Actuator Blocking Device (e.g., Latch) Patents (Class 200/43.16)
  • Patent number: 11822361
    Abstract: Provided is an operating device comprising: an operating part for receiving an operating signal; a frame part having an inner hole part into which the operating part is inserted; a lock part rotatably provided to the frame part, and inserted into a side surface of the operating part by a rotating operation so as to restrict the movement of the operating part; and a moving part which is connected to the lock part and which moves in a linear direction or rotates the lock part by a rotating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: KORTEK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Moon Bae Park
  • Patent number: 11456124
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for an isolator switch includes a motor and a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism has a drive shaft which can be driven in two opposite directions of rotation by the motor and the gear mechanism has an output shaft. A load torque lock prevents transmission of a load torque which acts on the output shaft to the drive shaft in either direction of rotation. An isolator switch with a drive apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Kern, Gunnar Lutzke
  • Patent number: 10571950
    Abstract: A removable knob safety insert is installed in a cooking device such as a gas or electric stove, between and the rear face of its control knob and the face of its control panel. The knob safety insert is designed to manually control the activation or deactivation of the cooking elements, as desired. The push-in-and-turn type switches used in such devices require that the control knob be pushed in before the switch can be moved from its off position. When in its locked position, the knob safety insert prevents the control knob from being pushed and thus the cooking element from being activated. When in its unlocked position, the knob safety insert enables the control knob to be pushed, allowing the cooking element to be moved from its off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Jowie E. Mendoza
  • Patent number: 9859074
    Abstract: A locking device for a rocker switch that has an elongated member having a top edge, a bottom edge, opposite ends, a front facing surface and a rear facing surface. A toggle member is pivotally mounted to the front facing surface. The toggle member pivots between a first toggle position that extends below the bottom edge of the elongated member and a second toggle position that does not extend below the bottom edge. The rear facing surface of the elongated member is mounted to the switch plate cover, the bottom edge of the elongated member adjacent the first end of the rocker switch. When the first end of the rocker switch is pivoted to the first position the toggle may be pivoted to the first toggle position to extend below the lower edge of the elongated member to overlie the first end of the rocker switch to lock the rocker switch in the first position. The toggle may be pivoted to the second toggle position to unlock the rocker switch from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Carlos M. Martinez
  • Patent number: 9356435
    Abstract: An enclosure housing assembly for an electrical switching apparatus is provided. The enclosure housing assembly includes a sidewall assembly, a movable carriage assembly, a ground bus bar assembly and a movable terminal assembly with an extendable conductor assembly. The sidewall assembly includes a number of sidewalls defining an enclosed space. The movable carriage assembly is movable between a withdrawn, first position. Wherein the movable carriage assembly is disposed partially outside the enclosure sidewall assembly enclosed space, and an inserted, second position, wherein the movable carriage assembly is disposed substantially inside the enclosure sidewall assembly enclosed space. The ground bus bar assembly is coupled to the first sidewall. The movable terminal assembly is coupled to the movable carriage assembly whereby the movable terminal assembly moves with the movable carriage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony Thomas Ricciuti, Douglas Michael Brandt
  • Patent number: 9202641
    Abstract: A locked state for a movable part (11) of switchgear is created by deflected spring wires (15) entering a recess (12). Said device is reversible and has the advantage of being safe since it is completely passive, and it improves the dynamics of the movement of the movable part in particular by damping impacts when entering the abutment state. The invention can be applied to the drive rod of a vacuum circuit-breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: David Berard, Jean-Pierre Dupraz
  • Patent number: 9018549
    Abstract: A locking apparatus is disclosed for an electromechanical switching device having a manual actuation option. Furthermore, such a switching device is also disclosed. A robust, mechanically simple locking apparatus is provided which can be operated without a tool, as well as a correspondingly embodied switching device. The locking apparatus of at least one embodiment includes a combination of few interacting construction elements attuned to one another in terms of structure and function. In this apparatus, a locking element assumes a double function, by, on the one hand, securing the connection of the locking apparatus with the switching device and on the other hand preventing a change in position of the actuation element of the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Grül, Harald Krieger, Libor Krivanek
  • Patent number: 9000314
