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.

Abstract: A rotation plate including a surface, in which a fixed contact terminal slides in contact with the surface of the rotation plate. The rotation plate includes a movable contact plate and a holding member. The movable contact plate forms a predetermined conductive pattern. The holding member holds the movable contact plate and is formed from an insulating resin material. The movable contact plate and the holding member are molded integrally and fixed to each other so that a surface of the movable contact plate is exposed and does not project outward from a surface of the holding member.

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 limit switch assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, an inner surface that defines an inner volume and a spring engagement surface, and an outer surface. A limit switch disposed within the inner volume includes a threaded bushing section at least partially extending from the first end. A spring within the inner volume surrounds the bushing section, and engages the limit switch and the spring engagement surface. A calibration nut threaded onto the bushing section engages the first end of the housing. A seal divides the inner volume of the housing into a first volume and a second volume. A drain hole formed in the housing fluidly communicates the first volume to a surrounding environment. A terminal assembly connected to the second end of the housing seals the second volume from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A limit stop apparatus for a multi-pole electrical contact assembly is disclosed. The limit stop apparatus interconnects crossbars of respective contact assemblies wherein one or more contact arms are pivotable relative to each crossbar. The limit stop apparatus is configured to engage the one or more contact arms on a same side of the one or more contact arms containing moveable electrical contacts. In one or more embodiments, the limit stop apparatus has a connecting bar with limit stops having arc shields molded to the connecting bar, wherein the arc shields can be phase-to-phase arc shields and contact-to-component arc shields. Circuit breakers and multi-pole electrical contact assemblies having a limit stop apparatus, and methods of operating the multi-pole electrical contact assembly are disclosed, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A limit switch assembly includes a housing having a first end, a second end, an inner surface that defines an inner volume and a spring engagement surface, and an outer surface. A limit switch disposed within the inner volume includes a threaded bushing section at least partially extending from the first end. A spring within the inner volume surrounds the bushing section, and engages the limit switch and the spring engagement surface. A calibration nut threaded onto the bushing section engages the first end of the housing. A seal divides the inner volume of the housing into a first volume and a second volume. A drain hole formed in the housing fluidly communicates the first volume to a surrounding environment. A terminal assembly connected to the second end of the housing seals the second volume from the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A self-calibrating sensor includes a housing, an input lever coupled to the housing and configured to contact a device to be sensed, and an actuating element configured to automatically reposition an output device to a calibrated position. The sensor also includes a cam ring that is configured to move the output device to the calibrated position based on an input received from the actuating element and a lock ring coupled to the input lever. In one exemplary embodiment, the output device is an electrical contact assembly that is slidably engaged with the cam ring. During operation, the cam ring is configured to reposition the electrical contact assembly based on the input received from actuating element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hoisting limit switch for limiting the maximum allowed hoisting height of a hoisting cable, wherein the hoisting limit switch includes a read-write device for reading and writing data, and a means from which the operating condition of the hoisting limit switch can be read out by the read-write device.

Abstract: A limit switch control device comprises a shaft, a sensor, an upper limit reed switch, a lower limit reed switch and a drive element that cooperate with a control circuit. The sensor is combined on the shaft which is driven by the drive element, which is provided with an upper limit witch and a lower limit switch, so that when the sensor detects the upper limit and the lower limit reed switches, the upper and the lower limit switches will be triggered to power off the drive element.

Abstract: End-of-travel device (10) for roller blind actuating systems, comprising a member (22) displaceable as far as an end-of-travel position (26), coupling means (20) in engagement with the displaceable member (22) and rotationally actuated by a motor, and lever means (40) for converting the displacement of the displaceable member (22) into activation of an end-of-travel switch (60). The lever means (40) comprise a movable member (50) pivotably hinged on a frame and engageable with pressure by the displaceable member (22) when its reaches the end-of-travel position (26). The member (50) can be engaged with an actuating member (58) of the switch (60) where an actuating member of the switch (60) is positioned radially with respect to the axis of displacement of the member (22).

