Switch Activation Inhibitor (e.g., Unauthorized/inadvertent Use Prevention) Patents (Class 200/43.01)
  • Patent number: 11342133
    Abstract: A key structure includes a circuit board, a triggering part and an elastic element. The elastic element includes an upper support portion, a lower support portion, an upper elastic portion and a lower elastic portion. The lower support portion is located beneath the upper support portion and connected to a peripheral region of the circuit board. The upper elastic portion is connected between the triggering part and the upper support portion. The lower elastic portion is connected between the upper support portion and the lower support portion. The lower elastic portion includes a first section and a second section connected to each other. The first section is connected to the upper support portion. The second section is connected to the lower support portion. There is a vacant space between the second section and the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng-Fan Chang, Lei-Lung Tsai
  • Patent number: 10932603
    Abstract: An electronic device, with a compartment for storing a religious script, activates playback of a stored audio file in response to a touch input. The electronic device includes power and timing components that can be isolated or disconnected so that the device will not operate during specified times, such as high holy days. Different audio files are available for selection on a server, and the desired audio file can be selected using an application that is running on a separate device, such as a cell phone or table. Provisions can also be made for storage and playback of video files in response to a touch input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: SHEMA ISRAEL MEZUZAH INC
    Inventors: Avraham BenShitrit, Alexander Winter
  • Patent number: 10699861
    Abstract: A rocker switch having a sliding and pressing element, comprising a thermal conductive shell and an overheating destructive element. The sliding and pressing element is applied to the rocker switch. The overheating destructive element can be destroyed at a destructive temperature, and the destructive temperature is between 100° C. to 250° C. The thermal conductive shell is pressed against a rocker conductive element of the rocker switch so as to control the rocker conductive element to be electrically connected or electrically disconnected. When the rocker conductive element is electrically connected, and if the overheating destructive element is overheated and destroyed, the rocker conductive element would be electrically disconnected, thereby realizing protection from overheating. The overheating destructive element is tightly adhered to the thermal conductive shell and is capable of completely absorbing a heat energy generated by a circuit, thus giving the element the advantage of high sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: GREEN IDEA TECH INC.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Yun I
  • Patent number: 10678202
    Abstract: Smart home controller working with a household appliance, or a household appliance with the controller installed, and in particular refrigeration apparatus with a controller. The appliance has an auxiliary operation initiated automatically based on user activity, and the controller provides an auxiliary operation suppression unit configured to prevent said user activity from automatically triggering said auxiliary operation. The controller may be connected to operate the auxiliary operation suppression unit based on a calendar and locally calculated daylight times. The controller is useful for preventing refrigerator lights and the like from turning on when not wanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Shemon Cohen
  • Patent number: 10634423
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a compartment, a door, a refrigeration unit, a temperature sensor for the compartment, an opening/closing sensor for the door and a control unit with a normal mode. The refrigerator of the present invention further comprises an electric power source, a supply circuit which connects the sensors to the electric power source and a switch which allows the user to selectively make/break the power connection to the sensors. The control unit has a Sabbath mode for controlling the refrigeration unit without the sensors and based on a predefined refrigeration/defrost cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ARCELIK ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Tuna Ayan, Ferkan Gulbas, Tacettin Ekici, Turgay Ercan, Ilker Takil
  • Patent number: 10564618
    Abstract: A time controlled electrical switch operable in a Sabbath state and in a working day state, comprising a switching component for selectively directing the supply of electrical power, or for selectively transmitting a logical input, to a device; a memory device in which is stored local sunset information, calendar information, and predetermined rules for initiating a state changing event relating to a Sabbath state and a working day state; a logical circuit in data communication with the switching component, and a time supplying device. The logical circuit is operable to transmit a signal to the switching component for initiating the state changing event in response to an instantaneous time indicated by the time supplying device and the stored local sunset information, calendar information, and predetermined rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Bar-Ore Computers Ltd.
