A knob assembly includes a front panel, a knob located at a front side of the front panel and configured to rotate based on operation by a user, a knob shaft that is coupled to the knob and that extends through the front panel, a supporting pipe that receives the knob shaft and that supports the knob shaft, the supporting pipe being configured to maintain a position relative to the front panel, a valve configured to control supply of gas to the appliance, a valve shaft connected to the valve and configured to control the valve to adjust a flow rate of gas based on rotation of the valve shaft, and a joint that couples the knob shaft to the valve shaft and that is configured to transfer at least one of a rotational motion or a linear motion of the knob shaft to the valve shaft.

A switch device and a cooking device having a switch device. The switch device may include a first switch configured to be opened or closed based on contact or non-contact between a first blade and a second blade; a second switch configured to be opened and closed based on contact or non-contact between a third blade and a fourth blade; a housing that accommodates the first switch and the second switch therein; and an actuator disposed in the housing and actuated to selectively open and close the first switch and the second switch.

This present invention provides a gas cartridge sprayer attachment for a garden hose that is to be used in conjunction with a standard garden hose connector and increase pressure in the water flow, and thereby vary the spray distance in a manner suitable for gardening needs. The sprayer attachment has a pistol-shaped body, with a barrel portion provided with an on/off switch in its forward part, a trigger switch, which opens and closes fluid flow from the garden hose into the sprayer attachment, and a gas cartridge delivering pressuring gas into the water flow passing through the sprayer attachment body. The sprayer attachment is provided with an independent power source. A gas release switch is coupled to the power source and the gas cartridge for releasing the gas from the gas cartridge.

Adjustable add-on apparatuses for switches and associated methods are provided. In some embodiments, a float can actuate a first arm of the apparatus in response to a fluid level. The first arm can then actuate a second arm of the apparatus and, in turn, the second arm can open or close a switch, such as a micro switch. In some embodiments, the switch can be opened or closed through a lever and plunger assembly. Further, in some embodiments, apparatus can include a biasing means to bias the second arm into a first or second position without allowing it to rest in between the positions. Such apparatuses can include a micro switch or be retrofit to one. Methods of opening and closing a micro switch are also provided.

A switch device and a cooking device having a switch device. The switch device may include a first switch configured to be opened or closed based on contact or non-contact between the first blade and the second blade; a second switch configured to be opened and closed based on contact or non-contact between the third blade and the fourth blade; a housing that accommodates the first switch and the second switch therein; and an actuator disposed in the housing and actuated to selectively open and close the first switch and the second switch. The first switch and the second switch may be fixedly supported by a support structure disposed on a same plane as a mounting plane for the actuator and may be positioned in a single inner space.

Provided is an illumination system of a cooking appliance that includes at least one burner and an associated knob. The system comprises an electric circuit associated with the knob, with a display device in a second electrical branch that lights up when an electric current with a minimum value circulates through the second electrical branch. Activation means in a first electrical branch is operated by means of turning the knob. Both the first and second electrical branches are connected in parallel. Acting on the knob causes a change in voltage drop in the first and second electrical branches, and the illumination system is configured to control the electric current circulating through the display device depending on said voltage drop.

Device for controlling the ignition of gas burners (12) of a domestic cooking appliance, comprising: an electric switch (24) including an insulating casing (26) carrying a pair of fixed electric contacts (28), a movable body (30) carrying a movable electric contact (32) cooperating with said fixed electric contacts (28), wherein the movable body (30) is displaceable with respect to the casing (26) between an open position and a closed position, and an elastic element (34) which elastically pushes said movable body (30) towards said open position, a flexible cable (36) stretched along a rectilinear direction, having a first end (38) anchored to said movable body (30) and a second end (42) anchored to a fixed support, and a plurality of actuating members (50) associated with respective gas taps (14) and having respective movable elements (54) which cooperate with respective sections of said flexible cable (36) and bend according to a corrugated shape respective portions of the flexible cable (36) during the opening of the respective gas tap (14).

A switch device and a cooking device having a switch device. The switch device may include a first switch configured to be opened or closed based on contact or non-contact between the first blade and the second blade; a second switch configured to be opened and closed based on contact or non-contact between the third blade and the fourth blade; a housing that accommodates the first switch and the second switch therein; and an actuator disposed in the housing and actuated to selectively open and close the first switch and the second switch. The first switch and the second switch may be fixedly supported by a support structure disposed on a same plane as a mounting plane for the actuator and may be positioned in a single inner space.

Provided is an illumination system of a cooking appliance that includes at least one burner and an associated knob. The system comprises an electric circuit associated with the knob, with a display device in a second electrical branch that lights up when an electric current with a minimum value circulates through the second electrical branch. Activation means in a first electrical branch is operated by means of turning the knob. Both the first and second electrical branches are connected in parallel. Acting on the knob causes a change in voltage drop in the first and second electrical branches, and the illumination system is configured to control the electric current circulating through the display device depending on said voltage drop.

A limit switch assembly, for a rising-stem valve having a stem with a diameter and a groove marking a desired stem position, includes an actuator arm having an inner end and an outer end. The inner end of the actuator arm forms a follower. A radius washer is mounted to the outer end of the actuator arm. An electrical switch has an operating lever and is mounted adjacent to the outer end of the actuating arm such that when the actuator arm is in an outward position the radius washer moves the operating lever, operating the electrical switch. When the actuator arm is in an inward position the radius washer does not move the operating lever and the electrical switch is not operated. A bias spring biases the actuating arm toward the inward position.