Abstract: An integrated module encased in protective housing is electrically and mechanically connected to a solenoid, which remotely actuates an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) or lighting contactor. The module includes a full-wave bridge rectifier, voltage transient voltage protection-circuitry, a proximity detector to determine the solenoid's plunger position, and a mounting strap to attach the solenoid to a frame. In addition, the module accepts various resistor values as plug-in devices to reduce a line voltage and incorporates a communication device/modem for connection to the Internet. The module allows a fixed voltage across the solenoid coil, and permits the solenoid to be connected to various operating voltages.

Abstract: A method for locking contacts in an automatic transfer switch is provided. The automatic transfer switch includes a plurality of pole units including a plurality of contact pairs. The method includes mounting an interior locking device in at least one pole unit and locking at least one contact pair individually with the interior locking device housed in that contact pair's pole unit.

Abstract: A method for locking contacts in an automatic transfer switch is provided. The automatic transfer switch includes a plurality of pole units including a plurality of contact pairs. The method includes mounting an interior locking device in at least one pole unit and locking at least one contact pair individually with the interior locking device housed in that contact pair's pole unit.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled automatic transfer switch is provided with an improved voltage sensing scheme which utilizes an open-delta transformer and a control routine for determining voltage level or phase loss. The invention requires only two transformers for sensing three-phase power. An actuator protection feature is also provided to limit the duration of power applied to and to protect the actuator solenoids on the automatic transfer switch. Also provided are improved diagnostic annunciation features which provide specific information regarding switch position and sensing element and/or actuator malfunction.

Abstract: A slide action key shield to hide and protect a key's tumbler cuts and then, on demand, retract to fully expose the tumbler cuts when opening a lock is disclosed. A double capped pin is fixed through the key near the midpoint along the key's length such that each capped end protrudes through a respective longitudinal face slot on the shield to allow the shield to movably cover one half of the shaft of the key or the other. The shield resembles a longitudinally extended sheath open at both ends which conforms to the shape of the key. One end of the shield is flat so that the shield may be easily pushed back by the lock face while the other end is rounded and given side openings to fully retract over the key head without any sharp edges protruding. If the key head is held by a key ring, the retracted shield will be returned by the force of gravity to cover the tumbler cuts when the key is left to hang after use.

Abstract: A connector for use in effecting an optical signal transmissive connection between the ends of optical fibers is provided. The connector comprises a tricuspid fiber-receiving channel defined by three convex walls connected along three longitudinal edges. The three convex walls are sufficiently rigid and uniform so that upon application of forces at the edges and directed toward the center of the channel defined by the convex walls, each of the three convex walls inwardly flexes in a uniform manner. As a result, abutting ends of optical fibers disposed within the channel defined by such convex walls will be tangentially engaged by each of the walls and the fibers will be aligned along a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A phono-socket assembly has a stamped and drawn thin sheet metal grounding shell provided with retainer means at one end of the shell and supporting attachment bracket means on the opposite end of the shell for mounting of the assembly on a panel, and an elongate tubular contact has a phono-plug pin receiving head end portion mounted within the shell on annular insulating means with a terminal portion extending from said opposite end of the shell, retaining fingers extending from said opposite end of the shell and having retaining tips turned toward and into retaining engagement with the insulating means to retain the insulating means in assembled relation within the shell in cooperation with the retainer means and thereby maintaining the head end portion of the contact in position within the shell to receive a phono-plug pin in electrical contact in the contact head end portion.

Abstract: A socket body has increased retention means for push-on retaining engagement with a tube base supplemental to the usual frictional retaining engagement between mating terminals of the socket and tube base. In one form the increased retention means comprises a compressible split key. In another form the increased retention means comprises gripping fingers.

Abstract: A method of making an electrical connector especially suitable for coupling an antenna leadin with a printed circuit board in a receiver chassis comprising forming up a tubular sheet metal body from an originally flat blank into tubular form with confronting edges along a longitudinal joint, providing opposite ends of the body with means for mounting it in functioning position, assembling within the body a member such as a dielectric support carrying an electrical contact in electrically contacting relation at a location within the body spaced from one end of the body which provides an opening into a plug-receiving socket between said one end and said support and mechanically interlocking the dielectric support and the body to retain the body against spreading open at the joint in the vicinity of the support. More specifically, interlocking lug-means are driven from the body into a recess in the support to effect the interlocking relationship.

Abstract: Clamping means such as stiffly resilient gripping fingers are mounted on and about the perimeter area of the grounding shell of a phonojack assembly for thrusting plug shell finger tabs into positive electrical contact with the grounding shell. In a desirable form, the clamping means comprise stiffly resilient gripping fingers on a sleeve secured to the end portion of the grounding shell which is adapted to be secured in grounding relation to a television receiver chassis component. High frequency leakage shielding means are also provided.

Abstract: A snap-in electrical connector assembly, more particularly a power transistor socket, has a body provided with a plurality of retaining fingers each of which has a plurality of retaining shoulder lugs located in differential spaced relation to the plane of a base surface of the body so that the assembly can be mounted on selectively a plurality of different thicknesses of supporting panel by simple snap-in mounting procedure. A positive mounted retention of the assembly is maintained, but release and removal are facilitated. As many as four different mounting panel thicknesses are accommodated according to preferred examples.

Abstract: An electrical connector especially suitable for coupling an antenna leadin with a printed circuit board in a receiver chassis comprises a tubular sheet metal body formed from an originally flat blank and with confronting edges along a longitudinal joint. Opposite ends of the body have means for connecting it in functioning position. One end of the body provides a plug-receiving socket. A dielectric support located within the body spaced from the socket end carries an electrical contact for engagement by a plug inserted into the socket. Means connecting the dielectric support and the body together include a mechanical interlock retaining the body against spreading open at the joint in the vacinity of the support. A plurality of forms of the interlock are provided. A method of making the connector is disclosed.