Safety Patents (Class 200/334)
  • Patent number: 11842864
    Abstract: A control station for electrical installation comprises a protection box (2) having a side wall (3) with a front face (4) defining a development plane (?), a plurality of controls (5, 9, 20) anchored to the protection box (2), at least one of the controls being a mushroom emergency push button (9), movable electrical contacts associated with respective controls (5, 9, 20) to be connected to one or more circuits of the electrical installation for the opening/closing thereof. Each control (5, 9, 20) is associated with one or more contact units (22) having movable electrical contacts arranged in the protection box (2). The emergency push button (9) is housed in a seat (8) formed on a side face (7) of the side wall (3) perpendicular to the development plane (?) and is anchored to one or more contact units (22) removably housed in the protection box (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: PIZZATO ELETTRICA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco Pizzato
  • Patent number: 11591770
    Abstract: A vehicle control device is mounted on an adjustable armrest assembly coupled to a frame of a vehicle. The longitudinal position of the vehicle control device and an armrest may be adjusted by rotating the armrest upward towards a vertical position, sliding the armrest forward or rearward relative to the base and into the desired position, and then rotating the armrest downward toward the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Paul O'Halloran, Aaron Loggan, Paul Linwood Holman
  • Patent number: 11017961
    Abstract: A safety switch arrangement with a safety switch and an actuator associated with it. Moreover, a locking unit is provided for, by means of which the actuator is locked in a latched position. The safety switch has an auxiliary unlocking unit that has a mechanically actuatable actuating element. An actuation of the actuating element is implemented only with a transmission element as a positioning movement for the locking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Euchner GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Ilo Grimm, Mike Gehrke
  • Patent number: 10564669
    Abstract: A button mechanism is provided, including a housing, a fixing member fixed on the housing, a moving member movably disposed in the fixing member, a pressing member disposed on the moving member, and a driving module for moving the moving member relative to the fixing member. When the pressing member pushes the moving member to move from an initial position along a first direction to a first position, the driving member moves the moving member from the first position along the first direction to a second position. When the moving member is in the second position, the driving member moves the moving member along a second direction to impact the pressing member, wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: TDK TAIWAN CORP.
    Inventor: Chao-Chang Hu
  • Patent number: 10507987
    Abstract: A supply device includes a replenishment device configured to replenish bolts to a surface of a table, and a supply control device configured to control the replenishment device. A determination region for determining the number of bolts is predetermined in a region where the table is disposed. When the number of bolts detected in the determination region is less than a determination value, the supply control device selects a divided region having the lowest bolt number density from among a plurality of divided regions. The supply control device controls the replenishing device so as to replenish bolts to a region of the table corresponding to the selected divided region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Oowatari
  • Patent number: 10304648
    Abstract: A cable pull switch includes a polychotomous sensor configured to provide a reading of at least one of a plurality of values, the reading corresponding to a tension on a pull cable or a linear displacement of an end of a pull cable. A processor coupled to the polychotomous cable pull sensor configured to determine a rate of change of the value of the reading from the sensor and determine an occurrence of a cable pull event, the determination based on the determined rate of change of the value, and determine whether the rate of change of the value of an electrical resistance through the polychotomous cable pull sensor is below a threshold rate of change value, and adjust an upper pull threshold value to a new upper pull threshold value that is based on a present reading of the value of the electrical resistance through the strain gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Tsang, Burt Sacherski, Steven Robert Tambeau, Arvind Ananthanarayanan, James Edward Dogul, Todd Bubar
  • Patent number: 10195952
    Abstract: A base station for automated battery pack or payload exchange and methods for using the same. The base station provides a landing surface for receiving a mobile platform and includes a manipulator controlled by a manipulator compartment for accessing resource storage. The base station is operable to ascertain a location of the platform on the landing surface and move the manipulator to the mobile platform. Thereby, the base station system advantageously accommodates low-accuracy landing of the mobile platform and further enables extended and autonomous operation of the mobile platform without the need for user intervention for exchanging battery packs and payloads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mingxi Wang, Xiangyu Chen
  • Patent number: 10177543
