Abstract: A control device that can be mounted against the face plate of a rocker switch automatically operates the rocker switch in accordance with at least one predetermined program. The device also allows the predetermined program to be overridden to manipulate the rocker switch as desired without removing of the device. The device includes a controller for activating the device according to parameters of the predetermined program; a power component that is responsive to the controller; and a plate that is moved by the power component with respect to the switch. The plate has a finger adapted to abut the rocker. When the finger abuts of a first portion of the rocker, the switch is placed in an opened position, and when the finger abuts a second portion of the rocker, the switch is placed in a closed position.

Abstract: An in-wall mounted electrical actuation device is covered by a surface mountable cover plate. The cover plate provides a planar surface having a linear groove in it preferably extensive over a full length of the cover plate. Within the linear groove is an aperture. An actuator strip is slidably engaged within the linear groove, The linear strip provides a strip planar surface contiguous with the plate planar surface for thereby presenting a common planar outwardly facing surface. Inwardly protruding from the actuator strip through the aperture is an actuator finger which receives a device control for linear motion with the actuator strip relative to the cover plate so as to control the electrical actuation device.

Abstract: A front panel for electrical equipment is provided that has a plurality of push buttons formed integrally with the front panel and requires no additional panel for covering around the push buttons while being excellent in appearance. Each of the push buttons is linked to the face plate of the front panel through a button supporting portion and a button arm. The button supporting portion is extended from the back of the face plate at a substantially right angle to the face plate. The button arm is extended from the rear end of the button supporting portion so as to be parallel to the face plate. The face plate and the button arm are arranged, with a space formed by removing a slidable core, to overlap each other when viewed from front. Thus, the front panel does not require any additional cover panel.

Abstract: A light switch device that aids a person to reach a pull chain attached to a light switch located above a bed having a movable side rail includes an elongated strap having a first member and a second member is disclosed. The first and second members are releasably secured to each other via hook and loop fasteners. The strap is secured to the pull chain via a tubular member with an opening formed therein. A portion of the pull chain is inserted through the opening and is secured thereto. The first and second members of the strap are releasably attachable to the movable side rail of the bed by separating the members, inserting the rail therebetween, and securing the members together. When the rail is lowered inadvertently the first and second members of the strap are pulled apart and are no longer secured together.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a simple, economical, reliable secure operation mechanism that can be adapted to factory production, or for post-sale, on any electrical shutdown device in a cabinet, that is designed to enable the shutdown device to be switched, while the cabinet is open, only after an additional voluntary action is performed by the operator on a secondary handle provided inside said cabinet.

Abstract: A standard 2-gang wallbox-mountable light switch assembly comprising two switches for controlling electrical power from two separate circuits, one normal and one emergency power, to two separate lighting loads is disclosed. The assembly comprises two toggle switches, a yoke common to both switches and an axle common to both toggle switches for operating in unison both toggle switches. A single handle is provided that is integral to the axle and extends through the yoke for manual grasping for switching on-off. A partition creates a barrier between the electrical components of the two toggle switches when mounted within a standard 2-gang wallbox. Separation of normal and emergency circuits is a requirement of the National Electric Code (NEC) 700.9 (B).

Abstract: A remote controller has a sliding switch which has more than two contacting positions linearly disposed, and a sliding lever to switch among the contacting positions. A slider engaged with the sliding lever and the slider has an angle portion. A first cam piece has a first V-shaped notch to fit the angle portion of the slider. The first cam piece corresponds to one or two of the contacting positions located in a central portion of the sliding switch. A second cam piece has a second V-shaped notch to fit the angle portion. The second cam piece corresponds to two of the contacting positions located on side portions of the sliding switch.

Abstract: A light switch extension includes a resilient socket member which can be pushed over the end of a wall switch handle, and an elongate extension member depending from the socket so that a child too short to reach the light can operate it without having to climb on furniture or the like. The extension member has at its upper end a ball which, with the socket, forms a universal joint so that the extension can be operated at non-vertical angles, and torque cannot be applied to the switch handle.

