Actuating lever

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is an object of the invention to provide an actuating lever for use in a variety of environments where it is desirable that an apparatus to perform one function be started slightly before the starting of a second apparatus that performs a second function to be performed concurrently with the first function to produce a desired result.
In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the actuating lever is described in the environment of a treadle rod air switch assembly that introduces the flow of compressed air into the waste removal system of a commercial sewing machine before the sewing machine is activated by downward pressure applied to the treadle of the sewing machine motor.
The actuating lever is pivotally mounted on the valve housing in a treadle rod air switch assembly with a convex medial portion of the actuating lever resting against the normally extended valve stem of the air valve.
One end of the actuating lever terminates in engagement with the lower surface of a block on the treadle rod.
When the the treadle rod is pulled down by depressing the treadle, the block on the treadle rod moves the one end of the lever downwardly.
The convex medial portion of the actuating lever and the valve stem of the air valve are correspondigly moved downwardly, activating the air valve and causing air to be admitted to the sewing machine's waste removal system before the downward motion of the treadle rod is translated to the motor operating lever of the sewing machine's electric motor.
A detailed description of the invention follows, which will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: