Abstract: An electromechanical switch actuator operated by a detachable, mechanical key providing security against unauthorized operation. The switch actuator disclosed is of particularly rugged construction, arranged to provide rotary torque for operating axially coupled electromechanical rotary switches having a plurality of switch banks or stacks disposed along a central axis. Switch operation is provided for any predetermined number of switch positions with non-electric indication of said positions, both by visual observation of the key entry area, and the key position. Key operating forces are converted entirely to rotational torque for switch operation and positive rotary motion limits independent of the electrical switch provide substantially increased switch life.

Abstract: A keyboard switch has a decoration sheet disposed above a printed circuit board in spaced relation thereto so that a flexible contact disposed between the printed circuit board and the decoration sheet can be moved into and out of contact with the printed circuit board by the depression of the decoration sheet. The decoration sheet is made of a material having a low extensibility, with recessed deforming areas that also serve as key symbols formed integrally with the decoration sheet.

Abstract: A switch with a control element for a sliding-lifting-roof remotely actuated by an auxiliary force and installed into a vehicle roof, whereby the control element symbolically corresponds approximately to the shapes of the sliding-lifting-roof and is arranged in a part of the switch symbolically corresponding approximately to the shapes of the entire vehicle roof in plan view in such a manner that overall the vehicle roof with installed sliding-lifting-roof is symbolized thereby.

Abstract: A high voltage vacuum-type circuit interrupter is disclosed that includes a single or one-piece ceramic insulating housing providing both the external solid insulation between a line terminal and a switch terminal and the external solid insulation between the line terminal and electrical ground. The ceramic housing is mounted on a metallic base by the wedging action of a spring disposed under tension on an exterior inclined surface at the lower longitudinal end of the insulating housing and on an interior inclined surface of the base. A solenoid operated toggle mechanism disposed in the base actuates an elongated operating rod that effectuates the opening and closing of a pair of switch contacts positioned in an evacuated ceramic casing that includes a relatively shallow recess formed about its internal periphery intermediate its longitudinal ends. A tubular metallic vapor shield is held in the ceramic casing by a plurality of metallic ring segments positioned in the recess.

Abstract: A smoke detector indicator for a fire alarm system having an ON-OFF switch indicator system that permits the audio alarm to be turned off for false alarm situations, but has a visual indication that the system is not in operation. In a system including a circuit connecting a smoke detector, battery and an audio alarm, all in a single enclosure, the improvement comprises a switch in the circuit to open the circuit and prevent the alarm from sounding, and a visual indicator associated with the switch, visually apparent when the circuit is open, and not visually apparent when the circuit is closed.

Abstract: A web or band is attached to the sliding actuator or lever of a slider control at the control panel of an automotive vehicle to prevent the passage of light and dust through a slot in the control panel traversed by the actuator. The ends of the web may be free or, alternatively, attached to the actuator to form an endless or continuous band.

Abstract: Apparatus for setting and displaying a numerical value to be encoded to an electronic device, including a molded plastic support structure, a printed circuit board membrane type switch assembly which is affixed to the support structure and which includes a plurality of rows of four switches, and a like plurality of molded plastic switch actuator shafts associated respectively with the rows of four switches. Each actuator shaft has a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the associated row of four switches, and is pivotally connected to the support structure for rotation about its axis. Each shaft includes a plurality of raised annular segments for opening and closing the four switches in the adjacent row. The segments are arranged so as to provide ten combinations of open and closed switches as the shaft is rotated, to provide a 4-bit binary code corresponding to one of ten numbers 0-9, depending on the rotary shaft position.

Abstract: A portable alarm is provided with a smoke detecting mechanism and circuit connected to an audible signal activated on the presence of smoke and all contained in a compact housing. To this conventional combination the invention interposes a connector means in the circuit between the detector and alarm which connector means includes a highly visible elongated external hanging electrical lead that is plugged into an opening in the housing to complete the circuit through the electrical lead thus, at all times, conspicuously indicating the armed/unarmed condition of the alarm.

