Abstract: A centrifugal switch actuator compensates for normal axis tolerance in a centrifugal switch operating mechanism for a motor consisting of a rotational velocity- responsive element mounted on the motor shaft and a switch housing spaced from the shaft. A lever has a lower member disposed adjacent the rotational velocity-responsive element and an upper member which engages one of a plurality of grooves in an actuator movable in the switch housing to make and break switches therein.

Abstract: A centrifugal switch is used in the motor control circuit in a garage door operator. Such operator has a motor driving through a friction clutch to move the door in opening and closing directions. If an overload condition on the door is encountered, the friction clutch will slip, slowing the driven member of the friction clutch. A cantilever contact blade is connected for rotation with the clutch driven member and slows, as well as moves radially inwardly, to engage a second conductor member which is coaxial with the output of the operator. This effects a switch-closed condition which acts through a control circuit to de-energize the electric motor. The foregoing abstract is merely a resume of one general application, is not a complete discussion of all principles of operation or applications, and is not to be construed as a limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Abstract: An electric centrifugal switch is proposed, in particular for the purpose of safety shutoff upon attainment of a shutoff rpm for fuel injection systems, electrically controlled in an open- or closed-loop manner, of internal combustion engines, which is not vulnerable to rotary oscillations and which effects a rapid shutoff. The centrifugal switch comprises a centrifugal pendulum secured by means of a metal band bearing on a revolving carrier element and a switch attached to the housing and provided with a switching distance from an actuation pin. The centrifugal pendulum carries a flyweight mass on the end of a first lever arm extending substantially in the direction of the rotary axis, and its second lever arm extending at least approximately rectangularly to the rotary axis, is held together with a metal band of the band bearing in constant contact on a roll-off surface located on the carrier element by a restoring spring and, in a preferred embodiment, by means of a supplementary spring element.

Abstract: A kitchen mixer having a centrifugal speed control in which a control contact is positioned by a follower engaging a cam linked to a rotatable speed-selector knob. The cam has two levels so that by pressing the cam downward by means of a button on the outside of the mixer housing the follower engages second level and shifts contact to increase the mixer speed.

Abstract: A motor starting switch installable, for example, on a fractional horsepower electric motor and actuable between a run and a start position by means of a centrifugal actuator axially shiftable on the rotor shaft of the motor in response to start up or shut down of the motor. The starting switch includes a rotary actuator member having a cam follower engageable by a conical cam surface on the centrifugal actuator as the latter shifts axially from its run to its start position thereby to effect rotary movement of the actuator member and to effect actuation of the switch from its run to its start position as the centrifugal actuator moves through only a portion of its stroke. The rotary actuator member is further engageable with a cylindrical cam surface of the centrifugal actuator after the switch has been converted to its start position thereby to prevent overstressing of a switch arm within the starting switch upon continued movement of the centrifugal actuator to its start position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a centrifugal mechanism and switch construction particularly for use in an electric motor. The mechanism includes a support part that is secured to and rotates with the motor shaft, and a weight that is carried by the support part. The weight has its center of gravity to one side of the motor axis, and the weight is pivotally attached to the support part. Centrifugal force tends to swing the weight in one direction and springs connected between the support part and the weight tend to counter the centrifugal force. A lightweight disc is pivotally connected to the moving end of the weight, the disc being located to activate the switch. The weight and a hinge member form a parallel arm connection between the disc and the support part.

Abstract: A low actuating force switch having one or more resilient switch arms cantilevered within a switch housing and further having an operating member or plunger movable within the housing for flexing the switch arm(s) and for making or breaking one or more circuits. A spring is interposed between the operating member and one of the switch arms for applying a force to this switch arm which in turn flexes the latter. In instances in which the switch arm is normally in an unflexed, open position and in which the operating member continues to move in the direction for closing the contacts after the contacts have closed, the spring takes up or absorbs a substantial portion of the additional movement of the operating member without exerting undue stress on the switch arm. In instances in which the switch contacts are normally closed, the operating member may engage the switch arm distal from its cantilevered connection to the switch housing so as to lessen the force required to open the contacts.

