Abstract: A lock off-lock on for a handle of an electric circuit breaker includes a unitary metallic member having a first handle engaging portion adapted to be inserted into an opening of a circuit breaker handle. The opening can be provided in a direction perpendicular to the reciprocating movement path of the handle between "on" and "off" positions. The member includes a second handle engaging portion joined to the first portion by a bight to form a U-shaped structure. The second handle engaging portion engages a surface of the handle which is in exposed adjacency to a dependent arcuate portion which is in proximal relationship with the interior of a slot in the housing in which the handle outwardly extends. A flat spring, coupled to a part of one side of the second portion by an angular bend, is engageable with the dependent arcuate portion and is in abutting relationship with the housing at one of the edges of the slot.

Abstract: An alternate switch actuating mechanism for an electric drill or similar tool which permits the tool to be used in either a portable or stationary operation. The tool has a first handle that includes a first switch actuator for operating the tool and a second detachable handle which carries a second actuator for the switch. The second actuator is constructed so as to directly engage the first actuator to permit simplicity of operation and ease of disassembly for stationary operation. A lock is provided for precluding accidental actuation of the second actuator. The device also includes a reversing switch and an interlock which prevents actuation of the reversing switch when the drill is energized.

Abstract: A switching device has a switch and an actuating member displaceable in switching on and switching off directions and tiltable in engaging and disengaging directions coordinated with one another so that when the actuating member moves in switching on direction and tilts in engaging direction it switches on the switch and is arrested, and when the actuating member moves in switching off direction and disengaging direction it is released and switches off the switch. The actuating member is tiltable about an axis located in a plane which extends between a point of connection with the spring and gripping surfaces provided on the actuating member.

Abstract: A telephone switch retaining apparatus for securing to a telephone handset having a receiver and transmitter, including a first means for securing to the handset with a second means slidably mounted with the first means to selectively engage and depress the switch button of the handset and maintain the switch button depressed.

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: The invention is directed to an actuator mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor of a portable, motor-driven tool having a housing for enclosing the motor. The actuator mechanism includes a switch actuable between off and on positions for interrupting the flow of current to the motor and for supplying current to the motor, respectively. A slider is operatively connected to the switch and slideably mounted in the wall of the housing of the tool so as to be slideable between first and second positions corresponding to the off and on positions of the switch. A resilient member resiliently urges the slider into the off position of the switch.

Abstract: A locking device prevents simultaneous displacement of two slides in a common plane, each slide being associated with a respective push button. Each slide is returned by a respective spring, and has a ramp and a notch directed towards a bolt placed between the slides and capable, by actuation of a push button, of moving to a working position to prevent movement of the other push button. The improvement is that the bolt is kept at a central rest position, equidistant from the ramps, by a resilient element. When the bolt is placed in working position by actuation of a first push button, actuation of the second push button causes the bolt to be kept in that position. In the working position, there is complete absence of any contact, between the bolt and the first slide, which might otherwise prevent the return movement of the first slide.

Abstract: A paddle switch safety button which prevents the paddle switch from being activated prior to the safety button being depressed. A unique multi cross section stem of the safety button cooperates with a U-shaped cutout in the paddle switch lever. The stem interferes with the lever in its extended position and passes in the U-shaped notch in the depressed position to allow the paddle switch lever to be operated.

Abstract: A portable electric tool speed control switch of the trigger actuated type having an adjustable trigger stop that affords selective setting of the maximum speed point to any one of a multiplicity of speed points. The trigger stop is integrally mounted in the trigger and abuts the switch housing to limit trigger depression. A spring-biased plunger pin (16) extends rearwardly through the trigger head (10) toward the housing and an adjusting knob (20) recessed in and rotatably mounted in the trigger head has a notched helical track (20b) that engages a tooth at the head of the pin so that rotation of the knob adjusts the plunger pin to provide a trigger stop by abutting the housing at the selected point of trigger depression thus setting the speed point of the tool and affording returning repeatedly to the same speed point.

Abstract: A manually actuatable power control device for controlling a power switch in a portable appliance. The power control device is of one-piece construction and has an integrally formed spring member for biasing the control means to a preferred position. The control means is constrained to partake of linear motion for effecting control of the power switch.

Abstract: A step control switch for variable speed electric motors and the like is provided in which several spring forces are utilized in various combinations in order to reduce the velocity of the thrust force of the control button in either increasing or decreasing the speed of the device being controlled. By utilizing a spring between the push button and the control body of the switch which is placed under an initial stress, and countering the force of that spring with several combinations of springs in the opposite direction, a smooth transition is achieved among the several positions of the switch.

