Latches Patents (Class 200/318)
  • Patent number: 11967476
    Abstract: Techniques are described for a bypass switch that includes: a switch body having a column; a switch head which is coupled to the column and in which a sliding part is provided; a sliding part which is inserted into the switch head; a driven latch which is inserted into the sliding part and fixed to a driving shaft penetrating therethrough; a driving latch which is coupled to an end of the driving shaft exposed to an outside of the switch head, and which is provided to be driven by a solenoid; a stop coupled to the front of the switch head; a pressure bearing which is inserted into a lower portion of the sliding part and coupled thereto by a bearing pin; an elastic body provided between the sliding part and the switch body; and a rod coupled to an upper portion of the sliding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: HYOSUNG HEAVY INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 11962132
    Abstract: A support bracket assembly for supporting a pair of bushing well interrupter devices provided within a transformer enclosure that encloses a transformer. The support bracket assembly includes a mounting bracket assembly rigidly secured to a parking stand on the enclosure and including a plurality of mounting bosses. The support bracket assembly further includes support brackets, a first adjustable link secured to one of the mounting bosses on the mounting assembly and a mounting boss on a support bracket, a second adjustable link secured to another one of the mounting bosses on the mounting assembly and a mounting bosses on a support bracket, and a third adjustable link secured to mounting bosses on two support bracket, where the first, second and third adjustable links form a triangular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas J Dyer, Nicholas Seng, Joseph W. Milton, David G. Porter
  • Patent number: 11535511
    Abstract: A method of post-processing an actuator element is presented. The method begins by receiving a fabricated actuator element including a metallic layer contacting a substrate, sacrificial layer proximate the metallic layer, and a first dielectric layer on the sacrificial layer. The metallic layer has an end proximal to and contacting at least part of the substrate and a distal end extending over the first dielectric layer. A second dielectric is deposited on a portion of the metallic layer at the distal end. And, the sacrificial layer is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Lavern A Starman, John P K Walton, David Torres Reyes
  • Patent number: 11437202
    Abstract: A switch device includes a lock component and a crossbar. The crossbar is configured to open or close electric contacts. The crossbar includes a lock receiving section for receiving the lock component after the switch device is turned to an ON position for a period of time. The lock component is disengaged from the lock receiving section after the period of time to allow the crossbar jump upwards to close the electric contacts quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Strebel Marzano, David Urech
  • Patent number: 11307679
    Abstract: A mouse device includes a housing, a switch, a button, and a biasing member. The housing has an accommodating space therein. The switch is disposed in the accommodating space. The button covers the housing and includes a pivotal portion and a trigger portion. The pivotal portion is pivotally connected to the housing. The trigger portion extends into the accommodating space. The biasing member is located between the pivotal portion and the trigger portion and forwardly exerts force to the button in a forward-backward axial direction of the mouse device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao-Kuan Chen, Jung-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 11236822
    Abstract: In a shift device, a first mechanism of a restriction mechanism restricts rotation of a knob in one direction, and a second mechanism of the restriction mechanism restricts rotation of the knob in another direction. Drive devices of the restriction mechanism are configured solely by a solenoid of the first mechanism and a solenoid of the second mechanism. This thereby enables configuration of the restriction mechanism to be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SAISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Kunihiro Morimura
  • Patent number: 11106289
    Abstract: A mouse device includes a housing, a switch, a button, and a biasing member. The housing has an accommodating space therein. The switch is disposed in the accommodating space. The button covers the housing and includes a pivotal portion and a trigger portion. The pivotal portion is pivotally connected to the housing. The trigger portion extends into the accommodating space. The biasing member is located between the pivotal portion and the trigger portion and downwardly exerts a force to the button in an upward-downward axial direction of the mouse device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Sheng Liu, Jung-Hsiu Lee
  • Patent number: 11009972
    Abstract: A portable mouse, including a hinge assembly; a cantilever key plate arm rotationally coupled to the hinge assembly at a first end of the cantilever key plate arm, the cantilever key plate arm including: a plunger at a second end of the cantilever key plate arm, the second end opposite to the first end, the plunger including an end plate; a top cover that is positionally fixed with respect to the cantilever key plate arm; a compression spring coupled to the top cover such that the compression spring is positioned between a portion of the top cover and the end plate of the plunger; and a microswitch including a microswitch actuator, wherein the compressions spring exerts a first force on the end plate of the plunger such that the end plate of the plunger maintains contact with the microswitch actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Dell Prodcuts L.P.
