Abstract: A light switch adapter with slight modification to an existing wall light switch turns the existing wall light switch into a smart device by replacing the existing screws with elongated screws. To further secure the adaptation, each of the elongated screw may contain an adapter screw head or fastener or knobbed protrusion that firmly couples the light switch adapter through an opening of the rear side of the light switch adapter. In another embodiment, the opening contains or shaped as a circlip or a C-clip that allows the adapter screw head snap into the opening securely.

Abstract: A remote control device may be configured to be mounted over the toggle actuator of a light switch and to control a load control device via wireless communication. The remote control device may include a base portion and a rotating portion supported by the base portion so as to be rotatable about the base portion. The remote control device may include a control circuit and a wireless communication circuit. The control circuit may be operably coupled to the rotating portion and to the wireless communication circuit. The control circuit may be configured to translate a force applied to the rotating portion of the remote control device into a control signal and to cause the communication circuit to transmit the control signal to the load control device.

Abstract: A light device control apparatus is designed to pair with a traditional switch device that has a traditional switch for accepting a first user manual operation to control a target device connected to the traditional switch device with an electrical wire. The traditional switch device has a connecting structure. The light device control apparatus has an attaching device, a cover body, a replacement switch and a wireless controller. The attaching device is attached to the connecting structure of the traditional switch device. The wireless controller wirelessly controls the target device. The replacement switch and the wireless component are not overlapped to each other vertically with respect to the surface cover of the traditional switch device.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for activating a switch are provided. The switch is supported by one of a bracket and a panel and includes a switch body and a switch plunger that is moveably coupled to the switch body to activate and deactivate the switch. In one example, the apparatus includes a clamp body that is configured to be removably coupled to the one of the bracket and the panel and that has an opening formed therethrough. The apparatus further includes a rod portion having a first end portion that has a surface that includes a first concave surface. The rod portion is configured to be advanced through the opening. The surface interfaces with the switch plunger and moves the switch plunger to activate the switch when the clamp body is coupled to the one of the bracket and the panel and when the rod portion is advanced through the opening.

Abstract: A composite key structure and a wireless electronic device using the same are provided. The composite key structure includes a circuit board, a first switch, a second switch, a first movable member and a second movable member. The circuit board has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first switch is disposed on the first surface. The second switch is disposed on the second surface. The first movable member rotatably disposed on the first switch relative to the circuit board to activate the first switch. The second movable member slidably disposed on the first movable member to activate the second switch.

Abstract: An operator for an electrical switching apparatus includes an actuator configured to be grasped by a user. A linkage is attached to the actuator at a first end of the linkage and configured for extending through an enclosure housing the electrical switching apparatus. An engagement assembly is attached to the linkage at a second end of the linkage such that when the operator is mounted to the enclosure movement of the actuator outside of the enclosure causes movement of the engagement assembly inside the enclosure. The engagement assembly includes an extension arm attached to the linkage and an attachment member attached to the extension arm. The attachment member is configured to engage a toggle of the electrical switching apparatus in the enclosure to move the toggle between at least two positions.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a light source, a driver, a light housing, an actuator unit, a light passing cover, and an external switch. The driver is used for converting an external power to a driving current supplied to the light source. The light housing is used for disposing the light source and the driver. The actuator unit is connected the driver for configuring a working status of the driver. The light passing cover is fixed to the light housing for a light of the light source to pass through. The external switch is mechanically connected to the actuator via a through hole of the light passing cover for the actuator to generate a control message to the driver. The driver controls the light source according to the control message to configure the working status of the light source.

Abstract: A protective case for an electronic device includes a main housing. The main housing receives an electronic device including a switch. The main housing includes a slot formed therein proximate the switch of the electronic device. A toggle is rotatively positioned within the slot. The toggle includes a pair of raised contact portions and the switch is positioned between the raised contact portions and actuated by rotation of the toggle.

