Abstract: A switch operated to an open circuit condition by a closed lid of an automatic clothes washing machine. The switch housing is comprised of two parts which mate with each other and with the specially configured switch operating shaft for inhibiting entry of liquids into the switch contact chamber of the housing by splashing or by capillarity. A vent tube leads from the housing and, in effect, accepts air resulting from the air in the housing expanding when the switch is warm and which allows back flow of that air into the housing when the air in the housing cools. The tube prohibits pressure developing in the housing which is negative with respect to ambient atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An interlock device for preventing access to a moving part of an appliance, such as the spin drying basket of a washing machine, until the basket has coasted to a stop during a spin drying cycle. A switch lever is actuated by closing the closure lid of the machine. This closes a switch in series with a bimetal and the basket drive motor. Motor current heats the bimetal which deflects and drives a dual purpose actuator which drives a lid locking lever to engage a latch and also closes a switch connected in shunt with the bimetal so as to bypass the bimetal momentarily and then conduct alternately through it so it does not overheat.