322results about "Tumbler/rocker switches" patented technology

A multifunctional switch for any automobile application having a need for a multiple detent switch. The switch includes a button that is moveably connected to a base. The switch includes a first lever connected to the button at a point of the first lever that is closer to a first end of the first lever than a second end of the first lever. The switch also includes a first tactile bridge fixed to the base. The first tactile bridge is adapted to be contacted by the first end of the first lever and thereby close a first switch. The switch further includes a second tactile bridge fixed to the base. The second tactile bridge is adapted to be contacted by the second end of the first lever and thereby close a second switch.

An electrical wiring device for use in an electric circuit. The electrical wiring device includes a device housing and at least one switch disposed within the device housing. The at least one switch includes at least one terminal member configured to be coupled to the electric circuit to thereby energize the electrical device when coupled. The electrical wiring device further includes a lamp receptacle formed in the device housing, the lamp receptacle including a contact element that is electrically coupled to the at least one terminal member and a lamp module including a circuit contact member. The lamp module having a lamp module form factor that is configured to be inserted into the lamp receptacle such that the lamp circuit contact member engages the contact element to thereby establish electrical connectivity between the lamp light module and the at least one terminal member, the lamp module also being removable from the lamp receptacle to thereby disengage the circuit contact member from the contact element.

A light switch assembly to replace an existing light switch, which generally includes a mounting bracket attached to an electrical box. The assembly slides into the mounting bracket and is locked into place with the mounting bracket. A decorative light switch cover and custom artwork within the frame snaps and locks onto the outer perimeter of the mounting bracket to complete the assembly. The assembly provides for a battery back-up system for power failure situations to illuminate the white, light emitting diodes in the event of a loss of power. The assembly senses the loss of power and unlocks the switch assembly from attachment to the mounting bracket. Unsnapping the decorative cover exposes the switch assembly so it can be removed from the mounting bracket. The switch assembly then becomes a mobile, hand-held emergency flashlight. The battery back-up system also allows for communication with first responders.

The present invention is directed to a light emitting wiring device for selectively illuminating a space. The device includes a housing including a plurality of wiring terminals configured to be connected to a source of electrical power. A circuit is disposed in the housing. The circuit is configured to provide an output signal in response to at least one external input signal. The device also includes an emission-detection assembly includes a lamp sub-assembly coupled to the at least one circuit. The lamp sub-assembly includes at least one light emitting element configured to emit light in response to the output signal. An ambient light sensor sub-assembly is coupled to the at least one circuit and includes an ambient light sensor and a sensor housing assembly. The ambient light sensor is configured to generate the at least one external input signal in response to an ambient light level in the space. The sensor housing assembly is configured to substantially isolate the ambient light sensor from the light emitted into the space.

The invention discloses a wiring box; the wiring box is connected with multiple serially connected photoelectric cell units, and communicates with control equipment. The wiring box comprises multiple diodes, two interfaces, a switch element and a communication module; the multiple diodes are connected with the photoelectric cell units in parallel one by one, and connected with each other in series to form a diode string; the two interfaces are respectively connected with the two ends of the diode string and the photoelectric cell units, and used for outputting direct current from the photoelectric cell group; the switch element is connected between the diode string and the interfaces; the communication module is connected with the switch element, and used for receiving a control signal from the control equipment to control the closing or opening of the switch element, so as to control whether the interface outputs the direct current or not. The wiring box controls the closing or opening of the switch element by the control signal of the control equipment, so as to control whether to output the direct current or not. The management of the wiring box is convenient and the safety is ensured.

An assist mechanism is for a handle attachment of a circuit breaker having a housing with an operating member operable among a plurality of positions. The handle attachment includes a casing coupled to the circuit breaker housing and enclosing an actuating assembly which interconnects the circuit breaker operating member with a handle that is operable from the exterior of the casing. The assist mechanism is a wave spring having a first end coupled to the casing, and a second end having a wave bend that divides the second end into three sections having three corresponding tangential vector forces. The tangential vector forces provide a bias to the actuating assembly of the handle attachment that differs depending on the position of the circuit breaker operating member. In this manner, the assist mechanism augments energy generated by movement of the operating member and translates it into a corresponding handle attachment movement.