Abstract: A lock-off switch comprises a switch case, a trigger-like slider and a lock plate rockably attached to the slider and engageable therewith in a locking position so as to prevent a pulling of the trigger-like slider. A release shaft slidably penetrates into the switch case through one side thereof and is coupled to the lock plate by a coupler member. The release shaft is normally urged by a compression coil spring in such a way as to hold the lock plate in engagement with the trigger-like slider in the locked position. When the release shaft is pushed against the urging force of the compression coil spring, the coupler member moves to rock the lock plate out of the engagement with the trigger-like slider, whereby the trigger-like slider can be pulled.

Abstract: A latching attachment for rocker switches is disclosed which is manually shiftable to selectively allow depression of only one or the other end of the rocker button. The attachment includes an elongated slider member disposed alongside the rocker button and slidable transversely of the pivotal axis. At the distal ends of the attachment there are extended lower interference ear portions which, upon shifting of the attachment, alternately protrude below, and into the path of motion of, a respective end of the rocker button to prevent depression thereof.

Abstract: An automatic control for egg cookers, baby bottle warmer, etc. is designed around a conventional slide switch of the type normally biased to the open position. Manually actuated means are provided to move the slide switch to its ON position, whereupon a mechanical latch automatically latches onto the knob of the slide switch to hold it in its ON position. When the cooking has been completed, a bi-metal releases the latch and permits the biasing means to open the switch and terminate the heating.

Abstract: A device for use with variable electrical components such as potentiometers to provide not only an independent means adjacent the control knob to lock the knob in a fixed position, but also to provide variable amounts of drag on the knob to enhance more precise and accurate control of the knob. The locking device is positioned between the controlled component and the control knob. The locking device can be moved to a plurality of positions adjacent the control knob to vary the amount of drag on the control knob.

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: An off-lock for a toggle switch of the type having a slotted guide plate and a spring-biased toggle lever having flats on opposite sides of the portion thereof extending through the elongated slot in the guide plate to confine the toggle lever for non-rotatable pivotal motion. The lever lock consists of arcuate grooves around the toggle lever slightly above the guide plate deep enough to allow rotation of the toggle lever after it is pressed down to bring such grooves to the level of the guide plate. For off-lock in its center off position, the toggle lever is pressed down against the force of the plunger springs and turned 90.degree. so as to cause the opposite edges of the slot in the guide plate to mesh with the arcuate grooves and thus lock the toggle lever against pivotal movement. To release the off-lock, the toggle lever is turned 90.degree. whereupon it snaps up to normal position allowing pivotal movement.

Abstract: A trigger switch and lock mechanism therefore to be mounted in the handle of a drill housing for activating a motor of a drill wherein the trigger switch includes a speed control circuit carried on a circuit board. A trigger is slidably disposed in mounting brackets affixed on the circuit board. A locking member is slidably connected in one of the mounting brackets and is shiftable into contact with the trigger so as to lock the trigger in depressed position so that once the switch has been activated it will be locked in the "on" position at the selected speed setting. A spring is connected to the locking member to release the locking member from engagement with the trigger upon subsequent trigger depression to place the switch in the "off" position.The locking member and trigger have correspondingly high friction contact surfaces.

Abstract: A quick lock-release mechanism for a trigger of a trigger switch mounted in the handle of a drill housing for activating a motor of a drill, which mechanism will selectively lock and release the trigger. The trigger is slidably connected in the handle with a tapered member affixed in the handle. A locking member is slidably connected to the tapered member and is in superposition to the trigger. A spring is disposed between the trigger and the locking member normally to urge each in opposite directions. The locking member is moveable outwardly of the handle to be forced by the tapered member into a wedge lock position against the trigger whereby the trigger switch is locked "on" and releasable upon slight trigger depression.

Abstract: An electric switch comprises a closed switch housing which is adapted to contain the switch contacts which has a guide bore for guiding a shaft portion of a switch operating member or push button. An operating member lock included an exterior housing portion associated with the switch housing which has a lock guide channel and a lock member bore intercepting the guide channel. The lock member is movable in the bore to engage a lock actuator which is connected to the switch operating member and is displaceable in the lock guide channel. The lock member is engageable with the lock actuator when the switch operating member is in an actuated position in order to lock the lock member and the switch operating member against movement.

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: A portable electric tool has an ON-OFF trigger operated switch and a locking member to hold the trigger with the switch in ON position. The trigger has one end pivoted in the handle of the tool. A portion of the trigger extends outwardly from an opening in the handle so that it can be manually moved inwardly to ON position by the operator while holding the tool by its handle. Such inward movement is resiliently resisted and the ON position is momentary so that when the operator releases actuating pressure, the trigger automatically moves to switch OFF position.

