Abstract: A time delay switch has a hollow housing forming a liquid reservoir and having slidably disposed thereon an actuator movable between a switch open position and a switch closed position. The actuator is biased as by a suitable spring toward one of the switch open position and the switch closed position so that the actuator can be preset to one position so as to permit movement of the actuator toward the other position through the liquid reservoir under the bias of the spring in a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An electrical switch including a fixed contact, a movable contact and means for moving the movable contact into and out of engagement with the fixed contact. A first legend indicative of one of the operative states of the switch is carried by a fixed part of the switch and a second legend indicative of the other operative state of the switch is carried by a part movable relative to the fixed part. The movable part is movable between a position wherein the first legend is revealed and the second legend is obscured and a position wherein the movable part obscures the first legend and the second legend is revealed. A resilient arrangement moves the movable part to one of the positions and there is provided a releasable latch arrangement for retaining the movable part in the other of the positions against the action of the resilient means.

Abstract: An industrial type switch having modular parts which may be assembled so the switch may be used in a wide range of installations. The switch includes a differential module which is easily adjustable to operate over a selected range of pressures, a plug-in snap switch module so the switch may be easily wired and serviced, a range module so the response of the switch to pressures within a range may be readily accomplished, and any one of a plurality of different type actuator modules which are mountable on the exterior of the switch so the switch may be used in a large variety of different type installations.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the position of at least two rotatable mechanical elements in an indication field of a rotary switch, includes a pair of rotatable elements; an indication panel; a transparent dial skirt connected to each rotatable, each skirt having representative symbols arranged in an area along the outer periphery thereof for indicating the position of the rotatable elements and the areas of the skirt with the symbols overlapping in the indication panel.

Abstract: A data entry keyboard includes a key array overlying a switching assembly so that a switch is operated when a corresponding key is depressed. The key array is made by forming a transparent plastic sheet into a blank having a number of upwardly extending key projections and having a downwardly extending switch actuating projection adjacent each key projection. Indicia are applied to the underside of the sheet so the indicia are both visible and protected from wear. A back coat overlies the indicia on the underside of the sheet. The blank is cut to remove material surrounding each key and to define an integral hinge permitting deflection of each key and its associated switch actuating projection. The key array is assembled with the switching assembly, and a mask overlies the key array and permits access to individual keys.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having stationary and movable contacts operable between open and closed positions with the movable contact being biased in an open position. The movable contact is mounted to a contact holder which engages one link in a toggle means. The first link is connected to a second link which has a drive pin secured thereto, and the second link is pivotally connected to a toggle lever. A cam is secured to a rotatable drive shaft, and the cam engages a cam roller which is secured to a follower plate. The follower plate has a drive pawl attached thereto, with the drive pawl being disposed adjacent the drive pin. Spring means are pivotally connected to the follower plate and are capable of being in spring charged and discharged positions. The spring is charged by rotation of the drive shaft and cam causing the cam roller to move outwardly. The outward movement of the cam roller causes rotation of the follower plate, resulting in charging of the spring means.

Abstract: A circuit breaker having a stationary contact and a movable contact operable between open and closed positions with respect to the stationary contact. The circuit breaker includes means for moving the movable contact between the open and closed positions. These movement effecting means include an opening spring capable of being in two positions; a first position whenever the movable contact is in the open position, and a second position whenever the movable contact is in the closed position. An indicator rod is coupled to the opening spring and indicates the position of the opening spring.

Abstract: In a camera of the type including an electronic flash light unit with a relatively large-capacity capacitor and an electronic shutter which are supplied with power from a common power source battery, the power source battery is checked to determine whether it is in good condition for service. When the battery is electrically connected to the flash light unit, the operation of the battery checker to detect the voltage across the battery, is prevented by either a mechanical switch or a slide cover that covers the indication of the battery checker.

Abstract: An indicating mechanism for use with a pushbutton switch is disclosed which comprises a hollow nob, a window formed of a transparent plate attached to one end of the hollow nob, an indicating member having an indicating surface and a leg portion formed with a recess for permitting the indicating member to move the interval equal to the width of the recess, two or more resilient plates each having a curved portion and disposed within the hollow nob so that the curved portions can cover the indicating surface of the indicating member when the indicating surface is moved away from the transparent plate and can hold the indicating member when the indicating surface is moved near to the transparent plate.

Abstract: A circuit breaker is provided with a hook operating to hold the breaker movable contacts open against the bias of charged mechanism springs. The hook is selectively actuated to release the contacts for abrupt closure under the urgence of the mechanism springs. An indicator is appropriately positioned under the joint control of the breaker mechanism and movable contacts to display the existing breaker condition.

