Abstract: A driving device includes a frame, a screw-nut system comprising a threaded rod and a first nut helicoidally connected to the threaded rod, the threaded rod being connected to the frame by a pivot connection that allows the threaded rod to rotate with respect to the frame about a longitudinal axis of the threaded rod, a first position sensor making it possible to detect a limit position of the first nut along the longitudinal axis, the first position sensor comprising a first part and a second part, the first position sensor being sensitive to a variation in a distance between the first part and the second part of the first position sensor along the axis, the first part being fixed to the first nut and the second part being connected to the threaded rod without passing via the pivot connection and in such a way that rotation of the threaded rod about the longitudinal axis leads to a variation in the distance between the first part and the second part of the first position sensor along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A lifting column can provide optimized performance with a nut gap system that efficiently and precisely measures a nut gap during lifting operations. The nut gap system can have a rotating core onto which a nut and traveler are positioned. The nut can be separated from the traveler by a nut gap that is monitored by at least one sensor that continuously extends through the nut to access the nut gap.

Abstract: A limit switch operating head includes a shaft rotatable in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, a cam member supported on the shaft and that is rotatable in the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions responsive to rotation of the shaft, and a follower actuated by the cam member responsive to rotation thereof, with the follower including a pivot pin, a lever portion pivotable about the pivot pin, and a rolling pin mounted to the lever portion and in contact with the cam member. An actuator member contacts the lever portion and translates linearly in a first direction or second direction responsive to pivoting thereof. The rolling pin moves along a profile of the cam member upon rotation of the cam member so as to cause the lever portion to pivot, with the actuator member linearly translating in the first direction or the second direction responsive to the pivoting of the lever portion.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for a movable barrier system having a rotatable drum and an elongate member that winds up on and pays out from an external surface of the rotatable drum. The sensor apparatus includes a base portion, a sensing portion, and a controller. The sensing portion senses a first spaced apart proximity of the elongate member relative to the sensing portion and a second spaced apart proximity of the elongate member relative to the sensing portion. The controller detects a change in the proximity of the elongate member relative to the sensing portion without the elongate member contacting the sensing portion.

Abstract: A lighting system for a door having a plurality of wheels that roll in a rail to support the door in an opened configuration and a closed configuration, the rail having an interior bounded by a pair of opposing U-shaped channels, and the system including at least one light attached to the door, a rail contact fixedly mounted in the interior of the rail, a door contact mounted on the door and electrically connectable to the at least one light, the door contact structured to move entirely within the interior of the rail and to contact the rail contact only in response to the door being in the opened configuration to convey sourced electricity to at least one light to illuminate the light in response to the door contact making electrical contact with the rail contact when the door is in the opened position.

Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a system controller with a computer, a power supply and at least one current sensor, multiple downhole well tools, each of the downhole well tools including a motor and a member displaceable by the motor; and an umbilical connected between the system controller and the downhole well tools, at least one conductor of the umbilical being connected to the motor of each of the downhole well tools. A downhole well tool example can include an actuator assembly configured to displace a member of the downhole well tool, the actuator assembly including a motor, a load yoke displaceable by the motor, and an elongated position indicator bar having at least one profile formed thereon. Friction between the load yoke and the position indicator bar varies as the load yoke displaces relative to the position indicator bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching profile (1) with a switching head (4) and a first side wing (2) and a second side wing (3), wherein a concave profile (12) and a convex profile (13) are arranged in a manner oriented towards one another in an interior (29) of the switching head (4), wherein the switching head (4) consists of a base (28), a first side wing (21) and a second side wing (22), wherein the first side wing (21) projects away from the base (28) at one end and merges into a crown (19) at the other end, wherein the second side wing (22) projects away from the base (28) at one end and likewise merges into the crown (19) at the other end.

Abstract: A limit switch may be provided with a switch body having a contact mechanism inside, and an operation unit connected to the switch body. The operation unit comprises an elastic part that energizes the operation lever from the first motion position towards the return position via the pivoting shaft and the first cam, and energizes the operation lever from the second motion position toward the return position via the pivoting shaft and the second cam, a first cam's pivoting restriction part that restricts the pivoting of the first cam in a first direction in which the operation lever moves from the return position to the second motion position, and a second cam's pivoting restriction part that restricts the pivoting to the second cam in a second direction in which die operation lever moves from the return position to the first motion position.

