Patents Examined by Michael Friedhofer
  • Patent number: 8003909
    Abstract: An emergency off switching device for disconnecting an electrically operated machine from a circuit including a plurality of operated machines, includes a housing attached to the machine against which an externally accessible actuator cap is held in an axially movable arrangement, a contact switch accommodated in the housing which is closed when the switching device is in the non-actuated condition and by means of which the machine is electrically connected to the circuit, and a driver sleeve supported against the inside of the housing that is connected to the actuator cap with the free end of the driver sleeve opposite to the actuator cap facing the contact switch and disconnecting it from the circuit in the actuated condition, wherein a monitoring signal is generated when the switching device is in the actuated condition, to ascertain which of a plurality of the switching devices has been actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: RAFI GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Gessler
  • Patent number: 8003906
    Abstract: Embodiments of crossbar devices constructed with Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) switches are disclosed herein. A crossbar device may comprise m input terminals, n output terminals, n control lines and m×n MEMS switches coupled to the n control lines to selectively couple the m input terminals to the n output terminal. Each of the MEMS switches may comprise a contact node coupled to one of the m input terminals, a cantilever coupled to one of the n output terminals, a control node coupled to one of the n control lines to electrostatically control the cantilever to contact the contact node or be away from the contact node using electrostatic attractive or repulsive force respectively. The cantilever and the contact node are configured to remain in contact by molecular adhesion force, after the cantilever has been electrostatically controlled to contact the contact node, and the electrostatic attractive force has been removed. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Meta Systems
    Inventors: Carl Ebeling, Frederic Reblewski, Olivier V. Lepape, Jean Barbier
  • Patent number: 8003907
    Abstract: To reduce the number of erroneous operations, on an operation apparatus conducting mutually different operations such as opening and closing operations, a concretized human pictogram indicating mutually different state changes such as state changes represented by use of a face with opened eyes and a face with closed eyes associated with operation signals assigned to a pair of operation switches and a pictogram in which the human pictogram is combined with an operation pictogram representing a state in which a door concretizing an operation target to operate in response to an operation signal is opened or is being completely closed are respectively attached to the operation switches disposed adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hoshino, Akiko Obata (nee Nakajima), Atsushi Maki, Yukari Yamamoto, Manabu Yanagimoto, Yujin Tsukada, Chizuko Sasanabe
  • Patent number: 7999201
    Abstract: A Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) G-switch includes one or more actuators formed between fixed driving stages and moveable driving stages. A proof mass is attached to the moveable driving stages and flexibly attached to a substrate through one or more spring members. A voltage control circuit applies working voltages to the driving stages. With a first working voltage applied between the moveable and the fixed driving stages, moving of the driving stages' sensing direction towards gravity at a first critical angle will cause moveable driving stages to collapse and touch the fixed driving stage on the substrate and thus turn on the MEMS G-switch. After turning on the G-switch, a second working voltage is applied and moving of the driving stages' sensing direction away from gravity at a second critical angle will cause moveable electrodes to deviate from the fixed electrodes and thus turn off the MEMS G-switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Shandong Gettop Acoustic Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Wang Zhe, Xin Ping Cao
  • Patent number: 7999204
    Abstract: An elastic projection elastically projecting outward is provided on the lower side and the lateral side of a hard base. The elastic projection functions as a fixing member when a cover member for a push button switch is fitted into a housing of the product. Inside an elastic projection is formed a space. When the elastic projection is pressed from the outside, the space enables the elastic projection which is elastically deformed inward, to proceed into the space. As a result, the elastic projection projecting from an outer peripheral line of the hard base can be elastically deformed so as to retract inwardly in the hard base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takato Kobayashi, Yasuo Iwabuchi, Kimihiko Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7989715
    Abstract: An operation switch for a vehicle includes a light source and a grease. The light source is provided to illuminate a switch knob from a rear face side of the switch knob. The grease is applied to a sliding part. The light source is forcibly activated based on temperature information in a passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuo Saito
  • Patent number: 7989717
    Abstract: A connector switchpanel for medium voltage switchgear assemblies includes first and second feed devices connected together by conductors with a busbar branch on a connector. Disconnectors disconnecting the conducting connection and disconnecting the busbar branch and grounding contacts are provided. An improved compact construction and simplified operation are provided due to the connector switchpanel being a gas-insulated switchpanel and each of the first and second feed devices being connected by a three-position switch to the busbar branch with contact, disconnecting and grounding positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wolfgang Jung
