its opposite side walls, the opposite ends of the bars terminating short of the outer surfaces of its end walls, in combination with a front rectangular block having a centrally disposed rectangular opening extending rearwardly therethrough, the marginal back face of the front block being laminated to the marginal borders of the front face of the back block to thereby lock the opposite ends of each bus bar between the block while leaving the intermediate bar segments accessible through said opening. The opening also may be used to telescopically receive selected unitary plug-in accessory modules for use with the junction box module.

Abstract: A portable tool for making and breaking high magnitude load currents is provided which is reliable in operation, can be used in applications lacking mechanical switching or cutout apparatus, and provides a secondary, visual assurance to the user when a load is broken. The device preferably includes a pair of vacuum bottle-enclosed, load-making and -breaking contacts, along with a series-connected pair of visually observable contacts exteriorly of the vacuum bottle. Spring-biased operating mechanism assures that the bottle-enclosed contacts actually make and break the load current during use of the tool, while the secondary contacts are operated in sequenced relationship to the make and break contacts. When the device is used to break a current load, transparent portions of the tubular walls of the device permit the user to visually perceive a large open air gap between the secondary contacts.

Abstract: There is provided an improved interlock mechanism for a plug and receptacle. The receptacle houses an electrical circuit breaker which controls the power to a set of contacts in the receptacle. A pair of spring biased ears are mounted on the outside of a barrel portion of the receptacle which receives the plug and locks the plug to the receptacle. A pair of rods are mechanically coupled to the circuit breaker and adapted to be received in corresponding holes in the ears when the plug is in the receptacle and the power is switched on. However, when the plug is not in the receptacle, these rods will abut against a solid surface on the ears during an attempt to switch the power on. Thus, power may be switched on only when the plug is received in the receptacle; furthermore, the plug may not be retracted while the power is on.

Abstract: The electrical fixture provides a simple, fail-safe, electrical casing, and electrical service outlet, that may be used out-of-doors by consumers to power outdoor electrical appliances. It contains no doors, gaskets, springs, counter-weights or moveable parts to achieve weatherproof operation. Economic manufacture is achieved since fabrication of the fixture requires only a top cover, base and support stanchion, in addition to the electrical device. A toggle switch controls electrical outlet receptacle power and the casing may also be used as an outdoor hermetically sealed, junction box.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector receptacle comprises a cylindrical shield casing made of a metallic plate and having openings at both ends, and an inner casing made of an insulating material and housed inside the shield casing and having apertures at both ends corresponding to the openings of the shield casing. The inner casing is formed of a protruding portion at the side surface thereof, the protruding portion being formed of a groove communicating with the inside of the inner casing and receiving a contact of an external circuit. A contact member having a first and second contact is provided inside the inner casing and the first contact is positioned for receiving a center conductor of a coaxial cable at the position opposing one aperture of the inner casing, while the second contact is formed at the position opposing the groove of the protruding portion in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction for receiving a contact of the external circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that prevents unauthorized use of an appliance inasmuch as the unauthorized use results in clear evidence of such. Basically the device of the present invention comprises an electrical coupler having means for receiving a male appliance plug and male plug means for insertion into a conventional electrical outlet. A flexible tie device is provided that binds and effectively locks the male appliance plug to the electrical coupler in such a manner that the male appliance plug cannot be removed from the electrical coupler without destroying the integrity of the flexible tie device. In addition, a lock type switch is operatively associated with said electrical coupler for opening and closing the electrical circuit therein and as such, the same provides a master control for a coupled appliance.

Abstract: A reversible direct current, winch motor is controlled by a "dead man" switch. The switch includes a handle pivotally attached to a plug and normally maintained in a neutral position relative to the plug. The plug is received in a receptacle defined in the winch housing. Leads in the receptacle from the motor are normally shunted to provide a winch braking effect. Directional pivotal movement of the switch handle causes power leads in the handle to pivot and engage the motor leads and thereby provide subsequent directional operational of the motor. The handle and plug, as well as the power input leads, are removable from the receptacle for safety and security purposes.

Abstract: A time switching device for controlling dependent devices wherein the time switch device consists of at least two time switch assemblies, the device being provided with a common electric power inlet connector and each of the assemblies being provided with at least one assembly controlled power output connector whereby two or more dependent devices can be controlled from a single electric source.

Abstract: Pluggable miniature relay comprising a plug-in socket connector; the base of which has a complementary configuration to that of the base of the relay. Two walls of the connector ensure the housing of the contact springs which are soldered by an end on the mounting support (printed circuit board) and set up by the other end the electric contact with the relay electrodes. The other two walls have locking studs which home in the recesses of the relay cover, when the relay is plugged-in on the socket connector, and hold it locked on the latter.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle lock having a housing carrying a pair of prongs to be mounted in a conventional wall outlet. Openings are provided in the housing to receive the plug prongs of an appliance to be controlled by the lock. One contact in the housing connects one plug prong to a housing prong, and a second contact connects the other prongs. A key operated cam in the housing makes and breaks one of the contacts, and latching means carried by that contact mechanically locks onto the plug prong. The latching means is controlled by a stem mounted in the housing but cannot be operated to unlock the plug prong to enable the plug to be withdrawn unless the key operated cam is positioned to make the contact.

