Abstract: In an electric-circuit-containing box including an upper case having a side provided with a hole and a lower case having a side provided with a projection to be fitted in the hole, moisture is prevented from entering the box from the hole of the upper case by a capillary phenomenon. A recess separate from an inside surface of an upper case is provided around a projection of a side of a lower case. Thus, a specified interval is ensured between the periphery of the projection of the side of the lower case and the hole of the upper case. Accordingly, even if moisture attached to an upper part of the upper case flows to the vicinity of the hole 1b along an outside surface of the upper case, there does not occur a state that the moisture passes through between both the cases from the hole by the capillary phenomenon and enters inner spaces of both the cases and in which a board and electronic parts are contained.

Abstract: A low profile switch assembly is provided having a base portion that supports a folded flexible circuit sealed about its edges, an overlying deformable elastomeric portion, and a pair of window knobs. The base portion has a pair of integrally formed, upwardly extending posts that pivotally support the window knobs and encourage alignment of the flexible circuit and the overlying elastomeric pad. A series of domes are formed in the elastomeric pad, pairs of which are operated sequentially by the window knob acting on a lever bridging the pairs of domes. The domes, when collapsed, compress portions of the flexible circuit to bridge opposing traces within the folded circuit to actuate respective switches. The arrangement of the components provides a low profile device that inhibits contamination and uses fewer parts.

Abstract: A button device for an electronic device includes a transparent active button (10); a switch module (20) located behind the active button, and a holder (30) for holding the switch module therein fixed in the electronic device. The switch module includes a switch base (22), and an actuatable switch head (21) incorporated with the switch base, the switch head includes a luminous component with electric connection to a power supply of the electronic device, the luminous component is configured to be pressed by the active button for urging the switch module to switch on or off the power supply and indicate an on or off state of the power supply.

Abstract: An electrical switching device with a quick-action fastening apparatus is disclosed for snapping the switching device onto a top-hat mounting rail in a service distribution panel. The quick-action fastening apparatus comprising at least one movable tab, which is associated with the fastening face of the switching device housing by means of at least one connecting part, which is integrally formed in one piece with the switching device housing, and in the state in which it is snapped onto the top-hat mounting rail, engages behind a longitudinal edge of the top-hat mounting rail, the connecting part being spring-elastic and being made from a material which has different mechanical properties than the housing material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a load center comprising a basepan with fastener devices for securing bus bars, neutral bars, and a variety of other electrical components to the basepan. Each fastener device comprises a self aligning support post flush with two extending side walls and an arm with engaging lock. The self aligning support post and the two extending side walls are integrally formed where the self aligning support post projects away from the basepan first surface. The self aligning support post consists of at least one angled surface to facilitate assembly of the electrical component to the first surface of the basepan. The engaging lock has a first surface with an inclined angle with respect to the basepan and a second surface angled at zero degrees with respect to the basepan to facilitate securing the electrical component to basepan first surface.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes spaced contacts (40). A rocking contact (50) has first and second arms (52 and 54) in electrical contact with each other and is supported for rocking movement in opposite first and second directions. The first arm (52) is movable into engagement with a first one of the contacts (40) when the rocking contact (50) rocks in the first direction. The second arm (54) is movable into engagement with the second one of the contacts (40) when the rocking contact (50) rocks in the second direction. An actuator (32) is pivotable to effectuate rocking movement of the rocking contact (50) in the first and second directions. The first and second contacts (40) include respective terminals (70 and 76) for helping to mount the apparatus. The terminals (70 and 76) each comprise compliant pin connectors.

Abstract: A doorbell assembly with hidden fasteners includes a doorbell cover, a bracket for supporting the doorbell cover and a button assembly. The bracket includes a first set of resilient fingers for engaging the button assembly and a second set of resilient fingers for engaging the doorbell cover.

