Abstract: A switch cover arrangement for a push-botton electrical switch of the type having a switch actuation button, a switch body on which the button is mounted, and a pair of switch terminals mounted on the switch body protects the switch from its environment and prevents the application of excessive force to the switch actuation button. The switch cover arrangement includes a base plate to which the switch body is secured, and a housing to which the base plate is secured. The housing defines a central cavity for receiving the switch body and the switch button. The central cavity is closed at a first end by the base plate. The switch cover arrangement also includes a button cover mounted for sliding movement in the central cavity toward and away from the base plate. The button cover has a stop portion for contacting the base plate so as to limit sliding movement of the button cover in a direction toward the switch body.

Abstract: A lid lock mechanism in an automobile switch panel device. The mechanism includes an open-top case, a switch panel accommodated in said case, a lid to cover the open-top case, pivotal shafts provided in the open-top case, and clutch members provided in a pair of holes in the lid. At a predetermined opening angle, the lid is maintained in a locked condition while the lid is easily closed manually with a force stronger than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A decorative wall plate and slider cap assembly is described for use with subsurface mounted, toggle-type electrical switches. The assembly provides an adapter wall plate for fastening to the switch strap. A decorative wall plate is fitted over the adapter plate to cover the fastening means and to impart a design feature to the wall plate. A rectangular opening through both plates receives the switch toggle. A slider member has two barbed spring clips which interact with rail members protruding from the face of the decorative wall plate. Upper and lower fingers, projecting rearwardly from the slider member face, act as cams to move the switch toggle in the vertical direction. A decorative slider cap fits over the slider member to give a basic geometric form to the switch toggle mechanism. Ramped projection members on the respective edges of the plates permit the member to be removably fastened for easy assembly, maintenance and change.

Abstract: A combination actuator and guard for palm switches of the type conventionally used to initiate the cycle operation of hydraulic presses and like machines comprising a hand-lever pivotally mounted on a frame that is adapted for mounting on the machine at the cycle control switch position with the lever superimposed on the palm switch and including a slidable latch member on the hand-lever normally spring-loaded to engage stop means on the frame to prevent operation of the hand-lever to actuate the switch but moveable by an actuator at the pivoted edge of the hand-lever to release the stop means and permit manipulation of the hand-lever to actuate the palm switch and initiate the machine cycle.

Abstract: A housing is disclosed for an apparatus for determining pregnancy in animals which includes a pressure activated switch. The housing includes a housing portion formed from integrally molded synthetic plastic which is selected to have a rigidity which varies with the thickness of the material. The handle includes walls which define a chamber for receiving components of the apparatus including a pressure activated switch. The walls are selected to have material thickness sufficient for the walls to be rigid in response to a pressure applied by an operator's hand. A digit engaging portion of one of the walls is provided with a reduced thickness sufficient for the digit engaging portion to flex into the chamber in response to a pressure applied by an operator's hand and returned to a rest position when pressure is withdrawn. The pressure activated switch is included within the chamber and has a pressure activated element opposing the digit engaging portion.

Abstract: A metal protective cover for the temperature control knob on a deep fat fryer includes an outer annular ring and is formed to enclose the control knob. The control knob is surrounded by an annular backing plate that is secured by three screws. The annular ring has a diameter that is small enough to fit within the circle inscribing the shanks of the three screws and large enough to be held in place by the screw heads.

Abstract: A base with a keyboard for the manual generation of data combinations, e.g. of a code serving to release a lock of a door on which the keyboard is accessibly mounted, has one or more wipers impregnated with a nonvolatile film of liquid such as silicone oil. The wipers are carried on a lid which is pivotally or slidably attached to the base; movement of the lid, or of a detent holding it in closure position, causes the wipers to sweep across coplanar pressure faces of the keyboard and remove any finger marks that could be used by a would-be trespasser to help breaking down the code. The pressure faces are areas of a flexible foil having a rough outer surface for retaining part of the film of liquid spread thereover; the foil may comprise a porous layer underlain by a spongy layer storing some of that liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for providing a rotor switch. The rotor switch consists of a rotor device positioned between a pair of printed circuit boards. One printed circuit board having conductive pads, coupled to the output of the switch, and the other board having a conductive strip, coupled to the input of the switch. A conductive spring, or similar conductor, is disposed through the rotor to couple one of the conductive pads to the conductive strip. A housing having a retainer that fits into exterior notches located in the printed circuit boards and the rotor acts to secure the rotor in place when rotational forces are exerted on the switch.

Abstract: A switch arrangement on an electrical apparatus includes a base with two parallel rows of receptacles, a switch module held plugged in, in the base, in which the pairs of contacts together with a switch rocker form a rocker switch, and a cover fastened releasably on the base in one single possible fastening position, which on the inside of its end wall carries operating lugs for the rocker switches.

