Abstract: A status indicating assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts. The operating mechanism comprises a stored energy mechanism and a primary latch. The primary latch is pivotable between a latched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being chargeable, and an unlatched position corresponding to the stored energy mechanism being discharged. The status indicating assembly includes a first indicator for indicating whether the separable contacts are open or closed, a second indicator for indicating whether the stored energy mechanism is charged or discharged, and a third indicator for indicating whether or not the circuit breaker is ready to close the separable contacts.

Abstract: An improved electrical switching apparatus comprises a plurality of electrical switching assemblies in a ganged configuration. A bridging device mechanically connects together the actuator devices of the electrical switching assemblies to cause the simultaneous tripping of all of the electrical switching assemblies when an overload or an arc fault is detected on any electrical switching assembly of the gang.

Abstract: An emergency off switching device for disconnecting an electrically operated machine from a circuit including a plurality of operated machines, includes a housing attached to the machine against which an externally accessible actuator cap is held in an axially movable arrangement, a contact switch accommodated in the housing which is closed when the switching device is in the non-actuated condition and by means of which the machine is electrically connected to the circuit, and a driver sleeve supported against the inside of the housing that is connected to the actuator cap with the free end of the driver sleeve opposite to the actuator cap facing the contact switch and disconnecting it from the circuit in the actuated condition, wherein a monitoring signal is generated when the switching device is in the actuated condition, to ascertain which of a plurality of the switching devices has been actuated.

Abstract: To reduce the number of erroneous operations, on an operation apparatus conducting mutually different operations such as opening and closing operations, a concretized human pictogram indicating mutually different state changes such as state changes represented by use of a face with opened eyes and a face with closed eyes associated with operation signals assigned to a pair of operation switches and a pictogram in which the human pictogram is combined with an operation pictogram representing a state in which a door concretizing an operation target to operate in response to an operation signal is opened or is being completely closed are respectively attached to the operation switches disposed adjacent to each other.

Abstract: An electrical switching device has a state indicator which is covered or uncovered in accordance with the state of the switching device. In order to reduce the amount of moved masses, the state indicator remains in a resting position during a switching process of the electrical switching device. The state indicator can be covered at least in part by the movable switching contact pieces of the electrical switching device, for example.

Abstract: A switch device includes an operation body and a switch contact. The operation body includes an operation surface, and a display part formed on the operation surface. The switch contact is brought into or out of conduction according to the movement or rotation of the operation body. The operation body further includes first ribs on both sides of the display part on the operation surface. The first ribs extend in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the operation body moves or rotates, and are higher in height than the display part.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating a closing operable state for an air circuit breaker and an air circuit breaker having the same. The apparatus for indicating a closing operable state for the air circuit breaker comprises a micro switch installed at a switching mechanism providing a driving force for switching contactors, provided with a lever extended into the switching mechanism so as to receive the driving force, generating and outputting an electric signal for indicating that the air circuit breaker is in a closing operable state, and provided with a signal transmitting terminal for transmitting the electric signal to a remote place, and an on coupling pressing the lever of the micro switch so that the micro switch generates and outputs the electric signal only when a closing spring for providing elastic energy for switching the contactors charges elastic energy and the air circuit breaker is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for auxiliary contact of circuit breaker is disclosed that is capable of preventing an erroneous operation of and damage to an ON/OFF switch caused by over-stroke of a linkage mounted at an auxiliary contact apparatus, and enhancing reliability despite repeated opening/closing thereof.

Abstract: A control module for selectively switching electrical power from an electrical power source to a load circuit comprises a housing. An electromechanical actuator in the housing has a movable plunger. A fixed contact is fixedly mounted in the housing and is electrically connected to a first electrical terminal. A conductive contact arm in the housing comprises an elongate bar having a turn defining opposite first and second legs. The contact arm is pivotally mounted in the housing proximate the turn and is operatively connected to the plunger to be selectively positioned thereby. The contact arm further comprises a conductor tab proximate the turn. The first leg includes a movable contact for selectively electrically contacting the fixed contact. The second leg includes a user interface operator.

