Stationary Feeler Detects Transient Object Patents (Class 200/61.41)
  • Patent number: 11519807
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a dart, a pressure sensor, and a controller communicatively coupled with the sensor. The dart is disposed in a fluidic channel. The dart has a main body and a flange extending from the main body and has a diameter greater than or equal to a diameter of the fluidic channel. When the dart translates within the fluidic channel and passes a location of a variation in the fluidic channel, the flange creates a pressure pulse. The pressure sensor measures the pressure pulse within the fluidic channel created by the dart. The controller determines the location of the variation based on the measured pressure pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Oluwatosin Ogundare, Claudio Olmi, David B. Bennett, Terry Don Bickley, Daniel Joshua Stark, Jeremy Coss Nicholson
  • Patent number: 10836039
    Abstract: A control device includes: a processor that is configured to execute computer-executable instructions so as to control a robot provided with a force sensor, wherein the processor is configured to display a first detection result in which specific position information indicating a specific position of the robot and force information output from a force sensor correspond to each other on a display, in a case where robot inspects an operation component that outputs an electric signal corresponding to an operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Shimodaira
  • Patent number: 10231375
    Abstract: A precision seed-dispensing system of the type applied on planters with a machine element that touches the soil and having a chassis that supports the seed meter. In accordance with the system disclosed herein, it may also have a damper system between the machine element that touches the soil and the seed meter, irrespective of the model or its shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Jose Roberto do Amaral Assy
  • Patent number: 10112828
    Abstract: A method for homogenizing the height of a plurality of wires from the plurality of wires erected on a face of a substrate, the method including a first step of coating the face of the substrate including the plurality of wires with a first film, the first film embedding the plurality of wires over a first height; a second step of coating the first film with a second film, the second film embedding at least one part of the plurality of wires over a second height; a step of removing the second film, the part of the wires of the plurality of wires embedded in the second film being removed at the same time as the second film, a mechanical stress between the first film and the second film being exerted during the removal step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Joël Eymery, Amine El Kacimi
  • Patent number: 9812271
    Abstract: A push type switch includes a mounting base, a depressing module, a base board including at least a contact portion, a lighting module, a terminal group, and at least a conductive element. The depressing module includes a cap and a connecting peg movably connected to the mounting base. The cap has a light-permeable side portion spaced apart from the mounting base to form an interval. The lighting module includes a flat flexible cable and a plurality of lighting elements located at the interval. When the depressing module is being pushed to depress and deform the at least a conductive element to enable the conductive element to electrically contact the contact portion, the terminal group transmits electrical signals to allow the plurality of lighting elements to light with multiple lighting modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiung Chu
  • Patent number: 9728925
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon brush (2), having a wear limit indicating function, having a current-carrying stranded wire being arranged in the brush body (4), and having a stranded indicating wire (10), which, at a stranded wire end section (12), is surrounded and fixed by a sleeve (8) having an infeed opening (22), wherein the sleeve (8) is arranged in a recess (6) being formed in the brush body (4). The sleeve (8) is formed as a centering sleeve, the inner diameter (26a, 26b) of which at the infeed opening (22) nearly corresponds to the outer diameter (24) and features a tapering (30) that is conical in the infeed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SCHUNK KOHLENSTOFFTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Klaus-Georg Tontsch, Reiner Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 9704660
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrical switching device, which switches stroke-dependently, with extended switching hysteresis, including a switching element with a contact lever, the switching element cooperating with an actuating element movably guided in a holding device. The actuating element has a step-shaped portion for actuating the contact lever of the switching element and the actuating element has an opening in which an engagement element designed as a bolt or a pin engages when a switching action is initiated. The opening provided in the actuating element is formed as an elongated hole, in which the engagement element engages in order to achieve a switching stroke and a defined hysteresis is thus set depending on the design of the elongated hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Lothar Wuerfel, Matthias Schmidt, Joachim Bohlaender
  • Patent number: 9562899
    Abstract: A method of detecting and/or specifically identifying bacteria producing OXA-048-type carbapenemase in a biological sample, includes the steps of: (a) placing the biological sample likely to contain the bacteria in contact with a reaction medium including at least one chromogenic substrate to detect an enzymatic activity, and temocillin at a concentration equal to or greater than 150 mg/L, preferably between 200 and 500 mg/L, (b) incubating the sample in the medium to allow the bacteria to grow, and (c) detecting the strains corresponding to the OXA-48 carbapenemase producing bacteria. A culture medium as implemented in step (a) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: bioMérieux
