Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing and an operating mechanism having a cross bar supported by a first housing surface and moving in an arcuate path between open/tripped and closed positions, a pivotally mounted cradle including a latch, and pivotally mounted primary and secondary latches. The primary latch includes a pivot, an opening and a free end. The cradle latch rests within the opening when the contacts are not tripped open. The secondary latch includes a pivot and a surface. The latches are between a second housing surface and the cross bar in a first position. The cross bar is offset from the latches in a second position. The secondary latch surface and pivot are between the second housing surface and the primary latch pivot. The secondary latch surface engages the primary latch free end when the contacts are not tripped open and maintain the cradle latch within the opening.

Abstract: A latching mechanism is for locking a spring energy store of an electric switching device. The store is tensioned by a rotary drive and an extensible lever system. In the latching mechanism, the extensible lever system is locked with the spring energy store under tension by way of a support element, an auxiliary lock and a primary lock, in addition to a stop that is allocated to the primary lock. The auxiliary lock can be pivoted by the extension of the lever system and the position of the primary lock during the pivoting of the auxiliary lock can be influenced by working surfaces that are allocated to one another. To configure the locking mechanism for pivoting the primary lock in a manner which obviates the use of a return spring that acts on said primary lock, the auxiliary lock and the primary lock respectively have at least two working surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is for an ambidextrous lockout switch system for use with a power tool. With the system of the present invention in place, a multi-step process must be carried out before the power tool can be activated. The system is adapted for the process to be carried out with either a left or a right hand. The present invention includes a handle body having a switch trigger or lever blockable by a barrier. The barrier is movable with either a left of a right lockout button, with the right lockout button being operably linked to the left lockout button. The system includes also a spring, which is mechanically coupled to the barrier. The spring effectively restores the barrier to a position in which the barrier blocks actuation of the switch trigger or lever.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a latch that includes a housing, a pawl pivotally supported by the housing and movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, a spring biasing the pawl toward the unlatched position, and a locking member being rotationally movable about an axis of rotation between an open position and a locked position. The locking member interferes with the movement of the pawl such that the pawl is maintained in the latched position when the pawl is in the latched position and the locking member is in the locked position. The locking member allows the pawl to move to the unlatched position when the locking member is in the open position. The latch may further include a motor housing, a lockplug, a lockplug member, at least one roller switch, at least one gearbox, and a motor.

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

Abstract: A breaking mechanism includes a latch receiver engaging a latch to allow a movable contact shoe to be closed, and a tripping device for rotationally driving the latch receiver to disengage the latch to open the movable contact shoe. An engaging surface of the latch engaging the latch receiver is formed as a projecting circular surface, whereas an engaging surface of the latch receiver engaging the projecting circular surface is formed as a recessed circular surface having a radius of curvature greater than that of the projecting circular surface. The center of the curvature of the recessed circular surface coincides with the axis of a support shaft supporting the latch receiver. The loads causing a tripping device to drive the latch receiver do not change even if the location of an engaging point is changed.

Abstract: A switch box for a vehicle door lock device comprises a slide pin which has one end abutting against a side surface of a latch that engages with and is fixed to the striker and slides in response to a pivot motion of the latch, a slider which is connected and fixed to the other end of the slide pin and on which an elastic slide contact is disposed, a pair of terminals which are short-circuited to be connected to each other by the slide contact depending on a slide position of the slider, and a switch box cover substantially covering them in the lock body case, and the switch box cover has a through hole for ventilation at that position thereof which corresponds to a lower side of one side surface thereof when the switch box cover is attached to the vehicle door.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically operating a circuit breaker arranged such that the change-over lever movable between an electrical operation mode position and a manual operation mode position has provided therewith a blocking portion which, while allowing the operation of the manual operation handle when the change-over lever is in the manual operation mode position, engages the manual operation handle to prevent the operation of the manual operation handle when the change-over lever is at the electrical operation mode position. Therefore, the operation of the manual operation handle in the electrical operation mode can be ensured to be prevented, avoiding the damages to the electrical operating apparatus, thsu enabling to provide a highly reliable apparatus for electrically operating a circuit breaker.

