Abstract: The velocity of a snap action, spring loaded vacumm switch closing mechanism is substantially reduced by impacting a lever of the mechanism against a first swingable energy absorbing arm which, in turn, pivots to contact a pair of second energy absorbing arms. The pair of second arms are lightweight relative to the first arm and swing through a greater arc than the latter to permit oscillations to subside in remaining components of the switch before rebounding against the first arm. The swingable arms absorb a significant portion of the kinetic energy of the mechanism during closing of the contacts so that shock waves which are normally experienced in various components of the mechanism cannot combine to a value sufficient to snap the mechanism to an open circuit orientation. The anti-bounce device is particularly useful for three phase switchgear wherein a single, common mechanism functions to simultaneously close three pairs of electrical contacts.

Abstract: A snap dome switch keyboard assembly including a printed circuit board having dual contact switch sites with piggy-back snap domes, button actuators for each of the piggy-back snap domes, and an elastomeric member arranged between the domes and the button actuators serving as a force transmission member materially reducing the contact bounce time.

Abstract: The kinetic energy generated by the rapidly moving contact and coupled operating mechanism of a tripped circuit breaker or similar apparatus is dissipated by a compressible shock-absorbing assembly comprising a loose stack of freely-movable magnetized metal plates which is mounted in laterally-extending position on a stationary upstanding part of the breaker and is struck by a lever fastened to the main operating shaft of the breaker operating mechanism. The metal plates are freely movable toward and away from one another and are so magnetized that adjacent plates repel one another. The plates are accordingly normally spaced from each other and produce a series of sequentially-occurring impacts and collisions between the plates and the advancing striker lever when the breaker is tripped.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with a shock-absorbing mechanism characterized by a movable contact arm operable between open and closed positions of separable contacts, a stop member for stopping movement of the contact arm which member is integral with a housing for the circuit breaker, and a shock-absorbing plate on the member for spreading the energy released when the contact arm collides with the stop member.

Abstract: The gap distance separating the contacts of a low-voltage circuit breaker in the tripped position is increased by utilizing resilient stop means which is located at the bottom wall of the breaker housing rather than at the top wall (or on the handle of the breaker) in accordance with prior art practice. The movable contact arm is pivotally mounted and structured to strike the stop means as the contacts are separated and being blown open during short circuit conditions and, after the circuit breaker is tripped, the collapsed toggle assembly of the operating mechanism shifts the movable contact arm away from the stop means and allows the arm to move an additional distance away from the fixed contact and thus increase the gap distance between the opened contacts.

Abstract: The kinetic energy generated by the rapidly moving contact and coupled operating mechanism of a tripped circuit breaker or similar apparatus is dissipated by a compressible shock-absorbing assembly comprising a loose stack of metal plates and interposed springs which is mounted on a stationary part of the breaker and is struck by a lever fastened to the main operating shaft of the breaker operating mechanism. The metal plates are movable toward and away from one another due to the resiliency of the springs and the resulting multiple impacts between the plates and advancing striker lever produces a momentum exchange phenomenon which quickly dissipates the kinetic energy and brings the breaker operating mechanism and movable contact to a smooth stop. The compressible multiple-impact assembly provides a compact shock absorbing means that is especially adapted for use in medium voltage circuit breakers (5 to 35 KV rating) of various types which is not only durable and efficient but very inexpensive and reliable.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprising a moveable contact member resiliently biased to have an electrical contact portion thereof urged into spaced relationship with an electrical contact portion of a fixed member to open the switch and to have another protruding portion thereof disposed for pressure engagement with a cam surface of a reciprocally moveable actuator to urge the electrical contact portions of the contact member into electrical engagement with one another for closing the switch, and a dielectric barrier member carried on the actuator in predetermined positional relationship with the cam surface for movement out of a position between the electrical contact portions, before the switch is closed, to permit the electrical engagement of the contact portions with one another and for movement back into the position between the electrical contact portions, after the switch is open, to prevent the undesired effects of contact bounce.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes an energy or shock absorbing member for assisting in stopping the movable electrical contacts and for preventing severe damage to a movable contact arm or to the molded case of the circuit breaker. The energy absorbing member is secured to an electrically insulating arc chute barrier and is disposed between the movable contact arm and a fixed mechanical stop for absorbing energy due to the rapid movement of the movable contact arm, especially upon a trip operation due to a high level fault current condition.