    Abstract: A switch assembly for use with a mobile machine. The switch assembly may have a substantially enclosed housing with a front side surface and a plurality of other side surfaces, and a switch operatively connected to the front side surface. The switch assembly may also have at least one guard connected to the front side surface and located proximate the switch, and at least one mounting feature associated with at least one of the plurality of other side surfaces. The at least one mounting feature may be configured to engage a support member of the mobile machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bjorn E. Westlund, Adam Plecker
  • Publication number: 20150001049
    Abstract: A blocking element is disclosed for blocking the movement of a handle or a switching lever of an electrical switch. In at least one embodiment, the blocking element is switchable between at least two positions. In the first position, the blocking element can block the movement of the handle or of the switching lever and, in the second position, the blocking element cannot block the movement of the handle or of the switching lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas BUNK, Thomas Roman ABRIL
  • Publication number: 20140367233
    Abstract: A safety lockout device for switchgear includes a means for electrically disconnecting power to a motor and means for mechanically blocking the motor from operating. The safety lockout further includes a movable member operable by a hotstick to actuate the electrical disconnecting means and the mechanical blocking means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Gieger, Charles Bindics
  • Patent number: 8847086
    Abstract: A lockout device for assembly with an instrument includes a housing and a cover. The housing defines an opening and includes a side wall at least partially defining an internal cavity sized to receive a head portion of an instrument, and a protrusion extending from an internal surface of the side wall and positioned to retain the head portion within the internal cavity when the head portion of the instrument is received in the internal cavity. The cover is assembled with the housing and moveable between a lockout position at least partially blocking the opening to secure the head portion of the instrument within the internal cavity, and a release position permitting withdrawal of the head portion of the instrument through the opening. A lock interface is configured for securing the cover in the lockout position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Ray Wojtak
  • Patent number: 8835781
    Abstract: A toggle switch lockout clip including a clip body having a central region and including a latch portion protruding from the central region, the latch portion including an extension member and a hook member connected to the extension member to define a hook gap, a leg portion protruding from the central region away from the latch portion, a first side portion opposed from a second side portion, wherein the first and second side portions extend from the central region and define a gap therebetween, and an engagement portion positioned between the first and second side portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Dixon, Perry N. Rushton
  • Publication number: 20140251769
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a circuit breaker exhibiting no trip at OFF functionality. The circuit breaker includes a blocking subassembly that effectively blocks tripping of a trip bar when the circuit breaker is in the OFF configuration. The blocking subassembly may include a translating plunger cooperating with a rotatable trip bar block. The trip bar block is aligned with the trip bar in the OFF configuration. Methods of operating the circuit breaker are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Xinhua Chen, Jorg Sizemore, Kevin R. Warne
  • Publication number: 20140183012
    Abstract: An improved circuit breaker switch handle extension is described. The circuit breaker switch handle extension is used to control and limit operation of a circuit breaker switch handle to which it is attached. The handle extension includes positive stop features that prevent damage or destruction of the circuit breaker switch handle when excessive or undesirable force is applied to the handle extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Ray Lanning, Ken Martin Fischer, Brian Scott Jansto
  • Patent number: 8752646
    Abstract: An electric power tool includes: a motor; a housing receiving the motor; a power transmission mechanism configured to transmit a driving force of the motor to rotate a top tool; a snap switch including a swing type lever configured to turn on or off rotation of the motor, the snap switch being received inside the housing; a switch lever configured to move in a direction substantially vertical to a surface of the housing; a push bar configured to move the swing type lever in conjunction with the movement of the switch lever; and an urging unit configured to urge the push bar in a direction in which the switch is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Fujiwara, Nobuhiro Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 8742270
    Abstract: The present invention provides a switch that can prevent a locking member from being lost, that allows easy operations of handle locking and unlocking, and that allows more secure handle locking. A switch of the present invention includes a fixed contact point, a moving contact point capable of making contact with the fixed contact point, a handle to move the moving contact point, and a locking lever to lock the handle. The handle is equipped integrally with an overhang portion. The overhang portion is formed with a notched portion. The locking lever is equipped integrally with a projecting portion. The locking lever is pressed upwardly by a spring. When the handle is at a first position, an operation of the handle is locked by engaging the projecting portion to the notched portion. When the handle is at a second position opposite to the first position, an operation of the handle is allowed by letting the projecting portion abut on a lower surface of the overhang portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nitto Kogyo Corporation
