Abstract: A three position switch has three blade or strip type fixed contacts, which can be assembled by insertion in slots provided in the switch case. The switch has a stable center-off condition without requiring a yoke on the center fixed contact. The movable contact cooperates with the actuator's plunger portion to define this center-off switch condition and the elimination of such a yoke provides a simpler switch.

Abstract: A conventional rocker switch case has a secondary pair of aligned openings to pivotably receive a uniquely configured rocker in which the lost motion spring couples the rocker to a conventional floating contact and also serves to return the rocker from one of two limit positions to the other limit position. The momentary switch thereby provided utilizes a floating contact rather than a pivotal lever type movable contact of the non-sliding variety.

Abstract: A "center-off" rocker/actuator switch has cooperating contact lever and actuator pin surfaces that obviate the need for a yoke on the center fixed contact to support the contact lever in its center position. The pin has an enlarged head at its inner end to engage the lever at one or two spaced locations to so support the lever in its center position. A momentary "on" versions has steeply inclined regions of the contact lever on at least one side of the center pivot area thereof, and two progressive "on" versions are disclosed, one with upturned marginal edge portions on the contact lever that cooperate with the pins unique head configuration to permit holding the contact lever "on" in the neutral or "center-off" position for the actuator. The second progressive "on" switch has two "center-off" type contact levers and uniquely shaped pins designed to hold these contact levers in oppositely oriented limit positions when the actuator is centered.

Abstract: A magnetic circuit breaker has a U-shaped magnetizable plate between the solenoid coil and the plastic spool flange located below the pole piece that is engaged by the armature to trip the breaker. This U-shaped disc diverts some of the instantaneous flux created by an inrush current spike away from the pole piece to prevent premature or "instantaneous" tripping of the breaker until a predetermined multiple of rated current is exceeded. In the preferred embodiment this disc is provided in a slot formed in the plastic spool flange itself.

Abstract: A normally open plunger switch capable of closing upon initial movement of the plunger, and allows overtravel of the plunger at least to the extent of one half the depth of the switch. The actuator is pivoted in the case in the manner of a conventional rocker/actuator and it is coupled to the plunger by projecting portions on both it and on the plunger to provide for both these features.

Abstract: A switch case has a lens member pivotally mounted in it so that a lamp resistor circuit provided in the lens member are connected to one another without solder, and so that the circuit components themselves prevent movement of the lens member in its pivotable mount.

Abstract: A rectangular switch case has integrally attached resilient wings adjacent its four corners and each wing has an upper free end portion with mutually perpendicular side and end surfaces which define seriated steps for engaging the opposed sides or ends of various size openings in panels of various thicknesses.

Abstract: A plastic switch actuator is fitted with a spring so as to impart sliding and rocking motion to a movable contact by virtue of direct engagement between spring and element. The actuator may be slidably or pivotally supported in the switch case and has a depending integral portion received in an opening of the element but it is the spring which keeps the element in contact with the fixed switch contacts. Other embodiments provide for illuminating the rocker in the miniature switch through a resistor also provided in the rocker itself, and switched on and off by movement of the rocker.

Abstract: A circuit breaker and mating adapter plate combine to fit a panel opening intended to receive larger breakers. The adapter plate has one resilient and one rigid leg, each with inturned lips so that the adapter can be clipped onto the face of the breaker. One mounting screw utilizes a conventional threaded opening in the breaker, the other attaches to the adapter only.

Abstract: The electric switch includes a molded dielectric case having an upwardly open cavity containing a movable contact operated by an operating member movably mounted to the case. Stationary terminals are mounted in the switch case bottom wall. A divider wall in the cavity forms sub-cavities which isolate the terminals. A skirt having an H-shaped cross sectional geometry separates the terminals from each other on the switch case body portion underside bottom wall. The unique nesting arrangement of the stationary terminal blade portions are confined within the switch case bottom wall periphery to allow attachment of conventional wire connectors which are crimped to the ends of relatively heavy circuit wires.