Abstract: At least one actuating or cut-off spring is provided which is compressed in the cut-on or closed position of the switch and is coupled to an actuating linkage or rod leading to movable contacts of the switch. An arrangement is provided to variably modify the force exerted by the actuating spring on the actuating linkage in relation to the stroke. This arrangement consists of a force transmission device arranged between the actuating spring and the actuating linkage. The force transmission device permits taking into account the type of switching stroke to be executed and optimally adapting the force pattern during a switch cut-off stroke thereto. The variation of the force pattern during the switch closing or cut-on stroke is not symmetrical to that of the switch opening or cut-off stroke. The force transmission characteristics of the force transmission device are different according to the requirements of the switching stroke to be executed.

Abstract: A self-cancelling mechanism is mounted on a steering column of a vehicle, is used for a turn-signal device signalling a change of a running direction of the vehicle and switches off turn-signal lamps by a returning rotation of a steering wheel. A ratchet is pivotally supported to a bracket pivoted to the steering column and is operated by a driver, and a cancelling cam body is arranged between the ratchet and the steering shaft. The ratchet is rotatable from its neutral position against the bracket up to a pair of rotation positions and is forced to the neutral position by an elastic member so that, even if the ratchet is suddenly returned back to the neutral position by the rotation of the steeling shaft in an anticancelling direction, striking noise does not occur.

Abstract: A high amperage molded case circuit breaker utilizing a ratchet adapted to be operated manually or electrically and carrying a spring biased clutch connecting the ratchet to a crank for rotating the crank to tense a helical closing spring. The ratchet is disconnected from the crank when the closing spring has a predetermined tension by a crank operated trip assembly while the closing spring axis passes close to the crank axis to exert a relatively low torque on the crank. The crank rotates a handle positioner to prevent manual operation of the ratchet after the spring is tensed, while electrical operation of the ratchet continues until a switch located in any one of a large variety of positions terminates electrical operation.

Abstract: The present invention describes an air circuit breaker having a bounce preventive device which is provided on the direction changing lever interposed between the link mechanism to drive the contact opening and closing mechanism for closure of the contact and the contact opening and closing mechanism, so as to prevent the bouncing phenomenon from occuring at the time of the OFF-operation, thereby making it possible to secure accurate circuit breaking action.

Abstract: A joystick controller assembly for making switch closures in response to X-Y coordinate movements of a joystick in which means are provided for limiting the force which can be applied to a switch.

Abstract: An improvement is presented for a timing mechanism wherein the closing of a particular circuit results in a high electrical current surge. The rapidity of the circuit closure (made necessary by the current surge) results in contact bounce. A fast drop of a cam follower is provided by a cam having a substantially flat outer periphery and a face which has a steep drop with a gentle curvature. Upon dropping the cam follower, electrical contact arms are engaged which include a coil spring damper to dissipate kinetic energy encountered during contact closure, thereby preventing the contacts from bouncing.

Abstract: First and second counterbalanced contact elements rotate about a common axis so that shock and vibration induced loads produce negligible moments on the contact elements with respect to their axis of rotation. Springs are included and arranged for snap opening and closing of the contact elements to minimize electrical arcing during opening and closing of the contacts.

Abstract: A vacuum circuit breaker having a movable contact coupled through a wipe cage to an operating member which imparts movement during opening and closing strokes to the movable contact is provided with a latch for latching the wipe cage into its fully extended position during selected portions of the opening and closing strokes.

Abstract: A shaker device for automobile alarm systems in which there is a vibratory member for making contact when the vehicle is disturbed and in which the vibratory member is damped by means of a relatively stiff cantilever supported member made out of spring wire.

