Hand Held Squeeze Actuated Switch Patents (Class 200/505)
  • Patent number: 10327836
    Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Ryan C. Artale, Thomas W. Meiser, William J. Dickhans, Steven E. Butcher, Dennis W. Butcher
  • Patent number: 10309633
    Abstract: A device is described that can include a first housing and a second housing. The first housing can encompass a first tact switch. The second housing can be attached to and be continuous with the first housing. The second housing can encompass a second tact switch, a battery and one or more light emitting diodes. The first tact switch can be electrically connected to the battery and the one or more light emitting diodes. The second tact switch can be electrically connected to the battery and the one or more light emitting diodes. The battery can be further connected to the one or more light emitting diodes. Each of the first tact switch and the second tact switch can be activated upon being pressurized by an external force upon a portion of the first housing or the second housing, respectively, to activate the one or more light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Chase Harnett
  • Patent number: 10014127
    Abstract: A safety lock mechanism mounted at a trigger switch handle of a miter saw to face toward a switch which includes a switch button pivotally mounted at the trigger switch handle to face toward the switch, and a safety lock connected to the switch button and providing an engaging portion and movable between a locking position where the engaging portion engages into the trigger switch handle to lock the switch button to the trigger switch handle and an unlocking position where the engaging portion is disengaged from the trigger switch handle for allowing the switch button to be moved relative to the trigger switch handle to trigger the switch. Thus, the arrangement of the safety lock prevents the user from accidentally forcing the switch button to trigger the switch, enhancing the operational safety of the miter saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Hung Jung Chiang
  • Patent number: 9692154
    Abstract: A clamp includes a first and second handle parts that are pivotable relative to each other and biased closed. A first electrical contactor is associated with the first handle part, and a second electrical contactor is associated with the second handle part. The first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor are positioned such that in the closed position of the clamp, a circuit connection between the first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor is open, and in the open position, the circuit connection is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TWITCH TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: John Dennis Page
  • Patent number: 9647355
    Abstract: The invention aims at providing an automobile start supply voltage detection alligator clip with a pull-off function, including: a positive alligator clip structure; a negative alligator clip structure; a male contact head; and a positive pull-off end and negative pull-off end arranged on the male contact head; the positive/negative alligator clip structure includes a positive/negative upper cover, positive/negative upper cover contact piece, positive/negative pull-off contact piece, positive/negative pull-off spring, positive/negative lower cover contact piece, positive/negative lower cover, and positive/negative upper and lower covers pressure spring; an internal positive/negative silica gel wire is sleeved in an external positive/negative silica gel wire by an internal silica gel wire sleeving process; and the positive/negative pull-off contact piece is connected to a positive/negative pull-off detection end by the internal positive/negative silica gel wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Dongguan Zhongkang Technology Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianxin Ye, Yuping Luo, Shihao Huang
  • Patent number: 9610123
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for dermatologic treatment comprising an energy source for activating a biochemical healing effect and at least one bandage meant to be placed on or near the area being treated before applying the activation step using the said energy source characterized in that the bandage comprises an identification means (4, 5, 10, 11) interacting with a sensor controlling the functioning of the energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: URGO Recherche Innovation et Developpement
    Inventor: Alain Cornil
  • Publication number: 20150090575
    Abstract: A safety mechanism for medical treatment devices includes a switch actuator that depresses a power activation switch after movement in a first direction followed movement in a second direction. The safety mechanism thus prevents accidental or unintentional delivery of power to a heating segment of the medical treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Li Wang, Chunlang Hong, Zhen Yuan
  • Patent number: 8791381
    Abstract: A safety hand grip for handlebar operated vehicles utilizes an elongate pressure switch in the form of an elongated strip embedded longitudinally within the wall of the resilient hand grip to actuate the horn. A raised area extending substantially the length of the grip and integral with the wall is situated directly over the switch and serves to locate the elongate switch and to concentrate the force applied by the fingers of the operator and transmit that force directly to the elongate switch. The grip can be rotated so the raised portion is positioned under the operator's fingers according to the gripping preference. Dual sided connectors attached to leads from the elongate switch and interposed between the connectors from the horn and battery and the connectors from the console button present on the vehicle enable the horn to be actuated by both the switch and the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Lewis J. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 8748763