Abstract: A fluid nozzle includes an inlet housing configured for connection with a tanker aircraft boom, an outlet housing connected with the inlet and configured for connection with a receiving aircraft receptacle, and/or a sensor configured for determining at least one of a ready status, a contact status, and an articulation angle. The sensor may include a ready sensor, a contact sensor, and/or an articulation angle sensor. A method of connecting a fluid nozzle with a receptacle may include providing a fluid nozzle, providing a receptacle, moving the fluid nozzle toward the receptacle, sensing contact between the fluid nozzle and the receptacle via a contact sensor, and/or sensing, via a ready sensor, that the receptacle is latched with the fluid nozzle.

Abstract: A limit switch is provided with a switch body having a contract mechanism inside, and an operation unit connected to the switch body. The operation unit may include a pivoting shaft support that permits pivoting of the pivoting shaft with respect to the housing body in a state of an external force along the extending direction of the pivoting shaft being not applied to the operation lever, and contacts the peripheral wall to support the pivoting shaft in a state of an external force along the extending direction of the pivoting shaft being applied to the operation lever.

Abstract: A connector to be connected to another connector includes a fixed contact, a movable contact, a housing having an opening into which the other connector is insertable, a switch that is movable in a direction in which the other connector is inserted, a cam that is rotatably supported and includes a first cam and a second cam, and a card that moves the movable contact. The connector is configured such that when the other connector is inserted into the connector, the switch is pushed and moved by the other connector, the first cam is pushed by the switch and the cam rotates, the second cam pushes the card when the cam rotates, and the card moves the movable contact to contact the fixed contact.

Abstract: A lighting elevating apparatus includes: a reel coupled to a motor and rotated around an axis of a surface in a short direction of the reel including a reel wire reeling face and being arranged such that its longitudinal direction is in a vertical state; a reel wire to be reeled on the reel wire reeling face; a reeling guide including a reel wire touching part facing the reel wire reeling face and being arranged in parallel to the reel, wherein a distance between the reel wire reeling face and the reel wire touching part is equal or less than a diameter of the reel wire; and a connector attached to an end of the reel wire to connect an object, wherein the reeling guide counter-rotates, and the reel wire passes between the reel wire reeling face and the reel wire touching part.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve is provided. The pressure relief valve includes a hollow body having an inlet and an outlet, with the hollow body including at least one aperture extending through a surface of the hollow body. An actuator assembly is attached to the hollow body and a sleeve is slideably positioned about the hollow body, with the sleeve moveably attached to the actuator assembly. During operation, the actuator assembly moves the sleeve from a first position that covers the aperture to a second position that un-covers at least a portion of the aperture.

Abstract: A fastening device for an electric control and/or indicator member, which includes a base, a fastening clamp fitted pivotably on the base about a first axis, the clamp including at least one branch having a free end designed to form at least a first bearing point against a wall, an element hinged about a second axis and interacting with the clamp to cause it to pivot about the first axis, a clamping screw for controlling the pivoting of the clamp, the clamp being configured in such a way that a first plane including the first axis and the second axis and a second plane including the first axis and the first bearing point form an angle of between 110° and 160°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device (1) for the front-end air intake of a motor vehicle, including: a supporting frame (5) comprising two longitudinal crossmembers (5a), parallel to one another, and two side posts (5b), perpendicular to said longitudinal crossmembers (5a) and connecting said longitudinal crossmembers (5a); at least one flap (3), pivotably mounted about an axis (A) for pivoting between a sealing position and an open position, said at least one flap (3) being installed within the supporting frame (5); at least one electric control element (13) that controls the positioning of the flap(s) (3) and is capable of being connected to the electric system of the motor vehicle by at least one electricity supply cable (20), the supporting frame (5) comprising at least one device (15) for snap-fit attachment of the electricity supply cable(s) (20), said snap-fit device (15) being integral with said supporting frame (5).

