Abstract: An improved rocker-type switch has a toggle member pivotably mounted on a central pivot member in a frame of a top housing part joined to a bottom housing part holding switch contacts in a modular block subassembly. A pair of movable contact arms is actuated by spring-biased actuator members held in the central pivot member. The modular block subassembly has an insulative top block member, a top switch contact plate with switch contacts on upright tabs inserted through slots in the top block member, an insulative bottom block member sandwiching the top switch contact plate, and a bottom switch contact plate having switch contacts on upright tabs inserted through slots in the bottom and top block members, forming a pair of opposing switch contact positions for the movable contact arms. The switch contact plates have clip portions for inserting the tabs of respective switch contact terminal plates therein. For different switch configurations, e.g.

Abstract: An improved rocker-type switch has a toggle member pivotably mounted on a central pivot member in a frame of a top housing part joined to a bottom housing part holding switch contacts in a modular block subassembly. A pair of movable contact arms is actuated by spring-biased actuator members held in the central pivot member. The modular block subassembly has an insulative top block member, a top switch contact plate with switch contacts on upright tabs inserted through slots in the top block member, an insulative bottom block member sandwiching the top switch contact plate, and a bottom switch contact plate having switch contacts on upright tabs inserted through slots in the bottom and top block members, forming a pair of opposing switch contact positions for the movable contact arms. The switch contact plates have clip portions for inserting the tabs of respective switch contact terminal plates therein. For different switch configurations, e.g.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for opening a circuit when a ground fault has been detected in an attached circuit includes a current path structure containing no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts. A cantilevered movable contact arm and an activation device that moves in a linear fashion can be provided to open the current path structure when a ground fault is detected by the GFCI. In addition, the GFCI can include a transformer boat and solenoid bobbin that are snap fit onto a circuit board and located adjacent each other to provide rigidity to the circuit board and GFCI. The GFCI can be tested by a test switch that includes an integral cantilevered extension from an electrical terminal disposed over a resistor such that the cantilevered extension can be bent by a test button to contact a lead of the resistor and simulate a ground fault condition for the GFCI.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for opening a circuit when a ground fault has been detected in an attached circuit includes a current path structure containing no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts. A cantilevered movable contact arm and an activation device that moves in a linear fashion can be provided to open the current path structure when a ground fault is detected by the GFCI. In addition, the GFCI can include a transformer boat and solenoid bobbin that are snap fit onto a circuit board and located adjacent each other to provide rigidity to the circuit board and GFCI. The GFCI can be tested by a test switch that includes an integral cantilevered extension from an electrical terminal disposed over a resistor such that the cantilevered extension can be bent by a test button to contact a lead of the resistor and simulate a ground fault condition for the GFCI.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for opening a circuit when a ground fault has been detected in an attached circuit includes a current path structure containing no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts. A cantilevered movable contact arm and an activation device that moves in a linear fashion can be provided to open the current path structure when a ground fault is detected by the GFCI. In addition, the GFCI can include a transformer boat and solenoid bobbin that are snap fit onto a circuit board and located adjacent each other to provide rigidity to the circuit board and GFCI. The GFCI can be tested by a test switch that includes an integral cantilevered extension from an electrical terminal disposed over a resistor such that the cantilevered extension can be bent by a test button to contact a lead of the resistor and simulate a ground fault condition for the GFCI.

Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) for opening a circuit when a ground fault has been detected in an attached circuit includes a current path structure containing no more than one splice and no more than one pair of contacts. A cantilevered movable contact arm and an activation device that moves in a linear fashion can be provided to open the current path structure when a ground fault is detected by the GFCI. In addition, the GFCI can include a transformer boat and solenoid bobbin that are snap fit onto a circuit board and located adjacent each other to provide rigidity to the circuit board and GFCI. The GFCI can be tested by a test switch that includes an integral cantilevered extension from an electrical terminal disposed over a resistor such that the cantilevered extension can be bent by a test button to contact a lead of the resistor and simulate a ground fault condition for the GFCI.

Abstract: A standoff assembly is disclosed for supporting an electrical component including at least one lead. The standoff assembly comprises a first supporting member including a protrusion and defining an opening and a second supporting member including a protrusion to mate with the opening of the first supporting member. The second supporting member defines an opening to receive the protrusion of the first supporting member and the protrusions engage one another to assemble the first and second supporting members.

Abstract: A tool for preparing multi-conductor electrical cable in a configuration for termination to and installation in a self-contained wiring device which locates the electrical cable in an anvil and a cutter assembly pierces the outer sheath of the cable and subsequently spreads the conductors of the cable as the cutter is advanced into the cable. The tool also provides flanges adapted for urging the sliced and spread apart conductors in the body of a self-contained wiring device to terminate the conductors to the device and permit closure of the device by a back cover.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector device for coupling to the end of an electrical power cable. The cable is received in a connector housing, passing through a connector body and an apertured collar which is threadably engaged on the connector housing. A particulate shield is located within the connector housing to protect the housing and inner portions of the connector body from the intrusion of particulate matter, such as dust. The shield comprises a series of panel-like leaf segments which circumscribe the cable. The shield cooperates with the collar such that when threaded onto the connector housing, the opening formed by the leaf segments closes around the cable to form a protective covering for the connector housing and connector body.

Abstract: An electrical switch device which includes a pair of movable contact arms which are operatively associated with a three-position switch mechanism so as to permit, in a unitary structure, passage of current to a partial load or to a full load and also to prevent passage of current to any load.

Abstract: An improved liquid mixing device or mixer can be constructed so as to utilize a disk having flat upper and lower surfaces as a boundary layer type rotor for causing fluid movement. This disk is mounted on a shaft which is supported and coupled to a motor in such a manner that vibration is not transmitted to the shaft as the motor is operated so as to turn the shaft. Such a liquid mixing device is considered to be primarily valuable for use in mixing a wide variety of various types of beverages.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing infusions such as any of several forms of the beverage coffee can be constructed so as to include an enclosed container in which water is adapted to be heated so as to be utilized either as hot water or as steam. An electric heating element is associated with the container for heating the contents of the container. A bottom outlet from the container is adapted to convey hot water and is connected to a line or conduit to the inlet of an infuser or brewing basket, the outlet of which is adapted to convey a complete beverage or infusion to an appropriate container. A top outlet from the container is adapted to convey steam from the container through an appropriate conduit or line containing at least one valve to another container where such steam may be used in preparing a beverage such as cappuccino or may be employed for generalized heating purposes.

Abstract: An infuser which is primarily intended for use in making coffee can be constructed utilizing a container having a bottom inlet. A filter element is located within the interior of the container in such a manner that the position of the filter element relative to the bottom of the container can be adjusted. The outlet for the container comprises a tube slidably mounted in the bottom of the container and spring biased upwardly so that the upper end of the tube is in communication with an opening through the filter at all times that the filter is in place within the interior of the container. The container preferably includes a lid which seals off the interior of the container and which carries a threaded shaft and a nut type structure for linearly moving the shaft. The shaft is secured to the filter so that as the nut is rotated the position of the filter within the container can be varied.