    Abstract: In a pneumatically actuated switching device having a pneumatic actuator for delivering pressurized air to a switch assembly for generating an electrical signal, the switch assembly comprises a switch housing having a conductive element for opening and closing a circuit; and a pneumatic hose connection member removably mounted to the housing for connecting a pneumatic hose to the housing for delivering the pressurized air for generating the electrical signal. The pneumatic hose connection member has an enlarged portion flushed with the housing, a first extended portion having a threaded section for attachment to the housing, and a second extended portion having a plurality of anchor thugs for securing the pneumatic hose. The housing and pneumatic hose connection member have a plurality of gripping elements for facilitating the insertion and removal of the pneumatic hose connection member relative to the housing and the attachment and detachment of the pneumatic hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Dwyer Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bert W. Wechtenhiser
  • Publication number: 20130292238
    Abstract: An extended contact strip comprises: a first elongate strip having first and second longitudinal edges, an upper surface and a lower surface; a first electrically conductive strip located on said upper surface of said first elongate strip; a second elongate strip having first and second longitudinal edges, and a flexible resilient portion extending between the first and second edges, said flexible resilient portion having an upper surface and a lower surface; a second electrically conductive strip located on said lower surface of said second strip; said first and second strips being connectable at their respective first and second edges; said first and second strips forming an isolating gap such that said first and second electrical conductors lie opposite and spaced apart from each other when said second strip remains un-deformed, and such that said first and second electrical conductors can make contact with each other upon deformation of said second strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: John Petty, Phillip Petty
  • Patent number: 8455779
    Abstract: A chip card device includes: a first insulative substrate; a chip unit disposed on an inner side of the first insulative substrate; a first conductive wiring disposed on the inner side of the first insulative substrate, and including a first chip-connecting end that is electrically connected to the chip unit, and a first open circuit terminal opposite to the first chip-connecting end; and a second conductive wiring disposed on the inner side of the first insulative substrate and including a second chip-connecting end that is electrically connected to the chip unit, and a second open circuit terminal that is opposite to the second chip-connecting end, and that can be electrically connected to the first open circuit terminal through an external touching member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Chang Jung Christian University
    Inventor: Chi-Chao Chang
  • Publication number: 20130062178
    Abstract: A pressure switch includes an outer contact tube, that includes first and second parallel planar contact sheets. An inner conductor is disposed between the planar contact sheets, and an insulator, which includes first and second parallel planar insulator sheets, is disposed between the inner conductor and the outer contact tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Barry Scott Mitchell, Mark Alan Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8319134
    Abstract: Formation of an assemblage of electrically conductive components for a new electrosurgical pencil is disclosed, and assembly of those components in a method for automating the manufacture and combination of current carrying metal circuitry and operable switching components in “electrosurgical pencils” which supply current to an active terminal, for application of high frequency or high power electrical current to a surgical site, and control of such current through coaction of the elements of the switch. In manufacture, the design of the switch components allows start-to-finish automated assembly of the switch, whereby an array of identical multiple metal “frames” may be formed from a reel, then each frame separated and enclosed within molded plastic, and the resulting cabinet joined with a housing to create an inexpensive hand piece, for use with a high quality, reusable cable and plug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: E Surgical, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Blomeyer
  • Patent number: 8284036
    Abstract: A dual activated pneumatic actuator system for a patient call system includes a dual function hand held actuator for a pneumatic patient call system and having first and second air pressure domes; a pneumatically actuated switching device including two cylinders, contact pins and C-clips connected to the contact pins; and an air conduit system connecting the dual function hand held actuator to the pneumatically actuated switching device. When a first air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces a cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a first circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an alarm system in the nurse station and when the second air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces the other cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a second circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an electronic device, for example television or radio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Dwyer Precision Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bert W. Wechtenhiser