Abstract: A touch panel diaphragm-type switch array providing improved tactile feedback. A rigid substrate having a printed circuit conductor pattern thereon, with the pattern defining a plurality of switch locations, each including first and second separate electrical contacts is provided and superimposed thereover is a spacer having apertures in registration with the electrical contact pairs. Sandwiched between the substrate and the spacer is a thin layer of a suitable plastic material which is deformed in the areas defined by the apertures in the spacer to define dome-shaped projections surrounded by an annular ring. A bridging conductor is disposed on the underside of the dome-shaped projections. "Spider" members are supported by the side walls of the apertures and are disposed between the outer side of the dome-shaped projections and a flexible plastic cover layer which is affixed to the top side of the spacer layer. The cover layer is imprinted with indicia to visually define the switch positions.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including stationary contact means and a movable contact operable between open and closed positions with respect to the stationary contact means. A contact holder engages the movable contact, and means are utilized for effecting movement of the movable contact between the open and closed positions. Indicator means indicate the position of the movable contact with respect to the stationary contact, and may also function to reset an automatic tripping mechanism.

Abstract: An electric switch mounted within an enclosure having a hinged cover is manually operated from outside the enclosure by a handle mechanism secured to the enclosure. The cover is provided with a single aperture near the edge thereof remote from the cover hinges, with this aperture providing clearance for the operating handle and housing of the mechanism when the cover is closed and also providing clearance for a catch which holds the cover closed. A defeatable cover interlock prevents opening of the cover when the switch is closed, and a defeatable switch interlock prevents closing of the switch when the cover is open. The handle mechanism housing is provided with a front recess having a pivoted indicator member therein which is connected by a wire link to the cradle of the trip free contact operating mechanism.

Abstract: A push-button rotary switch having a switching mechanism including a pair of independent actuators having linear movement into contact with the teeth of a switch position selector ratchet wheel mounted at the center of a rotatable switch-positioning indicator, with the actuators adapted to alternately engage certain of the ratchet teeth so as to rotate the switch-positioning indicator step by step in either direction into different switching positions.

Abstract: A counting device for a battery operated appliance for visually displaying on a counter dial the number of uses of the appliance between recharging or replacement of the batteries. The counter dial is mounted within the appliance with an indicia portion visible at the outer surface of the casing. Movement of the dial is controlled by operation of the on/off switch for the appliance and a reset wheel is included for restoring the counter dial to an "0" or starting position.

Abstract: A time switch device for X-ray diagnostic apparatus, in particular for the preparation of a tooth or dental exposure characterized by the device including a housing, a knob mounted on the housing for rotation to set the exposure period, a time scale of exposure periods concentrically arranged to the knob, a symbol carrier concentrically arranged to the knob. The symbol carrier has a symbol of each object being X-rayed arranged thereon one relative to the other at such a spacing relative to each other so that upon setting one of the symbols to the exposure period that is associated therewith, the other symbols will be located opposite their respective associated exposure periods on the time scale. The knob is movable in an axial direction and the symbol carrier and knob have coacting coupling means which will become engaged when the knob assumes a predetermined axial position to couple the symbol carrier for rotational movement with the knob.

Abstract: A pneumatic indicator device having a housing carrying a movable flag that in one position thereof visually indicates one pneumatic condition of the device and in another position thereof visually indicates another pneumatic condition of the device, the housing also carrying an electrical switch which is operatively associated with the movable flag so that the switch electrically indicates the positions of the flag for remote indication purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the drive for an hydraulically actuated high voltage power circuit breaker is disclosed. More particularly, the apparatus includes a number of position signal transmitter means each associated with a different one of the circuit breaker contact units. These means are each connected to respective freewheel clutches which are connected to the actuating member of a control switch means. The latter switch means is constructed so that it provides off commands to the breaker units only when all the transmitter means connected thereto are in an on or off position. The switch means is also continuously biased toward an off condition with the force of an energy accumulator.

Abstract: An electrical switch is provided with a pivotable contact arm so constructed and positioned that when the switch is open an indicating portion of the arm is viewable from the front of the switch, and when the switch is closed the indicating portion is retracted from view. This indicating portion of the arm is located on a forwardly stepped portion of the arm and is disposed at the end of the arm remote from the separable contact region.

Abstract: A strip switch assembly or switch array formed in a flat configuration with minimal depth and of relatively small size wherein the array is formed of a number of individual switches and the switches are formed of components used in common, and wherein the number of components in the array effectively revolves itself into less than one component per switch.

