Abstract: A pair of insulating base halves (26,28) are adapted for mutual engagement along respective open sides, one base half (26) containing stationary contacts (30,32,34) and an electrical bussing element (30) structurally interlocked with that base half upright against an interior wall and the other base half containing a speed control circuit board (40) disposed in an upright position along an opposite interior wall and electrical connectors (56,58) biased into electrical engagement with the circuit board and forming push-in lead connectors with the stationary contacts and bussing element, a movable contact carrier (38) disposed between the base halves for sliding movement and having a movable contactor (64) engaging the stationary contacts and a wiping contact (66) engaging variable resistance (44,46) elements on the printed circuit board, the two base halves being interlocked (26k,28e) together along a lower edge and retained together along an upper edge by inserting them into a hollow housing (2) containing a

Abstract: A rotary encoder comprises a case containing a rotary brush setting plate and an idler gear which is associated with an inside gear formed on the brush setting plate and a reduction gear contained in the case and connected to a driving shaft penetrating the case. Brushes on the rotary brush setting plate rotatingly slide on the plural pulse producing conductive patterns formed on inside surface of the case, thereby to effect switching in plural modes as the shaft revolves.

Abstract: A multi-function actuator switch attaches onto an actuator of already assembled clutch assembly or the like with a simple sideways snap-fit, is fully enclosed when assembled onto the shaft, and is compact. The switch has a hollow housing with a longitudinal opening. The housing carries in its interior a driver member that snap-fits onto the shaft. A pair of coil springs held on guide arms urge the driver toward an initial position. The arms are mounted on a base plate that closes one end of the housing and also snap-fits on the shaft. A replaceable cover closes the longitudinal opening in the housing and locks the housing onto the shaft. The housing mounts a terminal board that carries a molded in place set of interior contacts that each connect with a terminal at the exterior of the housing. The driver carries a wiper contact that makes electrical connections between selected pairs of contacts as a function of its position in the switch to control the operation of circuits associated with those contacts.

Abstract: The electric control to reset a circuit breaker is formed by a sub-assembly (10) to be coupled to the mechanism (60) of the circuit breaker. At the end of the charging travel of the closing spring a control cam (46) disconnects and stops the motor. The charging position is defined by a latch interlocking the charging cam (62), a closing operation being induced by the release of the latch and a limited rotation of this charging cam (62). The link shaft between the motor reducing sub-assembly or block (10) and the mechanism (60) transmits this closing limited rotation to the control cam (46), which induces the restarting and the connecting of the motor for a reset operation of the closing spring.

Abstract: A switch mechanism is disclosed as including a body member containing the switching elements for an electrical circuit and a rotary external actuator for producing corresponding rotary motion to the switching elements for placing the switch mechanism into its controlling conditions. The actuator is held in a restrained position upon the body member and also resiliently biased into a controlling condition by a single element, a coil spring.

Abstract: A split case circuit breaker is fitted with a bracket assembly which defines a rectangular boss to cover the smaller circuit breaker boss on the front face of the breaker housing. An actuator link operates the otherwise conventional breaker mechanism inside the housing, and has a free end portion coupled to a rocker pivotably provided in a rectangular recess defined for it in the rectangular boss of the bracket assembly.

Abstract: In the particular embodiments described in the specification, an attachment for a circuit breaker is mounted in an outer box which can be inserted into a recess in the cover of the circuit breaker case. The outer box has two guide projections which are received in channels in the cover and two projecting portions which interlock with corresponding portions on the circuit breaker housing.

Abstract: A switch comprises a dielectric housing having electrical contact members secured in a base thereof with one of the contact members including a stationary contact section and the other of the contact members having a movable contact section. The contact sections are disposed in a profiled arcuate inner surface formed by the base and resilient sections of the housing. A dielectric actuator having a cavity and an external arcuate surface mates with the arcuate inner surface. The surfaces are movable relative to each other when the actuator has been mounted on the housing with the contact sections being disposed in the cavity. The resilient sections of the housing maintain the actuator on the housing. The movable contact section is disposed in a section of the actuator cavity and is movable into and out of electrical engagement with the stationary contact section upon movement of the actuator from one position to another position.

