Auxiliary Patents (Class 200/330)
  • Patent number: 11830686
    Abstract: An electric pushbutton switch includes a guide housing, a switching element having a haptic element that produces a pressure point and a return spring that generates a restoring force, an actuator for actuating the switching element, and a resilient tolerance compensation element arranged between the guide housing and the actuator. The switching element being stationary relative to the guide housing and the actuator being movable relative to the guide housing. The actuator actuates the switching element against the restoring force when the actuator is moved relative to the guide housing in an actuating direction of the actuator towards the switching element. The resilient tolerance compensation element is arranged between the guide housing and the actuator. The resilient compensation element has a spring force directed in the actuating direction of the actuator towards the switching element and opposite the restoring force of the return spring of the switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: KOSTAL Automobil Elektrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Fehling, Kristian Lanzon
  • Patent number: 11791113
    Abstract: A multi-directional operation switch structure seeks to improve the reliability of a product by minimizing tolerances that need to be managed by making two regions guiding the sliding movement of a slider to be formed by one holder in a switch structure in which a knob is configured on the outside of a casing, and the slider and a holder connected to the knob are inside the casing. Especially, the present disclosure can improve structural stability due to a double support structure and ensure reliability of slider movement by allowing the holder as well as the casing to withstand pressure resulting from external forces. In addition, the present disclosure can simplify a coupling structure and a support structure by configuring the slider to be coupled to the holder in a rotational manner, and the coupled slider to be limited in rotation by the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC KOREA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Suk Ho Lee, Yoon Jin Jung, Se Hyung Oh
  • Patent number: 11735381
    Abstract: An electric pushbutton switch includes a guide housing, a switching element having a haptic element that produces a pressure point and a return spring that generates a restoring force, an actuator for actuating the switching element, and a resilient tolerance compensation element arranged between the guide housing and the actuator. The switching element being stationary relative to the guide housing and the actuator being movable relative to the guide housing. The actuator actuates the switching element against the restoring force when the actuator is moved relative to the guide housing in an actuating direction of the actuator towards the switching element. The resilient tolerance compensation element is arranged between the guide housing and the actuator. The resilient compensation element has a spring force directed in the actuating direction of the actuator towards the switching element and opposite the restoring force of the return spring of the switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: KOSTAL Automobil Elektrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andre Fehling, Kristian Lanzon
  • Patent number: 11564522
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques for producing audio for, or adding audio capability to, a collection box for delivery items that includes a user-operated door for putting items into the collection box. The system can include a processing subsystem, an audio transducer, a trigger device that is connected to, or that is part of, the door of the collection device, and a sensor. The sensor detects the trigger device when the trigger device is in close proximity (e.g., in contact), and the sensor is positioned such that it is in close proximity with the trigger device when the door is closed. In response to the trigger device moving out of close proximity, the sensor generates a signal to the processing system. In response, the processing system generates an audio signal that is converted to sound by the audio transducer, which can be heard outside of the collection box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
    Inventors: Gabriel Michael Yessin, William Albert Tartal, Joram Shenhar, Joel Dewnandan
  • Patent number: 11495956
    Abstract: A trip apparatus has a power terminal, an actuator, a rectifier coupled to the power terminal, a selector, and a processor, the actuator having a pusher member and a coil, the pusher member movable between a first position that does not actuate an actuator interface of a connected circuit breaker and a second position that actuates the actuator interface. The processor has a first input, a second input, and an output, the first input of the processor is coupled to the output of the rectifier, the second input of the processor coupled to an output of the selector, and the output of the processor coupled to the actuator. The processor determines a threshold based on a select signal received at the second input of the processor, and compares a voltage at the first input of the processor to the threshold. The processor controls the coil to selectively control the pusher member in the first or second position based on the comparison of the voltage at the first input of the processor to the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Strebel Marzano, Walter Hunziker
  • Patent number: 11488366