Abstract: A motor of a power switch motor operator has its motor shaft coupled to the output member of the operator, that connects with the power switch, through a drive assembly with at least one drive element continuously linked to the motor shaft, but not to the output member, and at least another drive element continuously linked to the output member, but not to the motor shaft. Temporary engagement of the mentioned drive elements, with motor operation of the power switch, is effected by temporary force transfer parts on the drive elements (e.g., a fixed post on one engaging a spring-loaded cam bar on the other) which inherently disengage following force transfer sufficient to operate the switch. The inherently decoupled state allows immediate straightforward manual operation by an operating member, even when the motor operator is at an overhead switch location, without any turning of the motor or engaging of the temporary force transfer parts during the manual operation.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus interface assembly provides remote actuation of the operating handle of a circuit breaker. The interface assembly includes the circuit breaker, a second switching apparatus, such as an actuating handle disposed in a remote location from the circuit breaker, a connector and an operating handle attachment including a handle-engaging segment for securely engaging the circuit breaker operating handle and an interfacing segment for receiving the connector. The actuating handle is operable between ON and OFF positions corresponding to ON and OFF positions, respectively, of the circuit breaker operating handle. The connector interfaces or links the circuit breaker to the actuating handle. In this manner, when the actuating handle is moved from the ON or OFF position, the connector moves the circuit breaker operating handle in a likewise manner.

Abstract: A continuously variable, remote controller including a pair of first and second frequency oscillating circuits, each circuit including a separate induction coil for producing an induction field thereabout, the normal resonating frequency of the first oscillating circuit being different from the normal resonating frequency of the second oscillating circuit, the first and the second oscillating circuits producing a baseline frequency that is the difference between the two the oscillating circuits, each of the induction coils including an induction field modifying armature, when a rocker block is pivoted about a fulcrum, in a first radial direction, the first induction field modifier engagement surface will engage the first induction field modifying armature and move it across the induction field generated by the first induction coil, to alter the oscillating frequency of the first frequency oscillating circuit, a subtractor adapted to receive the frequencies outputted from the first and the second frequency osc

Abstract: A suspension control device for an electric appliance includes a control circuit having a sensing circuit, and a control chain having a first end connected to the sensing circuit of the control circuit and a second end suspended in an ambient environment. Thus, the control chain functions as a sensing member. When the user's hand approaches or touches the control chain, the control circuit is operated to control operation of the electric appliance. Thus, the user can control operation of the electric appliance easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user operating the electric appliance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic instrument including a body of the electronic instrument; a board installed in the body and having a tact switch operated by downward press force; a front panel attached at a front of the body; a control button fixed to a back face of the front panel at its one end so as to be resiliently deformed by a press force applied from a front direction thus to operate the tact switch; a supporting rib provided at the back face of the front panel to support an end of the control button; and a contact rib protruding from the back face of the front panel by a predetermined height so as to contact and support a certain position between the resiliently deformed portion and the fixed end of the control button.

Abstract: Disclosed is a handle apparatus of a manual motor starter having an improved structure for transferring driving force between a control lever and a driving lever. The handle apparatus comprises: a rotary handle for controlling ON and OFF operations of the manual motor starter, an interlocking member coaxially coupled with the rotary handle to be rotated by rotation of the rotary handle, the interlocking member having a first gear for providing a driving force; a driving lever having a second gear formed at one side of the driving lever to be rotated by the driving force by the interlocking member, the driving lever having a pin slot for providing a rotational driving force; and a control lever having a sliding pin inserted in the pin slot of the driving lever, through which the rotational driving force is transferred from the driving lever to the control lever.

Abstract: A remote controlled circuit breaker switch handle engagement apparatus is provided. The apparatus is adapted to be removably attached across a circuit breaker face-plate of a traditional residential and commercial circuit breaker in order to facilitate remote completion of a circuit between a source and load, thereby reestablishing electrical service having been previously interrupted. The apparatus utilizes a handle trip assembly which engages an operating switch handle of the circuit breaker.

Abstract: A cover for an electrical switch, wherein the electrical switch includes a yoke and a switch handle. In a first embodiment, which is particularly well suited for rocker-type switches, the cover comprises a handle cover sized and shaped to substantially conform to and fit over the switch handle. The handle cover has rotation points disposed parallel to an axis and including two planar surfaces, each of the planar surfaces being parallel to and passing through the axis. The cover also comprises a cover plate having a switch handle aperture for receiving the handle cover. The cover plate includes contact points for receiving the rotation points in movable relation.

Abstract: A suspension control device includes a mechanical switch connected to an electric appliance, a control cord having an end connected to the mechanical switch, and an electronic sensor having a first side connected to the control cord and a second side connected to the electric appliance. Thus, the suspension control device can be used to control operation of the electric appliance in a mechanical manner or an electronic manner, thereby facilitating the user operating the suspension control device to control operation of the electric appliance.

Abstract: A timer for delaying the operation of a toggle switch for a pre-set interval includes a mechanical, spring powered timer which drives a cam that engages the toggle of a conventional wall switch to move the toggle from one position to another. The timer is contained within a housing which, in turn, detachably connects to a housing floor that is mounted over the toggle switch cover plate.

