Abstract: A latch mechanism for a sidewalk delivery robot or container includes a plunger that extends to engage a latch body on a lid to lock the lid closed, a cable for pulling the plunger out of engagement with the lid to free the lid for opening, and a temporary catch mechanism for holding the plunger in the retracted position during an initial phase of the opening process. The catch, and therefore the plunger, is released when a forward-extending release arm of the catch is engaged by the latch body during the opening process to pivot the catch. A slot hinge mechanism includes a spring piston to guard against finger pinching and a slider that is attached to the piston of the latch mechanism by the cable. Actuation of the hinge mechanism retracts the piston to its retracted position.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for the automated centrifugal processing of samples. In some embodiments, an integrated fluidic processing cartridge is provided, in which a centrifugation chamber is fluidically interfaced, through a lateral surface thereof, with a microfluidic device, and wherein the integrated fluidic processing cartridge is configured to be inserted into a centrifuge for centrifugation. A cartridge interfacing assembly may be employed to interface with the integrated fluidic processing cartridge for performing various fluidic processing steps, such as controlling the flow of fluids into and out of the centrifugation chamber, and controlling the flow of fluids into the microfluidic device, and optionally for the further fluidic processing of fluids extracted to the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An appliance latch receives a strike when the appliance lid is closed and provides an electrically activated lock holding the lid closed during portions of the wash cycle that might present a hazard. The strike presents two different surfaces to the latch, the first to activate a lock mechanism and the second to activate an anti-tamper switch before the appliance may be actuated thereby reducing the risk of tampering.

Abstract: A dual-stroke safety switch of a washing machine has a control switch mounted in a base, and a control rod movably connected to the base. The control switch comprises a first control switch and a second switch. The control rod has two motion strokes respectively for controlling the switch-off of the first control switch and the second switch, and the motion stroke for the switch-off of the first control switch is less than the motion stroke for the switch-off of the second control switch. The different strokes of the control rod substantially reflect different degrees of eccentricity of a water tub. The switch-off of the first control switch indicates that small eccentricity of the water tub takes place, and the switch-off of the second control switch indicates that there is serious eccentricity.

Abstract: A suspender disengagement detection apparatus for a washing machine, comprising pressure sensors and a controller. The pressure sensors are electrically connected to the controller. The controller is electrically connected to a drive motor of the washing machine. In a working process of the washing machine, the pressure sensors are mounted on the joint of at least one suspender and the housing of the washing machine, and/or the joint of the suspender and the suspender base of the outer tub of the washing machine to detect a pressure, and a detection result is fed back to the controller; and the controller determines, whether a suspender is disengaged according to feedback information, and further controls the change in a working state of the drive motor of the washing machine.

Abstract: Provided is a clothes treating apparatus that includes a cabinet that defines an outer appearance of the clothes treating apparatus, a clothes receiving device provided in the cabinet and configured to receive clothes therein, a hot air supply device provided with a heat exchanger to heat air supplied into the clothes receiving device and a compressor connected to the heat exchanger to compress a refrigerant, and a bracket assembly provided in the cabinet to support the compressor. The bracket assembly may include a main bracket having a compressor accommodation region in which the compressor is accommodated and a sub-bracket that extends from the main bracket.

Abstract: A gripping device comprising: a house; at least one gripper configured with at least one claw, the claw being configured with a pair of first phalanxes linked to the house at a first joint, and a pair of second phalanxes linked to the first phalanxes at a second joint; a first actuator arranged on the first joint; a second actuator arranged on the second joint; and a motor configured to enable the first and the second actuators co-operate so as to push the second phalanxes off a gripping substrate, or to push the second phalanxes back to the gripping substrate.

Abstract: A laundry dryer comprising a housing and a rotatably mounted laundry drum. A carbon contact holder assembly including a supporting part and includes a receptacle having a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle ? with respect to a perpendicular cross sectional plane of the laundry drum. The supporting part includes an integrally supporting arm extending in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. The supporting arm includes an attachment section configured to attach to the housing and a clamp strap configured to hold cables. A carbon contact is disposed in the receptacle and movable against a spring force along the longitudinal axis in a radial direction of the laundry drum. The dryer includes a latching receptacle disposed on the supporting part that includes a plug-in contact connected to the carbon contact by a flexible lead.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling locking of a washing machine lid are described. The washing machine includes an agitation element and a basket. The method, in one example embodiment, comprises the steps of sensing a spin speed associated with a spin speed of at least one of the agitation element and the basket, and causing the lid to be locked when the sensed spin speed exceed a first predetermined speed.

Abstract: A lid switch for disabling a top loading washing machine when the lid is raised is provided in which an arcuate arm passing downward from the lid near the hinge of the lid curves around the hinge axis into a space behind the lid under the top surface of the washing machine. A switch positioned above this top surface and having a downwardly extending operator may be actuated by this arm, the arm which serves to trap water from the washing machine tub area and by passing through a rim extending downward into the tub resists tampering with the switch. In one embodiment, the arcuate arm strikes a rocker arm permitting further displacement of the switch away from the tub. The rocker arm may be in two halves which pivot with respect to each other held in angular relationship by a detent.