    Abstract: The present invention embraces a system, device, and method for adding lighting effects to augmented reality (AR) content (i.e., virtual objects). Light sensors in an augmented reality (AR) system monitor an environment's lighting conditions to acquire lighting data that can be used to create (or update) virtual light sources. Depth sensors in the AR system sense the environment to acquire mapping data that can be used to create a 3D model of the environment while tracking the system's location within the environment. Algorithms running on a processor may then add the virtual light sources to the 3D model of the environment so that, when AR content is created, lighting effects corresponding to the virtual light sources can be added. The resulting AR content with virtual lighting effects appear more realistic to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Todeschini
  • Patent number: 11355296
    Abstract: A retrofit switch apparatus is designed for attaching to a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch has a manual switch for performing an operation of a connected target device. The retrofit switch apparatus includes an assembly box, a wireless module, a switch unit, and a control unit. The assembly box covers the mechanical switch. The wireless module is used for receiving an external command. The switch unit has a driving structure. The driving structure is disposed in the assembly box for engaging with the mechanical switch for moving the mechanical switch to perform the operation according to the external command. The control unit has an operating unit and a trigger unit connected to the operating unit. A portion of the operating unit is exposed outside a surface of the assembly box for a user to operate to directly trigger the mechanical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Weihua Lin, Jiaqing Zhuang
  • Patent number: 11267438
    Abstract: A kidnapping notification system communicably connected to an external control device running a program thereon, the kidnapping notification system including a notification device, including a base to removably connect to at least a portion of a vehicle, a pivoting section movably disposed on at least a portion of the base, and a support section disposed on at least a portion of an outer surface of the pivoting section to increase resistance to lateral movement of the pivoting section in the second position, a first display unit disposed on at least a portion of the pivoting section, a communication unit disposed within at least a portion of the base and connected to the support section to receive at least one signal from the support section, and a transmitter comprising a button, the transmitter removably connected to at least a portion of the vehicle and communicably connected to the communication unit to move the pivoting section from closed against the base in a first position to at least partially opened
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Teddy Presher
  • Patent number: 11217920
    Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB)-mounted contactor including a PCB with planar surface, source and load terminals fixed to the PCB, and a contact. The contact is supported by the PCB and is movable between open and closed positions. Movement of the contact is parallel to the planar surface. Electrical assemblies having PCB-mounted contactors and methods of controlling current flow in electrical systems with PCB-mounted contactors are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Kucharski, John A. Dickey
  • Patent number: 11112876
    Abstract: An operation input device includes an operation input unit that is configured to receive a tracing operation performed in a one-dimensional direction. The operation input unit includes a plurality of mechanical switches that are arranged side by side in an operation direction and each include an operation surface subjected to the tracing operation, the operation surface defining a curved surface along the operation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Susumu Mega, Hidetaka Nomura, Kazuma Hatano, Akiko Hoshino, Seiji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11069493
    Abstract: A remote control device may control electrical loads and/or load control devices of a load control system without accessing electrical wiring. The remote control device may be configured to be mounted over an installed mechanical switch having a paddle actuator and may include a base and a control unit that is configured to be removably attached to the base. The base may include a frame, a clamp arm, a screw, and/or a sleeve. The clamp arm may be configured to secure the base to a protruding portion of the paddle actuator. The clamp arm may be attached to the frame at a pivot joint. The clamp arm may be configured to pivot about the pivot joint. The pivot joint may be located proximate to an endpoint or a midpoint of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company
    Inventor: William Taylor Shivell
  • Patent number: 11033811
    Abstract: Provided is a technology of allowing operation of four push buttons of a controller including the four push buttons provided in place of a cross key pad as if operating the cross key pad. The controller includes a third push-button input module (142) being a cylindrical recess including four push buttons (142A to 142D) on a bottom surface of the third push-button input module (142). A recessed portion (142E) is formed in the bottom surface. Meanwhile, the controller includes a cover member (200) having a circular plate portion (211) including a cross-key-pad portion (212). A column portion having a circular column shape is provided on a back surface of the cover member (200). The cover member (200) is fixed to the third push-button input module (142) through insertion of the column portion into the recessed portion (142E). When a user presses the cross-key-pad portion (212), freely selected one of the four push buttons (142A to 142D) positioned below the circular plate portion (211) can be pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: HORI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Muramatsu, Koichiro Amano, Yoshinori Konishi