Abstract: A protective cover for the push-button array of a push-button telephone set having a planar surface through the push-buttons extend, comprise a flexible elastomeric sheet having at least one recessed portion with side walls forming a pocket which overlies each of the push-buttons on said telephone set and permits individual displacement of the underlying telephone set push-buttons. The sheet has a skirt portion extending laterally beyond the side walls of the pocket and the sheet is continuous between its lateral edges, whereby the entire push-button array is overlaid by the cover and thereby protected against spilled liquids or other environmental hazards. Surrounding the sheet is a metal frame having a channel on the internal periphery into which the sheet extends and is permanently secured.

Abstract: A flip cover functioning as a protective guard preventing accidental switch actuation and as a mechanical indicator of switch position. Cooperating slidable abutment elements on the push-button head of the switch and on the flip cover maintain the flip cover in outwardly tilted position with the switch latched in actuated position. With the switch pushed into latch-releasing position the abutment elements are relatively so positioned as to permit the switch to return to its released or unactuated position, the abutment elements slipping past each other to permit return of the flip cover into its normal guard position.

Abstract: A safety device for power control in various situations. A housing contains an electrical toggle-type switch which is connected in circuit with the power source and the various elements to be controlled. A depression of a first push-button of relatively small size causes a switch to be turned on, while a subsequent depression of a relatively large surface member pivotally secured to the housing causes the toggle switch to be turned off. A key-operated lock prevents unauthorized operation of the first push-button.

Abstract: A pressure operated electrical switch and an alarm system for use in hospitals and nursing homes is constructed such that a force is applied to a pressure plate therein. Once the load is reduced below a predetermined value the pressure plate will move under spring influence to close/open a microswitch or electrical contact means. The normal force applied to the pressure plate is the load on the leg of the hospital bed when occupied. If the bed occupant gets out of the bed the load on the pressure plate is reduced below a predetermined value, and the consequent movement of the pressure plate opens/closes the switch means to actuate the alarm.

Abstract: An electrical lighted pushbutton switch is constructed by inserting a light source in the housing of the switch below a depressible actuating plunger that has a keycap retaining post. The keycap retaining post has a passageway which runs through it from its top surface to its bottom surface which is in alignment with the light source. The removeable keycap has locking detent provisions which cooperate with a mating locking groove on the retaining post. The keycap has a centrally located channel through its top surface that leads to an open cavity and is in alignment with the passageway through the keycap retaining post. A light pipe is inserted that has an upper section that fits into the channel of the keycap, a flange located below this upper section which keeps the light pipe from being forced upwardly through the channel in the keycap and a lower tapered section which is inserted into the passageway of the keycap retaining post.

Abstract: A snap-on actuator converts a toggle switch to a rocker switch without the necessity for pivotally supporting the rocker independently of the toggle. Depending skirts on the rocker actuator engage flats on the bushing, through which the toggle extends, and convexly contoured surfaces engage the upper end of the bushing to support the actuator during its motion. A paddle shaped actuator is also disclosed, and has such skirts and convexly contoured support surfaces.

Abstract: For use in combination with a box-type receptable containing electrical contacts such as switch contacts or a socket, a first cover comprising a planar frame on which the cover is removably mounted, the frame defining an access opening, a pair of fixed spaced headboards extending across the frame, the headboards being at opposite ends of the opening and having their outer surfaces lying substantially in a plane that is disposed slightly outwardly from the plane of the frame and defining between them a space that extends over the access opening and transversely entirely across the frame, a complementary cover mounted in and occupying that space, the complementary cover substantially entirely filling the space and extending transversely entirely across the space and having on opposite end edges sliding fit with the headboards, with the outer surface of the complementary cover substantially coplanar with the outer surfaces of the headboards, and pins on the inner side of the complementary cover coacting with rec

Abstract: A momentary contact actuator and identification cap assembly disposed to be used with a single switch of a laminated flat-panel keyboard. The assembly consists of a clear cap component which snaps over a flat-panel switch, an identification insert, and a tension bar including spring arms situated within the interior of the clear cap. The spring arms hold the assembly suspended over the associated flat-panel switch. Manual pressure applied to the clear cap deflects the assembly operating the flat-panel switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a waterproof seal for a push button 10 in a panel 11. The seal comprises a shroud of resilient material having a substantially cylindrical portion 1 and closed at one end 2. The closed end is collapsible inwardly and the open end is sealable to the panel 11. The invention is useful for protecting push buttons in control panels in watercraft and other vehicles exposed to wet conditions.

Abstract: A sealable wafer switch which is normally closed in relaxed position but which opens when squeezed. A lower stiff plate. A first curved conductive member mounted on the lower plate with the curvature extending in the upward direction. An insulating plate mounted on the lower curved plate the insulating plate having a central aperture. A second curved contact member mounted on the insulating plate and having its curvature extending in the downward direction with axis perpendicular to the other curved member. The first and second conductive members being in contact through the aperture when they are in relaxed position. An upper stiff plate mounted on the second curved contact member whereby when the upper and lower stiff plates are squeezed together the contact is broken.

