Abstract: A device 15, 2 to 6 and 10 to 14 for controlling appliance functions and for communicating with a user need not stay switched on during the entire operating time. These mostly include optical indicating means 10 to 14 whose lifetime can be increased if a motion detector 19 is arranged on the household appliance and is operatively connected to the device 15 for controlling and/or the device 2 to 6, 10 to 14 for communicating and if the device 10 to 14 for communicating can only be switched to active on receiving a signal from the motion detector 19.

Abstract: An insertion type fuse with breakage indication comprises a seat having a long receiving chamber for receiving a metal fuse; an rectangular bi-directional SMD form LED set being located on the buckle portions; the LED set being a coating device and being high temperature tolerant; the LED set being connected to a circuit; the LED including two LEDs and being serially connected with a voltage divided resistor; a fuse wire being connected between the LED set and a load; the LED set being buckled to the buckle portions; when the fuse wire breaks, light will emit out so as to show that the fuse wire breaks; thereby a break fuse can be fined rapidly. In assembly, the seat and the cover are integrally formed. The LED set is adhered to the metal fuse and then the metal fuse is assembled into the long receiving chamber.

Abstract: An appliance timer operable in a selection mode and an operation mode includes a shaft assembly, a switch assembly, a cam device, a bi-directional motor, and a display device. The shaft assembly is operable to select an operation cycle and to drive the display device in the selection mode. The motor rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the operation mode. When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the motor drives the cam device to operate the switch assembly to actuate or deactivate a plurality of electrical circuits associated with a plurality of appliance functions. When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the motor drives the display device to indicate an operational status of the appliance. The rotation of the motor is controlled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: Signal Actuator device, having a support structure; a bottom drive shaft, tunable in a seat of the support structure; a first torsional coupling, integral with and surrounding the bottom drive shaft; at least a first cam torsionally coupled to the first torsional coupling in a selective manner for adjusting the angular position thereof relative to the bottom drive shaft; the at least one first cam actuating an electrical device supported by the support structure; a top drive shaft, torsionally coupled to bottom drive shaft in a selectively removable member; a second torsional coupling, integral with and surrounding the top drive shaft; at least a second cam torsionally coupled to the second torsional coupling in a selective manner for adjusting the angular position thereof relative to the removable top drive shaft; and the at least one second cam actuating an electrical device supported by the support structure.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a shell, a movable press strip, a metal strip, a C-shaped plate spring, and three conductors. A first and a second conductor are inserted through the bottom of the shell, respectively have an upper end extending up in the shell, with a first contact point on its upper end of the first conductor, with an upper end of the second conductor connected with a metal strip, which has one end facing under a first press member of the press strip and an elastic contact strip with one end provided with a second contact point facing under the first contact point. A C-shaped plate spring has two lower ends connected with the metal strip, and a curved-up portion facing a second press member. The contact strip may disfigure by high heat caused by excessive current, curling upward to force the first contact point snap off the second contact point to cut off the circuit breaker.

Abstract: Light projected from a light source is reflected to a pointer side by a reflecting portion in such a state that a dial is rotated to a FOOT position position. Due to this, since light projected from the light source can be emitted to the pointer by bypassing an inside air/outside air changing over switch, the pointer can be illuminated sufficiently without disturbance by the inside air/outside air changing over switch. Moreover, since the reflecting portion is formed by bending partially a predetermined conductor plate 58 which constitutes a switch circuit, the necessity of a reflector is obviated which would otherwise be necessary exclusively to reflect light projected from the light source to the pointer side. Due to this, since the number of components is reduced, both the production costs and the number of assembling manhours are reduced.