    Inventors: Laurence Devigne, Sandrine Ghirardi, Gilles Zambardi
  • Patent number: 9460605
    Abstract: A housing for a computer system includes at least one first and one second housing opening, at least one first housing cover and one second housing cover, wherein the first housing opening can be closed by the first housing cover and the second housing opening can be closed by the second housing cover, and a switching element having a switching contact, wherein the switching element is arranged such that, both when opening the first housing cover and when opening the second housing cover, the switching contact is triggered to indicate that the housing has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Friedrich Köhler, Lorenz Schelshorn
  • Patent number: 9417653
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling an object in real-time is described. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a frame, a bracket, and a stick controller. The frame is configured to be worn on a user's head and to inhibit relative movement between the frame and the user's head. The bracket extends from one or more portions of the frame and is positionable to extend to an area near the user's face with the frame is worn on the user's head. The stick controller is coupled to the bracket and being positionable for contact with user's face when the frame is worn on the user's head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Quintal
  • Patent number: 9059712
    Abstract: An object detection sensor includes a hollow insulator, a plurality of electrode wires, a terminal molded member, and a blocking member. The hollow insulator includes a longitudinal end. The electrode wires are arranged in the hollow insulator with the electrode wires spaced apart from each other. Each electrode wire includes a drawn-out portion that is drawn out of the hollow insulator from the longitudinal end of the hollow insulator. The terminal molded member is formed from an insulative terminal molding resin material. The drawn-out portions are embedded in the terminal molded member. The blocking member, which is arranged at the longitudinal end of the hollow insulator, blocks entrance of the terminal molding resin material into the hollow insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: ASMO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hidenori Ishihara
  • Patent number: 8779751
    Abstract: To restrict a bowing amount of a piezoelectric actuator, provided is a switching apparatus comprising a contact point section including a first contact point; and an actuator that moves a second contact point to contact or move away from the first contact point. The actuator includes a first piezoelectric film that expands and contracts according to a drive voltage to change a bowing amount of the actuator, and a second piezoelectric film that is provided in parallel with the first piezoelectric film and restricts bowing of the actuator when the drive voltage is not being supplied to the first piezoelectric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Hisao Hori, Yoshikazu Abe, Yoshihiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8678606
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a carrying container; at least two light sources to illuminate the interior and exterior of a the carrying container, each light source operatively connected directly to an actuation sensing device and to a power source. Magnetic actuators, mounted onto the carrying container activate each light source to provide illumination and independent of the access state of the carrying container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Aja Berger
    Inventor: Aja A. Berger
  • Patent number: 8348330
    Abstract: The present invention is a touch sensor assembly for a closing panel of a frame member that at least partially defines an opening and is oppositely disposed from the closing panel. The touch sensor assembly can have an elongated housing dimensioned to attach to a leading edge of the closing panel or a trailing edge of the frame member. The touch sensor assembly can also have a wire harness with a first portion encapsulated within the housing and a second portion that extends a predetermined length from the housing and passes through an aperture in the closing panel or an aperture in the frame member. A wire harness protector is also provided, the protector being attached to the wire harness proximate to the elongated housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Higgins, Hideki Shimizu, Hironori Koeda, Yoshiteru Taniguichi
  • Patent number: 8026454
    Abstract: A linear pressure switch is described that has two conductors separated by strips of insulation. The conductors are resilient members that can vary in thickness and material along with the insulation to provide a range of switch sensitivities. The switch can include connectors and an attachment mechanism that facilitates the installation and removal the switch from a given application. In addition, the switch can ergonomically enhanced actuation. The switches can be stacked in layers and selectively have different sensitivities to provide a desired signal output for each switch in a given application. The switch can also include external coatings on the jacket which enhance the feel and resistance of the jacket to wear and misuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventors: John T. Grzan, Matt Grzan, Joseph L. Montalto
  • Patent number: 7932473
    Abstract: Actuator comprising of a quick release unit and a means for determining the position of an activation element. With the quick release unit it is possible to release the activation element from the actuator's electric motor and the transmission or, at least part of it, to make a rapid adjustment to the activation element without the motor and transmission. The means typically used for determining the position of the activation element comprises of a potentiometer, an optical or magnetic encoder indirectly driven by the motor. By connecting the instrument for position determination (33) to the spindle (2) or the part of the transmission between the quick release and the spindle (2), the position of the activation element remains known regardless of whether it is released or connected, or has been released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: René Sørensen, Marin K. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 7820927
    Abstract: The present invention provides a protector, especially a radiotherapeutic protector. The protector comprises a conductive baseplate with one side covered with an insulation layer and another side is mounted with a plentiful of antennae, and an electric connector is coupled on one end of the conductive baseplate. In one embodiment, the conductive baseplate is enveloped by the insulation layer, and the antennae penetrate through the insulation layer and connect to one side of the conductive baseplate. The protector of the present invention has the advantages of simplify in structure and low in price, and can effectively avoid the physical contact or collision between the radioactive source and the patient during treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: MSEP Medical Science & Technology Development (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yanxiong Qiu
  • Patent number: 7790995
    Abstract: A device and method that contains an electro-mechanical break away sensor that de-energizes power or stops the flow of electricity to a pole upon a vehicle colliding with the pole or otherwise activation of the sensor. The sensor is omni directional and operates regardless of direction of impact from the vehicle or activation and has the ability to disconnect power when the pole falls due to a shear impact such as when there is a collision or the pole falls due to tension created by wind or weight failure. The sensor may also be activated by an authorized user such as one that is performing maintenance on the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Karl A. Burkett
  • Publication number: 20100096245
    Abstract: A linear pressure switch is described that has two conductors separated by strips of insulation. The conductors are resilient members that can vary in thickness and material along with the insulation to provide a range of switch sensitivities. The switch can include connectors and an attachment mechanism that facilitates the installation and removal the switch from a given application. In addition, the switch can ergonomically enhanced actuation. The switches can be stacked in layers and selectively have different sensitivities to provide a desired signal output for each switch in a given application. The switch can also include external coatings on the jacket which enhance the feel and resistance of the jacket to wear and misuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: John T. Grzan, Matt Grzan, Joseph L. Montalto
  • Patent number: 7659485
    Abstract: A linear pressure switch is described that has two conductors separated by strips of insulation. The conductors are resilient members that can vary in thickness and material along with the insulation to provide a range of switch sensitivities. The switch can include connectors and an attachment mechanism that facilitates the installation and removal the switch from a given application. In addition, the switch can ergonomically enhanced actuation. The switches can be stacked in layers and selectively have different sensitivities to provide a desired signal output for each switch in a given application. The switch can also include external coatings on the jacket which enhance the feel and resistance of the jacket to wear and misuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventors: John T. Grzan, Matt Grzan, Joseph L. Montalto
  • Patent number: 7273990
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ice storage detection switch for detecting an ice level in an ice storage chamber of an ice making machine including: a magnet lever rotatably fitted to the switch lever, for holding the magnet so that the magnet is located in a vicinity of the reed switch when the switch lever is not pressed; and a projecting portion formed on the switch case to be located between a rotational center of the magnet lever and the reed switch, the magnet separating from the reed switch through abutment of the magnet lever on the projecting portion and rotation of the magnet lever when the switch lever is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yoshida, Hideji Ota, Atsushi Sugita
  • Patent number: 7220928
    Abstract: A safety strip for a striking edge protection device or closing edge protection device has contact elements arranged transversal to the longitudinal extension of the holding bodies, and the points of contact of the contact elements enable a flow of current from one side of one holding body to the other side of the other holding body. To this end, the holding bodies can be provided in the form of contact strips, spring brackets or the like, and sensors can be used instead of the contact elements. These sensors are mounted transversal to the longitudinal extension of the contact strips or of the spring bracket, and the sensors, via the operation thereof, actuate the electrical switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventors: Andre Haake, Oliver Haake, Patrick Haake
  • 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: 7087849
    Abstract: A control device processes or agricultural sprayer. A slip member biased by a retaining member and springs to an initial neutral position produces a signal by a sensor upon initiation or cessation of angular forces from rotation of a machine driven shaft. The signal is caused by movement of the slip member from friction produced by an impeller situated within the grease filled slip member. The impeller is coupled directly or indirectly to the machine driven shaft and rotates upon rotation of the shaft. Upon initiation of angular forces on the impeller, the signal produced may cause a valve on an agricultural sprayer to open and initiate spraying therefrom. Upon cessation of angular forces on the impeller, the valve may be closed to turn off the spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: One Pass Farm Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: James Dennis Brown, Allen Tison