  • Patent number: 8276280
    Abstract: The present invention provides electric pruning shears which can improve operation convenience by increasing the operating speed and eliminating hand fatigue during pruning of fruit trees. For this purpose, the present invention provides electric pruning shears which can improve safety during handling by implementing a new type of switching means having a separate safety switch capable of being separated from a main body and put on a user's finger and reduce the volume and weight by reducing the number of parts associated with the safety switch. Moreover, the present invention provides electric pruning shears which control a motor to be reversely rotated when there is an abnormality in blades of the electric pruning shears during a pruning operation, thus escaping from the overall abnormality including motor damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Republic of Korea (Management: Rural Development Administration)
    Inventors: Kyung Suk Lee, Hyo Cher Kim, Hye Seon Chae, U Suk Park, Kyung Ran Kim, Ki Hwan Jin, Kwan Woo Kim, Yoon Jeong Baek, Dae Sop Lim, Soon Yean Jung
  • Patent number: 8242398
    Abstract: A switch unit (40) is mountable to a distal end of a handpiece of an electrically-activatable surgical tool, such as an ultrasonically-vibratable surgical tool. The switch unit (40) has a generally bullet-shaped outer form with an axial bore (42) through which a waveguide of the tool extends. A resiliently deformable band (1) extends around the switch unit (40) above a polygonal-section contact zone (2), such that fingertip pressure on the band (1) may locally depress the band (1) towards a flat area (12) of the contact zone (2). Switch contacts (11) are mounted to an inner surface of the band (1) opposite a plated circuit (10) located on each flat area (12) so as to form a plurality of switches. A switch to activate the tool is thus easily accessible to a user's fingertip in any orientation of the handpiece in the user's hand. The switch contacts (11) may each comprise a body having an electrical resistance dependent on a pressure exerted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: SRA Developments Limited
    Inventors: Michael John Radley Young, Stephen Michael Radley Young
  • Publication number: 20120181158
    Abstract: A chip card device includes: a first insulative substrate; a chip unit disposed on an inner side of the first insulative substrate; a first conductive wiring disposed on the inner side of the first insulative substrate, and including a first chip-connecting end that is electrically connected to the chip unit, and a first open circuit terminal opposite to the first chip-connecting end; and a second conductive wiring disposed on the inner side of the first insulative substrate and including a second chip-connecting end that is electrically connected to the chip unit, and a second open circuit terminal that is opposite to the second chip-connecting end, and that can be electrically connected to the first open circuit terminal through an external touching member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: CHANG JUNG CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Chi-Chao CHANG
  • Patent number: 8022327
    Abstract: Formation of an assemblage of electrically conductive components for a new electrosurgical pencil is disclosed, and assembly of those components in a method for automating the manufacture and combination of current carrying metal circuitry and operable switching components in “electrosurgical pencils” which supply current to an active terminal, for application of high frequency or high power electrical current to a surgical site, and control of such current through coaction of the elements of the switch. In manufacture, the design of the switch components allows start-to-finish automated assembly of the switch, in an industry which knows only partially automated assembly, and partial assembly by hand, to create an improved tool for surgical cutting, coagulation, and cauterizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Blomeyer
  • Publication number: 20110162949
    Abstract: An electronic communications device such as a key fob is provided, and in some embodiments comprises a flexible film and a spacer layer defining at least one aperture. The flexible film can cover at least a portion of the spacer layer, and defines an exterior surface of the key fob. The flexible film includes at least one contact surface and a surface adjacent to the at least one contact surface. The at least one contact surface flexes when a force is applied in order to actuate at least one switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Steven J. Dimig
  • Publication number: 20100294640
    Abstract: A foil-type switching element comprises a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance from each other by means of a spacer, which comprises one opening (18) defining an active area. An elongate resistive layer (20) is provided on the second carrier foil within the active area while elongate 5 shunt means (22) are arranged on the first miler foil within the active area and facing the resistive layer (20). The form of the opening (18) in the spacer is such that the active area generally tapers in the longitudinal direction of the elongate resistive layer (20), so that when pressure is applied on the switching element, the shunt means (22) shunt a portion of the resistive layer (20) that 10 progressively increases with pressure, from the broad end of the spacer opening (18) towards its narrow end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.
