Abstract: A control shaft and knob assembly includes a control knob having a slot defined therein. The assembly also includes a control shaft which (i) has a bore extending therethrough, (ii) includes a spring arm which is positionable within the slot of the control knob, and (iii) has an opening defined therein. The assembly further includes a locking pin having a first retention member secured thereto. The locking pin is positionable in the bore of the control shaft. When the locking pin is positioned in the bore of the control shaft (i) the locking pin is positioned to inhibit inward deflection of the spring arm, and (ii) the first retention member is received into the opening of the control shaft. A method of securing a control knob to a control shaft of an appliance timer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control shaft and knob assembly includes a control knob having a slot defined therein. The assembly also includes a control shaft which (i) has a bore extending therethrough, (ii) includes a spring arm which is positionable within the slot of the control knob, and (iii) has an opening defined therein. The assembly further includes a locking pin having a first retention member secured thereto. The locking pin is positionable in the bore of the control shaft. When the locking pin is positioned in the bore of the control shaft (i) the locking pin is positioned to inhibit inward deflection of the spring arm, and (ii) the first retention member is received into the opening of the control shaft. A method of securing a control knob to a control shaft of an appliance timer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-adjusting multicircuit brake switch is accomplished by employing a switch housing with an integral mounting means that is carried on a brake pedal actuation pin. The brake master cylinder push rod is also carried on the brake pedal actuation pin and directly actuates a plunger on the brake switch eliminating the need for adjustment. Multicircuit capability is provided by a plurality of blade switches that are actuated by the plunger with integral activation arms. The plunger's integral activation arms can be configured to: make or break electrical contacts when the plunger is depressed, mechanically break electrical contacts, sequence blade switch operation, and be micro-adjusted during production to compensate for component tolerance variations. Additionally, blade switches can be configured to provide contact wiping action.

Abstract: A relay is enclosed between a cup-shaped cover and a plate. The cover includes a bottom and side walls. The interior circumference of the distal end of the side walls is notched a rim. A first flange is formed on the plate a distance from the edge of the plate that is smaller than the thickness of the rim. The height of the first flange is less than the length of the rim. A second flange extends from the first flange generally perpendicularly to the plate, sloping away from the outer circumference of the plate. As the cover is moved toward the plate, the second flange engages the inner surface of the wall and forces it outwards moving the rim toward the first flange. When the rim and first flange meet, ultrasound is applied. The rim and first flange melt at their point of contact and air is compressed in a pocket formed by the wall, rim, and second flange as the rim moves toward the plate, forcing the flash from the enclosure. Any flash which is not forced from the enclosure is trapped in the pocket.

Abstract: An automobile brake switch assembly including a mounting clip and two brake switches, each brake switch including a threaded, cylindrical plunger housing. The mounting clip includes two hollow, cylindrical sleeves, each having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the threads on one of the brake switches. The sleeves are integrally molded, together with a plate that joins them, out of acetal plastic. Each sleeve includes a thread-like tooth molded about the inner circumference and located approximately centrally in the cylinder. Four slots are formed in each sleeve parallel to and spaced about the cylindrical axis, the slots cutting the tooth to form four teeth. The slots permit expansion of the teeth when the threaded plunger housing of the corresponding brake switch is pressed into the sleeve so that the threads may ratchet on the teeth.

Abstract: A control assembly has various types of control elements such as switches and potentiometers carried in a housing. The housing includes an applique which has openings through which manual operating levers extend to operate the control elements. The applique includes labelling to indicate the functions being controlled. Lights are carried in the housing with the light emanating therefrom being directed to the openings for sharp illumination at the openings, in the levers, and the labelling.

Abstract: An electrical contact arm is spring biased against electrical paths by a coil spring which is carried on a hub of a rotating member which also carries the electrical arm. An electrically conductive path is also carried by the rotating member to provide switching functions.

Abstract: An axially spring biased plunger has a cam which upon simultaneous engagement with a pair of switches opens one of the switches while closing the other.

Abstract: A gear train is connected to a motor carried in a housing and has an output member extending into another housing, the output member having at least one cam lobe. Electrical switch means carried in the second housing are responsive to the cam lobe.

Abstract: A coupling means coupling a motor to a series of teeth coupled to a cam means includes a no-back pawl mounted in and carried by a plate, a drive pawl slideably carried by the no-back pawl, aligned apertures in each of the pawls, and a gear means coupled to the motor and having a hub portion extending through the apertures with a drive portion eccentric to the rotational axis of the hub and engaging the drive pawl.

Abstract: A timing mechanism has an intermittent drive mechanism disposed in axial alignment with a cam means and between an end plate of the timer housing and a plate carrying a constant speed drive means.There is also included an adjusting means permitting manual setting of the cam means with respect to the switches responsive thereto.