Abstract: A lock switch apparatus comprises: a key insertion hole 7; a detection switch unit 9 for detecting the insertion of an operation key 2 in the key insertion unit 7; a lock unit 11 for locking the operation key 2 when the operation key 2 is inserted in the key insertion hole 7; and a lock detection unit 13 for detecting the operation state of the lock unit 11. The lock unit 11 is configured so that the operation key 2 is locked by the attraction of a solenoid 12, a movable system of a solenoid-side movable portion is configured by providing an associatively movable portion which moves in association with the solenoid-side movable portion with respect to the solenoid-side movable portion of the solenoid 12, and vibration/impact absorbing means 14 is provided to provide a balance state of operating forces applied to the movable system.

Abstract: An electrical switch includes a switching contact arrangement, an interchangeable release block and a locking element. A first operating surface is formed on the locking element, which can be moved from a locked position to an unlocked position. The first operating surface allows the release block to be secured from being removed from the switch, when the locking element is in its locked position.

Abstract: An over-center clamping mechanism is disclosed having a pivot guide to guide the pivot of one of the link arm members of the mechanism which comprises a piezoelectric actuator. The actuator is arranged to withdraw the pivot guide from the plane of the action of the mechanism, thereby allowing the guided pivot free movement of the plane of action which has the effect of collapsing the mechanism when is a clamped state.

Abstract: A two-stage self-locking switch for electric hand tools mainly comprises a trigger base structure, an auto-return switch, a trigger-controlling structure, a trigger structure, and a cover for the trigger base structure. Wherein the trigger-controlling structure pivoted to the trigger base structure comprises mainly a button connected with an arresting part on its bottom and with a flexible slice on bottom of its front, and the flexible slice is connected with both a upward extending retaining key and a downward extending reversed hook plate. Whereas, the trigger structure is pivoted to the trigger base structure with respect to the position of the trigger-controlling structure, and on the appropriate positions of the front of the trigger structure corresponding to the arresting part and the reversed hook plate is provided with a resisting plate and a hook plate respectively.

Abstract: A blocking apparatus for blocking a contact structure from closing in a circuit breaker is provided. The apparatus includes a link extending from the circuit breaker and connected to a movable contact arm. The contact structure, being operated by an operating mechanism, remains in a separated position even when the operating mechanism is in the “ON” position due to the connection with the link of the blocking apparatus. A release assembly releases the link when it is desired to close the movable contact arm.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism for preventing or enabling the operation of a handle operator or a contactor in certain circumstances comprises a system of mechanical linkages which interact to determine whether a lock-out mode or an enabling mode exists with respect to the electric motor being controlled. In the handle assembly, the lock-out bar has a circular aperture that receives a push rod in the enable mode and blocks the push rod in the lock-out mode. The push rod is connected to a blocking bracket which must be depressed by a human operator prior to cycling the handle operator. If the blocking bracket cannot be fully depressed by the human operator because the push rod is blocked by the lock-out bar, then the human operator can not cycle the handle operator between its OFF and ON positions, thus a first half of the interlock is achieved. Conversely, the interlock is also designed to prevent the contactor from supplying power to the electric motor if the handle operator is being cycled.

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

Abstract: A pair of spring mounted masses have sufficient inertia to remain stationary in response to a shock force applied to the housing of a trip assembly in a circuit breaker to block movement of the trip bar and thereby prevent a nuisance trip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary controller for electrical or electronic apparatuses (21, 22, 23), having a rotating knob (10). In order to offer the user a reference position of the rotating knob (10), with a simple design of the rotary controller, when making a selection between various options or when setting parameters, the invention provides a controllable latching and locking device (15), by means of which the rotating knob (10) can be locked selectively, in order to provide a stop for the rotary movement.

