Abstract: A mechanical coupling mechanism links an access door, a push-to-start button, and a switch controlling power to machinery behind the access door. The coupling mechanism permits the door to be open and the switch to be open, the door to be closed and the switch to be open, and the door to be closed and the switch to be closed, while forbidding the door to be open and the switch to be closed. The coupling precludes an operator shifting from a condition with the door open and the switch open to that in which the door is closed and the switch is closed with a single action.

Abstract: A device controlling electrical circuitry of a clothes drier has a base which snaps into a panel of the drier and supports electrical control elements mounted in a cavity and an operating lid which covers the cavity and effects operating changes in these elements with rearward protruding elements as it is moved along a linear path.

Abstract: A receptacle for a switch in a control panel accepts either a long or a short switch. The receptacle accommodates a footprint of a long switch and has structure supporting a set of bearing areas for engaging a housing of a long switch and support structure for a second set of bearing areas for engaging a housing of a short switch. The bearing areas for the short switch are positioned adjacent to long edges of the footprint of the long switch. Such receptacles permit design of a standard control panel which accommodates different combinations and arrangements of control switches.

Abstract: A mechanisms for interlocking access doors of appliances such as clothes washing machines to prevent an operator from introducing his hand into an enclosure while machinery is moving therein includes a striker affixed to the appliance door extending from the door hinge in a direction opposite to that of the door engages a linkage which passes through the enclosure wall and operates an interlock switch mounted on the wall and outside the enclosure. Using the invention the interlock switch may be located in a protected piece outside the enclosure where the washing takes place, and the linkage connecting the access door to the switch may be placed where it is difficult to tamper with.