Limit Switch Patents (Class 200/47)
  • Publication number: 20130049499
    Abstract: A rotation plate including a surface, in which a fixed contact terminal slides in contact with the surface of the rotation plate. The rotation plate includes a movable contact plate and a holding member. The movable contact plate forms a predetermined conductive pattern. The holding member holds the movable contact plate and is formed from an insulating resin material. The movable contact plate and the holding member are molded integrally and fixed to each other so that a surface of the movable contact plate is exposed and does not project outward from a surface of the holding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicants: GIFU HIGHTECH CO., LTD, ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takao Yamaki, Seiichi Murakami, Takeshi Hamanaka
  • Patent number: 8317450
    Abstract: A tactile wafer lifting apparatus includes a pedestal and a vertical drive connected to the pedestal. The vertical drive is defined to provide controlled upward and downward movement of the pedestal. The tactile wafer lifting apparatus also includes a wafer support member disposed over the pedestal. A tactile switch is disposed between the wafer support member and the pedestal such that sufficient downward force on the wafer support member causes activation of the tactile switch. The tactile switch is connected to the vertical drive so as to interrupt upward movement of the pedestal and wafer support member disposed thereover upon activation of the tactile switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Keith E. Dawson, Dave Evans
  • Patent number: 8294050
    Abstract: A limit switch assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, an inner surface that defines an inner volume and a spring engagement surface, and an outer surface. A limit switch disposed within the inner volume includes a threaded bushing section at least partially extending from the first end. A spring within the inner volume surrounds the bushing section, and engages the limit switch and the spring engagement surface. A calibration nut threaded onto the bushing section engages the first end of the housing. A seal divides the inner volume of the housing into a first volume and a second volume. A drain hole formed in the housing fluidly communicates the first volume to a surrounding environment. A terminal assembly connected to the second end of the housing seals the second volume from the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Deepak Murali, Phaneendra Govindasetty Tirumani
  • Publication number: 20120199449
    Abstract: A limit stop apparatus for a multi-pole electrical contact assembly is disclosed. The limit stop apparatus interconnects crossbars of respective contact assemblies wherein one or more contact arms are pivotable relative to each crossbar. The limit stop apparatus is configured to engage the one or more contact arms on a same side of the one or more contact arms containing moveable electrical contacts. In one or more embodiments, the limit stop apparatus has a connecting bar with limit stops having arc shields molded to the connecting bar, wherein the arc shields can be phase-to-phase arc shields and contact-to-component arc shields. Circuit breakers and multi-pole electrical contact assemblies having a limit stop apparatus, and methods of operating the multi-pole electrical contact assembly are disclosed, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sheenfar Sean Fong, Francisco Cesar Margain Perez
  • Publication number: 20110297516
    Abstract: A limit switch assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, an inner surface that defines an inner volume and a spring engagement surface, and an outer surface. A limit switch disposed within the inner volume includes a threaded bushing section at least partially extending from the first end. A spring within the inner volume surrounds the bushing section, and engages the limit switch and the spring engagement surface. A calibration nut threaded onto the bushing section engages the first end of the housing. A seal divides the inner volume of the housing into a first volume and a second volume. A drain hole formed in the housing fluidly communicates the first volume to a surrounding environment. A terminal assembly connected to the second end of the housing seals the second volume from the surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Deepak Murali, Phaneendra Govindasetty Tirumani
  • Patent number: 8067707
    Abstract: A self-calibrating sensor includes a housing, an input lever coupled to the housing and configured to contact a device to be sensed, and an actuating element configured to automatically reposition an output device to a calibrated position. The sensor also includes a cam ring that is configured to move the output device to the calibrated position based on an input received from the actuating element and a lock ring coupled to the input lever. In one exemplary embodiment, the output device is an electrical contact assembly that is slidably engaged with the cam ring. During operation, the cam ring is configured to reposition the electrical contact assembly based on the input received from actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Limoges
  • Publication number: 20110089131
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hoisting limit switch for limiting the maximum allowed hoisting height of a hoisting cable, wherein the hoisting limit switch includes a read-write device for reading and writing data, and a means from which the operating condition of the hoisting limit switch can be read out by the read-write device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-WERK EHINGEN GMBH
