Self-adjusting Patents (Class 200/287)
  • Patent number: 5241297
    Abstract: Movement or removal of a display object placed on a base is detected by a switch mechanism for closing an electrical circuit, having an elongated plunger and a device for maintaining the throw length of the switch mechanism substantially constant and independent of the distance the plunger is depressed upon setting of the alarm. Detection of extremely short plunger travel is enabled without special adjustments in the plunger length. A "tilt" switch may be added for added sensitivity. A plurality of bases, each with its own switch, may be grouped with a single signalling device to provide an alarm system. Portions of the circuitry may be grouped in modular form for introduction into the base housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Gregory L. Goodman
  • Patent number: 4910485
    Abstract: A breaking device for a low voltage circuit breaker comprises in each pole a switching bar, a pair of stationary contacts connected to the connection terminals, a double-break rotary contact extending in a housing of the bar, and two arc chutes disposed on each side of the bar. Two contact pressure springs ensure elastic positioning of the rotary contact along the longitudinal direction of the pole. Pivoting of the rotary contact takes place around a fictitious axis mounted floating with respect to the fixed rotation axis of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Merlin Gerin
    Inventors: Roger Bolongeat-Mobleu, Jean-Pierre Nereau
  • Patent number: 4668848
    Abstract: An alignment and centering arrangement is provided for effecting the self-centering of a first contact assembly and for effecting the self-alignment of the first contact assembly with a second contact assembly as the contact assemblies are positioned together for engagement. The alignment and centering arrangement provides a predetermined maximum range of pivoting movement of the first contact assembly with respect to a predetermined position while requiring minimal forces for effecting the self-alignment. Additionally, the alignment and centering arrangement accurately establishes a predetermined center position with orientation of the first contact assembly along a predetermined axis. In one configuration, the alignment and centering arrangement includes the resilient mounting of the first contact assembly with respect to a reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Henry W. Kowalyshen, John C. Opfer, Norman J. Stranczek
  • Patent number: 4599605
    Abstract: An electrical encoding device for generating a coded input to an electrical apparatus, which coded input can indicate direction and speed of movement of an actuator associated with an electrical encoding device. The device is cheaper to manufacture since the layout of certain aspects of the device is greatly simplified, the simplified layout of certain aspects of the device reducing cost of manufacture of the device. The device is designed to easily accommodate various encoding parameters so that it may be manufactured in a family-program fashion with families of the device being capable of addressing a range of encoding parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Froeb, Donald D. Mondul
  • Patent number: 4546221
    Abstract: The invention concerns a draw-out circuit-breaker having high electrical performances.Each draw-in terminal clamp comprises at least one U-shaped guiding slide operating in conjunction with the edge of the associated contact terminal stab to lock the terminal clamp in the engaged position in a plane perpendicular to the engagement direction. A radiator is fitted inside the insulated enclosure secured to the bell-shaped cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Merlin Gerin
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Lehmann, Raymond Soboul, Marcel Macaire
  • Patent number: 4506122
    Abstract: A selection switch is disclosed which is capable of accomplishing a clearly defined and smooth switching operation and contributing to the miniaturization of an apparatus such as a tape recorder. The switch includes a guide member for guiding a cassette of a tape by bending one of spring-biased contact members and a selector having a triangular projection outwardly projecting from the guide member wherein the triangular projection is backwardly pushed by the cassette while bending the other spring-biased contact member as a function of the shape of the cassette to actuate contacts of the contact members, to thereby select the deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Mitsuku Denshi Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Muneyoshi Miyata
  • Patent number: 4376235
    Abstract: Electrical apparatus and more particularly vacuum electrical circuit breaker apparatus is taught. The electrical apparatus has a cylindrical movable terminal stem which is to be interconnected with a fixed terminal by way of a flexible conductor which is nevertheless relatively stiff and self supporting. This is accomplished by using interlayered elongated rectangular plates or sheets between the two aforementioned terminals. Connection to the circular stem is made by utilizing offset tabs around the periphery of a central hole at one end of each of the sheets. The offset allows the tabbed opening to be inserted over the stem. After which the tabs are sandwiched or compressed to lie in the plane of the sheet thus causing the edges of the tab to flow around the stem reducing contact resistance. Because there are multiple sheets in each flexible conductor packet, the number of three point contacts between the flexible conductors and the stem is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1983
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Stanislaw A. Milianowicz
  • Patent number: 4181833
    Abstract: The rear pillars of an automobile body carry power and ground contact assemblies which engage contact plates of the electric rear window defogger when the lift gate is closed. The power and ground contact assemblies each consist of a plastic housing and a flat conductor strip which is stamped and bent to shape. The housings for both assemblies are identical. Both conductor strips comprise two elongated legs providing a depressible contact. The conductor strip for the power contact assembly has a terminal portion for connection to a power lead. The conductor strip for the ground contact assembly has a ground strap portion for connection to the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Cumming, Warren R. Stephenson