    Inventor: Natan Lavie
  • Patent number: 10531145
    Abstract: A home screen display unit displays a home screen indicating a plurality of menus. If an execution menu of a game application is selected in the home screen, a game screen display unit displays in full screen a game screen indicating an execution result of the game application. If an execution menu of an application other than a game is selected in the home screen, a browser screen display unit displays in full screen a browser screen indicating an execution result of the application other than a game. A screen transition control unit allows a direct transition from the game screen to the browser screen if a predetermined operation is performed while the game screen is displayed, and allows a direct transition from the browser screen to the game screen if the predetermined operation is performed while the browser screen is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Toru Morita, You Asakura, Shigeru Enomoto, Motoki Kobayashi, Shuji Hiramatsu, Yasuhiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 10317132
    Abstract: In order to permit use of a refrigerator by observant Jews during Holiday times, Normal and Holiday modes are established. During Holiday mode, repetitive fixed frequency and fixed duty cycle time cycles are established, each time cycle having “on” and “off” portions. During “on” cycle portions current flow through the refrigerator is permitted as determined by the refrigerator compartment temperature. During “off” cycle portions current flow is inhibited irrespective of refrigerator compartment temperature changes. Visible indicators inform users of the status of the current cycle portion, thereby advising them to open the refrigerator door only during “off” cycle portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: William Thea, Maximilian Linder, Dario Bianco, Joel Thea
  • Patent number: 10290454
    Abstract: An electronic switching device includes a housing with at least one housing door, a lockable rotary handle rotatable at least between an ON position and an OFF position, a handle locking device for locking the rotary handle at least in the OFF position when engaged, and a POFF device for preventing the rotary handle to be rotated and/or fixed in OFF position when activated. The electronic switching device further includes a locking coulisse, movably arranged at the electronic switching device and arrangeable in at least a first position, a second position and a third positions with respect to the housing of the electronic switching device. The locking coulisse is configured for allowing an engagement of the handle locking device and the POFF device in the first position, locking the housing door in the second position and blocking the activation of the handle locking device in the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Antonin Dolecek, Ladislav Dostal
  • Patent number: 10069321
    Abstract: A delayed power-on function for an electronic device is disclosed. A charging unit charges a rechargeable battery with a pre-charge current when a voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than a voltage threshold value and with a current larger than the pre-charge current when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is greater than the voltage threshold value. A controller can disable power-on when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than the voltage threshold value. A user may also be notified when power-on is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoaki Yasuda, Yasuhisa Tsubokawa
  • Patent number: 10069895
    Abstract: A battery-powered wireless content loader for an entertainment system of a vehicle includes a multi-mode wireless data communications module with at least a first communications mode and a second communications mode. A controller establishes a data link to a remote content server with the multi-mode wireless data communications module to retrieve multimedia content from the remote content server. The controller selects either one or both of the communications modes based at least in part upon an evaluation of availability of an access point for the first communications mode within range. A data storage device stores the retrieved multimedia content. An electrical power storage supplies power in response to the vehicle being powered down. The controller copies the multimedia content stored on the data storage device to a content server of the entertainment system following the electrical system of the vehicle being powered up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
    Inventor: Hasse Sinivaara
  • Patent number: 10043617
    Abstract: A locking system for a disconnect switch mounted to a utility pole. The locking system includes an attachment assembly mounted to the disconnect switch. The attachment assembly has an attachment body with a groove, and a locking arm disposed within the groove and pivotable between an open configuration and a locked configuration. A trigger mechanism extends through the locking arm and selectively secures the locking arm in the locked configuration. The locking system also has a lock assembly mounted to the attachment assembly, which has a lock body defining a central aperture for receiving a key therein. The lock assembly has a rotatable cam disposed at an end of the central aperture. The cam engages the key upon being rotated thereby. When it rotates, the cam engages the trigger mechanism to selectively secure the locking arm in the locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: MOVEX INNOVATION INC.