Abstract: A pair of flyweights are mounted on a rotatable shaft and actuate a sleeve which is coaxially disposed on the shaft through a pair of radially extending control arms which are pivotally attached to the sleeve. The flyweights are biased inwardly by a pair of springs mounted on the control arms. On the opposite end of the sleeve is a bearing which provides a physical connection between the rotating sleeve and a non-rotating plate carrying a pair of movable contacts which cooperate with stationary contacts mounted on a stationary housing. The flyweights move outwardly upon rotation of the shaft against the action of the springs and move the sleeve axially along the shaft. The inward bias force of the springs decreases rapidly as the pivot connection of the control arms approaches the pivot connection of the flyweights causing an over center-type of action which results in an abrupt electrical connection between the stationary and the movable contacts.

Abstract: A centrifugal actuator assembly for an electric motor or the like is provided having a pair of opposed movable members rotatable with the rotor shaft of the motor and responsive to centrifugal force upon rotation of the rotor shaft for movement between a run and a start position. The movable members are biased inwardly toward their start position by means of compression coil springs interconnected between the movable members by means of a linkage designed to improve operating life of the centrifugal actuator.

Abstract: A motor starting switch mountable on an electric motor and actuatable by a centrifugal actuator for energizing the starting winding of the motor during start up of the motor and for deenergizing the starting winding or other circuits upon the motor attaining a desired operating speed. A toggle linkage for operatively connecting the motor starting switch to the centrifugal actuator is included as a part of this motor starting switch, and it includes a slider for opening and closing one or more sets of contacts within the starting switch housing movable in the same direction as the actuator member of the centrifugal actuator, and a lever pivoted to the switch housing and engageable by the centrifugal actuator. The slider is privotally connected to the lever so that upon the centrifugal actuator pivoting the lever, the slider is moved to open or close the contacts.

Abstract: A motor control circuit is provided for an appliance or the like of the type utilizing a speed adjustment device that controls an adjustable centrifugally controlled governor device. The governor includes a switch contact arrangement which is connected in the triggering circuit of a power switching device, a TRIAC for example, for selectively connecting the motor of the appliance to the power source connections. The switch contacts of the governor device open and close as the rotational speed of the motor increases and decreases respectively from the speed selected on the speed adjustment device. A variable impedance element mechanically coupled to and adjusted by the speed adjustment device is also provided in the triggering circuit of the power switching device in series with the governor switch contacts to vary the triggering of the power switching device as the speed setting is varied. Thus, a variable speed versus motor supply voltage characteristic is provided when the governor contacts are closed.

Abstract: Fixed members of the small-sized motor centrifugal governor switch and commutator segment metals are secured to a boss of a molding insulating resin mounted on a shaft of the rotor, thereby disposing the centrifugal governor switch on the same side as the commutator with respect to the rotor. With this construction, there is no need of installing the centrifugal governor switch in the space radially centrally of the stator magnet, hence there is no need of restricting the size of the centrifugal governor switch to be smaller than the inner diameter of the stator magnet. Accordingly the centrifugal governor switch can be made larger, thereby securing a better function.

Abstract: A switch actuating device adapted for conjoint rotation with a rotatable assembly of a prime mover. Means for mounting to the rotatable assembly so as to be conjointly rotatable therewith includes a pair of sets of opposite surfaces, and switch operating means conjointly rotatable with the mounting means is arranged for axial movement thereon between a pair of opposite positions. A pair of centrifugal weight members are responsive to the rotational speed of the device to effect the axial movement of the switch operating means between its opposite positions and include a pair of sets of means arranged for guiding engagement on the oppposite surface set pair upon the axial movement of the switch operating means between its opposite positions, respectively. A pair of springs are respectively biased between the centrifugal members.A method of assembling a switch actuating device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A centrifugal actuator for an electric motor starting switch which is rotatable with the rotor shaft of the motor and which is movable axially with respect to the rotor shaft. A spring biases the centrifugal actuator into engagement with a fixed stop carried by the housing of the electric motor so that the position of the centrifugal actuator with respect to the motor starting switch remains fixed and is not affected by axial movement of the rotor shaft within the electric motor housing.

Abstract: A centrifugal switch for effecting an activation or deactivation of an electrical circuit at a predetermined rotational speed of a shaft. The switch comprises magnetic means mounted for rotation about an axis and for sliding movement under the influence of centrifugal force from a starting position adjacent the axis to an operating position radially outwardly therefrom, spring means urging the magnetic means toward the starting position, and electrical switch means operatively responsive to the movement of the magnetic means at a predetermined rotational speed so as to either activate or deactivate an associated electrical circuit.