  • Patent number: 11011333
    Abstract: A force-controlled-switch comprises a diaphragm spring element and an absorber-plate. The absorber-plate is configured to absorb kinetic energy of the force-controlled-switch. In particular, the absorber-plate absorbs a part of the diaphragm-spring-element's kinetic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Leipold, Sebastian Sedlmeier, Martin Lasinger
  • Patent number: 10943749
    Abstract: A control device for controlling at least one associated load and comprising a housing assembly defining a plurality of button zones each comprising at least one switch. The control device further comprises a plurality of interchangeable buttons adapted to be removably attached to the housing assembly over one or more of the button zones. Each button may comprise a front wall and at least one projection extending from a rear surface of the button and adapted to depress an aligned switch when the button is pressed. Each button may also comprise at least one abutment extending from the rear surface of the button and adapted to abut against the front housing portion such that at least a portion of the button pivots or deflect with respect to the at least one abutment when pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Stan Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 10714852
    Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB)-mounted contactor including a PCB with planar surface, source and load terminals fixed to the PCB, and a contact. The contact is supported by the PCB and is movable between open and closed positions. Movement of the contact is parallel to the planar surface. Electrical assemblies having PCB-mounted contactors and methods of controlling current flow in electrical systems with PCB-mounted contactors are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Kucharski, John A. Dickey
  • Patent number: 10708559
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus with an image-projecting function that is convenient for a user is provided. It includes: an illuminating unit that emits illumination light; a projection-type image display unit that emits image-projecting emission light for projecting an image; and a sensor that emits operation-detecting light for operation detection and that is capable of detecting an operation by an operation object in a range including an image projection area of the projection-type image display unit, and is configured so that the image-projecting light, and the operation-detecting emission light have respective different wavelength distribution characteristics, and regarding a light amount in the wavelength range of light used by the sensor for the operation detection, a light amount of the operation-detecting light is the largest among those of the illumination light, the image-projecting emission light, and the operation-detecting light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: MAXELL, LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya Shimizu, Maki Hanada, Megumi Kurachi, Hiroyuki Urata, Katsuyuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10546709
    Abstract: An engageable drive engageable operating mechanism for converting a movement of a linear translation operating handle to a rotating handle movement relative to the operative front face engageable with a molded-case circuit breaker. The mechanism includes an external rotating adapter external rotating operating member or alternatively an engageable drive engageable operating mechanism incorporating a handle assembly external rotating operating member, interchangeable with each other; and a gear, a support movable movement-converting support including a rack portion, and a structural support base, wherein the structural support base includes a built-in side opening chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: WEG Drives and Controls Automação Ltda
    Inventor: João Paulo Abdala
  • Patent number: 10490371
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical switch, in particular for a motor vehicle, such as for an electric parking brake in the motor vehicle, having a movable operating member, in particular in the manner of a rocker, and a contact system, such that the operating member interacts with the contact system in a switching manner. The operating member interacts via an operating element, which is loaded with an elastic force, with a slotted link for generating a resetting force during the movement of the operating member out of an inoperative position. A further slotted switching link is provided. The operating member has a further operating element in such a manner that each of the two operating elements interacts with one slotted switching link each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Weh, Regina Werni
  • Patent number: 10468210
    Abstract: The invention proposes a key tappet for a key module of a key for a keyboard. The key tappet comprises a coupling section for coupling a key button and a guiding section for guiding the key tappet in a receiving section of the key module upon actuation of the key tappet. The guiding section has at least one sliding section to slide in the receiving section of the key module during the actuation of the key tappet. Demolding fins caused by demolding of the key tappet are arranged outside the at least one sliding section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: CHERRY GMBH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Müller
  • Patent number: 10460889
