Abstract: A two speed switch (20) for electric motors permits both forward and reverse operation of the motors and eliminates the possibility of simultaneous operation of the switch in both directions. The switch (20) includes a housing (50, 80) for receiving a contact bar (140) therein. First, second and third contact terminal poles (66, 68, 70) are spaced along the longitudinal length of the contact bar (140) within the housing with the third terminal pole (70) positioned on the opposite side of the contact bar (140) from the first and second terminal poles (66, 68). The terminal poles are positioned such that when the contact bar (140) engages two of the terminal poles, it is not in engagement with the third terminal pole. First and second biasing structures (28, 30) engage the bar and normally position the bar against the first and second terminal poles.

Abstract: A safety switch assembly for use in filling a gasoline products tanker and having a body portion and a gasoline level sensing portion. A channel (part-circular in plan) in the body portion fits over the rim of the filler opening of the tanker to enable the rim to actuate a first electrical switch contained in the body portion. The sensing portion projects into the filler opening and includes a reed relay and a float carrying a magnet to actuate the reed relay. The first electrical switch is a double pole microswitch having one pole normally open and the other pole normally closed. The normally open pole is connected to delivery apparatus to prevent delivery unless the rim actuates the microswitch. The normally closed pole is in parallel with the reed relay which has its contacts closed when the float is unactuated. When the gasoline level nears the top of the container the float rises to de-actuate the reed relay and disable the delivery system to prevent spillage.

Abstract: A control unit responsive to axial movements of a motor shaft coupled to an actuator. The control unit provides torque and limit switches which are connected to disable the electric motor. The rotation of the output shaft of the actuator is used to operate limit switches in the control unit so that the motor will be deenergized when the actuator has moved to its full limit or when an excessive torque is encountered. Limits are established by connecting a counting mechanism to the electric motor output shaft. The actuator is controlled in first and second directions by first and second switches. A switch actuator is associated with each switch which is latched into position by the motion of the actuator members. The latch member prevents relative movement of the actuator until the motor direction is reversed, thereby preventing hammering and repeated actuation of said motor upon detection of the torque limit.

Abstract: A switch mechanism includes a fixed contact bar on which two or more contacts may be mounted. A movable contact is associated with each of the fixed contacts. Two independent toggle mechanisms are provided, each responsive to a different pressure-responsive displacement actuator for selectively actuating one or more of the movable contacts. In one embodiment having two normally open and one normally closed set of contacts, one toggle mechanism is connected by a sliding yoke to the movable contacts of one normally open set and the normally closed set, and the other toggle mechanism is connected by a second, independent sliding yoke to the movable contacts of the other normally open set and the normally closed set. Hence the normally closed contacts (which may be used to de-energize a compressor motor) are opened if either pressure limit is exceeded, but only the normally open set is disclosed which is associated with the tripped toggle mechanism. This may be used to indicate an alarm.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is shown as having a housing carrying three electrical terminals with first and second of such terminals respectively terminating in first and second fixed electrical contacts and the third of such terminals being electrically connected to a conductive spring; a further third fixed electrical contact, spaced from the first and second fixed contacts of the first and second terminals, has an aperture formed therein permitting the extension therethrough of an actuator which in turn carries a movable contact which is situated generally between the third fixed contact and the first and second fixed contacts with the spring engaging and urging the movable contact and actuator in a direction whereby the movable contact is moved toward the third fixed contact; a pressure responsive diaphragm situated generally at a side of the third fixed contact operatively engages the actuator and upon sensing sufficient pressure is effective to move the actuator and movable contact against the spring

Abstract: A push-pull switch operator characterized by separable contacts, a contact operating member, an actuating structure movable longitudinally to move said member, a guide adjacent the actuator for guiding the structure through longitudinal movement, the guide having a cam and the actuating structure having a cam follower, the cam follower being mounted on a spring biased slide for movement transversely of the longitudinal movement of the structure to effect push-pull momentary, push-pull maintained, and pull operation of the switch.

Abstract: A switch is provided including an actuating member having a piston portion at one end responsive to applied fluid pressure, a guide portion at its opposite end encompassed by a coiled compression spring, and having an intermediate annular rib engageable with inwardly projecting tabs of actuately extending contact plates. Each of two of the contact plates has a contact selectively engageable with a corresponding contact on the third contact plate in response to movement of said actuating member.

