Pull Cord Patents (Class 200/543)
  • Patent number: 11760198
    Abstract: A magnetic tether switch for equipment or vehicles is described. The magnetic tether switch may include a base having a first magnetic assembly. The first magnetic assembly may include a magnet and a first magnetic flux return component, or multiple magnets with reversed polarization directions. The magnetic tether switch may include a cap including a second magnetic assembly. The second magnetic assembly may include a magnet and a magnetic flux return component, or multiple magnets with reversed polarization directions. Alternatively, the second magnetic assembly may be composed of a ferrous material. The base may include a circuit with multiple contacts, where attaching the cap to the base may connect or disconnect the contacts to each other by moving the magnet within the base by magnetic attraction from the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Ryan D. Aberle
  • Patent number: 10470563
    Abstract: A height-adjustable piece of furniture includes a lower part, an upper part, an actuating device, first and second reference sections and a deformation sensor. Distance between the lower and upper parts can be adjusted by the actuating device. The deformation sensor is arranged to detect change between the first and second reference sections and is connected to the actuating device such that a signal of the deformation sensor can be transmitted to the actuating device. The actuating device is configured to stop the change in distance between the lower and upper parts if the signal transmitted by the deformation sensor corresponds to a change in distance that exceeds predefined threshold values. A cable protector is also provided for a cable to be mounted, and is coupled to the first and second reference sections such that tensile force acting on the cable causes change between the first and second reference sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: VITRA PATENTE AG
    Inventors: Stefan Keller, Helmut Schütt
  • Patent number: 9824841
    Abstract: A cable pull switch includes a polychotomous sensor configured to provide a reading of at least one of a plurality of values, the reading corresponding to a tension on a pull cable or a linear displacement of an end of a pull cable. A processing device is configured to receive the reading, determine whether a value of the reading is outside of a non-tripped value window, a limit edge being a pull threshold value, and responsively generate an output signal indicative of a cable pull event. Other features and improvements are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L Tsang, Burt Sacherski, Steven Robert Tambeau, Arvind Ananthanarayanan, James Edward Dogul, Todd Bubar
  • Patent number: 9443677
    Abstract: A rotary control knob (110) for a portable radio (100) utilizes a flexible shaft (112) as a tether to provide a plurality of flexible positions. The flexible shaft (112) is coupled to a switch mechanism (116) located in the radio housing (102). The rotary control knob (110) can be slid up and down the flexible shaft (112) and the flexible shaft can be bent to provide improved user access to the knob, such as for gloved usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H Richards, Ryan M Nilsen, Craig F Siddoway, Chi T Tran
  • Patent number: 8664557
    Abstract: The present invention provides a zipper switch lampholder having a zipper and a rotating conductive rod, and both ends of the rotating conductive rod can jump between a slope with a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate and a slope without the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate to achieve an operation of switching a light emitting element to be turned on and off, and a plurality of hooks is provided for securely connecting a power line for a wire connection in order to waive the complicated process of tying an UL knot and provide a quicker, more convenient and secured wire connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rich Brand Industries Limited
    Inventor: Wen Ho Yang
  • Patent number: 8610016
    Abstract: A plug wire type zipper switch lampholder having a zipper for driving a lever and a rotating conductive rod to rotate, so that both ends of a rotating conductive rod jumps between slopes with a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate and slopes without the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate to achieve the operation of switching on and off a light emitting element. In the meantime, a power line can be electrically conducted to an external power supply by a simple plugging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Rich Brand Industries Limited
    Inventor: Wen Ho Yang
  • Publication number: 20130146436
    Abstract: A motorized blind having a pull cord. The pull cord is mechanically connected to an electrical switch in a headrail of the blind, the switch being electrically connected to an electric motor within the headrail. The pull cord also extends outwardly of an end of the headrail and then outwardly and downwardly of the blind through a hole in the front of an end cap on the head rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: Johann Rouben Reinier Ticoalu, Jorg Bohlen
  • Patent number: 8173923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary switch assembly for an air conditioner in a vehicle, in which detent means is mounted on a holder joined to a front housing to mount a knob on the holder, so that a cable switch assembly for operating a cable to control the air conditioner can be used to various switches in common without regard to existence and nonexistence of a detent structure or positions of the detent structure and the rotary switch assembly can prevent a movement of the knob and effectively transfer a manipulation force of the knob to the cable switch assembly since the detent means is mounted on the holder adjacent to the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Jeongyeop Lee, Yeongkil Kim
  • Patent number: 8089012