Abstract: A flow switch is disclosed comprising a body member having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet defined therein. An outer core tube is disposed within the body member and has a first and a second end. An inner core tube is disposed coaxial to and within the outer core tube and has a first and a second end with the first ends of the inner and outer core tubes being disposed adjacent the fluid inlet. One of the inner and outer core tubes being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet. The body member defines a body flow path between the outer core tube and the body member and in fluid communication with the fluid outlet. A first aperture is defined by the inner core tube and a second aperture is defined by the outer core tube. Securing means secures one of the core tubes to be non-rotatable relative to the body member.

Abstract: The identification of the last-actuated of a plurality of parallel connected switches is provided by energizing a light source associated with the last-actuated switch and by providing a coded output signal which identifies the switch. The identification of a closed switch is accomplished through the use of logic circuitry which periodically imposes a potential difference across all of the switch associated light sources. The potential difference is sensed via the closed switch and functions as an initiation signal which causes generation of a coded output signal and maintains energization of the light source.

Abstract: A keyboard input device for printers, composing apparatus, or clear text display devices which employ type fonts that can be changed at will, has a group of multiple indicia bearing keys which can be positioned to bring a different set of indicia to a readable position to indicate to the operator the character make-up of the type font being used. Both manual and electrical mechanisms are provided to effect indicia positioning. Mechanism is also provided to interconnect indicia selection with either manual or automatic type font selection and changing. Each key operates an electrical switch which is connected to a diode matrix to provide coded output to the device under control.

Abstract: A keyboard, particularly for control of electronics in vehicles, has at least one key mounted in a recess in the keyboard and pivotable about a pivot to press against a shaped portion of a rubber gasket to operate an electrical switch. A display, preferably a multiple character LCD, for labellingthe switch is visible through a transparent member and connected to a p.c.b. by zebra striped members. The display is not obscured by a finger operating the key. The key has a transverse bore in which a compression spring is mounted with balls at the end of the spring to co-operate with stepped generally cylindrical members mounted with their axes perpendicular to the pivot pin and forming detent means to give the key a tactile operation. Preferably the key operates three switches by way of three shaped portions.

Abstract: A keyboard for inputting plural letters or symbols includes a number of switches, each of which has its associated letter or symbol displayed in a transparent window adjacent thereto. The keyboard is arranged such that a display card located beneath the transparent windows may be replaced so as to easily change the letters or symbols which are visible through the transparent windows.

Abstract: A circuit breaker operating apparatus is provided which includes a frame, a rotatable closing shaft attached to the frame, a first member disposed on one end of the closing shaft for rotating the closing shaft only in one direction, a second member disposed on the other end of the closing shaft for rotating the closing shaft only in the same direction as the first member rotates, and alternately with the first member and a closing cam fixedly secured to the closing shaft which rotates pivotally about the closing shaft in the same direction as the closing shaft rotates. The circuit breaker operating apparatus also includes a spring member provided with one end fixedly secured to the frame, the other end, to the closing cam respectively. The closing cam rotates for charging closing energy into the spring member, and rotates also for discharging the closing energy charged within the spring member after having rotated in a specified constant angle.

Abstract: In a circuit protector or the like a handle and a case from which said handle extends. Within the handle is an electrical lamp. A first pair of terminals is secured to the handle and to the lamp and a second pair of terminals is carried by the case. Electrical leads extend from the second pair of terminals to a pair of springs and the springs have end portions engageable with the first pair of terminals. The springs carried by a projection of the case and the end portions rest upon a boss formed on the case. The first pair of terminals press upon the end portions to close the circuit to the lamp.

Abstract: A display type push button having a push button body with a display window on the front end, a passage formed therein, and an elastic display plate laid in the passage in such a manner as to reciprocate along the passage to display the "on" and "off" states of a switch coupled to the push button, comprises a mechanism which makes the movement of the display plate larger than the stroke of the operating rod of the switch, whereby the area of the display plate appearing in the display window is large enough to clearly detect the operations of the switch.