    Inventor: Erwin Morath
  • Patent number: 7888611
    Abstract: A limit switch control device comprises a shaft, a sensor, an upper limit reed switch, a lower limit reed switch and a drive element that cooperate with a control circuit. The sensor is combined on the shaft which is driven by the drive element, which is provided with an upper limit witch and a lower limit switch, so that when the sensor detects the upper limit and the lower limit reed switches, the upper and the lower limit switches will be triggered to power off the drive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventor: Tai-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7857033
    Abstract: End-of-travel device (10) for roller blind actuating systems, comprising a member (22) displaceable as far as an end-of-travel position (26), coupling means (20) in engagement with the displaceable member (22) and rotationally actuated by a motor, and lever means (40) for converting the displacement of the displaceable member (22) into activation of an end-of-travel switch (60). The lever means (40) comprise a movable member (50) pivotably hinged on a frame and engageable with pressure by the displaceable member (22) when its reaches the end-of-travel position (26). The member (50) can be engaged with an actuating member (58) of the switch (60) where an actuating member of the switch (60) is positioned radially with respect to the axis of displacement of the member (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Nice SpA
    Inventor: Andrea Malausa
  • Patent number: 7646270
    Abstract: A spring assembly is provided for a yoke assembly of an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The yoke assembly is coupled to the pole shaft and is movable among first and second positions corresponding to the separable contacts being closed and open, respectively. The spring assembly includes a number of first springs having a first spring rate and being coupled to the yoke assembly, and a number of second springs having a second spring rate and being coupled to the yoke assembly. The second spring rate is different than the first spring rate. The number of first springs and the number of second springs bias the yoke assembly toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Spitsberg, Robert M. Slepian, Perry R. Gibson, David A. Parks, Douglas C. Marks, Paul R. Rakus, Nathan J. Weister, Henry A. Wehrli, III
  • Publication number: 20090321228
    Abstract: A limit switch control device comprises a shaft, a sensor, an upper limit reed switch, a lower limit reed switch and a drive element that cooperate with a control circuit. The sensor is combined on the shaft which is driven by the drive element, which is provided with an upper limit witch and a lower limit switch, so that when the sensor detects the upper limit and the lower limit reed switches, the upper and the lower limit switches will be triggered to power off the drive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Tai-Hung LIN
  • Patent number: 7557315
    Abstract: A limit switch includes a control member which has a first end protruding from the body of the switch and a second end of the control member has a first contact portion and a second contact portion. A first operation unit and a second operation unit are respectively located on two respective outsides of the first and second contact portions so that the two operation units are activated by shifting the control member. The two operation units are located on two sides of the control member so that the limit switch occupies has lower height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: J-Star Motor Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Min Chen
  • Publication number: 20090107209
    Abstract: A self-calibrating sensor includes a housing, an input lever coupled to the housing and configured to contact a device to be sensed, and an actuating element configured to automatically reposition an output device to a calibrated position. The sensor also includes a cam ring that is configured to move the output device to the calibrated position based on an input received from the actuating element and a lock ring coupled to the input lever. In one exemplary embodiment, the output device is an electrical contact assembly that is slidably engaged with the cam ring. During operation, the cam ring is configured to reposition the electrical contact assembly based on the input received from actuating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: ROBERT F. LIMOGES
  • Patent number: 7525057
    Abstract: A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of telescoping actuator and a housing having holes of different sizes, the larger hole being sized to completely receive a fastener within the housing and the smaller one of the holes being sized to retain a portion of the fastener within the housing while the rest of the fastener extends from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Control Products Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Glasson
  • Patent number: 7482544
    Abstract: An actuator usable in a support frame for use in a lift chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: I-Trust Better Life Corp.
    Inventors: Jiaxiong Gong, Ming Yin, Xiaojun Gong, Quan Liu, Xiaoxiang Zhang, Yongyong Mao
  • Publication number: 20080000761
    Abstract: An actuator usable in a support frame for use in a lift chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: I-Trust Better Life Corp.
