Removable Blocking Element Patents (Class 200/43.19)
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Patent number: 11297709Abstract: A circuit arrangement for controlling an on/off state of an outdoor light, the circuit arrangement comprising an indoor light switch coupled to control the on/off stage of the outdoor light; a motion detector associated with the outdoor light, wherein the motion detector is remote from the indoor light switch; and a mode actuator implemented on a user interface of the indoor light switch, wherein the mode actuator is movable to a position enabling the use of the motion detector.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Cantigny Lighting Control, LLCInventor: John Joseph King
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Patent number: 10479262Abstract: Systems and methods for replicating vehicular illumination are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes a detector configured to sense light emitted by a host light of a host vehicle for detecting a lighting state of the host light. The system also includes a communications system configured to communicate the detected lighting state between the host light and the remote light. Further, the system includes a remote light being located on one of the host vehicle and an operator of the host vehicle and configured to replicate the lighting state of the host light.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: International Research Institute iRIInventor: Robert Ernest Troxler
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Patent number: 9230757Abstract: An electrical rocker wall switch guard that is sized to fit over an electrical rocker wall switch where the electrical rocker wall switch guard has a main body sized to fit over a rocker arm of an electrical rocker wall switch; at least one aperture; and a circumferential skirt that extends downwardly from the main body and extends completely around the main body, the circumferential skirt having integrally formed portions at a first end and a second end of the electrical rocker wall switch guard that provide an attachment structure that permits removable attachment of the electrical rocker wall switch guard to an electrical rocker wall switch using screw receiving fittings that are provided in the electrical rocker wall switch for a decorative or protective wall plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: AMERICAN TACK & HARDWARE CO., INC.Inventors: Daniel T. Rego, Adam Greenspan, Daren Moneta, Edward Hunt
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Publication number: 20130206552Abstract: A protective covering device for a circuit breaker having a breaker housing and breaker handle extending from a front surface of the breaker housing and having an ON and OFF position includes: a cover adapted to be mounted to the front surface of the circuit breaker; and an opening provided in the cover adapted to allow actuation of the breaker handle when the breaker handle is in the OFF position. The cover encloses the breaker handle when mounted.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: EATON INDUSTRIES MANUFACTURING GMBHInventors: Jean-Christophe Barnas, Florencio Llanca Bolivar
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Patent number: 7956301Abstract: A tamper protection device for an electrical switching device including a housing and a panel for at least one control element. The tamper protection device a protection cap configured to prevent unwanted operation or tampering of the control element when in position on the housing and a seal retainer configured to block the protection cap from being removed from the covering position when the seal retainer and protection cap are connected by a secured seal wire thereby forming a sealed unit. Each of the protection cap and the seal retainer are releasably connectable to the housing. When the protection cap and seal retainer are secured as the sealed unit it is non-releasably connectable to the housing by an interlocking connection.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Eaton Industries GmbHInventors: Klaus Lankuttis, Claudia Pleikies
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Patent number: 7692108Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Javier Ignacio Larranaga, Peter James Greenwood
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Patent number: 7681421Abstract: An electrical panel lockout that locks the electrical panel door closed and prevents the panel cover from being removed. Two telescoping hollow tubes extend between two panel screws. Two slots in the ends of the hollow tubes slide under the screw heads of each of the loosened panel screws. The outer hollow tube and inner hollow tube extend across the panel door keeping it locked closed. The shackle of a padlock is inserted into one of the openings of the inner hollow tube to keep the device locked in the extended position onto the panel screws. The screw heads are encapsulated by the device rendering them inaccessible and preventing the electrical panel cover from being removed. Hollow tube extension fittings can be employed to increase the length of the device for use on electrical panels of larger widths. A guide screw attached to the inner hollow tube rides in a slot in the outer hollow tube to keep both tubes from separating.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Inventor: Richard Michael Cannon
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Publication number: 20090321227Abstract: A safety holder is provided that firmly attaches to a safety switch so that safety of a worker is enhanced. The safety holder includes a base body 21 that is inserted into an actuator insertion opening 7, and limits rotation of a drive cam 9 by engaging at a tip end portion (hanging portion 21C) thereof with a concave portion of the drive cam 9 of the safety switch, and a slide body that is movably attached to the base body 21 so as to be insertable into an actuator insertion opening 8 with the base body 21 inserted in the actuator insertion opening 7, and when the slide body is inserted into the actuator insertion opening 8, that enters and engages with an engagement hole 36 of the base body 21 whose tip end portion (insertion arm 34) is being inserted into the insertion opening 7.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2006Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: IDEC CORPORATIONInventors: Takafumi Hidaka, Kiyo Hidaka, Norifumi Obata, Masaki Nobuhiro, Takeo Yasui, Masahiro Ishizaki
