Abstract: A safety switch is disclosed herein. The safety switch may comprise: a housing, wherein the housing comprises a mating cam; a face plate, wherein the face plate is coupled to the housing; and a subassembly coupled to the face plate, wherein the subassembly comprises: a base, wherein the base comprises a slot; a cam, wherein the cam is positioned within the base; a pushbutton, wherein the pushbutton comprises a hole; and a pin positioned through the hole of the pushbutton and the slot of the base; wherein the cam, the base, and the pushbutton are mated together with the pin; wherein the subassembly is not rotatable due to the pin.

Abstract: A multi-pole switch assembly includes a housing, a plurality of switches, and an actuator. The switches are disposed within the housing, and each switch is coupled to receive an actuation force and is configured, upon receipt of the actuation force, to move between a first position and a second position. The actuator is disposed at least partially within the housing and is configured to at least substantially simultaneously engage, and thereby supply the actuation force to, each switch to thereby move all of the switches, with substantial simultaneity, to either the first or the second position. The actuator is rotatable to a plurality of set rotational positions to thereby vary the substantial simultaneity.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for actuating a safety switch, particularly by converting a linear force to a rotary motion. A safety switch may comprise: a housing, wherein the housing comprises a mating cam; a face plate, wherein the face plate is coupled to the housing; and a subassembly coupled to the face plate, wherein the subassembly comprises: a base, wherein the base comprises a slot; a cam, wherein the cam is positioned within the base; a pushbutton, wherein the pushbutton comprises a hole; and a pin positioned through the hole of the pushbutton and the slot of the base; wherein the cam, the base, and the pushbutton are mated together with the pin; wherein the subassembly is not rotatable due to the pin.

Abstract: A switch system includes a snap action switch, an operating plunger, and an actuator. The snap action switch is configured to move, with snap-action, from a first switch position to a second switch position. The operating plunger is disposed adjacent to the snap action switch and is coupled to selectively receive an actuating force. The operating plunger is configured, upon receipt of the actuating force, to retain the snap action switch in the first switch position. The operating plunger is further configured, upon removal of the actuating force, to allow the switch to move from the first switch position to the second switch position. The actuator contacts the operating plunger and is configured to selectively supply the actuating force to, and remove the actuating force from, the operating plunger. The operating plunger comprises a dielectric material having low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A multi-pole switch assembly includes a housing, a plurality of switches, and an actuator. The switches are disposed within the housing, and each switch is coupled to receive an actuation force and is configured, upon receipt of the actuation force, to move between a first position and a second position. The actuator is disposed at least partially within the housing and is configured to at least substantially simultaneously engage, and thereby supply the actuation force to, each switch to thereby move all of the switches, with substantial simultaneity, to either the first or the second position. The actuator is rotatable to a plurality of set rotational positions to thereby vary the substantial simultaneity.

Abstract: A switch system includes a snap action switch, an operating plunger, and an actuator. The snap action switch is configured to move, with snap-action, from a first switch position to a second switch position. The operating plunger is disposed adjacent to the snap action switch and is coupled to selectively receive an actuating force. The operating plunger is configured, upon receipt of the actuating force, to retain the snap action switch in the first switch position. The operating plunger is further configured, upon removal of the actuating force, to allow the switch to move from the first switch position to the second switch position. The actuator contacts the operating plunger and is configured to selectively supply the actuating force to, and remove the actuating force from, the operating plunger. The operating plunger comprises a dielectric material having low thermal conductivity.

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).

Abstract: A key alignment system for safety interlock switches uses alignment holes, and alignment pins to compensate for misalignment between a body assembly and a key assembly. The misalignment is often due to normal wear and tear or outright abuse of a gate or other movable member that should be safely interlocked. The key is fixed to a floating plate connected to a mounting plate by a suspension. The alignment pins and holes on or in a fixed alignment assembly and the floating plate can move the floating plate into a position such that the key enters the key hole. Some embodiments incorporate the fixed alignment assembly into the body assembly. The normal function of a keyed safety interlock wherein the key can be caught and held or released is preserved and enhanced by compensating for misalignment.

Abstract: A wireless valve-position monitor includes a housing having a plurality of possible antenna module mounting ports. A position sensor is within the housing that interfaces to a movable portion of a process-control valve for providing a position detection signal that reflects a position of the process-control valve. A wireless transceiver system including a transceiver coupled to an antenna module is coupled to the position sensor for transmitting a wireless signal that communicates the position of the process-control valve. The antenna module is mounted to one of the plurality of possible mounting ports on the housing.

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).