  • Patent number: 7985937
    Abstract: A switching device includes a paddle actuator biased to a rest position and configured to pivot relative to a housing to a depressed position to engage an air-gap switch disposed within the housing. The air-gap switch is configured to change a first state of a load connected to the switching device upon engagement by the paddle actuator. The paddle actuator is defined by a pair of opposing long sides and a pair of opposing short sides and has at least one slot defined therein parallel to the pair of opposing short sides thereof and centrally disposed between the pair of opposing long sides thereof. A rocker actuator is disposed in the at least one slot defined in the paddle actuator and is configured to pivot relative thereto to engage at least one switch. The at least one switch is configured to change a second state of the load connected to the switching device upon engagement by the rocker actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun Wu, Alfred J. Lombardi, Cheng-Lung Chou, Azer Ilkhanov
  • Patent number: 7985936
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating a closing operable state for an air circuit breaker and an air circuit breaker having the same. The apparatus for indicating a closing operable state for the air circuit breaker comprises a micro switch installed at a switching mechanism providing a driving force for switching contactors, provided with a lever extended into the switching mechanism so as to receive the driving force, generating and outputting an electric signal for indicating that the air circuit breaker is in a closing operable state, and provided with a signal transmitting terminal for transmitting the electric signal to a remote place, and an on coupling pressing the lever of the micro switch so that the micro switch generates and outputs the electric signal only when a closing spring for providing elastic energy for switching the contactors charges elastic energy and the air circuit breaker is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kil-Young Ahn
  • Patent number: 7982146
    Abstract: A telecommunications apparatus for use with a plug having at least first, second and third pins. The telecommunications apparatus includes a plug connector for receiving the plug. The plug connector includes at least first, second and third electrical contacts for electrically contacting the first, second and third pins, respectively, when the plug is inserted in the plug connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: ATX Networks Corp.
    Inventors: Todd A. Loeffelholz, Terry E. McClellan, Sara Manderfield, Zakhary Bluband, Par G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7982149
    Abstract: Mechanical architecture for providing maximum viewing area on key button tops of keys for a user input device. The viewing area is for the display of information on the key buttons, and also includes tactile feedback similar to standard laptop keyboards, all using low cost manufacturing methods such as injection molding. The architecture optimizes an aperture through the core of the key switch assembly in order to project an image through the aperture and onto the display area of the key button. The architecture relocates in at least one embodiment the tactile feedback mechanism (e.g., dome assembly) out from underneath the key button to the perimeter or side of the key switch assembly. The architecture finds particular application to input devices such as keyboards, game pods, data entry device, etc., that operate in combination with an optical surface (e.g., wedge lens).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Glen C. Larsen, Michael R. Schweers, Steven N. Bathiche, Andrew Wilson, Jonathan Knight, David Zucker, Kurt A. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7977592
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a mechanism of a contact system for circuit breakers. More particularly, the invention encompasses a mechanism for a rotary double-break contact system, which enables a direct transfer of torque from stored energy components, such as, springs, to the contact arm in the ON-position (contacts closed) without using intermediate cam surface. The mechanism described in the invention also ensures reliable locking of the contact arm in the blow-off position using stationary means that are integral with or fixed to a crossbar module. This invention enables to achieve significant reduction or even to eliminate friction at certain critical interfaces between the contact mechanism components, thus, reducing or potentially eliminating hysteresis, and improving performance consistency, and also eliminating mechanism performance dependency on wear level and condition of an intermediate cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark I. Shmukler, James Ferree
  • Patent number: 7977591
    Abstract: A liquid level monitor (100) includes a liquid bowl cavity (102) having a liquid sampling port (106). A switching device cavity (104) is formed within an upper portion of the housing (105) having an electromechanical switching device (112) therein. A separator (116) is between the liquid bowl cavity (102) and the switching device cavity (104). A venting pathway (120) including a vent passage (122) is for equalizing pressure between a region over the liquid in the liquid bowl cavity (102) and the switching device cavity (104). A liquid level indicator including a float (131) is positioned in the liquid bowl cavity (102) for indicating the height of the liquid. The liquid level indicator (131) actuates the electromechanical switching device (112) when the fluid level falls below a predetermined level. A mechanical barrier (115) is positioned in the venting pathway (120) for redirecting liquid back into the liquid bowl cavity (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Mantua, Brad L. Cummins