    Inventors: Werner Bieck, Andreas Petereit, Christian Bour
  • Publication number: 20100171646
    Abstract: A remote controller has at least one input switch, and transmits a signal based on a state of the input switch to a target object. A main electrode pair is arranged as the input device and is configured such that inter-electrode distance varies in accordance with a pressing force. Plural sub electrode pairs are each arranged at positions different from the main electrode pair and are configured such that inter-electrode distance varies in accordance with a pressing force. The signal processor monitors a capacitance value of the main electrode pair and the plural sub electrode pairs, and performs predetermined signal processing in accordance with the capacitance value that has been detected. A transmitter transmits a control signal in accordance with the capacitance value of the main electrode pair to the target object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigehide YANO, Hiroshi YAMASHITA, Nobutaka ITAKURA
  • Publication number: 20040020756
    Abstract: A push-button switch 5 disposed in a switch case 3 has c-contacts and a normally close contact electrically connected with a terminal block 9 via conductors 39. Leading ends 23 of cores of a cable 7 introduced into the switch case 3 are inserted in insertion holes 49a, 49b formed in the terminal block 9. Screws 53a, 53b mounted to the terminal block 9 are tightened to press the leading ends 23 of the cores against conductive connection portions, on one side, in the insertion holes 49a, 49b, thereby to establish electrical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Miyauchi, Takao Fukui, Kazuya Okada, Yasushi Kamino, Ken Maeda, Yoshio Sekino
  • Patent number: 6308792
    Abstract: A switch is connected to a wagon for electrically powering the wagon. The wagon has a frame having at least one wheel for movement along a surface. The wagon further has a bar connected to the frame, the bar having a handle. The wagon further has a battery connected to a motor mounted on the wheel for powering the wheel. The switch has a wire shell having a first lead extending therefrom and adapted to be connected to the motor. A pipe member has an insulator ring mounted on the pipe member. The pipe member has a second lead extending therefrom and adapted to be connected to the battery. The wire shell is positioned over the pipe member and ring wherein the ring maintains a space between the wire shell and the pipe member to define an inactivated position. The wire shell is resiliently deflectable to a second position contacting the pipe member to define an activated position wherein an electrical connection is made powering the wheel of the wagon for movement along the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Michael S. Garrett
  • Patent number: 6107585
    Abstract: The invention includes a switch designed for use in adverse conditions such as for use with physically challenged persons. The switch can include a housing comprising top and bottom housings. The top and bottom housing each have a mating surface which guide the top and bottom housing during activation of the switch while permitting an activation force applied from various directions to activate an electrical switch located within the housing. The switch can include a flange type seal member for resisting entrance of contaminants into the housing and can include a ring member for attaching the switch to a user's body for easy manipulation of the switch. In addition, the switch is designed to be quickly and easily fit together during assembly and therefore easily manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: LoreTech, Ltd.
    Inventor: Glenn E. Gehr
  • Patent number: 5769211
    Abstract: A handle assembly of a medical instrument has a handle with an axis extending from a proximal end of the instrument toward a distal end thereof; and an electrical circuit incorporated at least partially in the handle for controlling an application of an action to a patient via the medical instrument. The circuit has a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact each projecting from a surface of the handle. The electrical contacts are spaced from one another. An actuator ring is slidably disposed on the handle and surrounding the same for motion in alternately opposite directions along the handle under the control of an operator. A bridging electrical contact is disposed on the ring for conductively connecting the first and second electrical contacts at a first predetermined longitudinal position of the ring along the handle, thereby closing the circuit at that position of the ring, and for opening the circuit at another longitudinal position of the ring along the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Misonix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald R. Manna, Theodore A. D. Novak, Scott Isola, David Ng
  • Patent number: 5736702
    Abstract: A pneumatically actuated switching device is disclosed for forming a momentary electrical signal circuit with a receptacle of a patient call system utilizing a conductive plunger which slides in response to a pulse of pressurized air delivered to an internal chamber through a housing connection which provides for optional assembly orientations. A spring is used to maintain separation between a conductive plunger and the electrical components when the pneumatic switching device is not activated by a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Dwyer Precision, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Roberts, Bert W. Wechtenheiser
  • Patent number: 5451735