Abstract: An electrical circuit breaker, in particular a high-voltage circuit breaker filled with insulating gas, is described. The circuit breaker is furnished with a first contact, in particular, a contact pin and a second contact, in particular, a tulip contact that are movable in opposite directions. The circuit breaker is furnished with a drive mechanism that is coupled to the second contact. The circuit breaker is furnished with a reversing gear that produces a coupling between the second and the first contact. A first indicator element is provided that is associated with the reversing gear.

Abstract: A method for identifying a type of fault condition in a circuit breaker includes monitoring a branch circuit for a fault condition. In response to detecting the fault condition, interrupting current flow through the branch circuit. The type of fault condition is stored in a memory device from which it is retrieved in response to receiving a control signal. The type of fault condition is indicated based on the mechanical position of a circuit breaker handle as a function of time.

Abstract: A call button device includes an electrical connector in electrical communication with an elongated electrical conductor. Also included is a cable housing at least a portion of the elongated conductor. Finally, the device includes a pendant member having an actuable switch that is in electrical communication with the electrical connector through the elongated conductor. The pendant member also includes a luminous portion configured to provide non-electrical illumination in a low light environment.

Abstract: A flexible amperage flag that indicates an amperage rating of a trip unit in a circuit breaker. The flag is molded with a housing of the trip unit so that it remains with the trip unit even when installed into a different circuit breaker. The flag includes an attachment member secured to a wall of the trip unit and a flexible leg integral with the attachment member. A top surface member indicates the amperage rating and protrudes through an auxiliary cover of the circuit breaker so as to be visible through the panelboard into which the circuit breaker is installed and is connected to the top surface member. During a circuit interruption, the pressure created by the exploding gas forces the auxiliary cover away from the trip unit, creating stress on the flag. The flexible leg permits the flag to move with the auxiliary cover and return to its original form without breaking.

Abstract: A device for detecting three states, namely ‘on’, ‘off’ and ‘triggered’ of an electric circuit breaker. The device includes a mobile magnetic device, movable between three positions corresponding to the three states of the circuit breaker, and at least one permanent magnet generating a magnetic field provided with magnetic field lines for driving two DIP switches via the magnetic effect. In each of the magnetic device's positions, the two DIP switches are controlled in either an open or closed position to form a specific combination representing one of the three states of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A power switchgear having an action monitoring function by an IC tag with a sensor includes: a main body including a switching section carrying out switching action; an operating mechanism including a switching operation section mechanically connected to the switching section so as to carry out switching operation of the switching section; and an action monitoring section monitoring an action of the switching operation section and wirelessly communicating with an external equipment. The action monitoring section includes an IC tag with sensor attached to a portion of the switching operation section and a case surrounding at least a portion of the switching operation section including the IC tag with a sensor.

Abstract: A key-press structure comprises a transparent substrate, a plurality of characters formed inside the transparent substrate thereby forming a plurality of keys, and a touch control member disposed on the surface of the transparent substrate such that each of the keys is operable to sense a touch event.

Abstract: A remote control includes at least one spring motion switch and an electrical circuit to control remote control functions when the remote control is moved. In one embodiment, the motion switch activates keyboard back-lighting. A single spring motion switch may be used or two spring motion switches may be positioned approximately orthogonally, for example, a first spring motion switch to activate on motion along the remote control's length L, and a second spring motion switch to activate on motion along the remote control's width W. One simple and inexpensive motion switch is a cantilevered spring. The remote control according to the present invention with back-lighting activated by remote control motion is particularly useful when viewing a video or listening to music in low light.