Abstract: A flat keyboard assembly including a printed circuit board having conductors on one side thereof. Resilient dome switch elements are supported on the one side of the board in spaced-apart relationship in peripheral contact with certain conductors and adapted to make center contact with other conductors upon the application of force thereon. A sheet of relatively thin insulating material covers the one side of the board, the dome elements and the conductors thereon. A switch-actuating member formed of relatively thin, flexible insulating material is in facing relationship with the insulator sheet and has switch-actuating protrusions thereon respectively in alignment with the switch elements and extending toward and contacting the insulator sheet. The actuating member also has isolator protrusions thereon intermediate the switch-actuating protrusions and respectively in alignment with the spaces between the dome elements and extending toward the insulator sheet.

Abstract: Pushbutton switch configurations are provided in which one or a plurality of pushbutton switches are formed with integrated bases, actuating springs and key top structures to facilitate fabrication of arrays of such switches in a substantially unitary matrix or in line configuration. In a preferred embodiment a metal base is etched to form spring and key top frame patterns which are press formed into key top and vertically extending supporting spring structures integral with the base plate in a desired matrix or line configuration. Epoxy or similar resin material can then be integrated with the key top frame to complete each pushbutton switch. Suitable operating indicia are press formed or etched in the key top surfaces and contrasted with resin as desired.

Abstract: A switch with an indicating mechanism having a movable indicating member which appears from and disappears in the upper end of a switch operating member to indicate the position of the switch, a receiving plate having an inclined surface on which the lower end of the operating member slides and being three-dimensionally disposed together with switch contact segments to effectively utilize the entire space inside.

Abstract: A position or mode indicator for a slider mechanism and particularly a slider forming a part of a push button switch. A button type housing is externally fitted to a push button switch and encloses a rotatable member which is secured in the housing in back of a clear lens. Mode indicating means are carried by the rotatable member and actuator means are supported from the body of the push button switch. The actuator means is interconnected with the rotatable member and movement of the button housing effects movement of the rotatable member by means of the actuator means.

Abstract: A push-button sensor switch for controlling and indicating the output of an integrally mounted sensor element is disclosed. The switch includes a frame having a contact stack mounted thereto and which is under the control of a reciprocating plunger extending therefrom. A hollow push-button head housing is attached to the end of the plunger for reciprocal movement therewith. A signal surface member is mounted to the frame and extends into the housing and is visible from a window at the end of the housing. A light sensitive resistor sensor is mounted within a recess in the body of the signal surface member and is therefore located a given fixed distance from the contact stack. A pair of shutters are pivotally mounted within the housing adjacent the window and are engaged by the signal surface member to rotate in response to relative movement of the housing with respect to the signal surface, thereby to alternately conceal and expose the sensor.

Abstract: A manual controller for tripping or actuating switches used to energize j motors associated with a vehicle-raising or lowering mechanism, e.g a missile launch trailer or mobile home. The controller uses the "joy stick" principle, wherein the human operator moves an upstanding control rod or stick in any one of four directions to actuate selected ones of the switches. In fact the controller comprises two independently-movable joy sticks; one joy stick controls the "vehicle-raise" action, and the other joy stick controls the "vehicle-lower" action.

Abstract: A combination monitoring and regulating instrument for oil field stationary engines or compressors receives oil by gravity in a float chamber having a float operated oil admission and shut-off valve and particle filtering means. Oil from the float chamber is delivered by gravity feed to the crankcase of the associated stationary machine. When the external oil supply is depleted, the resulting movement of the float in the float chamber will produce rotation of a sealed shaft which extends into an explosion-proof chamber of the instrument to move a float position pointer therein, and to simultaneously activate an ignition cut-off switch, or equivalent pneumatic valve means in the explosion-proof chamber to shut down the stationary machine. A convenient oil level sight gage is provided on the instrument.

Abstract: A flexible, self-biasing switching element is disclosed herein for closing a circuit by flexing the element from an initial non-contacting position to a second contacting position and for opening the circuit by releasing the element and permitting it to return to a non-contacting position from the contacting position. The element includes a flexible non-conductive substrate having on one side thereof a plurality of spaced conductive contacts or areas. A two-sided pressure sensitive adhesive film for mounting the element is die cut and applied to the substrate in a manner so as to surround the conductive contact areas. The adhesive film provides an insulating medium between the contact points so as to prevent transmission of current between the contact points.

