Including Attachments To Lock Handle Patents (Class 200/43.15)
  • Patent number: 11876356
    Abstract: Lockout tagout assemblies, systems, and methods are disclosed. Exemplary lockout tagout assemblies include a base, an arm moveable with respect to the base, and a member extending at an angle from the arm. The member can engage with a circuit breaker in an off position to retain the circuit breaker in the off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Chia Hsing Wei
  • Patent number: 11682883
    Abstract: A power distribution system is releasably secured to a power distribution panel, and includes a circuit breaker to detect a fault condition and to automatically move a circuit breaker switch from the ON position to the OFF position. The power distribution system further includes a backplane connector to provide connection to the power distribution panel and an interconnect mechanism to connect the circuit breaker to the backplane connector when the circuit breaker is moved from a disengaged position to an engaged position with respect to the backplane connector. The power distribution system further includes a guard coupled to the interconnect mechanism and configured to cover portions of the enclosure of the circuit breaker. The guard further prevents the circuit breaker switch from moving from the OFF position to the ON position until the interconnect mechanism connects to the circuit breaker to the backplane connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jorge Humberto Palacios Rodríguez, Victor Daniel Espinosa Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 11306513
    Abstract: A lockout prevention system for safety switches. The system may be universal, in that it may be installed on various different brands and styles of industrial safety switch gear boxes. The system blocks a locking aperture when a lever arm is in a “non-off position” (e.g. displaced away from the “off” position). This prevents users from accidentally locking a padlock in the locking aperture while the switch is in an “on position”. The system still allows a user to lock the lever arm in the “off position”. The device may be universally mounted to switch boxes using two or more bolts. Further, the system is height-adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventor: Chad Marshall
  • Patent number: 10969836
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a storage system. The storage system comprises: at least one storage device array enclosure, each of the storage device array enclosure accommodating storage devices, which are arranged in columns and have gaps existing between adjacent storage devices; each storage device array enclosure includes a cap for covering accommodated storage devices; the cap includes vents and windshield bars, such that when the cap is in a closed state, the vents abut against an upper surface of the corresponding storage devices and the windshield bars cover the gaps between adjacent storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: EMC IP Holding Company LLC
    Inventors: Haifang Zhai, David Dong, Hendry Wu, Yujie Zhou
  • Patent number: 9978542
    Abstract: Circuit breaker lockout devices are disclosed that effectively lock one or more circuit breakers in a circuit breaker panel in a safe or open circuit position. Embodiments of the circuit breaker lockout devices are robust, utilize few loose parts, and are easily installed. The devices are also short in profile, thereby allowing them to be installed in a circuit breaker panel having minimal clearance between the circuit breakers and a closed panel door cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Huntington Ingalls Incorporated
    Inventors: Dennis Alan Oley, Lawrence Edward Chambliss
  • Patent number: 9373459
    Abstract: A pivoting lockout member that is mounted to a pair of hinge member installed onto a control switch. Each of the hinge members includes a planar flange having a hole formed therethrough that is dimensioned to accept the face plate screw of a control switch. The lockout member has a pair of hinge arms that are connected together and spaced apart by a central U-shaped member. A pair of lock flanges extend at right angles to the U-shaped member and have holed formed therethrough that are aligned with each other to accept a conventional padlock. The locking member is moved between an unlocked position where the control switch handle is free to move, and a locked position where the U-shaped member captures the handle and prevent it from being operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Gus J. Mininberg
  • Patent number: 9202646
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a circuit breaker lockout. The circuit breaker lockout includes a base, a screw positioned within the base and a jaw. The base has a top and a bottom. The jaw has a top, a bottom and sides that define an open center having a first length. The base is positioned between the sides of the jaw in the open center. The bottom of the base extends in the open center and the top of the base extends above the top of the jaw. The jaw slides with respect to the base when the screw is actuated to decrease the first length of the open center to a second length thereby enabling the lockout to surround the switch of a circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Marc R. Obenshain, David M. Howard, Mark J. Pfaller
  • Patent number: 9053876
    Abstract: A lockable manually-operated rotary actuator for an electrical switching device includes a turning handle mounted on a housing and connected to an operating axle of the switching device. A pivotably or displaceably mounted locking member in or on the turning handle is configured to lock the turning handle in a locking position via an operative connection with the housing. At least one released locking opening is present in the locked position with at least one padlock. A protective cap is disposed over the turning handle and provides access to the at least one released locking opening, a shape of the protective cap being such that the protective cap conforms to a shape of the turning handle and is fixed to the housing via a positive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: EATON ELECTRICAL IP GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ralph Linden