Abstract: The present switch has a main switch lever so pivoted in the trough of an insulating housing, that the lever plays in a path, slightly deviating from the troughway. This assures contact pressure between the conducting lever and fixed contacts along the troughway. A conducting gate switch lever is designed for making and breaking the feeding connection between an electrical source and the main lever. With the gate lever "off", the main lever may pass along a row of fixed contacts without any effect, until the selected contact is reached. Then, the gate lever may be energized by making connection with the source; thus a piece of equipment is fed over the selected fixed contact. The present switch safely handles, unlike a rotating switch, ionized gases, because these gases do not drift by several contacts on their way out. No unwanted electrical bridging to other than the selected pieces of equipment will occur.

Abstract: An electrical controlling device with a single actuating lever, which may be either twisted about its long axis to activate a first electrical controlling means, or tilted about at least one tilt axis perpendicular to its long axis in order to activate a second electrical controlling means.

Abstract: An electrical switch of the kind wherein an operating lever is movable relative to the fixed body of the switch in whole or in part in different modes to operate contacts of the switch. The switch includes a contact carrier which is supported on the fixed body for movement relative thereto in a first plane between first and second positions. A movable contact member is supported by the carrier, but is movable relative to the carrier between first and second positions. First and second fixed electrical contacts are engageable by the contact member in the first position of the contact member while the contact carrier occupies its first position, and third and fourth fixed electrical contacts are spaced from the first and second fixed electrical contacts in the direction of movement of the contact carrier. The third and fourth fixed contacts are engageable by the movable contact member while the contact member is in its first position but with the carrier in its second position.

Abstract: A power actuator for rotating and reversing a high power radio frequency switch is disclosed. The actuator uses a motor drive and a delay cam means to enable the transmitter's interlock switches to be opened or closed before the radio frequency switch is rotated. A manual drive means is provided to manually rotate the radio frequency switch and the interlock switches if desired. The delay cam includes a first cam means mounted on the shaft which drives the radio frequency switch. A second cam means which rotates freely on the same shaft is driven by a remotely controlled motor. The two cams are engaged, in the first embodiment, by an elongated pin which is fixed in the second cam and extends through an arcuate slot in the first cam. In the second embodiment, the arcuate slot cam means is replaced by a single pin which extends transversely through the first cam means drive shaft. This pin alternately engages at 90.degree.

Abstract: A cut-out device, particularly applicable to mining machines, especially gate end machines where the close proximity to personnel in confined spaces gives rise to risk of injury of a very serious nature and even death, comprises a housing associated with a switch or valve and a plunger mounted in the housing in such a manner that movement in any direction of a push-rod projecting from the housing results in movement of the plunger to operate the switch or valve to stop operation of the machine, and two such cut-out devices spaced along one side of a machine may have a trip bar connecting their push-rods so as to widen the extent of protection.

Abstract: A selector switch for use as a pushbutton and rotary switch characterized by a rotatable switch actuator and at least two switch structures, the actuator having a shaft on which a handle is detachably mounted for operation in a plurality of modes to operate the switch structures in different combinations of open and closed conditions, the handle being detachably mounted on the shaft for rotating the cam through one limited sector thereof, and the handle being repositionable on the shaft for rotation through another limited sector thereof.

Abstract: A rotary selector switch characterized by a rotatable switch actuator and at least two switch structures, the actuator having a shaft on which a handle is detachably mounted for operation in a plurality of modes to operate the switch structures in different combinations of open and closed conditions, the handle being detachably mounted on the shaft for rotating a cam through one limited sector thereof, the handle being repositionable on the shaft for rotation through another limited sector thereof, and the handle being rotatable between a pair of spaced ribs on the switch housing.

Abstract: An electrical switch assembly including a plurality of main electrical switches, an operating device for opening and closing the main switches, and a single interrupter switch connected in parallel with the main switches and operable by the operating device. The interrupter switch opens only after any of the main switches opens, so that the single interrupter switch serves as the arcing contacts for all of the main switches. The operating device may include a shaft which is rotatable to operate the main switches and which is shiftable longitudinally to operate the interrupter switch. The shaft may carry a radially projecting follower pin slidable within a fixed guide slot shaped to insure the desired sequence of operation of the plurality of main switches and the interrupter switch. The interrupter switch, which may be a conventional circuit breaker, is a self-contained unit physically separate from the main switches.