Abstract: A spring assembly is provided for a yoke assembly of an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The yoke assembly is coupled to the pole shaft and is movable among first and second positions corresponding to the separable contacts being closed and open, respectively. The spring assembly includes a number of first springs having a first spring rate and being coupled to the yoke assembly, and a number of second springs having a second spring rate and being coupled to the yoke assembly. The second spring rate is different than the first spring rate. The number of first springs and the number of second springs bias the yoke assembly toward the second position.

Abstract: A limit switch control device comprises a shaft, a sensor, an upper limit reed switch, a lower limit reed switch and a drive element that cooperate with a control circuit. The sensor is combined on the shaft which is driven by the drive element, which is provided with an upper limit witch and a lower limit switch, so that when the sensor detects the upper limit and the lower limit reed switches, the upper and the lower limit switches will be triggered to power off the drive element.

Abstract: A limit switch includes a control member which has a first end protruding from the body of the switch and a second end of the control member has a first contact portion and a second contact portion. A first operation unit and a second operation unit are respectively located on two respective outsides of the first and second contact portions so that the two operation units are activated by shifting the control member. The two operation units are located on two sides of the control member so that the limit switch occupies has lower height.

Abstract: A self-calibrating sensor includes a housing, an input lever coupled to the housing and configured to contact a device to be sensed, and an actuating element configured to automatically reposition an output device to a calibrated position. The sensor also includes a cam ring that is configured to move the output device to the calibrated position based on an input received from the actuating element and a lock ring coupled to the input lever. In one exemplary embodiment, the output device is an electrical contact assembly that is slidably engaged with the cam ring. During operation, the cam ring is configured to reposition the electrical contact assembly based on the input received from actuating element.

Abstract: A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of telescoping actuator and a housing having holes of different sizes, the larger hole being sized to completely receive a fastener within the housing and the smaller one of the holes being sized to retain a portion of the fastener within the housing while the rest of the fastener extends from the housing.

Abstract: An actuator usable in a support frame for use in a lift chair.

Abstract: An actuator usable in a support frame for use in a lift chair.

Abstract: A hybrid limit/proximity switch combining the standard limit switch operator head and a proximity sensor in a body that may be interchangeably mounted on a machine in place of a conventional mechanically operated limit switch is disclosed.

Abstract: Signal Actuator device, having a support structure; a bottom drive shaft, tunable in a seat of the support structure; a first torsional coupling, integral with and surrounding the bottom drive shaft; at least a first cam torsionally coupled to the first torsional coupling in a selective manner for adjusting the angular position thereof relative to the bottom drive shaft; the at least one first cam actuating an electrical device supported by the support structure; a top drive shaft, torsionally coupled to bottom drive shaft in a selectively removable member; a second torsional coupling, integral with and surrounding the top drive shaft; at least a second cam torsionally coupled to the second torsional coupling in a selective manner for adjusting the angular position thereof relative to the removable top drive shaft; and the at least one second cam actuating an electrical device supported by the support structure.

Abstract: A limit switch control device for an actuator is disposed at both ends of a linearly moveable mover and comprises at least: two limit switches, a circuit board, and a connecting rod assembly. The two limit switches are disposed on the circuit board, both ends of the connecting rod assembly define the effective travel length of the mover. One end of the connecting rod assembly is moved by the mover to control the other limit switch. By such arrangements, the limit switch is simplified, and with the arrangement of the connecting rod assembly, the number of the brake devices or the limit switches can be increased as desired. Further, the circuit board and the connecting rod assembly are modular designed.

Abstract: An improved limit switch mechanism is provided in which it includes a plurality of cassettes of limit switch subassembly, each cassette containing: a limit switch mounting bracket, a first limit switch and a second limit switch fastened onto said limit switch mounting bracket by screws; the deflection direction of the control lever of each limit switch being directed radially towards the center of the concerned switch actuator when each cassette of limit switch subassembly is inserted and fixed in a pair of slits, which is inclined at certain angle relative to horizontal direction and provided on opposite side walls of the base frame. Accordingly, positive actuation on control lever of each limit switch and long service life of each limit switch can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an end position detector for movable switch parts (3) which comprises a rod assembly and a housing (12), into which the rod assembly penetrates and in which at least one sensor for sensing an end position of the rod assembly is arranged. According to the invention, the rod assembly is connected to the movable switch part (3) such that it can be pivoted in a vertical plane that lies transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rails, wherein the rod assembly comprises at least one rod (8) of circular cross section, and wherein said rod (8) in its region that penetrates into the housing (12) in a sealed fashion carries on its periphery at least one switching flank (13) that cooperates with a switch contact (16).