    Inventors: Jiaxiong Gong, Ming Yin, Xiaojun Gong, Quan Liu, Xiaoxiang Zhang, Yongyong Mao
  • Patent number: 7271356
    Abstract: A hybrid limit/proximity switch combining the standard limit switch operator head and a proximity sensor in a body that may be interchangeably mounted on a machine in place of a conventional mechanically operated limit switch is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Brett B. Truett
  • Patent number: 7268307
    Abstract: Signal Actuator device, having a support structure; a bottom drive shaft, tunable in a seat of the support structure; a first torsional coupling, integral with and surrounding the bottom drive shaft; at least a first cam torsionally coupled to the first torsional coupling in a selective manner for adjusting the angular position thereof relative to the bottom drive shaft; the at least one first cam actuating an electrical device supported by the support structure; a top drive shaft, torsionally coupled to bottom drive shaft in a selectively removable member; a second torsional coupling, integral with and surrounding the top drive shaft; at least a second cam torsionally coupled to the second torsional coupling in a selective manner for adjusting the angular position thereof relative to the removable top drive shaft; and the at least one second cam actuating an electrical device supported by the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Soldo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giovanni Soldo
  • Patent number: 7262377
    Abstract: A limit switch control device for an actuator is disposed at both ends of a linearly moveable mover and comprises at least: two limit switches, a circuit board, and a connecting rod assembly. The two limit switches are disposed on the circuit board, both ends of the connecting rod assembly define the effective travel length of the mover. One end of the connecting rod assembly is moved by the mover to control the other limit switch. By such arrangements, the limit switch is simplified, and with the arrangement of the connecting rod assembly, the number of the brake devices or the limit switches can be increased as desired. Further, the circuit board and the connecting rod assembly are modular designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Wei, Yu-Jian Lin
  • Patent number: 7161100
    Abstract: An improved limit switch mechanism is provided in which it includes a plurality of cassettes of limit switch subassembly, each cassette containing: a limit switch mounting bracket, a first limit switch and a second limit switch fastened onto said limit switch mounting bracket by screws; the deflection direction of the control lever of each limit switch being directed radially towards the center of the concerned switch actuator when each cassette of limit switch subassembly is inserted and fixed in a pair of slits, which is inclined at certain angle relative to horizontal direction and provided on opposite side walls of the base frame. Accordingly, positive actuation on control lever of each limit switch and long service life of each limit switch can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7135648
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an end position detector for movable switch parts (3) which comprises a rod assembly and a housing (12), into which the rod assembly penetrates and in which at least one sensor for sensing an end position of the rod assembly is arranged. According to the invention, the rod assembly is connected to the movable switch part (3) such that it can be pivoted in a vertical plane that lies transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rails, wherein the rod assembly comprises at least one rod (8) of circular cross section, and wherein said rod (8) in its region that penetrates into the housing (12) in a sealed fashion carries on its periphery at least one switching flank (13) that cooperates with a switch contact (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignees: VAE Eisenbahnsysteme GmbH, VAE GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Schnedl, Armin Lassacher
  • Patent number: 7129429
    Abstract: An electrical limit switch (10) is provided and comprises a number of contact elements (30) each having a slot (32) with inner cutting edges (34) for penetrating the insulation of and containing a conducting element (48). The contact elements (30) are provided on a body which engages a base (56) wherein the base (56) receives a plurality of conducting elements (48). Upon engagement of the body and base (56), the conducting elements (48) are foced into respective slots (32) in the contact elements (30), thus providing a rapid electrical connection. The switching means of the limit switch (1) is provided by an actuating arrangement (14) including a plunger portion (16) and a roller (18), wherein the plunger(16) includes electrical contacts (36a, 36b) which are moveable with the plunger. Each contact (36a, 36b) provides an electrical connection between two of the contact elements (30) when the plunger (16) is in the appropriate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell Control Systems Limited
    Inventors: Paul Trickett, James Boyd
  • Patent number: 6989501
    Abstract: A multipole current limiting circuit breaker comprising an insulating enclosure that contains: a) for each pole, at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact, which can be mutually coupled/uncoupled upon closure/opening of the circuit breaker; b) actuation means which provide the energy for moving said movable contacts and determines their coupling/uncoupling with the corresponding fixed contacts, said actuation means comprising a rotating actuation bar that is operatively coupled to the movable contacts of the poles; characterized in that said movable contacts have a fork-shaped body having a base element that supports two arms provided with plates for electrical contact with corresponding coupling surfaces of the fixed contact, and in that said fork-like body is connected to the actuation bar by virtue of elastic means accommodated at least partially in a seat formed in the bar, said elastic means being anchored to said bar and being fixed to said base element so as to support the movable con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: ABB Services S.R.L.