    Abstract: A circumferential switch has a flexible electrically conductive band positioned around and separated from an outer circumference of a tubular body so that an air gap is formed between the band and tubular body. The band is electrically connected to a circuit board, contained within the tubular body, by a lead that passes through a circular hole in the tubular body. The circuit board is in electrical contact with the tubular body, which is also electrically conductive. The switch is in a first state in its normal position, i.e., positioned around and separated from the outer circumference of the tubular body. The switch changes states only when any part of the band makes contact with the tubular body. Thus, when the band is depressed by being squeezed, i.e., deflected, the band makes electrical contact with the tubular body, and the switch is in a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Worthington Data Solutions
    Inventors: Montgomery W. Worthington, Steven A. Luzovich, Christopher R. Kilgus, II
  • Patent number: 5402095
    Abstract: The invention proposes a portable case for an electronic smart card (C), comprising, on one of its main faces, electrical contact bands connected to an integrated circuit containing the card memory, of the type in which provision is made for a compartment which receives the card (C) and connection means (72) for connecting the contact bands to an exploitation electronic circuit providing at least a function of reading the data contained in the card, characterized in that it comprises a casing (10, 12, 14) equipped with a window (22) permitting the insertion of the card (C), an electrical connector (72) whose electrical contact elements (73) interact with the said contact bands when the card is in the position of exploitation of the data, a device for emitting and receiving (112, 114) data towards and from an information-processing station, and a switch (120) for detecting the placing of the card (C) in an exploitation position in the casing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignees: ITT Composants et Instruments, Gemplus Electronics
    Inventor: Alain Janniere
  • Patent number: 5376089
    Abstract: A simple and reliable electrosurgical instrument includes a cable having a main contact wire and first and second insulated switch wires. The cable is received into a main member having three electrical terminals to secure the three wires to three electrically isolated conducting strips which are mounted longitudinally in a fluid-sealed switch assembly. The main contact wire is connected to the main conducting strip, and the first and second switch wires are connected to the first and second switch conducting strips. The main conducting strip permanently connects the main contact wire to a socket which receives a electrode blade. A switch device selectively connects the main conducting strip to one of the two switch conducting strips. When a user pushes one of two buttons mounted on the outside of the electrosurgical instrument, the instrument provides a cutting current or a coagulation current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventor: Roger F. Smith
  • Patent number: 5304763
    Abstract: An electrosurgical handpiece for accommodating an assortment of different-sized electrodes having hollow shanks and provided with means for supplying suction adjacent the electrode tip for simultaneous removal of liquids or gasses. The handpiece can be fitted with a removable finger switch activator which can also be attached to other objects for the surgeon's convenience. Means for controlling the suction pressure at the electrode tip is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventors: Alan Ellman, Jon C. Garito
  • Patent number: 5226904
    Abstract: A simple and reliable electrosurgical instrument includes a cable having a main contact wire and first second insulated switch wires all provided with a short insulated or bare portion. The cable is received in a main member having a first holding mechanism for holding the switch wires adjacent uninsulated portions thereof on one lateral side and spaced from one another as well as a second holding mechanism for holding the switch wires adjacent the uninsulated portions thereof on the other lateral side so that the uninsulated portions span between the first and second holding mechanisms and are spaced longitudinally from one another. A blade receiver receives an electrode blade and is then electrically connected to the contact wire. A switch device selectively connects one of the uninsulated portions of the switch wires to the contact wire during operation. The first and second holding mechanisms preferably include channels and a cover includes projections which hold the wires in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Conmed Corporation
    Inventors: John Gentelia, Robert Uhl, William Wheatley, Sharyn Longo
  • Patent number: 5211282
    Abstract: The present invention is a squeeze switch device (10) for use in plush toys wherein the device housing is comprised of upper (14) and lower (16) sections secured together by protrusions (44) and slots (24) and wherein springs (62) bias the device for activation by applying a squeezing pressure to the stuffed toy in any one of a plurality of directions. A device (36) for reducing battery drain during device manufacture, storage and shipping are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: American Fun & Toy Creators, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Ting
  • Patent number: 5015806