Abstract: An improved shaft-operated rotary switch construction for printed circuitry applications is disclosed. The improved switch is a modular design incorporating a standardized rotor element accommodating the mounting of wiper contacts in different positions and different operational orientations. Also disclosed is an improved releasable clutch mechanism providing one mode of operation in which the rotors of different switch sections are coupled together for simultaneous rotation, and another mode in which they are rotatable independently, the operating mode being selected by axial movement of one section's operating shaft relative to that of the other.

Abstract: A push-pull rotary switch for controlling a plurality of lighting circuits on a motor vehicle that includes a longitudinally movable rod adapted to control at least one switch means during its longitudinal movement and an additional switch means when the rod is rotated.

Abstract: An arrangement including an automatic transfer switch, a bypass switch, and mutually cooperable pairs of contacts for electrically connecting the two switches. The entire transfer switch is movable as a unit toward and away from the bypass switch to engage and disengage, respectively, the cooperable pairs of contacts, disengagement of the contacts serving to isolate the transfer switch from the bypass switch and from the power sources and load. The transfer switch cannot be isolated from the bypass switch when the latter is open. The bypass switch can only be closed in a direction which connects the load to the same source of power to which the load is connected through the transfer switch. Each mutually cooperable pair of contacts engage each other solely by friction. There are at least three cooperable pairs of contacts, for connecting the transfer switch to a normal source of power, to an emergency source of power, and to a load, respectively.

Abstract: A push-button mechanism for tuning a radio receiver includes push-buttons that are actuable to rotate a turrent tuner to different extents for station selection. The side of each push-button contacts one end of an individual lever to pivot it through a predetermined angle upon actuation of the push-button. The other end of the lever contacts one of several projections on a bar which extends transversely of the push-buttons and which is coupled via rack and pinion gearing to the drum of the turret tuner. The levers of the different push-buttons have different orientations with respect to the bar so that although each lever is pivoted through the same angle, longitudinal displacement of the bar effected, and hence the setting of the turret tuner, depends upon which push-button is actuated. Upon actuation of a push-button, the bar is locked in its displaced position by means of a leaf spring, and the drum is then locked in position by means of a projection that engages in one of several notches in the drum.

Abstract: An over-center toggle switch suitable for use in an electrical distribution transformer as a series-multiple switch or as a no-load tap changer switch. The over-center toggle switch imparts snap action rotation to a movable contact assembly and, further, cams the movable contact assembly immediately prior to the snap action movement thereby causing an initial rotation of the movable contact assembly. In multiple phase distribution transformers, individual over-center toggle switches are associated with each phase and are interconnected by suitable connecting means to an operating mechanism whereby rotation of the operating mechanism through a predetermined angle causes independent operation of each over-center toggle switch which thereby imparts camming and snap action rotation to the movable contact assemblies in each phase of the distribution transformer.

Abstract: In a control device such as a valve actuator, the improvement comprises means for indicating the number of revolutions undergone by the valve actuator. The rotatable valve actuator drives a plurality of spaced-apart shafts which are geared to each other in suitable driving ratios with each shaft carrying an indicator to indicate the angular position of that shaft. The combination of indicators provides an indication of the number of revolutions by the valve actuator. Means can also be provided to operate one or more sets of electrical contacts when a predetermined digital indication is reached.

Abstract: A remote controlled electrical circuit apparatus having a master control device, a slave electrical circuit device capable of providing variable electrical circuit parameters in response to a force applied thereto, a force-transmitting mechanism including a transmitting thin strip member, longitudinally spaced transverse sections overlying different sides of the transmitting member and a pair of thin strip guide members rigidly connected to the transverse sections. The transmitting and guide members both have the same thickness and are disposed on the same plane to permit them to have a same radius of curvature when subject to bending. A connector at each end of the force-transmitting mechanism connects a respective end of the mechanism to one of the master and slave devices.

