Abstract: A switch operating apparatus for the disconnecting switch of a movable electric device carried on a vehicle such as a trailer has a rotating plate rotatably mounted on the side of the vehicle, an upper operating rod connected to the disconnecting switch, a lower operating rod connected to the upper operating rod by a universal or other flexible coupling, and an operating handle which detachably connects to the lower operating rod. The rotating plate has a downward-extending operating position and a horizontally-extending storage position. When in the operating position, it can be safely and easily operated by an operator standing on the ground, and in the storage position, it is clear of the tractor truck which tows the trailer. It is thus superior to coventional switch operating apparatuses which need to be detached from the disconnecting switch when the vehicle is moved or else are mounted so high on the vehicle that the operator can not operate the apparatus while standing on the ground.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital switch which is manually rotated step by step and which comprises a casing, a wheel rotatably supported in the casing, device for manually rotating the wheel step by step, an electrical contact carried by the wheel, an electrical circuit board attached to the casing and provided with a plurality of electrical contacts which are successively touched by the electrical contact carried by the wheel when the wheel is rotated step by step, for producing an electrical signal in accordance with a stepping rotary position of the wheel, and a locking device for disabling the wheel rotating device.

Abstract: A push switch, fixed on the back of a rotary variable resistor, comprises a stationary contact formed on the bottom of an insulating housing part, a movable contact of convex form, and a drive means formed on the end of an arm integrally molded with another part of the insulating housing. The drive means is mounted to the end of the operating shaft, and pushes the central part of the movable contact. Normally, the movable contact during axial movement of the operating shaft does not make contact with the stationary contact, when the operating shaft is pushed, the movable contact however, makes contact with the stationary contact. When pressure on the operating shaft is removed, the movable contact is returned to its original position by the resiliency of the movable contact and the arm.

Abstract: A pushbutton assembly for a switch includes a cylindrical housing having an axial bore therethrough, one end of the housing being enlarged to define a cup-shaped cavity communicating with the bore. An elongated tubular actuator body is reciprocally movable in the bore. At one end of the body and received in the cavity is an inverted cup-shaped head having an end wall and a cylindrical side wall. The other end of the body is bifurcated to define flexible legs. An annular recess in the body adjacent to the upper ends of the legs receives an annular projection on the body for limiting axial movement of the actuator. Unitary with the head are three elongated flexible resilient bias members engageable with the housing for resiliently biasing the actuator to a normal rest position. Two embodiments are disclosed, one in which the bias members are intergral with the head side wall and another in which the bias members are integral with the head end wall.

Abstract: A multiple input, multiple output combination switching connector for matingly connecting a plurality of first connectors with a plurality of second connectors characterized by a housing, respective input and output conductors adapted to make electrical contact with the respective first and second conductors, respective wheels for rotating respective input conductors into electrical contact with respective output conductors, each of the wheels including an electrically conductive path connected with a respective input conductor and with an electrically conductive output contact that is adapted to be rotated into electrical contact with respective output conductor. The wheels are individually rotatable within the housing and a bias is provided for maintaining the wheels within the housing and biased together such that electrical continuity through each path per wheel is maintained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a block and bleed valve system comprising a chamber 2 having first and second fluid passage openings 6,7 provided with first and second valves 10,11, and connected in use of the system to respective pipe sections 26,27 from which the chamber 2 is isolatable in use by closure of said first and second valves 10,11. The chamber 2 also has a drain opening 9 provided with a drain valve 15; and a spray means 18 having a spray head 21 formed and disposed in the chamber 2 for spraying substantially all the interior surfaces of the chamber 2 with cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A tactile feedback switch having a contactor element having a curvilinear portion which temporarily changes from a substantially convex shape to a substantially concave shape upon movement of the contactor element into engagement with an electrical contact. An indentation in the contactor element reduces the force otherwise needed to be applied to the top portion of the contactor element in order to maintain the contactor element in engagement with the electrical contact.

Abstract: A tray and basin combination particularly useful for soaking medical implements, such as urological instruments, in a treatment solution. In use, the tray is self-elevating within the basin; however, a magnetic retainer is provided for selectively holding the tray in a lowered condition, with the articles supported thereby immersed in the treatment solution, until the treatment is completed and the tray is to be raised.

Abstract: An attachment for incorporating discrete electrical components in a membrane switch panel. The component is attached to a base member which in turn is secured to the membrane switch panel, either mechanically or adhesively. At least one pair of holes is cut in the membrane and spacer of the membrane switch panel. The leads of the electrical component extend through these holes and into contact with the electrical circuit on the substrate of the switch panel.

Abstract: The cam switch mechanism which is particularly appropriate for use in a pullkey where one must be able to initiate two separate switching operations, i.e. lockout and signal, enables a pull on a wire at either end of the unit to trigger a first response, e.g. lockout, but still permits further pulls on the wire to trigger repeated second responses, e.g. signal. First and second microswitches are actuated via independent cam followers whose movement is controlled by linear sliding cams connected respectively to the pullwires at opposite ends of the unit. Each cam comprises two parallel cam plates with the four plates interleaved so that recessed zones in the plates control movement of the cam followers. A manually controllable actuator, such as a lockout knob, may be provided to actuate the first microswitch independently of the movement of the linear cams without inhibiting subsequent sliding movement of the linear cams.