    Inventor: Osvaldo Carrara
  • Patent number: 6987230
    Abstract: A limit switch having a housing carrying one or more components that are individually field replaceable by an operator so that an operator can make an on-the-go field repair any faulty component in the limit switch. The field replaceable components can be frictionally or mechanically secured by a finger operable latch or the like so that an operator can remove and quickly replace a faulty component while the limit switch is connected a pneumatic conveying system or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Dynamic Air Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6960731
    Abstract: A rotating contact supporting shaft for a low-voltage power circuit breaker, whose particularity consists of the fact that it has a modular structure that comprises, along the rotation axis, at least one first and one second supporting module (10, 20), each module being functionally coupled to at least one corresponding moving contact (3) of the circuit breaker and being provided respectively with first and second means (22) for connection to at least one first interconnection module (30); the first interconnection module is interposed between the first and second supporting modules and is provided with third and fourth connection means (31) that are suitable to be coupled respectively to the first and second connection means; the coupling between the first and third connection means and between the second and fourth connection means allows the functional connection between the first and second supporting modules and the direct structural connection of the interconnection module to the first and second suppor
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Services S.r.l.
    Inventors: Lucio Azzola, Eligio Zanchi
  • Patent number: 6864439
    Abstract: A switch for limiting and controlling a linear range of movement by rotational means. Two limiting positions of the switch are independently adjusted using worm gears. The switch includes a plate and a rotatable block having a rotatable shaft rotatably disposed relative to the plate. The plate has first and second electrolinking points spaced apart from each other. One end of a spring plate is fixed to the first electrolinking point, a middle portion of the spring plate is abutted against a circumferential edge of the rotatable block and the other end of the spring plate adopts two working positions with respect to the second electrolinking point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shaodong Chen
  • Patent number: 6815622
    Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes a main body having a solenoid side and an auxiliary side. A solenoid side limit switch assembly is mounted to the solenoid side and an auxiliary side limit switch assembly is mounted on the auxiliary side. The solenoid side limit switch assembly includes a plurality of limit switches and a solenoid side mounting plate. The auxiliary side limit switch assembly includes a plurality of limit switches and an auxiliary side mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sheldon Milman, Mark A. Serrano
  • Patent number: 6664487
    Abstract: A limit switch has switch areas and a partition wall in between in a switch case for containing switch element units separately and independently. An inner case includes covers for sealing the switch areas. For improving rigidity, a switch unit and a head unit which operates the switch unit are connected by means of a protrusion on one of them and an indentation on the other of them, the protrusion and the indentation being engaged in an embracing fashion for strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Hidemitsu Takenaka, Hiroyuki Kaijo, Tetsuhiko Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 6660949
    Abstract: An actuator of the present invention comprises an operation key 2 to be inserted into a key insertion hole formed in the safety switch, and a base 3. The operation key 2 is held on the base 3 and capable of freely swinging in two orthogonal directions. The actuator also comprises means (e.g. a guide stopper 4 and engagement spaces 34) for selectively restricting the swinging movement of the operation key 2 to either of the two directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Idec Izumi Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Kamino, Takao Fukui, Yoshio Sekino, Kenji Miyauchi, Hideo Niinai, Tokunori Tanaka, Kazuya Okada, Ken Maeda, Yoshihiro Shima
  • Patent number: 6635833
    Abstract: A proximity detection switch, including a housing with a switching block controlled by a sensor component contained therein and housing connection elements for external connection via a cable, the body and a removable cover each having a flange part for cooperatively forming a flange that defines a sealed aperture for a cable to pass therethrough. The device further includes a detachable cable-entry coupling for sliding engagement with the body along a direction approximately perpendicular to the plane of the bottom wall of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SA
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Vignaud
  • Patent number: 6627827
    Abstract: A position switch whose box houses a switch assembly that can be maneuvered by an activation head holding a push button and located in a recess on one surface of the box so that it can be angularly adjusted at regular intervals. The head has a tubular bearing surface facing the box and in which a plunger slides for actuating the switch assembly. The bearing surface has notches at regular intervals for alignment with corresponding notches in the box recess. A lockable fork retains the head in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Kok Kiong Low, Michel Rochard, Didier Severac
  • Publication number: 20030079972
    Abstract: A hybrid limit/proximity switch combining the standard limit switch operator head and a proximity sensor in a body that may be interchangeably mounted on a machine in place of a conventional mechanically operated limit switch is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Brett B. Truett
  • Publication number: 20030070906
    Abstract: Position switch whose box houses a switch assembly that can be manoeuvred by an activation head using a push button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: SCHNEIDER ELEC. IND. SAS