    Inventors: Martin Simard, Marc-Andre Lefebvre, Fabien Lavoie, Mario Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8933352
    Abstract: An electrical switch cover that restricts access to the enclosed switch actuator is placed over the existing electrical switch and is held in place against the existing electrical switch using the existing hardware. Actuation of the existing switch is provided through a removable cap located on the cover. When the cap of the present invention is removed restricted access is further achieved by dimensioning the opening that is revealed when the cap is removed such that the depth into which one must reach into the cover to affect the switch actuator exceeds the physical ability of a typical small child yet is within the abilities of a typical adult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Philip Onni Jarvinen, Kathleen Mary Jarvinen
  • Publication number: 20140374223
    Abstract: An air circuit breaker with a self-locking function, includes: an air circuit breaker body; wherein the air circuit breaker further includes an input unit for inputting a locking code or an unlocking code; an authentication processing unit for receiving the locking code or the unlocking code from the input unit and outputting a control signal after authenticating; and a locking unit for receiving the control signal from the authentication processing unit and locking or unlocking the air circuit breaker body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jiasheng Wan
  • Publication number: 20140332355
    Abstract: The present invention is a childproof electrical switch cover that prevents children from operating the enclosed toggle or rocker electrical switch but allows adults to do so. The childproof cover is placed over the existing electrical switch to be protected and is held firmly in place against the existing electrical switch using the same hardware previously used to hold the existing electrical switch firmly against its support structure: the childproof electric switch cover and the wall switch that it is placed upon forming a protected volume that is not accessible to children attempting to actuate the electrical switch. Access by adults to the existing switch is provided thru removable childproof caps located on the childproof cover. When the childproof cap of the present invention is removed by an adult, the cover remains childproof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Philip Onni Jarvinen, Kathleen Mary Jarvinen
  • Patent number: 8853573
    Abstract: A device is disclosed including a removable cover of a housing of an electrical switch and a handle. In at least one embodiment, the handle, by way of its position, switches the electrical switch between different states. Further, the handle is connected to the housing and the handle includes a contour which is embodied, at least in one position of the handle, to interact with the cover for locking the removable cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg-Uwe Dahl, Katja Manthey
  • Patent number: 8796568
    Abstract: A switching assembly having an interlock device for a selector switch is provided. The interlock device includes a flapper member rotatably coupled to a base member. The flapper member has an aperture disposed proximate to an aperture of a panel such that the selector switch extends through the apertures. The flapper member further includes an indented region and has a first operational position proximate to the panel and a second operational position disposed outwardly from the panel. When an arm portion of the selector switch is disposed within the indented region of the flapper member at the second rotational position and the flapper member is rotated to the second operational position, then the arm portion cannot be rotated outside of the indented region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jacek Stanislaw Mrowiec, Przemyslaw Eugeniusz Cieply, Marcin Piotr Lagiewka, Rafal Marek Mrotek
  • Patent number: 8648269
    Abstract: A electrically operated blocking device used to block the operation of electrical or mechanical equipment without using a system of deadbolt locks, keys, and electrically operated key traps. The electrically operated blocking device preferably includes a blocking shaft used to block the operation of electrical equipment such as, e.g., switches, circuit breakers and other similar electrical equipment, or mechanical equipment such as, e.g., valves, cams, gears, doors or any moving device or device operator, and preferably includes a keyless solenoid release unit (KSRU) used to control a plunger that locks the blocking shaft into place and unlocks the blocking shaft to allow the blocking shaft to move freely along its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Steele, Nathan R. Riemer, Matthew A. Balmer
  • Patent number: 8586886
    Abstract: A switch mechanism includes a support structure and an electric switch having an activator moveable between a first position where the electric switch is ON and a second position where the electric switch is OFF. A cam is connected to a first actuator, moveably mounted on the support structure, so that movement of the first actuator results in movement of the cam. A bar is connected to a second actuator, moveably mounted on the support structure, so that movement of the second actuator results in movement of the bar. The cam engages the activator so that movement of the cam by movement of the first actuator results in the activator moving between its two positions. The bar engages the activator so that movement of the bar by movement of the second actuator results in the activator moving between its two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Uwe Nemetz, Stefan Sell
  • Publication number: 20130284570
