Abstract: An electric snap-action electric switch is disclosed which employs movable contact means having an inverted V-shaped cam surface. The movable contact means is spring biased into engagement along its cam surface with the end of a pivoted operator lever. Upon movement from one extreme position the lever cams and pivots the contact means inwardly of the switch until the end of the lever rides beyond the apex of the V-shaped surface, whereupon the contact means moves with snap action under spring action to change switch circuits. Contact wiping action occurs during inward pivotal movement of said contact means, and abutting stationary contact engagement results from its snap-action movement.

Abstract: A snap-action overcenter contact mechanism utilizes a spring-loaded apexed plunger depressibly cammed within a rockable actuator block. The plunger rides in tracks in the block which ensure registered pivotal movement of the block and plunger, and also guides the plunger for depression within the block perpendicular to the pivotal axis thereof. A cam, which may be in the form of a roller mounted to a linearly sliding operator or a toggle lever operator, traverses the plunger to depress the plunger within the block against the bias of compression springs. When the cam translationally crosses the apex of the plunger, the stored energy of the springs is released, and the plunger and block pivot to an alternate position. A positive off feature is also disclosed wherein secondary cams formed on the operator strike the block to force it to pivot to an off position if the first cam has crossed the apex of the plunger and the block has not pivoted to the off position.

Abstract: A snap-action overcenter contact mechanism utilizes a spring-loaded apexed plunger depressibly cammed within a rockable actuator block. The plunger rides in tracks in the block which ensure registered pivotal movement of the block and plunger, and also guides the plunger for depression within the block perpendicular to the pivotal axis thereof. A cam, which may be in the form of a roller mounted to a linearly sliding operator or a toggle lever operator, traverses the plunger to depress the plunger within the block against the bias of compression springs. When the cam translationally crosses the apex of the plunger, the stored energy of the springs is released, and the plunger and block pivot to an alternate position. A positive off feature is also disclosed wherein secondary cams formed on the operator strike the block to force it to pivot to an off position if the first cam has crossed the apex of the plunger and the block has not pivoted to the off position.

Abstract: An improved self-retaining type of ball and socket mounting for pivotally mounting and securing a toggle lever switch operator in the mounting bushing of an electric switch. The bushing is formed of a resilient plastic material, and has semi-spherical socket into which a complementary formed but slightly smaller pivot portion is press fitted. The socket and pivot portion of the lever are designed to constrain the lever in desired directions of oscillatory movement while preventing withdrawal through the outer end of the bushing.

Abstract: A multipurpose electric trigger switch adapted to be mounted in the handle of a portable electric tool for controlling the A. C. power circuit and, to afford a higher rating, the switch is provided with double-pole butt contacts. A movable contactor is pivoted and translated on a resilient terminal into wiping and abutting contact with a stationary terminal in response to linear sliding movement of an operator having a cam which engages inclined camming surfaces on the contactor.

Abstract: A multipurpose electric trigger switch adapted to be mounted in the handle of a portable electric tool for controlling the A.C. power circuit and, to afford a higher rating, the switch is provided with double-pole butt contacts. The contacts of the switch have a controllable amount of wipe, very low bounce, are non-teasible, have steady contact pressure at the point of tripping open, and have a considerable amount of trigger lever movement between trip "on" and trip "off" positions. The amount of wipe is controlled by the amount of flexure of flexible contract terminals. The low bounce and non-teasibility are controlled by the angular rocking of a spring-biased self-centering rockable plunger and the snapping action of an actuator having camming surfaces in engagement with the plunger and rocking surface in engagement with the flexible contact terminals. Steady contact pressure at the point of tripping open is achieved due to an inclined camming surface of the actuator rising to an apex point.

Abstract: RFI (radio frequency interference) is eliminated by placing conductive grease between the toggle lever and its pivot pin in an electric switch to insure good connection of the toggle lever to ground through the housing. This conductive grease also prevents any tendency for the rubber seal material forcing its way into the space between the pivot pin and the toggle lever during the in situ molding operation which otherwise might insulate the toggle lever and cause RFI radiation due to its antenna effect.