  • Patent number: 7041919
    Abstract: A switch includes a housing, an operating member placed in the housing, and contacting sections accommodated in the housing. The operating member has an operating section made of elastic material to be bowed in every direction and an operating unit coupled to the operating section. When greater force than necessary for changing a state of the contacting sections is applied to the operating section along an operating direction, or when force directed in a direction other than the operating direction is applied to the operating section, the operating section itself bows to absorb extra force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nishimura, Tamotsu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7013570
    Abstract: A stud finder for a light generating device, having a surface and a connection structure on the surface to removably mount either a light generating device or a leveling device thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Irwin-Industrial tool Company
    Inventors: Steven R. Levine, Leslie D. Gist
  • Patent number: 6753486
    Abstract: An electronic device switch has switch patterns formed in positions close to a peripheral edge on a surface of a circuit board. A power source pattern is formed on a side surface of the circuit board. A terminal has a fixing leg, a connection leg disposed in contact with any of the switch patterns and cooperating with the fixing leg to clamp the terminal to the circuit board, and a switch terminal electrically connected with the connection leg and for undergoing plastic deformation to contact the power source pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Matsui
  • Patent number: 6723933
    Abstract: A flexible, capacitive strip for use in a non-contact obstacle detection system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the strip includes an elongated body for flexible mounting to a panel along a bottom surface of the elongated body. A first elongated planar conductor is contained within an upper section of the elongated body, and a longitudinal cavity is formed through a central portion of the elongated body, the longitudinal cavity being disposed between the planar conductor and the bottom surface. The first elongated planar conductor forms a first electrode of a sensing capacitor and the longitudinal cavity defines a portion of a dielectric material of the sensing capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Brian Deplae, Jeremy M. Husic, John Pasiecznik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6518522
    Abstract: A position sensor for sensing the position of a moving part capable of actuating a plunger belonging to the sensor and more specifically a mechanism for orienting the plunger of the sensor. The sensor includes a guide that is rotationally orientable in a body about a first axis XX′ of rotation, and a plunger sliding without rotation in the guide along the axis XX′. A locator prevents rotation of the guide in the body about the axis of rotation, in a given angular position. The locator is fixed nonremovably in the body and possesses either several tabs spaced regularly about the guide and capable of fitting into one position groove to immobilize the guide or several position grooves in which one tab can fit to immobilize the guide. Such a position sensor may find particular application in detecting the positions of moving mechanical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Crouzet Automatismes
    Inventors: Pierre Vinard, José Rodriguez, Bernard Truchet
  • Patent number: 6357384
    Abstract: A device for indicating the passage of a pig beyond a predetermined location in a pipeline comprising a pig detector connected to a pipeline and communicating with the interior of the pipeline through an opening at the location, a trigger slidably mounted in the pig detector and adapted to project downwardly into the interior of the pipeline through the opening, an indicator housing associated with the pig detector, a cylindrical indicator being vertically slidably mounted within the indicator housing, a plurality of catch fingers pivotally mounted in the housing for pivotal movement toward and away from the central axis of the housing, a catch spring for urging the fingers pivotally towards the central axis, an indicator spring mounted within the housing for resiliently urging the indicator upwardly beyond the indicator housing so as to be visible and to provide an indication that a pig has passed by, a lock pin attached to the lower surface of the indicator, an actuator connected to the trigger and having a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventors: Dwane O. Laymon, James M. Berry, Stephen L. Skarke
  • Patent number: 6286226
    Abstract: A tactile sensor device is disclosed that can be used for high resolution tactile sensing. The sensor may be used as a tactile shear sensor. It comprises a circuit substrate; an array of contact pads on the circuit substrate, and a set of nanowires attached to each of the contact pads. The contact pads may be isolated or formed from a matrix of interconnecting strips of material. Each set of nanowires comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of nanowires that are desirably vertically aligned and equal in length. When an object contacts at least one of the plurality of sets of nanowires, it causes at least one set of nanowires to bend and make contact along a portion of the length thereof with at least another set of nanowires. The position and movement activity of the object can be sensed by electrically interrogating pairs of contact pads to determine whether a connection has been made between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Agere Systems Guardian Corp.