Abstract: A process for silver plating a rotary switch contact assembly wherein a brass metal plate and a plastic rotor retainer are first formed, force-fitted together and then silver-plated as an assembly.

Abstract: A contact structure (40, 44; 62, 63) is arranged to provide oppositely directed parallel current paths within a closed loop magnetic flux amplifier (46) to be directly separable under high overload current conditions, the flux amplifier (46) functioning to arrest the movable contact (62, 63) momentum. Manufacturing economies are realized by subassembling the stationary contact structure (40, 42, 44) and flux amplifier (46) and subsequently trapping one end (42a) of that assembly within the base (4a) and securing the other end with a single screw (68). The movable contact arm (62) comprises a plurality of blanked laminations assembled to provide improved contact (63) mounting and bearing (62d) surfaces. The molded case sidewalls are strengthened in the contact separation area by offsetting the parting line (PL) between cover (6) and base (4) closer to the bottom of base (4) and overlapping the thinner base sidewalls with thicker cover sidewalls at the offset (4e, 6e).

Abstract: A snap action switch comprises stamped and formed stationary electrical contact members and a spring blade contact member. The stationary contact members and the spring blade contact member are secured in respective dielectric housing sections that are secured together forming a housing member with the planar free end of the spring blade contact member in electrical contact with one of the stationary contact members while the other end of the spring blade contact member is secured in its housing section. The other end of the spring blade contact member and the stationary contact members extend exteriorly of the housing member and are in the form of post sections for insertion into holes of a printed circuit board. The spring blade member has an arcuate compression member which, when the spring blade member is unstressed, extends out of the plane of the blade member and tension members on each side of the compression member which are located substantially in the plane of the blade member.

Abstract: An electric switching apparatus having a trough-shaped body member formed of tough, non-conductive, flexible and substantially fully resilient material within which are seated a plurality of switching mechanisms. A pair of tubular shaped sheath members formed of flexible highly resilient non-conductive material snugly encompasses the device in weatherproof electrically insulated manner; portions of said sheath members being shaped to simulate manually push-operable button devices for actuating said switching devices.

Abstract: A multipole high voltage circuit breaker is provided with a housing formed of a pair of flanged housing shells which are snap-fitted together along adjoining peripheral flanges. The thus assembled housing is provided with a plurality of intermediate walls and end walls for defining a plurality of compartments corresponding to respective ones of the poles of the circuit breaker. A switch actuator shaft is formed of a plurality of tubular bodies which are housed in respective ones of the compartments and coupled together for joint rotation. A plurality of fixed contacts extend through the housing and are bent so as to be directed radially toward the switch actuator shaft. The arrangement further includes a plurality of switch elements arranged on the switch actuator shaft, the elements being movable between engaged and disengaged positions with respect to the fixed internal contacts upon rotation of the switch actuator shaft.

Abstract: A multicircuit rotary selector switch having no external terminals is disclosed. A two-part interlocking housing journals a user-rotatable shaft carrying a stack of coaxially oriented, multilobed cam discs, each disc defining a tier level within the housing. Engageable with each disc and lying in its tier level is a pair of elongated movable switching elements each having a wire gripping end portion, a moving contact end portion, and an intermediate cam follower portion riding the lobes of its associated cam disc, each movable switching element being configured as a third class lever. One or more fixed switching elements, each including a contact portion and a wire gripping portion, are located adjacent the contact end portions of each of the moving switching elements. Portions of the fixed and movable switching elements are sandwiched between the two parts of the housing to maintain them in proper position relative to each other and to the cam disc stack.

Abstract: A switch housing includes a body and a cap. The body contains terminal recesses housing respective terminal plates for fixed and movable contacts. A plurality of resilient contact fingers are mounted on one terminal plate and a single contact member is mounted to each of the remaining terminal plates. The body includes a switch shaft bearing. A switch actuating shaft is rotatably mounted in the bearing and projects outwardly from the body. The cap engages the (sic) switch shaft and terminal plates to retain the shaft and plates within the body. Latching structure on the cap and body cooperate to retain the cap and body in assembled relationship.