    Abstract: An electrical switching device is disclosed, which is particularly well adapted for use in a hold-up alarm system. The device comprises a casing having a longitudinal axis and two lateral openings symmetrically positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis and a push-button switch centrally mounted inside the casing, and having an actuating push-button coaxial to the casing. The push-button switch is connected in series with an electrical circuit so that this circuit is switched on or off when the button is pressed. The device also comprises a flexible blade extending transversally inside the casing, the blade having a central portion adjacent to the push button and two opposite ends; and manually operable device for squeezing the blade in such a manner as to cause it to bend and press onto the push button to activate the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Honeywell Amplitrol, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Leclerc, Serge Bernier, Philippe Lalande, Nevenka Prijic
  • Patent number: 5015227
    Abstract: An improved device for delivering RF current to the operating tool of an ultrasonic surgical apparatus which comprises a switch module for selecting said RF current, an electrically conducting metal band connected to the switch module and an electrically conductive O-ring in electrical contact with the metal band and located around the acoustic conecting member of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Valleylab Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Broadwin, Joseph N. Logan, Peter J. Kuhl
  • Patent number: 4987681
    Abstract: A hand-held cordless grass/weed trimmer having a plurality of detachable hub assemblies holding the cutting element by compression, and a rake-like guard member for the rotating cutting element which prevents large size obstacles from entering into the cutting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Arnold L. Sepke
  • Patent number: 4968922
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an electric reversing switch comprising an insulated base having an elongated cavity defined therein. An elongated insulation member is provided for oscillatory motion about an axis through the cavity through an angular interval between a first and second position. Conductive bridging elements are provided on the ends of the insulation member and biased outwardly from the insulation member along the axis thereof. A first pair comprising first and second fixed contacts is supported in the base, each including a contact portion within the cavity and being symmetrical disposed relative to the axis through the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Lucerne Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Bittel
  • Patent number: 4939326
    Abstract: A technique for supplying power from a battery to a transmitter included as part of an insert in a magazine which is used to monitor magazine readership. A switch in the insert is open when the magazine is closed to break the circuit to the transmitter. However, the switch is closed when the magazine is opened. The circuit is then supplied to the transmitter which emits an identification signal indicative of the magazine being read.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Lee S. Weinblatt
  • Patent number: 4906804
    Abstract: A switch for a hair drying device having a rotatable curling iron and a hair dryer comprises a switching member, first and second microswitches, and a supporting member, preferably including a resilient spring, for the switching member. The supporting member permits the switching member to undergo a planar movement and a tilting movement independently of each other. The planar movement brings the switching member into and out of engagement with the first microswitch, thereby switching the rotation of the curling iron on and off. The tilting movement brings the switching member into and out of engagement with the second microswitch, thereby turning the hair dryer on and off. Thus, the curling iron and the hair dryer are operated independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: ABC-Elektrogerate Volz GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Hubert Theimer
  • Patent number: 4879438
    Abstract: A powered tool controlled by an actuating lever is provided with a simplified structure combining lock-off and lock-on functions. A trigger is mounted on the actuating lever and is pivoted about an axis parallel to a pivot axis for the actuating lever. The trigger is displaceable in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of displacement of the actuating lever, reducing the dexterity required of an operator to permit operation of the actuating lever. A hooked lever element extends from the trigger and a blocking device, which may be a post or a ribbed structure, projects from the tool housing. The hooked lever and blocking device cooperate to (1) abut, to prevent actuation of the motor unless the trigger is first operated, and (2) lock the actuating lever in an operated state upon subsequent release of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Ryobi Motor Products Corp.
    Inventor: Charles D. Winchester
  • Patent number: 4861231
    Abstract: A device for automatically disabling operation of a pneumatic device, such as an air-actuated pump switch. The device includes a diaphragm exposed to atmospheric pressure on one side and to water pressure on the other. So long as the water pressure is high enough, the diaphragm is held in a position in which it seals a pneumatic port and ensures continuing operation of an air-actuated switch. If the water pressure falls below a preselected level, the port is vented to atmosphere and the air-actuated switch is effectively disabled until the water pressure increases again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Herbert H. Howard