    Abstract: The disclosed invention ensures safe operation of an electrical switchgear by preventing an operator from contacting or interacting with an active circuit breaker. One way this is accomplished is through a locking system that prevents a door to the interior of the switchgear from opening until the circuit breaker is in a disengaged position. A second way this is accomplished is by a manipulation restriction system that prevents the circuit breaker from being manually moved unless the door is closed. Another way this is accomplished is by a circuit breaker decoupler, accessible from the exterior of the switchgear that can directly manipulate the circuit breaker into disengagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventors: Neal Thomas Hare, Thomas Matthew Stevens
  • Patent number: 10153102
    Abstract: A lockout, tagout (LOTO) device and associated implementation method for a switchable energy isolation device are provided. The isolation device includes first and second electrical terminal members and a slideable linkage disposed and in electrical communication therebetween for switching the electrical terminal members between isolated and non-isolated states. The LOTO device includes a cover member configured to extend over the terminal members and the linkage, and a fastener member coupled to the cover member. The fastener member is configured to engage the first or second electrical terminal member to secure the cover member to the isolation device. A tagging member is configured to engage the fastener member and a securing member engaged with the cover member, upon the cover member being secured to the isolation device, to prevent the fastener member from disengaging the first or second electrical terminal member without the tagging member disengaging the fastener member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Duke Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Richard T. Freeman
  • Patent number: 9659731
    Abstract: A portable actuator and safety switch assembly wherein the portable actuator includes a housing and an actuator for selectively engaging with a control mechanism of said safety switch. The actuator is at least one of partially located within the housing, forms a part of the housing, or is attached to the housing. The assembly includes a controller that controls a configuration of the actuator assembly, such that the actuator assembly can selectively and controllably attain a first configuration wherein the actuator is able to interact with the control mechanism of the safety switch and a second configuration wherein the actuator is unable to manipulate the control mechanism of said safety switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventors: Simon Mathew Hudson, Derek William Jones
  • Patent number: 9257242
    Abstract: An operation unit cover moves between a position of covering an operation lever and a position of exposing the operation lever and holding the operation lever at a first operational position while being at the position of covering. A housing covers lateral sides and a top side of a case that cross a front side of the case and exposes the operation unit cover from the front side. A pivoting member pivots about a pivoting member's pivot shaft located above the operation unit cover, between a closed position of covering the operation unit cover and an opened position of exposing the operation unit cover and, while the pivoting member is at the closed position, the pivoting member forms a closed space between the pivoting member and the housing for accommodating at least the operation unit cover and holds the operation unit cover at the position of covering the operation lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Shinpei Abe, Eiji Tsukuda
  • Patent number: 8902044
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that allows only authorized users to turn on specific equipment they are approved to use and maintains a record of the name of the user, date, time and length of operating time. In one embodiment, the system comprises an AMS unit in communication with a BCS unit located at and connected to the machine. AMS comprises a computing device, a biometric reader connected with the computing device, a storage device connected with the computing device, a program module stored on the storage unit, and a communication module connected to the computing device. The program module has sets of code configured to instruct the biometric reader to scan the biometric feature of the operator and to create a digitized biometric signature. The program module is further configured to store the biometric signature on the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Gaylan S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140224626
    Abstract: A safety switch may be mountable proximate to the floor and may include a switch that may be actuated by vertical movement of a generally horizontally-extending switch operator plate as by pivoting about a horizontal axis at one side thereof. The safety switch may further include a blocking arm pivotable about a horizontal axis, the axis being perpendicular to the pivotal axis of the switch operator plate, wherein the blocking arm is normally biased into a vertical blocking position to prevent vertical movement of the switch operator plate. The switch may be actuated by the switch operator plate by pivoting the blocking arm into a vertical orientation and then moving the switch operator plate vertically into actuating contact with the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Mark H. Muld
  • Patent number: 8803013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-tamper cam system 2 used to selectively operate a safety interlock switch 6. The cam system 2 comprising a cam 12 selectively rotatable between two positions in order to activate the switch 6. The cam 12 has a locking system 20, 22; 32a, 32b to lock the cam 12 in one of its positions. The locking system 20, 22; 32a, 32b comprises a separate mechanical locks 20, 22; 32a, 32b on each side of the cam 12, each of which must be unlocked using a dedicated key actuator 8 before the cam 12 can be rotated to its other position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Idem Safety Switches Limited
    Inventors: Medi Mohtasham, Hamed Faridfar