Abstract: A competitive swimming starting system for producing faster starts of competitive swimmers after the start of the race has been signaled. The competitive swimming starting system may include a platform structure for resting on a surface adjacent to a pool, and a light for illuminating to indicate a starting signal for a swimming race. In one embodiment of the invention, the light is mounted on the platform structure in the view of a person positioned on the starting platform structure. The present invention also contemplates a method of signaling the start of a swimming race, which includes providing a competitive swimming starting platform structure positioned adjacent to a pool, providing a light proximate to the starting platform structure in a location in the view of a person positioned on the starting platform structure, and illuminating the light to signal a start of a swimming race.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch contact arrangement with a first moving switch contact, with a second switch contact, provided for the first switch contact and with an erosion display, for the switch contacts. The erosion display comprises an erosion pointer and a display surface or display edge. The display pointer follows the movement of the first switch contact and, on closing the contacts, then only extends over the display surface or display edge when the value for the erosion of the switch contacts is less than a given maximum value. In order to be able to shorten the display pointer in the unused condition without a special tool to give a separation from the display surface or display edge, the value of which corresponds to the value of the maximum permitted erosion of the switch contacts, at least one marking for the cutting of the display pointer is provided, whereby the marking is separated from the display surface or display edge by the maximum permitted erosion of the switch contacts.

Abstract: A pushbutton configuration includes at least two neighboring pushbuttons, connecting webs, and spring legs. The connecting webs are in the form of constricted film hinges. The length of the connecting webs is, preferably, 3 to 10 mm, the width of the connecting webs is 0.5 to 2 mm, and the thickness of the connecting webs at their ends is 0.5 to 1.5 mm and at their constricted center is 0.15 to 1 mm, but, in any event, less than at their ends. The pushbutton configuration is preferably formed in one piece from readily flowing polyacetal, which has a high rigidity and restoring elasticity.

Abstract: In a method and a control system for acoustical function control in a motor vehicle using a speech input system that receives a spoken command and converts it into corresponding control signals, the system is activated by an operating element that is actuated manually and, upon being actuated, outputs to an operating person an indication of its readiness to receive a voice command. The indication is effected by a mechanical deflection from a preestablished position of the operating element, or a part thereof, so as to directly influence the tactile sense of the operating hand of the operating person.

Abstract: The computer of the present invention is provided with a main body on which keys to be operated by the user are disposed and a display unit that displays an image in accordance with each operation executed for the main body. Each key disposed on the main body is composed of its body having a key top and a light accumulator recess opened in the key top. The light accumulator recess is formed in a manner indicative of the character or symbol associated with such key. The light accumulator recess has embedded in it a light accumulating material such that the character or symbol associated with the key is illuminated by the residual light emission of the light accumulating material when the computer is operated in a location with little or no ambient light.

Abstract: A switch unit allows a user to perform an on-and-off switching control of a load which is installed in a certain place without having the user move to the load position and confirm the control status of the load. The switch unit includes a local switching unit having a plurality of buttons each coresponding to each load which is installed in a current place, for directly selecting a load to be switching-controlled, an overall switching unit fabricated in the form of a dial, for selecting a load to be switching-controlled, an overall display unit having a number of LEDs, for displaying the switching control state of each load, an all-off switch which is slightly sunk from the surface of the switch unit, for switching all the loads entirely, and a remote controller signal receiver for receiving a remote controller signal. The switch unit further includes a FND display unit for displaying a load corresponding to the current dial position in the overall switching unit with a numerical symbol.

Abstract: An improved shock resistant auxiliary switch mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a common conductor having a conduction plate that is slidably translatable between electrically conductive contact with first and second conductors. The conduction plate is biased by a spring in a direction toward contact with the first conductor. An improved shock resistant circuit breaker including the improved auxiliary switch mechanism includes a crossbar that is operatively engageable with the conduction plate to releasably retain the conduction plate in a position in contact with the second conductor. When the circuit breaker is in an ON position, the conduction plate is operatively interposed between the crossbar and the bias of the spring.

Abstract: A trip indicator of a circuit breaker is set to the tripped position through engagement by the cradle, which is unlatched by the trip mechanism. Even though the cradle is automatically reset by a reset spring, the trip member indicator is retained in the tripped position by an indicator spring. The trip indicator member is returned to the untripped position by a reset member on the circuit breaker operating member as the latter is rotated by the circuit breaker handle to the ON position. The trip indicating member is transversely displaced through an out of round pivot mount as the operating member is rotated to the off position before the cradle unlatches when the circuit breaker blows open in response to a short circuit.