    Abstract: A safety switch 2 used in conjunction with a cable as a machine guard, the switch being actuated to cut power to attendant machinery when a predetermined tension in the cable is varied by for example pulling the cable, or the cable becoming loose. The switch 2 comprising a sliding cam 14 which is connected to a connection point 12 for the cable via a spring loaded shaft 10 which shaft also supplies said predetermined tension and acts to move said sliding cam 14 in a first plane when the predetermined tension is varied. The sliding cam 14 then acts on a transverse cam 36 moving it in a plane transversely disposed to said first plane which in turn acts to cut said power 30, 52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Idem Safety Switches Limited
    Inventors: Medi Mohtasham, Hamed Faridfar
  • Patent number: 7687728
    Abstract: A safety switch includes a cable having a first end connected to a cable translator moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the cable having a second end for connection to a remote lock and power supply switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventors: Julian Poyner, Burt Sacherski, David Williams
  • Publication number: 20090078554
    Abstract: Techniques for making high voltage connections are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an electrical switch. The electrical switch may comprise a component extending from a first electrical contact to a second electrical contact. The component may also comprise a non-conductive section and a conductive section. In a first mode of operation, at least a portion of the non-conductive section may be positioned between the two electrical contacts to insulate the two electrical contacts. In a second mode of operation, the conductive section may be positioned between the two electrical contacts to connect the two electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. May, Kasegn D. Tekletsadik, Eric Hermanson, Piotr R. Lubicki, Russell J. Low, Joseph C. Olson, Stephen E. Krause
  • Patent number: 7498530
    Abstract: A sensor assembly, system and method for using a sensor assembly is disclosed making use of a sealed switch and an actuator that converts linear motion in a plane to linear motion in a perpendicular plane. The motion of the actuator in the perpendicular plane actuates the switch which signals that hatch is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Charles Martin, Roger Pittman Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7022930
    Abstract: A cable actuated emergency stop system is disclosed, which includes a housing structure within which a single shaft assembly can be maintained for engaging a cable and a single shaft assembly that can be attached to the cable, wherein the single shaft assembly comprises only one shaft that is slideably disposed within the housing structure and movable relative to the housing structure a long a single path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of the shaft in response to a force exerted by the cable attached to at least one end of the shaft. The system is configured in the context of a single directional cable actuated emergency stop device which includes one operating shaft exiting the housing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Hall, Mark A. Mantua
  • Patent number: 6921874
    Abstract: A rotational speed switching apparatus includes a seat body in which a rotary shaft is pivotally disposed and a pull rotary assembly for driving the rotary shaft to one-way circularly rotate. Each time the rotary shaft rotates, the rotary shaft rotates by 72 degrees. A stepped conductive ring is fitted around the rotary shaft and has an upper, a middle, a lower and a connecting section extending from the lower section to a bottom of the rotary shaft. The widths of the upper, middle and lower sections are respectively 72 degrees of the circumference of the conductive ring. The interior of the seat body is partitioned into five receptacles at equal intervals. The four contacts cooperate with two capacitors to achieve five-stage switch of the rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Ming-Chi Tseng
  • Patent number: 6835905
    Abstract: A pull-chain switch system comprising several components in combination. First provided is a pull-chain switch with a spring of a first stiffness. Next provided is a switch subassembly having mounting portion and a pivoting member and a spring having a second stiffness. The second stiffness is greater than the first stiffness. Lastly provided is a means for coupling the subassembly to the pull-chain switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Edward P. Dutkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6743996
    Abstract: A pull-chain switch system comprising several components in combination. First provided is a pull-chain switch with a spring of a first stiffness. Next provided is a switch subassembly having mounting portion and a pivoting member and a spring having a second stiffness. The second stiffness is greater than the first stiffness. Lastly provided is a means for coupling the subassembly to the pull-chain switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Edward P. Dutkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6501040
    Abstract: A dual directional cable actuated emergency stop device has two shaft assemblies attachable to two respective cables spanning along an industrial and/or manufacturing operation. The first shaft assembly is slideably disposed within a housing structure and movable relative to said housing structure along a first path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of said shaft in response to a force exerted by a cable attached to an end of said first shaft. The second shaft assembly is slideably disposed within said housing structure and movable relative to said housing structure along a second path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of said shaft and opposite movement of said first shaft, in response to a force exerted by a cable attached to an end of said second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Hall, Mark A. Mantua