Abstract: The timing mechanism illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,727,015, 3,805,005 and 4,406,932 have been improved by providing cooperating housings for the timing mechanism elements and the motor drive for the timing mechanism such that there is no external wiring between the motor housing and the timing mechanism elements. Means are provided in the motor housing to properly locate the motor and insure proper location between the motor, its associated gear train, and the elements of the timing mechanism.

Abstract: A removable group of auxiliary switches is mounted on the upper surface (4) of the contactor housing by hinging means (28, 29) and resilient locking (32, 33) placed respectively in the area of the base (8) and of partitions (5) which separate the principal terminals (6). The group comprises two switches (make and break). Coupling in this manner makes it possible to increase the number of auxiliary switches without increasing the contactor's frontal or lateral congestion.

Abstract: An improved switch head for engaging and making electrical contact between first and second stationary electrical conductors. The switch head comprises lower and upper insulating head sections, biasing means and a contact slug contained within the lower insulating head section for contacting and making electrical connection with the first and second stationary conductors, and clamping means for holding the lower and upper insulating head sections together. The clamping means places the lower and upper insulating head sections in compression when the switch head engages the first and second stationary conductors. The clamping means also applies a force to the lower head section to disengage the switch head from the first and second stationary conductors.

Abstract: A joystick controller includes an enclosure including unitary one-piece cover and bottom parts. The cover part has structure defining a plurality of receptacles respectively receiving direction-control switches and a handle support module therein, while the bottom part has a plurality of projections which cooperate with the receptacles to hold the direction-control switches and the support module immovably in place. The support module is a multi-part assembly which is assembled without the use of fasteners and tiltably supports the handle for actuation of the direction control switches. Two fire control switches are also mounted in the housing on support pins integral with the cover part.

Abstract: Keyboard switch assembly comprises first and second insulating supports having opposed spaced-apart first and second surfaces. The first support is a flexible film and has circuit conductors on the first surface thereof which extend to switch sites. Each switch site has a pair of spaced-apart switch electrodes. The second support is a rigid one piece molding having a bezel which surrounds a sunken surface. The first surface of the first support is disposed against the sunken surface. The sunken surface has recesses therein at the switch sites and the floors of the recesses are covered with conductive material such as conductive ink. The floors of the recesses are the second surface. A switch at a switch site is closed by pressing on the first support so that spaced-apart electrodes both contact the conductive material on the floor of the associated recess in the sunken surface of the second support.

Abstract: An improved brake light switch that is integrated into the brake pedal and actuated by the application of pressure to the pedal. The pedal pad is movable relative to the pedal and this relative movement effects closure of the switch.

Abstract: A pivotal hookswitch mechanism which includes a transverse camshaft supported between actuating arms of a cradle lever. The camshaft carries a plurality of transversely spaced contact spring operating cams, each cam positioned between respective contact springs of a spring pair. The camshaft is carried with its transverse ends within bearing openings of an enclosing housing, the housing enclosing the cams and contact springs. The contact springs are leaf springs resting in two parallel arrays of slots in the housing, the springs being identical. The housing is constructed of two identical shell members each forming a half of the housing, with one half being inverted relative to the other to form the central cavity for the operating components of the mechanism. The housing provides a dust-tight enclosure for the contact springs and cams with entry openings into the housing cavity filled, the enclosure structure serving as a pivot axis and pintle for the actuating lever.

Abstract: A pivoval switch mechanism usable as the hookswitch of a telephone instrument. The switch mechanism includes a transverse camshaft supported between actuating arms of an actuating lever. The camshaft carries a plurality of transversely spaced contact spring operating cams, each cam positioned between respective contact springs of a spring pair. The camshaft is journaled adjacent its transverse ends within bearing openings of an enclosing housing, the housing enclosing the camshaft, cams and contact springs. The contact springs are leaf springs resting in two parallel arrays of slots in the housing, the springs being identical. The spings each have an angled ridge contactor positioned to engage a ridge on a like spring member spaced therefrom.