  • Publication number: 20150083555
    Abstract: Position locks for electrical control devices are described. One embodiment includes a lock that is retrofitted onto existing electrical control devices. The lock has a mounting member that is attached to both the electrical control device and a pivoting member that can swing over the handle of the electrical control device. When the shackle of a padlock is used to secure the pivoting member in place, the handle of the electrical control device cannot be turned or pushed in, preventing accidental closing of the circuit. Also described is a lock that is created from a tube that has a slit in the side that allows the lock to be slid around the handle of the electrical control device and apertures for receiving the shackle of a padlock to secure the lock in place, thereby preventing accidental closing of the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: David M. Nickels
  • Publication number: 20140166448
    Abstract: Disclosed is a handle locking device including a first frame, a first hook and a second frame, wherein a second hook is provided on the first frame. The first and second hooks are rotatably installed on the first frame, and the second frame capable of fixing the first hook and the first frame. Since the handle locking device is only be installable on a circuit breaker by mating between the first hook and a first installation part of the circuit breaker and mating between the second hook and a second installation part of the circuit breaker, an operator is prevented from unintentionally setting an “OFF” position of the handle locking device in an “ON” position of the circuit breaker during installation. The first hook is rotatably installed on the first frame, so that the handle locking device can be conveniently and rapidly installed on or demounted from the circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Harald KRIEGER, Qing Ping LI, Dong YANG, Deng Ke ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20140165384
    Abstract: A lockout device includes a body, a clamp, and a cover. The body includes a recess and a first lock passage extending from a first opening in an upper surface to a second opening in a rear surface. The clamp is assembled with a clamp retaining portion of the body. The cover is connected with the body and is movable between a lockout position covering at least a portion of the clamp and a release position uncovering the clamp to permit adjustment. The cover includes first and second cutouts. When the cover is in the lockout position, the first and second cutouts align with the first and second openings of the body to permit insertion of a lock member through the first lock passage, thereby preventing movement of the cover from the lockout position to the release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Matthew T. Dudgeon, Cecile Frot, David Campbell, Lloyd Fenn
  • Patent number: 8742274
    Abstract: In a switching device (1), in particular a line circuit breaker and/or a residual current circuit breaker, having a housing (2) and having switching contacts for closing and/or opening at least one circuit, wherein a tripping apparatus for automatically disconnecting the switching contacts is provided, wherein the housing (2) has at least one front side (3), the invention proposes, for the purpose of meeting changing requirements from the market or the customers quickly, flexibly and at favorable cost, clipping a cover cap (4) onto the front side (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Moeller Gebaeudeautomation GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Hammermayer
  • Patent number: 8648269
    Abstract: A electrically operated blocking device used to block the operation of electrical or mechanical equipment without using a system of deadbolt locks, keys, and electrically operated key traps. The electrically operated blocking device preferably includes a blocking shaft used to block the operation of electrical equipment such as, e.g., switches, circuit breakers and other similar electrical equipment, or mechanical equipment such as, e.g., valves, cams, gears, doors or any moving device or device operator, and preferably includes a keyless solenoid release unit (KSRU) used to control a plunger that locks the blocking shaft into place and unlocks the blocking shaft to allow the blocking shaft to move freely along its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Steele, Nathan R. Riemer, Matthew A. Balmer
  • Patent number: 8604367
    Abstract: A circuit breaker comprises a housing containing a trip mechanism, a handle coupled to the trip mechanism and movable between on and off positions, and a lock-off mechanism capable of holding the handle in its off position. The lock-off mechanism includes a bracket adapted to be mounted on the circuit breaker housing adjacent the movable handle, and a slide mounted on the bracket for movement parallel to the movement of the handle when the handle is moved from the off position to the on position. The slide projects into the path of movement of the handle for engaging the handle, and the bracket and the slide form openings that register with each other when the projecting portion of the slide is proximate the handle in the off position. The registered openings are sized and shaped to receive the shackle of a padlock for locking the slide to the bracket, and thus locking the handle in the off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve DeCook, John Winter, Alberto Montoya
  • Publication number: 20130270076