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Publication number: 20090277759Abstract: A toggle switch lock includes a main body portion, a pair of switch lock mounting holes, and a switch position aperture. The main body portion is adapted to attach to a toggle switch faceplate having a pair of faceplate mounting holes, such that a first portion of the toggle switch that represents an off or on state abuts the main body portion so as to lock the switch in the state, a second portion of the toggle switch that represents the other state extends through the switch position aperture, and the switch lock mounting holes are aligned with the faceplate mounting holes. The switch lock can be attached in two different orientations relative to the toggle switch. The switch lock can also be embodied in a switch locking faceplate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventor: Glenn Eldon Squires
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Patent number: 7531760Abstract: A locking apparatus is for a circuit breaker including an enclosure having an opening with two sides and two ends, and two apertures on each of the sides proximate the ends. An operating mechanism includes a pivotal operating handle disposed through the opening. The operating handle includes a first position proximate one end of the opening and a second position proximate the other end of the opening. The locking apparatus is disposable proximate one of the ends of the opening. The locking apparatus includes a housing and a spring member interlocked with the housing. The spring member includes a first end and an opposite second end retained by the enclosure at the apertures at one of the ends when the operating handle is in the second position, or retained by the enclosure at the other apertures at the other of the ends when the handle is in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Michael J. Whipple, Luis E. Betances
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Publication number: 20080251361Abstract: A tamper protection device for an electrical switching device including a housing and a panel for at least one control element. The tamper protection device a protection cap configured to prevent unwanted operation or tampering of the control element when in position on the housing and a seal retainer configured to block the protection cap from being removed from the covering position when the seal retainer and protection cap are connected by a secured seal wire thereby forming a sealed unit. Each of the protection cap and the seal retainer are releasably connectable to the housing. When the protection cap and seal retainer are secured as the sealed unit it is non-releasably connectable to the housing by an interlocking connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: Moeller GmbHInventors: Klaus Lankuttis, Claudia Pleikies
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Patent number: 7204105Abstract: A latch in a door is protected from an unauthorized entry by forming a first bracket that fits around the latch, and a second bracket that is rotatably connected to the first latch. The second bracket covers the latch when rotated to be in a first position, and exposes the latch when rotated to be in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Tellabs Petaluma, Inc.Inventors: James Edward Hooper, G. James Keller
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Patent number: 6940027Abstract: A locking assembly is for a circuit breaker including an enclosure and an operating handle operable between a first, ON position and a second, OFF position with respect to the enclosure. The operating handle includes a first aperture extending therethrough. The locking assembly includes a stationary element coupled to the enclosure and includes a second aperture extending therethrough. The second aperture corresponds with the first aperture of the operating handle when aligned therewith. A blocking element coupled to the operating handle blocks the second aperture when the operating handle is disposed in any position other than the second, OFF position in which the first aperture extending through the operating handle is aligned with the second aperture of the stationary element. A lock is inserted through the aligned apertures in order to lock the operating handle in the second, OFF position.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Warren C. Sipe
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Patent number: 6940028Abstract: A switch deactivation device includes a coil portion having a number of coils. The coils are configured to couple to a portion of a vehicle door switch, such as a plunger shaft or a mounting flange. The coils may be coupled to the portion of the switch by adjusting an internal diameter of the coils. The device also includes a plunger-engaging portion configured to depress a plunger of the vehicle door switch while the device is coupled to the switch.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Inventor: Eddie Eggers
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Patent number: 6914205Abstract: An operating switch for a motor vehicle with a housing having an operating opening for accessing an operating element, and a protective device movable relative to the operating opening for temporarily covering the operating element on the operating side. The protective device is formed as a slide member guided in the housing, displaceable at right angles to the access direction of the operating opening, the slide member and the operating element being pivotable together so that the slide member is movable from a first position, in which the operating element is arranged in the operating opening, to a second position in which the operating element is covered within the housing and the operating opening is closed by the slide member.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Methode Electronics Malta Ltd.Inventor: Alexander Galea