The present invention is directed to a device for adjustably providing power to at least one electrical load. The device includes a body member. A plurality of terminals are configured to be coupled to a source of the power. A power control circuit is disposed in the body member and coupled between the plurality of terminals and the at least one electrical load. The power control circuit includes at least one variable control mechanism coupled to at least one series pass element. The at least one series pass element is configured to provide power to the at least one electrical load in accordance with the at least one variable control mechanism setting. A frameless front cover member is connected to the body member and has a raised rectangular form factor substantially corresponding to a standard wall plate opening. The frameless front cover assembly has a plurality of switch mechanisms including at least one first switch mechanism coupled to the at least one variable control mechanism and at least one second switch mechanism actuatable without interference from the standard wall plate. The at least one first switch mechanism and the at least one second switch mechanism are characterized by a transverse dimension substantially equal to the transverse dimension of the standard wall plate opening.

A switch includes a contact mechanism having at least one contact and defining a longitudinal axis. Actuation of a handle moves the contact mechanism transversely to the longitudinal axis between an open position and a closed position in relation to at least one fixed contact, whereby a contact spring loads the contact mechanism to seek the closed position. A support part is operatively connected to the handle and forms an abutment for support of the contact spring. The support part is moveable relative to the contact mechanism. Operated by the handle is a locking mechanism which is constructed to hold the contact mechanism in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions to maintain the contact of the contact mechanism at an electrically insulated distance from the fixed contact. A release mechanism interacts with the locking device for releasing the contact mechanism to move to the closed position.

A vandal resistant pull box to secure terminating utility cables and cable connections below ground surface. As a retrofit apparatus, brackets engage the bottom edges of the pull box container and a top cover securely engages the brackets. As a complete assembly, the container is included with the brackets and the cover. Any type of locking device may be employed to secure the cover to at least one of the brackets.

An interlock assembly is provided for a circuit breaker charging assembly. The charging assembly includes a cam shaft, a latch mechanism, such as a D-shaft, a latch assembly, and a charging handle. The charging handle pivots the cam shaft. The D-shaft is pivotable between first and second positions corresponding to the D-shaft latching and unlatching the latch assembly, respectively. The interlock assembly includes a lever coupled to and pivotable with the D-shaft, and a latch interlock pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing. The latch interlock moves between locked and unlocked positions corresponding respectively to the first end of the latch interlock moving the lever to position the D-shaft in the second position and the first position. Unless and until the stored energy mechanism is substantially fully charged, the latch interlock is disposed in the locked position and the latch assembly is movable with respect to the D-shaft.

A small-sized simple switch for circuit protection of the present invention is simple in structure and easy to operate, and can be readily switched for safety protection of circuits. An alloy plate of the present invention is highly resilient. When in overload, the alloy plate expands and becomes deformed due to the different thermal expansion coefficient and is deformed upward to become disengaged from a wire connecting pad with which it is originally in contact, causing the switch to be switched from the "ON" condition to the "OFF" condition. The alloy plate pushes a lever pivoted to the moving end of the alloy plate to move up such that the lever pushes one end of a pivoted reset button to move up. A user only has to depress the reset button and the switch will be again in the "ON" condition such that repeated ON / OFF conditions of the protection circuit can be effected. If there is no overload on the circuit, the switch of the present invention will be operated to be in "ON" or "OFF" condition as ordinary switches.

An actuator subassembly is for a rocker switch. The actuator subassembly forms a self-contained unit removably inserted within the rocker switch to define the operating characteristics thereof. The actuator subassembly includes an operating member operable between a plurality of positions, an extension and a spring-biased plunger. A shaped member which is pivotally coupled to the operating member includes a plurality of shaped sections each corresponding to one of the positions of the operating member. Each shaped section has a profile which is designed to provide the desired rocker switch operating characteristics, such as the type of action of the operating member and the operating force for the operating member.