Abstract: A modular electrical switch/outlet assembly is provided which contains an easy-to-wire wiring box which articulates contact pairs in the form of sockets for bayonet type prongs so that the wiring box will accept alternatively either an electrical outlet module or a switch module, both of which are provided with a pair of connector prongs to mate with the wiring box. All of the parts and sub-assemblies are so constructed that they can be dismantled entirely so that only the elemental parts need be replaced in case of breakage rather than requiring replacement of the entire unit or major sub-assemblies.

Abstract: An integral electrical shorting switch and connector assembly is disclosed having a pair of switch terminals each with a shorting end and an opposite contact end isolated from the environment. A conductive member for operatively shorting the switch terminals is mounted to a flexible, water-impervious boot surrounding and sealing the shorting end of the switch terminals, and a connector plug with contacts forms two interference fit seals at the contact end of the switch terminals.

Abstract: Stackable connectors joining successive lengths of multiwire cable allow versatility in connecting various sections of cable together, and entering the cable to make modifications and equipment substitutions.

Abstract: Load and socket arrangements are disclosed wherein contacts within a socket are connected to an electrical energy source by a magnetic reed switch responsive to magnetic material carried by the load. The socket is disconnected from the source and incapable of producing electrical shock when the load is removed. In one embodiment, a lamp has a magnetic insulator separating its shell and base terminals. In another embodiment, a connector plug has a magnet carried within the body of the plug. Various sockets and circuits for connecting reed switches in the sockets are disclosed. Also disclosed are magnetic adapters for attachment to conventional lamps or plugs so that conventional loads may be used in the sockets.

Abstract: A flexible connector for connecting a circuit breaker in a panelboard wherein the connector comprises a plurality of thin metal straps which are fused together at each end. One end includes an aperture to receive a bolt for bolting to the bus bar of a panelboard. The other end of the flexible connector includes the stationary contact of the circuit breaker, and this end is trapped in the circuit breaker with the stationary contact in position for engagement with the movable contact of the breaker. The flexible connection extends outwardly from the breaker and may be doubled under, so when bolted to the bus bar of the panelboard, the bolted end of the connection lies under one end of the circuit breaker. In a modification a jaw member is included at an intermediate point between the stationary contact end and the bolt receiving end of the connector.

Abstract: An automatic light switching system including a receptacle for an automatic timer whereby the circuit including the receptacle will be operated in response to predetermined settings of the timer. A manual on-off switch is also included so that the circuit can be operated independently of the timer. The light switching system specifically comprises a modification for the circuit's wiring and an adapter whereby standard, commercially-available timers may be utilized to regulate the circuit's operation in predetermined fashion.

Abstract: A switch harness is provided for a cement mixer. The cement mixer has a motor housing which encloses an electric motor and the drive components for the mixer drum. A switch harness is located in the housing and includes an on-off motor switch which is accessible outside of the housing. The harness also has a power cord extending outside the housing for connection with an extension cord. The switch harness has an electrical outlet within the housing for receiving the motor cord.

Abstract: A multi-terminal connector element comprising a stack of alternately arranged conductor grids and spacer grids containing spaced parallel lines of spaced openings which collectively define spaced parallel passages, the axes of which are perpendicular to the planes of the grids, spaced parallel conductors on the opposite faces of the conductor grids continuously extending from edge to edge along the openings with portions extending into the openings, said conductor grids being arranged so that the conductors in adjacent conductor grids are at right angles to each other, wiper bearing elements adapted to be inserted into the passages, mounting wipers which extend radially therefrom and axially spaced therealong a distance corresponding to the distance between conductor grids, said wiper carrying elements being rotatable to move the wipers into engagement with the inwardly extending portions of the conductor elements and conductor elements within the wiper bearing elements connecting the wipers.

Abstract: A connector for testing an electric installation by means of a mobile test connector half which is applied to a fixed test connector half, wherein the mobile half carries pins and push fingers and the fixed half carries sockets and mobile bridge contacts and wherein different distances between co-operating elements of the two halves enable switching operations to be graduated during mating. The invention applies in particular to protection installations.

Abstract: A circuit breaker adapter that is mounted with any conventional electrical connector receptacle to the truck-trailer body. The circuit breaker adapter is constructed so that it is secured by existing mounting bolts of the connector receptacle in order to minimize installation expenses. The circuit breakers are removably locked to the adapter so that they may be individually replaced when necessary.

Abstract: An electrical unit having a frame provided with a terminal means and a bus-bar means electrically interconnected to the terminal means for transmitting electrical current between the terminal means and desired devices electrically interconnected to the bus-bar means, the bus-bar means having a pair of bus-bar sections spaced from each other and having a selector arrangement for electrically interconnecting the bus-bar sections together when the selector arrangement is in one position relative to the frame and for electrically disconnecting the bus-bar sections from each other when the selector arrangement is in another position relative to the frame. The selector arrangement comprises an electrical connector that wedges against both of the bus-bar sections when said selector means is in the one position thereof and a spring is operatively associated with the electrical connector to urge the same into its wedging relation.