    Abstract: A lockout device is presented to maintain an on/off switch lever of a disconnect box in a preferred position. A grasp portion of the lockout device that is in an unlocked position may be inserted in the on/off switch lever of the disconnect outlet box preventing the on/off switch lever from being moved from an off position to an on position, or vise versa. Once the grasp hook is inserted in the on/off switch lever, the lockout device can be moved to a locked position and secured with one or more padlocks to prevent the lockout device from being removed. A middle portion of the lockout device may be made of varying lengths to allow easy access to on/off switch levers of disconnect boxes located overhead, below the user's feet or in confined spaces without the requirement for ladders or other special access equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Wallace Keith Lee
  • Patent number: 10439371
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is an arc protection system for an electrical switch mounted in an electrical cabinet. The system includes an arc suppression housing pivotally mounted in the electrical cabinet. The housing comprises an arc extinguishing chamber having an opening configured to face separable contacts of an electrical switch mounted in the cabinet when the housing has been rotated about the pivot into a closed position. The arc extinguishing chamber is configured to extinguish an electric arc produced by opening the separable contacts when the housing is in the closed position. The system further includes an interference mechanism mounted on the arc suppression housing. The interference mechanism is configured to prevent closure of an access door of the electrical cabinet, when the housing has been rotated about the pivot into an open position configured to enable operator access to the separable contacts of the electrical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamid S. Abroy
  • Patent number: 10403454
    Abstract: A circuit breaker system includes an internal operating handle disposed inside an enclosure and coupled to a shaft extending from a circuit breaker. The internal operating handle includes a dog clutch coupled to the shaft and a rotary handle coupled to the dog clutch. The rotary handle is operative to rotate the shaft when the dog clutch is engaged. A safety operating handle system for turning a shaft to operate a circuit breaker includes a rotary handle and a dog clutch having a first clutch member coupled to the rotary handle and having a second clutch member coupled to the shaft. The dog clutch is operative to transmit a rotation of the rotary handle to the shaft when the first clutch member is in an engagement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Gagandeep Singh, Daniel Lightsey
  • Patent number: 10347444
    Abstract: A paddle switch system comprises a housing, a paddle having a pivot member pivotally disposed in the housing for operating an electrical switch within the housing in response to a force on the paddle, a cover coupled to the housing wherein the housing and the cover partially enclose the paddle, and a vibration reduction mechanism disposed in the housing proximate the pivot member of the paddle. The electrical switch comprises a dome switch and the paddle is disposed in the housing to partially preload the dome switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: JUDCO PARTNERSHIP, LLC
    Inventors: Igorce Srbinovski, Thomas E. Buttner, Stephen C. James
  • Patent number: 10283287
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution system includes at least one circuit protection device and a housing defining an interior space to receive the at least one circuit protection device. The housing includes a door positionable between an opened position in which the door allows access to the interior space and a closed position in which the door inhibits access to the interior space. The housing also includes a hinge pivotably coupling the door to the case and a pressure release mechanism coupled to the door and the hinge. The pressure release mechanism includes a tongue positionable between a first position and a second position and a biasing member arranged to bias the door towards the case when the door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Piotr Sztuczka
  • Patent number: 10252642
    Abstract: An input device has operation shafts whose tips project through a first elongate hole and a second elongate hole formed through an upper plate portion of a case main body and that are movable along the upper plate portion of the case main body. An operation knob is movably attached to the tips of the operation shafts. The case main body is provided with elastic support pieces that deform following the movement of the operation knob and elastically support the operation knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiteru Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 10217579
    Abstract: An operating mechanism for a toggle switch handle includes a bar that is movably mounted along its longitudinal axis, and a roller head mounted at one end of the bar. The roller head includes two axes for rolls. The first roll of the rolls is provided for turning on the toggle switch handle depending on a movement of the bar, and a second roll of the rolls is provided for rolling over a plate and blocking a rotation of the bar around its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Jean-Christophe Barnas
  • Patent number: 10211606
    Abstract: Motor control centers have units or buckets with multi-purpose shutter cams that slide shutters right and left to controllably block access to a portal of an isolation lead screw that can extend and retract power connectors and that provides one or more safety interlock engagement features that prevent certain actions depending on the operating state of the buckets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Daniel Boyd Kroushl, Alfred Gregory Beard, Edgar Yee