    Abstract: An appliance has an operating unit with an actuating element for triggering a pre-determined action. The actuating element is mechanically actuatable by force of a user. The actuating element is preferably a mechanically actuatable switch and/or key element. A touch-sensitive sensor is built into the actuating element, for detecting skin contact occurring as a result of the exertion of force for the mechanical actuation of the actuating element. The appliance is also embodied in such a way that, as a requirement for triggering the pre-determined actions, it is checked whether the actuating element is actuated and skin contact is detected by the touch-sensitive sensor. The appliance prevents defective actuations by associating touch-sensitive sensor technology with the mechanically actuatable actuating element. This ensures that mechanical actuation without skin contact does trigger the predetermined action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Daniela Fertl, Fritjof Kaiser, Ines Steinke
  • Patent number: 8528161
    Abstract: A cleaning appliance is capable of performing two or more cleaning functions. The cleaning appliance may include a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner such that a user can vacuum a floor prior to steam cleaning the floor. Various manual switching arrangements may be used as part of controlling the cleaning appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Ognjen Vrdoljak, Oliver Rudolph Breit, Aviva Rosenzweig
  • Patent number: 8511399
    Abstract: A hammer drill, in particular a chipper comprises: a body having at least one support handle; an electric motor mounted within the body; an electric switch, capable of being switched on and off by a trigger button connected to it, to activate or deactivate respectively the electric motor, wherein the trigger button is moveable between two positions, a first position where the electric switch is off and a second position where the electric switch is on; a locking arm moveably mounted on the electric switch which, when the trigger button is located in its second position, is moveable between two positions, a first position where it is disengaged from the trigger button and a second position where it engages with the trigger button and holds the trigger button in its second position. When the locking arm is in its second position it causes the hammer to remain switch on even if the operator removes their fingers from the trigger button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kunz
  • Patent number: 8429942
    Abstract: A vehicle starter switch device including a cylinder, a rotor rotatable in the cylinder to a plurality of rotational positions including a first position and a second position, an ignition switch connected to the rotor, and a restriction mechanism that restricts and permits the rotation of the rotor. The restriction mechanism includes a single solenoid that restricts rotation of the rotor from the first position to the second position when de-energized. The solenoid also permits rotation of the rotor from the second position to the first position when de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masashi Kakizaki
  • Patent number: 8408031
    Abstract: An operation restricting device for an ignition switch includes a body including a turning restriction portion at a first position and a second portion, a rotor rotatably disposed in the body, a locking pin held movably in a turning plane of the rotor by the rotor, for restricting a first turn of the rotor from the second position to the first position, and a second turn of the rotor from the first position to the second position, the first turn and the second turn being opposite to each other, and a plate disposed movably or immovably in a movement plane of the locking pin, for permitting the first turn and the second turn of the rotor by switching an actuator. The turning restriction portion at the second position includes a turning lever to turn in the turning plane of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventor: Takahiro Hirashita
  • Patent number: 8383968
    Abstract: A lever switch for safe breaking of a circuit of an exercise apparatus includes two conductive copper pieces spaced apart and stably received within a housing by means of elastic pieces. A rotatable cylinder with two journals is positioned in the area of the contact portions of the conductive copper pieces within the housing. Moreover, a rectangular piece is provided at one side of the rotatable cylinder such that the contact portions of the conductive copper pieces are just clampable to the top and bottom ends of the rectangular piece. In addition, the middle portion of the conductive copper pieces is inwardly bent to form corresponding conductive contact surfaces. As a result, an insertion lever may fit into the body of the rotatable cylinder for in-place-moving the rotatable cylinder such that the rectangular piece is turned to bring the conductive contact surfaces of the conductive copper pieces in an electric disconnection or connection state for safe breaking and making of a circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • 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: 8330584
    Abstract: An inexpensive remote control that provides an easy means to block the function of trouble-prone keys. In one embodiment, the user presses the selected key for a short time to place that key into the locked mode. In another embodiment, the user presses a LOCK key and then presses the selected key to place that key into the locked mode. To change the key back to the unlocked mode, the same process is repeated. A LED can flash when a locked key is pressed to alert the user that the key is locked. Means to automatically lock a preferred set of keys and means to unlock all keys can also be provided. A key's function is blocked by either not sending a signal from the remote or by sending a unique lock code. No changes to components or manufacturing processes of existing remotes or controlled devices are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: John Pfanstiehl