  • Publication number: 20020170811
    Abstract: A dual directional cable actuated emergency stop device has two shaft assemblies attachable to two respective cables spanning along an industrial and/or manufacturing operation. The first shaft assembly is slideably disposed within a housing structure and movable relative to said housing structure along a first path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of said shaft in response to a force exerted by a cable attached to an end of said first shaft. The second shaft assembly is slideably disposed within said housing structure and movable relative to said housing structure along a second path in a direction parallel to an axial centerline of said shaft and opposite movement of said first shaft, in response to a force exerted by a cable attached to an end of said second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Hall, Mark A. Mantua
  • Patent number: 6423919
    Abstract: A mechanism for switching a pull switch for a lighting fixture having having a vertical post, a socket mounted at an upper end of the vertical post, and a pull switch fitted within the socket, the switch being operatively connected with a mechanism, characterized in that the mechanism comprises a fixing seat mounted under the socket, the fixing seat having a center opening for passage of the vertical post, a driving member having a first end pivotally connected with the fixing seat, a string connecting the pull switch and a second end of the driving member, and a rod having an upper end connected with an intermediate portion of the driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Sheng-Huei Liao, Shu Fang Lee
  • Patent number: 6010110
    Abstract: A pull chain switch grommet for aesthetically covering the hole in the switch housing of a ceiling fan, comprising a switch housing having a wall with a hole therethrough for a pull chain, a coupler, a means for securing said coupler to the pull chain switch, a means for securing the grommet to the coupler through the hole within the wall of the switch housing, and the coupler and the grommet each including a longitudinal hole therethrough through which is positioned the pull chain of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: King of Fans
    Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher
  • Patent number: 5993159
    Abstract: A pull cord deflector is comprised of a plate, having a channel, that is positioned between a ceiling fan housing and a switch locking nut. An extension arm is hingedly attached to the plate. The notched end of the extension arm is dimensioned to terminate beyond the periphery of a light globe of the ceiling fan. One or more optional springs extend between the plate and the extension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Jackie B. Mack
  • Patent number: 5684345
    Abstract: A single phase induction motor for driving a high pressure cleaning device. The induction motor has a stator (1) with a drive shaft (2) and a rotor (4) which is located on the shaft (2). High pressure pump (3) of the high pressure cleaning device is driven by the shaft (2). A muscle-powered starting aid (5, 18) is used to activate an on-off switch (11) of the single phase induction motor. Alternatively, the on-off switch (11) can be activated independently of the starting aid (5, 18) or via an electrical starting aid (B). In accordance with preferred embodiments, the muscle-powered starting aid can be a rope pull starter (5) or a kickstarter (18) and may act directly on the shaft (2) or via a transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Elektra Beckum AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Suttner
  • Patent number: 5665947
    Abstract: A cable switch actuating mechanism is provided with a shaft and a cam structure that slides on the shaft. When the associated cable is pulled to exert an axial force on the shaft, the cam actuator is pushed by the shaft into a deactuating position that moves a switch operator plunger against a plunger of an associated electrical switch. If the cable breaks, the reduction enforced on the shaft causes an internal spring to move the shaft against the cam structure and, as a result, move the switch operator into its deactuating position. Appropriate gaps between the opposite ends of the cam structure and associated surfaces of the shaft allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the cable without adverse affects on the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Honeywell, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Falcon
  • Patent number: 5590759
    Abstract: Fire alarm extension apparatuses (30, 100) permit actuation of a fire alarm pull switch (11, 21) by persons with a handicap by lowering the position at which the fire alarm pull switch (11, 21) can be actuated. The fire alarm extension apparatuses (30, 100) each comprise a clip (33, 133) for attachment to a pull lever (14, 24) of the fire alarm pull switches (11, 21). An elongated member (32, 132) is attached to the clip (33, 133) for permitting movement of the clip (33, 133) and the pull lever (14, 24) while at a position remote from the pull lever (14, 24) in a direction to permit actuation of the fire alarm pull switch (11, 21). In a first embodiment (30), the elongated member (33) is a flat rigid shaft which is mounted to a wall (31) via a mounting block (36) and is guided by dual parallel rails (37a, 37b) situated on the mounting block (36). Further, the lever (14, 24) is engaged by a C-shaped clip (33), and the shaft (32) has a T-shaped handle (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: J. Riley Hawkins, Nicole E. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5508484