Abstract: Self adhering tape switch or ribbon switch assembly is provided including a tape switch strip. A layer of deformable material bonds to the underside of said tape switch. A layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to the underside of the deformable material layer. A removable strip of paper adheres to the underside of the pressure sensitive adhesive. It is notched to permit coiling.

Abstract: A construction for attaching a knob to a manipulation rod of a push-button type actuating mechanism. The knob has a cap-like shape with an outer wall and an inner cylinder having a bore. A snapping protrusion is formed at the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the outer wall. The snapping protrusion has a tapered section protruding inwardly from the inner peripheral surface of the outer wall and a snapping step formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer wall. The manipulating rod has a flange formed at its intermediate portion and resilient tongues formed on the upper end thereof. As the rod in inserted into the bore of the inner cylinder of the knob, the outer peripheral surface of the flange slides along the tapered section of the snapping protrusion spreading the outer wall outwardly and then comes into snapping engagement with the snapping step.

Abstract: A shipping cover for a motor control center characterized by a motor control center having a panel surface from which projects a handle and a handle knotting frame, and a shipping cover therefor characterized by spaced walls forming cavity means for enclosing the assembly of the handle and frame which walls engage the surfaces of the handle and frame to effect a friction fit between the cover and the assembly.

Abstract: A programmable thermostat features a memory unit receptive of unit values of temperature desired at different times on different days all individualy or in various combinations both as to days and times. An output device signals a temperature control system. As controlled by a clock, the memory unit is addressed during different times of the different days to provide a signal representing the corresponding value desired. Existing temperature level is sensed and compared with each value so as to develop an error signal. In response to that error signal, the output is operated in a direction to reduce the difference between actual and desired temperatures. Numerous details as to layout, construction and circuitry are presented.

Abstract: An imitation wall switch adapted to be placed over an existing wall switch and operably connected to the latter, said imitation wall switch including an imitation wall plate of large area for receiving a distinctive color and/or legends and a correspondingly large imitation switch lever.

Abstract: A series sliding, single pole contact switch including a generally slotted captivating input contact pin, at least one generally slotted captivating output contact pin, a sliding contact mechanism including a sliding knife blade contact and a switching assembly. The axially moveable sliding knife blade contact is always in captivated contact with the slotted captivating input contact pin, and the switching assembly is biased to place one end of the sliding knife blade contact in engagement with one of the slotted captivating output contact pins or to brace the sliding knife contact in the opposite direction. The switch may be gang connected to other switches, and may be switched by a single switching assembly. The switch is sealed to insure the water tight integrity of the unit.

Abstract: A safety cover for the control unit of an automobile power window or power door lock including a knob positionable over the actuating lever of the control unit so as to enclose the lever and the surrounding opening through which the lever projects. The cover further includes, either as an integral part of the knob or as a separate attachment, a pair of laterally spaced rearwardly projecting bifurcated legs positionable to opposite sides of the actuating lever and adapted to snap-lock to the transverse shaft which mounts the lever.

Abstract: A unit for weighing and dispensing portions of hot, fried, potato chips, comprises a casing in which are disposed a receptacle for receiving a supply of the chips, and a dispensing chamber opening into said receptacle and into which hot chips are fed by a vibrator unit coupled to a bottom wall of the receptacle, a heating element for maintaining chips hot while in the receptacle and in the dispensing chamber, the bottom wall of the receptacle being inclined upwardly in the direction of the dispensing chamber for allowing hot frying oil or fat to drain away in the opposite direction and into a collector, a weighing platform disposed inside the dispensing chamber and being hinged to a movable weighing support disposed outside the dispensing chamber and guided for vertical linear movement, the weighing platform being retained in a position to receive the hot chips and being released to permit it to hinge downwardly and discharge the hot chips therefrom in response to a predetermined amount of linear movement of

Abstract: An electrical switch of dual in-line package type which includes a switch casing having a housing fitting over a base onto which contact leads forming switch sections of the switch are molded, actuators movably disposed in the corresponding switching sections for selectively connecting and disconnecting the contact leads, and a dust cover to fit over the housing. Each of the actuators has an actuating knob extending through the housing for moving the actuators between first and second positions to turn the switch section on or off, which actuating knob has notched portions which engage a projection formed in the dust cover for preventing erroneous function of the switch, while the base is initially divided into two blocks for subsequent welding to each other to achieve air-tightness and to facilitate assembling work of the switch.