  • Patent number: 8723060
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein present forms of a method and mechanism for a power tool lock-off, wherein accidental activation of the power tool may be inhibited. Pressing a lock-off release button on the tool housing induces a locking member to move from a first position to a second position, allowing a trigger to access a power switch within the housing. Various forms and methods of lock-off mechanisms are enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Jon James Parrinello, Thomas Costello-Saile
  • Patent number: 8658927
    Abstract: A solenoid plunger 14 of the switch 4 is moved by cam plunger 34 and is biased towards the cam plunger 34, a locking plate 40b is positioned between the plungers 14 and 34. Cam 34 is biased for movement towards a cam 22 and is moved towards the solenoid plunger by rotation of the cam 22 by removal of actuator 8 which causes retraction of the solenoid plunger into the switch 4. The locking plate 40b is lockable when the cam plunger 34 is biased into a detent 36 in the cam 22 when the actuator is inserted, to lock the cam plunger 34 and cam 22 and prevent removal of the actuator 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Idem Safety Switches Limited
    Inventors: Medi Mohtasham, Hamed Faridfar
  • Publication number: 20140042003
    Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency stopping device, comprising a body (10), a control button (11) that is movable in translation along a control axis (X), at least one normally closed electrical contact unit (13), an actuation member (12) which can be actuated by said control button (11) so as to translate between a inoperative position and an actuated position, and which engages with the contact unit (13), a holding member (121) engaging with the actuation member (12) and capable of assuming a locking position for maintaining the actuation member in the actuated position thereof, and an unlocking ring (15) which is separate from the control button and which can be rotatably actuated, and which engages with the actuation member (12) so as to release the latter with a view to driving same toward the inoperative position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Tewfik Meftah, Dominique Benni
  • Patent number: 8604371
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a front plate, a top plate, and a switch control unit. The front plate defines a receiving hole therein. The switch control unit includes a mounting frame mounted on the front plate, a switch mounted in the mounting frame, a contact element located above the switch, and a control assembly. When the top plate completely covers the front plate, the top plate presses the contact element, and the contact element resiliently presses the switch to turn on the switch. When the top plate is pulled away from the front plate, the switch is turned off. The control assembly includes a first knob rotatably received in the mounting frame. The first knob includes a pressing portion. When the first knob is rotated from a first position to a second position, the pressing portion abuts against the switch to keep the switch on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Xiong Zhang, Zhi-Xin Li, Bang-Wei Wang, You-Tao Wang
  • Patent number: 8598480
    Abstract: An exemplary electronic device includes a casing, a first switch, a second switch and a switch control unit. The casing includes a side plate and a top plate detachably connected with a top end of the side plate. The first switch is turned on when the top plate is connected to the side plate and turned off when the top plate is detached from the side plate. The switch control unit includes a sliding member mounted at one side of the second switch. The sliding member includes a pressing plate. The sliding member is moveable relative to the side plate between a first state in which the pressing plate aligned with and pressing the second switch to turn on the second switch and a second state in which the pressing plate is staggered with the second switch to turn off the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Xiong Zhang, Zhi-Xin Li, Bang-Wei Wang, You-Tao Wang
  • Patent number: 8592704
    Abstract: An exemplary electronic device includes a casing, a first switch, a second switch and a switch control unit. The second switch is connected in parallel with the first switch. The casing includes a side plate and a top plate detachably connected with a top end of the side plate. The first switch is turned on when the top plate mounted to the side plate and turned off when the top plate detached from the side plate. The switch control unit includes a sliding member mounted at the second switch. The sliding member includes a pressing plate and is moveable relative to the side plate between a first position in which the pressing plate aligned with and pressing the second switch to turn on the second switch and a second position in which the pressing plate is staggered with the second switch to turn off the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Xiong Zhang, Zhi-Xin Li, Bang-Wei Wang, You-Tao Wang
  • Patent number: 8541708
    Abstract: A button switch includes a main body. The main body includes a switch member therein. The switch member has a start portion and a stop portion to connect with a start button and a stop button, respectively. The stop button has a first position and a second position. In a normal state, the stop button is located at the first position and doesn't drive the stop portion. When the stop button is at the second position, the stop button will drive the stop portion. Thus, the operator is enforced to press the stop button again and the stop button is returned to the first position to start the switch member, preventing the operator to press the start button unexpectedly to start the switch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: General International Mfg (Co) Ltd.