    Abstract: A ceiling fan control switch box, which includes a casing, a pull switch received inside the casing and having a hollow screw rod extended out of a wire hole on the casing and fixed in place by a screw nut, an angle pipe having raised ribs on the inside fitting around the screw nut to stop water from entering the wire hole, a fan motor forward/backward switch received inside the casing and having a switching lever extended out of an opening on the casing, and a flexible water sealing cap fastened to the casing and mounted around the switching lever to stop water from entering the casing through the opening without affecting the switching operation of the switching lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Air Cool Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: S. W. Chen
  • Patent number: 5401930
    Abstract: A switch member mechanically operatively functional through a cable directed into the passenger compartment of the associated motor vehicle is arranged to effect discontinuance of grounding to the battery of the associated vehicle, wherein the switch member includes a pivotal blade mounted in selective electrical communication between first and second bifurcated contact posts. A mounting bracket within the passenger compartment directs illumination onto a pull handle that in turn is secured to the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Edgar H. Eastlund
  • Patent number: 5401924
    Abstract: A remote battery switch for motor vehicles provides for the remotely controlled disconnection and connection of the vehicle electrical system, for long term storage or carjacking threats. The switch attaches directly to the side terminal or top post connector of a standard motor vehicle battery, without further need for additional structural attachment. A cord or cable is run from the battery switch to the vehicle passenger interior, and is preferably discreetly accessible by the vehicle operator should the need arise. The cord or cable serves to open the switch by releasing a magnetic contact and withdrawing the magnetic switch bar against a spring, whereupon the switch bar is caught and retained by a double acting catch. A second pull on the cord releases the catch, whereupon the spring pulls the magnetic switch bar into magnetic contact with the other switch point to close the circuit. Thus, the switch may be remotely opened and closed using purely tensile forces in the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Frank Armanno, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5396037
    Abstract: An elongate support rod has a handle at one end and damp structure at its other end, with the damp structure arranged for mounting to a light switch lever, wherein the handle is arranged to provide for illumination for indication of the structure, such that a child and the like may be availed to project the structure to effect actuation of an associated light switch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: Keith Moore, Luke J. LaPanne
  • Patent number: 5382766
    Abstract: A shock resistant switch mounting includes a hollow bushing which extends through a switch housing of an electric fan, for example. A switch having a pull cord is secured to the bushing within the housing. The the pull cord extends through the bushing to be accessible outside of the housing so that the fan may be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Sherman
  • Patent number: 5237133
    Abstract: A vehicular engine safety switch having two or more functional positions, which includes a removable restraining device such as a clip or a pin which is flexibly attachable to the body or apparel of the vehicle operator. In the primary functional mode, the clip is in place on the switch and the engine may be started. Movement of the operator from the switch by a distance determined by the length of a flexible lanyard removes the clip, and the switch returns under spring pressure to an OFF position. The engine may be restarted with or without the clip in place, the latter condition occurring, for example, if the operator has been ejected from the vehicle. The safety action of the switch is achieved by the interaction of a specially formed detent sleeve and spring-loaded detent ball, and a lock cylinder rotationally and axially spring biased relative to the detent sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Joseph Pollak Corporation
    Inventor: Carl Frank
  • Patent number: 5041705
    Abstract: A piston operated by a cable stretched out within hand reach along a dangerous zone actuates a tappet whose movements are transmitted to a slider. The slider in turn compresses a spring until in a first phase, before any switch actuation, a pawl engages a groove in the slider. This prevents return of the tappet to its rest position, whereby any attempt to simulate a machine breakdown by fraudulent actuation of the device leaves a trace in the device even before effective switch actuation has occurred. In a second phase the force of the spring exceeds the force necessary to retract locking pins of a striker which is therefore released abruptly to operate the switch. To restore the device to its standby state, a lock plug carrying a cam adapted to release the pawl from the groove in the slider is rotated by means of a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: LA Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Piccoli
  • Patent number: 5003135
    Abstract: A cable-controlled electrical safety switch device comprises a piston 15 tensioning a cable 2 under the action of a spring 23 via a rod 10 and a screw thread 12a for adjusting the tension of the spring and of the cable. A piston groove 25 actuates a push member 28 for the switch 40. The piston is angularly adjustable. The flank 32 of the groove remote from the spring is helicoidal. When the cable is long, a higher tension is selected so that the groove flank 31 moves away from the push member 28. This distancing is desirable in order that any length variations due to heat--which are greater with a long cable--may be prevented from triggering the switch. The clearance between the other flank 32 and the push member 28 is then corrected by rotation of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: La Telemecanique Electrique
    Inventor: Jean-Luc Piccoli