    Inventors: Peng Lip Goh, Karthikeyan Krishnakumar, Chia-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 10755870
    Abstract: An operating device includes a lever rotatable about a rotating axis, a first torsion bar connected to the lever, and a second torsion bar connected to one end of the first torsion bar. The operating device further includes: a support fixedly supporting the second torsion bar at an end opposite to an end connected to the first torsion bar; a first pedestal portion structured to sandwich the support with a central axis of the second torsion bar interposed, the first pedestal portion supporting the support such that the support is rotatable about the central axis; a second pedestal portion including a penetrating portion extending through the second pedestal portion toward the support; a bolt including a shank passing through the penetrating portion, the bolt being screwed into the first pedestal portion; and a nut attached to the shank between the second pedestal portion and a head of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru Maeno, Shuichi Tanigaki, Daisuke Fujita
  • Patent number: 10720291
    Abstract: A switch including a housing, a first contact arrangement having a first commutation contact element and a first contact, a second contact arrangement having a second commutation contact element and a second contact, and also a nominal contact arrangement. The first commutation contact element and the second commutation contact element form a snap-action connection with one another in the closed position of the commutation contact element. When the switch is closed, a distance between the first contact and the second contact is smaller than a distance between the first commutation contact element and the second commutation contact element in the direction of the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ABB Power Grids Switzerland AG
    Inventors: Hauke Peters, Horst Schalber, Michael Mann, Ralph Uhl
  • Patent number: 10685795
    Abstract: A trigger assembly for use with an electrical device, including a trigger member, an actuator member operably-connected to the trigger member, and a lock-on mechanism for selectably restricting movement of the trigger member relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignees: DEFOND ELECTECH CO. LTD., DEFOND COMPONENTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Kin Yu Wong
  • Patent number: 10276315
    Abstract: An operating device for a power switchgear includes: an output lever coupled to a movable-contact of the switchgear; a torsion bar releasing an accumulated force when the switchgear is opened to rotate the lever in the counterclockwise direction and drive the movable-contact in an opening direction; an opening latch engaged with the lever to hold an accumulated force of the torsion bar; a cam rotating when the switchgear is closed, having contact with the lever to rotate the lever in the clockwise direction, and driving the movable-contact in a closing direction; another torsion bar releasing the accumulated force when the switchgear is closed to rotate the cam; and a closing latch which can be engaged with the cam to hold the accumulated force of the torsion bar. The cam includes opposed cam elements, a pin whose ends are rotatably supported by the elements, and a bolt fastening the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuichi Tanigaki, Tomohito Mori
  • Patent number: 10068735
    Abstract: A lever assembly is for an operating mechanism of an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a number of pairs of separable contacts structured to move from a CLOSED position to a TRIPPED OPEN position in response to a trip condition. The operating mechanism has an enclosure member and a number of biasing elements coupled to the enclosure member. The biasing elements are structured to move the separable contacts from the CLOSED position to the TRIPPED OPEN position. The lever assembly includes a lever member structured to engage the enclosure member, and a component located on the lever member. The component is structured to extend through each of the biasing elements in order to lengthen each of the biasing elements when the separable contacts are in the CLOSED position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Frank Joseph Stifter, Jr., David Curtis Turner, William George Eberts, Kenneth Martin Fischer, Edward Anthony Prince
  • Patent number: 9754738
    Abstract: A housing assembly for a network transformer primary disconnect assembly is provided. The housing assembly includes a visible break assembly and a number of sidewalls defining an enclosed space. The visible break assembly includes a number of viewing windows in at least one sidewall. The viewing windows are aligned with one of a contact assembly interface or a movable contact assembly distal end in the open, first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark Faulkner, Michael Davis Pearce, Travis Spoone
  • Patent number: 9663974
    Abstract: A storage assembly including a frame at least partially defining a plurality of storage compartments that are accessible from a front of the storage assembly. The assembly further includes a plurality of doors, each door being associated with at least one storage compartment and movable between a closed position in which the door generally prevents access to the associated storage compartment and an open position in which the door allows access to the associated storage compartment. The assembly further includes a plurality of accessory components. Each accessory component is operatively associated with at least one of the doors, and each accessory component is operatively coupled to a controller via control wiring. The storage assembly includes a front-facing channel in which the control wiring is at least partially positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin V. Savage, Craig S. Whitaker, John Hooten