    Inventor: Christian Chenier
  • Patent number: 8513557
    Abstract: An actuator device including a holder element provided to be fixed against a device operated on by the actuator device. An actuator body is displaceable in a longitudinal direction along the holder element. A guide member is provided so as to guide the actuator body along the holder element. The actuator body includes a first part that is operable from outside the actuator device, and a second part that is movable in the longitudinal direction in relation to the first part. The actuator body is displaceable to a first, non-actuated position, in which the first part and the second part of the body are movable in the longitudinal direction and a second, actuated position, in which the second part is rotationally displaced in relation to the first part and abuts an abutment surface on the holder element such that motion of the second part in the longitudinal direction towards the first position is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventor: Joakim Wåhrenberg
  • Patent number: 8497438
    Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device comprising:—a first assembly (1) comprising an actuation member (10) that can take a rest position and an actuation position;—a second assembly (2) mounted on the first assembly (1) and comprising a mobile bridge (22) bearing mobile contacts (221) actuated with respect to fixed contacts (201) between an opening position and a closing position so as to respectively open or close an electrical circuit according to the position of the actuation member (10), in which:—the mobile bridge (22) is actuatable in rotation about an axis of rotation (A) and can take a third position so as to open the electrical circuit when the first assembly (1) is mechanically disconnected from the second assembly (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Francis Chauvet, Dominique Benni, Bertrand Fruchard
  • Patent number: 8460277
    Abstract: An end effector is disclosed that includes a tool including a drive configured to be coupled to and drive an engaging member for engaging a workpiece and a release member configured to be displaced to permit decoupling of the engaging member from the drive. The end effector also includes a housing configured to receive at least a portion of the tool and a release actuator disposed at least partially outside of the housing and coupled to the housing to permit movement between a first position and a second position to displace the release member to permit decoupling of the engaging member from the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Suarez, Brian Schmitz
  • Patent number: 8445803
    Abstract: An electrical switching device and method are disclosed. The electrical switching device can include two movable contacts. During opening of the switching device, the two movable contacts move in a first direction until one of the movable contacts engages a blocking member. The other movable contact continues in the first direction, effecting opening of the switching device. In a particular implementation, the movable contact that engages the blocking member “bounces” in a second direction after contacting the blocking member. This causes the contacts of the switching device to be separated very quickly, reducing electrical arcing during opening of the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Cavailles
  • Patent number: 8395062
    Abstract: There is provided a novel switch having a function of overcurrent protection. In a switch comprising a conductive movable member (9) and at least two terminals (1, 2, 3) and being switchable by mechanically moving the movable member (9) between a state in which the movable member (9) contacts with the two terminals (1, 2) simultaneously and a state in which the movable member (9) is apart from either one (1) of the two terminals (1, 2), at least one (2) of the two terminals (1, 2) is separated into a conductive contact part (2a) for contacting with the movable member (9) and a conductive connect part (2b) for being electrically connected with an external element (not shown), and a PTC member (2b) is located between the contact part (2a) and the connect part (2c). The PTC member (2b) may be a PTC element having a PTC material layer and a pair of conductive material layers each located on opposed surfaces of the PTC material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem KK
    Inventor: Katsuaki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8383259
    Abstract: In the case of a safety device for an accumulator cell, which has an electrode assembly disposed in an elastic cell sheath and at least one electrical connector, a blocking element is provided which blocks at least a first electrical contact associated with the electrical connector with at least a second electrical contact in a releasable electrical connection, the blocking element being configured for the purpose of releasing the releasable electrical connection when the cell sheath expands as a result of a change in volume of the accumulator cell during operation. A separation of the second contact from the first contact is thereby made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Wolf Matthias