Abstract: A circuit breaker for opening and closing a main-circuit includes main-circuit contacts; an opening-and-closing mechanism having a switching lever for opening and closing the main-circuit contacts, a main spring for urging the switching lever, and a toggle-link mechanism attached to the switching lever; and an operational handle. The operational handle includes a locker handle rotatably supported on a handle pin and connected to the toggle link of the switching mechanism, and a pushbutton linked to the handle. When the pushbutton is pushed, the handle portion rotates to allow the switching lever to close the main-circuit contacts.

Abstract: A tool for use in removing and replacing a bulb of a push-button type actuatable switch comprises a tool body having a first end defining a bulb-accepting opening. A plurality of tines surround at least a portion of the opening. When the tines are in a first position, the opening is sufficiently large to accept a bulb. When pressed inwardly, the tines reduce the size of the opening and engage a bulb located therein. Movement of a sleeve over the outside of the body presses the tines inwardly. In one embodiment, a flexible sleeve is located in the opening for gripping and protecting a bulb. A stop extends into the insert, limiting the extent to which a bulb may be pressed into the tool. An opposing end of the tool may include a prong or blade for engaging and removing a lens cover over a bulb.

Abstract: A device is for controlling the closing of a power circuit breaker according to operational parameters. The device includes an indication element for indicating the readiness for closing and a coupling element which interacts with the indication element. The operational parameters, for example, energy store empty or switchgear cell door open cause the indication element to pivot into the position not ready for closing and cause the coupling element to move into its disabled position.

Abstract: A floor care appliance such as a vacuum cleaner is provided having a display panel having at least one indicator light for indicating a status of a feature of the appliance wherein the indicator light is lighted by electro luminescent lighting. The electro luminescent lighting is also used on a control panel for a floor care appliance to backlight one or more switches used to control a feature or mode of the appliance wherein the backlighting indicates a status of the feature or mode associated with a particular switch. The switches and electro luminescent backlighting are embedded between layers of a thin film allowing the display and control panels to be mounted on a curved surface such as the handle of the floor care appliance.

Abstract: An EL element includes plural light transmitting front-electrodes forming plural lines by wiring and plural back-electrodes forming plural lines by further wiring. The front-electrodes are angled relative to the back-electrodes and a light-emitting layer is disposed between the front-electrodes and the back-electrodes. The EL element combined with a controller works as a lighting unit, which controls light emission at any place, so that a variety of lighting is realized by the lighting unit.

Abstract: In an actuator of the invention, coils are kept from being displaced along a y-axis direction as projections of coil bobbins are sandwiched between first and second iron cores along the y-axis direction. Also, the coils are kept from being displaced excessively along x- and z-axis directions due to shocks, for instance, as they are fitted in groovelike channels formed in the first and second iron cores. Since two bearings are sandwiched and fixed between third and fourth iron cores along the x-axis direction, the bearings can be easily set on a common axis with high accuracy. It is therefore possible to prevent displacement of the coils during operation of the actuator. Slidable support plates ensure smooth movements of an armature and thereby provide improved reliability even when the distance between the support plates and the first to fourth iron cores is reduced.

Abstract: A non-conventional electrical circuit breaker with multiple cut-off threshold points, governed by built-in feed-back sensing circuits, which manipulates the tripping threshold values by sensing different requirements of maximum draw of current depending on the required circuit conditions and states of the application.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter device protects a load circuit from excessive, or overloading levels of current, provides a visual indication of circuit overload and open circuit, and can be reset. A multi-metallic heat reactive strip is snapped by an overload current to open the load circuit and close a light emitter circuit having a current limiting resistor connected to an indicator lamp that provides a visual indication of the open circuit. The multi-metallic strip is manually reset via a push button to open the light emitter circuit and extinguish the indicator lamp and close the load circuit to reestablish operation therein. The circuit interruption device can be made utilizing currently available technology for miniature fusing in tight, confining spaces and/or assemblies that have unusual shapes that restrict access in automobile electrical systems, test instruments, domestic appliances or many other electronic/electrical circuits.

