Abstract: A tubular body is mounted against a wall of a dwelling and surrounding a distribution box and a portion of incoming cables which terminate within the distribution box. A cover closes the tubular body and switches detect when there is an attempt to remove the body from the wall and when the cover is removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for locking "off" or locking "on" an electrical slide switch. The shape definition of the invention further serves as a position indicator, whereby even a casual glance confirms the position of the switch, even from some distance.

Abstract: In a drawout type switch gear, rotation of the lead screw (7) is locked automatically at the connected position and the test position of the drawout/push-in unit (R), symbols or marks for representing these positions are provided on an indicator plate (18), which is driven laterally behind the front panel of the circuit breaker by a cam-rod type motion-direction transforming link (23, 19, 21, 18) and is arranged to be visible through display windows (15c) provided on the front panel (15). The insertion of the detachable handle (111) into a polygonal hole (7a) provided on the front end of the lead screw (7) is Inhibited by a blocking arm (110a), which is interlocked with a lock plate (16) driven by motion of the drawout/push-in unit (R).

Abstract: A pictorial symbol switch which is effective to minimize a panel and to prevent an operation in error thereof. The pictorial symbol switch comprises first and second switch units having first and second pictorial symbols indicated on surfaces thereof, respectively, and visually representing first and second events, respectively, which relate to each other and are each to take place when the first or second switch unit is depressed. Thus, an operating section and a display section are provided in an integral relationship with each other for each of the switch units of the pictorial symbol switch.

Abstract: A wall switch latch includes a mounting plate having an enclosed slot directed therethrough and slidably receiving a fastener member directed into a wall plate permitting an abutment plate mounted to the mounting plate for abutment with an associated actuating lever bar of a wall switch mechanism. The abutment plate further includes a fluid dye saturated sponge arranged to mark the lever bar of the switch upon contact therewith.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter manually opens and closes its contacts by use of a manually rotatable handle which acts through a collapsible linkage rotatably connected to a crank extension of the handle and rotatably connected to a rotatably movable contact support. The rotatable contact support is urged away from closed contact position by a main spring and in moving from one contact position to the other the axis of the rotatable connection between the handle crank passes over a center line defined by the center of rotation of the handle and the rotatable connection between the linkage and the movable contact support providing a toggle action to hold the movable contact in selected open or closed position. Upon overload, the mechanism causes collapse of the collapsible linkage allowing the movable contact support to move and open the contacts.

Abstract: A device (301) having manually controlled keys (310), in particular for controlling actuator devices of a motor vehicle, particularly for electric window winders and/or electric door locks and/or electric rearview mirrors, comprising means (317, 305) operative to determine at least one electrical signal in dependence on the operation of at least one of these keys (310) and including a specific electronic unit (27) for processing this electric signal for the respective actuator device, in which the electronic unit (27) includes an integrated circuit (25) for treatment of the information signals relating to the operation of the actuator device, the integrated circuit (25) being connected to a printed circuit (305) which is common to means (317, 305) operable to determine at least one electric signal in dependence on the operation of at least one of the keys (310), and both the printed circuit (305) and the integrated circuit (25) are housed in integral portions (380, 320) of the frame (302) of the device (301).

Abstract: An electrical disconnect switch having a viewing window for viewing the internal switching mechanism is disclosed. The viewing window utilizes gaskets, rivets, a substantially transparent viewing window plate, and a viewing window retainer to provide a dust-tight, water-tight and drip-tight viewing window.

Abstract: A position indicator for a shaft rotatable about an axis has a housing fixed adjacent the shaft, a plurality of indicia on the housing angularly equispaced about and radially equispaced from the axis, an eccentric fixed on the shaft and having a periphery that is eccentric to the axis, and an inner indicator plate carried on the periphery of the eccentric, having a periphery with a predetermined rectified length, and formed offset from the axis with an axially throughgoing inner aperture axially alignable with the indicia. A guide fixed on the housing forms a track on which the periphery of the inner indicator plate rides. This track has a predetermined rectified length longer than the rectified length of the periphery of the inner plate so that the indicator plate rolls on the track as the shaft and eccentric rotate. An outer indicator plate fixed on the shaft adjacent the first indicator plate is formed with an axially throughgoing outer aperture axially alignable with the indicia.