Abstract: A switch includes two interacting contacts (1, 2) and a closing spring (5, 11, 15, 21) for moving the contacts into the closed position, an operating button which can be used to initiate a prestressing phase of the closing spring (5, 11, 15, 21), and a locking device (6) for locking the contacts (1, 2) until a predetermined moment at which the influence of the prestressed closing spring (5, 11, 15, 21) is to be released onto the contacts. The locking device (6) is designated to lock the interacting contacts (1, 2), during the prestressing phase, at a contact distance. The contact distance to be locked being less than the contact distance in the open position of the contacts (1, 2).

Abstract: A switching device has a closing device and a traversing mechanism for insertion and retraction relative to an insertion frame, where the said devices can be operated only in the OFF state of the switching device. A blocking bar having a cam element that cooperates with a carrier of an OFF operator is guided by elongated holes behind an operator's console of the switching device. The carrier and the cam element work together in such a way that the OFF operator can be pulled inward when the blocking bar is operated, thus signaling to the user that the switching device is locked in the OFF state.

Abstract: A circuit breaker movement (10) structure is provided for use with a circuit breaker (12) to move the circuit breaker be connected with or be disconnected from a circuit breaker connecting apparatus (14). The movement structure comprises a draw bracket assembly (68) and (70) constructed and arranged to be mounted to the circuit breaker connecting apparatus. A guide assembly (16) is constructed and arranged to be mounted to the circuit breaker (12). The draw bracket assembly includes drive structure constructed and arranged to be actuated to engage the guide assembly and cause the circuit breaker to move with respect to the circuit breaker connecting apparatus. The draw bracket assembly includes a movable structure (108) coupled thereto so as to be moved in a linear manner between first, second, and third positions while maintaining the movable structure in one of the positions.

Abstract: A high output level is maintained in power supplies having multiple cells in each leg. Failed cells in any leg are bypassed to provide a current path through the respective leg. All of the unfailed cells are utilized while maintaining equal magnitude between phases and a balance phase relationship in the line-to-line output voltage. The invention may be utilized in conjunction with a peak voltage reduction circuit, and a by-pass switch.

Abstract: A lockable button mechanism for use in a portable device. The mechanism includes three button elements aligned with three switch elements, whereby the button elements may be individually depressed to activate respective switch elements. The mechanism further includes a locking element interposed between the switch elements and the button elements, the locking element being slidably displaceable between a first position in which depression of the button elements is enabled, and a second position in which the locking element blocks depression of the button elements.

Abstract: A device for the actuation of at least one main switch, includes a lever having two main faces. In a working position of the lever, its main face is designed to actuate the main switch. In an idle position of the lever, its second main face is designed to actuate at least one ancillary switch capable of delivering an item of information on the idle position.

Abstract: A latching mechanism comprises a stationary chamber (1), a spring-loaded main slide (2) which is guided along the stationary chamber (1) in a first direction, a spring-loaded message slide (3) disposed inside the stationary chamber (1) which is guided in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a spring-loaded snap lever (4) which is pivotally mounted inside the stationary chamber (11) and which supports the switch lock's toggle linkage during the switched-on position of an overload protection switch. The main slide (2) is mechanically coupled to a manual actuator. During switching-on, the main slide (2) is moved in the direction of the message slide (3), such that the message slide (3) is moved via interacting bevels (19, 28), and locks the main slide (2). During tripping, the trip latch moves the message slide (3), causing the main slide (2) to be locked into a tripped position and causing the snap lever (4) to be released.

Abstract: The invention is a novel power tool with an ambidextrous lock-out mechanism to prevent unintended actuation of a power switch operatively associated with a motor that operates the power tool. The lock-out mechanism has a first unlocking means located to be conveniently operated by the thumb of a right hand and a second actuating means located to be conveniently operated by the thumb of a left hand, both of said first and second unlocking means capable of unlocking the power switch by inactuating the power switch lock mechanism in order to release the power switch and allow operation of the power tool.