Abstract: An electrical limit switch (10) is provided and comprises a number of contact elements (30) each having a slot (32) with inner cutting edges (34) for penetrating the insulation of and containing a conducting element (48). The contact elements (30) are provided on a body which engages a base (56) wherein the base (56) receives a plurality of conducting elements (48). Upon engagement of the body and base (56), the conducting elements (48) are foced into respective slots (32) in the contact elements (30), thus providing a rapid electrical connection. The switching means of the limit switch (1) is provided by an actuating arrangement (14) including a plunger portion (16) and a roller (18), wherein the plunger(16) includes electrical contacts (36a, 36b) which are moveable with the plunger. Each contact (36a, 36b) provides an electrical connection between two of the contact elements (30) when the plunger (16) is in the appropriate position.

Abstract: A multipole current limiting circuit breaker comprising an insulating enclosure that contains: a) for each pole, at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact, which can be mutually coupled/uncoupled upon closure/opening of the circuit breaker; b) actuation means which provide the energy for moving said movable contacts and determines their coupling/uncoupling with the corresponding fixed contacts, said actuation means comprising a rotating actuation bar that is operatively coupled to the movable contacts of the poles; characterized in that said movable contacts have a fork-shaped body having a base element that supports two arms provided with plates for electrical contact with corresponding coupling surfaces of the fixed contact, and in that said fork-like body is connected to the actuation bar by virtue of elastic means accommodated at least partially in a seat formed in the bar, said elastic means being anchored to said bar and being fixed to said base element so as to support the movable con

Abstract: A limit switch having a housing carrying one or more components that are individually field replaceable by an operator so that an operator can make an on-the-go field repair any faulty component in the limit switch. The field replaceable components can be frictionally or mechanically secured by a finger operable latch or the like so that an operator can remove and quickly replace a faulty component while the limit switch is connected a pneumatic conveying system or the like.

Abstract: A rotating contact supporting shaft for a low-voltage power circuit breaker, whose particularity consists of the fact that it has a modular structure that comprises, along the rotation axis, at least one first and one second supporting module (10, 20), each module being functionally coupled to at least one corresponding moving contact (3) of the circuit breaker and being provided respectively with first and second means (22) for connection to at least one first interconnection module (30); the first interconnection module is interposed between the first and second supporting modules and is provided with third and fourth connection means (31) that are suitable to be coupled respectively to the first and second connection means; the coupling between the first and third connection means and between the second and fourth connection means allows the functional connection between the first and second supporting modules and the direct structural connection of the interconnection module to the first and second suppor

Abstract: A switch for limiting and controlling a linear range of movement by rotational means. Two limiting positions of the switch are independently adjusted using worm gears. The switch includes a plate and a rotatable block having a rotatable shaft rotatably disposed relative to the plate. The plate has first and second electrolinking points spaced apart from each other. One end of a spring plate is fixed to the first electrolinking point, a middle portion of the spring plate is abutted against a circumferential edge of the rotatable block and the other end of the spring plate adopts two working positions with respect to the second electrolinking point.

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes a main body having a solenoid side and an auxiliary side. A solenoid side limit switch assembly is mounted to the solenoid side and an auxiliary side limit switch assembly is mounted on the auxiliary side. The solenoid side limit switch assembly includes a plurality of limit switches and a solenoid side mounting plate. The auxiliary side limit switch assembly includes a plurality of limit switches and an auxiliary side mounting plate.