Abstract: Elastic devices (3) abruptly actuate a contact carrier (9) in the upward direction when a push-member (1) reaches a tensioning position (E) from a position of rest (R). In the event of any blockage preventing such abrupt movement a lever (24) constrainedly produces the movement when the push-member (1) continues its movement as far as a constrained actuation position (A). The push-member carries colored zones (101, 102). The contact carrier carries a colored zone (104). From the relative position of these zones viewed through a window in the casing (100), the user can adjust the positioning of the limit switch with respect to a movable member intended to actuate it so that the two phases of the actuation take place at the required points. The user can also check whether the contact carrier moves in response to the elastic devices or in response to the lever.

Abstract: The open and closed conditions of the contacts within industrial-rated circuit breakers is externally ascertained by means of an auxiliary switch-contact position verifier accessory. A viewing aperture in the circuit breaker accessory cover provides visual access to a color-coded shutter that forms part of the auxiliary switch accessory and operates off the circuit breaker crossbar assembly. In the event that the circuit breaker contacts remain closed when the circuit breaker operating handle is moved to the OFF position, the colored indicia verifies the actual condition of the circuit breaker contacts.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable tube-like extension for toggle switch operators. In its preferred embodiment is comprises a length of heat shrink tubing with one end coated with a bondable plastic material. The one end is heated and comprised to form a beaver tail end thereafter the open end is inserted over the end of the handle of a toggle switch. Heat is applied to the end over the handle to shrink it into engagement with the handle. In an alternate embodiment, a flat insert is placed in the open end before heat shrinking. It is then heated to flatten the outer end. The extenders may be color coded and also may include printed or hand lettered switch identification on the extension portion.

Abstract: An electric shaving apparatus is provided which comprises a housing, a switch for activating switching cycles in which the apparatus is switched on and off, a holder for at least one external shaving member with hair-entry apertures, and an internal shaving member adapted to be driven by the external shaving member, the housing having a collecting space for shaving particles, which collecting space has a closing member with a locking mechanism, which locking mechanism comprises an actuating member, the apparatus comprising means for counting the number of switching cycles and a signalling device for signalling that cleaning of the collecting space is desirable in response to a predetermined or selected number of switching cycles. The signalling device comprises a light-emitting element in combination with the actuating member.

Abstract: A doorbell block (A) is disclosed which includes a cover (18) and a pair of movable sidewalls (26, 28) which are biased towards each other to grippingly engage a doorbell housing (14) so that a face plate (20) of the cover prevents actuation of the door bell button (16) and unwanted rings. Tab openings (E) allow the user to spread the sidewalls apart for installation and removal. A biasing spring (C) urges the sidewalls together to grippingly engage the doorbell housing to retain the cover in place.

Abstract: A compact molded case circuit breaker with increased ampere rating employs a latch assembly for maintaining the circuit breaker operating mechanism in a closed condition against a pair of powerful operating springs. To increase the mechanical advantage required to move the operating handle against the springs, a retractable handle extender is attached to the handle. For higher-rated circuit applications, a lug cover extension is added to the line end of the breaker to assist in extinguishing the intense arc that occurs during circuit interruption and to protect the line lugs from inter-phasal circuit faults. A visual access slot is arranged next to the circuit breaker handle to ascertain and verify the condition of the circuit breaker contacts.

Abstract: A blocking device for selectively restricting the movement of a multi-position electric switch between predetermined closed positions without restricting the switch's movement to an open non-conducting position. The blocking device includes a restrictive arm which can be quickly and easily connected or disengaged from the switch and further includes a retainer for insuring correct connection of the arm to the switch. The blocking device also serves as an indicator of the position currently occupied by the switch.

Abstract: A front panel assembly for an electronic instrument having a one-piece key pad with a plurality of protuberances thereon. The protuberances are formed in groups according to function and all protuberances in a group are positioned in proximity to each other. Each group of protuberances has a header protruberance defining the function of the group. Each protrusion, except the header protuberances has a corresponding electrical switching member connectably attached thereto. Each protuberance, except the header protrusions, functions as a key. When a key protuberance is pressed, the corresponding electrical switching member is pressed into operative engagement with a corresponding circuit on the circuit board. An alternate embodiment allows one group of keys to be replaced with a rotary dial without remaking the key pad.