Abstract: A compact keypad structure includes a keypad panel with a smooth face, matted face or patterned layer. The keypad structure includes a flexible printed circuit board, an illumination layer, a resilient layer and a keypad layer in bottom-up order. The illumination layer includes an illumination plate to illuminate the bottom of the resilient body when the keypad is operated. Therefore, the surface of the keypad has a transparent effect for display. The first carrier and the second carrier of the keypad layer, and the resilient body of the resilient layer are deformed when an external force is applied to the surface of the keypad. A protrusion is pressed against the surface of the illumination plate and a metal dome on another face of the illumination plate is deformed and pressed against the flexible printed circuit board. The metal dome is in contact with a contact of the flexible printed circuit board to output an operation signal.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter mechanism includes a first member movable in a first longitudinal direction and an opposite second longitudinal direction, and a second member pivotal in a first pivotal direction and an opposite second pivotal direction. A first tab is fixedly coupled to one of the first and second members, and a second tab is pivotally coupled to the other of the members. The first tab engages and disengages from the second tab during movement of the first member in the first longitudinal direction and in the second longitudinal direction. The second tab pivots with respect to the other of the members when engaged by the first tab during movement of the first member in the first longitudinal direction. The second tab does not pivot with respect to the other of the members when engaged by the first tab during movement of the first member in the second longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In a method of marking pictograms, for reducing the number of erroneous operations, on an operation apparatus conducting mutually different operations such as opening and closing operations, a concretized human pictogram indicating mutually different state changes such as state changes represented by use of a face with opened eyes and a face with closed eyes associated with operation signals assigned to a pair of operation switches and a pictogram in which the human pictogram is combined with an operation pictogram representing a state in which a door concretizing an operation target to operate in response to an operation signal is opened or is being completely closed are respectively attached to the operation switches disposed adjacent to each other.

Abstract: An appliance control panel is described. The control panel includes a front metal panel, a rearwardly positioned polymeric decorated film and an adhesive layer disposed between the panel and the decorated film. The film overlies an electronic control module which typically includes various displays and press-type switches. Various markings and indicia on the decorated film are visible through openings in the panel and the adhesive layer.

Abstract: An emergency push-button includes a housing that, in turn, includes at least one guide surface and an actuator supported by the housing. The actuator may be reciprocable along a generally linear axis between an actuated position and a released position. The actuator has at least one indicator window located thereon. The emergency push-button may further include an indicator disposed proximal to the actuator head and being biased for movement therewith. The indicator may include an indicator surface that has indicia thereon that provides status of the emergency push-button and that is configured to be selectably viewable through the indicator window of the actuator head. The indicator further includes at least one arm extending therefrom that is engageable with the at least one guide surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are a position indicating apparatus for a circuit breaker and a circuit breaker having the same. The circuit breaker having a position indicating apparatus comprises a cradle having a bus bar terminal and a load terminal; a main body having a bus bar connection unit and a load connection unit respectively connected to the bus bar terminal and the load terminal, and configured to be movable to a run position that the terminals and the connection units are connected to each other, and to a test position that the terminals and the connection units are separated from each other; and a position indicating apparatus configured to outwardly display a position of the main body by interworking with motion of the main body, wherein the position indicating apparatus comprises: a movable pin interworking with motion of the main body; and a display unit configured to display a position of the main body corresponding to a position of the movable pin by interworking with motion of the movable pin.

Abstract: A switching device, in particular an automatic switch, a disconnecting switch or a contactor, installable according to different operating configurations and preferably for use in low voltage systems. The device comprises a case containing at least a pair of contacts, one or more accessory devices for controlling and/or setting the operation of the switching device and user interface means, capable of performing output and/or input functions relative to the accessory devices. These interface means comprise at least a display which shows information relative to the output and/or input functions according to a viewing direction. The switching device also comprises means to select the viewing direction which are operatively connected to the display. These selection means allow selection of the viewing direction on the display as a function of the installation configuration of the switching device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a rotary shaft position indicating and display apparatus for use with a device having a rotatable shaft may include one or more of the following features: (a) a housing having a base with a cover secured to said base and defining a hollow sealed chamber, (b) an actuator shaft journaled for rotation in said base and extending through said base into said sealed chamber, (c) at least one electromechanical actuating element mounted on said actuator shaft, (d) a frusto-conical member having graphics information representative of said actuator shaft position viewable through a window area, (e) said cover having a frusto-conical base, (f) female threads on the interior of the frusto-conical base, and (g) male threads on the base housing to accept the female threads on the interior of the frusto-conical base.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a support plate for reinforcing a portion of a circuit board. The support plate may be coupled to a portion of the circuit board that is subject to forces (e.g., portions of the circuit board having switches) to prevent flexing of the board. The support plate may be coupled to the circuit board. This invention is also directed to a switch constructed from a button, a label plate, and a backer plate. The label plate and the backer plate may include apertures operative to receive a protrusion extending from the button, where the protrusion is welded to the backer plate. Labels may be printed or attached to the bottom surface of the label plate to protect the labels. In some embodiments, the protrusion may be welded to the backer plate. The protrusion may be operative to engage an electrical switch of an electronic device in which the switch is placed.