Abstract: A key contact set includes a plurality of electrical key contacts having key buttons, and includes a cover plate with a plurality of key openings through which the respective key buttons project. The key openings and the key buttons each have the shape of a segment of a circle, an ellipse, or a similarly shaped figure. The marking associated with each key is provided on the cover plate in the complementary segment of the circle, ellipse, or other figure. The portion of the cover plate surrounding each key is preferably bent forwardly or rearwardly from the main plane of the cover plate to define a curved surface, and each key button preferably is provided with a service surface having substantially the same radius of curvature as the bent portion of the cover plate.

Abstract: There is provided a battery-operated electrical appliance such as an electric shaver including a mechanism for counting the number of times the appliance is operated. A first switch for activating the appliance is positioned in the mechanism housing, together with a rotatably mounted member provided with indicia for indicating the number of times the first swtich has been operated. An actuating member brings the movable contact and the fixed contact of the first switch into and out of engagement with each other, the actuating member including an element for engagement with the indicating member to successively rotate the same one indicia unit each time the first switch is actuated. A second switch is associated in the housing with the indicating member and has a movable contact and a fixed contact arranged to be brought into engagement after a predetermined number of successive partial rotations of the indicating member.

Abstract: An easily visible condition indicating device to signify a lack of pressure within the envelope of an electrical interrupter of the type utilizing a pressurized-gas environment. The system includes a rotatable drum contained within a housing having an aperture through which the drum is viewed. When pressure within the interrupter drops a spring-biased bellows collapses, causing the withdrawal of stops which hold the drum in place against spring tension. This allows a biasing spring to rotate the drum so that a different portion thereof, such as a different colored segment, is viewed through the housing aperture in order to provide a visual indication of a low-pressure condition.

Abstract: A deformable switch keyboard assembly with a flexible unitary top member, a compressible intermediate switch assembly layer and a bottom member providing mechanical support for the intermediate assembly and mechanical isolation for the switching function.The top member has a plurality of switch site defining regions extending in a first direction and located in a predetermined array to define the keyboard. The intermediate switch assembly has a plurality of switch sites each underlying a different one of the top member projections. The bottom member has first and second sets of projections extending toward the top member, each of the first set of projections underlying a different one of the switch sites and providing a compression contact beneath the intermediate switch assembly when the corresponding top member region is actuated to advance in the first direction.

Abstract: A circuit breaker or cut out provided with a short-circuit indicating device and comprising, for each pole, separable contacts disposed inside a breaking chamber in which an electric arc develops when the contacts become separated. The said short-circuit indicating device is actuated by the gas pressure waves generated by the electric arc in the breaking chambers.

Abstract: An electrical switch with low profile and small button motion has a button close to a pivot and includes a ring like structure with bearing areas to open and close contacts. The actuating button is situated in an aperture and covered with a flexible membrane which seals the switch, prevents entry of dirt and gives an indication of the switch.

Abstract: A push button switch having a self-indicating message display includes a push button capsule for being depressed into a housing for actuating a switch mounted in the housing. The push button capsule has a legend screen with a legend indicating use of the switch and a message screen for being displayed in the "on" position of the switch. The message screen fronts a shutter blade capsule mounted in the housing, and a pair of flexible shutter blades on opposite sides of the shutter blade capsule are curved toward one another over the message screen to black out the message when the switch is in the "off" position. The legend screen has light scattering capability that can black out the legend, when desired, and prevent reading the blacked out legend even in high ambient light conditions.

Abstract: An actuator button assembly for a push-button switch having a reciprocally movable actuator shaft, the button assembly including a shell mounted on the shaft and having an end surface lens, a rotor carrying a peripheral array of position indicating panels and mounted within the shell for rotation about an axis substantially parallel with said lens, the rotor having an end surface provided with a radially extending slot, and a fixed arm extended within said slot for converting reciprocal movement of the actuator shaft into rotary movement of the rotor to align a respective one of said panels with said lens for indicating the operative condition of the switch.

Abstract: The invention described provides a conventional switch and a switch actuating mechanism that includes an operator engagable pedal or button that, upon initiation, motivates a mechanism which turns the conventional switch on or off. A novel apexed slotted track arrangement tends to center a portion of the switch actuating mechanism.