    Inventors: Kok Kong Liow, Michel Rochard, Didier Severac
  • Patent number: 6518528
    Abstract: A switch comprises a first and second contacts, a plunger, a toggle bar, and a spanner. A preferred trip lever arrangement is used in which a trip lever transfers an actuating force from the plunger to the toggle bar, and the toggle bar is caused to move farther than the plunger to provide a short trip point. Swing arms that are acted upon through a series of rigid body force transfers allow an operator to manually force welded contacts to be broken in the event that the contacts become welded to a spanner or other components of the switch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Nickerson, James C. Taylor, Gregory W. Swider
  • Publication number: 20030010614
    Abstract: A limit switch has switch areas and a partition wall in between in a switch case for containing switch element units separately and independently. An inner case includes covers for sealing the switch areas. For improving rigidity, a switch unit and a head unit which operates the switch unit are connected by means of a protrusion on one of them and an indentation on the other of them, the protrusion and the indentation being engaged in an embracing fashion for strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Hidemitsu Takenaka, Hiroyuki Kaijo, Tetsuhiko Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 6469265
    Abstract: A limit switch includes a housing, a plunger, an actuator, a prime contactor, a redundant prime contactor, an adjustment contactor, and a redundant adjustment contactor disposed within the housing. The prime contactor and adjustment contactor are electrically coupled in series. The prime and redundant prime contactors are openable by the plunger, and the adjustment and redundant adjustment contactors are closable by the plunger. The redundant adjustment contact is electrically coupled in series with the redundant prime contactor. The limit switch controls a circuit by aligning the limit switch in a mid-position alignment. Opening the prime contactor or redundant prime contactor de-energizes the electrical circuit. Closing the prime contactor and the redundant prime contactor while the adjustment contactor and the redundant adjustment contactor are maintained closed energizes the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Penix, Matthew J Westrick, Scott A Born, Michael H Appold
  • Publication number: 20020110831
    Abstract: A molecular switch and a method for controlling passage of an electric current through a medium comprised of a chain molecule including a plurality of molecular sections. The chain molecule is capable of being reversibly changed into and out of a charge conducting state. The method includes applying a voltage across the medium, and controlling a relative movement of adjacent molecular sections so as to reversibly change the charge conducting state of the chain molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Edward William Schlag
  • Publication number: 20020104744
    Abstract: A switching device such as a proximity detector or limit switch, equipped with a body housing a switching block and closed by a cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SA
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Vignaud
  • Publication number: 20020066655
    Abstract: The safety device comprises an electric circuit comprising at least a current-limiting fuse and a current switch connected in series with the fuse. The switch has a moving contact which can be actuated by a drive mechanism to open or close the switch. The mechanism is arranged so as to prevent the fuse(s) being disengaged or engaged while the switch is closed and it has a drive lever occupying a first position or a second position respectively when the switch is closed and when it is open. Each fuse has a handle member which is either masked or uncovered depending on the position of the lever, the lever being designed to cover the handle member so as to mask it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: ALSTOM
    Inventors: Bruno Theaudiere, Lucien Sannino
  • Patent number: 6399906
    Abstract: A switch structure for a card connector comprises: a first cantilevered contact spring 20 urged so that a front engagement portion of the first contact spring engages a part of the recessed portion of the inserted card corresponding to one of two slide positions of a write protect button 3; and a second cantilevered contact spring 30 extending along and in the same direction as the first contact spring and urged so that a front engagement portion of the second contact spring engages a part of the recessed portion of the inserted card corresponding to the other slide position of the write protect button 3; wherein the slide position of the write protect button is detected based on whether the first and second contact springs are in or out of contact with each other, thereby determining the position of the write protect button accurately and reliably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignees: Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd., Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Sato, Noriaki Furuta
  • Patent number: 6357333
    Abstract: A switching assembly that operatively cooperates with the triggering mechanism of a firearm, such as a rocket launcher, is disclosed. The switching assembly allows for an adjustable trigger linear travel of about 0.4″ within an accuracy of 0.01 inches, while at the same time prevents any over-travel of the switch activator from damaging a depressible switch that is operatively interconnected to firing of the rocket from the launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Vincent J. Vendetti, Michael M. Canaday
  • Patent number: 6321611
    Abstract: A linear actuator utilizing limit switches to implement reliable and effective travel limit functions. The actuator having a robust construction, lower part count, smaller dimension, and lower assembly cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventors: Kou-I Szu, Wei-Min Chiou, Chi-Yung Cheng
  • Patent number: 6266183