Abstract: A remote control device may be configured to be mounted over the toggle actuator of a light switch and to control a load control device via wireless communication. The remote control device may include a base portion and a rotating portion supported by the base portion so as to be rotatable about the base portion. The remote control device may include a control circuit and a wireless communication circuit. The control circuit may be operably coupled to the rotating portion and to the wireless communication circuit. The control circuit may be configured to translate a force applied to the rotating portion of the remote control device into a control signal and to cause the communication circuit to transmit the control signal to the load control device.

Abstract: A toggle cover apparatus is used to alter the outer appearance of a light switch toggle by attaching an object to the toggle. The object has a hole with a seal attached inside of it. The seal has a hole that fits on the toggle and keeps the object attached. The object is then used to activate the switch.

Abstract: An adjustable keyboard is provided. The adjustable keyboard includes keys, a housing to house the keys and a control system. The housing includes modifiable material between at least first and second ones of the keys. The control system controls the modifiable material to modify a positional relationship between at least the first and second keys.

Abstract: A control switch (110) is provided to facilitate a primary user interface for a control top surface (106) of a non-orthogonal control top (102) of a portable communication device (100). The control switch (110) comprises a thumb button actuator (112), a rotary lever (220) having a lever arm (222) extending therefrom, a transfer arm (202) coupled between the thumb button actuator and the lever arm of the rotary lever, and an electrical rotary switch (204) with a switch shaft (224) providing a primary axis of orthogonal rotation. Actuation of the thumb button actuator (112) results in linear, non-orthogonal motion of the transfer arm (202) being translated into rotary motion of the switch shaft (224) about the primary axis of orthogonal rotation (205).

Abstract: Circuit breakers with a rotary handle attached to an inwardly oriented shaft that connects to a gear assembly that translates rotational input to linear input also include a trip assist spring in communication with the rack gear so that, in operation, the trip assist spring applies a force to the operator slider and forces the handle to a consistent trip position.

Abstract: An electrically insulative case for an electrical device includes a housing defining an interior space. The electrically insulative case also includes a frame operatively coupleable to the housing in a plurality of orientations. The frame defines at least one opening that provides access to the electrical device. An inner sidewall of the frame extends into the interior space. The electrically insulative case further includes a restrictor coupleable to the electrical device such that the restrictor extends adjacent to the frame. The restrictor is arranged to inhibit objects from moving from an exterior of said housing into the interior space.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head, an upright section and a rotatable mount. The upright section is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a generally upright position and a rearwardly inclined in use position, the upright section has an air treatment member assembly, a push handle and a suction motor housing. The push handle has a longitudinally extending drive axis that extends through the air treatment member assembly and the suction motor housing. The rotatable mount rotatably mounts the upright section with respect to the surface cleaning head about an upright section axis wherein the rotatable mount underlies the upright section when the upright section is in the generally upright position.

Abstract: Electrical switch assemblies are described which include multiple switch bars. Each switch bar provides both physical and electrical separation between adjacent electrical components. Also, described are battery powered devices using the switch assemblies. Examples of devices using the switch assemblies include flashlights and remote control devices. The devices and switch assemblies avoid parasitic battery drain.

Abstract: An operational oversized wall switch cover assembly is is designed to be installed over an existing switch without removing the switch's wall plate. The assembly includes linkage that facilitates the turning off or on of the existing switch by moving an oversized toggle between off and on positions. The assembly is customizable using a variety of different colored components for the cover, slide trim plate and toggle. Further, the assembly's cover provides a significant area to imprint indicia thereon, such as logos of a favorite sports team or a child's favorite cartoon characters.

Abstract: An actuator system for operating a switch is described herein. The actuator system can include a shaft of a handle assembly. The shaft couples to a handle and a male coupling element and has a number of positions. Further, a coupling body of a switch assembly can be positioned in the number of positions. The coupling body engages the switch and has a female coupling element, which has a slotted portion that receives the male coupling element and an angled terminus that aligns the shaft to a first position as the shaft couples to the coupling body. The slotted portion receives and engages the male coupling element when the shaft is coupled to the coupling body. The slotted portion prevents the male coupling element from disengaging when the coupling body is in a second position, and disengages the male coupling element when the coupling body is in the first position.