  • Patent number: 10091593
    Abstract: A hearing device has a housing and a switching module arranged on the housing. The switching module includes a movable switching element, operable from the outside, for changing settings of the hearing device. A coil antenna for the inductive transmission of information signals to the hearing device is inserted into a hollow space formed in the switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Sivantos Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Beng Hai Tan
  • Patent number: 10020155
    Abstract: This electrical switching apparatus includes a protection casing, at least one switching member suitable for switching between a first position permitting the passage of a current and a second position preventing the passage of the current, a mechanism for control of the or of each switching member, and at least one auxiliary module disposed in the casing, the auxiliary module being removable with respect to the casing and configured to implement a function associated with the control mechanism. The electrical switching apparatus includes a mechanical referencing member common to the control mechanism and to each auxiliary module, for the positioning of the control mechanism and of each auxiliary module in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Christophe Grumel, Alain Brouillat
  • Patent number: 9978551
    Abstract: A circuit breaker having a first micro switch, a second micro switch and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism drives the first micro switch and the second micro switch, which are arranged in a circuit breaker shell. The first micro switch and the second micro switch are arranged on one side of the shell side by side, and a corresponding first transmission rod and a corresponding second transmission rod in the transmission mechanism respectively drive the first micro switch and the second micro switch. Since the circuit breaker is provided with no external device, the space occupied by the circuit breaker is reduced, thereby facilitating construction and installation. Since the two micro switches are built-in side by side, different signals can be simultaneously output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Chen, Jianjun Fu, Wei Zhou
  • Patent number: 9926734
    Abstract: Hinge for a door which covers at least in part a compartment, of the type comprising a fixed support for coupling to a compartment frame, and a mobile support for coupling to a door, wherein such mobile and fixed support are at least rotatably constrained one to the other. The hinge also comprises a coil spring operatively interposed between the fixed support and the mobile support to impose a predefined law of motion to the mobile support with respect to the fixed support, and an actuator for applying a push or a pull force onto said mobile support with respect to the fixed one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: FARINGOSI HINGES S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimo Dora
  • Patent number: 9898094
    Abstract: An assemblable keyboard includes plural assemblable keys and a main control key. Each assemblable key can be triggered to generate a key signal. The assemblable key includes a pedestal, a key structure and a conductive structure. The main control key includes a key processor and a transmission interface. The assemblable key includes plural coupling structures with the conductive structure. Every two adjacent assemblable keys are combined together and electrically connected with each other through the corresponding coupling structures. After the key signal generated by each assemblable key is transmitted to the main control key, the key signal is further outputted to a computer host. The layout space of the assemblable keyboard is reduced. Moreover, the assembling flexibility of the keyboard is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Wei-Yung Huang
  • Patent number: 9852866
    Abstract: A panel device includes a protective cover that has an insertion hole for an ON/OFF knob of a molded case circuit breaker and is formed to cover an exposed live part of the molded case circuit breaker and provided with an engaging part at a predetermined portion thereof; a cover support member that openably and closably supports this protective cover; and a cover locking member that engages with the engaging part when the protective cover is closed and restricts turning of the protective cover; wherein any one of the protective cover, the cover support member and the cover locking member is movably provided in conjunction with movement of the ON/OFF knob, and the engaging part and the cover locking member are engaged with each other or released from each other by the movement of the any one of those.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takayoshi Sangawa, Munetsugu Sakamoto, Daijiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 9830901
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and software for bodily function sound anonymization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Andrew Robert Millikin
  • Patent number: 9786448
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a controller (1) for use with a mechanical switch (2). The controller (1) comprises at least one sensor (9), an actuator and at least one attachment member (5) suitable for attaching the controller (1) to the mechanical switch (2) such that the actuator is brought into contact with the mechanical switch (2). The actuator is arranged to operate the mechanical switch (2) in response to a signal from the at least one sensor (9), in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: MFL Projects Limited
    Inventor: Paul Mans