Within a closing assembly that utilizes a ram assembly having a spring driven ram body, an energy dissipating spring seat assembly is provided. The ram body is mounted on a guide assembly having at least one pin. The guide assembly also includes a base plate and a stop plate. A ram assembly spring is disposed between the ram body and the base plate and is structured to bias the ram body toward the stop plate. The spring seat assembly includes a spring seat bracket and a spring seat. The spring seat is, preferably, a generally flat, plate-like leaf spring that is disposed between the ram assembly springs and the base plate of the ram body. The spring seat is sufficiently rigid so as to not deflect fully under the force created by the compressed ram assembly springs, but not so rigid as to resist deflecting under the force created when the ram body impacts the stop plate.

An improved radio frequency transparent utility meter cover for an automatic meter reading (AMR) system. The cover is manufactured from a strong and chemically inert polyolefin or polypropylene copolymer and includes a non-corroding lock to secure the cover to the meter box frame. The underside of the cover includes a plurality of ribs that lend strength and rigidity to the cover while increasing mounting points for meter unit interface devices.

An improved circuit breaker includes an inertial time delay mechanism that permits a self-powered trip unit to become fully operational before inputting into the trip unit a signal indicating a change in the state of the circuit breaker. The time delay mechanism includes an inertia member, a first spring, and a second spring, and is activated upon the rotation of a lay shaft of an operating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The first spring extends between the inertia member and a housing of the circuit breaker and biases the inertia member from an initial position toward a terminal position. The second spring extends between the lay shaft and the inertia member and biases the inertia member toward the initial position when the circuit breaker is in an OFF condition. The combined action of the first and second springs on the inertia member provides a time delay using a relatively small inertial mass.

An electrical wiring device for use in an electric circuit. The electrical wiring device includes a device housing and at least one switch disposed within the device housing. The at least one switch includes at least one terminal member configured to be coupled to the electric circuit to thereby energize the electrical device when coupled. The electrical wiring device further includes a lamp receptacle formed in the device housing, the lamp receptacle including a contact element that is electrically coupled to the at least one terminal member and a lamp module including a circuit contact member. The lamp module having a lamp module form factor that is configured to be inserted into the lamp receptacle such that the lamp circuit contact member engages the contact element to thereby establish electrical connectivity between the lamp light module and the at least one terminal member, the lamp module also being removable from the lamp receptacle to thereby disengage the circuit contact member from the contact element.

There is disclosed structure which overcomes the deficiencies with respect to prior art devices by providing a wiring device such as a switch having a paddle that pivots about its upper end and is biased to assume the same at rest position when either in its on position or off position. Repeated pressing and releasing the lower portion of the face of the switch paddle alternately closes and opens a set of contacts within the switch to alternately connect and disconnect a load form a source of electricity each time the paddle is pressed. Thus, regardless of whether adjacent switches are on-off switches or 3-way switches, they will always be in alignment. An on-off indicator such as a small light is provided to indicate to a user when the contacts of the switch are opened or closed. The paddle of the switch has a length-width ratio dimension that is proportioned to provide a finger contact surface of increased area to allow a user to more easily and quickly identify and operate a particular switch. The vertical axis of the switch has a surface of positive first differential, comprised of splines drawn between points of varying distance from a datum plane, and has along the horizontal axis a surface of a positive first differential and negative second differential, comprised of a combination of splines drawn between points of varying distance from the datum plane.

A molded case circuit breaker having a contact on mechanism which can perform a trip operation and automatically rotates the handle to the on position or a position toward the on position if the handle is manipulated to move to the off (or reset) position in a state that the contacts are melt-adhered to each other, the contact on mechanism, including: a contact on plate which is vertically movable by being guided according to the operation of the switching mechanism, a trip bar that drives the restricting unit to a releasing position, a lever connected to the handle and that provides a pivot point of the handle, a lever pin fixed to the lever, for driving the restricting unit to the releasing position by pressing the trip bar, and thereby operating the switching mechanism to the trip position, and a trip spring providing an elastic driving force for enabling the switching mechanism to operate to the trip position when the restricting unit is moved to the releasing position.

