Removable Actuator Patents (Class 200/43.04)
  • Patent number: 11087933
    Abstract: To prevent incoincidence of contacts, a safety switch switches the contacts by cooperation of an actuator and a switch body. The switch body includes an operating cam and a locking cam that rotate due to insertion of the actuator, an operating rod that switches the contact according to rotation of the operating cam, and a locking lever that is movable toward and away from the locking cam such that the locking lever takes a lock position in which it locks rotation of the locking cam and an unlock position in which it unlocks rotation of the locking cam. The locking lever includes a bulge protruding toward the locking cam. A cam contact surface of the locking lever contacts the locking cam when the actuator moves in a drawing-out direction in an intermediate position between the lock position and the unlock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: IDEC Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuhiro Watanabe, Masatake Yamano
  • Patent number: 11015370
    Abstract: An escape release mechanism that serves as a supplementary means for unlocking a solenoid-driven locking switch. The escape release mechanism comprises a knobbed escape release switch that can be pressed by an operator from inside a protected industrial area to override the solenoid-driven lock. In response to a single-direction linear movement of the escape release key, a pin extends from the escape release mechanism in a direction orthogonal to the escape release key's linear movement. This forward movement causes the pin to displace the locking bolt of the locking switch. As the single-direction linear movement of the escape release key continues, the pin retracts from the locking switch out of the path of the locking tongue, allowing the tongue to be removed. In this way, the pin is both extended and retracted in response to a single-direction linear action by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Girish S. Mali, Terry Hayward, Derek W. Jones
  • Patent number: 10807567
    Abstract: A computer is programmed to receive, via a vehicle wireless receiver, a wireless signal from a mobile device, and determine a presence of the mobile device within a distance of the vehicle. The computer is programmed to classify a movement of the mobile device based at least on the determined device presence, and actuate a vehicle component based on the determined device presence and the classified movement of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, James J. Surman
  • Patent number: 10415269
    Abstract: A lock cylinder including a plug, a plurality of key followers, a sensor assembly structured to sense positions of the key followers, and a controller in communication with the sensor assembly. The plug includes a keyway and a plurality of plug tumbler shafts. Each of the key followers is movably seated in a corresponding one of the plug tumbler shafts and includes a sensor interface. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of sensors, each of which includes at least one sensing region. Each of the key followers is associated with one of the sensors via an associative link formed between the sensor interface and the corresponding sensing region. The sensors are structured to generate an output signal indicative of the transverse position of the associated key follower, and the controller is structured to select and perform actions based upon the output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Douglas A. Holmes, Aaron P. McKibben, Sundar R. D. Vasudevan, Anoop N. M. Dutt
  • Patent number: 10141674
    Abstract: Tamper resistant cartridges for electrical devices are provided. The tamper resistant cartridges include a housing and one or more tamper resistant assemblies configured to normally block access to electrical contacts with the electrical device, and to permit access to such electrical contacts when the line phase prongs of a plug are inserted into the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas L. Scanzillo, Edward Bazayev, Jason Zachary Walker
  • Patent number: 10048596
    Abstract: An method for generating illuminating radiation in an illumination apparatus for use in an inspection apparatus for use in lithographic processes is described. A driving radiation beam is provided that comprises a plurality of radiation pulses. The beam is split into first and second pluralities of driving radiation pulses. Each plurality of driving radiation pulses has a controllable characteristic. The first and second pluralities may be used to generate an illuminating radiation beam with an output wavelength spectrum. The first and second controllable characteristics are controlled so as to control first and second portions respectively of the output wavelength spectrum of the illuminating radiation beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Nan Lin, Sander Bas Roobol, Simon Gijsbert Josephus Mathijssen
  • Patent number: 10008343
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a safety interlock door switch tool are disclosed. An example embodiment includes: support posts having a top end and a bottom end; base elements coupled to the bottom end of the support posts, an attachment mechanism being coupled to the base elements; a grip element coupled to the top end of the support posts; and a plurality of switch depression surfaces formed between the support posts, each of the plurality of switch depression surfaces being configured to engage and activate a particular type of safety interlock door switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Glenn Michael Julian
  • Patent number: 9153398
    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: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventors: Simon Hudson, Derek W. Jones
  • Patent number: 9104226
    Abstract: A rocker button switch device of a dog leash includes: an outer shell, a line wheel, a button, a locking slider, an unlocking slider, and a translation slider, wherein the button is mounted in a corresponding groove on the outer shell, the button is a rocker button, and able to rotate about a rocker central axle, two ends of the button respectively contact the locking slider and the unlocking slider directly and slidingly, for driving the locking slider and the unlocking slider to move up and down, the translation slider includes a translation spring, the translation slider and the unlocking slider push each other by inclined plane sliding, and the translation slider and the locking slider are locked together via a buckle. The rocker button switch device of the dog leash is simple in movement, convenient to use, and stable in performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Fuyou Shi