Abstract: A pull-chain switch system comprising several components in combination. First provided is a pull-chain switch with a spring of a first stiffness. Next provided is a switch subassembly having mounting portion and a pivoting member and a spring having a second stiffness. The second stiffness is greater than the first stiffness. Lastly provided is a means for coupling the subassembly to the pull-chain switch.

Abstract: A switch actuator comprising a housing which resiliently and frictionally engages the toggle of a switch. The housing can optionally include an outer flange and/or a generally rigid elongate arm extending from the housing. The actuator, typically through use of the outer flange and/or the arm, can be manipulated so as to correspondingly manipulate a wall switch.

Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism may be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either or both of which may be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. The supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.

Abstract: A method and an extended rotary operating mechanism for a circuit breaker having a movable operating handle coupled to a shaft, and electrical contacts, the extended rotary operating mechanism comprising a handle operator defining a socket. A blocking plate mounted in the socket, with the blocking plate including a blocking shape. A shaft adapter is coupled to the blocking plate and the shaft. If the electrical contacts of the circuit breaker are welded closed and a torque is applied to the operator handle, the blocking shape prevents the handle operator from being locked in an “OFF” position independently of the operating handle position, by covering a locking hole. The shaft adapter may include one of an extended socket and a recessed socket configured to engage the shaft.

Abstract: A pivoting handle and control arrangement is provided for a floor care appliance such as a vacuum cleaner. An actuator rod in the handle is utilized for remotely triggering a switch located in the lower part of the housing. The switch could be utilized for controlling a feature of the floor care appliance such as a surge control for a vacuum cleaner's suction motor. A trigger positioned on the handle is operatively connected to an actuator rod traversing the interior of the handle. The distal end of the actuator rod is in operative engagement with the switch when the handle is in the upright position. When the trigger is depressed, the actuator rod depresses the switch causing it to close. The feature controlled is thereby energized. When the handle is moved to the folded position, the actuator rod is folded with the handle and moved away from the switch.

Abstract: A pull-chain switch system comprising several components in combination. First provided is a pull-chain switch with a spring of a first stiffness. Next provided is a switch subassembly having mounting portion and a pivoting member and a spring having a second stiffness. The second stiffness is greater than the first stiffness. Lastly provided is a means for coupling the subassembly to the pull-chain switch.

Abstract: A manually operable switch has an opening handle pivotally mounted on a housing for moving a set of contacts in the housing from one position to another. A force generating arrangement is mounted outside the switch housing, and a force translation system extends between the housing and the force generating arrangement. The force translation system has a first end structure movable into and out of contact with the operating handle, and a second end structure disposed for movement in the force generating arrangement.

Abstract: A decorative electrical switch actuator (50, 150) acts in combination with a conventional light switch (10) having a toggle switch arm (12) mounted in a base such that when the toggle switch arm pivots from a first position to a second position, electrical contacts in the base are moved from a contacting condition to a non-contacting condition or vice versa. The decorative switch actuator has a face plate (52), an actuating assembly (54), and a cap assembly (56, 156). The actuating assembly is mounted on the face plate, and has a means (106) for receiving the toggle switch arm such that a linear movement of the receiving means moves the toggle switch arm from the first to the second position or vice versa. The cap assembly (56, 156) is mounted on the face plate, and is structurally independent of the actuator.

Abstract: A switching apparatus is provided for a fuse block that is disposed in a cabinet. The switching apparatus enables a user to connect and disconnect the fuse block from its power source when the interior of the cabinet is accessed. Locking mechanisms are provided to prevent the power supply from being reconnected to the fuse block 50 until cabinet door is closed, and the switching apparatus is turned on.

Abstract: A manually operable device for depressing push button control buttons associated with a distantly located control box having opposed surfaces employs a motion transmitting flexible control cable assembly having a sheath element elongated between a user operated extremity and responsive distal extremity, and a core element slideably disposed within the sheath element. The distal extremity of the sheath element is secured by a receiving head adapted to be adjustably positioned upon an elongated straight bar. Two facing clamping components adjustably engage the bar on opposite sides of the receiving head and are adapted to forcefully interact with the opposed surfaces of the control box.

Abstract: A control device for activating an electric appliance includes a conductive thread connected to and hanged on an induction control switch. An end piece which is a conductive member is connected to the conductive thread. A wire with a plug extends from a first end of the induction control switch so as to be plugged in a plug on a wall, and an electrical appliance is connected to a second end of the induction control switch. The electric appliance is activated by petting the conductive thread or the end piece.