  • Patent number: 8379375
    Abstract: A power source circuit shut off device includes a plug having a terminal metal fitting and a housing to which the terminal metal fitting is attached, and a plug attachment section having a second terminal metal fitting and a second housing to which the second terminal metal fitting is attached. The housing has a second opening section at its side face perpendicular to its bottom face at a second housing side, the second opening section being adapted for attaching the terminal metal fitting to the housing. The terminal metal fitting and the second terminal metal fitting are connected to the second housing. The second housing has a closing wall which closes the second opening section in a state that the housing is positioned at the terminal contact position at which the housing is not yet accommodated in the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Furuya, Hirotaka Hasegawa, Hiroshi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 8354603
    Abstract: A switching device includes a switching appliance, a cap, at least one connecting device for firm connection of the switching appliance to the cap, and a monitoring device. In at least one embodiment, the monitoring device includes a sensor and a tripping element, whose position is variable after connection and which, when the switching appliance is ready to operate, is located in a position in which the tripping element can be detected by the sensor, the monitoring device further including a signal unit which is connected to the sensor and is used to signal operational readiness once the sensor has detected this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ladislav Dostal, Lukas Jerabek, Libor Krivanek, Christian Rohrwild
  • Patent number: 8289112
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) monitors a protective device (2) of a machine (4). The apparatus (1) has a switch housing (22) with a switch head (24) and an actuator (8). In the closed state of the protective device (2), the actuator interacts with the switch head (24) with that closed state being signaled. The apparatus (1) has a tumbler device (20) with a tumbler element (30) mounted movably in the apparatus (1) to lock releasably the closed state. The tumbler device (20) has a permanent magnet (34). The magnetic force fixes the tumbler element (30) in a first position when the power supply to the apparatus (1) is switched off to lock the closed state of the protective device (2), in a second position with the tumbler device (20) not locking the closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Euchner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Erik Bächle, Walter Link
  • Patent number: 8278573
    Abstract: A high power system provided with a circuit breaker is disclosed, in which the circuit breaker controls the electrical connection in the system. The circuit breaker has a switch device and a connecting device. Two conductive terminals provided in the connecting device are spaced apart from each other and connected to a power source. The connecting device is equipped with a safety latch for transmitting a signal demanding the establishment of electrical connection to an interrupting control circuit. A conductive element provided in the switch device is electrically connected to the conductive terminals of the connecting device, and then a latch releasing element provided in the switch device drives the safety latch to activate the interrupting control circuit, so as to permit power transmission in the high power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Chia-Ming Chuang
  • Patent number: 8228146
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for monitoring the state of a protective device (2) of a machine (4) in particular is a safety switch for monitoring the closed state of a protective door or the like. The apparatus (1) has a switch housing (22) with a switch head (24) and an actuator (8). In the closed state of the protective device (2), the actuator interacts with the switch head (24) and, as a result, the closed state of the protective device (2) can be signaled. The apparatus (1) has a tumbler device (20) with a tumbler element (30) mounted movably in the apparatus (1) and by which the closed state of the protective device (2) can be locked releasably. The tumbler device (20) has at least one permanent magnet (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Euchner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Erik Bächle, Walter Link
  • Patent number: 8220730