Abstract: An improved small-sized rocker switch with indicator is provided. The switch is constituted by a housing having at least one open end; a main contact disposed in the housing; a cover member attached to the open end of the housing; a movable lever disposed in the housing such that its one end is located in the housing while the other end is projected outwardly from the cover member; a converter provided at one end of the movable lever and adapted for opening and closing the main contact; a switch actuator mounted tiltably on the cover member and having an internal cavity, the switch actuator further having a window through which the internal cavity is observable and a bridge member disposed in the internal cavity and connected to the other end of the movable lever; and a substantially U-shaped plate-like indicate member mounted in the internal cavity of the switch actuator so as to saddle over the bridge member, the indicator member having free ends mounted on the cover member.

Abstract: An air disconnect switch incorporates a unique arrangement of an ice breaking self-polishing current transfer horn arrangement which transfers the current to a puffer-type interrupter to effect circuit interruption prior to the disconnect switch being fully opened; the puffer-type interrupter is a dielectric insulated device which has its operating mechanism disposed within the dielectric insulating medium so that the system has no fast-moving external parts and provides a direct drive with minimum maintenance of the mechanism parts. The porcelain tube serves both as the interrupter housing and as the mechanism housing.

Abstract: A close-wound coil spring moves a driven member in response to movement of a drive member. The spring is moved when one end thereof receives transverse force from the moving drive member; the other end of the moving spring transversely applies force to the driven member. If the transverse forces on the spring are less than a given amount, as when the driven member moves relatively slowly, the spring acts as a rigid lever capable of moving the driven member synchronously with, and during the same time interval as, the drive member. If the transverse forces on the spring exceed the given amount, as when the driven member moves suddenly or at high speed, the spring flexes according to Hooke's Law and moves the driven member asynchronously with, and during a different time interval from, the drive member. In the latter case, the spring's flexure limits the force applied to the driven member, preventing damage thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for actuating an electromagnetic switchgear comprising a switch position indicator, by means of a leading contact that closes a circuit to supply current to an actuating coil of an electromagnet. Main contacts of the switchgear close just after the leading contact. The electromagnet holds all of the contacts in their actuated positions until current through its coil is interrupted.

Abstract: The subject matter of this invention relates to a membrane switch having a base sheet with a plurality of conductors on one surface of the sheet. A spacer sheet is adhesively secured to the base sheet on the surface having the plurality of conductors. The spacer sheet has a plurality of apertures, which apertures are aligned with selected portions of the conductors. A flexible cover sheet is adhesively secured to the spacer sheet. The flexible cover sheet has a second plurality of flexible conductors on its surface adjacent to the spacer sheet. The flexible conductors have selected portions aligned with respective apertures. Each of the flexible conductors has a thickness no greater than 0.0025 mil. The flexible cover sheet is positionable through a selected aperture with a portion of the flexible conductor to contact electrically the respective conductor on the base sheet aligned with that aperture.

Abstract: A keyboard has first and second nested planar members with depressions formed thereon. The upper member is transparent. The lower member may be color coded and carry replaceable key indicia in the depressions.The laminated overlay nested planar members are disposed adjacent to a conventional elastomeric diaphragm switch assembly having an upper layer of shaped protrusions abutting the lower most inner surfaces of the second or lower member depressions. Frame structure of variable form assists in retaining the laminated overlay members in fixed relationship to the elastomeric diaphragm switch assembly.

Abstract: A kit for making custom prototype membrane switch panels which includes a plurality of switch units and an overlay unit for integration and protection of said switch panels and indicia carried thereby.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter with an optical indicator characterized by a housing, a stationary contact structure within the housing, a movable contact carrier structure within the housing and movable between open and closed positions relative to the stationary contact carrier, said carrier structure also being movable between remote and proximate positions of the lens, indicator means for observing the position of said carrier structure and including a lens in the housing and directed to said carrier structure, indicia on the surface of said carrier structure facing the lens and having two indicia portions, and the lens showing different indicia portions when the carrier structure is in remote and proximate positions, thereby indicating to an observer whether the circuit interrupter is in the open or closed circuit condition.