Abstract: A limit switch has switch areas and a partition wall in between in a switch case for containing switch element units separately and independently. An inner case includes covers for sealing the switch areas. For improving rigidity, a switch unit and a head unit which operates the switch unit are connected by means of a protrusion on one of them and an indentation on the other of them, the protrusion and the indentation being engaged in an embracing fashion for strength.

Abstract: An actuator of the present invention comprises an operation key 2 to be inserted into a key insertion hole formed in the safety switch, and a base 3. The operation key 2 is held on the base 3 and capable of freely swinging in two orthogonal directions. The actuator also comprises means (e.g. a guide stopper 4 and engagement spaces 34) for selectively restricting the swinging movement of the operation key 2 to either of the two directions.

Abstract: A proximity detection switch, including a housing with a switching block controlled by a sensor component contained therein and housing connection elements for external connection via a cable, the body and a removable cover each having a flange part for cooperatively forming a flange that defines a sealed aperture for a cable to pass therethrough. The device further includes a detachable cable-entry coupling for sliding engagement with the body along a direction approximately perpendicular to the plane of the bottom wall of the body.

Abstract: A position switch whose box houses a switch assembly that can be maneuvered by an activation head holding a push button and located in a recess on one surface of the box so that it can be angularly adjusted at regular intervals. The head has a tubular bearing surface facing the box and in which a plunger slides for actuating the switch assembly. The bearing surface has notches at regular intervals for alignment with corresponding notches in the box recess. A lockable fork retains the head in position.

Abstract: A hybrid limit/proximity switch combining the standard limit switch operator head and a proximity sensor in a body that may be interchangeably mounted on a machine in place of a conventional mechanically operated limit switch is disclosed.

Abstract: Position switch whose box houses a switch assembly that can be manoeuvred by an activation head using a push button.

Abstract: A switch comprises a first and second contacts, a plunger, a toggle bar, and a spanner. A preferred trip lever arrangement is used in which a trip lever transfers an actuating force from the plunger to the toggle bar, and the toggle bar is caused to move farther than the plunger to provide a short trip point. Swing arms that are acted upon through a series of rigid body force transfers allow an operator to manually force welded contacts to be broken in the event that the contacts become welded to a spanner or other components of the switch assembly.

Abstract: A limit switch has switch areas and a partition wall in between in a switch case for containing switch element units separately and independently. An inner case includes covers for sealing the switch areas. For improving rigidity, a switch unit and a head unit which operates the switch unit are connected by means of a protrusion on one of them and an indentation on the other of them, the protrusion and the indentation being engaged in an embracing fashion for strength.

Abstract: A limit switch includes a housing, a plunger, an actuator, a prime contactor, a redundant prime contactor, an adjustment contactor, and a redundant adjustment contactor disposed within the housing. The prime contactor and adjustment contactor are electrically coupled in series. The prime and redundant prime contactors are openable by the plunger, and the adjustment and redundant adjustment contactors are closable by the plunger. The redundant adjustment contact is electrically coupled in series with the redundant prime contactor. The limit switch controls a circuit by aligning the limit switch in a mid-position alignment. Opening the prime contactor or redundant prime contactor de-energizes the electrical circuit. Closing the prime contactor and the redundant prime contactor while the adjustment contactor and the redundant adjustment contactor are maintained closed energizes the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A molecular switch and a method for controlling passage of an electric current through a medium comprised of a chain molecule including a plurality of molecular sections. The chain molecule is capable of being reversibly changed into and out of a charge conducting state. The method includes applying a voltage across the medium, and controlling a relative movement of adjacent molecular sections so as to reversibly change the charge conducting state of the chain molecule.

Abstract: A switching device such as a proximity detector or limit switch, equipped with a body housing a switching block and closed by a cover.

Abstract: The safety device comprises an electric circuit comprising at least a current-limiting fuse and a current switch connected in series with the fuse. The switch has a moving contact which can be actuated by a drive mechanism to open or close the switch. The mechanism is arranged so as to prevent the fuse(s) being disengaged or engaged while the switch is closed and it has a drive lever occupying a first position or a second position respectively when the switch is closed and when it is open. Each fuse has a handle member which is either masked or uncovered depending on the position of the lever, the lever being designed to cover the handle member so as to mask it.