Abstract: An improved light adapted to be connected to a wheel of, e.g., a bicycle. In preferred form, the light is fixed to the wheel in a manner that orients the light's battery on an axis positioned substantially radially of the wheel, and that orients the light's battery radially inward of the light's bulb relative to the wheel's axis. A switch spring is provided in the light's housing that normally biases the battery out of electrical contact with the bulb when the wheel is not rotating, i.e., when the bicycle is not in use, but which permits the battery to be biased into electrical contact with the bulb in response to centrifugal force when the wheel is rotating, i.e., when the bicycle is in use. Thus, the light turns off automatically when the bicycle is not being ridden, and turns on automatically in response to centrifugal force when the bicycle is being ridden, when the light is mounted on a bicycle's wheel.

Abstract: A controller for stopping a punch press when a stock material becomes jammed, includes: translating means for converting the motion of the stock material exiting from the punch press to rotational motion of rotating means which is operatively associated with said translating means, and a movable element, operatively associated with said rotating means. The rotational motion of rotating means produces centrifugal force which keeps the movable element in an operating position. As the stock material buckles or becomes jammed in the press, the motion of the exiting stock material ceases, causing a decrease in and/or subsequently elimination of the angular velocity of the rotating means and therefore a decrease in the magnitude of the centrifugal force. When the centrifugal force diminishes by a predetermined amount or is entirely eliminated, the movable element moves from the operating position to stopping position.

Abstract: A timing device comprises a contact assembly, an acting switch and a centrifugal mechanism rotated by a synchronous motor, and a rotatable resiliently biased timing wheel. The acting switch, upon energization of the motor, is moved axially in a direction parallel to the rotary axis of the timing wheel by the centrifugal mechanism to a first position for rotating the said timing wheel and opening a contact between a movable contact plate and a first fixed contact plate of the contact assembly. The acting switch is maintained in the first position by the timing wheel, and is moved to a second position for maintaining the timing wheel in position and closing a contact between the movable contact plate and a second fixed contact plate of the contact assembly, whereby, upon deenergization of the motor, the switch is moved axially in the reverse direction to its normally inoperative state and said timing wheel is rotated back under the action of its biasing means.

Abstract: A switch and terminal assembly adapted to be mounted to a prime mover, such as a dynamoelectric machine or the like. The switch and terminal assembly includes a casing having a plurality of wall means, and a plurality of terminals is provided in the casing having electrical connection sections extending exteriorly of the casing generally in row formation along one of the wall means thereof. A ground terminal is mounted to the casing exteriorly thereof on another of the wall means thereof and has an electrical connection section extending over at least a part of the one wall means so as to be disposed generally in the row formation with at least some of the electrical connection sections of the at least some terminals.

Abstract: An improved inertia switch having a variable threshold and operating time comprises a flywheel, a driving member, electrical contact elements carried respectively by the driving member and the flywheel and return means coupled between the driving member and the flywheel. The contact element carried by the flywheel comprises on the one hand a contact terminal integral with a support coupled by friction to the flywheel, the contact terminal co-operating with a part of the contact carried by the driving member, and on the other hand, a contact surface integral with the flywheel co-operating with a second contact part carried by the driving member. The switch is particularly applicable for detecting imminent locking of a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An electrical starting winding switch for electrical motors having a calibrated single make and break contact with an unusually high opening force for the higher electrical values encountered in high density electrical motors while maintaining a much lower value of uniform contact closing force during the speed-responsive actuation of the switch.

Abstract: A switch and terminal assembly adapted to be mounted to a structural component of a dynamoelectric machine by an electrical conductive mounting member. The assembly has a casing, and receiving means is provided through the casing for accommodating the mounting member. A grounding device is disposed in the casing for connecting the dynamoelectric machine to ground, and the grounding device includes means associated with the receiving means for engagement with the mounting means upon the mounting thereby of the assembly to the dynamoelectric machine structural component.

