Reciprocating Actuator (e.g., Push Button) Patents (Class 200/43.13)
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Patent number: 11164705Abstract: Implementations of the subject matter described herein provide an apparatus for use in a switch. The apparatus includes: a handle including a first slot; a mode button operable to change an operation mode of the switch, the mode button including a second slot; a slider coupled to the mode button and movable in a first direction in association with a movement of the mode button, the slider including a first block; a lever operable to be opened in a rotatable manner and including a pin, wherein when the mode button is set at a service position, the first block is received in the first slot to maintain the handle; and in response to the lever being opened in the rotatable manner, the pin is operable to pass through the second slot to prevent the movement of the mode button. Such apparatus herein provides a lock mechanism that may prevent mistake operation between different operation modes.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Zeming Lin, Hengjie Guo, Aki Suutarinen
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Patent number: 10522304Abstract: A spring operated actuator for an electric switching apparatus including an actuator spring and a rotary air damper. The damper has components that are rotatable relative to each other and is arranged to decelerate the actuating movement during an end portion. The damper has a toroidal working chamber with internal wall surfaces formed by two circumferential housing parts. They are rotatable relative to each other and are meeting each other such that a first and a second gap are formed. There is a seal between the two housing parts, which bridges the respective gap. The seal has a first circumferential seal at the first gap and a second circumferential seal at the second gap. At least one of the first and second seals includes a sealing body fitted in a groove formed in the internal walls of at least one housing part.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Johannes Tredoux, Daniel Staffas, Randee-Chao Chen
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Patent number: 9908764Abstract: An apparatus for operating a vehicle lift comprises at least one lifting assembly, a control unit, and a control pendant. The control pendant is configured to remotely control the motion of the vehicle lift through the control unit. The control pendant is configured to permit the lifting of a vehicle by the push of a single button on the control pendant. To permit lifting of a vehicle with a single button, the control pendant comprises a menu screen and a plurality of menu buttons. The menu screen and the plurality of menu buttons may be used together by a user to select one vehicle profile of a plurality of vehicle profiles. The selected vehicle profile may correspond to the vehicle being lifted. The selected vehicle profile provides specific data with respect to how the at least one lifting assembly should be moved for the particular vehicle being lifted.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Vehicle Service Group, LLCInventor: Robert W. Elliott
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Publication number: 20150144466Abstract: A simple kit of parts is provided that can be used to replace a few easily removed elements of a lockable push button actuator of a mechanical locking mechanism to convert the push button actuator to a lockable actuator for controlling a switch that can serve as a component of an electrical locking system. Other aspects of the invention relate to a method of making the mechanical to electrical conversion, and to a lockable actuator for operating an electrical switch connected to the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Matthew D. Schroll, Michael O. Misner, Thomas Heinrich
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Patent number: 8633410Abstract: A switch is coupled to a switch support and includes a push button, a lock assembly, a tab, and a hook. The lock assembly includes an operation ring, which is rotated about the button between an unlock position to permit actuation of the button and a lock state to prohibit actuation of the button, and a lock ring, which is rotated integrally with the operation ring. When the operation ring is located at the lock position, the hook and the tab are arranged at the same position in a circumferential direction, which creates interference between the hook and the tab and blocks actuation of the button. When the operation ring is located at the unlock position, the hook and the tab are separated from each other in the circumferential direction, which avoids interference between the hook and the tab and permits actuation of the button.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Masanobu Yamasaki, Yasuhide Matsuoka
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Patent number: 8516985Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Erik R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
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Publication number: 20120217141Abstract: A switch is coupled to a switch support and includes a push button, a lock assembly, a tab, and a hook. The lock assembly includes an operation ring, which is rotated about the button between an unlock position to permit actuation of the button and a lock state to prohibit actuation of the button, and a lock ring, which is rotated integrally with the operation ring. When the operation ring is located at the lock position, the hook and the tab are arranged at the same position in a circumferential direction, which creates interference between the hook and the tab and blocks actuation of the button. When the operation ring is located at the unlock position, the hook and the tab are separated from each other in the circumferential direction, which avoids interference between the hook and the tab and permits actuation of the button.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Masanobu Yamasaki, Yasuhide Matsuoka
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Patent number: 8171907Abstract: A starting system for outdoor power equipment that has a controller and a start button to control the activation of an internal combustion engine. The starting system includes a controller that receives a start signal from a start button. The controller monitors for the presence of an enable device in an enable device receptacle and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device in the enable device receptacle, the controller provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the controller initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the controller activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the controller terminates operation of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Briggs and Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert J. Koenen, Stephen J. Ryczek, Bruce S. Lydy, Eric R. Slegelis, Steven J. Weber
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Patent number: 8106316Abstract: A control unit for an electrical switching device comprises: a control shaft which is rotatable about a control axis for operating a moveable contact of the electrical switching device, a first blocking mechanism for the control shaft, which can be activated to block a rotary movement of the control shaft in a first rotation direction, and an activation mechanism for the first blocking mechanism, which is designed to activate the first blocking mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventor: Erwin Manz
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Patent number: 8084701Abstract: A push button actuator unit has a housing that defines a passage extending along an axis. A push button assembly has components movable in the passage including a forwardly-biased push button at the front of the housing that is movable along and turnable about the axis. Two independently movable operating elements at the rear of the housing move differently in response to depression of the push button when the push button is turned to different orientations about the axis. The rear operating elements may extend concentrically along the axis, and the unit may be lockable to permit and prevent some operating element movement. The operating elements may be used to selectively disengage, or to engage and move a variety of auxiliary devices situated behind the unit. The unit may provide enhanced resistance to defeat by hammering than has been offered by a known form of push button unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: The Eastern CompanyInventor: Michael O. Misner
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Publication number: 20110147170Abstract: A secure locking mechanism for pushbutton control box, including a box body and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes several secure locking switches and multiple rotary buttons. The secure locking switches are arranged on a controlling circuit board and serially connected with corresponding control switches disposed thereon. The secure locking switches are movable between an ON position and an OFF position to control electronic signal transmission of the control switches. Each rotary button has a locking body eccentrically disposed on an end face of the rotary button for controlling making/breaking of the secure locking switch. An operator can operate the rotary buttons from outer side of the box body to ensure security. By means of varying the type of serial connection, each secure locking switch can flexibly control electronic signal transmission of one single control switch or plural or even all control switches of the pushbutton control box.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Li-Fen LIAO, Tai-Hung Lin
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Patent number: 7878035Abstract: A lock system includes a lock mechanism for holding a lid element in a locked state, an electric actuator for driving the lock mechanism to an unlocking side based on an operation of an open switch, and a key cylinder adapted to be operated to rotate by a key so as to be switched through the rotational operation to an “UNLOCK” position where the open switch is enabled to function and a “LOCK” position where the open switch is disabled from functioning, whereby unlocking of the lid element is prohibited through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “LOCK” position. An operating unit of the lock system causes the key cylinder and the lock mechanism to be mechanically linked with each other by a wire cable, whereby the lock mechanism is forcibly driven to the unlocking side through a rotational operation of the key cylinder to the “OPEN” position.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taishi Yamaguchi, Yasuhiro Sakakibara
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Publication number: 20090095603Abstract: An engine start system for use with a ground engaging vehicle, the system including an input device, a processing circuit, a display and an engine controller unit. The input device produces a signal when depressed, the signal initiates the application of electrical power to the engine start system. The processing circuit is activated by the application of electrical power thereto. The display is communicatively coupled with the processing circuit. The input device produces another signal when depressed. The other signal is detected by the processing circuit and the processing circuit, in response to the other signal, sends either a PIN request notice to the display or a start signal to the engine controller unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Kevin Lee Pfohl, Gary Honey, Travis Blackbourn, Scott Breiner, Alvaro Forero, Dan Pflieger