    Abstract: A crash protection mechanism for a microscope objective includes a tapered, self-centering combination of sleeves interposed between the objective and its housing in an interferometric profiler. A three-lobed, tapered inner sleeve is affixed to the objective, while a matingly tapered outer sleeve is attached to the objective housing. A spring-loaded mechanism urges the objective outward toward the sample surface, so that it can move inward axially under crash conditions and then return to its original axial position. The mating tapered sleeves create an outward seated position that provides a high degree of repeatability when the objective is returned to its position after a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan W. Guenther, David J. Aziz
  • Patent number: 6160324
    Abstract: A deadman switch mechanism and a teaching operation panel equipped with the deadman switch mechanism, in which possibility of losing a safety function is low even if failure happens in a contact or other elements of a circuit. When an operator grips at least one of grip levers (GL1; GL2) with normal force, the grip levers turn around axes (AX4; AX5), shoulder portions (SD1; SD2) abut on slave levers (SL1; SL2) and turns the slave levers connected by a link (LK) around an axis (AX3) in the direction denoted by an arrow B, simultaneously, so that switches (SW1; SW2) are turned into an ON-state, simultaneously. Then, two circuits including those switches, respectively, output ON-signals independently and these signals are subjected to AND process, to allow the robot to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Terada, Mitsuhiro Yasumura, Shinsuke Nakao
  • Patent number: 6140594
    Abstract: A forklift has an inner mast parallel to an outer mast and a fork vertically movable in accordance with a vertical movement of the inner mast. An apparatus for detecting the vertical position of the fork has a lever that is displaced when engaged by the inner mast when the inner mast is located in a predetermined vertical region. The lever intersects the path of the inner mast. The apparatus also includes a switch that is actuated by the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazuo Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Fujimori
  • Patent number: 6028280
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for operating a signal transmitter comprising a shaft rotatably mounted in a housing, a motor rotating the shaft to operate the signal transmitter as a function of position, a portion of the shaft having a first recess, a sleeve surrounding the shaft having a second recess, a ball element spring biased in one recess, the ball element operating the signal transmitter when the position of the first and second recess coincide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: AEG Sensorsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Winkler, Rainer Oberheim, Miodrag Mees
  • Patent number: 5986226
    Abstract: A micro switch for detecting forces in two orthogonal directions, rather than one, useable, for example, to detect out of size parts in one plane in a multiple spindle screw machine, and disengaged parts in an orthogonal plane. This is accomplished through the provision of a ramp that is slidably engaged by the switch's actuation rod as the rod moves in a first plane to translate sideway movement of the rod into perpendicular linear movement of the switch's plunger. The ramp has a recess that captures the rod as it moves in the orthogonal plane, which is coincident with the axis of the plunger, thereby causing switch actuation with plunger movement in two planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Rajnikant S. Jani
  • Patent number: 5924949
    Abstract: Apparatus for driving a roller-shutter door comprises a driving plate, a planetary-gearset, a stationary housing, and adjustable control means. The adjustable control means is mounted in the stationary housing for cooperating with the driving plate as well as the planetary-gearset for controlling the actuation of a motor whereby a roller-shutter door can be moved to a predetermined limit position. More especially, the adjustable control means is disposed to extend from the stationary housing such that the adjustable control means can be manually adjusted from outside of the stationary housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Chain-Tech International Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Fan
  • Patent number: 5890585
    Abstract: A linear actuator in which the number of limit switches to be mounted, as well as the mounting position and direction of limit switches, can be selected with a high degree of freedom, the limit switch mounting spacing can be made short, and a positive operation is ensured while using a small number of components. Flat limit switch mounting flanges are fixed onto an outer cylinder of a linear actuator so that their positions are adjustable in both axial and circumferential directions of the outer cylinder, and a guide rail for slidably guiding a striker is supported by and between the limit switch mounting flanges. The striker is connected with the actuator rod of the actuator by a connecting rod. With projection or retraction of the actuating rod, the striker moves and actuates limit switches attached to the associated limit switch mounting flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Nakamura, Toshio Mitsuyama, Takashi Noguchi
  • Patent number: 5818358
    Abstract: A device for detecting a position of a moving body is provided in which a position of a moving body such as a window glass of a power window device can be detected with high accuracy, initial positions can be set without complicated adjustment, such can be realized with a simple structure and at a low cost, and assemblability can be greatly improved. In the device for detecting a position of a moving body, fixed contacts press-contact a flange portion of a ring gear from a side opposite a side at which a cover plate is disposed. Accordingly, the fixed contacts can be installed after the ring gear. In a state in which the ring gear is provisionally installed, press-contact force of the fixed contacts is not applied to the ring gear. As a result, the ring gear does not rise and positional deviation does not occur, and therefore, the assemblability can be greatly improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Torii, Kengo Yamamura, Mitsuhiro Ikeya, Wataru Kano, Tatsuya Suzuki