  • Patent number: 8969746
    Abstract: The present invention, in at least one embodiment, relates to a safety switch with a hold-closed function, having a plunger element, which is held such that it can move, for positive opening and closing of contact elements, at least one locking element for locking and unlocking the plunger element, and a housing. At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for positive opening and closing of contact elements of a safety switch with a hold-closed function, and to the use of a safety switch such as this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Puri, Joachim Seidl
  • Publication number: 20150045948
    Abstract: A robotic lawnmower 1 is provided, having a deactivated state, a stand by state and an activated state. A removable disabling device 3 is arranged to be positioned in a first, a second, and a third position in a retainer 5 of the robotic lawnmower 1. The first position constitutes an off position in which the robotic lawnmower 1 is in a deactivated state. The second position constitutes a stand by position in which the robotic lawnmower 1 is in a stand by state. The third position constitutes an on position in which the robotic lawnmower 1 is in an activated state. The present invention also relates to a disabling device 3 arranged to be positioned in a retainer 5 of a robotic lawnmower 1 according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Jonathan Björn, Patrik Jägenstedt
  • 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: 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
  • 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: 8445798
    Abstract: A cover for mounting to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) electronic device, the USB electronic device includes a shell defining an opening and a USB connector exposed at the opening. The USB connector includes a GND pin and an ID pin. The cover includes a main body and an elastomeric push button; the main body engagably attaches to the shell and covers the opening; the elastomeric push button is formed on the main body and is configured for powering on or off the USB electronic device; the elastomeric push button includes two metal pins connected with each other and configured for short-circuiting the GND pin to the ID pin when the elastomeric push button is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Jun Jiang, Chun-Wei Pan, Gang Wang, Hui Yuan
  • Patent number: 8431844
    Abstract: A switch device for implementing a power-on process for a portable electronic device includes a switch having a protrusion, a switch socket installed in the portable electronic device including a slot utilized for embedding the switch and a conducting portion for outputting a trigger signal while the protrusion is electrically connected to the conducting portion, and a trigger identification unit for starting the portable electronic device according to the trigger signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Yung-Feng Chen
  • Publication number: 20130048475
    Abstract: A self-locking ignition switch for engagement with a lock housing driver of a motor vehicle having a key activated ignition system. The ignition switch includes a switch mechanism that is moveable between multiple key positions. The switch mechanism is enclosed within a casing, and the casing including a collar extending from a side wall of the casing and terminating at a distal end. The collar further has portions defining an interference and portions defining a side opening extending from the distal end toward the side wall of the casing. A slide member positioned within the collar and biased by a biasing member so as to engage the interference. Engagement between the interference and the slide member forms a lockout that fixes the switch mechanism in an installation configuration and prevents movement of the portions of the switch mechanism between the multiple key positions prior to installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Donald J. Siler, Vincent C. Mercier
  • 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: 8299379
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a main body and a stylus. The main body includes a shell and a reset button received in the shell. A sidewall of the shell defines a through hole. The reset button includes a pressing pole received in the through hole. The pressing pole is concave with respect to an outer surface of the shell. The stylus is operable to be inserted into the through hole to press the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bin Jiang, Man-Zhong Wang, Te-Hua Lee
  • 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: 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: 8207458
    Abstract: An article with circuit actuating capability includes a first article part [13], a second article part [11] formed with a pocket [101] and linked to the first article part such that the first and second article parts being movable relative to each other, the pocket having an access opening [113], and a circuit [2] built in the pocket in the second article part and accessible through the access opening of the pocket for controlling circuit states of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jen-Lin Chen, Han-Chao Chang
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8148653
    Abstract: A domestic appliance for treating laundered articles including a container for receiving laundered articles, which can be introduced into the container via a loading opening that can be closed by a door, and a door contact switch that is actuated as a function of a door position in order to interrupt a treatment process of the laundered articles, wherein the door contact switch is arranged on a substrate, which supports electronic control devices of the domestic appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Guido Sattler, Andreas Ziemann
  • Patent number: 8148654
    Abstract: A switchgear assembly is disclosed wherein to combine individual functions to form a standardized unit, without deviating from known technology, electrical cabling between the electrical functional components of the switchgear assembly can be replaced by a wiring in a box. The electrical components can each be connected directly to the box by a bundle of bound cables. Another embodiment includes a coding plug for being plugged from the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Karl-Michael Schmidt, Ralf Henke, Sven Wehrmann