    Abstract: An interlock system for actuating a switch to interrupt a flow of electrical current to a component of a domestic electrical appliance is described. The current is interrupted unless a sensor indicates that the appliance is in a safe condition, and the system includes a rod-like member which is turned about its own axis through at least a predetermined angle, when the appliance is safe, to actuate the switch to permit current to flow. The safe condition is typified by the secure placement of a lid or cover on a receptacle in a manner intended for operation of the appliance. Moreover, the lid or cover for the receptacle may be formed with an upstanding, chimney-like feed-tube through which food items can be added for processing in the receptacle, and a “pusher” device, sized to fit closely within the feed tube, is further provided, by means of which a user can urge foodstuffs into the receptacle for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kenwood Limited
    Inventors: Robin Ferraby, Christina Goodrick-Meech, Johan Santer
  • Patent number: 8115122
    Abstract: An operation portion and a switch portion of a push button switch are removably coupled. The switch portion includes a contact opening mechanism having a rotatably supported lever and a spring. The lever has one end acting on a part of the operation portion coupled with the switch portion, and the other end acting on a contact switching mechanism of the switching contact unit in the switch portion to open/close the contacts. The spring urges the lever in a fixed rotation direction. The contact switching mechanism is urged to move a movable contact from a standby state position toward an operating state position by the contact opening mechanism when the switch portion is separated from the operation portion. The contact switching mechanism is released from the urging when the switch portion is coupled with the operation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Fa Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Machida, Mitsuo Nishio, Takehisa Takeuchi, Shinichi Sato, Eijiro Shimoyama
  • Patent number: 8089012
    Abstract: A safety switch 2 used in conjunction with a cable as a machine guard, the switch being actuated to cut power to attendant machinery when a predetermined tension in the cable is varied by for example pulling the cable, or the cable becoming loose. The switch 2 comprising a sliding cam 14 which is connected to a connection point 12 for the cable via a spring loaded shaft 10 which shaft also supplies said predetermined tension and acts to move said sliding cam 14 in a first plane when the predetermined tension is varied. The sliding cam 14 then acts on a transverse cam 36 moving it in a plane transversely disposed to said first plane which in turn acts to cut said power 30, 52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Idem Safety Switches Limited
    Inventors: Medi Mohtasham, Hamed Faridfar
  • Patent number: 8071901
    Abstract: A safety switch for affecting the operating state of equipment to which the safety switch is at least indirectly connected. The safety switch includes a configuration, such as a number of contacts, that is arranged to change from a first condition to a second condition depending on whether or not an actuator has been engaged with or disengaged from the safety switch. The safety switch includes an arrangement for determining information that is at least indicative of an operational property of the configuration, and for storing information that is at least indicative of the obtained information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventors: Julian Poyner, Derek Jones, Derek Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8058577
    Abstract: The invention relates to a touch-sensitive surface (3) activation device (1) for a motorized mechanism used to open and close an opening such as an electric windscreen wiper, comprising a touch-sensitive surface which controls the opening and/or closing of at least one opening. The device comprises means for detecting (9) the charge applied to the touch-sensitive control surface and means (11) for inhibiting control of the opening and/or closing when the applied charge is outside an acceptable predefined charge range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: DAV
    Inventor: Jean Marc Tissot
  • Patent number: 8058578
    Abstract: A safety switch allows for greater safety and greater ease in operating a machine where multiple operators may be required. The safety switch allows multiple operators in different locations to exercise control over the machine, reducing the risk of accidents and improper operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Jordan, David S. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8053695
    Abstract: A time delay output apparatus for a circuit breaker includes a switch disposed at one side of a main shaft rotatable in directions to open/close a fixed contactor and a movable contactor, and a delay member disposed between the main shaft and the switch so as to operate the switch with a preset time delay, thereby simplifying the construction and reducing the size as well as enhancing operational reliability by stably obtaining a time delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Mahn Sohn
  • Patent number: 8049128
