Abstract: A three-position electrical switch includes a rocker-type actuator adapted to be pivoted within a housing in opposite directions from a neutral position to first and second actuated positions in order to close first and second sets of switch contacts. The actuator carries a latch which normally engages the housing to prevent the actuator from being pivoted from its neutral position to either of its switch-closed positions. By manually pulling on the latch and then pivoting the actuator, the actuator may be moved to either of its switch-closed positions; the two-step operation protecting against accidental actuation of the switch. The actuator is frictionally maintained in one of its switch-closed positions but may be returned to its switch-open position by a simple single motion thereby enabling rapid opening of the switch under emergency conditions. The actuator is only momentarily held in its other switch-closed position and returns automatically therefrom as soon as it is manually released.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a rocker-type actuator adapted to be pivoted between first and second positions within a housing in order to close and open switch contacts. The actuator slidably supports a latch which normally engages the housing to prevent the actuator from being pivoted to its switch-closed position. By pulling on the latch and then lifting on the actuator, the actuator may be pivoted to its switch-closed position; the two-step operation protecting against accidental actuation of the switch. The actuator may be returned to its switch-open position by a simple single motion thereby enabling rapid opening of the switch under emergency conditions. A high strength rivet supports the actuator for pivoting within the housing and also supports the latch to pivot with and to slide relative to the actuator.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a rocker-type actuator adapted to be pivoted between first and second positions within a housing in order to close and open switch contacts. The actuator slidably supports a latch which normally engages the housing to prevent the actuator from being pivoted to its switch-closed position. By pulling on the latch and then lifting on the actuator, the actuator may be pivoted to its switch-closed position; the two-step operation protecting against accidental actuation of the switch. The switch housing is mounted with a snap fit in an opening iun a panel. A lug on the housing engages the underside of the panel to prevent the switch from being pulled out of the opening in the event a heavy lifting force is applied to the actuator without first releasing the latch. One switch contact is adapted to pivot and slide on a fulcrum which is laterally offset from the pivot axis of the actuator in order to delay opening of the switch relative to the position of the actuator.

Abstract: A three-position electrical switch includes a rocker-type actuator adapted to be pivoted within a housing in opposite directions from a neutral position to first and second actuated positions in order to close first and second sets of switch contacts. The actuator carries a latch which normally engages the housing to prevent the actuator from being pivoted from its neutral position to either of its switch-closed positions. By manually sliding the latch and then pivoting the actuator, the actuator may be moved to either of its switch-closed positions; the two-step operation requiring a conscious effort and protecting against accidental actuation of the switch. The actuator is frictionally maintained in both of its switch-closed positions but may be returned to its neutral or switch-open position by a simple single motion thereby enabling rapid and easy opening of the switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a rocker-type actuator adapted to be pivoted between first and second positions within a housing in order to close and open switch contacts. The actuator carries a latch which normally engages the housing to prevent the actuator from being pivoted to its switch-closed position. By pulling on the latch and then lifting on the actuator, the actuator may be pivoted to its switch-closed position; the two-step operation protecting against accidental actuation of the switch. The actuator may be returned to its switch-open position by a simple single motion thereby enabling rapid opening of the switch under emergency conditions. In one embodiment, the latch cannot be moved to an unlatched position and the switch cannot be actuated unless an authorized person with a key connects the key detachably to the latch.

Abstract: An electrical toggle switch with self-contained indicating devices for displaying the operating condition of the switch and the electrical equipment controlled thereby. The switch may be of the single pole double throw type, or the double pole double throw type, operated by a three position toggle lever which actuates a fulcrum mounted conductive bridge. The switch housing incorporates indicating lamps with color coded lenses. A legend plate assembly mounted on the switch includes a readily interchangeable legend plate which indicates switch function whether or not specifically illuminated.

Abstract: An electrical toggle switch with self-contained indicating devices for displaying the operating condition of the switch and the electrical equipment controlled thereby. The switch may be of the single pole double throw type, or the double pole double throw type, operated by a three position toggle lever which actuates a fulcrum mounted conductive bridge. The switch housing incorporates indicating lamps with color coded lenses. A legend plate assembly mounted on the switch includes a readily interchangeable legend plate which indicates switch function whether or not specifically illuminated.

Abstract: A portable electrical circuit control unit with a key-lockable switch means assembled on a molded base member of insulating material with said unit including an electrical receptacle or outlet for receiving the plug on a conductor from a motor and also including an extension cord for connection to a source of electricity all on said base member which is covered by a molded member of insulating material to house that which is assembled on said base member and cooperate in maintaining the same on said base member, with said switch means including bridging contact means in continuous electrical connection with the receptacle or outlet and selectively operable to electrically connect with said extension cord and complete a circuit to said receptacle or outlet, said switch means including a removable key to disable said latter means.

Abstract: An electric switch having an insulating housing and at least one opening into said housing from outside thereof, with a user inserted wire terminal insertable into said opening from the outside thereof and lockable coincidentally with such insertion, said wire terminal serving a first function of providing an internal switching contact within the switch and a second function of coupling the switch into an electric circuit.

Abstract: An auxiliary switch assembly for mounting on and operation by a power contactor includes a molded plastic housing cover to be mounted on the contactor by screws which provides a space within the housing for two electrical switches, which for this assembly are standard snap-action switches, and space for a movable element mechanically connected to the actuator of the power contactor which moves within the confines of the housing cover to engage the plunger in each such switch.

Abstract: An electrical rocker switch of the type having a removable actuator key to prevent turning the switch "on" when the key is removed, such switch having a rockable carrier member for operating switching bridge structure, a rocker member mounted cooperatively with said carrier member in a switch casing and with each such two members being movable independently of the other about a common axis. The removable key couples the rocker member and carrier member so that all three are then operated together as a coupled structure by actuation of such key, said switch having contact means for two different circuits, with the key member when inserted into the carrier-rocker members in one direction accomplishing the operation of the contact means to close one of said two circuits through the switch, and with removal of the key member, rotation thereof through 180.degree.

Abstract: A lockable electric grounding switch comprises a two-piece switch housing which has an upper conductive portion into which a hollow cylindrical insulating portion is inserted, with the two portions secured together. The upper conductive portion has a slot in it for accommodating a key, and cam surfaces are provided on the underside of the end of the conductive housing to cause the key to be cammed downwardly when it is rotated to push a resiliently biased metal contact out of engagement with a shoulder of the metal portion of the housing. This opens the circuit between a terminal mounted in the other end of the insulating portion of the housing. The contact and the terminal are normally electrically interconnected by a compression spring which biases the contact into engagement with the metal housing when the key is removed or is rotated to an "off" position.