  • 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: 8076597
    Abstract: An actuator is disclosed for actuating a safety switch. In at least one embodiment, the actuator includes a fixing element, an actuating element, and a connection arrangement for connecting the elements. A technical method is disclosed which proposes a universally applicable and low-cost activator. To this end, in at least one embodiment, the connection arrangement is implemented with at least one elastic element, which is pretensioned by way of at least one pretensioning element. Due in particular to the internal mounting of the pretensioning element inside the elastic element, a very simple and robust structure of the connection arrangement is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Puri, Joachim Seidl
  • 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: 8035045
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an inverter (1), comprising a casing (8) as well as at least one casing cover (2), said casing cover (2) being mechanically engaged with a safety plug (10), said safety plug (10) being in electrical connection with at least the one load-current circuit located on the DC side, the inverter being switched off or disconnected at least from the DC-side load-current circuit after removal of the safety plug from the casing (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Sven Bremicker, Andreas Donth, Manfred Dach, Matthias Victor
  • Patent number: 8022318
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for the overall handling of removable controls for an electrical device including the installation and removal of controls from a base or other housing portion of the overall device, e.g. an overhead switch utilized in electrical power distribution/transmission. The arrangement includes facilities for selectively securing or releasing the controls with respect to cooperating housing portions of the device. An operating member is provided with provisions for cooperating with the controls for securing and releasing the control with respect to the operating member. In a preferred arrangement, the controls have separate control functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: James F. Fargo, Joseph P. Moninski, Joel A. Ramos
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 7943872
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to an electrical installation unit for making contact with electrical loads, wherein the installation unit has at least two contact elements. In at least one embodiment, an installation unit is disclosed in which an electrical connection provided between the two contact elements is necessarily interrupted when the installation unit is dismantled. In at least one embodiment, the installation unit includes at least one device for interrupting the conductive connection leading to the contact elements when the installation unit is dismantled. This at least one device, in at least one embodiment, includes two connecting elements in a switching element of the installation unit and, for example, a contact pin consisting of a conductive material, which produces a conductive connection between the connecting elements in a properly installed state of the installation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Josef Scherl
  • Patent number: 7939771
    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 portion of the conductive copper pieces within the housing. The rotatable cylinder is provided with a contact polygon at one side thereof such that the contact portion of the rotatable cylinder is constantly clamped at the top and bottom ends of the contact polygon. A conductive wire is embedded within the contact polygon. 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 contact polygon is turned to be detached from the conductive wire or to be in contact with the contact portion of the conductive copper pieces for safe breaking and making of a circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Leao 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
  • Patent number: 7866195
    Abstract: A door lock indicator device is disclosed. The door lock indicator device can include a rotatable portion, a lock status display, and a switch (e.g., a button). The rotatable portion can define an opening shaped to receive a key blade. The door lock indicator device can be installed on a face of a door lock with the opening aligned with a keyhole of the door lock. Rotating a key blade within a keyway of the door lock can cause the rotatable portion to rotate with the door lock's cylinder. The lock status display can include a first indicator light and a second indicator light. Activating the switch can cause the lock status display to indicate a direction of a most recent rotation of the rotatable portion and/or a locked or unlocked status of the associated door lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Levine
  • Patent number: 7709756
    Abstract: A safety switch assembly includes a body constructed to be mounted in a support structure and generally enclose the operative structure of the safety switch. The safety switch assembly includes an actuator constructed to pass through one of the support structure or the base to operatively engage the operative structure of the safety switch to control the safety switches electrical orientation to communicate or terminate communication of electrical power to a device equipped with the safety switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventors: Julian Poyner, Burt Sacherski
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090321226
    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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Gary Eisenhower, Jr., Jeffrey S. Hall
  • Patent number: 7633029
    Abstract: A safety switch capable of detecting withdrawal of an actuator from a switch main unit in a sure and reliable manner even when the safely switch, including a lock mechanism, is in a locked condition and an attempt is made to forcibly withdraw the actuator from the switch main unit. Even when a drive cam becomes capable of rotation since not less than one of a notch cut-out section and a lock member is broken by forcibly extracting an actuator with rotation of the drive cam locked, a cam curve section of the drive cam and an operating rod are in a normal condition and free of breakage. Accordingly, if the drive cam rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, normally-closed contacts of a contact section adopt an open condition normally, and even in situations where the actuator is withdrawn from the switch main unit with a force equal to or greater than the fracture strength of the safety switch, withdrawal of the actuator from the switch main unit can be detected in a sure and reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: IDEC Corporation