    Abstract: A lockable manually-operated rotary actuator for an electrical switching device includes a turning handle mounted on a housing and connected to an operating axle of the switching device. A pivotably or displaceably mounted locking member in or on the turning handle is configured to lock the turning handle in a locking position via an operative connection with the housing. At least one released locking opening is present in the locked position with at least one padlock. A protective cap is disposed over the turning handle and provides access to the at least one released locking opening, a shape of the protective cap being such that the protective cap conforms to a shape of the turning handle and is fixed to the housing via a positive connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: EATON ELECTRICAL IP GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Ralph Linden
  • Patent number: 8198556
    Abstract: An installation switching device includes an insulating housing having a front face, and a switching handle disposed on the front face and configured to be operated by an operator and switched between a switched-on position and a switched-off position. The installation switching device also includes a slide fitted to the front face and moveable between a locked position and a released position. The slide is in the form of a frame and having at least one transverse web transverse to a movement direction of the slide and a holding projection configured to block any switching of the switching handle when the slide is in the locked position and to release the switching handle for switching when the slide is in the released position. The front face includes at least one structural element corresponding to the at least one transverse web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Joachim Majewski, Klaus-Peter Eppe
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100108477
    Abstract: An installation switching device includes an insulating housing having a front face, and a switching handle disposed on the front face and configured to be operated by an operator and switched between a switched-on position and a switched-off position. The installation switching device also includes a slide fitted to the front face and moveable between a locked position and a released position. The slide is in the form of a frame and having at least one transverse web transverse to a movement direction of the slide and a holding projection configured to block any switching of the switching handle when the slide is in the locked position and to release the switching handle for switching when the slide is in the released position. The front face includes at least one structural element corresponding to the at least one transverse web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ABB AG
    Inventors: Joachim Majewski, Klaus-Peter Eppe
  • Patent number: 7692108
    Abstract: A circuit breaker lock-out device having a generally U-shaped cross section, configured to mount on a switch having a housing having a recess is provided. Device comprises a first leg connected with a second leg, said second leg having a first aperture configured to receive a blocking member, wherein at least one of said first and second legs has a protrusion configured to engage with said switch housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Javier Ignacio Larranaga, Peter James Greenwood
  • Publication number: 20090211883
    Abstract: A multi-pole handle lock having a base plate and movable locking plate assembly that is adapted to mount on to at least two circuit breakers. A handle restrictor plate is mounted on the base plate for translational movement while maintaining the circuit breaker handles in the same position as each other. The handle restrictor plate allows each handle to independently move to the tripped position, while allowing the restricted circuit breakers to operate as a logical group. The low profile of the plates, allows visual inspection of the handle ends to determine their tie status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Timothy McCoy, John D. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 7501593
    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: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Michael Brojanac
  • Patent number: 7442888
    Abstract: A safety lock as taught herein comprises first and second members and is configured to lockably mount to an interlock switch. In one or more embodiments, the second member slidably couples to the first member and slides between a disengaged position that allows for mounting and an engaged position that engages a corresponding switch actuator opening in the interlock switch. In at least one embodiment, the second member projects through an opening in the first member into engagement. The first and second members may include corresponding lock openings, allowing the second member to be locked into the engaged position. In at least one embodiment, the first member conforms at least partially to the exterior of the interlock switch, e.g., it spans at least one exterior corner of the interlock switch. The first member may include an engagement finger to engage a corresponding switch actuator opening of the interlock switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Scientific Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J Puddicombe, II, Joseph David Borjon
  • Patent number: 7262376
    Abstract: A lockout device for securing a toggle switch. The lockout device includes a body, a first clamping surface, a second clamping surface, and a cam. The first clamping surface and the second clamping surface are moveably coupled to the body and are positioned to define a slot for accommodating the toggle switch. The cam is rotateably coupled to the body. When the cam is rotated in a first direction, the cam moves the first clamping surface towards the second clamping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael Brojanac, Scott Kalous
  • Patent number: 7227092
    Abstract: An actuation device of an electric switching device includes a body onto which is mounted a rotary control handle and a device for locking the rotation of the control handle making it possible to lock the control handle when the latter is in the “Off” position. The locking device includes a locking member that can move in translation along a main axis, a sliding element mounted on the control handle, that can move in translation along the main axis, and that defines an opening that can receive one or more padlocks in a locked position. The locking device also includes an operating mechanism interacting, on the one hand, with a locking member and, on the other hand, with the sliding element to convert the translation movement of one in a predetermined direction into a translation movement of the other in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Kok Kiong Low, Wai Luen Eugene Cheong, Jean-Marie Periot