  • Patent number: 9316352
    Abstract: An electrical tool includes a trigger lock assembly having a trigger lock member, a detent assembly, and a return spring. The trigger lock member is movable relative to a trigger between a neutral position, in which the trigger is movable between an off position and an on position, a lock-off position, in which the trigger is prevented from moving from the off position, and a lock-on position, in which the trigger is maintained in the on position. The detent assembly is operable to releaseably retain the trigger lock member in each position and includes a recess associated with each position. The detent assembly also includes a projection selectively engageable in one of the recesses to releasably retain the trigger lock member in the associated position, and a biasing member biasing the projection into engagement. The return spring is operable to bias the trigger lock member toward the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Troy C. Thorson, Scott D. Eisenhardt, Terry L. Timmons
  • Patent number: 9056198
    Abstract: A system includes a LLLT device, with a laser diode and a momentary switch, and a clip device configured to attach to the LLLT device and to press the momentary switch while attached, causing the LLLT device to activate the laser diode. A LLLT device includes a laser diode, a front end from which light radiates when the laser diode is activated, and an eye safety mechanism at the front end. The LLLT device is configured to activate the laser diode when the front end is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventors: Yonatan Gerlitz, Michael Schlosser
  • Publication number: 20140353133
    Abstract: In order to form a locking mechanism for a switch-on button of a circuit breaker which has a simple and inexpensive configuration, the locking mechanism has a locking element which is mounted rotatably on the switch-on button. The locking element, held directly in a first position by a first spring, enables actuation of the switch-on button and, directly in the switched-on state of the circuit breaker by a second spring, can be moved into a second position. The switch-on button of the circuit breaker is locked to prevent actuation in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Fabian Roehrig, Bastian Schauer
  • Patent number: 8859919
    Abstract: Circuit breaker assembly methods and apparatus are provided. Embodiments include side frames of a latching mechanism of a circuit breaker trip unit. Each side frame includes a location tab. Embodiments also include a housing adapted to contain the circuit breaker trip unit, the side frames and a latching mechanism. The housing includes at least two cutouts for recieving the location tabs of the side frames. Insertion of the location tabs into the cutouts in the housing operationally aligns a latching mechanism coupled to the side frames with a circuit breaker trip unit. Numerous additional features are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Xinhua Chen
  • Patent number: 8796573
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a main case; a switching mechanism accommodated in the main case, and having a mechanical part for opening and closing a circuit; a trip mechanism configured to trigger the switching mechanism to a circuit interrupting position upon detection of an abnormal current on a circuit; and an external device detachably mounted to the main case, wherein the circuit breaker includes an interrupting means configured to interrupt the switching mechanism by contacting at least a part of the external device when the external device is mounted to the main case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bon Geun Koo
  • Publication number: 20140209050
    Abstract: A push-button starter for use with an outdoor power equipment unit. In one embodiment, the starter includes a housing defining an opening to receive a removable button, and a peripheral edge surrounding the opening. The peripheral edge may define two scalloped areas such that two opposite sides of a head portion of the button are exposed and accessible when the button is in a neutral position within the housing while remaining sides of the head portion are enclosed within the housing. Moreover, the opening and the head portion may be configured to control an orientation of the button relative to the housing, and further prevent rotation of the button relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventor: Chris A. Wadzinski
  • Publication number: 20130313089
    Abstract: Circuit breaker assembly methods and apparatus are provided that include using at least two side frames of a latching mechanism of a circuit breaker trip unit, each side frame including at least one location tab; and a housing adapted to contain the circuit breaker trip unit including the side frames and a latching mechanism, the housing including at least two cutouts adapted to receive the location tabs of the side frames. Insertion of the location tabs into the cutouts in the housing operationally aligns a latching mechanism coupled to the side frames with a circuit breaker trip unit. Numerous additional features are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventor: Xinhua Chen
