Removable Actuator Patents (Class 200/43.04)
  • Patent number: 7394036
    Abstract: A radial latching mechanism for engaging a safety switch is described. The radial latching mechanism includes an actuator holder, and an actuator for engaging the safety switch, attached to the actuator holder in a predetermined orientation relative to the holder. The mechanism has a body for supporting the actuator holder, and a first radial member extending between and pivotally connected by respective pivot points to both the body and the actuator holder. The radial latching mechanism further includes a second radial member extending between and pivotally connected by respective pivot points to both the body and the actuator holder. Each pivot point has a pivot axis, all of the pivot axes being substantially parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: EJA, Limited
    Inventor: Frank A. Aartsen
  • Patent number: 7351924
    Abstract: A key switch is disclosed, including a key channel for receiving a key and including a key-insertion-dependent switching mechanism. The switching mechanism exhibits a device for key monitoring. A key switch is specified which can be inexpensively manufactured and exhibits additional security-related options. For this purpose, the key switch exhibits a device for key monitoring which exhibits a quasi-rigid system arranged axially in the key channel, which are provided for key ejection and for operating a switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Scherl, Ralf Tomaschek, Rudolf Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7339125
    Abstract: A safety switch operating mechanism having an engagement mechanism mechanically linked to a plunger and arranged to receive an actuator such that insertion of the actuator into the engagement mechanism moves the plunger to a first position and removal of the actuator from the engagement mechanism moves the plunger to a second position. The safety switch operating mechanism having a resilient member which engages with the plunger and resiliently resists movement of the plunger from the first position to the second position. The engagement of the resilient member with the plunger resists inadvertent removal of the actuator from the engagement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: EJA Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Charles Barrington Day
  • Patent number: 7335840
    Abstract: This invention is an installation of a safety apparatus to prevent safety problems of machine tools caused in work-loading process. The safety apparatus comprises an actuator, used for connecting circuits of the machine tool to control its power on-off status, and a storing unit to ensure the chuck wrench resting at a designated safe position. This safety system will activate the actuator when the chuck wrench is returned to the designated position and, therefore, it will keep the circuits of the machine tool stay active during the machining operation. On the other hand, this safety apparatus will remain in power-off status if the chuck wrench is not placed at the designated position and, therefore, it will make the power circuits open and paralyze the machine tool operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Hong-Tsu Young, Ching-Chang Liao, Ming-Shiue Jiang
  • Publication number: 20080023307
    Abstract: A safety switch plunger includes a moveable conductor which extends transversely through the plunger and protrudes from opposite sides of the plunger. The plunger is provided with a structure that is positionally fixed on the plunger. The structure is positioned such that it is arranged to come into physical contact with and affect the movement of the moveable conductor when the moveable conductor and plunger are moved relative to one another thereby providing a fail-to-safe safety switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: David Howard Kerr
  • Patent number: 7323647
    Abstract: A modular device for a telephone network interface apparatus having separate connection and plug-actuated testing compartments. The compartment for connection having at least one pair of contact wires for connection to a subscriber premises line and at least one pair of contact wires for connection to an incoming telephone company line, and an arm member mounted for insertion in the connecting compartment and into engagement with the subscriber and telephone company contact wires effecting the connection between the pair of subscriber contact wires and the pair of telephone company contact wires and for being withdrawn from the connecting compartment causing the subscriber contact wires to be disconnected from the telephone company contact wires to provide a point for demarcation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: TII Network Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Smith, Peter A. Arcati
  • Publication number: 20070295584
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention describe a control-switch (100) for an electronic device. This control-switch includes a pivot (102), a receptacle (104), a wire (106), and one or more switches such as (108) and (110). The wire couples data to the receptacle. The receptacle can receive a removable-switch interface. Further, the receptacle can move from a first position to a second position about the pivot. At the second position, one or more switches can be activated by the receptacle. Furthermore, a control circuit in the electronic device is activated at the second position by the one or more switches to modify an aspect of the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: MOTOROLA INC