Abstract: A movable contact assembly for use in a circuit breaker includes a movable contact arm having wall portions and an elongated contact member located adjacent to and between the wall portions of the movable contact arm. A supporting member attached to the back of the elongated contact member is engaged with the movable contact arm by means of a pivot pin passing through a pair of aligned holes.

Abstract: This invention provides a circuit breaker comprising separable contacts, a releasable mechanism, releasable to effect a tripping operation automatically opening the contacts and an electromechanical trip means operable to release the mechanism. A shock absorbing means is also provided that effectively isolates the flux transfer and magnetic trip actuator from shock and vibration.

Abstract: An improved electrical switch unit is provided having a strategically located, shock-absorbing member which absorbs a large proportion of potentially damaging impact forces developed during switch closing operations and thus preserves the soft metal switch contact shafts against significant deformation and consequent alteration in the operational characteristics of the switch. The shock-absorbing function is advantageously performed by a low-mass, spring-biased weld break lever associated with the over toggle switch operating mechanism. During the switch closing sequence the contact-shifting operating arm of the switch operating apparatus engages the biased weld break lever and the latter serves to slow the relative closing speed of the contacts prior to the instant of impact therebetween; in this manner a significant amount of the impact forces are absorbed which would otherwise be absorbed by the contact shafts themselves.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated electrical switch assembly is disclosed which includes a member for dampening the vibration experienced by the contact arm of the switch to prevent undesirable fatigue and breakage. The electrical switch is housed within a dome-like container having an entry port that is connected to a hydraulic circuit. The container is divided interiorly by a diaphragm assembly into upper and lower sealed chambers, the upper chamber having the electrical contacts for the switch and the lower chamber receiving fluid pressure through the entry port. A button actuator is fixed to the diaphragm, and it is movable vertically upward in response to fluid pressure in the lower chamber against the underside of the diaphragm which deflects the diaphragm thereby causing the button actuator to engage the cantilevered electrical contact arm which is mounted in the upper chamber.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker has a fixed contact and a movable contact which is attached to a pivoted contact carrier. Between the contact carrier and the movable contact, a contact pressure spring is arranged, which is designed as a coil compression spring. The contact carrier has an arm which extends to the vicinity of the contact-making end of the movable contact. The arm carries a setscrew which is positioned to act centrally with respect to a contact overlay of the movable contact. The setscrew limits the lifting of the movable contact or the contact overlay to the desired small extent, when a large current flows through the circuit breaker and exerts electrodynamic force on the movable contact.

Abstract: A multiphase circuit breaker structure characterized by stationary and movable contact means for each phase, a cross bar operatively connected to the movable contact means, a stop plate for stopping movement of the cross bar during opening of the contacts, and shock absorbing means on one of the stop plate and cross bar for absorbing energy released when the cross bar moves to the open position of the contacts.

Abstract: An electric switch device is provided having angled contact surfaces. First and second contact members are supported for movement of the second member relative to the first between open and closed positions. Planar contact surfaces of the members are in flush engagement in the closed position with such surfaces being at an acute angle, preferably between five and ten degrees, relative to the direction of movement. The contact members are substantially rigid and are so guided that the contact surfaces are at the same acute angle at impact. Preferably, the second contact member has another contact surface engageable with a contact surface of another contact member with such contact surfaces being at the same acute angle and cooperating in the same manner. The angle is such as to prevent contact bounce and prevent separation under high surge currents providing low contact resistance and minimizing operating forces.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with an anti-bounce mechanism characterized by separable contact means operable between open and closed positions and including a cross bar, an operating mechanism releasable to effect movement of the contacts and comprising a link connected to the cross bar, means for preventing bouncing of the cross bar when the contacts are open and comprising a stop member engageable with the length.

Abstract: Improvements in a quick-break attachment, for a pole-top air-break switch, wherein said attachment is of the type including a whip engaged in a catch to maintain a protective, anti-arcing shunt across the switch until the latter opens, whereupon the whip disengages and quick-breaks from the catch; the improvements consisting of instrumentalities which, firstly, assure of substantial acceleration in speed of the whip after its disengagement but before actual electrical separation occurs, and, secondly, prevent rebound of the disengaged whip into arcing contact with the catch.