Abstract: A retaining device (20) for mounting a switch (10) to a computer enclosure (30) includes a main wall (22) and left and right side walls (24) cooperatively defining a space therebetween for accommodating the switch therein. A pair of pins (28) is stamped perpendicularly from the main wall. An extension tab (23) extends from the left side wall and defines a through aperture (25) therein. A bent tab (27) extends from the right side wall. In assembly, the switch is received in the retaining device with the pins being received in through holes of the switch. The combined retaining device and switch is then attached to a panel (32) of the enclosure (30). The bent tab is engagingly received in a locking aperture of the panel. A screw (40) is extended through the through aperture (25) to engage with the panel in a screw aperture (38) thereof.

Abstract: Each mounting member (16) is formed by a resilient sheet of an intermediate portion-widened shape which is increasing in sheet width gradually from its distal side, defined with respect to a direction of insertion of the mounting member into a mounting hole (26) in a vehicle body (25), to its intermediate portion, and then is decreasing in sheet width gradually from the intermediate portion to its proximal side defined with respect to the inserting direction, and this mounting member is inserted into the mounting hole and opposite side edges (16a) of the mounting member are brought into sliding contact with an inner edge (26a) of the mounting hole, so that the mounting member is curved between this inner edge and a switch body, and the opposite side edges are press-contacted with the inner edge of the mounting hole by a restoring resilient force of the mounting member.

Abstract: A switch body 2 of a reset switch 1 is inserted through an opening 39 formed to a structural member 35 and fixed easily thereto. The switch body 2 is equipped with a circuit for turning off the light of a lamp 3 with a LED when the lamp lens is pushed into the switch body 2. The switch body 2 is removably fixed to the structural member 35 by the spring force of a deformable spring 8, with the structural member 35 being pinched between the spring and the switch body 2. The cord 4 connected to the power source for the lamp 3 is connected to the switch body 2 via a connector 5.

Abstract: An actuating system for a vehicular interior comprises a panel (12) with a front face and a module element (14) for assembly in an opening (16) of the panel (12). The panel (12) has side walls (18) which are perpendicular to the front face. The panel (12) and the module element (14) have cooperating latching elements which comprise a detent (26) and a latching edge (22). The detent (26) is configured on an elastically deflectable tongue (24) and comprises a ramp surface (28) cooperating with the latching edge (22).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for mounting or dismounting a device on a mounting surface, for example, the mounting surface of a rail, a molded clip or the like. The apparatus includes a body. To accommodate attachment of the apparatus to the rail, at least a portion of the body can be movably positioned adjacent to the mounting surface. The apparatus also includes a locating feature connected with the body. The locating feature includes a first position that maintains a position of the body during a manufacturing operation and a second position that allows the body to move between an open position and a closed position, for example, after the manufacturing operation has been completed.

Abstract: A switch device includes a first case and a second case. Stationary contacts are enclosed within the first case that is sealed by a cover. An operating lever configured to actuate a movable contact is partially received by a window hole within the cover. An engaging hook is unitary part of or is coupled to the outside surface of the second case. Stationary terminals project from the stationary contacts. The second case encloses the first case and the cover. The first case and the cover are made of resins having an arc resistance. The second case is made of a thermoplastic resin that is more flexible than the first case.

Abstract: A mount for a disc-type switch having a body that is centered upon a mounting flange. The mount includes a substrate having a central opening that permits the switch and mounting flange to be inserted into the opening. The substrate has a depression formed therein on one side of the opening that complements the shape of the flange and has a size that will accept about one half of the flange therein when the switch is passed into the opening and the flange rotated. At this time the other half of the flange is brought into contact with the top surface of the substrate. A threaded fastener secures the flange to the substrate so that at least one half of the flange is supported by the substrate to resist the downwardly directed forces acting upon the switch and the other half of the flange is supported in the housing to resist upwardly directed forces upon the switch.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a safe construction, where no electrically charged portions are exposed in an accessory installation area or anywhere outside a main circuit case even if a cover of the circuit breaker is opened in a live condition. In order to achieve above object, the circuit breaker of this invention includes the main circuit case made of an insulating material, and an opening-closing trip mechanism disposed outside of the main circuit case and electrically insulated from the main circuit. According to this invention, a circuit breaker capable of eliminating the risk of an electric shock, thereby providing the excellent safety can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit breaker (10) and a cover (20) for a molded case circuit breaker having an operating mechanism (40) and an intermediate latching mechanism (52) with the cover (20) comprising a substantially planer member having a central opening (29) and an accessory compartment (22) formed in the planer member on either side of the opening (29) with the accessory compartment (22) configured to accept a plurality of different types of accessories (20) and having a plurality of holes (24) wherein a circuit breaker accessory (80) is nested in the accessory compartment (22) and is in contact with one of the operating mechanism (40) and the intermediate latching mechanism (52) within the housing (12).