Abstract: A lighting elevating apparatus includes: a reel coupled to a motor and rotated around an axis of a surface in a short direction of the reel including a reel wire reeling face and being arranged such that its longitudinal direction is in a vertical state; a reel wire to be reeled on the reel wire reeling face; a reeling guide including a reel wire touching part facing the reel wire reeling face and being arranged in parallel to the reel, wherein a distance between the reel wire reeling face and the reel wire touching part is equal or less than a diameter of the reel wire; and a connector attached to an end of the reel wire to connect an object, wherein the reeling guide counter-rotates, and the reel wire passes between the reel wire reeling face and the reel wire touching part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joint device, comprising an electric motor, an electrically controllable blocking apparatus), various control apparatuses, and a brake system, in the case of which brake system, in various alternatives, the brake system takes maximum energy from the system by means of active closed-loop/open-loop control or by triggering a (cycled) short circuit whenever possible and only triggers the mechanical blocking as a last resort in order to protect the mechanical and electrical system itself, but nevertheless ensures that the system is securely shut down after a maximum time.

Abstract: A system includes two or more lifting devices attached to a structure each lifting device having a drum rotated by a motor to draw in or let out a line from the drum. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. In certain embodiments, each of the lifting devices are quickly and easily detachable from the structure by way of a flange and mounting bracket. The flange and mounting bracket have holes which are coaxially aligned. A pin or other fastener is used to join the flange and mounting bracket together. Two or more lifting devices may be connected to and moved along a mounting bracket.

Abstract: A winch is described comprising a guide that includes a fairlead for positioning a cable around a rotatable drum, wherein one or more bristles are positioned within an orifice in the fairlead. The bristles may have an angular orientation such that they provide active cable wiping during winding and passive cable wiping during unwinding of the cable around the drum. Active wiping may reduce the likelihood that dirt, mud, debris, and/or other materials accumulate within the winch during winding.

Abstract: A system for projecting an image of a target is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a rail having a longitudinal axis; a target carrier coupled to the rail such that the target carrier can translate along the longitudinal axis of the rail; a motor and motion controller coupled to the target carrier wherein the motor is configured to cause the target carrier to translate along the longitudinal axis of the rail; a projector carrier coupled to the rail and held in fixed relational position to the target carrier; and a projector affixed to the projector carrier and oriented to point back towards the target carrier. In some embodiments, one or more cameras may also be added to the target carrier, projector carrier, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing reliable spooling for hoists, winches, and other pulling and/or lifting devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a motor and a drum rotated by the motor to draw in or let out a line from the drum. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. A roller is provided to place pressure on the line against the drum. This roller is powered to assist the drum in spooling the line onto and off of the drum. In certain embodiments, the roller is driven by a gear that engages teeth on the drum. In other embodiments, the roller is driven by a wheel that is rotated by the drum. A corresponding method is also disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. An encoder is provided to measure an angular position of the drum. A counter is provided to record a number of rotations of the drum. A locking mechanism automatically prevents rotation of the drum when the drum stops. Using this information, a processor may calculate an amount of line let out from the drum based on the number of rotations of the drum, the angular position of the drum, and a radius of the drum. In certain embodiments, the angular position and/or number of rotations is stored in non-volatile memory so that is can be recovered in the event of a power outage or other significant event.

Abstract: Disclosed are a canister type thruster for implementing smooth upward/downward movement and improving productivity and an installation method thereof. The canister type thruster includes a guide module for guiding upward/downward movement of a canister. The guide module includes: a guide unit that is installed on an inner surface of a trunk so as to support a rack installed on an outer surface of the canister in parallel with a lifting direction to guide the upward/downward movement of the canister, a sliding pad that relieves an impact or a friction applied to the guide unit; and a support protrusion that is provided between the guide unit and the sliding pad to support the sliding pad.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled pressure switch, comprising a spool having an elongate body with a first end and a second end, and an intermediate part between the two ends; a target movably connected to the second end of the spool by means of a spring; means for detecting movement of the target and providing an indication of pressure acting on the spool based on the movement of the target; whereby the spool is configured to cause movement of the target against the force of the spring based on the level of pressure acting against the first end, towards the spring, and also the level of pressure at the intermediate part between the two ends.

Abstract: A limit switch is provided that is returned to an original position even if a turning angle of a turning lever becomes 90 degrees. In a section perpendicular to a turning shaft, a cam is formed such that a whole contact surface of the cam with a cam receiver is located on a side of the cam receiver with respect to a shaft center of the turning shaft when the external force does not act on the turning lever.