Abstract: An improved push button assembly having solid state light sources may be utilized to replace push button assemblies having incandescent light sources in previously installed switch assemblies or may be used in original equipment. The push button assembly includes a base which at least partially encloses a printed circuit. A plurality of solid state light sources are connected with the printed circuit. A display is illuminated by light from the solid state light sources. One or more electrical circuit components, which emit heat, are connected with the printed circuit. A metal heat sink is disposed adjacent to the electrical circuit components. The metal heat sink engages a metal housing which encloses a display which is illuminated by light from the solid state light sources.

Abstract: An indicator reset tool is for a movable arc fault indicator of a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker further includes a housing enclosing separable contacts, an operating mechanism for opening and closing the separable contacts, and an operating handle protruding through an opening in the housing. An actuator actuates the movable indicator arc fault indicator and actuates the operating mechanism to trip the separable contacts open. The indicator reset tool includes a reset member having a first end with an indicator engaging portion structured to depress and reset the movable arc fault indicator. The second end of the reset member includes a handle portion for gripping by a user.

Abstract: A push-pull circuit breaker is provided primarily for use in aircraft; wherein, the activation of the circuit breaker is made significantly more noticeable by the addition of a “flower” device. Specifically, as the center post of the circuit breaker deploys, “petals” at the periphery of the post expand outward. The petal expansion greatly enhances the visibility and thereby recognition of said circuit breaker deployment by flight crew or maintenance personnel. This design capitalizes on the safety and reliability of existent circuit breaker designs. Finally, the flower design incorporates only one part interlocked with the circuit breaker post to achieve the stated purpose.

Abstract: A decorated key top presenting light transmitting rainbow-colored gloss and beautiful appearance giving a feeling of high quality, that can be produced at low cost through a continuous production process in which a liquid crystalline organic polymer layer (4) of cholesteric orientated liquid crystalline organic polymer is formed on the key top (10) surface and/or back.

Abstract: A key top member for a push button switch structure capable of facilitating change and modification of a design while eliminating deformation and misregistration of a display section, being accommodated to a variety of data, being increased in design properties and visibility, and being reduced in manufacturing cost. An upper resin sheet made of thermoplastic resin and having display sections such as a letter, a symbol, a pattern or the like printed thereon is formed with projections having configurations conforming to outer configurations of key top elements. The projections are each securely provided therein with a filler member made of photo-setting resin directly or through an adhesive.

Abstract: Switch position indications and interlocks for power breaker circuits for air-insulated medium-voltage switchgear assemblies, having the functional features of power switching, disconnection and grounding. The switch position indications and interlocks are integrated jointly in control modules and are provided by indication slides and interlock slides which are guided in a center plate which is arranged between a front-face cover plate and a retaining plate facing the inner region of the power breaker systems, with the center plate having a number of guide openings matched to the positions and contours of the indication slides and of the interlock slides, the cover plate having a number of viewing openings matched to the positions and contours of the indication slides and of the interlock slides, and the retaining plate having a number of bushing openings matched to the positions and contours of the indication slides and of the interlock slides.