    Inventors: Simone Koo, John C. Neumann
  • Patent number: 7223927
    Abstract: A locking switch assembly includes a cam, a plunger, and a locking mechanism. The cam is rotatably attached to a frame assembly and an end of the plunger is constructed to follow a contour of the cam. The plunger is movable between a plunger first position and a plunger second position. A pin is biased against the plunger and movable between a pin first position and a pin second position and locks the plunger in the plunger second position when the pin is in the pin second position. A breakable arm prevents movement of the plunger from the plunger second position to the plunger first position unless a force above a selected amount is applied to the cam when the plunger is in the plunger second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: EJA Limited
    Inventor: Julian Poyner
  • Patent number: 7214895
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a control assembly including a power source and a circuit disconnector located on a first side of a planar member forming an opening, the disconnector including a first mechanical linkage having open and closed positions, the apparatus for manipulating the mechanical linkage between the open and closed positions and visually indicating on a second side of the planar member at least a first state of the control assembly when the first state occurs, the apparatus including a handle assembly including a handle member moveable between at least first and second positions and positioned on the second side of the planar member adjacent the opening, an extension member rigidly connected to and extending from the handle member through the opening and forming a second mechanical linkage at a distal end that is linkable with the first mechanical linkage on the first side of the planar member, the extension member moving the first mechanical linkage between the closed and open positions when the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore J. Houck, III, Jeffrey John Battani
  • Patent number: 7211749
    Abstract: An electrical disconnect locking device which can be installed at the weather head of a dwelling in order to connect and disconnect electrical flow from a power source to a dwelling. The locking device comprises a housing having rotating plates than can be rotated in a first direction to matingly engage a pair of female couplings such that electrical current flows freely and that can be rotated in a second opposite direction away from the pair of female couplings such that electrical current is disconnected. The locking device includes a unique key member which is configured to engage a rotating shaft which is in connection with the rotating plates. The use of the unique key member prevents unauthorized access to the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Robert W. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7138589
    Abstract: A wireless device to be mounted on a license plate of an automobile is composed of a casing, components contained in the casing and an operating member inserted into the casing. A battery for supplying power to the components is selectively turned on or off by controlling an insertion depth of the operating member into the casing. At an initial depth, the power supply is turned on for testing the wireless device at a manufacturing plant. At an intermediate depth, the power supply is turned off to save energy consumption in periods of transportation or storage. At a final depth, the power supply is finally turned on for actual use of the wireless device, and the casing is hermetically closed by the operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yukiomi Tanaka, Shingo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7071436
    Abstract: An electric starter for an internal combustion engine comprises a switch (1) connectable to the starter motor of the engine, an actuator (3) for actuating the switch, and a removable operating element (4) for operating the actuator. The actuator (4) is a push-button actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Electrolux Outdoor Products Limited
    Inventor: Paul David Coates
  • Patent number: 7057122
    Abstract: A remote controller has a sliding switch which has more than two contacting positions linearly disposed, and a sliding lever to switch among the contacting positions. A slider engaged with the sliding lever and the slider has an angle portion. A first cam piece has a first V-shaped notch to fit the angle portion of the slider. The first cam piece corresponds to one or two of the contacting positions located in a central portion of the sliding switch. A second cam piece has a second V-shaped notch to fit the angle portion. The second cam piece corresponds to two of the contacting positions located on side portions of the sliding switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: SMK Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Mizuno, Minh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7049531
    Abstract: A circuit selector assembly including an electrical conductor, an electrical contact, a first spring beam connected to the electrical contact and a second spring beam connected to the electrical contact. The second spring beam biases the electrical contact to a first position, the first spring beam being deflected when the electrical contact is in a second position, the second position being defined as when the electrical contact is contacting the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn J. Kondas, Daniel L. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6982391