Abstract: An electrical switch has a snap action blade with a contact pad. The snap action blade levers between a first configuration at which the contact pad is remote from a stationary contact and a second configuration at which the contact pad abuts the stationary contact. An actuator moves the snap action blade between the first and second configurations. A reset latch has a first position in which a catch coupled to the snap action blade can engage the reset latch to hold the snap action blade in one of the first and second configurations, and has a second position at which such latching does not occur. A manual reset actuator is provided to release the catch from the reset latch. A reset selector determines whether the reset latch is in the first or second position and thus whether the switch is in an automatic reset mode or a manual reset mode.

Abstract: A detent mechanism comprising a support member having a fixed seating member comprising opposite sides; a first spring for exerting a first spring force, disposed between one side of the fixed seating member and a first sliding member, further comprising a second spring member exerting a second spring force less than said first spring force, disposed between the other side of said fixed seating member and a second sliding member, whereby the forces of the springs are directed to operate on said first and second sliding members in opposite directions. A push button can apply an external force to the first sliding member to move it from a first position relative to the fixed seating member to a second position against the action of said first spring force. A detent mechanism connects the first and second sliding members when the first sliding member is in its second position and the second slidable member is in a first position.

Abstract: A lock assembly for locking a control lever in a neutral or non-active position includes a lock mechanism having a locking pin and a locking bracket for receiving the locking pin. The locking bracket is secured to the control lever and prevents the lever from moving when the locking pin is engaged with the bracket. The control lever controls a work function of a work machine and the lock assembly prevents unintentional activation of the control lever.

Abstract: The invention includes a keycap having a top surface having a first and second end, and a body portion, said keycap being pivotally connected to a support for movement of the keycap from a first to a second position. A lever extending downward from the body portion of the keycap. The lever is sandwiched between and constantly engaged by a first and second opposed dome structures. Each dome structure has a conductive material on the underside thereof and the dome structure is supported on a substrate having an open circuit. In the first position for the keycap a first dome structure is collapsed and the electrically conductive element on the undersurface of the dome engages the open circuit to close the circuit. When the keycap is moved to a second position, the keycap pivots causing the lever to move in a rotational direction collapsing the second dome structure and said first dome structure biases the lever against the second dome structure.

Abstract: A safety switch assembly for use with a machinery guard enclosing kinetic machinery, comprises a housing, an electrical contact arrangement and a rotatable actuator cam contained within the homing for operating the electrical contact arrangement and spaced from the electrical contact arrangement. Radial pockets are formed in the actuator cam and extend inwardly of the periphery of the latter. An axially-movable rod connects the electrical contact arrangement and the actuator cam to operate the former in accordance with rotational movement of the latter. The housing defines at least one entry adjacent the actuator cam for insertion of an actuator into the housing to engage the radial pockets to rotate the actuator cam. Anti-rotational locking means releasably engage the actuator cam to prevent rotation of the latter and consequent operation of the electrical contact arrangement until a separation of the actuator cam and the anti-rotational locking means is effected by the actuator.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a switching lever for actuating a slide which receives at least one contact bridge, and having an enabling slide which is active in the inserted position. The technical problem is to provide a switch whereof the switching lever only enables effective switching once the enabling slide is in the inserted position. Moreover, in the ON position, the switch is to have a hysteresis so that compensation movements of the switching lever are permissible. Finally, the contact bridge is to perform a sliding movement on the fixed contacts in order to clean the fixed contacts. The enabling slide has a bearing point for the switching lever which is active in the inserted position. A push rod (24) is guided linearly, is moved by the switching lever and comes into engagement with a profiled guide of the slide. In the ON position, on pivoting into a latching step, the slide and the contact bridge perform a transverse movement on the fixed contacts of the contact springs.