Abstract: An improved remote actuator for use with a circuit breaker includes a handle assembly that can be disposed at the exterior of a cabinet and an actuation assembly that is operatively connected with the handle assembly and with the circuit breaker. The remote actuator includes a spring that is connected with a transfer link of the handle assembly and that biases a handle of the handle assembly to either an ON position or an OFF position. The remote actuator includes a fulcrum member on a bracket of the actuation assembly that at least partially overcomes the bias of the spring to facilitate assembly of the remote actuator.

Abstract: A method for moving operational catches on electrical distribution equipment mounted on poles of an electrical distribution system with a tool connected to a transitional member attached to an end of the pole, in which the transitional member connects at a first angle relative to the elongate member and at a second angle relative to the tool, with a light source in the transitional member oriented at an oblique angle for simultaneously illuminating a work area of the electrical distribution equipment and the tool, whereby the tool is illuminable by the light source even though the intermediate member is placed selectively in differing orientations relative to the elongate member.

Abstract: A suspension cord switch includes a capacitive induction device serving as a touch control with capacitive induction effect, wherein a capacitive sensor or device is connected to a suspension cord. The capacitive induction device includes a contact unit hanged in a hollow touch unit and connected to a grounded conductive wire so that when the hollow touch is petted, the contact unit contacts the touch unit to activate the electric appliance connected with the suspension cord.

Abstract: An electric switch requiring mechanical movement for actuation is mounted to a surface mountable switch mounting plate by standoffs so as to position a switch actuation element in position for actuation by a planar switch cover plate adapted for sliding engagement, in parallel juxtaposition, with the switch mounting plate. The switch cover plate is adapted for engagement with the electric switch for actuation thereof by sliding engagement.

Abstract: A cable trip assembly includes an actuating assembly, a mounting assembly, and a cable assembly. The cable assembly includes a cable member disposed within a sheath. The cable member has a first end and a second end. The cable member first end is coupled to a lever, which is part of the actuating assembly, which is structured to move between a first position and a second position, similar to the prior art lever. The cable member second end is coupled to the circuit breaker trip bar. The sheath is mounted on a rigid frame, preferably a portion of the circuit breaker. Thus, with the sheath held stationary, the lever can move the cable within the sheath between a first and second position as the lever moves between its first position and second position. Because the cable member second end is coupled to the circuit breaker trip bar, the trip bar is also moved between the trip bar first and second positions as the lever moves between the lever first position and second position.

Abstract: An overhead electric appliance combination control switch arrangement is constructed to include a mechanical switch connected to an overhead electric appliance, a pull line suspended from the mechanism switch and adapted for driving the mechanical switch to control the functioning of the overhead electric appliance when pulled by the user, and a photoelectric sensor connected to the pull line and adapted for controlling the functioning of the overhead electric appliance when the user touches the pull line with the hand or move the hand toward the photoelectric sensor.

Abstract: A sliding cover plate for the adjustment screws of a circuit breaker is slidably mounted on the housing of a motor operator. The sliding adjustment plate includes snap-in tabs for engaging slots within the motor operator housing, permitting the cover to be snapped in place, and then slidably moved between a position wherein the adjustment screws are covered, and a position wherein the adjustment screws are exposed. The cover may be secured in the position wherein the adjustment screws are covered. The cover includes a first portion defining apertures corresponding to two adjustment screws, and a third, detachable portion defining an aperture for a third adjustment screw, thereby permitting the cover plate to be utilized with both three-pole and four-pole circuit breakers.

Abstract: In a circuit breaker, a rotary-operating handle is linked with an opening and closing mechanism via a driving gear so that main circuit contacts can be opened and closed by rotating an opening and closing lever. A vertically moving handle lock lever is arranged between a tip of the opening and closing lever and the driving gear directly coupled to the operating handle, so that when the main circuit contacts are opened after being welded, the lock lever abuts against the driving gear to restrain the operating handle to the vicinity of the ON position, thereby restricting the movement to a contact-open indicating position. Further, an upward-inclined surface is formed in a stopper section located at a tip of the lock lever, so that if the contact welding is not severe, the lock lever can be pushed down to forcibly open the contacts.

Abstract: A suspension cord switch includes a capacitive induction device serving as a touch control with capacitive induction effect, wherein a capacitive sensor or device is connected to a suspension cord. The capacitive induction device includes a contact unit hanged in a hollow touch unit and connected to a grounded conductive wire so that when the hollow touch is petted, the contact unit contacts the touch unit to activate the electric appliance connected with the suspension cord.

Abstract: An innovated suspension cord pull switch, having a capacitive induction device, serving as a touch control with capacitive induction effect; wherein a capacitive sensor or device is connected to a suspension pull cord, so the suspension pull cord becomes a touch-type or non-touch control device having a sensor effect. Instead of conventional pulling operation, grasping operation, restricted direction of operation, and the extent of force in operation, the switch can be operated more easily, conveniently and quickly.