A multi-directional switch contains a bearing 4, an operating shaft 3 supported rockably by the bearing 4, and a cam 15c for giving a required feeling of operation to a rocking operation of the operating shaft 3. In the cam 15c, a spherical surface-shaped bottom portion 41 for holeing the operating shaft 3 in a non-operation position, first inclined surfaces 42, 43, 44 and 45 formed in a radial shape at an outer circumference of the bottom portion 41, and second inclined surfaces 46, 47, 48 and 49 formed in a radial shape at an outer circumference of the first inclined surfaces, are formed, and at the boundaries between the first inclined surfaces and the second inclined surfaces, swelled step portions 50, 51, 52 and 53 are formed, respectively.

A switching device including housing and a breaker mechanism, the latter consisting of a trip lever, a catch, a displaceable contact arm and a deflection shaft that is fixed to the housing. The aim is to generate a constant contact force. To achieve this, the end of the catch is coupled to the displaceable contact arm by way of a bolt. The bolt is configured to be displaced in a receiving element that is formed by the housing.

A stored energy assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The stored energy assembly includes a mount removably coupled to the circuit breaker housing. A stored energy mechanism, such as a spring, is coupled to the mount and is movable among charged and discharged positions. An actuating element is cooperable with the gears of a gear assembly in order to move among first and second positions corresponding to the spring being disposed in the charged and discharged positions, respectively. A manual charging mechanism and an automatic charging mechanism are coupled to the gear assembly, and move the gears, in order to move the actuating element and charge the spring. The spring, the actuating element, the gear assembly, and the charging mechanisms are coupled to the mount, thereby forming a sub-assembly. The sub-assembly is removeably coupled to the circuit breaker housing.

A three position apparatus and method of operation thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes an actuator plate, a first spring assembly in operable communication with the actuator plate, a second spring assembly in operable communication with the actuator plate, a first drive plate in operable communication with the actuator plate and first spring assembly, and a second drive plate in operable communication with the actuator plate and second spring assembly. A driver is in operable communication with the first drive plate and with the second drive plate. The three position apparatus is configured to provide quick movement of the driver to at least three discrete positions.

The present invention relates to an electronic signal switching module with connectors on a first side for connecting with a variety of devices and sources and with jacks for receiving patch cords on a second side. The switching modules include two position switches in the circuitry connecting the jacks with the connectors which allow the module to be configured as a straight-through patching module, a fully normal module with paired jacks or a half normal module with paired jacks. One alternative of the invention utilizes card edge connectors on the first side. Another aspect of the invention involves a chassis for holding a plurality of switching modules adjacent to and electronically connected with a plurality of connecting modules. The switching modules may also include designation lenses adjacent to the jacks for holding indicia.

A switching mechanism provides sequential switching of first and second circuit breakers to enable switching between a primary power supply and a backup power supply. The switching mechanism comprises a first actuator plate to operate a first circuit breaker connected to a primary power supply, a second actuator plate to operate a second circuit breaker connected to a secondary power supply, and an actuator. The first and second actuator plates are independently movable between on and off positions. The actuator is operatively connected to the first and second actuator plates so that the actuator moves the first actuator plate to an on position and the second actuator plate to an off position when the actuator is moved in a first direction, and moves the first actuator plate to an off position and the second actuator plate to an on position when the actuator is moved in a second direction. An override enables movement of the first and second actuator plates from the on position to the off position when the other actuator plate is in the off position. The switching mechanism can be installed in an existing distribution panel in a home of building.

An electrical wiring device including a plurality of independent switches and a circuit interrupter. In an aspect, two adjacent switches are provided. The user accessible portions of the switches operate in a direction parallel to the major longitudinal axis of the electrical wiring device. A protected receptacle may also be provided. The circuit protection component includes a line terminal connectable to a source of voltage, a load terminal connectable to a load, a circuit interrupter that is configured to connect or disconnect the line terminal from the load terminal, a fault detection circuit that is configured to detect at least one predetermined condition, and a trip mechanism in operable communication with the circuit interrupter to disconnect the line terminal from the load terminal upon detection of the predetermined condition. In an aspect, an electrical wiring device includes a common member having a plurality of fixed contacts and a common terminal configured to be user connectable to a hot line or a hot load source.