Abstract: An arrangement is provided for interconnecting a set of two or more circuit breakers such that tripping of one will cause concurrent tripping of the others. A coupler adapted to be placed in a recess defined by the abutting side walls of two adjacent breakers is engageable with trip members in both of the associated breakers and provides operative interconnection between the two breakers. Only one of the breakers of the set need be provided with an operating handle which can be used to turn all of the breakers "on" and "off" in unison.

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 progressive "on" switch has one common or first contact formed with a projecting portion located alongside a complementary intermediate or second contact, and a floating contact element which is movable through successive positions to a full "on" position wherein one element edge abuts the third contact and an opposite element edge abuts fulcrum defining portions of these first and second complementary contacts.

Abstract: A rocker switch housing has an upwardly open base, and a recessed cover secured to the base and defining a central upstanding boss for pivotally receiving an actuator. Aligned openings in the side walls of the recessed cover pivotally receive a manually movable rocker. The rocker is connected to the actuator, and loosely received in the recess, having a rectangular shape similar to that of the recess. The rocker may optionally have one or more transparent panels to provide light from one or more small lamps mounted in small openings in the recess of the cover to provide an indication of circuit condition. The two-part housing provides an environmentally sealed space for the switch contacts and for the electrical connection to the lamp.

Abstract: The toggle is of transparent plastic so that a lamp inside the switch case can illuminate the inner end of the toggle and thereby light up that portion of the toggle projecting outwardly of the case. Two colors are possible, to reflect the on/off condition of the switch. A transparent red colored plastic actuator is provided at the inner end of the toggle to contrast with the clear plastic toggle itself, and light from the lamp, in one position of the toggle must first pass through this red actuator prior to reaching the toggle, thereby making the toggle appear red. In the other toggle position, the light from the lamp strikes the inner end of the clear plastic toggle directly without first passing through the actuator, thereby giving the toggle a clear light.

Abstract: A toggle switch housing has an upwardly open base, a cover bracket secured to the base and a cover for a recessed upper portion of the cover bracket. The cover bracket recessed portion includes an upwardly projecting boss which pivotally receives an actuator, and the upper end of the actuator projects through the cover to define a toggle or bat. The cover may have one or more transparent panels to provide light from one or more miniature lamps mounted in small openings provided for this purpose in the cover bracket in order to provide an indication of circuit condition. The three-part switch housing provides an environmentally sealed space for the switch contacts, and for the electrical connections to the lamp.

Abstract: A rocker switch housing has an upwardly open base, and a recessed cover secured to the base and defining a central upstanding boss for pivotally receiving an actuator. Aligned openings in the side walls of the recessed cover pivotally receive a manually movable rocker. The rocker is connected to the actuator, and loosely received in the recess, having a rectangular shape similar to that of the recess. The rocker may optionally have one or more transparent panels to provide light from one or more small lamps mounted in small openings in the recess of the cover to provide an indication of circuit condition. The two-part housing provides an environmentally sealed space for the switch contacts and for the electrical connection to the lamp.

Abstract: A shielded contact slide switch is disclosed having two plastic dielectric parts, one of which parts houses the fixed electrical contacts, and the other of which parts moves relative to it and houses the bridging contact. Mating surfaces of the two parts are designed to seal off the contacts from environmental effects, and the actuator is defined on the movable part and has projecting portions to overlie a cavity or recess in the fixed part housing the fixed contacts regardless of switch position. The movable part also has projecting ears extending laterally into the side walls of the fixed part to restrict the sliding part to movement as dictated by the relative locations for the fixed and movable bridging contact. A spring return single pole double throw switch is disclosed but in place of the return spring another pole might be provided.

Abstract: A plastic washer is disclosed having a radially inwardly projecting tab for mating with the slot in a conventional threaded switch barrel, and the washer may be stacked with other similar washers in spite of the fact that each washer defines a projecting post adapted to mate with a locating hole provided for this purpose in the panel where the switch is to be mounted. Each washer also includes an open cavity or hole for receiving the post of an adjacent washer so that the washers can be stacked, and can also be used to locate the switch housing angularly with respect to the generally circular opening normally provided in the panel for such a switch. The same washer is also useful as a lock washer due to its resilient plastic composition.