Abstract: A hookstick operated switch assembly includes a switch mounted to a support and movable between open and closed positions. An operating lever is connected to the switch for opening and closing the switch. A locking arm is positioned proximal the switch. A locking member is receivable by the locking arm when the switch is in the open position to prevent movement of the operating lever, thereby locking the switch in the open position.

Abstract: A remotely switchable circuit breaker mounted in the casing of an electrical device comprises a circuit breaker unit, provided with a switching paddle, and a remote switching mechanism connected to the switching paddle. The remote switching mechanism comprises a connecting rod that pivotally connects a remote switch and rotatably and slidably connects the paddle. The remote switch, including a key button, is pivotally fastened with the casing via a first fastening base. The connecting rod is further rotatably and slidably fastened with the casing via a second fastening base. A pressing action on the key button causes a rotation and slide of the connecting rod that actuates a switching movement of the paddle of the circuit breaker unit.

Abstract: An electric switch requiring mechanical movement for actuation is mounted to a surface mountable switch mounting plate by standoffs so as to position a toggle bat in position for actuation by a planar switch cover plate adapted for sliding engagement, in parallel juxtaposition, with the switch mounting plate. The switch cover plate is adapted for engagement with the electric switch for actuation thereof by sliding engagement.

Abstract: A control device for activating an electric appliance includes a conductive thread connected to and hanged on an induction control switch. An end piece which is a conductive member is connected to the conductive thread. A wire with a plug extends from a first end of the induction control switch so as to be plugged in a plug on a wall, and an electrical appliance is connected to a second end of the induction control switch. The electric appliance is activated by petting the conductive thread or the end piece.

Abstract: A device for activating a switch includes a thread connected to a switch and a hollow casing is connected to a free end of the thread. A body is received in the casing and a space is defined between the body and an inside of the casing. An earth line is connected to the body and extends through the casing so that when touching the casing or the earth line, the body is shake and contacts the inside of the casing to form a circuit to activate the switch.

Abstract: A decorative electrical switch actuator (50, 150) acts in combination with a conventional light switch (10) having a toggle switch arm (12) mounted in a base such that when the toggle switch arm pivots from a first position to a second position, electrical contacts in the base are moved from a contacting condition to a non-contacting condition or vice versa. The decorative switch actuator has a face plate (52), an actuating assembly (54), and a cap assembly (56, 156). The actuating assembly is mounted on the face plate, and has a means (106) for receiving the toggle switch arm such that a linear movement of the receiving means moves the toggle switch arm from the first to the second position or vice versa. The cap assembly (56, 156) is mounted on the face plate, and is structurally independent of the actuator.

Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism may be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either or both of which may be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. The supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.

Abstract: An indicator on a stored energy motor operator indicates that the circuit breaker is “on” when the contacts are closed and the handle is in an on position and when the contacts are open and the handle is in an on position. The indicator only indicates that the circuit breaker is “off” when the contacts are open and the handle is in an off position. To achieve these conditions, the stored energy motor operator includes a flag bearing on and off indicia, the flag attached to one end of a connecting bar, the other end of the connecting bar pivotally connected within the stored energy motor operator. A lever is attached to a central portion of the connecting bar at a spring, the lever including a hook portion for hooking onto a pin within the motor operator. When the contacts are closed, thus indicating an “on” condition, the lever remains hooked onto the pin.

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 device signals possible failure of a typical ball-and-socket hitch. A breakaway switch on the rear of the towing vehicle has an actuating member positioned substantially immediately above the ball of the hitch. A bracket is mounted on the front of the towed vehicle at substantially the midpoint between the tow bar outer ends. A cable connected between the actuating member and the bracket has a length selected such that, when the distance between the switch and the second bracket exceeds a predetermined threshold, the cable pulls the actuating member rearwardly to actuate the switch, causing an indicator circuit in the towing vehicle to give an audible or visual signal.

Abstract: A transitional member for attaching between an elongate member and a tip that selectively engages operational catches on electrical distribution equipment mounted on poles of an electrical distribution system, in which the transitional member has a body with a connecter for engaging a distal end of the elongate member at a first angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member and a portion of the body opposing the connector defines a second connector for engaging a tip at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, so that the tip, being engaged at the second angle in the operational catch on electrical distribution equipment, operates the electrical distribution equipment by selective movement of the elongate member. A light source is operatively associated with the transition member. A method of operating a catch on remote electrical distribution equipment is disclosed.