Abstract: This invention provides a pushbutton switch which produces a click sound, the loudness of which is easily variable. In response to the vertical movement of operating cams of a pushbutton, a plate spring moves up and down. The moment when the edge of the operating cams trips over click spring portions of the plate spring, a force is applied to the plate spring so that the plate spring hits the inner top wall or bottom wall of a housing. In this manner, the pushbutton switch provides both a snap feeling and a click sound.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a rocker-type actuator molded of plastic and adapted to be pivoted between first and second positions within a housing in order to close and open switch contacts. The actuator includes an enlarged molded head and a separately molded indicator cap which is of a different color from the head and which is adapted to be snapped onto the head.

Abstract: A push button switch including a casing unit composed of an upper casing and a lower casing, a switch device provided in the casing unit, a stem slidably supported to the casing unit for switching on and off the switch device, an elastic member for normally elastically biasing the stem in such a direction as to restore an initial condition of the stem, and a clicking leaf spring adapted to abut against the stem for giving a click feeling to an operator upon depression of the stem. The clicking leaf spring is made up of a base portion having opposite ends abutting against opposed inner surfaces of the upper casing and the lower casing and thereby being held between the upper casing and the lower casing, and a spring portion split from the base portion by a pair of slits each having a closed end. A spring fulcrum is defined by the straight-line distance between the closed ens. The spring portion is such that it is removed from both the upper casing and the lower casing.

Abstract: An accessory module (104) for use with a circuit breaker (10) is configured for mounting to the breaker, and has a rotor (142) which follows the movement of the circuit breaker blade (24) in the breaker by means of a coupling member (118) passing through a passage (110) in the circuit breaker wall. A portion of the rotor is configured as a cam (162) operating a switch (152) in the module, the switch thus giving a reliable indication of the position of the breaker blade. The breaker is preferably of the type which has a trip lever (50) carried on the breaker blade and mounted for slight movement thereon, and the rotor is preferably coupled to the trip lever. A solenoid (148) within the accessory module is disposed to rotate the rotor when energized, this rotation being coupled to trip the breaker to provide for remote tripping. Since the trip lever is carried with the breaker blade, the blade position is monitored by the switch.

Abstract: A switch plate cover for a wall switch having a switch actuator is disclosed. The cover comprises a generally elongated panel folded substantially about a transverse fold line to form an outer member and an adjacent, inner member. The outer member includes a graphic representation having an aperture extending through the outer member. The cover further comprises a slot disposed along the fold line. A slide is disposed between the outer and inner members and extends through the slot. The slide includes a tongue extending outwardly through the slot. The tongue includes an opening for receiving the switch actuator. The slide moves between first and second positions in response to actuation of the switch between respective on and off switch positions. The slide further includes a first graphic indicia aligned with the aperture when the slide is in one of the first or second positions.

Abstract: A control system for a pump includes a level sensor switch that is positioned along a production string in an oil well shaft (S). The level sensor switch is protected from damage by inner and outer housings. A control circuit responsive to the level sensor switch is also provided. The control circuit includes an adjustable timer that is located at ground level remote from the harsh environment of the oil well shaft (S). The timer controls the operation time of the pump during each pumping cycle.

Abstract: An electric switch device comprises a contact spring a movable contact element; a movable contact element-supporting member having a protrusion thereof for supporting the movable contact element through the contact spring; a fixed contact element disposed in opposed relation to the movable contact element, the movable and fixed contact elements being moved toward and away from each other to effect closing and opening operations; and a casing for containing the movable and fixed contact elements therein, the casing being provided with a hole through which the protrusion of the movable contact element-supporting member is projected outwardly according the movement of the movable contact element-supporting member. The electric switch also includes a counter mounted on the casing for counting the frequency of projection of the protrusion of the movable contact element-supporting member through the hole.

Abstract: A mechanism for providing electrical or pneumatic signals indicative of the rotation position of a rotatable shaft includes a switch housing mounted on a base with a cam shaft passing upward through the base and supporting one or more cam elements for cooperating with electrical switches contained within the housing. The base is especially designed to support a flared drum on the outer surface of which are graphic characters viewable through a window on a fixed indicator cover and visible from above and the sides for visibly displaying the orientation of the rotary shaft. The mounting mechanism including a system of brackets and spacers permits the device to be used with a variety of devices incorporating a rotatable shaft.