    Abstract: A safety position switch including a push rod which responds to the movement of an actuator connected to a device to be made safe in order to act upon an electrical device by a lockable transmission mechanism acted on by the push rod. The transmission mechanism includes a pivoting lever capable of assuming a locked position and an unlocked position. The pivoting lever has force applied to it from the push rod such that a movement of translation of the push rod generates a rotation of the lever and the pivoting lever has an arm with a jamming element that is applicable, in the locked position of the lever and transversely with respect to the main axis, against the locking head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Hugues Da Dalt
  • Patent number: 6949712
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved actuator 215, and an operating key 100 for use in the actuator 215. Known actuators suffer from a number of problems such as limited functionality and limited radius of operation. Accordingly, the present invention provides an operating key 100 for use in an actuator 215, the operating key 100 comprising a key body 105 and a key element 110 and means to adjust an angle of inclination of the key element 110 relative to the key body 105, the adjustment means having first and second resilient biasing means 115, 120. The invention further provides an operating key 100 comprising means to at least partially rotate at least part 160 of the key element 110 around an axis extending from the key body 105. The operating key 100 is thus a “universal” key, which may be used in horizontal or vertical hinged doors, though is not limited to such use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: James O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6900399
    Abstract: An electrical switch assembly for actuating an electrical circuit by closing at least one pair of conducting contacts in a sliding manner is disclosed. The assembly includes a contact carrier within a switch housing, a spring attached to the carrier that biases the carrier in an electrical circuit open position, a slot connected to the carrier that receives a force transfer member, and a force transfer member that is insertable into the slot and transfers a force applied by a switch operator to an angled wall portion of the slot. The angle of the wall portion is preferably 45-degrees relative to the axis of travel of the force transfer member. In operation, when the force transfer member is inserted into the slot and pushes against the angled wall, the carrier is displaced approximately orthogonal to the insertion direction of the force transfer member to move the contacts in the carrier from an electrical circuit open position to an electrical circuit closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher K. Wyatt, Pat A. Bolen
  • Patent number: 6872898
    Abstract: A lockable switch mechanism for a machine guard includes a switch plunger and locking and switch mechanisms. The plunger moves, upon insertion of an actuator, between two positions to actuate the switch mechanism and is locked by the locking mechanism, which has one locking member biased against a surface of the plunger and another locking member that is displaceable between locked and released positions. The plunger has an annular shoulder that displaces the first locking member when the plunger is moved. The second locking member prevents displacement of the first locking member by the plunger to thereby prevent movement of the plunger. Thus removal of the actuator is prevented unless the second locking member has been moved to the unlocked position when the machine is in a safe condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: EJA Limited
    Inventor: Medi Mohtasham
  • Patent number: 6861597
    Abstract: A device switches an electrical connection in accordance with the condition of a device to be monitored, especially to a safety switch (1) for a protective device. The safety switch includes a housing (2,3) in which a switch disk (7) is mounted for rotation about an axis (8). An actuator (5) can be inserted for triggering the switching process. A latching device blocks the switch disk (7). The latching device has a latching element (12a, 12b) guided in the switch disk (7) and movable against the effect of a first energy accumulator (11). In a position in which it blocks the switch disk (7), the latching element (12a, 12b) engages an associated recess (13a, 13b) in the housing (2, 3). A rotatable release element (14a, 14b) disposed beside the switch disk (7), is rotatable relative to the switch disk (7) when the actuator (5) is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Euchner GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Erik Baechle
  • Patent number: 6727446
    Abstract: A wallbox dimmer switch includes an actuator mounting frame having a platform portion that is receivable in a rectangular wallplate opening having standard toggle-type dimensions. The dimmer switch includes a pushbutton actuator for a switch and an adjacently located dimmer actuator that extend substantially parallel to a first side of the platform portion. The pushbutton actuator includes a user-engageable portion having an outer surface of which at least the end portions are defined by a portion of a substantially prolate spheroid for minimization of undesirable coupling between the adjacent actuators during actuation by a user. The switch may also include an actuator for an airgap switch extending through the platform portion and an array of indicator lights that are displayed through openings extending to an actuator-presentation surface of the platform portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Mayo, Carl W. Gomes, Elliot G. Jacoby, Roland L. Ledyard, Michael W. Pessina, Michael A. Ryan, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 6720508