Abstract: Presented is a high power switch for making, breaking and carrying high direct and alternating current circuits. The switch incorporates pairs of contacts that operate in sequence, one of the contact pairs being the first to "make" and the last to "break" and the other contact constituting a movable conductive bridge to carry the primary load through the switch structure.

Abstract: A pressure and liquid tight compression fitting particularly adapted for attachment to a beverage container. An externally threaded body portion of the fitting is inserted through a wall of the container and is clamped to the wall by means of a nut. A first pressure seal is effected by an O-ring received in a groove formed in the face of the nut in contact with the container wall. A first liquid seal is effected by a thin lip formed at the outer edge of the nut, beyond the O-ring. A combined second pressure seal and second liquid seal is effected by interfitting tapered sections of the body portion and the nut beyond the threaded connection between the body and the nut.

Abstract: An electric power switch or contactor of the 3-pole AC type or the like is provided with means making it capable of withstanding higher fault currents such as short circuit currents. This is done by providing the insulating contact carrier with integrally molded stops that will allow the spring-biased bridging contacts to be blown slightly open by the high electro-dynamic forces occurring during high fault currents but will limit such opening of the contacts to gaps small enough to inhibit the arc from moving from between the contacts. Instead of attempting to keep the contacts closed under such conditions which would require a large magnetic force, allowing the contacts to open this small amount eliminates the need for a larger magnet, reduces the blow-open force and, more importantly, the small gaps will retain the arcs between the contacts and will inhibit them from flashing out to other parts of the contactor with consequent burning and destructive effect.

Abstract: A bounce- and weld- resistant contact assembly includes a pair of spaced contact plates with facing contacts on their ends. A switch blade is rapidly movable into and out of engagement with the contacts. The contacts are convexities coined into the plates which add no mass to the plates. Thus, the natural frequency of the plates is maximized and the magnitude of oscillation of the plates, when the contacts are rapidly engaged by the blade, is minimized. Legs on leaf springs act against concavities formed in the plates opposite the convexities. The legs conformally nestle in the convexities so that their frictional engagement therewith and the spring force co-act to quickly damp the high frequency, low magnitude oscillations of the plates. The low mass coined contacts also permit close spacing of the plates to maximize magnetic forces thereon due to current flow therethrough. These forces aid the spring and the leg-concavity friction in quickly damping oscillations of the plates.

Abstract: Electric switches work with an electric arc when they switch on or off. A bridge of ionized gas builds up in an air gap between the metal contacts. The larger and the more open to the outside this air gap is, the easier the arc will break up; an air draft raised by heat will lift the gas bridge from the contacts quickly, if the gap is not cased in. The present invention is a switch, offering an all-around escape for ionized, hot gases out of that air gap. At the same time, by a large lever movement a flying contact is being latched between lugs of counter contacts which form a wedge holder, thus forestalling a return of the lever. This switch is simpler to make than the conventional fulcrum metal lever, pushing with its lower end a coilspring aside and pressing contact to contact.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having stationary and movable contacts operable between open and closed positions. Movement effecting means causes relative movement of the movable contact between open and closed positions, and a closing spring assembly imparts movement to the movement effecting means to move the movable contact to the closed position. The closing spring assembly includes first and second members and a helical closing spring, with the first and second members extending into the central opening of the spring. Shock absorbing means is disposed within the spring opening to absorb energy released when the assembly is discharged.

Abstract: This vacuum-type circuit breaker has means for substantially reducing the tendency of the contacts to bounce apart in response to the impact between the contacts occurring at the end of a closing stroke. The circuit breaker includes a contact-wipe mechanism comprising a driving part and a wipe spring located between the driving part and the movable contact which spring is loaded to produce added closing force on the movable contact by continuing closing motion of the driving part after the contacts initially engage at the end of the closing stroke. The wipe mechanism further includes a bounce-suppressing spring acting in opposition to the wipe spring and discharging to aid said continuing closing motion of said driving part during the initial stages of said continuing motion following initial contact-engagement.The wipe mechanism also includes means for precisely controlling the forces imposed on the movable contact by acceleration at the start and termination of a contact-opening stroke.