Abstract: A mechanisms for interlocking access doors of appliances such as clothes washing machines to prevent an operator from introducing his hand into an enclosure while machinery is moving therein includes a striker affixed to the appliance door extending from the door hinge in a direction opposite to that of the door engages a linkage which passes through the enclosure wall and operates an interlock switch mounted on the wall and outside the enclosure. Using the invention the interlock switch may be located in a protected piece outside the enclosure where the washing takes place, and the linkage connecting the access door to the switch may be placed where it is difficult to tamper with.

Abstract: A lid switch for disabling a top loading washing machine when the lid is raised is provided in which an arcuate arm passing downward from the lid near the hinge of the lid curves around the hinge axis into a space behind the lid under the top surface of the washing machine. A switch positioned above this top surface and having a downwardly extending operator may be actuated by this arm, the arm which serves to trap water from the washing machine tub area and by passing through a rim extending downward into the tub resists tampering with the switch. In one embodiment, the arcuate arm strikes a rocker arm permitting further displacement of the switch away from the tub. The rocker arm may be in two halves which pivot with respect to each other held in angular relationship by a detent.

Abstract: A device is presented which converts longitudinal motion in a first axis to longitudinal motion in a second axis. The device is comprised of a push-rod having an inclined plane. A probe engages the inclined plane causing said push-rod to longitudinally move in the first axis when said probe moves longitudinally in the second axis.

Abstract: A switch mechanism is provided for use in an appliance having a movable appliance member mounted therein for movement between a desired and an undesired position. A first switch is mounted on the appliance and is changeable from an open condition to a closed condition. A switch arm is moveably mounted to the appliance for movement from a first switch arm position permitting the first switch to be in one of its open or closed positions to a second switch arm position permitting the switch to be in the other of its open and closed conditions. The switch arm is moveable to a third switch arm position in response to movement of the moveable appliance member to its undesired position. In its third switch arm position the switch arm permits the first switch to return to its open condition.

Abstract: An out-of-balance condition detecting system with a lid actuated switching assembly for interrupting operation of a washing machine upon detection of an out-of-balance (OOB) condition or upon a lid of the washing machine being open. The system includes pneumatic generating units for generating a predetermined fluidic pressure in response to excursions of a tub of the washing machine during a spin cycle; an actuator which is fluidly coupled to such generating units for providing an actuating position corresponding to the OOB condition; and a switching assembly which includes a switch responsive to the actuator in its actuating position to interrupt the OOB condition. The switch is further responsive to the lid to deenergize the motor upon the lid being in an open position. The switch which can be either mechanically or magnetically actuated may be designed such that once the OOB condition has been detected, a user is required to open the lid in order to reset operation of the washing machine.

Abstract: A multiple fail operational rotary actuator comprising a static base, at least two serially connected rotary motor stages, a power source, and braking devices. The rotary motor stages are connected by anti-friction bearing assemblies. A first stage is connected to the static base while a final stage is connected to an output shaft of the rotary actuator. The power source provides power for the rotary motor stages. The braking devices are connected to the rotary motor stages for preventing relative motion between any failed motor stage and the adjacent motor stage ahead of that failed stage.

Abstract: A rotary hydraulic motor which comprises a brake which is adapted to be applied under the pressure of springs and to restrain the output shaft of the hydromotor when the hydromotor is not pressurized and which is arranged to a supply of hydraulic liquid under pressure to the hydraulic motor. In order to ensure that the hydraulic liquid can be withdrawn from the hydraulic cylinder in a simple manner when the motor has stopped so that the brake can subsequently be applied, the piston of the hydraulic cylinder is provided with an orifice plate or a throttle bore through which the hydraulic liquid can enter a chamber of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A vehicle road-wheel securing device comprising a structurally rigid latch (1) being positionable from its mounting (2) to a substantial portion of the vehicle by the direct and/or indirect effects of the activation of a solenoid unit (3) to effect an anchoring of the disc brake rotor (4) through intersection or the predisposed intersection of the latch by the influence of transfer spring (5) with the heat-sink recesses (6) of that disc brake's rotor to secure the position of the wheel therein involved. Further preferably providing an electromechanical timer circuit (7). While being charged through the operation of the vehicle's ignition switch, the electromechanical timer circuit provides for automatic solenoid activation at the termination of a specific timeframe from the point in time when the vehicle is shut off by the use of the ignition switch. Therein reversal of the solenoid's influence by the use of an override switch is facilitated.

Abstract: A combination unbalanced load and lid switch assembly for an automatic washing machine. A switch is mounted to the side wall of a box-like housing with a spring clip that has a pair of legs extending through horizontal holes in the switch. The switch housing has a diagonally extending horizontal flange with a downwardly extending pivot portion to which is pivotally mounted a lid lever. One end of the lid lever has an actuator arm which extends in aligment to a wire extension of the lid hinge that moves upwardly as the lid is being closed to push the actuator arm upwardly. A substantially vertical unbalanced load lever is pivotally connected to the opposite end of the lid lever and is pulled downwardly against a biasing spring as the lid is closed. The unbalanced load lever has an actuating finger that depresses the plunger of the switch thereby enabling the washer motor when the lid is closed. The unbalanced load lever also has a downward leg that is engagable by the tub during an out-of-balance excursion.