    Abstract: A switch includes a switching mechanism, an operating mechanism with a key which normally causes the switching mechanism to be in a switched-off condition when it is pulled out and to be displaced against a biasing force to be in a switched-on condition when the key is inserted, and a locking mechanism for maintaining the switching mechanism locked in the switched-on condition and releasing it from the locked condition if a load greater than a specified magnitude is applied to the key while the switching mechanism is locked such that the switching mechanism is set back in the switched-off condition. The switching mechanism may be contained in a head case attached to a main case containing the operating mechanism. The main case also includes a forcing mechanism which tends to force the switching mechanism in the switched-off condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Moriyama, Shingo Akiyama, Takashi Niwa, Sueaki Honda, Minoru Yoshii, Hiroyuki Kajio, Hidemitsu Takenaka, Kazuki Kawata, Tetsuhiko Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 6674027
    Abstract: An operating arrangement is provided for a mechanism or the like, e.g. an operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter for electrical power transmission and distribution systems where the operating mechanism operates on stored energy and requires a recharging operation after the stored energy is utilized to operate the circuit interrupter. The operating arrangement includes an operating member and a cooperating arrangement carried by the operating mechanism for retaining the operating member during a multi-turn charging operation. Initial operation of the operating member for one or more turns causes the operating member to be retained before any charging operation takes place. Subsequent operation of the operating member results in the charging of the operating mechanism. The operating member is then returned to an initial engagement position whereupon the operating member is released for removal from the operating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: S&C Electric Co.
    Inventors: Henry W. Kowalyshen, Andrew C. Shum, John C. Opfer
  • Patent number: 6657142
    Abstract: A power switch apparatus is disclosed wherein the switch apparatus is applicable in an electronic product comprising a switch device capable of being switched between ON and OFF conditions. The power switch apparatus comprises an active element and a flexible arm. The active element installed inside the electronic product comprises a first connector and is coupled to the switch device. The ON and OFF conditions of the switch device correspond to the different positions of the active element. The flexible arm comprises a second connector and a contactor. The second connector is used to clip with the first connector at the ON condition. The electronic product is configured such that the contactor is not covered and remains accessible. The movement of the contactor is able to transform the shape of the flexible arm and to release the clipping relation between the first connector and the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: High Tech Computer, Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Chieh Wang, Yen-Te Chiang, Chien-Lung Huang, James Tseng, Chu-Yang Hsu, Hsi-Hsing Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030213681
    Abstract: An operating arrangement is provided for a mechanism or the like, e.g. an operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter for electrical power transmission and distribution systems where the operating mechanism operates on stored energy and requires a recharging operation after the stored energy is utilized to operate the circuit interrupter. The operating arrangement includes an operating member and a cooperating arrangement carried by the operating mechanism for retaining the operating member during a multi-turn charging operation. Initial operation of the operating member for one or more turns causes the operating member to be retained before any charging operation takes place. Subsequent operation of the operating member results in the charging of the operating mechanism. The operating member is then returned to an initial engagement position whereupon the operating member is released for removal from the operating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Henry W. Kowalyshen, Andrew C. Shum, John C. Opfer
  • Patent number: 6573465
    Abstract: A contact switch for a kinetic activity amusement game has a base, a universal joint connected to the base and a contact bumper connected to a ball of the universal joint. A electrically conductive coil spring has one end connected to the ball of the universal joint and a second end retained by the base. An electrode has contact portions disposed radially around the coil spring. A power source is connected between the coil spring and the electrode forming a potential electrical circuit. Displacement of the contact bumper by kinetic energy of a game ball causes displacement of the coil spring and contact of the coil spring with the contact surfaces of the electrode closing the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Connector Set Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Matthias F. W. Doepner
  • Patent number: 6541717