Abstract: A front fork has a damping variable leg including: an outer tube at an upper end side; an inner tube at a lower end side and inserted into the outer tube; a piston rod attached to the outer tube and extending toward the lower end side; a piston at a lower end of the piston rod; and a damping force variable device at the piston so as to generate variable damping force by controlling a flow of an operating fluid. The damping variable leg further includes: a conductor member attached to the piston; and a coil conductor covered with an insulating member and attached to the inner tube. The conductor member is configured to be inserted into the coil conductor. The damping variable leg detects a stroke amount of the damping variable leg based on a change in inductance of the coil conductor.

Abstract: An actuation system for a switch assembly having at least one switch includes a linear actuator drivable for actuating the switch, and a handle configured for selectively driving the linear actuator. The handle is operable in a first state in which the handle is coupled to the linear actuator such that turning the handle does not drive the linear actuator, and a second state in which the handle is coupled to the linear actuator such that turning the handle drives the linear actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a motor and a drum rotated by the motor to draw in or let out a line from the drum. The drum includes a groove formed in an outer surface thereof to accommodate the line. In certain embodiments, a depth of the groove is equal to or greater than a radius of the line. In the same or other embodiments, a passive guide that physically engages and tracks the groove may be used to guide the line into the groove.

Abstract: A door operator system capable of detecting a current-time position of a movable barrier comprises a current-time position detecting device comprising a first gear, a first angular position sensing unit, a revolution counting unit and an arithmetic unit. The first gear is coupled to an output shaft of a motor or a winding shaft. The first angular position sensing unit is provided for detecting a first angular position of the first gear. The revolution counting unit counts the number of revolutions of the first gear. The arithmetic unit calculates a number of total circumferential intervals of the output shaft of the motor or the winding shaft based on D=(La*X)+A/(360/X), where D is the number of the total circumferential intervals, La is the number of revolutions of the first gear, A is the first angular position, X is a number of circumferential intervals per revolution of the first gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a limit switch comprising: a body (1) and a head (2), an actuation member (3), a shaft (30) that can be actuated in rotation about an axis of rotation (Y) by pivoting of the actuation member (3), a plunger (4), a cam mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the shaft (30) into a translational movement of the plunger (4) and vice versa, the cam mechanism comprising: a first cam (7) and a first cam follower (70), arranged to generate between them a first non-zero rotational torque over a first range of rotation of the shaft (30), a second cam (8) and a second cam follower (80), arranged to generate between them a second non-zero rotational torque over a second range of rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A limit switch has a housing having an opening in a front surface of the housing, and a connection hole in which a lead wire is drawn made in a bottom surface of the housing, a switch main body fixed in the housing, a front surface of which is vertically partitioned into a plurality of stages, a pair of fixed contact terminals embedded at each of the stages, an operation shaft exposed from a ceiling surface of the switch main body, a contact that is opened and closed by driving the operation shaft in a shaft center direction, and a projection provided between the fixed contact terminals embedded at the stages of the front surface of the switch main body.

Abstract: A safety monitoring system for human-machine symbiosis is provided, including a spatial image capturing unit, an image recognition unit, a human-robot-interaction safety monitoring unit, and a process monitoring unit. The spatial image capturing unit, disposed in a working area, acquires at least two skeleton images. The image recognition unit generates at least two spatial gesture images corresponding to the at least two skeleton images, based on information of changes in position of the at least two skeleton images with respect to time. The human-robot-interaction safety monitoring unit generates a gesture distribution based on the at least two spatial gesture images and a safety distance. The process monitoring unit determines whether the gesture distribution meets a safety criterion.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber for receiving a. cooking medium, a lid configured to cover the cooking chamber, and a lid locking system. The lid locking system includes a pressure lock pin coupled to a movable diaphragm, an electronic lock pin coupled to the lid, and a latch. The latch includes a pressure lock pin aperture formed therein to accommodate the pressure lock pin, and an electronic lock pin aperture formed therein to accommodate the electronic lock pin. The pressure lock pin engages the latch in response to pressure in the cooking chamber exceeding a predetermined threshold, and the electronic lock pin engages the latch in response to a lock signal from a controller.

Abstract: A switch has a switching mechanism, a housing in which the switching mechanism is disposed, and a slidable actuator that causes the switching mechanism to operate. At least one connection which can be in direct contact with outside air, out of connections between members of the switch, is provided with a sealing member. Rubber contained in the sealing member includes fluorocarbon rubber and does not include silicone rubber.