  • Patent number: 8563887
    Abstract: A trip latch assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The trip latch assembly includes a trip latch pivotably coupled to the circuit breaker housing and being movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A trip latch reset spring is structured to bias the trip latch toward the latched position. A spring housing at least partially overlays the trip latch reset spring. A trip latch spring link includes a first end movably coupled to the pole shaft, and a second end cooperating with the spring housing. When the circuit breaker needs to be reset, the trip latch spring link engages the spring housing, in order apply torque to the trip latch reset spring. When the circuit breaker is closed, the bias of the trip latch reset spring on the trip latch is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Lawrence Gottschalk, Paul R. Rakus
  • Patent number: 8487202
    Abstract: A mechanical latching unit for a main drive unit includes a rolling mechanical switch within a housing, with a main roller, a counter roller, a carriage and a carriage trip/locking lever, with a first joint created between the main roller and the first end of the carriage, where by the load of the traction link of the main drive unit carried out to the main roller distributes a primary force component carried out to the counter roller and a secondary force component carried out in a direction to a second end of the carriage, where by the mechanical latching unit includes a force reduction mechanism having at least two force reduction stages, a carrier reset spring fastened to the housing which resets the carriage back to a neutral respectively blocking position, and a lever reset spring which resets the carriage trip/locking lever back to a neutral respectively blocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Anke Hackbarth, Christoph Budde, Günther Mechler, Ryan Chladny, Sebastian Breisch, Sven Soetebier, Daniel Staffas
  • Publication number: 20130140161
    Abstract: A sliding key module includes a main body, two opposite hooks projecting from the main body and a sliding key. Each hook includes a latch and a guiding portion connecting the latch and the main body. The latches, the guiding portions and the main body cooperatively define a sliding channel. The sliding key includes a first sliding track slidably mounted in the sliding channel. The first sliding track is pressed to mount in the sliding channel through the gap between the latches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YAN-LING GAO
  • Publication number: 20130118871
    Abstract: A housing of an electronic device encloses and supports at least one operational component and includes at least one opening sized to accommodate a mechanical input assembly. The mechanical input assembly includes a feature arranged to receive an input event, at least a portion of the feature exposed at an outside surface of the housing, an operational indicia visible on the exposed portion and having a preferred orientation with respect to the housing, the operational indicial providing an indication of how an operation of the operational component is influenced, and a shaft having a size and shape in accordance with the opening, the shaft attached to the external feature at a first end and an integrally formed self-capturing feature at the second end. The self-capturing feature is inserted into the opening until activated. The indicia is then properly aligned and the mechanical input assembly is locked to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Apple Inc.
  • Patent number: 8420969
    Abstract: An embodiment of a switchgear has: a closing shaft; a main lever fixed to the closing shaft and associated with a movable contact; a cutoff spring; a sub-shaft; a sub-lever and a latch lever which are connected to the sub-shaft; a roller pin mounted to the leading end of the latch lever; a latch; a latch returning spring for urging the latch; a latch pin fixed to the latch; and a ring mounted to the latch pin so as to be movable in the radial direction of the latch pin. In the closed state, the roller pin presses the leading end of the latch. In power cutoff operation, latch is pulled so as to permit rotation of the latch, engagement between the roller pin and the leading end of the latch is disengaged, and the sub-shaft is rotated by urging by the cutoff spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Satoshi Marushima, Yoshiaki Ohda, Yoshikata Kobayashi, Masaharu Shimizu, Hirokazu Takagi
  • Patent number: 8404986
    Abstract: The invention relates to a manual drive for a tap changer for a tap-changing transformer having a locking unit. The locking unit has a catch which can pivot and has different locking means; the catch can be operated from the outside before an intended switching operation. The locking unit offers high a degree as possible of safety against inadvertent or else deliberate incorrect operations of the manual drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Burghauser, Silke Wrede
  • Patent number: 8395067