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting an electronic component to an electric motor starter comprises a mounting bracket and a locating bracket. The locating bracket releasably attaches to the mounting bracket and to the associated motor starter. The mounting bracket comprises light and switch mounting portions for releasably engaging the light and switch modules, respectively. A pair of snap-fit fasteners extend outwardly from the switch mounting portion for releasably engaging the switch module. The light mounting portion includes an aperture and pair of slots disposed therethrough for releasably receiving the socket and legs of the light module. A snap-fit fastener extends from the back side of the mounting bracket for releasably engaging the locating bracket.

Abstract: A switch assembly with three axis actuator tolerance comprises a body containing an actuator floating in the x-y plane for moving a camming device which activates a self-contained switch unit with all parts being contained within the body. The switch assembly is thereby highly useful for accommodating manufacturing tolerances of appliances where the switch actuator must fit through holes in appliance panels or the body must fit between appliance panels or both.

Abstract: A cheaply assemblable appliance switch has a housing with walls defining a cavity opening rearward and an aperture forward in which an actuator is captured. Mid portions of terminal pieces which are wider than inner portions are affixed in the housing in slots with retaining lips spaced apart by more than the width of inner portions of the electrodes.

Abstract: A starter switch formed as an ignition starter switch for a motor vehicle has a rotor, a coupling for receiving a rotatable drive pin of a lock cylinder of a steering lock of the motor vehicle, a unit for releasable mounting of the starter switch on a steering lock housing, guiding a unit for displaceably supporting the starter switch on the steering lock housing transversely to an axial direction of the lock cylinder, and a coupling in which the drive pin is insertable after insertion of the starter switch into the steering lock housing.

Abstract: Switch mounting structures have a generally rectangular body switch with oppositely extending planar base extensions, and a housing which defines a pair of spaced-apart slotted mounting entries to receive respective terminal edge portions of a respective one of the base extensions. The terminal edge portions of the base extensions include diagonally opposed pairs of coved portions and recesses, while the housing includes a pair of diagonally opposed proturbences. These proturbences are engaged with said diagonally opposed pair of recesses when said base extensions are rotated relative to said housing from an initial insertion position, where the base extensions are in a slanted orientation relative to the mounting entries, and a mounted position, where the base extensions are in a non-slanted orientation relative to the mounting entries. In such a manner, the switch body and the housing are brought lockable engagement with one another.

Abstract: An electrical, manually actuated switch comprises a housing (11), in which a contact unit (27) is located that comprises switch elements (26), and at least one self-returning and eccentrically mounted switch (10) having a switch tappet (29) that acts on the switch elements (26). The manually actuated switch (9) is to be adapted to prevent a damaging or destruction of the switch elements (26) even under excessive loading. To achieve this object, the contact unit (27) is resiliently or spring mounted in a housing (11) and yields to excessive application of force to the switch elements (26) by the switch tappet (29), wherein a spring unit (60) is located between the contact unit (27) and the base (20) of the housing (11).