Abstract: The light switch actuator is a kit configured for use with a toggle switch and a wall plate. The light switch actuator attaches a plurality of cords to the toggle of the toggle switch such that the toggle switch can be actuated from a distance. The light switch actuator comprises a toggle attachment, a plurality of eyebolts, a plurality of cords, a plurality of tassels, the toggle switch and the wall plate. The toggle switch is installed in the selected location in the normal manner as required by the local electric code. The plurality of eyebolts attach the wall plate to the toggle switch. The toggle attachment attaches the plurality of cords to the toggle of the toggle switch. A tassel selected from the plurality of tassels is attached to the free end of a cord selected from the plurality of cords.

Abstract: A vent manipulation system includes a building that has a ceiling and a floor. The ceiling is spaced from the floor and the ceiling is inaccessible without a ladder. A vent is coupled to the ceiling and the vent may pass air through the ceiling. A tool is provided and the tool may be manipulated. The tool engages the vent such that the tool adjusts the vent between an open position and a closed position. Thus, the tool adjusts the vent without the ladder.

Abstract: An upright surface cleaning apparatus comprises a surface cleaning head and a cleaning unit moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between a generally upright position and a rearwardly inclined in use position, and a telescoping push handle. The cleaning unit comprises an air treatment member assembly comprising an air treatment member and a suction motor. The telescoping push handle comprises upper and lower telescoping longitudinally extending members which are reconfigurable between a retracted position and a first extended position, the lower telescoping longitudinally extending member having a first pivot joint wherein the first pivot joint is non-rotationally locked when the push handle is in the retracted position and the upper telescoping longitudinally extending member is pivotal about the first pivot joint when the push handle is in the first extended position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a case, a trip mechanism, and a trip lever moveable between a first position and a second position. The trip lever includes a first end selectively contacting the trip mechanism and a second end opposite the first end. The circuit breaker also includes a biasing device including a housing coupled to the case and a lever arm coupled to the housing. The lever arm includes an engagement surface in contact with the second end and configured to move between an initial position corresponding to the first position and a final position corresponding to the second position. The biasing device also includes a bias member extending between the housing and the lever arm and biasing the engagement surface against the second end. The lever arm exerts a first torque in the first position and exerts a second torque different from the first torque in the second position.

Abstract: Slide input component assemblies of an electronic device and methods for making the same are provided. In some embodiments, a slide input component assembly may include a slide button subassembly that may have a knob, a base, a retention mechanism that may couple the knob to the base, and a shell part that may be provided about at least a portion of the base. The slide input component assembly may also include a slide switch subassembly that may have a switch that may be configured to move along a switch path when the slide button subassembly moves along a button path.

Abstract: An accessory device for a circuit breaker. The device includes a housing having a top wall and a hinge portion. The device also includes a plunger arm that extends from the hinge portion to form a cantilever wherein the plunger arm includes a first surface and a sloped surface. The plunger arm is moveable between an initial position wherein the plunger arm does not activate the first and second switches located in the housing and a deflected position wherein the first and sloped surfaces simultaneously contact the first and second switches, respectively, thereby activating the first and second switches. The plunger arm also includes a plunger portion that is oriented transverse to the plunger arm. A mating surface is formed on the plunger portion that mates with a mating surface of a circuit breaker operating mechanism. Further, the housing, hinge portion, plunger arm, and plunger portion are integrally formed.

Abstract: Surgically installed prostheses replace either the caudal portion of a natural facet joint, the cephalad portion of a natural facet joint, or both. The prostheses are readily attached to the pedicles of a vertebral body and support at least one element that defines an artificial facet joint structure. The caudal facet joint structure is sized and located to articulate with the cephalad facet joint structure. Together, the prostheses form a total facet replacement system. The system is suitable for use in virtually all levels of the spine.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and kits for remotely operating a switch are described herein. An example embodiment of a system for remotely operating a switch comprises a plate, a connecting member, a first fastener, a second fastener, a first attachment member, a second attachment member, a first wire member, a second wire member, and a pulling member. The plate has a body that defines a first bend and a second bend and is releasably attached to the handle of a switch. During use, an operator utilizes the first and second wire members to moved the switch between an open state and a closed state.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mounting assembly is provided. The multi-purpose mounting assembly is structured to be disposed in an electrical switching apparatus housing assembly. The multi-purpose mounting assembly includes a body defining a first mounting assembly and a second mounting assembly. The first mounting assembly includes a first mounting construct. The second mounting assembly includes a second mounting construct. The first mounting construct is structured to support a first electrical component. The second mounting construct is structured to support a second electrical component.