Abstract: A control panel face for mounting at least one control member. The control panel face includes a base having a face surface onto which at least a portion of the control member is positioned, at least a portion of the face surface being magnetic; a flexible magnetic sheet for being removably attached to the face surface of the base over the control member; and a flexible cover sheet for being attached to the magnetic sheet and for covering the aperture through the magnetic sheet, the cover sheet including indicia for identifying the control member.

Abstract: A wallbox-mountable face plate assembly includes a support plate for the control device, an intermediate plate that attaches to the support plate, and a face plate that snaps onto the intermediate plate. The face plate has a particularly simple construction, requiring no mounting structure on the interior of the back surface. The intermediate plate may be painted to match, or to contrast with, the color of the wall on which the assembly is to be mounted. Alternatively, the intermediate plate could be translucent and backlighted to provide a night light or pilot light.

Abstract: A rotary selector switch having a wiper which is arranged on a rotor rotatably held in a cavity formed by a housing and case and is slidingly rotated on the housing base on which are disposed fixed contact elements, thereby to connect electrically at least one of the fixed contact elements to one of the remaining fixed contact elements, in which vertical walls of dovetail portions constituting a ridge projecting from the rotor base are arranged to abut in turn against side walls of ridges extended from an annular ledge arranged at an inner side of the housing corresponding to the rotation of the rotor whereby the rotation of the rotor is stopped; a slot defined in one of the dovetail portions of the ridge arranged on the rotor base is engaged in turn with one of the projections arranged on the housing base corresponding to the rotation of the rotor whereby an audible click may be caught; a slit defined in the housing base between the fixed contact elements disposed thereon aids to cut off a chain of undesirab

Abstract: A switch mechanism for visually indicating whether the switch is turned on or off includes a button having a hole and being depressable to turn the switch on or off. A rotatable indicator includes a first color portion that is positioned in the opening when the switch is turned on and a second color portion that is positioned in the opening when the switch is turned off. An indicator controller is coupled to the button and the indicator and carries the contacts for the switch. The indicating controller moves the indicator to position the proper colored portion in the opening in response to the opening and closing of the switch contacts by the depression of the button.

Abstract: An electrical switch device has a casing with a viewing aperture therein, and switch actuating means is pivotally movable in the casing between an at-rest position and a switch actuating position. A toggle spring is movable with the switch actuating means for resiliently opposing its pivotal movement from both the at-rest and switch actuating positions. The toggle spring includes visual indicating means conjointly movable therewith for disposition in a viewable position at the viewing aperture in response to the pivotal movement of the switch actuating means from its at-rest position to its switch actuating position.

Abstract: A fused disconnect switch is contained within a molded plastic cover pivotally attached to a molded plastic case. The switch contact blade is directly attached to the cover whereby movement of the cover in one direction slidingly connects the switch contact blade between the line and load stabs mounted within the case. Movement of the cover in an opposite direction slidingly disconnects the switch contact blade from the line and load stabs. Tabs integrally formed within the cover and slots integrally formed within the case cooperate to prevent access to the switch components when the switch blade is in its "ON" position. An opening is provided for locking the switch in either the "ON" or "OFF" position.

Abstract: A limit switch includes a casing, a switch mechanism housed in the casing, a cover covering the casing, and an actuator mounted in the casing for operating the switch mechanism, the cover having a curved or partly spherical convex surface. The cover has at least a transparent or semitransparent portion, and a rating plate is disposed against a back of the transparent or semitransparent portion of the cover. The curved or partly spherical convex surface of the cover prevents spatter expelled from a welding machine from being deposited thereon. Since the spatter is not deposited directly on the rating plate, indications on the rating plate and the energization of an operation indication lamp within the cover can reliably be confirmed.