Abstract: A rocker switch having a spring-biased lock lever within the contact actuator that extends out to catch beneath the rim of the hole in the frame to lock the rocker button in the "off" position. An insertable key, which may include the entire face of the rocker button, has a projecting cam effective when inserted to retract the lock lever to allow normal operation. Removal of the key prevents unlocking of the rocker switch for operation to "on" position. The lock lever has an angular end that allows actuation of the rocker button from "on" to "off" position even when the key is removed. This angular end cams on the frame to momentarily depress the lock lever and allow it to snap below the rim of the hole in the frame. This lock lever is then inaccessible except to the projecting cam of the key.

Abstract: This invention teaches an on/off switch design that can be used in electric power tools, where the power is normally off and further cannot be shifted on unless a switch actuating element is first manipulated through two right angle motions according to a predetermined sequence. The subject device has a normally off on/off switch and a switch actuating element that is supported to move against the switch to shift the same on. The actuating element carries a latch that normally holds it in the switch off position. The latch must first be moved laterally against the force of a biasing spring and held there to release the actuating element, and only then can the actuating element be moved at right angle to the latch releasing movement and then depressed, effective to switch the on/off switch on.

Abstract: A double-throw rocker switch having a selectively shiftable lockout member which when shifted to one lateral position allows depression of only one end of the rocker button and when shifted to the opposite lateral position allows depression of only the other end of the rocker button. This lockout member is secured to the center of a mounting shaft having pushbuttons at its ends and this shaft is mounted to the switch housing for limited lateral sliding movement sufficient to shift the lockout member, this shaft serving also as a pivot pin for the rocker button and the contact actuator. This selective lockout may be used in a tool reversing application where plugging of the motor could be hazardous.

Abstract: A disconnect means is provided which is particularly suited to be employed in connection with an electrically powered motor vehicle for purposes of effecting an emergency disconnect of the electrical power circuit thereof. The subject disconnect means includes a knife switch movable between a normally closed position and an open position, latching means operable to hold the knife switch in the normally closed position thereof, first and second terminal means, actuator means operable for causing the knife switch to move from the normally closed to the open condition thereof, reset means and enclosure means. The latching means includes a clevis suitably mounted on the second terminal means for movement between a latching condition wherein the clevis is in engagement with the knife switch and an unlatching condition wherein the clevis is disengaged from the knife switch.

Abstract: An alarm system for locking receptacles having an actuating arm, such as a latch bolt, engaging a fixed portion of the receptacle, the system including a switch having an arm for engageably coacting with the actuating arm in the locked position, with the switch open. Upon removal of the actuating arm, by force or otherwise, the switch arm, which is normally biased to a closed position, is released to activate an alarm circuit which includes a power source and a horn or bell or the like. Retaining means are provided to engage the switch arm to maintan it against its bias to inactivate the alarm system when access to the locking receptacle is desired by an authorized person.

Abstract: A trigger-lock control for a motor switch of a power tool is presented including a trigger attached to a rigidly connected elongated slide portion which reciprocates in a housing containing switch components arranged longitudinally in a "power-on" and "power-off" arrangement so that the slide portion can selectively operate these contacts when it is reciprocated by motion of the trigger. A spring urges the trigger and slide portion normally to a power-off position and locking means is provided to lock the elongated slide portion in the power-off position by providing an oscillating lever having a downwardly extending point at its free end which enters into an upwardly opening recess in the upper wall of the slide portion when the parts are in the power-off position. The lever is pivoted on a horizontal pivot on the top of the housing and joined to the lever is either a thumb piece or a lever adapted to be easily operated by a hand of the operator holding the tool.

Abstract: A trigger switch for portable tools such as circular saws, chain saws, and the like having a return-spring biased trigger that is actuated by the forefinger of the user to turn the tool on and upon release returns to and locks in off position under spring action. The trigger switch which may be of the inline or pivoted (overhanging) type is provided with a built-in spring biased lock that automatically locks the trigger whenever the trigger returns to its off position. A manual release button is arranged to be depressed by the thumb of the user to release the lock and allow reactuation of the trigger. The lock-off feature is characterized by a strong lock to prevent forcing and requiring only minimum modification of the conventional trigger switches.

Abstract: A rocker switch having a spring-biased lock lever within the contact actuator that extends out to catch beneath the rim of the hole in the frame to lock the rocker button in the "off" position. An insertable key, which may include the entire face of the rocker button, has a projecting cam effective when inserted to retract the lock lever to allow normal operation. Removal of the key prevents unlocking of the rocker switch for operation to "on" position. The lock lever has an angular end that allows actuation of the rocker button from "on" to "off" position even when the key is removed. This angular end cams on the frame to momentarily depress the lock lever and allow it to snap below the rim of the hole in the frame. This lock lever is then inaccessible except to the projecting cam of the key.