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Patent number: 6844512Abstract: A circuit breaker lock-out assembly which is engageable with a circuit breaker includes a body having a top and a bottom joined by walls. The walls define a passageway extending from the body top to the body bottom. A button having one end extending into the body passageway through the body top is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. A pair of leaf springs are fixed to the button, and extend through the passageway. A nose extends from the body bottom, ant is engageable with the leaf springs. A pin extends from each of the leaf springs. Each pin is engageable with a hole formed in the circuit breaker walls adjacent the switch tongue, wherein slidable movement of the button toward at least one of the lock position and unlock position engages the leaf spring with the nose to move each pin relative to the hole.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Benda
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Patent number: 6737594Abstract: A locking attachment is for a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing enclosing separable contacts and an operating mechanism, an elongated operating member with a handle that operates to open and close the separable contacts, and an opening in the housing through which the elongated operating member protrudes. The opening has first and second ends corresponding to “on” and “off” circuit breaker positions, respectively. The locking attachment includes a locking member having a first end having a compressive segment with opposed portions for compressively capturing the operating member. The second end of the locking member is structured to engage the housing of the circuit breaker at one of the first and second ends of the opening in the housing, thereby locking the circuit breaker in either the “on” or “off” position.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Roger W. Helms, Craig J. Puhalla, Raymond P. Gundy, II, Percy J. Lipsey, II
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Patent number: 6703572Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Square D CompanyInventor: William J. Broghammer
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Patent number: 6696651Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Koopmeiners, Dennis Drake, Dennis Schmidt
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Patent number: 6580041Abstract: A circuit breaker safety clip and associated method are provided to identify and secure circuit breakers in an open position. The safety clip securely engages a circuit breaker in an electrical panel such that the circuit breaker must remain in an open position while the safety clip is attached thereto. The size and shape of the safety clip are selected such that the safety clip does not contact, and thus does not damage, other portions of the electrical panel. The safety clip design also provides ease of installation and removal. Additionally, the safety clip may include a warning tag that is durably attached and is appropriately sized to be noticeable without blocking the view of other circuit breakers. Still further, the wrap-around safety clip design of one embodiment protects at least part of the circuit breaker, typically the head of the circuit breaker, from direct impact.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Michael L. Ransopher
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Patent number: 6486419Abstract: An image forming apparatus having at least two of a plurality of functions including copying, facsimile and printer functions includes a main power switch that is provided on an outer surface of the apparatus and a cover to cover the main power switch. The cover is capable of opening and closing. Because the main power switch cannot be operated unless the cover is opened, when a user inadvertently tries to turn off the main power switch, for example, at the end of a day, the user must first touch the cover and is thereby reminded that the switch which the user is trying to turn off, is actually the main power switch for the apparatus. Thus, the main power switch is prevented from being inadvertently or unconsciously turned off.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1999Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Horiguchi, Yuki Nanri, Kazuyuki Saitoh, Yuji Suzuki, Masahiro Nakajima, Tetsuya Gotoh
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Patent number: 6469264Abstract: A switch lever lock out assembly which is engagable with a switch having a lever positionable in at least two positions. The assembly includes a lock rail fixable relative to the switch. At least one transverse opening is formed in the lock rail. One end of an elongated lock arm extends through the opening and an opposing end extends toward the switch. In one aspect of the present invention, a switch engageable head is fixed to the lock arm opposing end, and is clampable to the lever. In another aspect of the invention, the head is slidably mounted to the lock arm. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the head is fixed to the lock arm, and offset from a lock aim longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Brady Worldwide, Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Benda
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Patent number: 6190025Abstract: An illumination device includes a housing and a multi-position switch for selecting various modes of operation. A security block is mounted to the housing adjacent the switch. The security block may be attached to the housing in at least two different orientations. In a first orientation, the security block prevents the switch from being in a position corresponding to certain modes (e.g., those which create a high intensity light beam). When positioned in a second orientation, the security block is attached to the housing but permits the switch to be in other or all positions, thereby permitting various modes of operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Insight Technology, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth S. Solinsky