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Patent number: 7297888Abstract: A food slicer has a housing with a first push-button for actuating an electric switch for operating the cutting blade and a second push-button, i.e., a safety button, locking the first push-button against actuation. The second push-button actuates a mechanical lock which can be engaged and disengaged, blocking the first push-button in an inserted position of the lock, thereby preventing actuation of the electric switch that triggers an electric motor drive used to actuate a circular cutting blade. The first push-button is formed with a stop surface for the lock on which the lock is arranged, when it is in an inserted position, either at or in close vicinity of an axis extending through the center of the push-button surface, pointing in the direction of actuation, and on which the lock engages in an inserted position.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbHInventors: Peter Kovacic, Aleksander Sedovsek
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Patent number: 7205492Abstract: A push button actuator unit has a housing which defines a through passage that extends along an axis of the housing, and a slot that extends in a plane which transversely intersects the axis and communicates with the passage for supporting in the housing-defined slot a disc-shaped member having a central opening that aligns with the passage. Movable in the aligned passage and opening is a push button sub-assembly of the unit which includes a front element that, when depressed rearwardly, may cause a rear element of the push button sub-assembly to extend rearwardly from the housing to release a latch or to operate a switch or the like. If the unit is to be lockable, an optional locking mechanism is added to the elements of the push button sub-assembly to selectively drivingly connect the front and rear elements so that depression of the front element will cause rearward extension of the rear element only when the unit is unlocked.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: The Eastern CompanyInventors: Baltazar S. Corcino, Brian M. Ott
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Patent number: 7126066Abstract: A push button actuator unit has a housing which defines a through passage that extends along an axis of the housing, and a slot that extends in a plane which transversely intersects the axis and communicates with the passage for supporting in the housing-defined slot a disc-shaped member having a central opening that aligns with the passage. Movable in the aligned passage and opening is a push button sub-assembly of the unit which includes a front element that, when depressed rearwardly, may cause a rear element of the push button sub-assembly to extend rearwardly from the housing to release a latch or to operate a switch or the like. If the unit is to be lockable, an optional locking mechanism is added to the elements of the push button sub-assembly to selectively drivingly connect the front and rear elements so that depression of the front element will cause rearward extension of the rear element only when the unit is unlocked.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: The Eastern CompanyInventors: Baltazar S. Corcino, Brian M. Ott
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Patent number: 6972387Abstract: Maintained contact push-button, particularly an emergency stop button, provided with a padlocking accessory. The button has a barrel and a movable head. The accessory has a sleeve fixed with respect to the barrel and having an inner shape matching the upper part of the barrel, and a movable ring. The ring has at least one aperture for the passage of padlocks on its upper edge, and is mounted on the outside of the sleeve so that it can move between a lower inactive position and an upper active position, by a movement which is limited by means of stop elements, in such a way that the head is left free in the lower position and the upper edge of the ring rises above the head in the upper position.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventor: Denis Berthaud
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Patent number: 6872899Abstract: There is provided a button capable of entry and exit with respect to a base. The button has a button member, ring member, lock member, and fixed member. The button member has a shaft portion mounted in a manner that allows entry and exit with respect to the base, and an expanded-diameter portion with a shaft diameter that is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion. The ring member accommodates the shaft portion and can rotate about the axial center of the shaft portion. The lock member moves along the axial center between the ring member and the shaft portion due to the rotation of the ring member, and restricts the entry and exit action of the button member by coming into contact with the expanded-diameter portion of the button member. The fixed member is fixed to the base and stops the ring member to restrict the movement of the ring member along the axial center.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Takumi Oshio, Kowk Fai Lam
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Patent number: 6872898Abstract: A lockable switch mechanism for a machine guard includes a switch plunger and locking and switch mechanisms. The plunger moves, upon insertion of an actuator, between two positions to actuate the switch mechanism and is locked by the locking mechanism, which has one locking member biased against a surface of the plunger and another locking member that is displaceable between locked and released positions. The plunger has an annular shoulder that displaces the first locking member when the plunger is moved. The second locking member prevents displacement of the first locking member by the plunger to thereby prevent movement of the plunger. Thus removal of the actuator is prevented unless the second locking member has been moved to the unlocked position when the machine is in a safe condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: EJA LimitedInventor: Medi Mohtasham