Abstract: In a circuit breaker, a rotary-operating handle is linked with an opening and closing mechanism via a driving gear so that main circuit contacts can be opened and closed by rotating an opening and closing lever. A vertically moving handle lock lever is arranged between a tip of the opening and closing lever and the driving gear directly coupled to the operating handle, so that when the main circuit contacts are opened after being welded, the lock lever abuts against the driving gear to restrain the operating handle to the vicinity of the ON position, thereby restricting the movement to a contact-open indicating position. Further, an upward-inclined surface is formed in a stopper section located at a tip of the lock lever, so that if the contact welding is not severe, the lock lever can be pushed down to forcibly open the contacts.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter insertion/withdrawal mechanism including an interrupter moving device including a drive shaft operable by an external operating handle from outside of the interrupter compartment, a lever connected between the drive shaft and the interrupter for driving the interrupter between the disconnected and connected positions, and a motion translating device connected between the drive shaft and the interrupter for translating a rotary motion of the drive shaft into a linear motion of the interrupter between the disconnected and connected positions. The lever is rotatable between a disconnecting position corresponding to the disconnected position of the interrupter and a connecting position corresponding to the connected position of the interrupter, the disconnected and connected positions being at substantially diametrically opposed positions about a center of rotation of the lever.

Abstract: In an air circuit breaker, in order to provide a position indicating apparatus of a draw out type air circuit breaker which is capable of distinguishing a position of a breaker body accurately even a user can not distinguish colors by improving a structure for indicating a position of the breaker body, in a position indicating apparatus of an draw out type air circuit breaker comprising a lead bar rotatably placed at a base frame and moving in a direction opposite to a moving direction of a lead screw by abutting to one wall surface of a cradle and a cam connected to the lead bar and rotating by the linear movement of the lead bar, the position indicating apparatus includes a movable plate connected to the cam and converting the rotation of the cam into the vertical linear motion, an indicating cam connected to the movable plate, converting the vertical linear motion of the movable plate into the rotation motion and having a portion indicating a position of the breaker body according to the rotation, and a fr

Abstract: A power transfer arrangement is provided for supplying power from a generator the electrical system of a building. The power transfer arrangement includes a power transfer switching mechanism adapted for interconnection with the building electrical system. The power transfer switching mechanism includes a cabinet having panel structure provided with various electrical components for transferring power to various load circuits. A transparent cover assembly is movably mounted to the cabinet for selectively preventing and permitting access to the electrical component and the front panel while simultaneously allowing constant visual monitoring of the components of the panel structure.

Abstract: A split housing circuit breaker having an auxiliary switch for connection to remote indicators that reflect the condition of the breaker has an actuator moveable between ON, OFF, and TRIPPED. When the actuator is moved between the ON and OFF positions, an auxiliary switch lever holds an auxiliary switch plunger against its bias to a normally-open condition for the auxiliary switch. When the actuator is in the TRIPPED position or reset to the OFF position after a fault, the plunger is allowed to extend and the auxiliary switch moves to the dosed condition. A trip lever sub-assembly includes an auxiliary switch lever that selectively acts on the plunger, a trip lever that selectively holds the auxiliary lever against the plunger, and a pin and torsion spring to rotatably interconnect the two said levers.

Abstract: An indicator on a stored energy motor operator indicates that the circuit breaker is “on” when the contacts are closed and the handle is in an on position and when the contacts are open and the handle is in an on position. The indicator only indicates that the circuit breaker is “off” when the contacts are open and the handle is in an off position. To achieve these conditions, the stored energy motor operator includes a flag bearing on and off indicia, the flag attached to one end of a connecting bar, the other end of the connecting bar pivotally connected within the stored energy motor operator. A lever is attached to a central portion of the connecting bar at a spring, the lever including a hook portion for hooking onto a pin within the motor operator. When the contacts are closed, thus indicating an “on” condition, the lever remains hooked onto the pin.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive indicator 24 in the form of a label or decal is affixed to the outside of a thermal switch 20. The temperature sensitive label provides a permanent record of the temperature limits exposed to the thermal switch. The temperature sensitive material changes colors when the thermal switch is exposed to its predetermined temperature limit. The changed color provides a quick and clear indication of an event that caused switch activation. The color indication on the outside surface of the switch also provides a visual indication that is easy to acquire and inspect without the need to have physical access to the switch itself.