Abstract: A switch structure for a card connector comprises: a first cantilevered contact spring 20 urged so that a front engagement portion of the first contact spring engages a part of the recessed portion of the inserted card corresponding to one of two slide positions of a write protect button 3; and a second cantilevered contact spring 30 extending along and in the same direction as the first contact spring and urged so that a front engagement portion of the second contact spring engages a part of the recessed portion of the inserted card corresponding to the other slide position of the write protect button 3; wherein the slide position of the write protect button is detected based on whether the first and second contact springs are in or out of contact with each other, thereby determining the position of the write protect button accurately and reliably.

Abstract: A switching assembly that operatively cooperates with the triggering mechanism of a firearm, such as a rocket launcher, is disclosed. The switching assembly allows for an adjustable trigger linear travel of about 0.4″ within an accuracy of 0.01 inches, while at the same time prevents any over-travel of the switch activator from damaging a depressible switch that is operatively interconnected to firing of the rocket from the launcher.

Abstract: A linear actuator utilizing limit switches to implement reliable and effective travel limit functions. The actuator having a robust construction, lower part count, smaller dimension, and lower assembly cost.

Abstract: A crash protection mechanism for a microscope objective includes a tapered, self-centering combination of sleeves interposed between the objective and its housing in an interferometric profiler. A three-lobed, tapered inner sleeve is affixed to the objective, while a matingly tapered outer sleeve is attached to the objective housing. A spring-loaded mechanism urges the objective outward toward the sample surface, so that it can move inward axially under crash conditions and then return to its original axial position. The mating tapered sleeves create an outward seated position that provides a high degree of repeatability when the objective is returned to its position after a crash.

Abstract: A deadman switch mechanism and a teaching operation panel equipped with the deadman switch mechanism, in which possibility of losing a safety function is low even if failure happens in a contact or other elements of a circuit. When an operator grips at least one of grip levers (GL1; GL2) with normal force, the grip levers turn around axes (AX4; AX5), shoulder portions (SD1; SD2) abut on slave levers (SL1; SL2) and turns the slave levers connected by a link (LK) around an axis (AX3) in the direction denoted by an arrow B, simultaneously, so that switches (SW1; SW2) are turned into an ON-state, simultaneously. Then, two circuits including those switches, respectively, output ON-signals independently and these signals are subjected to AND process, to allow the robot to operate.

Abstract: A forklift has an inner mast parallel to an outer mast and a fork vertically movable in accordance with a vertical movement of the inner mast. An apparatus for detecting the vertical position of the fork has a lever that is displaced when engaged by the inner mast when the inner mast is located in a predetermined vertical region. The lever intersects the path of the inner mast. The apparatus also includes a switch that is actuated by the lever.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for operating a signal transmitter comprising a shaft rotatably mounted in a housing, a motor rotating the shaft to operate the signal transmitter as a function of position, a portion of the shaft having a first recess, a sleeve surrounding the shaft having a second recess, a ball element spring biased in one recess, the ball element operating the signal transmitter when the position of the first and second recess coincide.

Abstract: A micro switch for detecting forces in two orthogonal directions, rather than one, useable, for example, to detect out of size parts in one plane in a multiple spindle screw machine, and disengaged parts in an orthogonal plane. This is accomplished through the provision of a ramp that is slidably engaged by the switch's actuation rod as the rod moves in a first plane to translate sideway movement of the rod into perpendicular linear movement of the switch's plunger. The ramp has a recess that captures the rod as it moves in the orthogonal plane, which is coincident with the axis of the plunger, thereby causing switch actuation with plunger movement in two planes.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving a roller-shutter door comprises a driving plate, a planetary-gearset, a stationary housing, and adjustable control means. The adjustable control means is mounted in the stationary housing for cooperating with the driving plate as well as the planetary-gearset for controlling the actuation of a motor whereby a roller-shutter door can be moved to a predetermined limit position. More especially, the adjustable control means is disposed to extend from the stationary housing such that the adjustable control means can be manually adjusted from outside of the stationary housing.