Patent ID: 8232487

Claim:
A switch actuation device for use in connection with an electrical switch mechanism having an actuatable structure, comprising an actuation mechanism in operable communication with the actuatable structure and configured to urge the actuatable structure of the electrical switch mechanism between a first position to a second position, wherein the actuation mechanism includes: a housing having: (i) a base portion with an opening extending therethrough, the base portion configured for rigid attachment to the electrical switch mechanism, and the opening configured to receive the actuatable structure therethrough; and (ii) an enclosure portion moveably attached to the base portion, wherein at least a portion of the enclosure portion is configured to contact at least a portion of the actuatable structure; a track having teeth and rigidly attached to a surface of the base portion of the housing; a drive cog having teeth configured to mate with the teeth of the track, wherein the drive cog is rotatably attached to the moveable enclosure portion and movable by an urging force along the track in a first direction when the enclosure portion is urged in the first direction, such that at least a portion of the enclosure portion at least partially contacts at least a portion of the actuatable structure, thereby causing the actuatable structure to move to the first position; and a spring that compresses when the enclosure portion is urged in the first direction, and when the urging force is removed, the spring decompresses and urges the drive cog and the enclosure portion in a second, opposing direction, such that at least a portion of the enclosure portion at least partially contacts at least a portion of the actuatable structure, thereby causing the actuatable structure to move to the second position.