Abstract: The draw out mechanism includes a crank, screw, collar and cam, which operate such that as the crank rotates, the collar translates along the screw. The movement of the pin disposed in the slot, rotates the cam as viewed about a axis of rotation. As the cam rotates about the axis of rotation, the pin moves within slot causing mobile side plates to move toward the front or back of the draw-out unit. A circuit breaker is connected to side plate and is positioned in CONNECT, DISCONNECT, and TEST positions by motion of the side plate. An indicator provides visual indication of the breaker's position. A locking system locks the draw-out mechanism in the DISCONNECT position.

Abstract: A locking arrangement for use on a draw-out mechanism mounted on a circuit breaker within a switchgear cabinet includes a fixed side plate arranged for mounting within switchgear cabinet, a mobile side plate includes a pin extending threrefrom, the mobile side plate arranged to move the circuit breaker in cooperation therewith and an obstructor plate pivotally mounted to the fixed sideplate, the obstructor plate having a slot and a notch extending from the slot, the pin traversing the slot to allow the mobile side plate to move relative to the fixed side plate.

Abstract: An indicator apparatus for a circuit breaker includes an indication mechanism and a latch mechanism mounted on a base, the base being mounted within the circuit breaker. The indication mechanism includes an indicator movably mounted on the base and being translatable along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position, with the indicator in the extended position providing an indication visible from the exterior of the circuit breaker of a tripped condition of the circuit breaker. The latch mechanism includes a latch that is pivotable between a blocking position and a release position, with the latch in the blocking position being engageable with a ledge on the indicator to retain the indicator in the retracted position. The indicator is biased to the extended position by a first biasing device, and the latch is biased to the blocking position by a second biasing device. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A switch 1 comprising an outer housing 3 and an inner component 5; switch means 13 operable to provide a signal upon depression of said outer housing 3; resilient biasing means 29 located between the inner component and the outer housing to provide a force which biases the outer housing from the inner component; and means (9, 17) for varying the spacing between the inner component and the outer housing and hence the biasing force provided by said resilient biasing means.

Abstract: An indicator apparatus for a circuit breaker includes an indication mechanism and a latch mechanism mounted on a base, the base being mounted within the circuit breaker. The indication mechanism includes an indicator movably mounted on the base and being translatable along a longitudinal axis between a retracted position and an extended position, with the indicator in the extended position providing an indication visible from the exterior of the circuit breaker of a tripped condition of the circuit breaker. The latch mechanism includes a latch that is pivotable between a blocking position and a release position, with the latch in the blocking position being engageable with a ledge on the indicator to retain the indicator in the retracted position. The indicator is biased to the extended position by a first biasing device, and the latch is biased to the blocking position by a second biasing device. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.

Abstract: An indicator on a stored energy motor operator is disclosed. The indicator indicates that the circuit breaker is “on” when the contacts are closed and the handle is in an on position and when the contacts are open and the handle is in an on position. The indicator only indicates that the circuit breaker is “off” when the contacts are open and the handle is in an off position. To achieve these conditions, the stored energy motor operator includes a flag bearing on and off indicia, the flag attached to one end of a connecting bar, the other end of the connecting bar pivotally connected within the stored energy motor operator. A lever is attached to a central portion of the connecting bar at a spring, the lever including a hook portion for hooking onto a pin within the motor operator. When the contacts are closed, thus indicating an “on” condition, the lever remains hooked onto the pin.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is provided which includes a housing having a front face, a base, and a back wall joined in a polyhedron configuration. The front face includes an input area having keys for data entry and a display area having a screen to illustrate information to the user. The front face, back wall, and base are joined in the polyhedron configuration, such that the front face is presented to the user at an angle to horizontal when the base is mounted upon a horizontal or vertical surface. The front face, back wall, and base are joined at rounded edges to afford a smooth contour which is easily and comfortably grasped within the hand of the user. The portable electronic device further includes a sensor to determine whether the housing is aligned upon a horizontal or vertical axis. This sensor delivers its output to a display control which realigns information displayed upon the view screen to shift the displayed information between vertical and horizontal configurations.

Abstract: A combination air circuit breaker bell alarm reset and lock-out accessory unit interacts with the circuit breaker closing system to prevent charging of the circuit breaker closing spring until and unless the bell alarm module has been manually reset in one option and allows automatic reset of the bell alarm module prior to charging of the closing spring in a further option. The orientation of the bell alarm module on the combination reset and lock-out accessory unit support plate determines the reset or lock-out option selection.

Abstract: In a circuit breaker, a rotary-operating handle is linked with an opening and closing mechanism via a driving gear so that main circuit contacts can be opened and closed by rotating an opening and closing lever. A vertically moving handle lock lever is arranged between a tip of the opening and closing lever and the driving gear directly coupled to the operating handle, so that when the main circuit contacts are opened after being welded, the lock lever abuts against the driving gear to restrain the operating handle to the vicinity of the ON position, thereby restricting the movement to a contact-open indicating position. Further, an upward-inclined surface is formed in a stopper section located at a tip of the lock lever, so that if the contact welding is not severe, the lock lever can be pushed down to forcibly open the contacts.

Abstract: A seal apparatus having a seal member and a plurality of fasteners is mounted on an arc hood of a cassette in a switchgear cabinet and resists leakage of arc gases through a gap between the arc hood and a circuit breaker mounted in the switchgear cabinet. The seal member is flexibly received against the circuit breaker in a racked position and is preferably at least nominally deflected thereby to resist the flow of arc gases in a leakage direction through the gap. The seal member thus resists the arc gases from coming into contact with a plurality of line conductors at the rear of the circuit breaker until the arc gases have at least somewhat cooled, deionized, and/or slowed. The seal apparatus thereby resists arc gases from inducing arcing between adjacent line conductors, whereby the circuit breaker can be operated at substantially higher voltages.

Abstract: A trip indicator for handle operator for controlling a handle of a circuit breaker comprises a cover having a window sufficiently sized to view indicia indicating a position of the handle, a trip flag having indicia indicating a TRIPPED condition, and a connection between a chuck of the handle operator and the trip flag configured to move the trip flag such that the indicia is visible through the window when the handle is in a TRIPPED position and is not visible through said window when the handle is not in the TRIPPED position.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a circuit breaker operating mechanism includes a primary latch with a cross bar and a first pair of elongated leg members flexibly mounted to the cross bar. A secondary latch is pivotally mountable to the circuit breaker operating mechanism, with the first pair of elongated leg members being in removable engagement with the secondary latch. In one embodiment, the cross bar is flexible and deflects at a point along a longitudinal axis thereof. In another embodiment, the cross bar is flexible and twists about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An electrical switchgear apparatus comprises a fixed frame, a circuit breaker movable in the fixed frame between a plugged-out position and a plugged-in position, a reversible plug-in and plug-out mechanism of the circuit breaker, a movable means for detecting an indexed position of the mechanism or of the circuit breaker, linked to a first electrical switch, and a movable means for detecting an indexed position (open or closed) of the main contact means of the circuit breaker linked to a second electrical switch. Each of the two switches comprises an input, a first output and a switching means able to take a first position in which it connects the input of the switch electrically to the first output of the switch, the switching means being kinematically linked to the corresponding detecting means, in such a way that the switching means is in its first position if and only if the corresponding detecting means is in its active position.

Abstract: A switch assembly for switching electrical currents in which a separate icon display is provided. The icon display can be attached to either the actuator of the switch assembly or the switch assembly so that different designs for one and the same switch assembly are possible without any modifications to the switch assembly.

Abstract: A key switch device having a key top colored in a dark shade on the right and front side surfaces, in a light shade on the top surface, and in an intermediate shade between the color of the right and front side surfaces and the color of the top surface, on the left and rear side surfaces. Because of these different color shades, the right and front side surfaces look as if shaded; and the top surface presents a thick, three-dimensional appearance regardless of the direction of light falling thereon. That is, the key top, being low-profile, looks thick.