  • Patent number: 8253044
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes at least one pole; a plurality of first terminals; a plurality of second terminals; a plurality of pairs of separable contacts; and a plurality of field-configurable jumpers. Each of the plurality of field-configurable jumpers electrically connects two of the pairs of separable contacts in series. Each of the plurality of field-configurable jumpers are electrically connected to: (a) two of the first terminals, (b) two of the first terminals or (c) two of the second terminals; or one of the first terminals and one of the second terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Beatty, Jr., Xin Zhou
  • Patent number: 8173914
    Abstract: A lockable safety switch mechanism having a lockable switch mechanism that cooperates in an offset or skewed manner with an electrical switch. The lockable switch mechanism includes a switch plunger that is displaceable along a predetermined axis between a first position and a second position. A contour is formed along the switch plunger and cooperates with one or more locking mechanisms. A fork cooperates with the locking mechanism so as to selectively interfere with free movement of the switch plunger depending on the interaction between the contour and the locking mechanism. A link extends from one of the locking mechanism and the fork and interacts with a plunger of an electrical switch contact carrier so that an axis of movement of the switch plunger can be offset or skewed relative to an axis of movement of the electrical switch plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventor: Julian Poyner
  • Publication number: 20120090966
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing a capability to prevent an automatic transfer switch from automatically switching from a primary to a secondary power source are illustrated. The automatic transfer switch includes a transfer inhibitor that is configured to receive a transfer inhibit signal. In response to receiving the transfer inhibit signal, a switching logic is configured to prevent a contactor of the automatic transfer switch from automatically connecting the secondary source to a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Todd Matthew LATHROP
  • Patent number: 8089011
    Abstract: A control mechanism includes a control, a mounting plate, and a printed circuit board. The control includes a rotary main body, a contact member connected to the rotary main body, and at least one limiting protrusion extending from a side of the rotary main body. The mounting plate includes a through hole receiving the control, and a blocking portion extending from an inner surface of the through hole. The blocking portion defines at least one cutout. The printed circuit board includes a resilient contact. The at least one limiting protrusion is blocked by the blocking portion until the rotary main body is rotated to a portion whereby the at least one limiting protrusion aligns with the at least one cutout, such that the contact member impels the resilient contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Jun Wang
  • Publication number: 20110278140
    Abstract: A vehicle starter switch device including a cylinder, a rotor rotatable in the cylinder to a plurality of rotational positions including a first position and a second position, an ignition switch connected to the rotor, and a restriction mechanism that restricts and permits the rotation of the rotor. The restriction mechanism includes a single solenoid that restricts rotation of the rotor from the first position to the second position when de-energized. The solenoid also permits rotation of the rotor from the second position to the first position when de-energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Masashi KAKIZAKI
  • Patent number: 8017880
    Abstract: An operating head (11) for a safety switch (100) includes a key-operated cam mechanism (12) and a plunger (27) contacting the cam mechanism (12) and extending from the cam mechanism (12). In the safety switch (100), the plunger (27) is displaceable between first and second positions responsive to the cam mechanism (12). The safety switch (100) further includes at least one securing member (127) interacting with the plunger (27) and displaceable between a locked and a released position. When the securing member (127) is in the released position, movement of the plunger (27) is allowed. When the plunger (27) is in the second position, the securing member (127) is displaced from the released position to the locked position, which secures the plunger (27) in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Eisenhower, Jr., Jeffrey S. Hall
  • Publication number: 20110198200
    Abstract: A method of restricting small children from accessing a standard household light switch. Existing light switch guard designs require extra steps to allow access to the light switch, such as using a key or pushing a button to lock and unlock the device, or unscrewing a screw to allow repositioning of the switch guard to lock the light switch in the on or off position. The childproof light switch guard restricts small children from accessing a standard household light switch while remaining fully functional to adults by nature of the anatomical differences between a child's hand and an adult's hand without pushing any buttons, moving any parts, locking and unlocking, or removal and repositioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: MIHALY ARPAD DRABIK
  • Patent number: 7956301
