Abstract: A switching assembly to be incorporated in a window-regulator for a motor vehicle and the like, which includes paired units of switching members, each of which is arranged to serve for operating an electric motor in either of two rotational directions in a manual mode or in an automatic mode subject to the displacing amount of a single switching knob, and an electric circuit means including a solenoid for selectively self-retaining and self-releasing the automatic operating mode. The switching assembly is arranged to be capable of selectively energizing and de-energizing the electric motor incorporated in the window-regulator together with operating the solenoid simultaneously.

Abstract: An electromechanical switching device has a housing containing an armature. This armature is mounted in the housing to reciprocate between a closed and an open position. A coil mounted near the armature in the housing can magnetically hold the armature in its closed position. A manually operable member is mounted in the housing to reciprocate between a set and a reset position. This member can be moved into the set and reset positions to drive the armature toward its closed and open positions, respectively. Being arranged in this fashion the coil can be operated by a relatively small current. This current may be insufficient to attract the armature from its open to its closed position. However, the full travel of the armature is accomplished by the combined effects of the manually operable member and the coil.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled appliance is provided which has a smooth unbroken control surface. A control panel assembly includes a support panel and a decorative panel overlying the support panel. The assembly further includes a continuous flexible membrane layer. The support and decorative panels each include a generally aligned opening providing rear communication with the flexible membrane layer. A power source provides power between a pair of electrical conductors for energizing the appliance. A manually-set electrically-reset switch is associated with one of the conductors and is mounted to the support panel below the flexible membrane layer. The switch is manually operable to a closed position by depressing the membrane layer through the opening to complete a circuit across the pair of conductors for powering-up the microprocessor controlled appliance. Mechanism is provided for holding the switch in the closed position including a portion engageable with the switch.

Abstract: A control circuit for alternately actuating a pair of loads includes a voltage doubling circuit having a capacitor common to a pair of charge storage devices and switch means which are alternately actuated to discharge the charge storage devices through a pair of loads. Coupled to the circuit is a holding current power supply for maintaining the loads in an actuated position once the charge storage devices are discharged. The circuit thus provides an initially high current pulse for rapidly actuating inductive loads such as solenoids.

Abstract: Apparatus for disconnecting electrical powered devices from a source of electrical energy when the use of the devices is no longer needed. The apparatus includes an electrical switch movable in response to an actuation member. The switch is connected between a source of electrical energy and an electrical powered device so as to selectively connect/disconnect the device to the source of electrical energy depending upon the use of the actuation member. A second electrical switch, also responsive to the actuation member, is connected between the source of electrical energy and another electrical powered device, such as a heating/air conditioning unit, to connect/disconnect the heating/air conditioning unit to the source of electrical energy. One temperature responsive device is associated with the second electrical switch in order to maintain the room temperature above a predetermined minimum temperature.

Abstract: A switching system is disclosed for selectively connecting a plurality of electric devices to a power source. The system comprises a plurality of switching circuits associated with respective electric devices. Each switching circuit is operable to connect its associated electric device to the power source and simultaneously place the other switching circuits out of operation. Means is provided for holding a switching circuit associated with a first electric device in operation while permitting another electric device to operate when the first electric device is in a predetermined mode of operation.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for allowing electrical power to be applied to the ctro-mechanical sensors of an automatic flight control system of an aircraft only when either the Engine Start switch or AFCS Engage switch is closed separately or simultaneously. Upon the closing of either one or both of the switches, a pair of latching relays are energized which in turn provide electric power to the electro-mechanical sensors.

Abstract: A silencer adapted to suppress the audio output of a radio or television set during commercial breaks in a program. The silencer which requires no wiring changes in the set includes a probe insertable in the existing earphone jack. The probe is constituted by a truncated tubular plug whose length falls short of the flexible switch arm of the jack that normally engages a contact arm to connect the audio signal line to the loudspeaker, the plug having a retractable plunger therein. When the plug is advanced by a local actuator, it engages the switch arm of the jack to flex it away from the contact arm to cut off loudspeaker sound, the sound being restored when the plunger is retracted. The local actuator of the plug is coupled to a remote actuator which when manually-activated acts selectively through the local actuator to advance or retract the plunger to cut off sound at the outset of a commercial break and to restore it at the conclusion thereof.