  • Patent number: 9761383
    Abstract: A switch interlock device for controlling certain switching operations within a switch panel, the switch interlock device including a bracket and an interlock tripping mechanism. The bracket being configured to be coupled to a housing of the switch panel and comprising a face member coupled with a spanning member extending a depth of the housing, the spanning member operably coupled to a back wall of the housing. The interlock tripping mechanism coupled to the face member of the bracket and positioned between a pair of horizontally adjacent switches housed within the housing of the switch panel, the interlock tripping mechanism configured to: restrict the pair of horizontally adjacent switches from both being in an ON position at the same time; and switch one of the pair of horizontally adjacent switches to an OFF position when the other of the pair of horizontally adjacent switches is switched to the ON position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MILBRANK MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Douglas Leach, Daniel Newmaster
  • Patent number: 9741507
    Abstract: A key switch device includes: an operation member to be depressed; a switch disposed below the operation member; a reaction force generating member that is provided between the operation member and the switch, performs elastic buckling deformation by depression of the operation member, gives a reaction force according to the elastic buckling deformation to the operation member; and a depression member that is provided between the operation member and the switch, and depresses the switch; wherein the reaction force generating member includes a supporter that supports the depression member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishino, Shuji Nakamura, Akihiko Takemae, Tamotsu Koike
  • Patent number: 9704379
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a displacement control member may be operationally coupled with a selectable button of a hazard detector so that axial depression of the selectable button effects pivoting of the selectable button and the displacement control member into contact with a switch of the hazard detector. The displacement control member may be coupled with the selectable button so that a ratio of a distance from the switch to a point of user contact with the selectable button and a distance from the switch to a pivot point of the displacement control member is similar regardless of where the user contacts the selectable button. The displacement control member may equalize a user input force that is required to activate the hazard detector's switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: William Dong, Mathias Schmidt, Adam Mittleman
  • Patent number: 9691570
    Abstract: Modular button components are described that comprise a tactile switch coupled to a center portion of the modular button component and at least one electrical contact. A bracket extends beyond a length of the center portion of the modular component. In various embodiments, the tactile switch, the bracket and the at least one electrical contact are insert molded into a single assembly to form the modular button component that is detachably coupled to a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Jonathan C. Denby, Liane J. Fang
  • Patent number: 9543093
    Abstract: A switch actuator device is disclosed. The switch actuator device includes a switch housing, a body having a first and second arm, and a resilient member having a first and second end. The first and second ends of the resilient member are configured to be coupled to the body and switch housing, respectively. The resilient member exerts a first force on the body when the body is at a first position, a second force when the body is at a second position, and a third force when the body is at a threshold position. When the body is rotated about a pivot point from the first to second position, or vice versa, the respective first or second force increases in magnitude and acts on the body to first resist the rotation until the body is in the threshold position, and then assists the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Cosmo Castaldo
  • Patent number: 9543094
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a switch extension device and method of installing such a device on a unit of electrical equipment with a closable housing containing a switch and electrically charged components, such as a transformer with a rotary oil safety switch inside the transformer terminal cabinet. The device includes a switch coupling member for mechanically manipulating a switch between at least a first switch position and a second switch position. The switch is disposed inside the closed housing containing components that are electrically charged when the switch is in the first position and not electrically charged when the switch is in the second position. The device also has an extension member with an external portion that extends outside of the closed housing for access by the user without opening the closed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Maine Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy F. Maine
  • Patent number: 9497558
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and software for bodily function sound anonymization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Robert Millikin
  • Patent number: 9481047
    Abstract: A conductor tube for use in an arc welding apparatus is disclosed that diffuses gas from an aperture in the conductor tube. The conductor tube has an internal passageway and a distal end portion. In one form of the present disclosure, proximate to the distal end portion there is at least one aperture disposed wherein the gas flowing through the internal passageway is at least partially dispersed through the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Victor Equipment Company