Abstract: An assembly of at least two single-pole, double-throw slide switches, with one of the switches being mounted 90.degree. with respect to the other switch. A movable plate is positioned above the two SPDT switches, and the movable plate has apertures or the like which engage the projecting arms of the two SPDT switches, whereby translating movement of the movable plate causes action of one or both of the SPDT switches. Appropriate springs are provided to bias the movable plate to a centered, rest position at all times. Hence, movement of the movable plate as a result of some manual force may affirmatively generate any one of eight distinct signals. The centered rest position of the movable plate may also be considered as a signal-generation position, such that nine distinct bits of information may be communicated through the manual manipulation of a single knob that is connected to only two SPDT slide switches.

Abstract: Tap changing apparatus for switching the turns ratio between the primary and secondary windings of a three-phase transformer. The tap changer includes three mounting boards, one for each phase of the transformer. Each board contains a plurality of stationary contacts arranged in a circular pattern around an axis of rotation and connected to taps from various sections of the transformer windings. A movable contact assembly is associated with each set of stationary contacts and is rotatable around the center axis of each respective contact set. Each movable contact assembly is affixed to a worm gear which operates to rotate the movable contacts between successive stationary contacts in each respective contact set.

Abstract: A switch assembly for a printed circuit board comprises fixed and movable contacts mounted on the circuit board and a separate switch housing mounted on the board which encloses the contacts. The housing has a slidable actuator cam therein which closes and opens the contacts, depending upon its position, and holds them in one condition or the other. The cam is actuated by an externally extending lever. An improved assembly method is also disclosed for assembling switches to circuit boards.

Abstract: A switch for speed control of an electric motor driven vehicle employs a combination of resistance switching, field weakening and voltage switching. A mechanical switch assembly has a speed switch and a voltage switch that are interconnected so that the voltage switch provides 36 volts when the speed switch is in neutral and fifth speed position and provides 18 volts when the speed switch is in first through fourth speed positions. The speed switch has an operator controlled rotor arm that successively engages a neutral contact and five driving speed contacts so that varying resistance is inserted in circuit with the motor armature in the first two speed positions and no external resistance is employed in the third and fifth speed positions. The motor field comprises pairs of first and second oppositely disposed series wound coils with the pairs of coils all connected and energized in series in all but the fourth speed position.

Abstract: A hand-held controller device including a two-piece outer housing shaped to be held in one hand of the user, an internal cylinder pivoted at one end and adapted to telescopically receive an elogated plunger from the other end, the plunger having a contact pin attached to the received end and a hand grip knob affixed to its other end. A first plurality of switch contacts are carried by the cylinder so as to engage a stationary contact in response to the pivotal positioning of the cylinder, and a second plurality of contact elements are also carried by the cylinder and engaged by the contact pin in response to the longitudinal positioning and the rotational positioning of the plunger.

Abstract: A rotary selector switch characterized by a rotatable switch actuating unit and two switch structures, the actuating unit having a shaft with multiple sides on which a cam is detachably mounted for operation in a plurality of modes to operate the switch structures in different combinations of open and closed conditions, whereby a single cam mounted on the shaft in different positions is useful to operate the switch structures in a plurality of switch combinations.

Abstract: The invention is a control mechanism for selectively operating one or more motive devices, such as multiple-speed electric motors, either separately or simultaneously in any combination of the speed capabilities thereof. In particular, the present control mechanism provides a plurality of cam elements fixed on two shafts arranged in a cruci-form conformation, the shafts being rotatable either singly or in tandem by a single control handle to engage one or more of the cam elements with contact switch elements which act to complete circuits or otherwise activate associated apparatus.

Abstract: A multiple switch device is connectable on-line between a multiple conductor electrical cable termination assembly or the like and a receptacle or the like to which the assembly would otherwise be connected. The multiple switch device includes a plurality of slide switches that are selectively actuable to open or to close respective circuits between such assembly and such receptacle.

Abstract: The switch includes a slide, mounted for movement along the housing between first, second and third positions, and carrying a depressable pushbutton. A flexible contact is movable by the pushbutton to a position wherein it is operatively connected to a fixed contact to complete the electrical circuit. The pushbutton and the flexible contact each have corresponding camming and non-camming surfaces thereon which respectively interact to move the flexible contact towards the fixed contact. The corresponding camming surfaces interact only as the slide is moved from the second to the third position. The corresponding non-camming surfaces interact only when aligned and the pushbutton is depressed. Since none of the surfaces operatively interact as the slide is moved from the first toward the second position, wearing of the interacting surfaces is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A device adapted to be mounted on an existing multiswitch panel includes a plurality of spring biased trip rods which are adapted to engage the switch levers to move them to the OFF position when released. The rods are moved conjointly with the switches when the switches are turned to the ON position. Flexible detents block the return of the rods in the OFF direction until displaced by a single actuator rod operated by a programmed timer.