    Inventors: Masaya Hatano, Hiroyuki Okamura
  • Publication number: 20140138218
    Abstract: A switch assembly is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The switch assembly may have a substantially enclosed housing with a front side surface and a plurality of other side surfaces, and a switch operatively connected to the front side surface. The switch assembly may also have at least one guard connected to the front side surface and located proximate the switch, and at least one mounting feature associated with at least one of the plurality of other side surfaces. The at least one mounting feature may be configured to engage a support member of the mobile machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Bjorn E. WESTLUND, Adam PLECKER
  • Publication number: 20140080388
    Abstract: A machine tool switching device, in particular for portable machine tools, includes at least one switching unit that has at least one movably mounted operating element for actuating a mechanical, electrical, and/or electronic switching element. The machine tool switching device further includes at least one blocking device for blocking at least one movement of the operating element. The blocking device includes at least one movably mounted release element provided to lift the blockage of the operating element. The release element is mounted on the operating element so as to be movable in a translatory manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Lutz, Achim Trick, Thomas Schomisch, Florian Esenwein
  • Publication number: 20140061010
    Abstract: A toggle switch lockout clip including a clip body having a central region and including a latch portion protruding from the central region, the latch portion including an extension member and a hook member connected to the extension member to define a hook gap, a leg portion protruding from the central region away from the latch portion, a first side portion opposed from a second side portion, wherein the first and second side portions extend from the central region and define a gap therebetween, and an engagement portion positioned between the first and second side portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Dixon, Perry N. Rushton
  • Publication number: 20130299320
    Abstract: A locked state for a movable part (11) of switchgear is created by deflected spring wires (15) entering a recess (12). Said device is reversible and has the advantage of being safe since it is completely passive, and it improves the dynamics of the movement of the movable part in particular by damping impacts when entering the abutment state. The invention can be applied to the drive rod of a vacuum circuit-breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: David Berard, Jean-Pierre Dupraz
  • Patent number: 8563882
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has main electrical contacts configurable between an opened and a closed condition, a handle coupled to at least one of the main electrical contacts, the handle moveable between at least an ON configuration and an OFF configuration, secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, and a moveable stop operable to maintain separation of the main electrical contacts initially when moved toward the ON configuration, and operable to unlock and allow closing of the main electrical contacts upon successful completion of a self-test. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Guang Yang
  • Patent number: 8546709
    Abstract: A structure for preventing misoperation of a flashlight is configured to prevent a flashlight from being unintentionally turned on. The structure includes a safety pin and a slide power switch slidably provided on the flashlight. The slide power switch has a recess for removably receiving the safety pin. An embrasure-like channel is provided at a lower part of the safety pin for matching a T-shaped base in an accommodating area of the flashlight. A retaining portion is provided at the T-shaped base for retaining a bulge formed inside the channel of the safety pin when the structure is not in use. When the safety pin is pushed toward the slide power switch, the bulge climbs over the retainer and is then engaged with the recess of the slide power switch. Thereby, the flashlight not in use is secured from misoperation, namely being unintentionally turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Day Sun Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Hsueh-Chu Yeh
  • Publication number: 20130234809
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints pivotal about a pivot axis, a moveable stop on, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting about the pivot axis and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Timothy Biedrzycki
  • Patent number: 8528161
    Abstract: A cleaning appliance is capable of performing two or more cleaning functions. The cleaning appliance may include a vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner such that a user can vacuum a floor prior to steam cleaning the floor. Various manual switching arrangements may be used as part of controlling the cleaning appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: Ognjen Vrdoljak, Oliver Rudolph Breit, Aviva Rosenzweig
  • Publication number: 20130153375
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker subassembly and circuit breaker secondary electrical contact assembly. The circuit breaker secondary electrical contact assembly has a main contact terminal connectable to a main power terminal, a secondary electrical contact set having a stationary secondary electrical contact and a moveable secondary electrical contact, a lockout conductor provided in spring-engaged contact with the main contact terminal on a first end and including one of the stationary or moving secondary electrical contacts on a second end, and a spring having the moveable secondary electrical contact provided on a moveable portion. Circuit breakers and methods of operating the electronic circuit breaker are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Brian Timothy McCoy