    Abstract: A hookstick operated switch assembly includes a switch mounted to a support and movable between open and closed positions. An operating lever is connected to the switch for opening and closing the switch. A locking arm is positioned proximal the switch. A locking member is receivable by the locking arm when the switch is in the open position to prevent movement of the operating lever, thereby locking the switch in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald B. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20030029702
    Abstract: An operating arrangement is provided for a mechanism or the like, e.g. an operating mechanism for a circuit interrupter for electrical power transmission and distribution systems where the operating mechanism operates on stored energy and requires a recharging operation after the stored energy is utilized to operate the circuit interrupter. The operating arrangement includes an operating member and a cooperating arrangement carried by the operating mechanism for retaining the operating member during a multi-turn charging operation. Initial operation of the operating member for one or more turns causes the operating member to be retained before any charging operation takes place. Subsequent operation of the operating member results in the charging of the operating mechanism. The operating member is then returned to an initial engagement position whereupon the operating member is released for removal from the operating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Henry W. Kowalyshen, Andrew C. Shum, John C. Opfer
  • Patent number: 6492606
    Abstract: A snap action switch apparatus includes a snap action element that couples a handle to a switch contact apparatus having movable switch contacts so movement of the handle causes movement of the switch contacts. The snap action element may include two rotatably mounted arms that are coupled by a resilient member. One or more plates may shield the resilient member from one or more of the arms, e.g., to prevent mechanical interference during switch operation. The handle and movable contacts may have different ranges of motion, such as 90 degrees and 45 degrees, respectively, to provide verifiable and fast acting switching. The plates or other elements may provide an auxiliary bearing surface for the arms to provide more reliable operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Electroswitch Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander MacLean
  • Patent number: 6483053
    Abstract: A lock switch apparatus comprises: a key insertion hole 7; a detection switch unit 9 for detecting the insertion of an operation key 2 in the key insertion unit 7; a lock unit 11 for locking the operation key 2 when the operation key 2 is inserted in the key insertion hole 7; and a lock detection unit 13 for detecting the operation state of the lock unit 11. The lock unit 11 is configured so that the operation key 2 is locked by the attraction of a solenoid 12, a movable system of a solenoid-side movable portion is configured by providing an associatively movable portion which moves in association with the solenoid-side movable portion with respect to the solenoid-side movable portion of the solenoid 12, and vibration/impact absorbing means 14 is provided to provide a balance state of operating forces applied to the movable system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kajio, Hidemitu Takenaka, Yoshihito Koshiba, Mitumi Kobayashi, Masaharu Hibi
  • Patent number: 6483058
    Abstract: A double pole, manual reset switch that is sealed from its application environment. The switch comprises a shell and a base assembly including an actuator, terminals and blade/contacts. After the switch actuator is depressed to a “make” position, it must be manually lifted back to a “break” position. The switch has an epoxy seal along the bottom between the shell and base, heat shrink material around an opening where wires pass through, and an O-ring on the actuator for sealing the top of the switch. The components of the switch are easily assembled in the base prior to insertion of the base assembly into the shell. The wires extend from the switch adjacent to each other at an end, and in an alternate embodiment of the switch, the wires extend in pairs from a rear side of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Ehrensberger
  • Patent number: 6459052
    Abstract: A door switch disclosed includes a switch body and a key unit which are attached to a structure and a door, respectively. The switch body is provided with a door key insertion hole and a switch contact. The key unit has a door key and a door key drive mechanism in its unit case. The door key drive mechanism retreats the door key into the unit case when the door is opened and protrudes it out from the unit case when the door is closed, to thereby insert the door key into the door key insertion hole in the switch body, thus turning ON the switch contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kajio, Takashi Niwa, Hidemitsu Takenaka, Yasuo Isa
  • Patent number: 6437260
    Abstract: A handle assembly for enabling an electrical product to work is provided. The electrical product has an activating device for activating the electrical product including a handle moveably connected with the electrical product, a driving element thereon for enabling the electrical product to work when the driving element is in touch with said the activating device of the electrical product, and a locking device for securing said the handle to the electrical product when the driving element is in touch with the activating device of the electrical product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: You Win-Long
