Abstract: An electrical apparatus cover plate which has an enclosing base plate (20) mounted on a wall over electrical apparatus, such as toggle switches or convenience outlets. A slideable member, including a toggle actuator bar (42), nests within the plate and interfaces with the electrical switch toggle lever. A cap (26) covers and retains the bar which is longer than the base plate permitting the switch to be actuated by pushing the bar in a vertical direction transferring the movement to the switch. In another embodiment, the slideable member is a protective shield (50) that is retained through a dovetail arrangement provided in the base plate and covers a convenience outlet for protection also allowing the shield to be slid upward exposing the outlet and permitting an electrical plug to be inserted, also maintaining the uncovered position while in continued use.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the inadvertent disconnection of an electrical connector or plug inserted into a corresponding wall receptacle. The apparatus is comprised of a channel-shaped cord retention member (40) connected with two threaded fasteners (48) and (52) to an attaching member (12). The attaching member (12) is basically formed of resilient material (16) and contains a grooved rod (24) that protrudes beyond the bottom surface of the attaching member (12). A wall plate-receiving member (64) is provided with a slotted opening (68) through which the grooved rod (24) penetrates when pressure is exerted on the resilient material (16). The compression force maintains contact with the attaching member (12) and the wall plate (64). An electric cord is positioned between the cord retention member (40) and the attaching member (12) by compression of the two threaded fasteners (48) and (52).

Abstract: A motor controller for use in railway-crossing signal-gate mechanisms is provided herein. The controller is of a cam type which includes a cam assembly having a movable cam insert that cooperates with a cam follower and switch assembly. The switch controls the gate arm raising motor. The cam insert and cam follower are arranged such that when the gate arm approaches the upright position the cam insert slides quickly or snaps to a position, which permits the switch contacts to open quickly, thereby minimizing arcing between the switch contacts. Moreover, with the cam insert in this position, oscillation of the gate arm about the upright position, which is caused by the gate arm striking the arm stops and bouncing back, is minimized.