Abstract: Control apparatus for an electrical load device, comprising a relay having a winding and a set of normally open contacts which are closed and opened, after short delays, upon energization and deenergization respectively of the winding, first and second switches arranged to be closed and opened in predetermined sequences, a first circuit for supplying electrical energy from a source to the winding through both the switches series, and a second circuit for supplying electrical energy to the winding and the load device from the source through one of the switches and the contacts of the relay, the second circuit connecting the contacts in parallel with the other of the switches.

Abstract: An electrical, vehicle wiper, motor regulator which prevents the wiper motor from automatically starting up when the vehicle ignition is turned on. The regulation includes a holder circuit which prevents the wiper motor from being driven when the ignition is turned on, even when the wiper ON/OFF switch had previously been left on, in those wiper systems which include a terminal switch for automatically returning the wipers to normal resting position.

Abstract: The control portion of a television receiver includes a flip flop which when supplied with operating power stores a binary signal having either an "on" level corresponding to the on condition of the receiver or an "off" level corresponding to the off condition of the receiver. In addition to a user responsive input arrangement for selectively controlling the level of the binary signal, a switching circuit is coupled to the flip flop to return the binary signal to its prior level after power line dropouts having less than a predetermined duration, and otherwise causing the binary signal to have its "off" level. The switching circuit is rendered operative at the end of power line dropouts to cause the binary signal to have its "on" level if an enabling signal selectively developed by a circuit including a capacitor and a diode connected between the flip flop and capacitor during the presence of operating power is still stored in the capacitor.

Abstract: A power switching circuit for a building which allows remote operation of individual relatively small load portions such as lighting areas, climate control apparatus etc. The entire building can also be powered up or down remotely avoiding current surges by the provision of a motor driven contact arm making contact sequentially with all remote control relays.

Abstract: The circuit breaker is taught with an anti-pumping control circuit. If the circuit breaker closes on a fault and quickly reopens without the closing switch being either mechanically or electrically released in the interim, reclosure of the circuit breaker either by an automatic reclosure or by the mere fact that the closing switch remains closed will be prevented until the closing switch is once again opened. In addition, if the closing switch is actuated prior to power being applied to the circuit breaker control system, the circuit breaker will not close when power is applied. The closing spring will be charged, however, for a subsequent circuit breaker closing after release and reactuation of the closing switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to bistable systems using electrets. The invention provides a three-electrode system in which the movement of the moving armature is obtained by means of biasing voltages applied to the fixed electrodes. A switching voltage applied between the moving electrode and one of the fixed electrodes releases the electrostatic holding forces generated by the electrets.

Abstract: A control for a plurality of air conditioning units installed in separate rooms of a multi-room building, with each air conditioning unit having an on-off switch to selectively connect the air conditioning unit to a source of electrical power. The control includes a switch for simultaneously interrupting the electrical power supplied to each air conditioning unit to place each unit in an off state. Once the supply of electrical power to each unit is renewed, each unit is prevented from restarting until the unit's on-off switch has been manually moved from its on position to its off position.

Abstract: Apparatus for the prevention of theft of electrical appliances comprises an automatic electronic lock off system which may be activated in a particular manner after the appliance is connected to a source of electrical power, and which becomes deactivated when the appliance is disconnected from its source of power to cause the further disconnection in the appliance electrical circuit. The apparatus comprises essentially three components, a key-operated activator switch, a relay, and the appliance's own on-off switch, all connected with the appliance's own circuit leads in a particular manner. The key-operated activator switch is designed to be operated with its own individual key and may, if desired, be hid from view. Initially, the key-operated activator switch is briefly closed to complete a circuit with the coil of the relay. Activation of the relay closes a normally open switch in series with the appliance on-off switch to permit the appliance then to be operable.

Abstract: The converter includes a dc. motor energizable from a battery and adapted to drive an alternator which produces an ac. output for powering a remote load device. The latter is adapted to be connected to the converter by a three-wire extension cord having a ground wire for grounding the load device. A manually operable switch is located near the output end of the extension cord and is connected across the ground wire and one of the conducting wires of the cord. The motor of the converter may be started by momentarily closing the switch and may be stopped when the switch is next closed momentarily.