Abstract: In an industrial circuit breaker having a spring-powered movable contact operating mechanism and a spring-powered charging mechanism, each having the facility of storing a charge rendering the circuit breaker capable of being closed, condition indicator apparatus includes a first indicator for indicating whether the breaker movable contacts are open or closed and a second indicator for indicating whether or not a charge is stored in either the operating mechanism or the charging mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waterproof seal for a push button 10 in a panel 11. The seal comprises a shroud of resilient material having a substantially cylindrical portion 1 and closed at one end 2. The closed end is collapsible inwardly and the open end is sealable to the panel 11. The invention is useful for protecting push buttons in control panels in watercraft and other vehicles exposed to wet conditions.

Abstract: A means for preventing the bypassing of the timer protective mechanisms in an automatic washing machine is provided by a shield freely rotatable on the timer shaft fully covering the indicator dial across its face and over its edges and being transparent so as to allow the indicator to be seen, while preventing manual access to the control components associated with the timer shaft.

Abstract: An indicating button 10 for a push-push actuated device 11 (e.g., a switch) is mountable on the device's plunger 20 which controls the "on" and "off" states of the device. Button 20 comprises a hollow casing 25 in which is rotatably mounted a quasi-spherical indicator 50 having two surface portions 101, 102 of different appearance which are selectively viewable through a plano-convex lens 90 in the top of the casing at different angular positions of the indicator. The indicator is driven to these different positions at "in" and "out" positions of plunger 20 by a resilient crank arm 70 coupling indicator 50 and device 11 and adapted by resilient bending to convert linear "in" and "out" movements of button 10 and plunger 20 into rotary movements of the indicator.

Abstract: A portable tool for making and breaking high magnitude load currents is provided which is reliable in operation, can be used in applications lacking mechanical switching or cutout apparatus, and provides a secondary, visual assurance to the user when a load is broken. The device preferably includes a pair of vacuum bottle-enclosed, load-making and -breaking contacts, along with a series-connected pair of visually observable contacts exteriorly of the vacuum bottle. Spring-biased operating mechanism assures that the bottle-enclosed contacts actually make and break the load current during use of the tool, while the secondary contacts are operated in sequenced relationship to the make and break contacts. When the device is used to break a current load, transparent portions of the tubular walls of the device permit the user to visually perceive a large open air gap between the secondary contacts.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with pressurized fluid supply lines which will electrically shut down a fluid pump and the machinery to which the fluid is furnished whenever a predetermined pressure drop occurs in a fluid supply line from the pump. The apparatus provides a visible indication when it is actuated by the predetermined pressure drop, so that when a series of the apparatus is used in an installation, for a plurality of lubricators or the like, the operator can readily determine which apparatus of the series was actuated by the pressure drop. Additionally, this apparatus has means for attracting and holding foreign magnetic particles in the pressurized fluid flowing through the apparatus.

Abstract: In an enclosed-type switching device having at least a pair of electric contacts, a method for checking the contacts without visual inspection wherein with the contacts closed, the resistance value between outer terminals connected to the contacts is measured and compared with a reference resistance value, so that the result of comparison is used to determine the degree of damage of the contacts. Also disclosed is an auxiliary apparatus for use with an enclosed-type switching device to facilitate application of the above-mentioned method, especially when the switching device is equipped with a plurality of parallel-connected sequentially closed or opened contact pairs. The auxiliary apparatus is arranged to interrupt the sequential operation of the contact pairs so that the resistance is measured during the interruption of the operation.

Abstract: Electromagnetically operated contactor or relay employing contact modules which are removably mounted in either of two positions respectively providing normally open and normally closed contact conditions. One set of contact modules is mounted in a main frame and a second set is mounted in an upper frame which overlies the main frame and obscures the first set of contact modules. Transparent viewing members extend through apertures in the upper frame. Each transparent viewing member has a viewing surface exposed externally of the upper frame and an image transmitting surface adjacent to a contact module of the underlying first set. Each contact module has two light reflecting surface areas which are distinguishable from each other, one or the other being adjacent to the image transmitting surface of the associated transparent viewing member depending upon the position of the contact module.