Abstract: A guard assembly is for an electrical enclosure. The electrical enclosure includes a housing, an electrical switching apparatus, and a handle. The guard assembly includes: a shaft including a first end and a second end, the first end being structured to be coupled to the handle, the second end being structured to be coupled to the electrical switching apparatus; and a sleeve assembly structured to move between a retracted position and an extended position, the sleeve assembly including a sleeve member, the sleeve member including: a base located proximate the first end of the shaft, and a cover portion extending from the base toward the second end of the shaft, the shaft extending at least partially through the cover portion. Responsive to the sleeve assembly moving from the retracted position toward the extended position, the sleeve member moves away from the second end of the shaft.

Abstract: A light switch extension, allowing shorter individuals and seated individuals to operate a conventional light switch. The wall switch extender is operable without modification on both toggle and rocker switches and reduces the rotational displacement necessary to toggle rocker switches. The extension arm can also have additional extensions which increase the arm's ergonomics, as well as length below or above the switch, and can extend to the floor for wheelchair activation or dog-manipulateable extensions such as ropes or tennis balls.

Abstract: A remote switching system for electrical switches in a cabinet provides an actuator frame and slider that may be assembled to the electrical switch to engage the switch actuator for remote control. The actuator frame includes an opening allowing insertion of a lock shank through the opening to block motion of the slider from an “off” state to an “on” state thereby allowing the actuator frame to also serve as a local lockout.

Abstract: A portable actuator assembly for remotely operating the control components on a circuit breaker which self-aligns by engaging a recessed area of the circuit breaker. The portable actuator assembly is easily and accurately aligned with the control components on the circuit breaker by an alignment fixture that engages the recessed area of the circuit breaker. The alignment fixture is moveable along one axis that lies perpendicular to the face of the circuit breaker in order to compensate for variations between the plane of the face of the circuit breaker and the plane of the sheet metal enclosure surrounding the circuit breaker. The alignment fixture is forced toward the face of the breaker by spring action to ensure it remains in constant contact with the circuit breaker. Strong magnets may hold the portable actuator assembly against the circuit breaker by attaching to the sheet metal enclosure surrounding the circuit breaker.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handle operating device for a circuit breaker, and there is provided a handle operating device including a connecting rod configured to transfer power for operating a manual operating handle that manually operates the on/off of a circuit breaker from the outside; a movable frame connected to the connecting rod to be movably coupled to an outer surface of a circuit breaker case in a direction parallel to the operating direction of the manual operating handle; a movable member provided at the movable frame in an interlocking manner to move the manual operating handle; a slot hole is formed on the moving member in an inclined manner from the moving direction of the manual operating handle; and a fastening member fastened to the movable member and movable frame through the slot hole.

Abstract: A remote switching system for electrical switches in a cabinet provides simplified manufacture by attaching the flexible cable sheath and flexible cable to an actuator frame and slider, respectively, by means of flange elements attached to each of the sheath and cable that fit within corresponding receiving slots in the actuator frame and contained slider. A cover, which may be attached without fasteners, may then hold these flange elements within corresponding slots.

Abstract: A remote switching system for electronic switches in a cabinet provides an actuator assembly communicating through a flexible cable with a door handle. The actuator assembly on the electronic switch provides a rotatably captive threaded fastener holding the sheath of the flexible cable to the actuator assembly allow ring a simple single-point tuning of the actuator operation. This tuning may be facilitated by a visual scale showing relative positions between the actuator assembly and an internal slider communicating with the operator of the electronic switch.