Abstract: An actuator shaft has an external end mounting a handle adjacent the dead front receptacle and an internal end contained within the fixture housing. An actuator arm is mounted on the inner end of the actuator shaft. A spring urges the actuator shaft in a first rotary direction from a first position to a second position. When the actuator shaft is in its first position, the actuator arm is in an interfering relationship with an interlock rod thus preventing the disconnect switch from being turned on. A slider has one end thereof projecting into the cylindrical opening of the dead front receptacle. The other end of the slider includes an opening receiving the actuator shaft in the vicinity of a first slot; the slider opening defines cam follower formations engageable with a planar surface defined by the first slot. Insertion of a plug causes the slider to move such that the actuator or shaft may rotate under the influence of the spring from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A device controls a switch by means of at least two buttons. The device has at least two buttons acting on levers, each having an end that can bear against the plunger of the switch. The device is particularly applicable to food processors.

Abstract: A switch control assembly (26) located in an instrument panel (28) of a vehicle (20) includes a switch assembly (54) which is actuatable between an actuated condition and an unactuated condition. A housing (52) which encloses the switch assembly (54) is connected with the instrument panel (28) by a latch assembly (78). The latch assembly (78) is operable between an engaged condition retaining the housing (52) in the instrument panel (28) and a disengaged condition in which the latch assembly is ineffective to retain the housing in the instrument panel. An actuator member (32) is connected with the switch assembly (54) and is rotatable relative to the housing (52) to actuate the switch assembly. The actuator member (32) can also be rotated relative to the housing (52) to operate the latch assembly (78) to the disengaged condition to release the housing for movement relative to the instrument panel (28).

Abstract: The invention includes a keycap having a top surface having a first and second end, and a body portion, said keycap being pivotally connected to a support for movement of the keycap from a first to a second position. A lever extending downward from the body portion of the keycap. The lever is sandwiched between and constantly engaged by a first and second opposed dome structures. Each dome structure has a conductive material on the underside thereof and the dome structure is supported on a substrate having an open circuit. In the first position for the keycap a first dome structure is collapsed and the electrically conductive element on the undersurface of the dome engages the open circuit to close the circuit. When the keycap is moved to a second position, the keycap pivots causing the lever to move in a rotational direction collapsing the second dome structure and said first dome structure biases the lever against the second dome structure.

Abstract: The switching device for actuating an electrical drive motor of a working tool has a housing and a microswitch, including a switching pin for switching on and off the microswitch, positioned in the housing. An actuating element for actuating the switching pin is positioned in the housing so as to be accessible from the exterior of the housing. A switching mechanism with a plurality of members including the switching pin and the actuating element is provided. One of the members of the switching mechanism is moveable into an operating position in which the microswitch is operative and into a switched-off position in which the microswitch is switched off. A locking element for arresting the moveable member in the operating position is provided. A releasable safety stop is releasably connected to the housing. The locking element rests on the releasable safety stop. When the releasable safety stop is released, the moveable member is switched into the switched-off position.

Abstract: A video cassette recorder operable in a plurality of picture search modes comprises a rotatable knob and a locking mechanism. The knob returns to an initial position thereof when an operational force applied thereto is released. Each of the picture search modes are selected in response to a respective angular displacement of the knob from the initial position. The locking mechanism has a locking arm urged to lock the knob while the video cassette recorder operates in one of the picture search modes.

Abstract: An auxiliary trip device for a circuit breaker which includes an electromechanical actuating device and an energy storage system. The electromechanical actuating device includes a coil housed in a sheath which has a central bore containing a plunger fixed to a push-rod, and a fixed core spaced apart from the plunger, via a first spring. The push-rod is slidable within the bore to actuate a latch device of the energy storage system, which in turn releases a blade which is cooperable with a trip bar of the circuit breaker on which the auxiliary trip device is placed. The blade is biased by a second spring which releases and stores energy greater than released and stored energy of the first spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The charging of the powerful operating springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts is made manually by means of an operating handle and a ratchet and pawl assembly. A two-stage latching arrangement controls the retention and release of the pawl to retain and discharge the operating springs. The operating springs cannot become discharged until and unless the operating handle is in a fully retracted position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high ampere-rated circuit breaker which meets the electrical code requirements of the world market. The powerful operating springs controlling the circuit breaker contacts are restrained by the interaction of a cradle operator and a two stage latching assembly. The latching assembly includes a primary and a secondary latch to insure against nuisance tripping.