    Abstract: A tamper protection device for an electrical switching device including a housing and a panel for at least one control element. The tamper protection device a protection cap configured to prevent unwanted operation or tampering of the control element when in position on the housing and a seal retainer configured to block the protection cap from being removed from the covering position when the seal retainer and protection cap are connected by a secured seal wire thereby forming a sealed unit. Each of the protection cap and the seal retainer are releasably connectable to the housing. When the protection cap and seal retainer are secured as the sealed unit it is non-releasably connectable to the housing by an interlocking connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Lankuttis, Claudia Pleikies
  • Publication number: 20110073445
    Abstract: A control mechanism includes a control, a mounting plate, and a printed circuit board. The control includes a rotary main body, a contact member connected to the rotary main body, and at least one limiting protrusion extending from a side of the rotary main body. The mounting plate includes a through hole receiving the control, and a blocking portion extending from an inner surface of the through hole. The blocking portion defines at least one cutout. The printed circuit board includes a resilient contact. The at least one limiting protrusion is blocked by the blocking portion until the rotary main body is rotated to a portion whereby the at least one limiting protrusion aligns with the at least one cutout, such that the contact member impels the resilient contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventor: WEI-JUN WANG
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100140358
    Abstract: The device of the present invention, having at least one activation button, is further equipped with a sensor adapted to detect conditions under which unintentional triggering of the activation button is likely. The sensor is operatively coupled with the activation button to suspend its effect when the target conditions are being detected. The undesired side-effects of false button activations, including battery drain and activation counter drift, are thus avoided, increasing the device's lifespan and user convenience. In a particular embodiment, the sensor is a decoy button located near the activation button, which serves to de-activate the activation button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: VASCO DATA SECURITY, INC.
    Inventor: Guy Louis Couck
  • Patent number: 7728238
    Abstract: At least one plug is selectively fit into the plug-fitting portions 12A1 to 12A8, and then a plurality of kinds of data consisting of five bits configuration are obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Shimizu, Hiroshi Takahira
  • Publication number: 20100051425
    Abstract: A coil bobbin to which an immobilizer coil is mounted, coil connecting terminals to which ends of the coil are connected, a fixed contact, a terminal for the fixed contact and connector terminals are integrally formed by resin molding into a coil bobbin integrated type insulator. Then, the coil connecting terminals, the terminal for the fixed contact, and the connector terminals are respectively soldered to a wiring board. All of them are incorporated in a body. In this manner, stress exerted on the soldered areas between the coil connecting terminals and the wiring board can be moderated to the substantially same extent as stress exerted on the soldered areas between the terminal for the fixed contact and the connector terminals, and the wiring board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Toshiaki Imai, Koji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7667149
    Abstract: A safety switch is provided which is increased in durability and which offers a high degree of freedom of mounting the safety switch to place. A switch body has a rectangular solid shape. An actuator entrance hole is formed at one of the opposite corner portions of the switch body whereas a cable lead-out port is formed at the other corner portion, whereby the safety switch is increased in the degree of mounting freedom. Thus is offered a wider choice of place to mount the safety switch. The switch body is formed with only one actuator entrance hole so that the safety switch is prevented from suffering failure caused by foreign substances invading through an actuator entrance hole left unused. In addition, a driving cam may be formed with an engaging portion and a cam curve portion in spaced relation so that the driving cam is configured to be free from an area having poor strength. Thus, the driving cam is increased in strength. This leads to the increased durability of the safety switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: IDEC Corporation
    Inventors: Etsurou Komori, Takao Fukui, Takeo Yasui, Masaki Nobuhiro
  • Patent number: 7632460
    Abstract: A test kit for determining the presence of one or more analytes in a fluid sample, including an assay device together with a reading device which engages with the assay device and wherein precisely located engagement of the assay device with the reading device is essential for accurate reading of the assay result, where precisely located engagement of the assay device with the reading device causes a ‘lock-and-key’ interaction between the assay device and reading initiation means of the reading device. Preferably the reading initiation means includes switch actuating means including at least one fixed projecting portion and at least one displaceable projecting portion, and a contact portion of the assay device casing includes a recess shaped to accommodate the fixed projecting portion of the switch actuating means but not the displaceable projecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Inverness Medical Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Catt, Peter Lenko, Michael T. Pearson
  • Patent number: 7629543