  • Patent number: 8445797
    Abstract: A safety interlocking device for a switch includes a supporting member, an annular member, a locking lever, a limiting rod and a resilient member. A driving shaft of the switch is arranged through the supporting member and the annular member, the annular member rotates synchronously with the driving shaft, and the annular member is coupled to a wing block. The locking lever is hooked onto the safety device, the limiting rod is rotated when pushed by the safety device, and the rotation of the limiting rod rotates the locking lever. When the safety device is closed, the switch is turned on and the locking lever hooks onto the safety device so that the latter cannot be opened; and when the switch is turned off, the locking lever releases the safety device, while one end of the limiting rod limits the rotation of the annular member, thus limiting the switch's turn-on operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Di Nan Li
  • Publication number: 20130088310
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has a moveable contact arm having a moveable main electrical contact, and a lockout mechanism operable to contact the moveable contact arm and block motion of thereof, the lockout mechanism having a lockout latch with one or more pivot joints, a moveable stop, and an offset engagement portion, the moveable stop adapted to contact the moveable contact arm, and an unlock actuator providing an unlock force at the engagement portion causing lockout latch pivoting and release of the moveable contact arm. Also disclosed are secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, with a leaf spring operably supporting a moveable one of the secondary contacts, the leaf spring configured to be flexed to close the secondary contacts. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Guang Yang, Timothy Biedrzycki
  • Patent number: 8400263
    Abstract: A slide actuated key fob includes a housing having a transmitter disposed therein and at least one slide actuated button disposed on the housing. The transmitter sends an actuating signal when the at least one slide actuated button is slidably moved in a first direction and subsequently depressed in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian K. Lickfelt, Dave Choi
  • Publication number: 20130056336
    Abstract: A locking apparatus is disclosed for an electromechanical switching device having a manual actuation option. Furthermore, such a switching device is also disclosed. A robust, mechanically simple locking apparatus is provided which can be operated without a tool, as well as a correspondingly embodied switching device. The locking apparatus of at least one embodiment includes a combination of few interacting construction elements attuned to one another in terms of structure and function. In this apparatus, a locking element assumes a double function, by, on the one hand, securing the connection of the locking apparatus with the switching device and on the other hand preventing a change in position of the actuation element of the switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus GRÜL, Harald KRIEGER, Libor KRIVANEK
  • Publication number: 20120312666
    Abstract: A structure for preventing misoperation of a flashlight is provided configured to prevent a flashlight from unintentionally turned on. The structure includes a safety pin, and a slide power switch being slidably provided on the flashlight. The slide power switch has a recess for removably receiving the safety pin. An embrasure-like channel is provided at a lower part of the safety pin for matching a T-shaped base in an accommodating area of the flashlight. A retaining portion is provided at the T-shaped base for retaining a bulge formed inside the channel of the safety pin when the structure is not in use, wherein when the safety pin is pushed toward the slide power switch, the bulge climbs over the retainer and is then engaged with the recess of the slide power switch. Thereby, the flashlight not in use is secured from misoperation, namely being unintentionally turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Hsueh-Chu Yeh
  • Publication number: 20120273330
    Abstract: A lockout device for assembly with an instrument includes a housing and a cover. The housing defines an opening and includes a side wall at least partially defining an internal cavity sized to receive a head portion of an instrument, and a protrusion extending from an internal surface of the side wall and positioned to retain the head portion within the internal cavity when the head portion of the instrument is received in the internal cavity. The cover is assembled with the housing and moveable between a lockout position at least partially blocking the opening to secure the head portion of the instrument within the internal cavity, and a release position permitting withdrawal of the head portion of the instrument through the opening. A lock interface is configured for securing the cover in the lockout position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY
    Inventor: Ray Wojtak
  • Publication number: 20120118716