Abstract: A self-adjusting electric tappet switch includes a slider linearly guided in a housing for activation or closure of one of several electrical contacts and a tappet which is selectively rotatable relative to the slider for adjustment of the travel limit of the switch. The slider has a first engagement portion provided with engagements parts, and the tappet includes a corresponding second engagement portion having an oblong cross-section provided with spaced apart circumferential grooves. The switch is self-adjusted by relative rotational movement between the slider and the tappet to lock the pair together. In an installation and adjustment position of the tappet and slider system, the slider is held in a predetermined fixed switching position in the housing to permit relative longitudinal slidable movement between the tappet and the slider for adjustment of the tappet without causing any movement of affecting the position of the slider within the housing.

Abstract: A switch mounting structure for fixing integrally, securely and firmly a rotary connector, a switch base, and a bracket mounted to a steering column of a vehicle, by an easy single operation. The switch mounting structure has first frame members 3d having opening portions 3c formed therein provided on a fixing case 3 of a rotary connector 1, and second frame members 7c having opening portions 7b formed therein provided on a bracket 7 of the rotary connector 1. The first frame members 3d are engaged with first elastic engaging portions 5e in first engaging portions 5a provided in a base 5 of a switch 4 by a simple single action. Similarly, the second frame members 7c are engaged with second elastic engaging portions 5h in second engaging portions 5c by a simple single action.

Abstract: A housing of electric switch is composed of a main body, a top cover, and a cover plate. The component parts of the electric switch are mounted in the main body. The top plate by the plurality of fastening bolts. The main body and the cover plate are made of a bakelite material resistant to heat and nonconductive to electricity. The top cover is made of a pliable plastic material and is therefore elastically deformable.

Abstract: A switch assembly (10) for installation on a dynamoelectric machine (M). An electrical overload switch (12) is interconnected with the dynamnoelectric machine and electrical conduits (C) are routed thereto for resetting the dynamoelectric machine after it is shut down due to an overload condition. A conduit box (14) has opposed sidewalls (16, 18) and endwalls (20, 22), and an open top and bottom. A bracket (30) on which the switch is mounted is sized to fit in the box for a switch element (32) of the switch to be positioned adjacent an opening (34) in one wall of the box. Dimples (44a, 44b) are formed in the wall against which the bracket is installed. The dimples extend inwardly into the interior of the box and act as stops for the bracket for properly positioning the bracket and switch within the box. A plurality of knockouts (K1-K6) are formed in the sidewalls for providing an opening through which electrical conduits are routed to the switch when a knockout is removed.

Abstract: A switch apparatus having a switch housing supporting conductive switch terminals within a switch housing interior. A switch actuator is supported by the switch housing for movement along a travel path to control an actuation state of the switch by selectively shorting the conductive switch terminals. A structure allows the switch housing to be mounted into one of two different thickness mounting panels. The structure includes first and second retainer posts coupled to the switch housing at separate spaced locations along a longitudinal axis of the switch housing. Flexible first leg pairs and second leg pairs extend laterally from the respective retainer posts. The legs can be flexed away from a first position and, after insertion into a panel opening, return to the first position.

Abstract: A safety device on a printing press, including at least one switch, a mechanical protective device changeable in position for operating the switch, the switch being fastened to a frame of the printing press so as to be adjustable in position and releasable from the frame, and connecting elements by the aid of which the switch is firmly seated on a base plate and held immovably on the frame, includes an intermediate plate formed of a relatively soft material disposed between respective fastening surfaces of the base plate and the frame, the intermediate plate being secured in position against movement in a direction parallel to the fastening surfaces, the fastening surface of the base plate having at least one projection formed of a material relatively harder than the relatively soft material of the intermediate plate, the projection being pressable into the relatively soft material of the intermediate plate by holding forces exerted by the connecting elements perpendicularly to the respective fastening surfac

Abstract: A switch assembly (10) for installation on a dynamoelectric machine (M). An electrical overload switch (12) is interconnected with the dynamoelectric machine and electrical conduits (C) are routed thereto for resetting the dynamoelectric machine after it is shut down due to an overload condition. A conduit box (14) has opposed sidewalls (16, 18) and endwalls (20, 22), and an open top and bottom. A bracket (30) on which the switch is mounted is sized to fit in the box for a switch element (32) of the switch to be positioned adjacent an opening (34) in one wall of the box. Dimples (44a, 44b) are formed in the wall against which the bracket is installed. The dimples extend inwardly into the interior of the box and act as stops for the bracket for properly positioning the bracket and switch within the box. A plurality of knockouts (K1-K6) are formed in the sidewalls for providing an opening through which electrical conduits are routed to the switch when a knockout is removed.