Abstract: A switch has a rotary shaft that rotates in response to an external force, a cam provided on the rotary shaft and including a cam action section, wherein the cam rotates in response to the rotation of the rotary shaft, a displacement member including a cam support section that contacts the cam action section, wherein the displacement member is displaced in response to the cam support section being pressed by the cam action section rotating, and a switch module that performs an on-off action in response to the displacement of the displacement member. The cam action section is made of a metal. The cam support section is made of a resin softer than the cam action section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a limit switch comprising: a body (1) and a head (2), an actuation member (3), a shaft (30) that can be actuated in rotation about an axis of rotation (Y) by pivoting of the actuation member (3), a plunger (4), a cam mechanism for converting the rotational movement of the shaft (30) into a translational movement of the plunger (4) and vice versa, the cam mechanism comprising: a first cam (7) and a first cam follower (70), arranged to generate between them a first non-zero rotational torque over a first range of rotation of the shaft (30), a second cam (8) and a second cam follower (80), arranged to generate between them a second non-zero rotational torque over a second range of rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a limit switch comprising: a body (1) produced along a main axis (X) and containing a switching device, a head (2) that is removable and orientable with respect to the body (1) so that it can adopt several distinct angular positions about the main axis (X), said head (2) comprising actuating means arranged to act on the switching device, fixing means for fixing the limit switch to a support (S), the fixing means being arranged on the head (2) of the limit switch, the head (2) having at least two separate bearing planes, said fixing means being arranged to fix the head so that it bears against the support via one or other of its two bearing planes.

Abstract: A planetary limit switch contains a front transmission module, at least one following transmission module, and at least one micro switch. The front transmission module couples with an external power source and includes a first planetary gear carrier and plural first planetary gears for matching with the first planetary gear carrier, a front driving gear meshes with the plural first planetary gears and connects with a driving shaft so as to be driven by the driving shaft. Each following transmission module includes a second planetary gear carrier and a plurality of second planetary gears, and the plurality of second planetary gears meshing with a following gear, wherein the second planetary gear carrier has a cam portion arranged on an outer peripheral side thereof. The at least one micro switch is fixed below at least one following transmission module and touched by the cam portion of the second planetary gear carrier.

Abstract: A robot includes a power source of the robot, and a switch section adapted to block electrical power supply to the power source. The switch section is disposed on a front side of the robot arranged to face to a workbench when at work. The switch section blocks the electrical power supply to the power source in a case in which it is detected that a distance between the robot and the workbench is longer than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: In a linear actuator, a limit switch includes an insulation housing formed with an opening and plural slots; a press block disposed on the insulation housing and exposed outside the opening; a pair of connection pins disposed in the insulation housing and spaced with an interval, and respectively protruded from the slots; an elastic connection guiding set including an elastic unit pressed by the press block and a connection guiding sheet connected to the elastic unit, wherein the connection guiding sheet are connected to the pair of connection pins; and a diode disposed in the insulation housing and including two guide pins, wherein the two guide pins are respectively and correspondingly connected to the pair of connection pins in the insulation housing. Accordingly, the electrical connection for the limit switch is simplified thereby facilitating automatic production.

Abstract: A limit switch has a housing, a plunger that is supported in the housing while being vertically movable, a switch main body disposed in and fixed to the housing by the plunger, an operation shaft having an upper end thereof exposed from a ceiling surface of the switch main body, a contact that is opened and closed by driving the upper end of the operation switch, and a displacement expanding mechanism arranged between the switch main body and the plunger. The displacement expanding mechanism has a pair of pivoting tongue pieces rotatably supported by a pair of support shafts arranged in parallel with each other. A free end of one of the pivoting tongue pieces is abutted on the upper end of the operation shaft. A free end of the other pivoting tongue piece is abutted on an upper surface of one of the pivoting tongue pieces.

Abstract: A limit switch having a housing having a box, an attachment hold made in a side surface of the box, having a cylindrical bearing section, a rotating shaft rotatably inserted through the cylindrical bearing section, a cam unit provided in a leading end portion of the rotating shaft, and an operation lever provided in the other end portion of the rotating shaft. Rotational action of the operation lever is converted into vertical action by the cam unit in the box. A contact of a switch main body accommodated in and fixed to the housing is opened and closed. An outer diameter of the cam unit is smaller than an inner diameter of the attachment hole.

