Abstract: An industrial locking switch comprises multiple locking tongue entry slots formed on adjacent sides of the locking switch housing, thereby supporting receipt of the corresponding locking tongue from multiple directions of approach without the need to mechanically modify the switch's head or to reorient the switch itself. The locking switch houses locking bolt detection circuity comprising multiple series connected RFID coils configured to detect an RFID tag mounted on the locking tongue when the locking tongue is inserted into any of the entry slots.

Abstract: For locking industrial safety guarding, a sensor includes an inductive coil that generates a second sensing field about a second sensing field axis at a second frequency that detects advancement of a locking bolt. The sensor further includes at least two radio frequency identifier (RFID) coils that generate a first sensing field at a first frequency that detects an RFID tag. A second RFID coil of the at least two RFID coils has a second polarity reversed from a first polarity a first RFID coil of the at least two RFID coils and reduces the first sensing field at the second sensing field axis.

Abstract: An escape release mechanism that serves as a supplementary means for unlocking a solenoid-driven locking switch. The escape release mechanism comprises a knobbed escape release switch that can be pressed by an operator from inside a protected industrial area to override the solenoid-driven lock. In response to a single-direction linear movement of the escape release key, a pin extends from the escape release mechanism in a direction orthogonal to the escape release key's linear movement. This forward movement causes the pin to displace the locking bolt of the locking switch. As the single-direction linear movement of the escape release key continues, the pin retracts from the locking switch out of the path of the locking tongue, allowing the tongue to be removed. In this way, the pin is both extended and retracted in response to a single-direction linear action by the operator.

Abstract: A tag retention assembly is designed to mount a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or other type of electronic component to a locking tongue so that a corresponding industrial locking switch can detect entry of the tongue before advancing the switch's locking bolt. The assembly comprises a main housing configured to hold the RFID tag, and a cover configured to engage with the housing to enclose the RFID tag. When the cover is engaged with the housing through a tag retention hole formed in the locking tongue the assembly and the RFID tag are held in place on the tongue.

Abstract: A mobile clamp attaches to a steam pipe and converts thermal energy to electric energy. One side of the clamp is generally open to allow for insertion of the steam pipe. During insertion, opposing blocks on either side of the clamp are deflected apart. Each block includes a curved channel extending along the length of the block to receive the steam pipe. Fitting the steam pipe within the channel aligns the clamp on the steam pipe. A biasing force applied to the blocks to return each block to an initial position provides a clamping force on the steam pipe to positively retain the clamp on the pipe. Thermoelectric devices are mounted on the blocks to convert the thermal energy into electrical energy. Thermal energy is transmitted from the steam, through the steam pipe, through the block pressed against the steam pipe, and to the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: An industrial locking switch comprises multiple locking tongue entry slots formed on adjacent sides of the locking switch housing, thereby supporting receipt of the corresponding locking tongue from multiple directions of approach without the need to mechanically modify the switch's head or to reorient the switch itself. The locking switch houses locking bolt detection circuity comprising multiple series connected RFID coils configured to detect an RFID tag mounted on the locking tongue when the locking tongue is inserted into any of the entry slots.

Abstract: For locking industrial safety guarding, a sensor includes an inductive coil that generates a second sensing field about a second sensing field axis at a second frequency that detects advancement of a locking bolt. The sensor further includes at least two radio frequency identifier (RFID) coils that generate a first sensing field at a first frequency that detects an RFID tag. A second RFID coil of the at least two RFID coils has a second polarity reversed from a first polarity a first RFID coil of the at least two RFID coils and reduces the first sensing field at the second sensing field axis.

Abstract: A droplet sensor system is configured to detect the presence of droplets or other foreign bodies on the surface of a window. The sensor system emits light rays that are coupled into the window, where the window serves as a waveguide that guides the confined electromagnetic radiation across the window. Foreign bodies present on the surface of the glass outcouples a subset of the light as it propagates across the window, attenuating the power of outcoupled light measured at a photodetector mounted near an edge of the window. The system initiates a notification or a control action in response to detecting this attenuation of power due to outcoupling of the propagating light by foreign bodies.

Abstract: A droplet sensor system is configured to detect the presence of droplets or other foreign bodies on the surface of a window. The sensor system emits light rays that are coupled into the window, where the window serves as a waveguide that guides the confined electromagnetic radiation across the window. Foreign bodies present on the surface of the glass outcouples a subset of the light as it propagates across the window, attenuating the power of outcoupled light measured at a photodetector mounted near an edge of the window. The system initiates a notification or a control action in response to detecting this attenuation of power due to outcoupling of the propagating light by foreign bodies.

Abstract: An escape release mechanism that serves as a supplementary means for unlocking a solenoid-driven locking switch. The escape release mechanism comprises a knobbed escape release switch that can be pressed by an operator from inside a protected industrial area to override the solenoid-driven lock. In response to a single-direction linear movement of the escape release key, a pin extends from the escape release mechanism in a direction orthogonal to the escape release key's linear movement. This forward movement causes the pin to displace the locking bolt of the locking switch. As the single-direction linear movement of the escape release key continues, the pin retracts from the locking switch out of the path of the locking tongue, allowing the tongue to be removed. In this way, the pin is both extended and retracted in response to a single-direction linear action by the operator.