Abstract: An object (baton, ball, wheel, or the like) which generates a signal (visual, audio, or the like) only when in rotation and when in rotation generates a continuous signal. A power source, a first switch which assumes its ON position in response to centrifugal force, a second switch which assumes its ON position in response to centrifugal force, and means for generating a signal, connected in series are carried in the object. The first and second switches are mounted so that both are ON when the object is in rotation about a first axis, but not when it is at rest. Third and fourth switches may be placed to be ON when the object is in rotation about second and third axes at right angles to said first axis and to each other. The switches may be closed by movement of a fluid or of sliding or rolling elements.

Abstract: A starting switch assembly is integrally formed with a terminal connection board and is adapted to be actuated by a conventional centrifugal actuator. The switch assembly is constructed so that the electrical contact points of the assembly abut one another under a predetermined pressure independent of the forces exerted on other structural components of the assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the terminal connection board is used to connect external power leads to the dynamoelectric machine. The switch assembly includes a terminal block integrally formed with the terminal connection board. Various windings of the dynamoelectric machine are connected to the power leads by switch assembly operation. The assembly includes a switch arm which is mounted for movement between at least first and second positions. The switch arm is designed to engage and disengage respective ones of a plurality of electrical contacts as the switch arm moves between positions.

Abstract: A rotor for the high voltage distribution system of an internal combustion engine, the contact member of the rotor being movable relative to the rotor shaft for a desired advance-retard characteristic. The rotor itself does not move relative to the rotor shaft. The device is for use with electronic ignition systems and one function is to replace the mechanical advance provided in conventional breaker point type distributors by the centrifugal weights which rotate the entire cam and rotor assembly. A range of characteristics responsive to engine velocity and/or acceleration is provided for within the basic design.

Abstract: A wind-driven power generating apparatus which includes a main support for securement to a fixed structure. A main drive shaft is retained by this main support and is connected at one of its outer ends to a support block having a plurality of angularly spaced, radially extending, support shafts, each one of which carry a windmill-type blade. The other end of the main drive shaft extends into a housing having a support frame for retaining a gear drive mechanism. One of the gears in this gear drive mechanism is connected to the main drive shaft. Also included within the gear drive mechanism located within the housing is a second gear which drives a pair of alternators for generating electrical power as the support block is rotated by the wind vanes. A first speed control mechanism is associated with each of the vanes and rotates the vanes axially about their longitudinal center line in proportion to the speed of the wind in order to protect the apparatus against excess rotation due to excess wind speed.

Abstract: In a governor switch apparatus including a governor mechanism to be driven at various speeds of a rotary element and a switching mechanism to be actuated by the governor mechanism, the switching mechanism comprises a seesaw lever to be actuated at its central portion by the governor mechanism, a first switching device engageable with a first end of the lever and provided with a first normally open switch, a second switching device engageable with a second end of the lever to be assembled symmetrically with the first switching device and provided with a second normally open switch, and a stopper for blocking the movement of the first end of the lever after closure of the first switch. The first switch is closed prior to the second switch due to a difference between the resilient forces given to the first and second switching devices respectively.

Abstract: An inertia switch for detecting impending locking of a rotaty member, such as a vehicle wheel, and having a variable deceleration detection threshold has a flywheel rotatable on a shaft adapted to be driven by the rotary member, a flywheel drive element on the shaft and biased by a spring into engagement with a stop on the flywheel, the flywheel and drive element carrying respective contacts of a pair of closable contacts which are open when the drive element is engaged with the stop, and a weighted lever pivoted on the flywheel eccentrically of the shaft, and co-operable with the drive element to apply a force dependent upon the rotational speed of the flywheel to oppose closing of the contacts. A rigid link on the spring may connect a free end of the lever with the drive element, and the lever may be a bell crank having one weighted limb and a second limb which abuts against the drive element and to which the spring can be attached.

Abstract: A speed-responsive electrical switch assembly consisting of a centrifugally-actuated switch operating unit customarily mounted on a rotatable shaft and having orbitally movable weights engageable with the surface presented by a switch unit to cause make and break operation of the electrical switch contacts. The radial centrifugally-induced inboard and outboard movement of the weights themselves in engagement with the surface of the switch unit, preferably an angularly inclined cam surface, serves to modulate the axial or longitudinal switch-operating, spring-induced displacement of the weights toward or away from the electrical switch unit and thus permits greater latitude in manufacturing and assembly tolerances and with improved switch operating characteristics while still maintaining prior art standards of precision switch control and uniformity of switch action.