  • Publication number: 20040245077
    Abstract: The present invention provides a switch lock-out assembly (10) for locking out a switch (15) having a pivotally mounted switch tongue (14) moveable between a first position and a second position about a pivot axis. The switch lock-out assembly (10) includes a body (24) having a first end and a second end. A first clamping surface (70) is formed on the body proximal the first end. A clamp jaw (26) has a second clamping surface (54) which is movable relative to the first clamping surface (70) for clamping a switch tongue (14) between the first clamping surface (70) and second clamping surface (54). An engagement surface (52) is formed on the body a distance from the first end, wherein the engagement surface (52) engages the switch (15) when the switch tongue (14) is clamped between the clamping surfaces (70, 54) to prevent movement of the switch from the switch first position to the switch second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Steven J Benda
  • Patent number: 6727441
    Abstract: A switch lever lock out assembly engagable with a switch. The assembly includes a lock out body engageable with a switch to prevent operation of the switch. A lever engaging member is mounted to the body, and has a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the lever engaging member prevents disengaging the body from the switch. A blocking member is movably fixed to the body, and is engageable with the lever engaging member to prevent movement of the lever engaging member relative to the body when the lever engaging member is in the lock position. The blocking member is locked relative to the body by a key engageable mechanism. In another aspect of the invention, the key is fixed to a tether forming part of the assembly, and the key is lockable in a lock rail fixed within an area defined by the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Benda
  • Patent number: 6703572
    Abstract: A switch-lock assembly for securing a circuit breaker in one of a plurality of circuit breaker positions, comprising a switch-lock attachment and an anti-twist insert. The switch-lock attachment includes a spring member adapted to engage a retaining area of the circuit breaker, a support member adapted to accommodate the spring member, and a locking member connected with the support member via the spring member. The insert includes a securing end adapted to engage a first area of the circuit breaker for limiting the movement of the insert relative to the circuit breaker, and an interface area adapted to engage the switch-lock attachment for limiting the movement of the switch-lock attachment relative to the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventor: William J. Broghammer
  • Patent number: 6696651
    Abstract: A lockout for circuit breakers provides a channel holding the circuit breaker toggle bar with a set screw that may be accessed only when an eye of the lockout is free of a padlock shackle. The eye is oriented vertically so that the padlock may be rotated to not interfere with adjacent circuit breakers being locked out or operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Koopmeiners, Dennis Drake, Dennis Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6649851
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Paul Hennel, Reinhard Schweiger
  • Patent number: 6423913
    Abstract: A locking device for use on an electric disconnect switch having a handle operator assembly. The locking device includes a slide plate slidably positioned within the housing and a first lock arranged to engage said slide plate and secure the handle operator assembly in an engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pankaj Gupta, Ranjit Sunil Acharya, Amit Narang, John Joseph Struble, Jr., Edgar Yee, David Edward Thorn, Elwood Rau Combs
  • Patent number: 6396008
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing; separable contacts; an operating mechanism having a movable operator handle with an OFF position and an ON position; and a handle lock device. The handle lock device includes: a member secured to the housing, a flange on the member disposed alongside the operator handle, an opening in the flange adapted to receive only one shackle and having a perimeter which includes first opposing portions adapted to receive a cross section of a safety lockout shackle and to restrain rotation of the shackle within the opening. The shackle blocks movement of the operator handle from the OFF to the ON position thereof. The perimeter also includes second opposing portions adapted to alternatively receive the different cross section of a shackle of a padlock with that shackle blocking movement of the operator handle from the OFF to the ON position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: James Gerard Maloney, Joseph Frank Changle
  • Patent number: 6388213
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device mounted directly on a circuit breaker and configured for mounting different locks. The locking device includes a yoke member, a slider member, a handle block and a lock. When the locking device is locked, the handle block abuts the operating handle in an engaged position corresponding to the operating handle in the ON or OFF position. Thus, the locking device locks the circuit breaker in the OFF position or the ON position. The locking device may further comprise a base member disposed between the yoke member and the housing. When it is desired to lock the circuit breaker in the on position, the base member is adapted to cover the push-to-trip button on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Patrick Letient, Vijay Krishnan, T. K. Shachidevi, K. V. Sridhar, Mahesh J. Rane, J. Narayanan