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a switchgear operating mechanism has a roller pin rotatably fixed to a leading end of a latch lever. A latch is fixed to a solenoid lever at a position different from the rotation axis of the solenoid lever, and has a leading end engageable with the roller pin. In a state where the switchgear operating state is shifted from the closed state to the cutoff state, the solenoid lever is pushed by an electromagnetic solenoid for cutoff so as to be rotated in an opposite direction to the biasing direction of the solenoid lever return spring, and the latch lever is rotated by a biasing force of the roller pin to release an engagement between the roller pin and the leading end of the latch, which causes a cutoff spring to discharge its energy to rotate the latch lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Satoshi Marushima, Yoshikata Kobayashi, Yoshiaki Ohda, Masaharu Shimizu, Tooru Inoue
  • Patent number: 8330065
    Abstract: The time period is shortened till a cutoff spring force is released when a switchgear is cut off. This switchgear comprises: a closing shaft; a main lever fixed turnably on the closing shaft and associated with a movable contact; a closing spring; a sub shaft; a sub lever and a latch lever fixed on the sub shaft; a roller mounted on the leading end of the latch lever; a turnable latch and a kick lever; a lock lever made turnable with respect to the latch; a latch returning spring for biasing the latch; a lock returning spring for biasing the kick lever and the lock lever; and a stopper for restricting the turns of the lock lever and the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ohda, Masaharu Shimizu, Satoshi Marushima, Hirokazu Takagi, Yoshikata Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8324519
    Abstract: A MEMS switch includes a latch mechanism, first and second electrical conductors, a first latch actuator, a second latch actuator, and an axial actuator. The latch mechanism may include a transfer rod and a contact member, the contact member extending radially outwardly from a position along the axial length of the transfer rod. The first and second electrical conductors may extend along, and may be radially offset from, a portion of the transfer rod. The first latch actuator may include a first latch pin, and the second latch actuator may include a second latch pin, the first and second latch actuators being configured to move toward and away from the transfer rod, and the first and second latch pins configured to engage the contact member. The at least one axial actuator may be configured to move the contact member towards and away from the first and second electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: Microstar Technologies LLC, Oakland University
    Inventors: James Melvin Slicker, Hongwei Qu
  • Publication number: 20120211339
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a main case; a switching mechanism accommodated in the main case, and having a mechanical part for opening and closing a circuit; a trip mechanism configured to trigger the switching mechanism to a circuit interrupting position upon detection of an abnormal current on a circuit; and an external device detachably mounted to the main case, wherein the circuit breaker includes an interrupting means configured to interrupt the switching mechanism by contacting at least a part of the external device when the external device is mounted to the main case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bon Geun KOO
  • Publication number: 20120205226
    Abstract: A latch assembly includes a latch plate having an opening therethrough; and a latch shaft having a shaft member and a positioning shoulder disposed on the shaft member. The positioning shoulder has a seating surface thereon. The shaft member passes through the opening of the latch plate. The latch plate engages the positioning shoulder of the shaft member. The seating surface of the shaft member is swaged to retain the latch plate to the shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: ANDREW L. GOTTSCHALK, Roger W. Helms, David A. Parks, Robert M. Slepian
  • Publication number: 20120067709
    Abstract: A MEMS switch includes a latch mechanism, first and second electrical conductors, a first latch actuator, a second latch actuator, and an axial actuator. The latch mechanism may include a transfer rod and a contact member, the contact member extending radially outwardly from a position along the axial length of the transfer rod. The first and second electrical conductors may extend along, and may be radially offset from, a portion of the transfer rod. The first latch actuator may include a first latch pin, and the second latch actuator may include a second latch pin, the first and second latch actuators being configured to move toward and away from the transfer rod, and the first and second latch pins configured to engage the contact member. The at least one axial actuator may be configured to move the contact member towards and away from the first and second electrical conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicants: Oakland University, Microstar Technologies LLC
    Inventors: James Melvin Slicker, Hongwei Qu
  • Patent number: 8138866
    Abstract: A rotary actuator with a magnetically produced tactile sense is provided, in particular for a motor vehicle. The rotary actuator includes two plane-parallel permanent magnets, with the first magnet being arranged in a fixed position in a housing of the rotary actuator, and in which case the second magnet can be rotated with respect to the first magnet by a handle of the rotary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Preh GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Kramlich, Dieter Weth
  • Patent number: 8106317