Abstract: A proximity switch, operable without physical contact and having an elongated columnar housing which has, perpendicular to its principal axis, a cross-sectional shape with two orthogonal axes of symmetry. The housing is divided into at least two parts and the parts are joined at three abutting surfaces. One of the abutting surfaces extends in the plane of the principal axis and the others intersect the first surface, extending at angles of 90.degree. thereto. The greatest length of the first abutting surface, measured in the direction of the principal axis, is the same as the distance between the principal axis and the outer surface of the housing. With this arrangement, it is possible to arrange the sensor head carrying the sensor operating surface so that the operating surface lies on the longitudinal axis or at 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis in such a manner that the sensor surface does not extend beyond a generatrix of the outer surface.

Abstract: A circuit breaker with unitary actuating shaft characterized by a dielectric housing having separable housing sections for mounting opposed stationary contacts; a unitary, hollow actuating shaft for mounting movable contacts between open and closed positions with the opposed stationary contacts; and each section having an end wall with an aperture through which the shaft extends and is retained in alignment.

Abstract: A circuit breaker in which the case comprises two half-cases abutting together to jointly form the case. A handle link includes a handle with a portion extending through the half-cases. The half-cases have abutting, interfitting tongue and groove portions to increase the creepage and clearance distances from outside the circuit breaker to the closest electrically energized parts within the circuit breaker. Further the handle link and the half-cases have a pivotally semi-circular interfitting tongue and groove connection. The abutting, interfitting tongue and groove portions of the half-cases are disposed on both sides of said semi-circular connection and pivotally adjacent thereto so as to form a tongue and groove connection at the opening of the case through which the handle extends and on either side thereof. Also, the handle link has pintles pivotally extending into recesses provided therefor in the half-cases.

Abstract: A push-button switch comprises a cover member which is made from a synthetic resin, a switch case in which a plurality of fixed terminals are embedded by the unitary molding, and a slide member which receives movable contact pieces therein. Side walls of the switch case have thick-walled base portions and thin-walled upper edge portions, and the cover member is sandwiched between the pair of thin-walled upper edge portions so as to make the pair of opposing side walls parallel.

Abstract: A switching device, notably for the control of an electrical motor in an air conditioning or ventilation installation of a vehicle, wherein a rotary knob carrying a slider contact is mounted on a small column of the bottom of a cage, and a circuit plate is mounted on the end of the column and immobilized by snap-in engagement with walls of the cage. The cage is adapted to be fixed in a casing or support provided in an instrument board of the vehicle.

Abstract: A modulator switch, adapted for telecommunication purposes, has a hollow body within which are a plurality of cantilever contact members, there being a center contact member and at least one side contact member. The center contact is biased towards one side or the other and has an extension actuated by an actuator rotatably mounted on the body. Actuation to make, break or transfer contact can be provided. The switch can be designed for sliding on a cover or another switch. The particular selection of two, or three contacts provides the particular actuation required.

Abstract: Pushbutton switch module having a molded unitary case and a movable contact carrier carrying a conductive contact bridge mounted therein. Two stationary contact members each have a contact arm and a stabilizing arm which extend from a field termination exterior of the case into slots in the side walls of the case. The contact arms extend through the respective slots into the interior of the case where they are contacted by the conductive contact bridge. A cover which closes off the interior of the case has pins projecting therefrom. The pins extend through passageways at the end surfaces of the side walls and into openings in one of the arms of each stationary contact member thus securing the stationary contact members in fixed position in the case.

Abstract: A rotary switch has a detent mechanism and one or more switch sections. Each switch section has a rotor disc with annular conductive tracks thereon and four sets of stator contacts, two on each side of the rotor shaft and staggered to engage alternate conductive tracks. The switch section housing has two identical parts which snap together, each section carrying two sets of contacts. The stator contacts are mounted between ribs with an interference fit of the contact edges and the rib walls. The contacts are mounted with a set of contacts joined together and then the joining web is severed.

Abstract: A preprogrammed slide switch assembly (10) is provided for the simultaneous opening or closing of a series of switches disposed within a housing (12). A slider (60) having a grip (66) extending through an longitudinal opening (14) in the housing (12), has a plurality of contactor bars (54) attached thereto and extending laterally, each in a predetermined direction. A two part base (22) has each part (24, 26) molded about a plurality of terminals (28) so that when the parts (24, 26) are coupled together, pairs of oppositely disposed terminals (28) will each be positioned for engagement with a respective one of the lateral contactor bars (54). The lateral contactor bars (54) engage either one or both of the terminals (28) of the respective set of terminals in one of two transverse positions of the slider (60), and in a predetermined pattern of open and closed switches.