Abstract: A transfer switch to selectively transfer an electrical load from one high voltage source to another includes a shaft connected to a handle. Spaced close to opposite ends of the shaft are two circular slotted cams. Cam followers connected to opposite ends of a follower bar are inserted in the cam slot. The follower bars connected to the cam followers are connected to vacuum interrupter contacts (mechanical vacuum relays). The transfer switch is constructed so that as the cam is rotated the contacts connecting one high voltage source to the electrical load are closed and as the cam is continued to be rotated the contactors of the previously connected high voltage supply are subsequently released.

Abstract: A change-over mechanism for a pushbutton radio tuner is disclosed. The mechanism has a tuning shaft which transmits rotational movement to a pinion shaft in engagement with a crown gear. The tuning shaft is slidably and rotatably mounted on a frame body. The sliding movement of the tuning shaft enables a switch to be changed-over while the rotational movement enables a tuning operation to be effected.

Abstract: Tap changing apparatus for connection to the windings of a three-phase power transformer. The tap changer includes a mounting board on which three sets of stationary contacts, arranged in a circular pattern, are mounted. A rotating contact assembly is associated with each set of stationary contacts and may be pivoted around the center of the stationary contact set for engagement with one of the stationary contacts. An operating bar extends across each set of stationary contacts and is coupled to the rotating contacts by rack and pinion assemblies. When the operating bar is moved in one direction, the rotating contacts are turned in a counterclockwise direction. When the operating bar is moved in the other direction, the rotating contacts are turned in the clockwise direction. The operating bar is moved by a rack and pinion assembly which is connected to a rotating shaft.

Abstract: An electrical switch is provided with a casing having a plurality of means selectively operable for respectively completing a circuit through the casing. A pair of means are relatively movable generally linearly with respect to each other in the casing for controlling the operation of the circuit completing means, and means is rotatably mounted in the casing for driving the controlling means generally linearly relative to each other to effect the selective operation of the circuit completing means.

Abstract: A control device having a support and a first selector member rotatably carried by the support. A second selector member is rotatably carried by the support and is axially movable relative to the support and the first selector member. The selector members are coupled together in a manner to cause the first selector member to rotate in unison with the second selector member when the second selector member is rotated. A pair of spaced spring members are disposed between and respectively engage the selector members to tend to maintain the second selector member axially away from the first selector member. The first selector member has a cylindrical part extending therefrom and the second selector member has a C-shaped shaft rotatably disposed against the cylindrical part of the first selector member.

Abstract: An electrical switch apparatus has a pair of first switches and a second switch each with a spring-loaded part for actuating its contacts. The switches are arranged in a casing in which two slides are movable against springloading in convergent paths. Each slide has first and second cams to engage with and move the actuators of a respective first switch and the second switch, the arrangement being such that when one slide has commenced to move in the switch-actuating direction, it blocks the path of the other slide, with the result that each slide can be moved to actuate a respective first switch and thereafter the second switch, but it is impossible for both of the first switches to be actuated at the same time.

Abstract: A control for navigation receivers, radio compasses, radio, and aircraft telephony, transponders, and the like, comprising at least one control plate means arranged in series and spaced apart from each other behind a front plate, and sprocket wheel means having associated stop wheels for controlling frequencies and other suitable operational functions, respectively, connected with each other by coupling members and rotary knobs. Yieldable control contacts are mounted on the sprocket wheels which cooperate with rest controls mounted on a printed circuit and are operatively connected with the control plate means.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a plurality of means adapted to be movable generally sequentially for switching power through the electrical switch. A plurality of means are adapted to be conjointly and relatively movable disposed in cascaded articulated relation between the switching means at least some of the movable means being conjointly movable relative to at least some of the others thereof for effecting the sequential operation of the switching means. Methods and a system for generally effecting sequential operation of the switching means are also disclosed.