  • Patent number: 6407353
    Abstract: A breakaway switch assembly for detecting the unintended separation of a pair of connected vehicles or the like, of the type having a housing enclosure which slidably receives a pin-type actuator that operates an internal switch when pulled from the housing upon separation of the connected vehicles etc., incorporates a fully assembled, self-contained switch unit of a commercially known type, rather than a special switch assembly having long, resilient contact-carrying spring arms that must be carefully and tediously mounted in specially designed housings, as was the most prevalent practice heretofore. The self-contained switch unit so utilized preferably has an enclosing outer housing or body which protects the interior switch mechanism, contacts, etc., from the elements and also provides protruding flanges or the like which facilitate easy and fast mounting of the entire unit within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel D. Fritzinger, David J. Rowland
  • Publication number: 20020046934
    Abstract: A handle assembly for enabling an electrical product to work is provided. The electrical product has an activating device for activating the electrical product including a handle moveably connected with the electrical product, a driving element thereon for enabling the electrical product to work when the driving element is in touch with said the activating device of the electrical product, and a locking device for securing said the handle to the electrical product when the driving element is in touch with the activating device of the electrical product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: You Win-Long
  • Patent number: 6373004
    Abstract: A retention device for removably carrying a leverage arm on a switchgear cabinet includes a mounting member structured to be mounted on a housing of the switchgear cabinet and a tab structured to extend outwardly from the housing. The tab is formed with an opening that slidably receives a shank of the leverage arm therein, the opening being configured to resist movement of a head of the leverage arm through the opening. A moveable cover is positioned in relation to the retention device to retain the leverage arm on the retention device when the cover is in a closed position, yet permit the leverage arm to be removed from the retention device when the cover is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Eugene Jackson
  • Patent number: 6371516
    Abstract: A child seat is an International Standard-compliant CRS. The CRS has right and left-side fastening attachments that are spaced from each other by a predetermined interval in a direction of a width of the CRS. CRS switch mechanisms are disposed at sites in a seat cushion at which anchor bars are disposed. At least one of the CRS mechanisms has a key cylinder. By turning the key cylinder through the use of an ignition key, a CRS detection switch can be switched between an ON state and an OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshihito Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 6307167
    Abstract: A key switch includes a cam member rotating in accordance with the insertion-and-pull of a key to be inserted into a key insertion opening, a plunger coming into contact with a circumferential cam side of the cam member, a switch mechanism actuated by the plunger which is displaced in accordance with the rotation of the cam member, and a rotation lock mechanism for locking the rotation of the cam member when the key is pulled, in which the rotation lock mechanism including a locking member which can be displaced in the direction parallel to a vertical rotation face on the rotation axis of the cam member and a spring urging the locking member toward a position to be engaged with the cam member, and the locking member being disposed to be displaced to a lock release position by contacting the key resisting the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kajio, Takashi Niwa
  • Patent number: 6268574
    Abstract: An electrical and/or an electrical and pneumatic lock-out device is disclosed for maintenance work crews to render their maintenance worksites more tamperproof and electrical “jumper”-proof, which provides more safety for their operations. The present lock-out device works with a safety interlock switch which either shuts off the electricity, or, if necessary, simultaneously shuts off the electricity and the pneumatic power system to work cell safety gate electrical systems, as well as electrical and pneumatic machinery and assembly line equipment. The present lock-out device acts to more reliably render work cells and manufacturing equipment inoperable for maintenance operations by maintenance crews as the key to the safety interlock switch is permanently attached to a safety pin to be used for closing a gate or to be inserted into a pneumatic or hydraulic device to prevent the pneumatics or the hydraulics from slipping once the power has been shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Rudolph R. Edens
  • Patent number: 6194674
    Abstract: A safety switch that is constructed to change over the connection contact when an actuator enters the operating portion of the switch proper and an operating rod at the switch portion moves in response to this. The safety switch includes a driving cam and restricting plates arranged on either side of the driving cam for restricting movement of the driving cam when an object other than the actuator is inserted into the operating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Idec Izumi Corporation
    Inventor: Takao Fukui