Abstract: A single pull rod mechanism for actuating the contacts of each phase of a three-phase gas insulated circuit breaker arrangement utilizes acceleration springs only in relation to the second and third phases. Contact parting velocity is measured externally of the breaker thereby providing a check on the breaker operation without breaking the integrity of the gas tight tanks. An eight valve gas system utilizing an integral manifold provides for a complete circulatory arrangement for the high and low pressure gas for all three phases of the circuit breakers increasing the operating reliability of the circuit breaker while simplifying routine and major maintenance procedures.

Abstract: A switch comprising a housing and a switch activating rod extending within the housing. An electrically conductive element is displaceable by the rod within the housing. The rod is resiliently biased axially in one direction to a first position where the conductive element will engage a first set of electrical contacts in the housing. Lock means is provided and associated with the rod for locking the rod in a further position when displaced axially in opposition to the said first position. The conductive element engages a second set of electrical contacts when the rod is locked in the said further position. The rod is unlocked and urged to the first position by depressing the lock means.

Abstract: An electric switch having a case, an actuator and a converter. The actuator and converter are coaxially connected, and below the actuator there is mounted an indicating member with a surface bearing a pre-determined indication, which surface moves in the reverse direction to the formerly-named members relative to the switch.

Abstract: A cylindrical button to be fitted on the end of the push rod of a push-push switch. Outer end of button has lens for viewing indicator having thereon two indicia representing respective switching positions of switch. Indicator is pivotally held on support means and is spring biased to indicate one switching position. Plunger extends from interior of cylindrical button through end of cylinder and is engagable with pivotally supported indicator. When switch push rod is activated to change switch to second switching position, plunger contacts switch housing and is moved further into the cylindrical button to pivot the indicator and expose second indicia through lens.

Abstract: An improved circuit-breaker position-indicator is provided for a gas-type circuit-interrupter in which the circuit-breaker structure is enclosed within an outer pressurized casing at a different pressure than the gas pressure interiorly of the circuit-breaker itself. Improved means are provided for effecting manual movement of the circuit-breaker contacts by a hand-jack assembly, when desired. Visible safe indication of the correct circuit-breaker open and closed-circuit positions is obtained at all times for safe and dependable operation of the circuit-breaker.

Abstract: A drawout mechanism includes a carriage mounting a circuit breaker and supported on telescoping rails to facilitate racking movement of the circuit breaker between extreme positions of electrical engagement and disengagement with respect to switchboard primary disconnect contacts. In an intermediate test position, the primary contacts are disengaged but secondary contacts of the circuit breaker and switchboard remain engaged for testing of accessorial functions. Indicator apparatus includes an elongated step cam carried by an arm pivotally mounted to the carriage. The step cam is engaged by a stationary actuator to differentially angularly orient the arm during racking movement of the circuit breaker, thus appropriately positioning a flag, also carried by the arm, to identify the various breaker positions.

Abstract: An indicating arrangement for indicating the condition of the switching contacts of a switching vessel is provided for a vacuum-switch apparatus having an actuator for opening and closing the switching contacts. The indicating arrangement includes a spring for pressing the switching contacts together when the actuator is actuated to close the contacts. The spring has a length corresponding to the closed position which is dependent upon the wear condition of the contacts. The changes of length of the spring are indicated as the switching contacts are worn from repeated switching operations.

Abstract: A remote lighting control for box mounted lamps which permits one or more wall switch controlled lamps to be operated on a selected time basis by creating a circuit across the normally opened wall mounted switches.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting the choked condition of an air purifier in which the device comprises a casing having a first compartment in pressure relation with said purifier and a second compartment in relation to atmospheric pressure, an indicator connected to a diaphragm between said compartments and a switch inserted in the supply circuit of an electric indicator device and actuated by said diaphragm, locking and unlocking means being provided so as to maintain said switch in the closed position and to liberate said switch from said closed position. The invention permits the remote indication of internal pressure of an air purifier of an internal combustion engine, so as to indicate the degree of fouling or choking of this purifier, even when the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A changeable exhibitor, with or without keyboard structure, is rendered self-restoring by use of a flexible strip arranged to lie in a selectable looped position indicative of the data being exhibited or being entered into an associated data processing system. The strip is fixed adjacent its ends and overlies a series of aligned apertures in a base. The strip is longer than the distance between its fixed ends so that it will loop into one of the apertures, one being provided for each data bit. As a different part of the strip is looped by a stylus, depressible key, or the like, into a different one of the apertures to exhibit or enter a different data bit, the first loop is concurrently and automatically recalled. A plurality of parallel independently flexible strips are arranged as a matrix exhibitor/keyboard, and bands of alternate colors aid in visually distinguishing the entered data from the unentered data.