    Abstract: A rotary control device includes a body, a knob rotatably provided on the body, a push button provided on a side portion of the knob so as to be depressed, a lock member that moves in response to a depressing operation of the push button, and a lock portion provided in the body. The lock member is retained to the lock portion of the body so as to restrain a rotary operation of the knob before the push button is depressed. When the push button is depressed, the lock member is moved to a space where the lock member is movable in conjunction with the rotary operation of the knob so that a restraint of the rotary operation of the knob is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Sadaaki Kitazumi
  • Publication number: 20110174600
    Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a latching plate rotatably coupled to a moveable plate, and tensile type latching springs, each latching spring having two ends fixed to the latching plate and the moveable plate, respectively. Time taken for a moveable contact to be lifted up from a contact time point between the moveable contact and a fixed contact may be shortened, and thus a time duration for which an accident current flows may be reduced. Accordingly, the amount of energy applied to the circuit breaker may be reduced, and a breaking function of the circuit breaker may be enhanced. Furthermore, since a contact pressure between the moveable contact and the fixed contact has a constant change, a reliability on a conductive state of the moveable contact and the fixed contact may be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Seung Pil SHIN
  • Patent number: 7973622
    Abstract: An apparatus for auxiliary contact of circuit breaker is disclosed that is capable of preventing an erroneous operation of and damage to an ON/OFF switch caused by over-stroke of a linkage mounted at an auxiliary contact apparatus, and enhancing reliability despite repeated opening/closing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong Ik Yang, Sang Chul Lee, Kil Young Ahn
  • Patent number: 7893802
    Abstract: A position switch is disclosed with a device to generate a magnetic force, with at least a first coil and at least one armature, it being possible to magnetize and move the armature via the first coil. How the magnetic force, particularly at the start of movement of the movable components of the device, can be increased to reduce the necessary power consumption of the first coil, is a focus of at least one embodiment. For this purpose, at least one embodiment of the device to generate a magnetic force includes at least one device to premagnetize the armature. The result includes a series of advantages, e.g. a smaller design, lower power consumption and possible use with multiple different switching units with different counterforces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Silvio Förtsch, Bernhard Hiltl, Werner Puri, Joachim Seidl
  • Patent number: 7772513
    Abstract: A switchgear operating mechanism for reciprocatively driving a movable contact of a switchgear so as to shift the switchgear between an open state and a closed state. In the closed state, a roller pushes a leading end of a latch in the direction substantially toward the rotation center of the latch. In a state where the switchgear operating state is shifted from the closed state to the open state, a lock lever is pulled so as to allow the latch to be rotated in the opposite direction to the biasing direction of a latch return spring to release an engagement between the roller and the leading end of the latch, which causes the opening spring to discharge its energy to rotate the sub-shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ohda, Yoshikata Kobayashi, Masaharu Shimizu, Satoshi Marushima
  • Patent number: 7723628
    Abstract: A remotely configurable control lever is disclosed for operating an electrical switch on the control panel of an agricultural vehicle. A cam plate 22 rotatable with the control lever has a cam track 23 defining at least one notch, which is selectively engaged by a resiliently biased detent 24 to latch the control lever in a predetermined position. A solenoid 32 is provided for retracting the detent to allow the control lever 10 to return to a neutral position. A second cam track 123 is provided which is rotatable with the control lever 10 and defines at least one stop cooperating with a further retractable detent 124 to limit the range of angular displacement of the control lever 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Tim Jarrett
  • Patent number: 7605335
    Abstract: A position switch is disclosed, with a plunger. In at least one embodiment, the plunger can be moved, via an actuator, from a rest position to an operating position by way of a first rotatable locking element. A second rotatable locking element is usable to block the first rotatable locking element by way of the plunger. A position switch is specified, which separates the actuating mechanism for a switch unit from the holding-shut mechanism and, in doing so, guarantees reliable holding-shut, which manages with a low number of components. Here, the plunger is designed to contact an active surface of the first locking element in the operating position and to contact an active surface of the second locking element in the rest position. The first locking element is able to block the second locking element by way of the plunger and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Hiltl, Werner Puri, Joachim Seidl, Rudolf Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7541553