Abstract: A modular switch, which can be used in telecommunications systems, provides an enclosed environment and, from a particular selection of spring cantilever contact members, a normally made, a normally open and transfer function can be provided. By shaping the body of the switch a plurality of switches can be attached together.

Abstract: A component, versatile pushbutton actuated electrical switch capable of breaking one electrical circuit prior to establishing a further, different electrical circuit on successive actuators of a plunger ratchet mechanism, wherein a pair of spaced contact terminals are supported on opposite sides of a moveable contact. One of the contact terminals includes a plurality of attached portions defining a generally dog-leg configuration, wherein the portions extend in at least one plane lying generally across the line of travel of said moveable contact, with the portions having longitudinal axes forming a sufficient angle to one another with respect to the plane or planes whereby one of the portions, while bending causes torsional strain in at least one of the remaining portions of the contact terminal.

Abstract: An electrical switch of the type having a holding part and a control part mounted on the holding part by an attachment part, the control part and the attachment part defining a cube divided along a plane of division which forms angles of 45.degree. with the adjacent edges of the cube, the holding part having a front side adjacent to the attachment part which is mounted such that it is pivotable about a first axis perpendicular to said front side, the control part being disposed transposably on the attachment part in such a way that it may be turned relative to the attachment part about a second axis forming an angle of 45.degree.

Abstract: A miniature switch assembly of dual-in-line configuration having a plurality of switching chambers, each of the switching chambers having at least a pair of terminal lands disposed therein. Each switching chamber is sealed by means of an electrically-insulative, elastic membrane and has an electrically-conductive contact within each chamber disposed closely adjacent the membrane. The contact is permitted to float within its respective chamber and is adapted to interconnect one of the pair of contact lands with the other of the pair of contact lands by means of an actuator which flexes the membrane from outside of the chamber without extending through the membrane. An actuator of a rocker-type is retained in either an OFF or an ON position by means of a bezel which engages a detent on the upper surface of the actuator. The membrane and contact together bias the actuator in a desired operative position.

Abstract: A switch assembly of the type including a moveable contact and at least one additional contact having a free end lying generally across the line of travel of the moveable contact and having a further portion secured against movement within the switch assembly. A crushable rib is attached to a portion of the housing and is crushed into engagement with the further portion as the switch is assemblied. The invention also employs a pocket for securing a portion of the additional contact terminal against undesirable movement. A spring tab is employed for ensuring a good electrical connection between the moveable contact and a yet further contact terminal arranged within the switch.

Abstract: A liquid level detecting and warning device of the kind including a tubular member having a mounting portion fitted on an opening of a reservoir and a float guiding portion downwardly extending from the mounting portion, a float having a magnet and slidably fitted around the float guiding portion, a reed switch disposed within the float guiding portion, terminals connected to the reed switch through lead wires, and a cover member covering the opening of the reservoir and the mounting portion of the tubular member. The tubular member is formed to have at least two projection radially outwardly projecting from the upper end portion thereof.

Abstract: A self-retaining electrical terminal readily insertible into a slot provided in a switch housing or the like which is positively retained in its slot by means of a retaining tab which self locks with the housing upon insertion of the terminal into its slot.

Abstract: A piece part, such as a flat metal contact spring (12), is mounted between two plastic details (11 and 25), so that an end portion of the spring 12 projects from the mounting details. One of the details, such as a base member 11, has a cavity 17 within which the spring is placed so that a mounting section (12A) fits within the cavity. The second detail, such as a thermoplastic locking insert 25, includes a finger 25B adapted to fit in the cavity adjacent to the spring section (12A). The insert is provided with pointed energy directors (30 and 31) arranged so that the members can be heated and compressed together, and the directors melt to weld the parts together. The insert and/or the base member is formed with slots (33) so positioned that portions of the molten plastic are forced to flow into the slots during the process so as to encapsulate the mounting section of the spring or other piece part in the plastic.