Abstract: An air gap switch assembly with a status indicator that prominently indicates when the switch is in the OFF position and disappears from view when the switch is in the ON position. The status indicator is located on the control lever for the switch, which is formed of a clear material and is difficult to see. The control lever is moveable relative to the housing of the assembly so that when the control lever is in the ON position, the portion of the lever on which the status indicator is located is hidden from view by the housing of the assembly. When the control lever is moved to the OFF position, the portion of the lever on which the status indicator is located is exposed, thereby providing an indication that the switch is in the OFF position. The switch is formed of two contacts which are biased together in electrical contact by an elongated flat metal strip. The control lever is coupled to a cam.

Abstract: A remote indicator for displaying the position of a power control switch whether or not power is applied to the switch. An auxiliary DC power supply provides a reference potential to a plurality of voltage dividers. One voltage divider provides a first reference potential to a comparator. A second voltage divider and the reference power supply are connected through the power control switch so that a second reference potential is applied to the comparator when the power switch is closed. Differences of the two reference potentials corresponding to the open and closed switch positions are sensed by the comparator and used to activate an indicator accordingly.

Abstract: An electric apparatus is provided with a manual control switch with indication of the "on" and "off" positions, the case of said apparatus having on a front face a pivoting manual control switch capable of occupying two endmost "on" and "off" positions, said switch being mounted on a shaft provided in the case. The switch is pierced with two openings which, by a contrast between the colors of the switch and of the underlying shaft, stand out against the shaft, one of rectilinear shape indicating "on" position and the other of circular shape indicating the "off" position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a central locking installation having individual operating devices in each of which a push rod is longitudinally displaceable by means of a drive arrangement in the direction of a guide part formed by the housing of the operating device, while inhibitor means are provided for the inhibition of the displaceability of the push rod in one region of its displacement path. Thus without appreciable manufacturing expense it is achieved in the simplest manner that operating devices thus equipped can also be used at those locking points of a motor vehicle where merely in the manual pressing shut of this locking point a slight displacement of the push rod could occur which can result in unintended tripping of the microswitch and thus central locking of all locking points.

Abstract: A knob for attachment to a removable lid of a container, the knob containing a selectively actuatable music module. The knob serves both a utilitarian function, as a means for removing a lid from a container, and an entertainment or advertising function, by playing a preprogrammed message. Either function may be utilized separately or in combination as the user selects.

Abstract: A fused disconnect switch is contained within a molded plastic cover pivotally attached to a molded plastic case. The switch contact blade is directly attached to the cover whereby movement of the cover in one direction slidingly connects the switch contact blade between the line and load stabs mounted within the case. Movement of the cover in an opposite direction slidingly disconnects the switch contact blade from the line and load stabs. Elongated slots integrally formed within the cover and the case cooperate to prevent access to the switch components when the switch blade is in its "ON" position. The configuration of the slots allow for locking the switch in either the "ON" or "OFF" position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for use with a mechanism having at least one preselected position and for indicating whether the mechanism is at this position. The apparatus comprises a lever having an axis of rotation and which is rotatable on the axis. A cam is fastened to the lever and is rotatable with the lever, the lever and the cam being operably connected to the mechanism and to be rotated to a first angular location when the mechanism is at the preselected position. A sensor is mounted adjacent the lever and is responsive to the position of the cam.

Abstract: A push button assembly having a halo which interfaces with a face plate opening, a halo adapter which interfaces the halo and an electrical switch, and a switch actuator carried by the halo and halo adapter which cooperatively nest to define an actuator housing within which the actuator is movable between first and second axial limits established by the halo and halo adapter, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the halo also carries a push button identification plate within a single face plate opening.

Abstract: An electrical rotary switch includes a single support housing (18) for rotation about a base (12). The base (12) is a circuit board which includes an opening (16) through which the housing (18) is secured to the base. A pair of contact pads (14) extend radially away from the opening (16) on the base (12). The housing (18) includes a cavity (34) facing the base (12). A conductive roller (38) is located in the cavity (34) for rolling over the pair of contact pads (14) to establish an electrical connection. The switch is characterized by a fulcrum ridge (40) extending from the housing (18) into the cavity (34) for allowing the roller (38) to rock in case a bump is incurred in the contact pads (14) to ensure an electrical connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas switch provided with a body case wherein a switching unit is installed and an arc-extinguishing gas such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) or the like is enclosed at a constant pressure, and an actuating mechanism for operating the switching unit. When a pressure of the arc-extinguishing gas comes lower than a predetermined value, a lock member is disposed to a working position whereat it engages with the actuating mechanism, the actuating mechanism is thus locked unoperatably, and a display member is ready for observing externally in accordance with a shift of the lock member. Operators then carry out works for maintenance and check of the gas switch as ensuring the state wherein a gas pressure drops in the body case and the actuating mechanism has been locked.

