Abstract: A hand operable switch includes an operating knob that is movable longitudinally or rotationally about a longitudinal axis of the hand operable switch. The operating knob is accessible from any circumferential location of the hand operable switch. A housing includes switching elements wherein movement of the operating knob moves an activation rod relevant to the switching elements for activating a switching element that corresponds to movement of a controlled device. A converter converts the hand operable switch into a foot operable switch.

Abstract: Apparatus for foot operating an electrical element having a rotatable operating shaft comprising a base member adapted to be secured to a floor and defining a top opening cavity, a shaft rotatably mounted in opposite side walls of the base member, a treadle member mounted to the shaft and arranged to rotate the shaft when depressed by foot pressure, a support member secured to the base member in the cavity and having at least one upstanding wall, an electrical element having a rotatable operating shaft mounted to at least one upstanding wall, an operating arm mounted at one end thereof to said shaft and extending to a free end thereof toward said electrical element operating shaft, said free end including a surface, a flexible cord connected at one end thereof to said operating arm toward the end of said of said operating arm mounted to said shaft, extending over said surface, spirally wrapped a plurality of times about said electrical element shaft and anchored at its other end to a point on the base member.

Abstract: A foot switch which comprises a housing member defining a hollow cavity bounded by front, back and side walls with a pair of spaced apart rib members within the housing spaced intermediate the side walls. Journaled between each side wall and a rib are generally U-shaped members having a first treadle and a second operating arm. The second arms are journaled in the housing and one of the ribs and the first treadle arms are accessible without the housing and adapted to rotate the first arms upon application of pressure. A torsion spring is positioned about each of the second arms between a side wall and a rib and arranged to bias the second arms into a predetermined position. At least one switch having an actuating arm is secured in the housing member. Switch arm actuating members are also secured within within the housing to act on the switch arms and are actuated by the second arms of the U-shaped members when the first arms are depressed under foot pressure.

Abstract: An operating mechanism is disclosed for effecting actuation of rheostats, air valves, electric switches and the like using a single spring having a single apex whose movement effect operation of one or more devices. A further mechanism is disclosed for effecting movement of the spring apex whereby at least one additional spring is engaged during movement of the spring apex to provide increased resistance to movement of the spring apex thereby to provide tactile indication of the position of the operating mechanism.

Abstract: A foot operated control unit is provided with a base to be placed or fixed in non-sliding engagement on a floor or other supporting surface, and the actuating member is a cover mounted for sliding movement on the base. The cover is dimensioned so that the operator can place his foot on the top thereof and by pressing forwardly or rearwardly thereon, slide the cover longitudinally of the base. Relative movement of the cover and base is utilized to function one or more control elements such as a valve, switch, rheostat or the like mounted on the base.