Abstract: A decorative molded body can be structured such that an inside thereof looks three-dimensional from a surface thereof, the decorative molded body being a substituted for a decorative molded body of the related art. An example of a decorative molded body can include a three-dimensional base pattern layer having, on a bottom surface of a transparent molded body, a transparent printing layer and a brilliant layer containing brilliant particles, in which the brilliant layer is raised brightly and three-dimensionally on the transparent printing layer as a background. The decorative molded body is excellent in design, and structured so that irregular shapes formed of portions where the transparent printing layer is provided and other portions can look three-dimensional from a surface of the molded body.

Abstract: The closing protection mechanism provided herein includes a control unit, a sensing switch and a sensing switch actuator. The control unit is coupled to, and in electronic communication with, the trip device. The control unit is structured to receive a sensing switch signal and to provide a control signal to the trip device. The sensing switch coupled to, and in electronic communication with, the control unit. The sensing switch is disposed adjacent to the toggle assembly. The sensing switch is structured to provide a sensing switch signal to the control unit. The sensing switch actuator is disposed on the toggle assembly. The sensing switch actuator is structured to actuate the sensing switch. The sensing switch is structured to be actuated by the sensing switch actuator when the toggle assembly is in the second, over-toggle configuration.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detecting the switch position of an isolating switch, or of a grounding switch, wherein a displaceable switching meter is applied to the contact part in the gap of a contact part in the closed switch position, and wherein the displaceable switch meter can be spaced from the contact part in the open switch position. In at least one embodiment, an optical signal is influenced by the switch meter for differentiating the two switch position with a closed switch position. If the optical signal is influenced, it is indicated that the isolating switch, or the grounding switch, is in the closed switch position. Otherwise it is indicated that the isolating switch, or the grounding switch, is in the open switch position.

Abstract: An air circuit breaker having a mechanical trip indicating mechanism, in an air circuit breaker including a switching mechanism, an actuator having an output link for providing a mechanical driving force, a first link unit connected between the output link of the actuator and the switching mechanism for applying the mechanical driving force from the output link to the switching mechanism to perform a trip operation, a front surface plate provided with a manipulating unit accessible by a user, the air circuit breaker comprising: a first rotation lever connected to the first link unit, a second link unit limitedly moved by the first rotation lever, a bias spring for applying an elastic biasing force to the second link unit to be moved in one direction, a second rotation lever installed to be rotatable with coming in contact with one end portion of the second link unit, and a mechanical trip indicating mechanism supported by the front surface plate and having an indicating portion exposed to the front surface pl

Abstract: A device for sensing the position of a contact carrier of a contact includes a housing, a sensor supported by the housing and a latch that is movable by the contact carrier. The latch has a latch member located in proximity to the sensor and that is generally non-reflective. The sensor is configured to sense a presence or an absence of the latch member at one particular location depending upon the position of the contact carrier. A method of sensing position of a contact carrier of a contact module is also presented.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a switch for use in an electronic device. As the user actuates the switch, different labels may be visible to indicate to the user the current state of the switch. To allow the switch to be positioned adjacent to an edge of the device, the switch may include only a single label that moves with the switch. For example, the switch may include a label positioned adjacent to a nub that the user may operate. The label may be sized such that only the label is visible when the switch is in a first position. The electronic device may also include a second label that is fixed to a non-moving portion of the electronic device. When the user moves the switch, the switch may move away from and uncover the second label while hiding the label that is included in the switch.