Abstract: A vacuum-type circuit breaker comprises a conventional wipe mechanism interposed between an operating member and the movable contact of the breaker. The wipe mechanism comprises a driven part coupled to the movable contact, a driving part coupled to the operating member but movable with respect thereto, and preloaded spring means between said driving and driven parts.First stop means is provided for stopping said operating member at the end of its circuit-breaker opening stroke with such abruptness that said driven member, against the opposition of said spring means, overruns the driving member following such stopping. Such overrunning of the driven member is limited by second stop means comprising a stop carried by said operating member.

Abstract: An energy absorbing and contact pressure applying arrangement which minimizes bounce of a movable electrical contact upon engagement with a stationary or fixed electrical contact. In an illustrated embodiment, an armature member is attracted by an electromagnet means to draw the movable contact into engagement with the fixed contact. The movable contact engages the fixed contact before the armature has completed its travel into magnetically sealed engagement with the core of the electromagnet means. During the additional increment of travel necessary for the armature to move into magnetically sealed relation to the core of the electromagnet means, means connected to the moving armature causes compression of an energy absorbing and contact pressure applying device against the carrier arm on which the movable contact is mounted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a chatter-free arrangement of masses especially for such a chatter-proof arrangement in electrical switches and mechanical interrupters of current of all kinds. The arrangement of masses disclosed is constructed so that the kinetic energy of the two masses of pushing partners being pushed is absorbed by additional damping masses arranged in the direction of the push. The mass of the following mass or masses, in the direction pointing away from the two primary masses of the pushing partners is constructed to that the additional and successive mass or masses is decreasing and in that same direction the elasticity and the energy loss factor and, or the mobility of the additional masses is increasing. Such decreasing masses permit lighter chatter-free constructions and permits not only stationary parts but also moving parts to be provided with chatter-free arrangements, especially for example in electrical contacts.

Abstract: An electrical switch construction having a housing provided with an acutuator for causing movement of a movable switch blade relative to an overtravel compensating fixed switch blade, the fixed switch blade being secured to a rigid terminal carried by the housing and having an extension thereof that is disposed in the path of movement of the fixed switch blade to limit movement thereof in one direction.

Abstract: Contact springs are damped against resilient bouncing in that thin plastic foil covers one or both sides of the spring. The foil, when extending into the zone of clamping one end of the spring, is used to maintain specific tolerances in contact positioning. The foil should have low cold flow characteristics and high reversible elasticity, such as folacron or polysulphonic plastic.

Abstract: A snap-acting switch using a planar blade of resilient sheet metal which is stressed to an unstable condition such that with suitable stop members it will occupy two positions of stability. When motivated the blade will snap from one of the positions of stability to the opposite one. A pair of stop members (one or both of which may be electrical contacts) cooperate with the blade alternately as the latter changes in position. The stop members are displaced laterally from each other across the width of a resilient portion of the blade at or near one end thereof and are thus non-coaxial. The switch is an improvement of the switches shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,213,228, maintains high electrical contact pressure up to the point of snap, and exhibits little or no contact bounce.

Abstract: In a magnetically actuated switch such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,586,809, the armature stop against which the armature engages in its switch-open position has a pair of vibratile members attached to its tip, in vibration transmitting relation to it and extending lengthwise from it. The two vibratile members are tuned to different frequencies, both lower than that of the armature stop. They so control vibration of the armature stop as to quickly stop the armature at its switch open position. Similar vibratile members on a relatively stationary contact member eliminate contact rebound upon switch closure.

Abstract: A push-button switch including a keytop plunger, a base structure for retaining and guiding the keytop plunger, a biasing contact member, and flexible wire contacts. The biasing contact member is a leaf spring mounted in the base structure and actuated into a bowed position by depression of the keytop plunger. The flexible wire contacts are also mounted in the base structure and are engaged by the leaf spring when it is bowed. The complete structure is mounted on a printed circuit board with the leaf spring and wire contacts connected to their respective contact leads on the PC board.