Sensitive Edge Type Closure Patents (Class 200/61.43)
  • Patent number: 11788338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pinch detection switch (1) that includes one tubular pressure-sensitive detection member (5) having a plurality of electrode wires spaced apart from one another, and a cover member (4) covering the pressure-sensitive detection member. When the cover member (4) is viewed in cross section, the cover member (4) includes a base portion (4-1), a hollow portion (6), and a deformation portion (4-2) provided on the base portion (4-1) so as to cover the hollow portion (6). The pressure-sensitive detection member (5) is arranged in the deformation portion (4-2), and a receiving portion (9) configured to receive the pressure-sensitive detection member (5) is arranged on the base portion (4-1). The receiving portion (9) has at least two receiving surfaces (9-1, 9-3) formed at positions facing the pressure-sensitive detection member (5), the two receiving surfaces being configured to receive the pressure-sensitive detection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: PROTERIAL, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Akimoto, Shuichi Suzuki, Katsutoshi Nakatani
  • Patent number: 11549301
    Abstract: A pinch detection sensor, for detecting the occurrence of pinch during closing of a sliding door, includes a door front edge rubber including a hollow portion inside, to be attached to a front edge portion of the sliding door in a closing movement direction of the sliding door, and a plurality of linear shape pressure sensing members accommodated in the hollow portion, each linear shape pressure sensing member comprising a tubular elastic body and respective conductor wires spaced apart from each other in an inner side of the tubular elastic body. The door front edge rubber includes, in the hollow portion, a plurality of housing spaces, which accommodate the plurality of linear shape pressure sensing members, respectively. Movements of the linear shape pressure sensing members between the plurality of housing spaces are restricted by a partitioning portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Kawase, Shuichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11420504
    Abstract: A part of a touch sensor, which couples to a curve of a flange, includes a raising member. The curve of the flange is on a belt line of a sliding door. The raising member rises outwardly toward an exterior of the automobile from an inner-cabin side wall of the touch sensor. A space is formed between the raising member and an outer-cabin side wall for the flange to be inserted into the space. The raising member includes a plurality of blocks. The plurality of blocks exist along an upper and lower direction of the automobile body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michihiko Matsumoto, Masaki Niwa, Hironori Koeda
  • Patent number: 11306528
    Abstract: A protector with a sensor couples to a sliding door. A first end of an insert is inserted in and fills up a space on a hollow part of the protector. A second end of the insert includes a support member and a lid. Top ends of core wires and top ends of two leads are fit in first channels on the support member. Covered parts and a wire harness are fit in a second channel. The second channel is formed between the support member and the lid and is continuous with the first channels. The support member and the lid include feeding ports to receive and feed die-molding material into the second channel during die molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignees: NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO., LTD., AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Michihiko Matsumoto, Wataru Hattori
  • Patent number: 11286701
    Abstract: A sensor device for detecting a deformation of the sensor device, for example for use in a sunroof assembly, may be cost-effectively manufactured, while providing a high reliability. The sensor device includes a first electrically conductive metal lead; a first layer being a piezo-resistive material surrounding the first conductive lead; and a second electrically conductive metal lead. In a cross-section the second metal lead is arranged spaced apart from the first metal lead and the second metal lead is in electrical contact with the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: INALFA ROOF SYSTEMS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Suyanto Teri Wahiyu Ten-Jet-Foei, Theodorus Van Doleweerd
  • Patent number: 11261643
    Abstract: A pinch detection device, for detecting the occurrence of pinch during closing of one pair of sliding doors, is composed of a first door front edge rubber to be attached to an edge portion in a closing movement direction of one sliding door of the one pair of sliding doors, and a second door front edge rubber to be attached to an edge portion in a closing movement direction of an other sliding door of the one pair of sliding doors. The first door front edge rubber includes a recessed portion, which is open toward the second door front edge rubber, with a linear shape pressure sensitive sensor, which is sensitive to a pressure in the event of pinch, being disposed in that recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Kawase, Shuichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11225818
    Abstract: A door leading edge sensor has a door leading edge elastic member which is attached to a front end portion of a door in a door closing direction and includes a cavity extending in a direction intersecting with the closing direction; a linear pressure sensitive sensor is attached to the door leading edge elastic member and is disposed along the extending direction of the cavity. The pressure sensitive sensor has an insulator tube having such an elasticity as to be deformed in accordance with an elastic deformation of the door leading edge elastic member and has plural conductive members fixed to an inner surface of the insulator tube. The plural conductive members are in a non-contact state when the insulator tube is not deformed and are in contact with each other when the insulator tube is deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Akimoto, Kenji Kawase, Shuichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11225817
    Abstract: A sensing edge is made in segments that can be used to determine at which point along the edge an obstruction occurred. Data collected can be used to determine a point in a process that the fault occurred by addressing each segment individually or as a whole. A programmable controller can be operatively coupled to the sensing edge, and can include logic to control the door and/or other equipment using data collected from the sensing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: Rob J. Evans