Abstract: A rocker switch has a spring biased movable contact which is continually connected to an electrical potential source and a lamp in the actuator has one lead connected to this spring and the other to a uniquely located resistor such that the resistor is connected selectively to one of the fixed switch contacts for illuminating the lamp. The lamp wires and the resistor are retained in the rocker by means which permits ease of assembly for these elements.

Abstract: A plastic switch actuator is fitted with a spring so as to impart sliding and rocking motion to a movable contact by virtue of direct engagement between spring and element. The actuator has a depending integral portion received in an opening of the element but it is the spring which keeps the element in contact with the fixed switch contacts. Other embodiments provide for a switch actuator having a movable contact element capable of retention in a "center-off" position wherein the movable contact is held in a stable "off" position in contact with only the center contact. The movable element is readily moved by the depending actuator portion through joint action by the actuator and the spring provided on said actuator.

Abstract: A plastic switch actuator is fitted with a spring so as to impart sliding and rocking motion to a movable contact by virtue of direct enagement between spring and element. The actuator may be slidably or pivotally supported in the swtich case and has a depending integral portion received in an opening of the element but it is the spring which keeps the element in contact with the fixed switch contacts. Other embodiments provide for illuminating the rocker in the miniature switch made possible by this simplified switch construction of fewer component parts. Still further embodiments provide for a toggle style actuator having a movable contact capable of retention in a "center-off" position wherein the movable contact is releasably retained on shelf-like lands defined for this purpose in the switch base, and wherein this contact can be moved by the depending actuator portion through joint action by the actuator and the spring provided on said actuator.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch has a single spring for return of the button, and for the lost motion required to operate a movable contact element between two switch conditions. A staple shaped strut has its head portion loosely received in a recess of the button, and its leg portions cam the movable contact, against the force of the spring, to achieve a desired initial rocking and final sliding motion for the movable contact element relative to a fixed center contact.

Abstract: A plastic switch actuator is fitted with a spring so as to impart sliding and rocking motion to a movable contact by virtue of direct engagement between spring and element. The actuator has a depending integral portion received in an opening of the element but it is the spring which keeps the element in contact with the fixed switch contacts. Other embodiments provide for illuminating the rocker in the miniature switch made possible by this simplified switch construction of fewer component parts. Still further embodiments provide for a toggle style actuator having a movable contact capable of retention in a "center-off" position wherein the movable contact is releasably retained on shelf-like lands defined for this purpose in the switch base, and wherein this contact can be moved by the depending actuator portion through joint action by the actuator and the spring provided on said actuator.

Abstract: A plastic rocker is pivotally mounted in a plastic switch case and operates a conventional movable contact. The rocker has depending sides or legs which resiliently bend inwardly as a result of contacting abutments on the inside walls of the switch case providing a more positive action to hold the rocker and movable contact more securely in the various switch positions.

Abstract: A snap-on actuator converts a toggle switch to a rocker switch without the necessity for pivotally supporting the rocker independently of the toggle. Depending skirts on the rocker actuator engage flats on the bushing, through which the toggle extends, and convexly contoured surfaces engage the upper end of the bushing to support the actuator during its motion. A paddle shaped actuator is also disclosed, and has such skirts and convexly contoured support surfaces.

Abstract: Two or more metal toggles, such as a bat or paddle can be alternatively assembled with a plastic actuator in an otherwise conventional toggle switch so that the bat type toggle can be made as a body of revolution whereas the paddle type toggle is made with non-circular projections on its shank portion which are oriented with respect to the broad dimension of the paddle in order that either the paddle or the bat toggle can be assembled with the same plastic actuator part of the toggle switch assembly. Both types of toggles can be conveniently assembled by inserting the shank portion of either toggle in the opening provided for this purpose in the actuator, and each toggle is adapted to be securely held in the actuator in spite of the difference in the geometry between these toggles.