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Publication number: 20040256205Abstract: There is provided a button capable of entry and exit with respect to a base. The button has a button member, ring member, lock member, and fixed member. The button member has a shaft portion mounted in a manner that allows entry and exit with respect to the base, and an expanded-diameter portion with a shaft diameter that is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion. The ring member accommodates the shaft portion and can rotate about the axial center of the shaft portion. The lock member moves along the axial center between the ring member and the shaft portion due to the rotation of the ring member, and restricts the entry and exit action of the button member by coming into contact with the expanded-diameter portion of the button member. The fixed member is fixed to the base and stops the ring member to restrict the movement of the ring member along the axial center.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Applicant: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Takumi Oshio, Kowk Fai Lam
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Patent number: 6710695Abstract: A pushbutton resettable circuit breaker is shown having features to prevent manual opening by simply pulling outwardly on the pushbutton. In one embodiment, the pushbutton (16) is formed with slots (16b) which are configured to provide a reaction surface essentially inaccessible without a special purpose contact opening tool (30). The tool is provided with portions that are insertable into the slots and into engagement with the reaction surfaces for pulling the pushbutton out and manually opening the contacts. In a second embodiment, a small aperture 16k is formed through the rating tab and top and wall of the button and in alignment with a movable plunger (28). A special purpose contact opening tool (32, 34) can be inserted through the aperture to apply a force to the plunger and mechanically trip the circuit breaker.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Christian V. Pellon, Karen M. Litwin, Roland G. Morin, Peter G. Berg
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Patent number: 6649851Abstract: A blocking mechanism is used for switching devices. The manual control element of the blocking mechanism can be locked against unauthorized actuation. The blocking mechanism is able to be blocked such that it cannot be detached. Retaining elements can be moved in relation to each other in a guide, and can engage with retaining lugs in recesses of a switching device to be locked. A catch element locks the actuation of the retaining elements in predetermined retaining positions in its engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Paul Hennel, Reinhard Schweiger
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Patent number: 6462293Abstract: The present invention provides a power source breaker which can forcedly and surely isolate a power supply circuit in case of abnormalities such as short circuiting of a wire harness, collision of road vehicles, and also has a structure suitable for miniaturizing itself. Only by changing a rotation angle of the rotary axle 19 on the lock 18 which is assembled rotatable around the central axis of a rotary axle 19 along a plane perpendicular to the sliding direction of said shaft 16, both constraining the shaft 16, pushed by said release spring 17, at the initial position where a pair of the terminals 15a, 15b intervened in a power supply circuit is set in the connected state with each other and moving the shaft to the isolated position where a pair of the terminals 15a, 15b intervened in the power supply circuit is set in the released state.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Goro Nakamura, Takahiro Sato
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Patent number: 6222138Abstract: An electric appliance includes a first electric power supply of first batteries arranged in a first pattern, and alternatively a different second electric power supply of second batteries arranged in a second pattern. An electrical ON-OFF switch has an ON-OFF position push-button switch actuator and a rotary switch actuator which releasably blocks that ON-OFF position push-button switch actuator in an OFF position. A tail end is equipped with a bistable OFF and ON switching function and with a momentary ON switching function unified into one electric toggle switch having a stable OFF position, a stable ON position, and a momentary ON position. A flashlight beam is cast with a first lamp and reflector assembly, an alternative second lamp and reflector assembly is substituted for that first lamp and reflector assembly and a second light beam of a different configuration is cast with that alternative second lamp and reflector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Laser Products Ltd.Inventors: John Wallace Matthews, Paul Youngcho Kim
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Patent number: RE40125Abstract: An electric appliance includes a first electric power supply of first batteries arranged in a first pattern, and alternatively a different second electric power supply of second batteries arranged in a second pattern. An electrical ON-OFF switch has an ON-OFF position push-button switch actuator and a rotary switch actuator which releasably blocks that ON-OFF position push-button switch actuator in an OFF position. A tail end is equipped with a bistable OFF and ON switching function and with a momentary ON switching function unified into one electric toggle switch having a stable OFF position, a stable ON position, and a momentary ON position. A flashlight beam is cast with a first lamp and reflector assembly, an alternative second lamp and reflector assembly is substituted for that first lamp and reflector assembly and a second light beam of a different configuration is cast with that alternative second lamp and reflector assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Surefire, LLCInventors: John Wallace Matthews, Paul Youngcho Kim