Abstract: A switch housing having elongated side walls and an end wall that defines a housing interior. Conductive switch terminals supported within the housing interior extend outside the switch housing for connection to an external circuit. A switch actuator extends through the end wall of the switch housing and is supported by the switch housing for movement along a travel path to control an actuation state of said switch by selectively shorting the conductive switch terminals. A housing cover encloses the housing interior and includes openings to allow the terminals to extend from the housing interior to connect to the external circuit. The cover supports the switch housing in a selected one of two different orientations on a support surface. A retainer coupled to the housing cover has a retaining surface spaced from one wall of the housing cover by a gap that permits the retainer to slide over a tab coupled to the support surface to which the switch housing is mounted.

Abstract: An automotive steering column switch arranged on the end of a jacket (7) accommodating the steering column (8) and featuring several separate switches (12) consisting each of a casing (5, 15) with electrical connectors (13) and an actuating member (3, 16), at least one separate switch (2) can be slipped on the other separate switch (1) against the force of a spring (20) and with interaction of appropriate guiding means (19). The limit position of the separate switches (1, 2) relative to each other is fixed by a releasable clip connector (21).

Abstract: A structure for mounting a switch to a front panel of an electric apparatus. Supporting members are arranged on the front panel to support an elastic member which can hold the switch under the elastic deformation of the elastic member. One support member is arranged one side of the opening in the front panel and another support member is arranged on the opposite side of the opening. The elastic member includes a pair of longitudinal webs adapted to engage with the lateral flap portions of the switch and at least one transverse web connecting the longitudinal webs together. The elastic member has tongues for engaging with the support member.

Abstract: An electrical switch of a type having a detector probe with a sensor and a mounting, includes a housing having a bottom and a top which are detachably connected together solely by complementary locking elements. The mounting of the detector probe is rotatably supported in the top via a trunnion and secured by a fixture. Snapped onto the top is a cover which secures, partly via the fixture, the locking elements in their locking position and also secures the fixture in place, to thereby attain an assembly of the components of the switch without resorting to the use of screw fasteners.

Abstract: The invention comprises an elevator electrical component having a front plate that has no visible fasteners, the component being removable by a key. The elevator component has a housing attached to a face plate, a number of flexible arms attached to and integral with the housing, the arm(s) causing the housing to interfere with an opening in the elevator or the landing upon insertion or removal of the housing from the opening, the arm being movable in two directions to avoid interference with the opening upon insertion or removal of the housing from the opening, a visually inconspicuous accessway in the face plate for allowing access to the arm, and a key for extending through the accessway and simultaneously moving the arm or arms in both directions to allow the component to be removed from the opening without interference by the arm(s). The component may include a shaped projection that causes the housing to be specially manipulated to remove the housing from the opening even after usage of the key.

Abstract: In a switch device, a bendable mounting piece is extended from the switch body, which is abutted against the mounting surface of a base and secured to the latter with a screw, the switch body includes a positioning portion which is abutted against a positioning surface which is set back from the mounting surface, thus forming a step, and a leaf spring is spread over the outer side surface of the mounting piece and the outer side surface of the switch body which, when tightened together with the mounting piece, urges the switch body so that the positioning portion of the switch body is moved towards the positioning surface of the switch mounting unit.

Abstract: A removable keypad controls the electronic trip unit used within state-of-art electronic circuit breakers. The keypad allows inputting and displaying relevant circuit interruption information. Unauthorized access to the trip unit settings is prevented by blocking off the keypad "ENTER" key while still allowing access to the keypad's remaining function keys.