Abstract: An electric switch mounted within an enclosure having a hinged cover is manually operated from outside the enclosure by a handle mechanism secured to the enclosure. The cover is provided with a single aperture near the edge thereof remote from the cover hinges, with this aperture providing clearance for the operating handle of the mechanism when the cover is closed and also providing clearance for a catch which holds the cover closed. The mechanism also includes a defeatable cover interlock to prevent opening of the cover when the switch is closed, and a defeatable switch interlock to prevent closing of the switch when the cover is open.

Abstract: Pad-mounted double-fused switchgear especially adapted for use in underground distribution systems is provided which includes an oil tank having manually operable vacuum switch apparatus therein in conjunction with closely adjacent, series-connected, combination current limiting fuse-expulsion link protective fuse structure for maintaining the required momentary electrical rating of the overall switch apparatus notwithstanding of a relatively low-rated switch element, and for providing thermal protection for the switchgear. Double-fusing within the oil tank also serves to reduce electrical duty on upstream and downstream equipment, increases the interruption rating of the switchgear, and enhances overall system coordination.

Abstract: A pocket-size portable transmitter in an emergency call transmission system for geriatric persons has an actuator including a simple switch part such as a push button and a simple cover part movable between a normal closed position covering the switch to prevent accidental actuation and an open position exposing the switch for actuation. In a preferred system a plurality of transmitters are inductively coupled with respective receivers distributed to determine separate areas for use of the transmitters, the transmitters producing multi-element code sequence signals to avoid false alarms from outside interference, and the receivers having wired connections to a central alarm indicator assembly.

Abstract: The device safeguards switches and other electrical components controlling an electric motor, such as the motor of a blowing device for air bubbling mats in bathtubs. A casing of dielectric material is arranged to enclose an electric motor, and has a recess in its exterior wall in which are mounted motor controlling components including a master motor switch having an outwardly projecting, normally externally accessible switch operator. A cover plate of dielectric material is mounted on the exterior wall and cooperable with guiding rails or the like for sliding movement along the exterior wall. The cover plate has a first position, in which it completely cover the recess, and releases the master motor switch to close, and has a second position in which certain of the components are exposed for external access but in which the cover plate engages the switch operator of the master motor switch to maintain the master motor switch opened.

Abstract: A miniature switch assembly comprising a base member having a plurality of parallel finned projections, a pair of contact members each having a plurality of contact terminals being fixed on both sides of the base member, respectively, a plurality of lever wheels being disposed between the adjacent finned projections, and a housing having a plurality of partition walls for accommodating the base member with the contact members and the lever wheels, wherein the lever wheels each having conductive plate perform the switching action in a manner that the conductive plate slides over the contact terminals. A locking member is also provided for locking the lever wheels. Preferably, a dust cover is provided for protecting the switch assembly from dust or mechanical injuries.

Abstract: A compact, versatile voting machine is disclosed having adaptability for use with various vote registering devices such as tally counters and punch card apparatus. The voting machine includes a selector mechanism having a series of parallel columns housing voter operated key slides. A vertical interlock mechanism includes ball housing blocks which are alternately disposed between the key slides and house displaceable interlock balls in a tool line. The cam blocks are adjustable to limit the effective length of the tool line to establish groupings of candidates from which a single selection can be made. A magazine at the top of each column is adjustable to permit multiple selections from a grouping. Actuation of a key cams the interlock balls into the tool line, and when a predetermined number of voter selections have been made no additional keys can be actuated as they are blocked by the tool line.

Abstract: A plurality of miniature slide switches are arranged in parallel in a tub shaped common housing, the switches each have a raised actuator projecting toward the top of the housing which is contactable by a raised wedged surface portion on the underside of a closable housing lid to assure that the switches are fully thrown and will be locked in the desired operating state upon closure of the lid.

Abstract: An improved, weather-sealed switch actuator arrangement especially suited for use in electrical or electronic apparatus that may be exposed to hostile ambient conditions. The switch actuator is fabricated of plastic, non-metallic materials wherein a base actuator member is overfitted with a pliant, weather-resistant material, which actuator may be snap-fitted into a recess in the housing of the associated apparatus. A plurality of hook-like tab members on the base actuator cooperate with a plurality of associated apertures in the bottom surface of the housing recess for captivation purposes. A peripheral ridge in the bottom surface of the recess makes a press fit into the material of the overfitted cover to provide a tight, weather-proof seal against water, sand and other dirt particulate. A center portion of the base actuator member is suspended in cantilever fashion with an operating tab or actuator extending laterally inwardly from the free end thereof.

Abstract: An alarm buzzer device for a bicycle, emergency call or the like, incorporates an electric power source, for instance, a dry cell therein. The device comprises a housing accomodating various elements, such as a buzzer element, stationary and movable contacts, and a lid for covering an open end of the housing and arranged floatingly relative to the housing by the movable contact, so that the device can be actuated by pressing any portion of the upper surface of the lid.