    Inventors: Etsurou Komori, Takao Fukui, Norifumi Obata, Takeo Yasui
  • Patent number: 7605335
    Abstract: A position switch is disclosed, with a plunger. In at least one embodiment, the plunger can be moved, via an actuator, from a rest position to an operating position by way of a first rotatable locking element. A second rotatable locking element is usable to block the first rotatable locking element by way of the plunger. A position switch is specified, which separates the actuating mechanism for a switch unit from the holding-shut mechanism and, in doing so, guarantees reliable holding-shut, which manages with a low number of components. Here, the plunger is designed to contact an active surface of the first locking element in the operating position and to contact an active surface of the second locking element in the rest position. The first locking element is able to block the second locking element by way of the plunger and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Hiltl, Werner Puri, Joachim Seidl, Rudolf Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20090223784
    Abstract: The invention relates to an isolating switch system. The isolating switch system includes an isolating switch for interrupting a main line running between an electric power source and an electric consumer. The isolation switch is controlled in dependence on an ignition switch. The isolating switch system includes a signal generating unit, a signal detector unit and a signal processing unit. The signal generating device generates an electric signal that can be fed to the electric consumer and conducted to the ignition switch. The electric signal, in dependence on a switching state of the ignition switch can be conducted to the signal detector unit via a conduction path. The signal processing unit, upon detection of the electric signal, causes the isolation switching system to open or close the main circuit line. The electric signal generated by the signal generating unit is a pulsed signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Norbert Weber
  • Patent number: 7563995
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement includes a first mounting that is attachable to a first support structure and configured to cooperate with one of a safety switch and a safety switch actuator and a second mounting configured to cooperate with the other of the safety switch and the safety switch actuator. The first and second mountings provide variable guided interaction between the first and second mountings and thereby provided variable guided interaction between the safety switch and the safety switch actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventor: Derek Jones
  • Patent number: 7504597
    Abstract: A key switch has a switch part and an operating part. The switch part is activated to switch contact points as an operating key is inserted. The operating part includes a driver cam that rotates as it is pushed by the operating key and to activate the switch part and a plurality of lock cams configured to directly lock the driver cam in a normal condition when the operating key is pulled out of the operating part and to rotate as it is pushed by the operating key so as to release the driver cam from its locked condition. The key switch may further include lock cam holder for holding the lock cams in the normal condition when the operating key is pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Shimazu, Shunkichi Sasaki, Hidemitsu Takenaka, Tetsuya Fukumoto, Shinya Yamamoto, Shinya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7456368
    Abstract: In order to perform maintenance of a working robot, a worker pulls a handle of a slider and moves the slider backward to thereby withdraw a slider fitting portion from a fitting hole portion and withdraw an actuator from an operating portion of a door switch. In this case, a key inserted into a key hole of a lock is rotated through 90° to vertically orient an interference protruding portion to thereby prevent fitting of the slider fitting portion into the fitting hole portion. Only in this state, the key can be withdrawn from the key hole of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Fukumoto, Yoichi Shude, Shigeki Nakanishi, Shunkichi Sasaki, Hidemitsu Takenaka, Kenji Shimazu
  • Patent number: 7442888
    Abstract: A safety lock as taught herein comprises first and second members and is configured to lockably mount to an interlock switch. In one or more embodiments, the second member slidably couples to the first member and slides between a disengaged position that allows for mounting and an engaged position that engages a corresponding switch actuator opening in the interlock switch. In at least one embodiment, the second member projects through an opening in the first member into engagement. The first and second members may include corresponding lock openings, allowing the second member to be locked into the engaged position. In at least one embodiment, the first member conforms at least partially to the exterior of the interlock switch, e.g., it spans at least one exterior corner of the interlock switch. The first member may include an engagement finger to engage a corresponding switch actuator opening of the interlock switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Scientific Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J Puddicombe, II, Joseph David Borjon
  • Patent number: 7429708
    Abstract: A safety switch that includes a body, a number of contacts, a movable plunger, a signal emitter, and a signal detector. The signal emitter and signal detector are positioned proximate the plunger and configured to assess the operability of the safety switch. The plunger is configured to selectively allow or prevent passage of a signal emitted from the signal emitter toward the signal detector depending on a position of the plunger. Control circuitry in connection with the signal detector is arranged to generate a control signal based on the detection of the emitted signal and configured to control operation of the safety switch independent of the relative position of the number of contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: EJA, Limited
    Inventors: Julian Poyner, James E. Dogul, Burt Sacherski