Abstract: An alarm system used in conjunction with a circuit breaker panel box indicating the presence of an overload condition. At least one sensor is provided in proximity with the circuit breaker box but is not physically connected thereto. This sensor senses various parameters which are inherent in an overload condition or which are produced by various circuitry connected to the circuit breaker which are enabled during an overload condition. This alarm system is set by closing the door of the circuit breaker panel box.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved membrane switch of the kind comprising a polymeric overlay, which is generally planar and containing designated switch areas thereon for manual operation of pressure. The switch is formed from several layers of conductive and nonconductive materials. Specifically, the switch includes a pair of electronic switch circuit leads disposed in noncontacting proximity. A substantially planar circuit completing layer formed to corresponded with the pair of switch circuit leads is formed from conductive material and disposed and spaced array substantially parallel to the switch circuit leads. A nonconductive spacer is disposed, in one preferred embodiment, between the electric circuit and the circuit completing layer, with the spacer having a plurality of apertures therein of a selected density sufficient to provide a selected touch pressure.

Abstract: Control knob for temperature control switch is provided with means for heating or/and cooling the same, whereby, by feeling of the temperature of the control knob with a finger tip, it is possible to instantaneously identify what the function of the control knob which the finger has toughed is, without turning the sight to a switch, and, even when the shapes and way of disposition of control knobs are identical with one another.

Abstract: A pressure responsive assembly including an actuator rod coupled to a pressure source through a rolling type diaphagm. The other end of the actuator rod is connected to a wiper assembly. A first part of the wiper assembly contacts a coil of resistance wire to provide a first signal indicative of the pressure. A second part of a wiper assembly moves into and out of contact with a switch contact pad as the sensed pressure crosses a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes an operating mechanism position indicator having a plurality of electrically insulating cards or strips disposed beneath an opening in the breaker cover about a manually engageable handle of the circuit breaker for movement in response to movements of the handle along the cover opening. A first one of the cards includes a pair of spaced apart, laterally aligned red markings for providing an externally visually discernible indication that the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker is in its CLOSED position. The first card also includes a pair of spaced apart, laterally aligned white markings for providing an externally visually discernible indication that the operating mechanism of the circuit breaker is in its TRIPPED position. The second card is positioned beneath the first card and is of a substantially greater length than the first card.

Abstract: A pushbutton switch for use in a keyboard incorporated in an electronic typewriter, work processor, or the like gives a tactile feel to the finger of the operator corresponding to a clicking operation and, at the same time, produces a clicking sound. The switch comprises a casing, a switching device in the casing, a stem, and a leaf spring. This spring has an upright portion and a bent portion. The leaf spring is so mounted in the casing that when the stem is depressed, the bent portion is reciprocated. This causes the upright portion to collide with the inner surface of one side wall of the casing, thus producing a clicking sound.

Abstract: An additive block is provided which may be coupled to a circuit breaker comprising two separable contacts and a resettable tripping mechanism controlled by a thermal trip and/or a magnetic trip. It comprises an auxiliary tripping and/or signalling member, a connecting mechanism between the tripping mechanism of the circuit breaker and the auxiliary member and a manual resetting member cooperating with the connecting mechanism for resetting the active part of the mechanism associated with said auxiliary member in its original position after tripping of the circuit breaker. The connecting mechanism has an interlocking piece which may assume two positions corresponding to engagement and disengagement of the circuit breaker and cooperating in its first position with the resetting member for preventing manual actuation thereof.

Abstract: A pressure-operated electric switch assembly of the diaphragm type wherein a housing mounted diaphragm actuates a snap action switch adjustable in the housing to vary the switch operating pressure. The pressure setting may be varied externally by the user upon manual rotation of a switch sealing boot and the setting may be visually observed from indicia surrounding the housing that cooperate with a pointer on the boot.