Abstract: A safety device for an internal combustion engine powered implement and for disabling the operation of the internal combustion engine by means of a brake. The safety device includes a braking lever and a control lever which are both mounted on a single pivot member. Two springs are provided, the first of which normally urges the braking lever into contact with the flywheel of the internal combustion engine to prevent rotation thereof. The second spring biases the control lever into a rest position wherein the deadman control lever assumes its normal non-operated position and allows adjustment of control effort. The braking lever and control lever are mounted on the pivoting member by means of bushings to permit independent pivoting movement of the levers when the deadman lever is operated. The control lever contacts the braking lever by means of an abutment surface thereby rotating the braking lever out of contact with the flywheel and permitting the engine to operate.

Abstract: A rotation sensing control is provided for an appliance having a rotatable member. A rotation sensing mechanism is coupled to the rotatable member and includes a fluid shear coupling. This coupling is operable for rotating through a predetermined arcuate distance during movement of the rotatable member. The coupling movement is transferred to a movement control mechanism through appropriate linkage to maintain a movable member in a predetermined posture whenever the rotatable member is operated.

Abstract: An interlock device for the door of an appliance, such as a washing machine, to prevent operator access to the spin dryer drum while it is driven or coasting. The device comprises a switch and a bimetal element for being connected in a series circuit including a timer operated switch and the drum drive motor. A slotted latch member projecting from the door closes the switch when the door is closed and the motor becomes energized if the timer switch is closed. The bimetal is heated by motor current and causes a latch lever to engage and maintain engagement with the latch member until expiration of a delay period which exceeds the time required for the motor to coast to a stop.

Abstract: An out-of-balance and safety switch arrangement for a washing machine or the like device having a movable cover to control access to the clothes receiving tub, and wherein the tub is rotated rapidly to execute a centrifugal extraction cycle, includes a microswitch having an actuator normally biased to an extended position and depressible for energizing the drive motor for the tub and a switch actuator lever arm mounted adjacent the washing machine tub access cover for pivotal movement in first and second generally perpendicular planes with the lever arm being spring biased in the first plane for movement of the first end thereof into operative alignment with the switch actuator, the opposite end of the lever arm being positioned for engagement by the access cover upon closing the latter to move the first end of the lever arm in the second plane into engagement with the actuator for depression thereof.

Abstract: A safety interlock for a door of an automatic washing machine is disclosed. The interlock securely latches the door during a spin cycle to prevent the operator of the machine from opening the door and catching his hand in the rotating motor driven drum. The interlock operates during operation of the motor and during a time delay period following de-energization of the motor to permit the drum to coast to a safe speed or to a stop. Included in the interlock is a switch member operable upon closure of the door to at least partially complete a circuit between the motor and a bimetallic element. The remainder of the circuit is completed by a timer driven switch, and when the circuit is completed the bimetallic element is heated to move a latch on the frame of the appliance into locking engagement with a latch on the door.

Abstract: A centrifugal dehydrator comprising a spin basket disposed within an outer casing so as to be driven by a motor, an outer lid for opening and closing an opening of the outer casing facing the spin basket, an inner lid for opening or closing, inside the outer lid, the opening of the outer casing, a movable member capable of being moved to an original position in response to the releasing or opening of the outer lid and movable to a displaced position in response to the closing of the outer lid, rotation-detecting means for, when the power supply to the motor is cut off, permitting the movable member to be kept located at the displaced position by rotation of the spin basket due to inertia, and a lock mechanism for locking the inner lid so as to make it unable to be opened while the rotation-detecting means is keeping the movable member located at the displaced position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal dehydrator comprising an outer casing receiving therein a rotatable spin basket and having an opening for throwing therethrough articles or substances to be dehydrated into the basket, an outer lid swingably attached to the outer casing so as to open or close the opening, an inner lid located inside the outer lid so as to open or close the opening, a lock mechanism for locking the inner lid at a closed position, a switch mechanism for controlling a spin basket driving device and so designed that only when the inner lid is locked by the lock mechanism, the switch mechanism may be displaced up to a position at which it is capable of being turned on by the closed outer lid.

Abstract: An apparatus having a rotatable member is provided with a locking bolt slidably mounted on an access cover pivotally mounted on a housing supporting the rotatable member. The locking bolt is axially displaceable toward a latching mechanism mounted on the housing. The latching mechanism has a latch for securing the bolt in a locked position and a limit switch engageable by a key on the bolt for energizing and de-energizing the power to the rotatable member. An air or fluid operated solenoid means is provided to release the latch but is not actuable when the rotatable member is rotating. A rotary speed sensor is provided to sense the rotary speed of the rotatable member so as to enable the air solenoid to be released when the speed of he rotatable member is zero.

Abstract: A selectively operable latch mechanism for the access door of an apparatus having a rotatable member provides a positive latching of the access door when the rotatable member is operating. An associated unbalance-responsive mechanism will unlatch said access door when an unbalance condition has occurred and will stop the rotation of said rotatable member.