Abstract: An indicator is disclosed for a high voltage circuit interrupter having a stored-energy mechanism for biasing the contacts open.The interrupter has a shunt trip mechanism to open the contacts in response to either circuit conditions or a remote command, and a manual mechanism to trip the store-energy mechanism and to recharge and reset the store-energy mechanism. The indicator mimics the operation of the circuit interrupter and provide three signals indicating that the contacts are closed and the manual mechanism are between home and trip position, that the contacts open and the manual mechanism is either in the home or trip position, and that the contacts are open and the manual mechanism is between the trip and reset position or at the reset position. The indicators are preferably two lights with either light on or with both lights out.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switch operator condition and position indicator mechanism for high voltage switch operators. The indicator mechanism provides a visual indication of the charged or discharged condition, as well as of the "switch-open" or "switch-closed" position, of the switch operator. Another feature of the indicator mechanism provides a visual indication of whether the high voltage switch being operated by the switch operator is in the open or closed position. The charged or discharged conditions of the switch operator are indicated by labels on a first indicator disk which rotates conjointly with the shaft used to charge the switch operator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a display device for a push button assembly having, within a push button provided in the front surface thereof with a window, shutters and a display plate of which display surface is faced to said window.Inserted into said push button is a support axially movable in a manner relative with the push button. The shutters are not pivoted to the push button, but pivoted to the support. The push button is provided with guide grooves for guiding the pivotal movement of the shutters. While being guided by the guide grooves and responsive to the axial relative movement of the support with the push button, the shutters are rotated between two positions, namely a first position where the display surface is screened from the window and a second position where the display surface is exposed to the window.

Abstract: A device incorporated in a push button switch for representing the status of the switch has a representing plate member having an arm which is rotatably held at its mid portion by a supporting member. The arrangement is such that the sum of the stroke of an operation rod and a rotation of the arm is transmitted to the representing plate member to provide a larger stroke of the later, so as to ensure a distinctive representation for a given stroke of the push button.

Abstract: An actuating arm, coupled with the breaker contacts, is pivotally mounted to an accessory latch normally constrained from pivotal movement by a latch lever. Upon automatic tripping of the breaker, the actuating arm is swung about its pivotal mounting to a breaker lockout position, incidentally releasing an operating lever for movement from a de-actuating position to a bell alarm switch actuating position. Unlatching of the latch by the latch lever allows the actuating arm to swing about the latch pivot to a defeat position, removing the breaker lockout and returning the switch operating lever to its de-actuating position. The accessory latch is relatched, via the actuating arm, coincidentally with closure of the breaker contacts.

Abstract: Actuating elements, operatively coupled with an external circuit breaker manual operating handle and with a circuit breaker internal trip actuating member, are selectively operated to activate an auxiliary switch when the circuit breaker is opened either manually via its operating handle or automatically in response to an abnormal external circuit condition.

Abstract: A single pole molded case circuit breaker having a wire grip load terminal with a clamping screw is provided with a slidable insulating shield movable automatically between an active and inactive position when the circuit breaker contacts are closed and open, respectively. In its active position, the shield blocks access to the clamping screw. The latter is accessible when the shield is in its inactive position.

Abstract: A manually operable switch wherein at least the externally accessible portion of a pivotally mounted actuator member has a spheroidal configuration. An indentation in the spheroidal configuration enables the actuator member to be operated between predetermined angular positions.

Abstract: A rocker switch having non-illuminated indicator means comprising a ribbon or sheet member which effectively slides along the interior surface of a rocker cap having a window visually exposing the appropriate indicia on the ribbon as the rocker is pivoted. The ribbon is flexible enough to assume the interior shape of the rocker cap and stiff enough to slide therealong during rocking operation. A window or lens may assume various positions on the rocker cap with appropriate positioning of indicia on the ribbon therebeneath.