Abstract: A switch particularly adapted for mounting to a panel. The switch includes a housing, a hollow post projecting from the housing and extending through an opening in the panel, and a nut adapted to be pushed onto the post and into engagement with the panel. The post receives a switch actuator and is formed with axially spaced frustums while the pushnut is formed with inwardly projecting tabs adapted to interlock with at least one of the frustums in order to secure the switch to the panel.

Abstract: There is provided a plunger switch capable of achieving a self-adjusting mechanism in a simple structure without loss of reliability by mounting a self-adjusting mechanism using a ratchet outside a housing space for movable and fixed contacts. The plunger switch has a switch body divided into blocks, and an attachment member which has a wire spring to be engaged with a ratchet formed on an outer wall of the switch body in order to pierce a plunger therethrough. The switch body is mounted in a predetermined mount position through the attachment member.

Abstract: A switch knob has a mobile first part adapted to switch from one connection to another by rotation and a second part fixed to a support of the device on which the knob is mounted by an assembly device and a clamping device. The assembly device comprises two prism-shape members linked by a ring in two parts each including a hinge and is disposed between the second part and the support in a housing of the support provided for this purpose. The top of the prism-shape members faces towards the interior of the housing and their bases outside the housing so that clamping of the clamping device, by applying a force to the bases of the prism-shape members, moves the members towards each other and locks the second part to the support. Movement of the prism-shape members towards each other is facilitated by the hinges of the ring.

Abstract: A ceiling mounted wireless wall switch which has three main parts a base, a cover and a printed circuit assembly. The printed circuit assembly is mounted on the base and the base is mechanically engaged to the cover. The base portion of the base has a peripheral edge which has a series of upwardly extending spring fingers spaced around the peripheral edge and the spring fingers are spaced from each other and adapted to engage the cover. The cover has a base section, a, first wall and a second wall circumscribed by the first wall. The first wall has an inner surface with a series of pairs of spaced ribs positioned on the inner surface of the first wall, each of the pairs of spaced ribs defining a slide area, each of the slide areas having an impression formed there on and each of the slide areas has a top which is spaced from the base section. The top is open and each of the spring fingers engages one of the impressions.

Abstract: The innovation pertains to a device for fastening the housing of a data sensing element which encloses electronic circuits and connecting elements. Data sensing elements of this type are fastened in the wall which encloses the medium to be measured by means of a screw insert. Depending on their function, these data sensing elements may assume a position in which the connection of the connecting lines leading to a control room which is situated at a distance from the measuring point is only possible with great difficulties. This is the reason why the housing should be adjustable axially symmetrically relative to the screw insert. According to the solution suggested, the separable connection between the housing and the screw insert is formed by only one easily accessible screw which penetrates through a clamping disk and by projections which penetrate into a groove of the screw insert.

Abstract: A handpiece for the phacoemulsification of cataract tissue is provided in accordance with the present invention. The handpiece can be operatively coupled to a phacoemulsification machine to supply the handpiece with irrigation fluid, aspiration suction and ultrasonic energy. The application of irrigation fluid and aspiration suction to the handpiece are preferably controlled with a foot pedal which is operatively coupled to the phacoemulsification machine. The application of ultrasonic energy to the handpiece is controlled by a button, slide tab, knob or the like which is preferably detachably mounted to the main body of the handpiece so that the application of ultrasonic energy can be manually controlled by the surgeon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a terminal and base for connecting a circuit through a fusible switch. The base has a plurality of undercut prongs upstanding therefrom and an interlock snap resiliently attached thereto. The prongs are positioned on the base to prevent movement vertically and in at least one direction horizontally. The snap is positioned on the base to prevent movement in the remaining horizontal directions. The terminal includes a generally planar body made of conductive material. The body has a plurality of edges adapted to insert into the undercut prongs. The terminal positions an opposing edge on the body opposite the plurality of edges. The opposing edge is adapted to abut one end of the interlock snap. The terminal includes a first and second means for electrically and mechanically connecting the terminal to the circuit.