Abstract: A remote switching system for electrical switches in a cabinet provides an actuator frame and slider that may be assembled to the electrical switch to engage the switch actuator for remote control. The actuator frame includes an opening allowing insertion of a lock shank through the opening to block motion of the slider from an “off” state to an “on” state thereby allowing the actuator frame to also serve as a local lockout.

Abstract: Circuit breakers with a rotary handle attached to an inwardly oriented shaft that connects to a gear assembly that translates rotational input to linear input also include a trip assist spring in communication with the rack gear so that, in operation, the trip assist spring applies a force to the operator slider and forces the handle to a consistent trip position.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a breaker handle that is remotely operated using a modular actuator mechanism. The actuator mechanism may be a solenoid or other electromechanical actuator that converts an electrical signal to a mechanical force which is applied to the breaker handle. The actuator mechanism is mechanically connected to the circuit breaker in a removable fashion, such as by a tab-and-slot connection, and electrically connected to the circuit breaker in a removable fashion using a plug, edge connector, or other suitable mechanism such that the electrical connection is made when the actuator mechanism is installed, and without the need for additional wiring or other installation steps.

Abstract: An actuator system for operating a switch is described herein. The actuator system can include a shaft of a handle assembly. The shaft couples to a handle and a male coupling element and has a number of positions. Further, a coupling body of a switch assembly can be positioned in the number of positions. The coupling body engages the switch and has a female coupling element, which has a slotted portion that receives the male coupling element and an angled terminus that aligns the shaft to a first position as the shaft couples to the coupling body. The slotted portion receives and engages the male coupling element when the shaft is coupled to the coupling body. The slotted portion prevents the male coupling element from disengaging when the coupling body is in a second position, and disengages the male coupling element when the coupling body is in the first position.

Abstract: An actuating device is proposed for an electric/electronic device within an in particular flame-proof housing, said electrical/electronic device comprising an essentially linearly movable on/off lever. In order to provide such an actuating device being accessible on the exterior of the respective flameproof housing and allowing mechanical actuation of the respective on/off lever without adversely affecting the flameproof housing, the actuating device comprises at least a rotatably mounted handle disposed on the outside of the housing and a shaft connected with it in a rotatably fixed manner, said shaft being guided into the housing interior and there being connected movably to the on/off lever by means of a transformation gear for transforming rotational motion into linear motion.

Abstract: A switch conversion apparatus including an interface device, a mounting plate configured to mount to a toggle switch and including at least one aperture for receiving a toggle arm of a toggle switch, and an actuator plate configured to slidably engage the mounting plate and including at least one aperture for receiving and engaging a toggle arm of a toggle switch when engaged by the interface device so as to transition the state of the switch. Other embodiments of a switch conversion apparatus include one or more mechanical, electrical, and/or pneumatic timers.

Abstract: Provided is a device for remote operation of an electrical disconnect. The device can include a handle clamp configured to be secured to an extending member of the electrical disconnect. The device can further include a case clamp configured to be secured to a rigid portion of the electrical disconnect. The device can further include a cable having an exterior sheath coaxially surrounding an inner cable. The inner cable can be coaxially slidable with respect to the exterior sheath. The inner cable can extend through an opening of the case clamp and be secured to the handle clamp. The device can further include an actuator configured to coaxially slide the inner cable such that the handle clamp is actuated towards the case clamp.

Abstract: A wall switch actuator for both remote and local actuation. Switch position is reported to network devices.

Abstract: A push-button device (1) is provided for actuating a technical system (2), especially in a motor vehicle. The push-button device (1) comprises at least one push button (6) as well as a holding device (10). The push button (6) is arranged in the holding device (10) and can be moved between a neutral position and an actuation position. The push-button device (1) is characterized according to the present invention in that a flexible cable device (3) for signal transmission is arranged between the push button (6) and the technical system (2).

Abstract: A switch conversion apparatus including an interface device, a mounting plate configured to mount to a toggle switch and including at least one aperture for receiving a toggle arm of a toggle switch, and an actuator plate configured to slidably engage the mounting plate and including at least one aperture for receiving and engaging a toggle arm of a toggle switch when engaged by the interface device so as to transition the state of the switch. Other embodiments of a switch conversion apparatus include one or more mechanical, electrical, and/or pneumatic timers.