Abstract: Various circuit breaker accessories, such as a shunt trip, an undervoltage release, an auxiliary switch, and a bell alarm, are individually packaged in a standardized molded insulative accessory case for ultimate factory or even field installation in a molded case, automatic power circuit breaker.

Abstract: A method of assembling a switch and terminal assembly. In this method, a plurality of terminals are disposed with electrical connection sections thereof exposed beyond a casing of the assembly and aligned generally in row formation. A ground connection section of a grounding device is disposed in the row formation with the electrical connection sections and a mounting section of the grounding device is associated in displacement preventing engagement with the casing.A prime mover is also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly for retaining electrical conductor end portions within a surrounding housing of an electrically operated device, including a plurality of spaced pin members extending between first and second housing portions, with pairs of the pin members located on opposite sides of conductor end portions located within the housing. The conductor end portions are, in turn, attached to contact terminals which are formed with an end portion located adjacent to the attached conductor having a width appreciably greater than a distance defined by a transverse gap extending between the pin members extending on either side of the conductor end portion, whereby tensional stresses applied to the conductor draw the attached contact terminal into abuting engagement with the pair of pin members, preventing longitudinal withdrawal of the contact between the pin members.

Abstract: A low voltage circuit breaker has a housing of insulating material divided into an upper part and a lower part along a parting gap. The interior of the housing is subdivided by partitions to accommodate the adjacent pole channels of a multiple pole circuit breaker. The partitions of the upper part and the lower part overlap along their entire length and the outside walls of both housing parts overlap essentially over their entire length having only short interruptions. The overlap of the outer walls and the partitions lengthen the electrical leakage paths within the housing and between adjacent insulating housing and prevent the passage of switching gases into adjacent breaker spaces and between adjacent breakers.

Abstract: Snap action switch with a sheet metal spring divided by slots into two or three coherent strips, one of which is shortened by way of bending. The bending is effected by clamping the strip between abutments formed by the upper and lower part of the housing. In this way a definite bending of the sheet metal spring is obtained.

Abstract: First and second cover plates are snapped together in parallelism to sealingly define therebetween a switch chamber. First and second sets of contacts are fixed to the first and second cover plates inside the switch chamber and a rotor disc formed with electrically conductive patterns on both sides is rotatably supported inside the switch chamber so that the first and second sets of contacts engage with the patterns on the opposite sides of the rotor disc respectively. The switch contacts are retained by interlocking projections of the first and second cover plates which also serve to prevent transverse relative movement between the cover plates.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprises a base (1) of electrically insulating material carrying an input contact (2) and a plurality of output contacts (3); a bridging contact (5) fixedly mounted on the base (1) in permanent connection with the input contact (2), and having a plurality of resilient contact arms (6) respectively associated with the output contacts (3), and an operating member mounted on the base and formed with a plurality of cam projections (11) adapted and arranged to engage the contact arms (6) of the bridging contact (5) as the operating member (8) is moved relative to the base (1), thereby to urge the contact arms (6) into contact with the associated output contacts (3).

Abstract: A multiple cantilever spring contact switch has a plurality of cantilever spring contacts, arranged in one or more series with the spring contacts of a series each clamped at one end in grooves which have base surfaces inclined relative to each other. By this means, predetermined angular inclinations are imposed on the spring contacts, urging the contacts into a correct positional relationship. Particularly the individual contact members are positioned side-by-side at their clamping positions, the free ends of one or more contact members extended laterally to overlie each other. In another arrangement two or more contacts can be stacked, with a spacer member between adjacent contacts, the spacer member having one or more of said grooves.

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: An electrical swtich construction having a self-contained and completely operable electrical switch assembly disposed in a protective envelope and having leads extending from the assembly and projecting externally through an opening in one end of the envelope. A removable end closure is carried by the envelope and closes the opening of the one end thereof, the end closure having apertures therethrough and removably receiving the leads therethrough whereby the self-contained switch assembly is adapted to be carried by the end closure away from the protective envelope when the end closure is removed from the one end of the protective envelope and the self-contained switch assembly is adapted to be removed from the end closure solely by pulling the leads out of the apertures thereof.