    Abstract: This invention is for a trigger switch apparatus for a hand held electric drill and includes a control of the electric power to a drill for fast or slow rotation of the drill bit by moving a rheostat contact bridge over a rheostat coil section for control of the rotation speed of the drill bit, and further a leaf spring holds the trigger carriage stop shoulder onto the carriage, and on seizure, kick back or sudden torque of the drill bit there is a cut off of power and the switch reverts to an “off” or “open” position, which then requires re-setting of the switch to a “closed” or “on” position for re-actuating operation of the hand held electric drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel D. Witt
  • Patent number: 8039769
    Abstract: The invention concerns an armrest mounted joystick for communication of operator initiated control signals to a vehicle controller. A plurality of switches require that the operator be safely located in the operation position in order for the control signals to reach the vehicle controller. Only when all of the switches change state, at substantially the same time, does the joystick either activate or de-activate, in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Charles J Asp, Jeremy B Shuler, Kevin L Pfohl, Daniel J Wild
  • Patent number: 8022299
    Abstract: A kind of rotatory emergency stop cover with plug-in unit includes lock cover 11 having shutter 9 that contains raised block b and return spring inside, lock base 15 having groove a, stop button 4 having torsional spring; lock cover has cam 8 and torsional spring, stop button 4 has retainer 3 and plug-in unit that is passing through stop button 4 to go into cam 8 for the connection of stop button 4 to cam 8. Shape and size of unit 1 are adjusted to woke in with that of cam 8 for only use in plug-in unit 1. Plug-in unit is operable to actuate and separate synchronously stop button 4 from cam 8 to ensure that stop button 11 won't open if plug-in unit is not inserted after locking. Support plate 13 has additional hole b, with rectangular hole c being on lock cover 7; it is convenient for user to secure with a lock without removal of unit when lock cover 11 is operated. Stop button 4 has retainer 3, retainer is used to cover hole g to prevent foreign objects from falling into after removal of plug-in unit 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Zhejiang Kedu Electric Mfg. Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Chun Kai Zheng
  • Patent number: 8003909
    Abstract: An emergency off switching device for disconnecting an electrically operated machine from a circuit including a plurality of operated machines, includes a housing attached to the machine against which an externally accessible actuator cap is held in an axially movable arrangement, a contact switch accommodated in the housing which is closed when the switching device is in the non-actuated condition and by means of which the machine is electrically connected to the circuit, and a driver sleeve supported against the inside of the housing that is connected to the actuator cap with the free end of the driver sleeve opposite to the actuator cap facing the contact switch and disconnecting it from the circuit in the actuated condition, wherein a monitoring signal is generated when the switching device is in the actuated condition, to ascertain which of a plurality of the switching devices has been actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: RAFI GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Gessler
  • Patent number: 7999200
    Abstract: A safety switch is described in which a switching contact in a lock mechanism switches between an open and closed condition. Switching is coupled to a lock member moveable between a locked position, locking a drive cam, and an unlocked position, allowing the cam to rotate. A link member, cooperating with the lock member, switches between open and closed conditions of normally-open and normally-closed switching contacts, indicating movement of the lock member between the locked position and the unlocked position. By monitoring the open and closed conditions of the normally-open and normally-closed switching contacts, it is possible to determine the state of the lock member, i.e., whether it is in the locked position or in the unlocked position. It therefore can be determined whether the drive cam is in the locked or unlocked (i.e., free to rotate) state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: IDEC Corporation
    Inventors: Etsurou Komori, Takao Fukui, Takeo Yasui, Masaki Nobuhiro
  • Patent number: 7985932
    Abstract: A door lock apparatus with safety switch capable of locking a door. A coupling member is pivotally moved about a pivotal shaft by a closing operation by a rotary handle, thereby bringing an engaging portion thereof into engagement with a fixing member, so that a protective door is inhibited from moving in two directions of arrows X, Y including a moving direction of the door. Whether the door is of a slide or pivot type, the door is assuredly locked in a closed state because the door is inhibited from moving in the two directions including the moving direction thereof. If an operation mistake is made to open the door, the force for opening the door is not directly applied to the switch body or the actuator. A safety switch may achieve an increase in durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: IDEC Corporation