Abstract: A lockout assembly for an electric press alternately operable by either a foot switch or a table switch includes a lock knob. An annular switch ring is rotatably mounted beneath the lock knob. The annular switch ring includes a release opening. The switch ring is rotatable between a locking position in which the release opening is out of alignment with an actuating lever of the table switch, and a release position in which the release opening is in alignment with the actuating lever of the table switch.

Abstract: An actuator switch (25) for an electrical power tool (10), having a housing (16) and an electric motor supported by the housing (16) for operatively driving a work implement, is provided. The actuator switch (25) includes a trigger (22) which cooperates with the housing (16) and is shiftably operable by the user between "on" and "off" positions. A power switch assembly (26) is oriented within the tool housing (16) adjacent the trigger (22) for actuation thereby. The power switch assembly includes a body (28) defining an internal cavity (30) with an aperture (32) extending therethrough. An electrical switch (34) is located within the switch assembly (26) and is electrically connected to the electric motor. A plunger (42) extends through the body aperture (32) to enable the trigger (22) to activate the electrical switch (34). An elastomeric pad (44) is operatively positioned between the plunger (42) and the trigger (22).

Abstract: An equipment unit latch and an associated switch arrangement are advantageously employed to generate an action initiation signal upon initial movement of the latch toward physically removing the equipment from an equipment frame but prior to any movement of the equipment unit in an equipment frame in which it is inserted. The physical shape and dimensions of the latch and the spatial relationship of the associated switch arrangement to the latch are such that the latch is allowed to move a sufficient distance toward removing the equipment unit from the equipment frame, in order to activate the switch to generate the action initiation signal prior to any movement of the equipment unit in the equipment frame. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the switch includes a light emitter and a light detector. Light from the emitter is inhibited from reaching the detector by the latch when the equipment unit is fully inserted in the equipment frame and the latch is in a closed position.

Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker handle interlock unit is arranged on the top surface of the circuit breaker to lockingly prevent intentional displacement of the circuit breaker operating handle from either the ON or OFF positions. The movable clip on the unit is attached to the circuit breaker handle to prevent tampering.

Abstract: An equipment unit protection switch from an in-service equipment unit to a standby equipment unit is realized prior to any movement of the active equipment unit about to be removed from an equipment frame in which it is inserted. This is achieved by advantageously incorporating apparatus for generating an equipment unit removal indication signal that enables a controller to anticipate the removal of the equipment unit from the equipment frame. To this end, the equipment units employ an equipment unit latch and an associated switch to generate the equipment removal indication signal. Initial movement of the latch causes the equipment unit removal indication signal to be generated prior to any movement of the equipment unit in the frame in which it is inserted.

Abstract: A mechanically latching button for a cursor control device such as a mouse or trackball is disclosed. The latching mechanism improves performance during dragging operations, while not affecting the button's rapid response needed for ordinary clicking. A first embodiment uses a stepped button. In a second embodiment, a sliding latch button is used. In a third embodiment, a push latch button is used. In a fourth embodiment, a snap action latch with a latch release button is used.

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: The invention concerns an arrangement to couple an auxiliary switch mechanism to an electrical switchgear unit, preferrably a contactor, with a contact slide piece onto which the moving contact pieces are mounted, and a switchgear housing onto which the switchgear fixed-mounted contact pieces are mounted. The contact slide pieces of the switchgear unit and the auxiliary switch mechanism are mounted so that they can slide transversely to the direction of connection. A projection of the auxiliary switch mechanism is positioned in a cutout of the contactor in an interlocking fashion. The connection of contact slide pieces similarly takes place in a positive, interlocking fashion. A lock makes an effective connection with the position of the contact slide piece in the auxiliary switch mechanism, thereby preventing the removal of the auxiliary switch mechanism when the unit is switched on.