    Abstract: Rotary switch interlock mechanisms and electrical switch assemblies with a rotary switch interlock mechanism are presented herein. An electrical distribution device with at least two electrical switches is disclosed. Each of the electrical switches has a switch actuator that is movable between engaged and disengaged positions. A rotary interlock member is rotatably mounted to the housing of the electrical distribution device adjacent the first and second electrical switches. The rotary interlock member is rotatable 180 degrees between a first orientation, whereat the rotary member allows the switch actuator of the second electrical switch into its engaged position while preventing the switch actuator of the first electrical switch from being moved into its engaged position, and a second orientation, whereat the rotary member allows the first switch actuator to be moved into its engaged position while preventing the second switch actuator from being moved into its engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerardo Rodriguez Najera, Jeffrey O. Sharp, Raul Sanchez Jimenez
  • Publication number: 20120085627
    Abstract: Embodiments provide an electronic circuit breaker. The electronic circuit breaker has main electrical contacts configurable between an opened and a closed condition, a handle coupled to at least one of the main electrical contacts, the handle moveable between at least an ON configuration and an OFF configuration, secondary electrical contacts configured to engage each other in the ON configuration, and a moveable stop operable to maintain separation of the main electrical contacts initially when moved toward the ON configuration, and operable to unlock and allow closing of the main electrical contacts upon successful completion of a self-test. A method of operating the electronic circuit breaker is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventor: Guang Yang
  • Patent number: 8129638
    Abstract: A switch is disclosed, especially a position switch including a coupling for fixing a drive head to the base of a locking ring. The switch provides a technical solution to allow for a reliable operation of the switch and to simultaneously guide potentially damaging force effects from the drive head via the coupling to the housing of the switch. To this end, in at least one embodiment, first, second and third noses are used, which have an arrangement or shape enabling an essentially non-positive force transmission to be carried out. Furthermore, improved or even optimum handling by the user is ensured, especially for replacement of the drive head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Puri, Joachim Seidl
  • Patent number: 8106317
    Abstract: A rotary control device includes a body, a knob rotatably provided on the body, a push button provided on a side portion of the knob so as to be depressed, a lock member that moves in response to a depressing operation of the push button, and a lock portion provided in the body. The lock member is retained to the lock portion of the body so as to restrain a rotary operation of the knob before the push button is depressed. When the push button is depressed, the lock member is moved to a space where the lock member is movable in conjunction with the rotary operation of the knob so that a restraint of the rotary operation of the knob is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Sadaaki Kitazumi
  • Patent number: 7989718
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power control for a power tool having a working head for cutting or shaping a workpiece. The power control includes a trigger control switch on a hand grip attached to an engagement device such as a push stick used with a table saw. The engagement device is moved by the attached hand grip to bring the workpiece and working head into engagement with each other. The power control may be used for rip sawing or miter cutting on a table saw, on a hand-held router or a router table, on a jointer, a band saw, a disk sander, a drill press, or on other conventional power tools having a working head for cutting or shaping a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Eugene A. Weber
  • Publication number: 20110127147
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for monitoring the state of a safety device (2) of a machine (4), in particular a safety switch for monitoring the closed state of a safety door or the like, the device (1) having a switch housing (22, 24) and an actuator (8), which, when the safety device (2) is closed, cooperates with a switch actuating element (14) movably mounted in the switch housing (22, 24) and the closed state of the safety device (2) can be signaled thereby, and the device (1) having a locking device by which the closed state of the safety device (2) can be releasably locked, characterized in that by applying excessive force to the actuator (8) against the action of the locking device, the switch actuating element (14) can be brought into a fail-safe position, from which the switch actuating element (14) can no longer be transferred by the actuator (8) into a position in which the device (1) signals the locked state of the safety device (2), and the device (1) signals the unlocked state of the sa
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Tobias König, Erik Bächle
  • Publication number: 20110048905
    Abstract: A safety interlocking device for a switch is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the safety interlocking switch includes a supporting member, an annular member, a locking lever, a limiting rod and a resilient member. A driving shaft of the switch can be arranged through the supporting member and the annular member, the annular member can be rotated synchronously with the driving shaft, and the annular member is further provided with a wing block. The locking lever can be hooked onto the safety device of the switch, the limiting rod can be rotated when pushed by the safety device, and the rotation of the limiting rod can make the locking lever rotate. When the switch is turned on, the locking lever hooks onto the safety device so that the latter cannot be opened; and when the switch is turned off, the locking lever releases the safety device, while one end of the limiting rod limits the rotation of the annular member, thus limiting the switch's turn-on operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS ELECTRICAL APPARATUS LTD.