Abstract: An oil-immersed circuit breaker is provided having a mechanical/magnetic trip indicator. In a preferred embodiment, the trip indicator comprises a mechanical drive train (coupled to a conventional trip-sensing mechanism), a push piece, and an indicator piece. The drive train and the push piece are located inside the enclosure immersed in oil. The indicator piece is located outside the enclosure. The push piece is magnetically coupled to the indicator piece. Magnetic coupling eliminates problems encountered with prior art trip indicators associated with oil-seal leakage, electrical component failure, and power source failure.

Abstract: A system or method of verifying a new contact position of a multi-pole electromechanical switch having a plurality of contact positions is disclosed. The switch is caused to move to a new contact position. Power is provided to at least one light transmitter to cause the at least one light transmitter to transmit light toward a light reflective portion. A particular light detector among a plurality of light detectors that has received light from the light reflective portion is identified. The new contact position is verified based on the identification.

Abstract: A method manufactures a keyboard with injecting keys and an inmold metal sheet. The bottoms of grooves of the keys are combined with an elastic material layer to form a keyboard. The metal layer is disposed at a surface of said keyboard.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a position of a movable portion mounted on a casing of a switching electrical apparatus, the movable portion configured to adopt at least two determined positions. The device includes a permanent magnet and a reader including an antenna to interchange data without contact by electromagnetic coupling with a receiver element associated with the switching electrical apparatus. The receiver element includes an antenna controlled by a microswitch switched between two states depending on the position of the movable portion to establish or interrupt the electromagnetic coupling between the reader and the receiver element.

Abstract: A visible open indicator for high voltage vacuum interrupters and switches, which use a vacuum bottle having a high voltage contact and an actuating element that opens and closes the contact, is provided. The visible open indicator includes: an actuating mechanism that operates the actuating element; a housing that contains the actuating mechanism; an indicator attached to the actuating mechanism, wherein the indicator shows that the contact is in an open position or closed position; a viewing window extending through the housing, wherein the viewing window is aligned with the indicator so that the indicator can be viewed through the viewing window. The indicator includes a first indicating portion and a second indicating portion. The first indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is open and the second indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is closed.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus, such as an aircraft circuit breaker or an aerospace circuit breaker, is for a corresponding aircraft or aerospace panel including a first aperture and a second aperture. The circuit breaker includes a status, such as a health status or trip status, a housing adapted to be coupled to the panel, separable contacts and an operating mechanism adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes an operating handle adapted to pass through the first panel aperture and a light indicator adapted to be disposed through the second panel aperture to indicate the status of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A multi-function selecting mechanism is provided. The multi-function selecting mechanism comprises a toggling feature and a selection mechanism coupled with said toggling feature. The selection mechanism is configured to move about the toggling feature to a first position or move toward the toggling feature to a second position, wherein a first function is initiated when the selection mechanism is in the first position and a second function is initiated when the selection mechanism is in the second position.

Abstract: A non-contact auxiliary switch for a circuit breaker includes a target having first and second positions corresponding to open and closed positions of separable contacts. A non-contact sensor is responsive to the first and second positions of the target to generate first and second output signals. A movable slider member carries the target and is structured to slide within a holder inside the housing of the circuit breaker and to be coupled to and moved by an operating mechanism responsive to the open and closed positions of the separable contacts. This effects one of the first and second positions of the target when the separable contacts are closed and the other of the first and second positions of the target when the separable contacts are open.

Abstract: A device for sensing the position of a contact carrier of a contact includes a housing, a sensor supported by the housing and a latch that is movable by the contact carrier. The latch has a latch member located in proximity to the sensor and that is generally non-reflective. The sensor is configured to sense a presence or an absence of the latch member at one particular location depending upon the position of the contact carrier. A method of sensing position of a contact carrier of a contact module is also presented.

Abstract: A push button switch includes a switch casing, and a printed circuit board with a switching element disposed thereupon. A push button is disposed in an opening of the switch casing. The push button includes a pushing portion, pushing projection, and an annular wall portion surrounding a periphery of the pushing projection. The pushing portion, the pushing projection, and the annular wall portion are configured of elastic material. The annular wall portion and the pushing projection are disposed in an interior of the switch casing such that the pushing portion projects outwardly from the opening portion of the switch casing. A distal end portion of the pushing projection is directed toward the switching element. The push button switch also includes a guide member configured to restrict movement of the pushing projection. The guide member is disposed inside the annular wall portion of the push button.