    Inventor: Sungho Jin
  • Patent number: 6223467
    Abstract: A motor vehicle sensor arrangement which is used to detect jamming, i.e, an obstruction, at a movable vehicle part which can be moved into an end position, such as an electric window, a sliding and tilting roof, a convertible top, or a servo-actuated door. A cavity defined by opposing resilient walls is located proximate, but outside, the path of movement of the movable vehicle part and at a selected distance from the end position. A distance sensor, for example a pressure transducer, is arranged in the cavity between the resilient walls. When an object obstructs the path of movement of the movable vehicle part toward the end position, the resilient walls are moved toward each other. When the distance sensor contacts a portion of the opposing resilient wall, the distance sensor actuates a response signal indicating a jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Mahalek, Bogdan Serban, Michel Witte
  • Patent number: 6214057
    Abstract: An overload protection device includes a cup-shaped cap member defining a cavity receiving a cup-shaped yoke member defining a pressurized air chamber receiving a piston having a rounded end surface engaging the cap member. An annular cam member is inserted into the cap member and defines three angularly spaced V-shaped cam surfaces with center seats which receive corresponding steel balls mounted on outwardly projecting ears of the yoke member. A rigid plastic ring is mounted on the yoke member with epoxy and contacts an annular shoulder within the cam member. The yoke member carries a pair of axially adjustable and normally closed electrical contact elements which are opened by an actuator pin projecting from the piston in response to tilting and/or rotation and/or axial movement between the yoke member and cap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Process Equipment Co. of Tipp City
    Inventors: Graham T. Spencer, Michael P. Gardner, Beth Van Haaren
  • Patent number: 6207911
    Abstract: A combined doorstop and switch assembly for a vehicle includes two primary components, which are a bumper body for attaching to a vehicle body panel, and a switch which is attachable to the bumper body. The bumper body is formed of a flexibly resilient material, which may be rubber or a suitable elastomer. The bumper body has a hollow chamber formed centrally therein for receiving and holding the switch. The switch is housed within the hollow chamber of the bumper body and includes a case having a first contact disposed therein, and a push rod member slidably disposed in the case for movement therein. A spring, or other means for biasing the push rod member outwardly in the case is provided attached to the push rod member, and the switch also includes a connector for connecting to an electrical circuit, the connector being in electrical communication with the first contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: David W. Hirsch, Emily Meredith
  • Patent number: 6177642
    Abstract: A touch sensor of the invention includes an adjusting mechanism to adjust a position of the touch sensor relative to a processing machine. The touch sensor includes an arm attached to the processing machine, a housing attached to the arm and having a sensor section with a contact and a flange, a fastening device for fastening the housing to the arm, and an eccentrically rotating device including an eccentric axis having a first axis and a second axis eccentrically attached to the first axis. A circular hole is formed in one of the housing and the arm to engage the first axis, and an elongated slot is provided in the other of the housing and the arm to engage the second axis. Upon rotation of the eccentric axis, a position of the contact attached to the housing is adjusted relative to the arm or processing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Metrol Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Matsuhashi
  • Patent number: 6172315
    Abstract: A linear switch having 360 degree circumferential activation is provided. The switch includes first and second resilient strips separated by an actuator that defines two separate longitudinal channels. A pair of conductive strips, separated by perforated foam, extend the entire length of each channel. An external force applied anywhere along the exterior length or perimeter of the switch will activate it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Bearge Miller, Norman K. Miller