Abstract: A key alignment system for safety interlock switches uses alignment holes, and alignment pins to compensate for misalignment between a body assembly and a key assembly. The misalignment is often due to normal wear and tear or outright abuse of a gate or other movable member that should be safely interlocked. The key is fixed to a floating plate connected to a mounting plate by a suspension. The alignment pins and holes on or in a fixed alignment assembly and the floating plate can move the floating plate into a position such that the key enters the key hole. Some embodiments incorporate the fixed alignment assembly into the body assembly. The normal function of a keyed safety interlock wherein the key can be caught and held or released is preserved and enhanced by compensating for misalignment.

Abstract: A safety switch apparatus includes one or more switching elements in association with an operating head. A housing and a cover are provided for maintaining the switching element(s) therein. A switch cavity is formed between the housing and the cover to maintain the switching element(s) in the switch cavity between the housing and the cover. A plurality of cover-housing threads are provided by the housing and the cover in association with a plunger extending between the switch cavity and the operating head, thereby providing a weather-sealed and explosion-proof barrier for protecting the switching element(s).

Abstract: A threaded adaptor device for connecting two devices wherein one device to be connected has a threaded opening for connection to a wiring harness and the other device has a pin connector element. The adaptor includes a body portion that is threaded for direct attachment to conventional openings in conduits, cables and the like. Extending down from the threaded body portion is a wiring sub assembly that easily connects to the opening of the conduit. The other end of the threaded body portion includes a connector which preferably is a male connector with one or more pins extending out from the body of the device, electrically connected to the wiring harness, and protected by an outer, hollow member into which the device connector is inserted. Another embodiment is the use of a female connector, depending on the design of the device being connected.

Abstract: A staked terminal rivet system and method configured to mount a switch device onto a printed circuit board is disclosed as an alternative to traditional molded-in or staked-on secondary terminal systems. An electrically conductive rivet functioning as a terminal reduces overall manufacturing costs and provides a higher degree of precision for mounting onto printed circuit boards. This technology has wide ranging applicability, including: industrial machinery and equipment, commercial aviation, test instrumentation, agricultural machinery, process control and medical instrumentation.

Abstract: A cable actuated emergency stop system is disclosed, which includes a housing structure within which a single shaft assembly can be maintained for engaging a cable and a single shaft assembly that can be attached to the cable, wherein the single shaft assembly comprises only one shaft that is slideably disposed within the housing structure and movable relative to the housing structure a long a single path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of the shaft in response to a force exerted by the cable attached to at least one end of the shaft. The system is configured in the context of a single directional cable actuated emergency stop device which includes one operating shaft exiting the housing structure.

Abstract: A cable actuated emergency stop system is disclosed, which includes a housing structure within which a single shaft assembly can be maintained for engaging a cable and a single shaft assembly that can be attached to the cable, wherein the single shaft assembly comprises only one shaft that is slideably disposed within the housing structure and movable relative to the housing structure a long a single path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of the shaft in response to a force exerted by the cable attached to at least one end of the shaft. The system is configured in the context of a single directional cable actuated emergency stop device which includes one operating shaft exiting the housing structure.

Abstract: A dual directional cable actuated emergency stop device has two shaft assemblies attachable to two respective cables spanning along an industrial and/or manufacturing operation. The first shaft assembly is slideably disposed within a housing structure and movable relative to said housing structure along a first path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of said shaft in response to a force exerted by a cable attached to an end of said first shaft. The second shaft assembly is slideably disposed within said housing structure and movable relative to said housing structure along a second path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of said shaft and opposite movement of said first shaft, in response to a force exerted by a cable attached to an end of said second shaft.

Abstract: A dual directional cable actuated emergency stop device has two shaft assemblies attachable to two respective cables spanning along an industrial and/or manufacturing operation. The first shaft assembly is slideably disposed within a housing structure and movable relative to said housing structure along a first path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of said shaft in response to a force exerted by a cable attached to an end of said first shaft. The second shaft assembly is slideably disposed within said housing structure and movable relative to said housing structure along a second path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of said shaft and opposite movement of said first shaft, in response to a force exerted by a cable attached to an end of said second shaft.

Abstract: A configurable switch having a base and interchangeable stationary contacts positioned in adjustable locations with respect to the base. A plunger is slidably mounted with respect to the base so that the plunger moves between a first position and a second position. One or more moveable contacts are mounted in a normally open position or a normally closed position. In the first position or the second position, the moveable contacts make contact and/or break contact with the stationary contacts depending upon the respective arrangements of the stationary contacts and the moveable contacts. Thus the configuration of a four-circuit switch can be altered with a minimum of different components to be, for example, a four normally closed circuit configuration, three normally closed and one normally open circuit configuration, two normally closed and two normally open circuit configuration, etc., with a minimum of expense or retooling.