Abstract: A capacitor body that is carried in a container is anchored within the container by a cup-shaped member that is disposed at opposite ends of the capacitor body. Each cup-shaped member includes a spike which engages the ends of the capacitor body to hold it in place.In a preferred embodiment, the spike is cylindrical and engages a hollow core having a bore that is hexagonal in cross-section.

Abstract: A timing mechanism is started by pushing a plunger against a cam assembly to disengage a cam from a switch to allow the switch to close. The cam assembly is axially spring biased against a wall of the timing mechanism to stop its movement after the switch closes. The plunger is axially spring biased against the cam assembly to permit it to proceed and override the cam assembly to prevent jamming of the plunger or other elements of the timing mechanism until a stop prevents continued movement of the plunger.

Abstract: Rotation of a cam means of a timing mechanism is provided by two sets of axially aligned ratchet teeth having different major diameters and a drive pawl selectively engaging the two sets of teeth. A masking means provides a predetermined point at which the drive pawl engages the set of teeth having the lesser major diameter during the time the drive pawl is in working relation to that set of teeth. The arrangement provides a means to have short effective pawl strokes during non switching time periods.

Abstract: A pair of lights are carried in a housing. One of the lights is in a constant "on" position, while the other is intermittently turned "on" and "off" through a switch means. The switch means is open and closed through a contact arm that is carried on a pivotally mounted cover for the housing.

Abstract: Isopropyl biphenyl is used as a dielectric fluid for a-c electrical capacitors. An additive of an epoxide having the chemical name 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexane carboxylate in an amount of at least 30% by volume of the dielectric fluid increases its dielectric constant.

Abstract: A control system for a washing machine having a plurality of selectable functions, with each function including a plurality of predetermined operational steps, providing a control element for controlling the performance of each operational step, an input to the control element for selecting one of the functions, circuitry for interfacing the control element with the apparatus for allowing direct control of the operational steps by the control element, and an instruction program located within the control element for effecting the control function of the control element, the instruction program including a first instruction group for distinguishing a selected function from the other selectable functions, a second instruction group for registering the function distinguished by the first instruction group, a third instruction group for initiating performance of the predetermined operational steps of the registered function and for registering a period of performance for the initiated operational step, and a four

Abstract: A cathode electrode of copper-based material adapted for use in an electrical device is provided with a deposit of silver coated with a finely divided electrically conductive material such as graphite palladium or platinum. The silver deposit is formed by reacting a dilute solution of sodium-silver cyanide with the copper-based cathode electrode. When utilized in an electrolytic capacitor, the cathode electrode helps to increase the capacitance of the cathode electrode and the contact of the copper-based material to an acid electrolyte is uniformly distributed over a large area to provide extended operation with high ripple current with deep cycles of charge and discharge.

Abstract: A clutch particularly adaptable to a timing mechanism comprising a metal member with an aperture in it and an insert molded as a single unit a plastic shaft extending through the aperture and having two plastic clutch discs engaging opposed faces of the rotating member. Flanges extending from the clutch discs connect the discs to cam means of the timing mechanism.

Abstract: In a capacitor, a dielectric provides zero to about 10 weight percent of an antioxidant and glyceryl triacetate. The capacitor body includes metallized polypropylene film forming the electrodes and a separating dielectric. Air is excluded from the capacitor body during construction and dielectric fluid is prevented from impregnating the body and from imbibing into the polypropylene film by the characteristics of the glyceryl triacetate. By means of this construction, disruptive electrical or corona discharges and their harmful effects are reduced.

Abstract: A capacitor of the type including a pair of rolled electrode sheets and dielectric spacer interleaved therebetween with the dielectric spacer including at least one sheet of polypropylene film, provides the dielectric spacer with at least one sheet of polyethylene teraphthalate film.

Abstract: A pivotal shaft is connected to an actuator with the actuator being pivotally mounted with one end extending into a conduit and the other end being pivotally connected to the shaft. Actuation of the actuator through fluid flow causes the shaft to pivot and, if desired, causes actuation of a switch.The pivotal shaft is carried in a housing which has an opening connected to an opening in the conduit. The actuator is pivotally mounted within the housing opening where a dam is provided to substantially prevent bypass of water through the housing around the actuator to provide better and more reliable actuation force.

Abstract: An electrical component of the type including a housing, a component element located within the housing, and at least a pair of electrical connectors coupled to the component element and electrically accessible from outside of the housing, provides a resistive element electrically contacting both of the connectors and including a predetermined, finite electrical resistance for forming an electrical path of known resistance between the connectors.

Abstract: Rotation of a cam means of a timing mechanism is provided by three sets of axially aligned ratchet teeth having different major and minor diameters and a drive pawl selectively engaging the three sets of teeth.The arrangement provides a means to delay the actuation of switches which control the functions of an appliance.In one embodiment, the relationship between the three sets of ratchet teeth allows a variable range of interval times in a single timer program. That is, the arrangement provides variable dwell times versus cam advance times.

Abstract: A float assembly for a sensor provides a float member having a channel passing therethrough, a mounting for the sensor on the float, a guide passing through the channel for guiding the movement of the float member, a stop including a magnet located on the guide for limiting the movement of the float, and a magnetically activated switch included in the float member for activating when in proximity to the stop magnet for indicating that the float member is in proximity to the stop.

Abstract: An automotive accessory control system provides a single, centralized electronic control circuit for automatic switching of exterior lighting, intermittent windshield wiper operation, electric window defogger control and instrument panel lighting control.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon sensor float for use in detecting the presence of hydrocarbons on the surface of a liquid provides an elongated floatation member having a top end and a bottom end and also having a cavity located centrally therealong and extending completely therethrough, a sensor assembly including a sensor and at least one electrical conductor coupled to the sensor, the sensor assembly being positioned in said floatation member for locating the sensor in the cavity for allowing access of the liquid thereto and for causing the electrical conductor to extend from the top end of the floatation member, and an attachment for a variable amount of weight at the bottom end of the floatation member for providing a variable floatation level for the member with respect to the liquid surface and likewise for the sensor for allowing adjustment of the detection depth for hydrocarbons at an installation site.

Abstract: An improvement is presented for a timing mechanism wherein the closing of a particular circuit results in a high electrical current surge. The rapidity of the circuit closure (made necessary by the current surge) results in contact bounce. A fast drop of a cam follower is provided by a cam having a substantially flat outer periphery and a face which has a steep drop with a gentle curvature. Upon dropping the cam follower, electrical contact arms are engaged which include a coil spring damper to dissipate kinetic energy encountered during contact closure, thereby preventing the contacts from bouncing.

Abstract: A bi-directional speaker unit is provided by a wedge shaped member having intersecting walls with spaced parallel angled louvers.The unit is coupled to a base member through a snap on means permitting other type units to be used with the same base member.

Abstract: An anchoring device for securing a capacitor body to a printed circuit board provides a circumferential band for encircling the capacitor body, the band including a crimpable section for reducing the circumference of the band and for applying compression to the band to engage the capacitor body, and a plurality of connectors affixed to the band and extending perpendicular to the circumference thereof for penetrating the printed circuit board to allow mounting of the clamp and thereby the capacitor body to the printed circuit board.