Abstract: A portable actuator assembly for remotely operating the control components on a circuit breaker which self-aligns by engaging a recessed area of the circuit breaker. The portable actuator assembly is easily and accurately aligned with the control components on the circuit breaker by an alignment fixture that engages the recessed area of the circuit breaker. The alignment fixture is moveable along one axis that lies perpendicular to the face of the circuit breaker in order to compensate for variations between the plane of the face of the circuit breaker and the plane of the sheet metal enclosure surrounding the circuit breaker. The alignment fixture is forced toward the face of the breaker by spring action to ensure it remains in constant contact with the circuit breaker. Strong magnets may hold the portable actuator assembly against the circuit breaker by attaching to the sheet metal enclosure surrounding the circuit breaker.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for operating a positioning element. A common requirement in such actuators is that the positioning element can be decoupled from the electric motor that drives the positioning element via a transmission. In some applications the actuators are so compact that the only way to decouple the actuator is to disassemble parts of the actuator. To connect the positioning element to the electric motor again, this however requires that the whole actuator is demounted so as to ensure that the disassembled parts are properly assembled. The present invention overcomes this problem by providing an actuator comprising two toothed wheels which by mutual displacement can be brought out of mesh and which each comprises at least two toothed rims positioned with a spacing corresponding to at least the width of one toothed rim.

Abstract: A load center includes a housing, a cover, and a circuit breaker. The load center can be retrofitted to further include a rotational motor, an actuator member, and a guide insert. The rotational motor includes a threaded drive shaft positioned through an aperture formed in the cover. The actuator member is threadingly engaged with the threaded drive shaft. The actuator member is oriented relative to the cover such that a handle of the circuit breaker is positioned through an aperture of the actuating member. Rotation of the threaded drive shaft causes the actuator member to translate such that a first actuating surface of the actuator member engages the handle and switches the handle from an OFF position to an ON position. The handle of the circuit breaker has full range of travel between the ON and OFF positions in response to the actuator member being moved into a neutral position.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate to remote pneumatic (bellows-action) actuators for switching applications, which are preferably sterile and/or disposable. When compressed, the bellows-action actuator provides a pulse of air pressure sufficient to actuate a remotely-located pneumatic switch configured to turn on/off an electrical, mechanical or optical device. The pulse of air pressure is propagated along a non-conducting tube, thereby substantially reducing the risk of e.g., electric shock or O2 ignition/combustion associated with conventional electric switches in wet, hazardous or medical environments.

Abstract: A breaker includes a contact unit provided in an airtight container. The contact unit has fixed contact points and a movable contact point which selectively contacts with the fixed contact points. Further, the breaker include a movable shaft having a part projecting outward from the airtight container, for moving the movable contact point to and from the fixed contact points, and a metal member for ensuring airtightness of the airtight container. The metal member has one end fixed to the airtight container and the other end fixed to the movable shaft and is extensible and contractible in accordance with the movement of the movable shaft. Moreover, the breaker includes a lever unit for moving the movable shaft between a closed position where the movable contact point is in contact with the fixed contact points and an open position where the movable contact point is separated from the fixed contact points.

Abstract: A portable motorized device for remotely inserting or removing (racking) screws for draw-out power circuit breakers. Many different designs of draw-out circuit breakers may be connected or disconnected from an energized bus by a human operator cranking a jack screw mechanism that is part of the breaker. The device herein described provides a portable, motorized device that can be hand-carried to the work location and affixed to the circuit breaker without the need of any modification to the breaker or its enclosure. The torque that is required to operate the breaker's racking mechanism is provided by an electrically powered gear motor. Attached to the output shaft of the gear motor is a socket that engages the circuit breaker racking screw. Anti-torque is provided by a portion of the portable racking device that engages the racking screw ‘window’. The friction created by the torque of the socket against the racking screw and the racking device engaging the racking screw window.