Abstract: A push button switch assembly includes a base having an internally threaded aperture therethrough and a cylindrical housing closed at one end by a circular end wall having a cylindrical bushing portion which is threadedly engaged in the base aperture. A mounting member surrounds the bushing portion and is clamped between the base and the housing, the mounting member having resilient arms respectively received in corresponding recesses in the housing and projecting therefrom adjacent to the other end of the housing for resilient gripping engagement with an associated support wall in which the assembly is mounted. An actuator reciprocates in the bushing portion and is coupled to a push button disposed at the open end of the housing, the actuator engaging the contact means of a switch which is secured between attachment members on the base. Two different bases are provided for respectively mounting a microswitch or a leaf switch.

Abstract: A modified wall plate for a standard toggle switch outlet is equipped with an arm or lever adapted to slide on the plate. The arm or lever is provided with a hollowed protuberance extending outwardly from the front face of the arm and arranged to receive and enclose the actuating finger of a standard toggle switch when the modified wall plate is attached at an existing wall outlet for the switch. The arm or lever is equipped with a detachable rod extending to a substantial distance below the bottom of the wall plate to a level within reach of a small child, thus enabled to safely operate the switch.

Abstract: A safety switch comprising a drive and locking device. A key is used to operate the drive. The drive comprises a ram longitudinally moved by the key. The locking device includes a blocking member for the ram which can only be released by the key.

Abstract: A cover for a leaf switch comprises a cover body having defining a space which receives contact elements of the leaf switch. The cover body engages with a movable contact element to allow the leaf switch to be actuated as a result of movement of the cover body and receives a fixed contact element. The fixed contact element is kept still when the movable contact element is moved together with the cover body. The arrangement described had been found to be effective in preventing or reducing contamination of the contact elements of the leaf switch by dust.

Abstract: A contact arrangement for electric switchgear is disclosed. The contact arrangement comprises a bifurcated offset contact bridge having two contact bridge parts, each of which is inserted into an opening in an actuating contact bridge carrier. Each contact bridge part rests on a first supporting surface of the opening. A spring retainer rests against the contact bridge and a compression spring is mounted between a second surface of the opening and the spring retainer. The spring retainer is guided in the contact bridge carrier against movement transverse to the direction of motion of the carrier. Each end of each contact bridge part is provided with a semicircular contact pad which, when the contact bridge parts are placed adjacent each other, form a bifurcated circular contact pad which engages with corresponding stationary contacts.

Abstract: A key cap and switch are provided for an electronic keyboard apparatus such as an electronic typewriter, a computer, or other data input apparatus. A torque rod is provided which is mounted pivotally directly on the switch and interconnects by sliding and pivoting connection with opposite ends of the key top, and thus to prevent tipping of the key top if an off center depressing force is applied thereto. Since the torque rod is mounted on the switch and interconnects with the key top it can be preassembled with these parts and need not be assembled with the switch mounting panel or any other fixed parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: A mounting device for switches wherein a cylindrical body used as a casing for switches has an outer peripheral surface, an upper portion of which is formed with an external thread portion for bringing a fastening body into engagement, and a lower portion of which is formed with a mounting portion for detachably mounting an elastic mounting member. Either the fastening body or the elastic mounting member is alternatively used whereby the cylindrical body is mounted on a panel plate by the fastening body or the elastic mounting member.At least one of the elastic mounting members is provided with an anti-rotation member for preventing rotation of the cylindrical body with respect to the panel plate.

Abstract: A novel capacitance type switch has a completely dust proof structure and ensures smooth switch operation. The switch comprises a stem supporting a movable contact and slidably inserted into a switch case; a plurality of holes formed in the switch case around the stem so as to permit air to pass therethrough into and out from the switch case; a cover surrounding the holes and in intimate contact with the switch case so that the inside of the switch case can communicate with the inside of the cover; the cover being made of a resilient material; and a dust filter made of a seal material interposed between the inside of the switch case and the atmosphere.

Abstract: A driving arrangement for electrical switches is described, which has a mechanical independent trip release mechanism. Toward this end, a coupling lever 46 is situated between a driving lever 26 and a coupling bar 27, whereby said coupling lever 46 is arranged on the coupling bar 27 and operated by a stationary configuration. For that purpose, an independent trip release lever 56 has been provided which is pivoted together with an activating element 55 for the coupling 46 by an off-switch jack 40 during the switch-off mode. The described independent trip release mechanism has been designed for manual or self-activating release as well as activation upon removal of a movable switch from a regulating cell. The new driving arrangement is especially suitable for applications with medium voltage type output switches, such as switches equipped with vacuum switching tubes.

Abstract: Key switch assembly comprises a frame having a column in which a plunger is contained. The plunger is biased to an extended position by a spring and is movable to its depressed position. A bell crank is mounted adjacent to the column and has a camming arm which extends alongside the plunger and a switch closing arm. The plunger has a stiffly flexible camming rod and the column has a cam which flexes the camming rod during depression of the plunger so that it engages the camming arm and causes the switch closing arm to close the switch associated with the plunger and frame. The switch is closed for only a brief interval during depression of the plunger and the switch closing lever returns to its normal position after the camming rod moves past the cam.