    Inventor: Di Nan Li
  • Patent number: 7868719
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant device including a housing having a first surface and a second surface; and one or more covers positioned on the first surface of the housing, wherein the first surface includes at least two angled surfaces for receiving the one or more covers to create a securedly fixed connection, and wherein the one or more covers are securedly fixed to the housing via a snapping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Bazayev, Stephen Sokolow
  • Patent number: 7868261
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch comprising a casing (1, 9), an actuator member (2, 3) pivotably mounted in the casing (1, 9) and integral with a switching control rod (10), capable of occupying a central position (A) and a rocked position (C), a pusher (5) slidably mounted in the actuator member (2, 3) in an incoming/outgoing direction substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry of the rocking, remarkable in that it further comprises a rockably mobile lock (4) on an elastic support (11), said lock (4) being distinct from the pusher (5) and capable of assuming a first position where it is interposed on the trajectory of the actuator member (2, 3) and a second position where it cooperates with the pusher (5) so that a thrust on the pusher (5) urges the lock (4) and allows the latter to disengage from the trajectory of the actuator member (2, 3) towards the rocked position (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: APEM
    Inventors: Joël Gauzin, Jean-François Gibert, Daniel Duchalet
  • Patent number: 7741938
    Abstract: A control element is provided having programmable haptics, in particular a programmable central catch, for a motor vehicle, having a control knob which can be accommodated such that it can rotate, the control knob being connected in a force-fitting or interlocking manner to a toothed ring or having an integral design, and it being possible for the toothed ring (to be rotated by means of the control knob, and at least one latching element which can move towards the toothed ring and/or away from the toothed ring by means of an electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: PREH GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Kramlich
  • Publication number: 20100133074
    Abstract: A locking apparatus for prevention of unauthorized switching-on of a service switching device includes a release lever disposed within a device housing, a switching mechanism movable from a latched state to an unlatched state by the release lever, and a release lever actuating part disposed in an area of the device housing in which the release lever is disposed. The release lever actuating part is movable from outside the switching device between a switched-on position and a switched-off position. The release lever actuating part is coupled to the release lever so as to hold the release lever in the unlatched state when the release lever actuating party is in the switched-off position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: ABB AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Peter Eppe, Erwin Muders, Hermann Schmitt
  • 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: 20100038217
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for maintaining a locked and closed state of a space-separating device (2) in a releasable manner, in particular a protective device of a machine (4) having a first part (6) with an opening and a second part (8), said parts being movable relative to one another, the opening therefore being at least partially closable, wherein the device (1) comprises a latch (18) by means of which the closed state of the space-separating device (2) may be locked, a holding element (30) by means of which the latch (18) may be kept in the latched position, and a release element (36) by means of which the catch of the latch (18) may be released, and wherein the catch of the latch (18) may be lifted by a rotational movement of the release element (36) relative to the latch (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Kai Bretschneider, Erik Bächle
  • Publication number: 20090315652
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for protecting a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) from being faultily reset. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism has a blocking member secured onto a lateral side of the movable assembly, a resilient member, and a locking member having a first end portion positioned against the resilient member, a second end portion positioned in relation to the blocking member, and a body portion defined between the first end portion and the second end portion. When the movable assembly is in a first (tripping) position, the expanding force of the resilient member applied to the first end portion of the locking member causes the second end portion of the locking member to be positioned against the blocking member so that no movement of the movable assembly from the first position to a second (resetting) position is allowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: General Protecht Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Wusheng Chen, Fu Wang, Huaiyin Song