Abstract: A toggle switch construction operating in conjunction with a conventional coin slide acceptor to produce a single signal each time the coin slide is reciprocated. The switch is mounted upon a support member, which, in turn, is mounted for limited pivotal movement during actuation by a member on the coin slide such that the member, after actuating the switch passes over the toggle. On the return movement of the coin slide to its initial position, the toggle is re-engaged and returned to its initial position, following which the member again passes over the toggle. The toggle can therefore be cycled only once for each reciprocation of the coin slide.

Abstract: A fluid drop detecting reservoir tank has a float with a magnet which moves down in accordance with a drop in the level of fluid in a reservoir tank. The magnet closes a magnetically operated switch when the fluid reaches a predetermined level so that a predetermined drop in the level of the fluid is detected. The fluid drop detecting reservoir tank is provided with a mount casing for receiving therein a switch casing in which the switch is encased. The reservoir tank is provided with a retainer mechanism arranged between the mount casing and the switch casing for holding the switch casing in the mount casing so as to locate the switch below the magnet and preventing the switch casing from being withdrawn from the mount casing.

Abstract: An electrosurgical handpiece for accommodating an assortment of different-sized electrodes having hollow shanks and provided with means for supplying suction adjacent the electrode tip for simultaneous removal of liquids or gasses. The handpiece can be fitted with a removable finger switch activator which can also be attached to other objects for the surgeon's convenience. Means for controlling the suction pressure at the electrode tip is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an electric switch for switching individual phases of multi-phase AC electric power. The switch has at least one pair of fixed terminals with each terminal of the pair having an ear extending upward in a vertical plane. The switch also has a conducting device with contacts that extend downward in the vertical plane corresponding to the fixed terminals. Moving contacts are mounted to an axially translatable contact carrier and engage contemporaneously in the vertical plane with the contacts from the conducting device and the fixed terminals when the contact carrier slides into an "on" position. Electrical power is then able to flow from the line-side fixed terminal, through the conducting device, to the load-side terminal. The contact carrier is translated axially by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism employs over-center shifting and lost-motion switching technology to prevent the switch from being in a partially "on" position.

Abstract: A wall switch (12) includes a face plate body (14) containing an aperture (20) and wall projections (22, 23, 24) carrying an actuator rocker (30) with a board (40) carrying switch contacts (58) momentarily closed by the rocker to effect a closure of circuits carried on the board and interconnected to a cable (88) through terminals in a connector (44) carried on the board and a connector (80) carried by the cable.

Abstract: A control shaft is rotatable in the axial opening in a cylindrical boss projecting forwardly from a front wall of a resinous plastic housing. The boss is received in a cylindrical opening in a panel formed with two slots for receiving mounting members projecting forwardly from the housing and having latching hooks for securing the housing on the panel. The boss and the mounting members form a triangle. The spacing between the boss and the plane of the mounting members is different from the spacing between the cylindrical opening and the plane of the slots whereby an interference fit is produced between the mounting members and the slots to obviate looseness. An anti-rotation pin on the housing is received in another opening in the panel. A key pin on the housing is received in a key opening in the panel. The key pin and the boss are located along a radial line oriented at an acute angle to the plane of the mounting members.

Abstract: A switch operator, such as a manual push button, mounts a latch onto which are mounted up to four cartridges. A pair of laterally opposed arms of the latch receive each cartridge between them, and lock the cartridge to the latch. Each cartridge has four lips, two for each arm, which engage a pair of spaced apart locking surfaces on each arm. Each arm fits between the two lips it engages, and each cartridge has a pair of feet which fit into a pair of pockets in the latch. A contact cartridge has a follower, and the follower and feet are both positioned to one side of the cartridge, and the feet cooperate with the pockets to insure proper orientation of the cartridge in its position on the latch.