  • Patent number: 7977594
    Abstract: A weatherproof toggle switch cover adapter assembly comprises a cover plate adapted for placement over a toggle switch and coupling with an electrical junction box. A lever rotationally pivotably coupled with the cover plate is in mechanical communication with the toggle switch through a yoke. When the lever is moved to an on position, the toggle switch also moves to an on position. The yoke comprises two opposing tines defining a yoke spanning gap having a perimeter edge, the yoke spanning gap sized to straddle the toggle switch. An adapter ring comprising an external perimeter edge and an internal perimeter edge is interposed between the yoke and the toggle switch. The external perimeter edge is in communication with the perimeter edge of the yoke. The internal perimeter edge is inside two opposing tines and is disposed about an adapter spanning gap sized to straddle the toggle switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Miserendino, Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7977590
    Abstract: A lockout device for a switch assembly includes a body and first and second laterally extending pins and a cam member assembled with the body. The laterally extending pins are laterally movable between hole engaging and hole disengaging positions. The cam member is pivotable with respect to the body between locking and unlocked positions. When the cam member is in the locking position, the cam member holds the first and second pins in the hole engaging position. When the cam member is in the unlocked position, the first and second pins are movable from the hole engaging position to the hole disengaging position. The body defines a lock opening configured to receive a lock member to secure the cam member in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Michael Brojanac
  • Patent number: 7973255
    Abstract: A switch useful for, inter alia, a touch type keyboard or keypad which may be used for a personal computer or the like in a substantially waterproof form while being relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Dale McPhee Purcocks
  • Patent number: 7973253
    Abstract: An interlock assembly for a bypass isolation open or closed transition ATS assembly is disclosed. The interlock assembly ensures that a switch assembly being worked upon and/or being inserted is in a neutral configuration, i.e. the switch assembly is not engaging a power source. The interlock assembly is, preferably, an electrical interlock having a control system structured to configure the switch assemblies and to monitor the configuration of the switch assemblies. That is, the switch assemblies each include a power operated, conductive, movable contact arm. The position of each contact arm is controlled, and monitored by, the control system which controls the single actuator for each contact arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Irving A. Gibbs, Justin Hoglund, Cathleen Clausen, Mark Steven Tomassi, Jonathan Scott Adams
  • Patent number: 7968808
    Abstract: A compound operation input device of the invention includes: a body; a switch being disposed in the body and including a contact in an arcuate cross-sectional shape; and a lever. The lever includes: a basal portion disposed on a vertex of the contact; and an operating portion being swingable in swing directions and being depressible toward the switch from a predetermined position on a swing path. The body includes an arcuate abutting portion. The lever has a protrusion being disposed above the abutting portion. The abutting portion has a recess at a position thereof corresponding to the predetermined position. When the lever makes a depressing movement from a position other than the predetermined position, the protrusion abuts against the abutting portion. When the lever makes a depressing movement from the predetermined position, the protrusion is received in the recess such that the basal portion presses the vertex of the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7968809
    Abstract: A switching device for an electrical switchgear assembly for power distribution includes a grounding function unit including a first moving control element selectably moveable to a first manual operation position and an isolation function unit including a second moving control element selectably to a second manual operation position. The grounding function unit is selectable to a manual operation state by moving the first moving control element to the first manual operation position, and the isolation function unit function unit is selectable to a manual operation state by moving the second moving control element to the second manual operation position. When the manual operation state is selected for one of the grounding and isolation function units, selection of the other of the grounding and isolation functional units to the manual operation state is blocked by a respective one of the first and second moving control elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Peters Hauke, Daniel Kuhl
  • Patent number: 7968810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic signal switching module with connectors on a first side for connecting with a variety of devices and sources and with jacks for receiving patch cords on a second side. The switching modules include two position switches in the circuitry connecting the jacks with the connectors which allow the module to be configured as a straight-through patching module, a fully normal module with paired jacks or a half normal module with paired jacks. One alternative of the invention utilizes card edge connectors on the first side. Another aspect of the invention involves a chassis for holding a plurality of switching modules adjacent to and electronically connected with a plurality of connecting modules. The switching modules may also include designation lenses adjacent to the jacks for holding indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Follingstad, Peter Adams, Jeffrey Peters