    Inventors: Takeo Yasui, Masaki Nobuhiro, Norifumi Obata, Takafumi Hidaka, Kiyo Hidaka, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7956304
    Abstract: A combination switch is provided for a high-speed oven, the oven having a door. The combination switch has a rotatable cam (40) that is rotated when the door of the oven is moved between a closed position and an open position. The cam (40) has at least one lobe (50, 52) for engaging at least one safety-switch (44, 46) for actuation by the at least one lobe of the cam as the cam rotates. The at least one safety switch controls operation of at least a portion of the oven. A locking latch (48) is selectively moveable between an engaged position, in which the latch engages the cam (40) to limit rotation of the cam and thereby prevent opening of the door, and a disengaged position, in which the latch (48) does not engage the cam (40) and thereby allows opening of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Turbochef Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Bacigalupe, Michael J. Dobie
  • Patent number: 7956300
    Abstract: A safety holder is provided that firmly attaches to a safety switch so that safety of a worker is enhanced. The safety holder includes a base body 21 that is inserted into an actuator insertion opening 7, and limits rotation of a drive cam 9 by engaging at a tip end portion (hanging portion 21C) thereof with a concave portion of the drive cam 9 of the safety switch, and a slide body that is movably attached to the base body 21 so as to be insertable into an actuator insertion opening 8 with the base body 21 inserted in the actuator insertion opening 7, and when the slide body is inserted into the actuator insertion opening 8, that enters and engages with an engagement hole 36 of the base body 21 whose tip end portion (insertion arm 34) is being inserted into the insertion opening 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Idec Corporation
    Inventors: Takafumi Hidaka, Kiyo Hidaka, legal representative, Norifumi Obata, Masaki Nobuhiro, Takeo Yasui, Masahiro Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 7928330
    Abstract: There is provided a safety switch having a housing configured to receive a removable key, and a mechanism arranged to be operated when the key is moved from an engaged position to a partially disengaged position, the mechanism being arranged to cause a signal to pass to a separate apparatus, wherein the safety switch further comprises a lock which is controlled by the separate apparatus and is arranged to prevent the key from being fully disengaged from the safety switch until a signal has been received in response from the separate apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventors: Julian Poyner, David T. Williams, Gillian P Parker, David Howard Kerr, Derek W Jones, Derek Sawyer, Geoffrey Alan Talbot, William E Anderson, Michael R. Scharnick, Stephen Zbytowski
  • Patent number: 7915555
    Abstract: A rotary drive for a switch actuated by a toggle lever includes an operative connection which swivels, a first catch element on the operative connection, coupled to the toggle lever, and a second catch element on the operative connection. A mounting plate parallel to the switch base and a rotatable shaft are provided, the rotatable shaft disposed through the mounting plate. The rotary drive further includes a swivel arm on the shaft, a rotary knob coupled to the shaft configured to rotate the shaft. A mechanical connection couples the swivel arm to the second catch element, converting movement of the shaft into a movement of the operative connection. A swivel movement of the toggle lever is transferred to the second catch element, and the swivel arm enables the operative connection to swivel through a rotation of the shaft to move the toggle lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Schneider, Walter Gilgen, Klaus-Dieter Nuerenberg, Bernd Howald
  • Patent number: 7786398
    Abstract: A command switch or and emergency stop switch is disclosed, which includes an actuator and a contact sensor which is separated therefrom. The actuator includes housing and a tappet, which is guided therein and which has a rest position and an actuation position. The contact sensor includes an open switch element which can be placed in the actuation position by way of the tappet in a tensed position. In at least one embodiment, the command switch also includes an additional switch element which is provided with a first switch piece and a second switch piece, which are applied to the actuator in a separated manner and in/on the contact sensor. The additional switch element only closes when the contact sensor is secured to the actuator. The switch pieces of the additional switch element are separated from each other in a compulsory and advantageous manner by the separated embodiment of the command switch enabling them to be secured to different components of the command switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Olbrich, Michael Schiffmann, Bernhard Wiesgickl