    Inventor: Khalid Hassan
  • Patent number: 9443679
    Abstract: A two-piece rocker assembly having an inner rocker and an outer rocker, the inner rocker being snap-fit into the outer rocker via a connection between at least one flange and at least one latch beam. In certain embodiments, a locking member is added to the two-piece rocker assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Carling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Cassarino
  • Patent number: 9396886
    Abstract: An actuating device is proposed for an electric/electronic device within an in particular flame-proof housing. The electrical/electronic device includes an essentially linearly movable on/off lever. In order to provide such an actuating device being accessible on the exterior of the respective flameproof housing and allowing mechanical actuation of the respective on/off lever without adversely affecting the flameproof housing, the actuating device includes at least a rotatably mounted handle disposed on the outside of the housing and a shaft connected with it in a rotatably fixed manner, the shaft being guided into the housing interior and there being connected movably to the on/off lever by a transformation gear for transforming rotational motion into linear motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: COOPER CROUSE-HINDS GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Reinhart, Gerd Hofmann
  • Patent number: 9362063
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking out an elevated bus plug includes an elongated member, a lockout device at a distal end portion of the elongated member and an actuator at a proximal end portion of the elongated member. The lockout device includes a housing, a channel in the housing that is sized and configured to receive a handle of the bus plug and a handle engagement mechanism connected to the housing. The handle engagement mechanism is configured to engage a handle of the bus plug that has been received in the channel responsive to actuation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Wendell Farmer, Curtis Wayne Farquhar
  • Patent number: 9336973
    Abstract: A switch mechanism includes a button, a pressing component, a linking component and an activating component. The button is for moving in a first direction or a second direction. The pressing component is connected to a bottom side of the button and is for pressing a first switch component when the button moves in a first direction. An end of the linking component is connected to the button, and the linking component is driven by the button in a second direction as the button moves in the second direction. The activating component is detachably contacted with the linking component, and the activating component is driven by the linking component when the linking component moves to an activating position in the second direction, so as to activate a second switch component in a third direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Chen-Min Hsiu
  • Patent number: 9330860
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handle operating device for a circuit breaker, and there is provided a handle operating device including a connecting rod configured to transfer power for operating a manual operating handle that manually operates the on/off of a circuit breaker from the outside; a movable frame connected to the connecting rod to be movably coupled to an outer surface of a circuit breaker case in a direction parallel to the operating direction of the manual operating handle; a movable member provided at the movable frame in an interlocking manner to move the manual operating handle; a slot hole is formed on the moving member in an inclined manner from the moving direction of the manual operating handle; and a fastening member fastened to the movable member and movable frame through the slot hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jae Kwan Seo
  • Patent number: 9190225
    Abstract: An electrical disconnect apparatus includes a housing having an interior and an exterior, first and second conductors extending from the exterior into the interior, a movable conductor, and an actuator assembly coupled to the housing. The movable conductor has a connected position in which the movable conductor electrically connects the first conductor and the second conductor, and a disconnected position in which the first conductor is electrically disconnected from the second conductor. The actuator assembly is adapted to move the movable conductor between the connected position and the disconnected position, and can be actuated manually or automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. Faulkner, Jerry S. Wang
  • Patent number: 8934217
    Abstract: A power operator for switchgear for use in mains power distribution systems such as public medium high voltage distribution systems, where the switchgear comprises a closed cabinet (5) with an operating shaft protruding therefrom that is rotatable between two positions and has a coupling part. The motor operator includes a housing (11, 20, 21, 27) which is mountable on an external surface (4) of the switchgear cabinet (5), and a rotatable connection shaft connected to an electromechanical linear actuator. The connection shaft has a first coupling part which connects with the coupling part of the switchgear in a longitudinal axial sliding and non-rotational interlocking manner. The housing (11, 20, 21, 27) is a tube element which is tamper resistant, is relatively easy to seal against dust and moisture, and is inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Bruno Christensen, Anders Lorenzen, Verner Smidt, Jens N. Paulsen, Glenn Smith