Abstract: A remote control includes at least one spring motion switch and an electrical circuit to control remote control functions when the remote control is moved. In one embodiment, the motion switch activates keyboard back-lighting. A single spring motion switch may be used or two spring motion switches may be positioned approximately orthogonally, for example, a first spring motion switch to activate on motion along the remote control's length L, and a second spring motion switch to activate on motion along the remote control's width W. One simple and inexpensive motion switch is a cantilevered spring. The remote control according to the present invention with back-lighting activated by remote control motion is particularly useful when viewing a video or listening to music in low light.

Abstract: A switch at least comprises a housing, an electrical member, a terminal and a connecting contact. The housing defining a cavity that includes two opposite sidewalls, and a pair of fixing grooves each defined by said sidewall and an extension wall spaced from said sidewall. The electrical member having a pair of leads disposed within said cavity. The terminal retained in the housing and having a contact portion abutting against said sidewall. The connecting contact retainably disposed within each said groove, and the connecting contact has a plate base abutting against said extension wall, a fixing portion attached onto an upper end of the plate base for clamping each said lead of the electrical member, and an spring portion reversely extending from an opposite bottom end of the plate base and designed to mechanically and electrically engage the contact portion of the second terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating a closing operable state for an air circuit breaker and an air circuit breaker having the same. The apparatus for indicating a closing operable state for the air circuit breaker comprises a micro switch installed at a switching mechanism providing a driving force for switching contactors, provided with a lever extended into the switching mechanism so as to receive the driving force, generating and outputting an electric signal for indicating that the air circuit breaker is in a closing operable state, and provided with a signal transmitting terminal for transmitting the electric signal to a remote place, and an on coupling pressing the lever of the micro switch so that the micro switch generates and outputs the electric signal only when a closing spring for providing elastic energy for switching the contactors charges elastic energy and the air circuit breaker is opened.

Abstract: To modify an electrical switching and/or setting element (1) with a rotary switch (4) as handle, in such a way that it can be used in a broader range of applications, particularly with feedback in the form of information issued to the operator, it is proposed to arrange, in the rotary switch (4), an optical display device (8) for displaying at least two different symbols.

Abstract: A control knob for use in a motor vehicle is provided, having a hub for attachment of the control knob to a shaft, a torsion-proof part, a rotatable part, a rotation angle sensor, means for generating rotary haptics, and an electronic system by means of which the components, located in the control knob, can be controlled and the signals of the sensors can be evaluated and via which the control knob can be connected to the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention integrates the power switch of a “vintage” coin operated device, such as a juke box, into a highly visible replica coin return button. This otherwise useless coin return feature is replaced with a specially designed keycap that is part of a full travel pushbutton switch.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a housing and an electronic device installed in the housing. The housing has a shell body having a top wall, a front wall and a mounting zone defined by a part of the top wall and a part of the front wall, and a cover coupled to the mounting zone. The mounting zone is provided with a first row of through holes and a second row of through holes. The cover has a row of light-guiding rods at a back side thereof, which are respectively selectively insertable into the first or second row of through holes. The electronic device includes a circuit board and a plurality of lamps electrically connected to and controlled by the circuit board.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to utilize a reinforcing plate formed out of a metal or a hard resin introduced into a key unit in order to overcome the weak point that conventional rubber keypads are too soft and lack shape stability, as a design element of equipment including a key unit into which the plate is incorporated. For example, a part of metal reinforcing plate 4 is positively exposed to a position which can be seen from the outside of key unit 1, and various decorations are applied to the exposed part 7 so as to allow it to function as a decorated component. As a location where the reinforcing plate is exposed, there can be cited a part between each key on the key face or an annular part which encircles a plurality of key clusters. A mode may be considered in which the part of the exposed reinforcing plate 4 surrounds each individual key top 2 like a key frame, so as to substitute a key frame which has been conventionally realized by the equipment casing.