    Abstract: An actuating device is provided for a technical system, especially for selecting gears of a shift-by-wire speed-change gear. This includes a push button arrangement with at least one push button (1) as well as a device (4) generating electrical control signals for transmission to the technical system. The actuating device has a separately controllable blocking device (2, 3), each associated with at least one push button or all push buttons of the actuating device. The blocking device (2, 3) mechanically blocks the particular push button (1) and can be driven by auxiliary energy. This provides an unambiguous tactile feedback on the state of the system or the admissibility of the shifting operation when the push buttons are pressed. Hazards that arise from unrecognized states of the system, inadmissible shift commands or operating errors, defects on the system or non-functioning signal transmission between the actuating device and the system are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Joerg Meyer, Andreas Giefer
  • Patent number: 7528334
    Abstract: The inventive circuit breaker-contactor (1) comprises a fixed contact, a contact (5) movable (19, 21) with respect to the fixed contact between open and closed positions, means (7) for displacing the movable contact (5) in the closed position thereof, means (9) for displacing the movable contact in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventors: Norbert Beyrard, Frank Claeyssen, Ronan Le Letty, Francois Barillot
  • Patent number: 7449653
    Abstract: A latch assembly for an electrical switching apparatus operating mechanism is provided. The latch assembly is structured so that force from the closing spring is directed along a line extending through the pivot point of a latch prop. A reset assembly for the latch prop is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Perry R. Gibson, Paul R. Rakus, Douglas C. Marks, Andrew L. Gottschalk, Robert M. Slepian, Roger J. Briggs
  • Patent number: 7442891
    Abstract: An electrical socket includes a pair of terminal units and a latching mechanism. Each of the terminal units includes resilient first and second clamping arms. The latching mechanism includes a pair of engaging projections, each of which is provided on the second clamping arm of a respective one of the terminal units, and a pair of releasing units, each of which is operable so as to move the second clamping arm of a respective one of the terminal units away from the first clamping arm of a respective one of the terminal units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Chi-Wen Chen
  • Publication number: 20080257702
    Abstract: A latch engagement control mechanism is provided for a latch assembly of a circuit breaker including a housing, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism having a pole shaft, and at least one link coupled to the pole shaft. The latch assembly includes a pivot member cooperable with such link. The latch engagement control mechanism includes a latch pin having a cut-out portion and pivoting among a first position in which the latch pin prevents the pivot member from pivoting, and a second position in which the cut-out portion provides a clearance for the pivot member to pivot. A latch member coupled to the latch pin at or about the cut-out portion, includes at least a first protrusion engageable by the pivot member to establish the first position of the latch pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Nathan J. Weister, Paul R. Rakus, Douglas C. Marks
  • Publication number: 20080185272
    Abstract: A detent crest member is integrally rotatably mounted on a dial knob. On the other hand, on a peripheral surface of a plunger mounting member which is rotatably operated using a motor, a plurality of plunger members which generates clicks in a dial knob together with the detent crest member is mounted. In changing over click feeling, the motor is rotated thus selectively bringing one of the plunger members mounted on the plunger mounting member into resilient contact with concave/convex patterns of the detent crest member which form the pair with one plunger member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Kazuya Otani, Seiji Ishigaki
  • Patent number: 7217897
    Abstract: A switch comprising a switch body and a control actuator, which can be associated with a control button and can move with respect to the switch body, the control actuator having a receptacle for a light source at a containment portion which is directed toward the button: the switch body is provided with fixing elements for a panel, by backpanel insertion, which comprise at least two abutment portions and at least two locking elements which act, with the panel in the mounted position, respectively at opposite faces of the panel, the two locking elements being arranged proximate to the button. Elements for detachable connection between the button and the control actuator are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Scoieta′ Europea Componenti Elettrici S.p.A. In Short S.E.C.E. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Mattarelli
  • Patent number: 7018702
    Abstract: A component including a base body of a relatively hard material and a coating of a relatively soft material, wherein the coating covers at least a main surface area of the base body. The main surface area is delimited by an outer periphery and an edge portion of the coating extends from the periphery and comprises a reinforcement made of a relatively hard material and engages the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Hacke