Abstract: A limit switch has a housing having an opening in a front surface of the housing, and a connection hole in which a lead wire is drawn made in a bottom surface of the housing, a switch main body fixed in the housing, a front surface of which is vertically partitioned into a plurality of stages, a pair of fixed contact terminals embedded at each of the stages, an operation shaft exposed from a ceiling surface of the switch main body, a contact that is opened and closed by driving the operation shaft in a shaft center direction, and a projection provided between the fixed contact terminals embedded at the stages of the front surface of the switch main body.

Abstract: A switch device with a greatly strengthened limit structure where damage in the limit structure can be quickly detected and the structure can be easily replaced. The switch device includes a housing; a rotating shaft supported inside the housing and rotatable around its axis; a sway rod outside the housing, which is mounted at the end of the rotating shaft and configured to sway around the rotating axis of the rotating shaft by an external force applied outside the housing; a movable part outside the housing, which is configured to rotate together with the sway rod around the rotating axis of the rotating shaft; and a limit bearing part outside the housing and fixed relative to the housing, when the movable part is abutted on the limit bearing part, the swaying of the sway rod is limited, and the rotating shaft stops rotating.

Abstract: A wireless switching device with an actuating member that can move along a main axis between an idle position and a working position, a spring stressed by force by the actuating member in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis, a switching assembly that can include a plunger arranged to be actuated by the actuating member and a wireless transmitter module provided with an antenna for sending a message to a receiver module in the event of an action on the plunger. The antenna can be arranged prominently on the switching assembly in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis and the spring of helical type being arranged coaxially to the antenna.

Abstract: A switch assembly is disclosed having a switch with an actuator moveable from an armed position to a disarmed position. A housing is attached to the switch and contains a cam that holds the switch actuator in the armed position. A trigger makes contact with the cam causing it to rotate within the housing and allowing the actuator to extend to move to a disarmed position. In some variants the cam can be shaped to prevent manually rotation against the bias force of the actuator in the disarmed position. The switch assembly can be positioned on an aircraft landing gear to detect an over-steer occurrence where the landing gear may become damaged. The state of the switch can be visibly or audibly indicated by an indicator in the aircraft cockpit or other location visible/audible to the ground operators.

Abstract: A tactile wafer lifting apparatus includes a pedestal and a vertical drive connected to the pedestal. The vertical drive is defined to provide controlled upward and downward movement of the pedestal. The tactile wafer lifting apparatus also includes a wafer support member disposed over the pedestal. A tactile switch is disposed between the wafer support member and the pedestal such that sufficient downward force on the wafer support member causes activation of the tactile switch. The tactile switch is connected to the vertical drive so as to interrupt upward movement of the pedestal and wafer support member disposed thereover upon activation of the tactile switch.

Abstract: A vibration limit switch system and related method is provided with a piezoelectric transmitting- and/or receiving unit, in operable connection with a membrane that can be put in oscillation, and a mechanical oscillation arrangement that is coupled to the membrane, whereby the piezoelectric transmitting- and/or receiving unit is adhered directly, or via an adaptation layer by an adhesive layer, to the membrane 4. In this improvement, the adhesive layer between the membrane and the transmitting-and/or receiving unit or the adaptation layer has a thickness in an edge area R which thickness is elevated in comparison to a central area Z. This thickness is arranged in differing geometries and amounts to further improve performance.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and/or method for safely lifting a load along a lift axis are provided, through utilization of an automatic lockout arrangement operatively connected between the point of application of a lifting force and a motorized clamping arrangement for grasping the load.

Abstract: A switch provided with an actuation body to be displaced due to contact with a physical body and operated in accordance with a position of the actuation body includes a mode switching unit (125) for switching a mode to any of a learning mode and a prediction mode, a position detecting unit (121) for detecting at least preliminarily fixed first and second positions of the actuation body (7), a time measuring unit (127) for measuring a time from when the first position is detected until when the second position is detected, a reference time setting unit (131) for setting a reference time based on the time measured in the learning mode, a comparing unit (133) for comparing the measured time and the reference time in the prediction mode, and a notifying unit (135) for notifying of an alarm in a case where the measured time is greater than the reference time in the prediction mode as a result of comparison.