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling reverse mow condition in a tractor comprises a switch assembly having an ignition switch that is rotatable through a plurality of positions, a housing for supporting the ignition switch, and an actuator movably located in the housing. The enabling of a reverse mow condition is achieved by displacing the actuator from a rest position to two separate and distinct positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Kahnert
  • Patent number: 7551047
    Abstract: A receptacle including a front surface including one or more slots for receiving contact blades; a rear surface including one or more terminals for connecting the contact blades to a power source, the one or more terminals being line terminals and load terminals; a shutter positioned between the front surface and the rear surface of the receptacle, the shutter configured to be misaligned in relation to the one or more slots in order to obstruct a direct path between the contact blades and the one or more terminals, wherein insertion of an object in the one or more slots causes displacement of the shutter; and a shutter lock operatively connected in the receptacle to receive power from the power source connected to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Sokolow, Edward Bazayev
  • Patent number: 7531760
    Abstract: A locking apparatus is for a circuit breaker including an enclosure having an opening with two sides and two ends, and two apertures on each of the sides proximate the ends. An operating mechanism includes a pivotal operating handle disposed through the opening. The operating handle includes a first position proximate one end of the opening and a second position proximate the other end of the opening. The locking apparatus is disposable proximate one of the ends of the opening. The locking apparatus includes a housing and a spring member interlocked with the housing. The spring member includes a first end and an opposite second end retained by the enclosure at the apertures at one of the ends when the operating handle is in the second position, or retained by the enclosure at the other apertures at the other of the ends when the handle is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Whipple, Luis E. Betances
  • Publication number: 20090050450
    Abstract: A computer device includes a keyboard connected electrically to a main module. The keyboard is operable between a lock mode, where the keyboard is inhibited from outputting a scan code signal, and an unlock mode, where the keyboard is enabled to output a scan code signal corresponding to a pressed one of keys of the keyboard. When one of the keys of the keyboard is pressed while the keyboard is operated in the lock mode, the keyboard provides a control signal to an input/output interface unit of the main module for controlling generation of an indication output. A method of performing keyboard lock in the computer device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Chun-Pin CHENG
  • Publication number: 20080257693
    Abstract: A lens-fitted photo film unit includes a front cover which covers an outside of a main body. A flash light source is secured to the main body. A sliding mechanism for switching is kept slidable on the main body, for generating a signal to actuate the flash light source. A button projection is formed to project from the sliding mechanism, and positioned externally through an opening of the front cover. A positioning projection is formed on an inside of the front cover, has an engaging surface oriented crosswise to a sliding direction of the sliding mechanism. A lock arm is disposed on the sliding mechanism, has a contact surface for engagement with the engaging surface, to lock the sliding mechanism. When the button projection is pressed toward the main body, the sliding mechanism is deformed flexibly, and unlocked by disengagement of the lock arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shintaro Tadokoro
  • Publication number: 20080251360
    Abstract: At least one plug is selectively fit into the plug-fitting portions 12A1 to 12A8, and then a plurality of kinds of data consisting of five bits configuration are obtainable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Osamu Shimizu, Hiroshi Takahira
  • Patent number: 7408126
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide a protective cover over one or more switches on an electronic device. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device includes a housing having a first perforation and a switch coupled to the housing. A switch cover may be placed over the switch to prevent operation of the switch, with the switch cover having a second perforation that aligns with the first perforation of the housing. A locking mechanism may be inserted at least partially through the first and second perforations to lock the switch cover to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin Y. Liu, Manrique Brenes
  • Patent number: 7405371
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for a manual actuation device of a switchboard plant has a trigger mechanism that is activated by an absence of a backup or a defective backup, and a locking mechanism for the manual actuation device. The locking mechanism is coupled to the trigger mechanism and is transferable by the trigger mechanism from a first position releasing the manual actuation device into a second position locking the manual actuation device. The locking apparatus has a simple and cost-effective construction, it is proposed that the locking mechanism has a cover plate which is displaceable between two positions by the trigger mechanism and which, in its first position, blocks a lever configuration under tensile force, of the locking mechanism and, in its second position, releases the lever configuration in order to lock the manual actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Clemens Albert, Markus Hornbach