  • Publication number: 20090255787
    Abstract: An interlock is presented which may be mechanically interconnected with a circuit breaker. The interlock toggles between a locked out position that causes the circuit breaker to trip and prevents closure thereof and a non-locked out position wherein the circuit breaker functions. The interlock includes a frame, a lockout actuator supported by the frame, a reset actuator also supported by the frame and a latching assembly. The latching assembly includes a lockout lever that is responsive to movement of the lockout actuator that is pivotably supported by the frame and a lockout trip rod responsive to movement of the lockout actuator. Also provided is a reset lever that is responsive to movement of the reset actuator and that is also pivotably supported by the frame. The reset lever is configured to prevent movement of the lockout actuator without movement of the reset lever and wherein the lockout trip rod is configured for movement between a locked out position and a non-locked out position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Mahesh Jaywant Rane, Yatin Vilas Newase, Simhadri Ramalingeswara Rao Gupta
  • Patent number: 7471505
    Abstract: A power interface operable to direct power from one of a first source and a second source to a load. The power interface includes a support plate, and a switch extending through the support plate. The switch is electrically connected to the first source and to the load and is movable between a first switch position in which power from the first source is directed to the load, and a second switch position in which power from the first source is inhibited from reaching the load. An electrical connector is electrically connectable to the load and is connectable to the second source to facilitate the delivery of power from the second source to the load. A movable cover is movable between a first cover position in which the cover inhibits connection between the electrical connector and the second source and a second cover position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Gull, Wesley C. Sodemann
  • Patent number: 7468492
    Abstract: An electrical switch has at least two fixed contacts and a moving contact lever movable between an ON position making contact with one of the fixed contacts and an OFF position breaking contact with one of the fixed contacts. A rocker pivots in opposite directions between a first position, moving the contact lever into the ON position and a second position, moving the contact lever into the OFF position. A locking member associated with the rocker automatically locks the rocker in each of the first and second positions. The locking member is releasable to unlock the rocker upon manual movement of the locking member in a direction different from directions of movement of the rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Defond Components Limited
    Inventor: Chi Leung Lai
  • Publication number: 20080302640
    Abstract: The stored energy device interlock assembly provided is structured to prevent the closing assembly and/or the latch assembly from being actuated in selected configurations. The interlock assembly includes a latch D-shaft link assembly, an on-command paddle assembly, and an on-command paddle actuator. The latch D-shaft link assembly is pivotally coupled to, and structured to rotate, the latch assembly D-shaft. The on-command paddle assembly is structured to move the D-shaft link assembly. The on-command paddle actuator is structured to move the on-command paddle assembly. The interlock assembly is structured to disengage the latch assembly D-shaft from the on-command paddle assembly in selected configurations of the electrical switching apparatus. The interlock assembly provided herein has two pivotal degrees of freedom as opposed to a pivotal degree of freedom and a sliding degree of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: NATHAN J. WEISTER, Paul R. Rakus, Roger J. Briggs, Perry R. Gibson, Robert M. Slepian, Douglas C. Marks, Yuri C. Spitsberg
  • Publication number: 20080190746
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch comprising a casing (1, 9), an actuator member (2, 3) pivotably mounted in the casing (1, 9) and integral with a switching control rod (10), capable of occupying a central position (A) and a rocked position (C), a pusher (5) slidably mounted in the actuator member (2, 3) in an incoming/outgoing direction substantially parallel to the plane of symmetry of the rocking, remarkable in that it further comprises a rockably mobile lock (4) on an elastic support (11), said lock (4) being distinct from the pusher (5) and capable of assuming a first position where it is interposed on the trajectory of the actuator member (2, 3) and a second position where it cooperates with the pusher (5) so that a thrust on the pusher (5) urges the lock (4) and allows the latter to disengage from the trajectory of the actuator member (2, 3) towards the rocked position (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Joel Gauzin, Jean-Francois Gibert, Daniel Duchalet