  • Patent number: 11078707
    Abstract: A safety contact strip for a closing edge includes an inner shell facing the closing edge and being formed by a coextrudate of a first electrically insulating plastic. An outer shell spaced apart from the inner shell is formed by a coextrudate of a second electrically insulating plastic. Switching chambers respectively retained by at least one web between the inner and outer shells are formed with the outer shell. Two switching layers spaced apart from one another are formed in each switching chamber by a coextrudate of a third electrically conductive plastic. An electrical conductor is embedded in each of the switching layers as a further coextrudate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: ASO GmbH Antriebs- und Steuerungstechnik
    Inventors: Helmut Friedrich, Nick Klause, Hubert Stroop
  • Patent number: 10879017
    Abstract: A closing edge safety device that triggers a safety response upon contact with an obstacle. The body of the safety device is an elastically deformable profile element that encloses a switch chamber containing a switching strip that carries an electrical current. A prechamber with a switching nub is placed at the leading edge of the safety device, in front of the switch chamber. When an external force is applied to the leading edge of the safety device, the switching nub transmits the force to the switch chamber, which also deforms, causing an interruption in the electrical current on the switching strip, thereby triggering the desired safety response of the closing edge safety device. The closing edge safety device provides improved response to large-area as well as small-area contact with an obstacle and is also suitable for use as a limit switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventors: André Haake, Oliver Haake, Patrick Haake
  • Patent number: 10844645
    Abstract: An extrusion profile for a door of a vehicle is made of an elastomeric material having at least one continuous switching element for a detection device for detecting a compression of the extrusion profile and/or is made of a continuous cut protection device, wherein the switching element and/or the cut protection device is/are integrated into the extrusion profile and can be cut to length with the extrusion profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRĂ„NKTER HAFTUNG
    Inventors: Thomas Hirtenlehner, Markus Illetschko, Peter Jetzinger
  • Patent number: 10753033
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laundry handling apparatus provided with a washable filter in an air circulation passage for drying laundry. The laundry handling apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a cabinet, an outer tub disposed inside the cabinet, an inner tub rotatably disposed inside the outer tub, a circulation passage for guiding at least some of the air inside the outer tub to flow out of the outer tub and be resupplied to the outer tub, a fan disposed in the circulation passage so as to move the air, and a filter unit for filtering foreign substances. The filter unit comprises a filter net, which is disposed in the circulation passage so as to collect the foreign substances contained in the moving air, and a filter frame for supporting the filter net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Myoungjong Kim, Seongwoo An, Semin Jang
  • Patent number: 10622167
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive sensor includes a hollow tubular member including an elastic insulating material, and n electrode wires (n being an integer of not less than 3) arranged away from one another and held inside the tubular member. When an external pressure is applied to the tubular member, the tubular member elastically deforms such that at least two of the n electrode wires contact with each other. The n electrode wires extend linearly and parallel to a central axis of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Keisuke Sugita, Satoru Ouchi, Kentaro Abe
  • Patent number: 10417894
    Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-slip cushioning sensor mat. The mat comprises a PVC leather layer, a polyurethane foaming layer disposed below the PVC leather layer, a sensitive layer disposed below the polyurethane foaming layer; and a rubber layer disposed below the sensitive layer. The sensitive layer further comprises a first flexible thin-film plate, a first conductive layer disposed below the first flexible thin-film plate, an intermediate layer disposed below the first conductive layer, a second conductive layer disposed below the intermediate layer. and a second flexible thin-film plate disposed below the second conductive layer. The present invention also provides an alarm system comprising the anti-slip cushioning sensor mat and a server, and a method for making the anti-slip cushioning sensor mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: XIAMEN SHEEP ANTI-FATIGUE MAT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiangyang Lu
  • Patent number: 10093259
    Abstract: A protection device of self-propelled vehicle including a main body, a frame body, and at least two pivoting members is provided. The main body has a rail or a moving block, and the frame body has a moving block or a rail. The frame body moves on a plane relative to the main body via the moving block being removably coupled to the rail. The two pivoting members being removably pivoted to the main body and the frame body along two normal lines of the plane respectively. The frame body is forced to be rotated on the plane with one of the two pivoting members relative to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Kinpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Shih-Li Pan
  • Patent number: 9972983
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wiring system of a sunroof for a vehicle. The wiring system includes a moving part configured to move to open or close a roof of a vehicle, and a fixed part configured to connect the moving part and a vehicle body. The fixed part further includes a guide rail configured to guide movement of the moving part, a moving thread configured to move along the guide rail in a forward or rearward direction of the vehicle, a lever configured to connect the moving part and the moving thread, and an electrode part configured to electrically connect the moving part and the vehicle body. The electrode part constantly maintains electrical connection between the vehicle body and the moving part while the moving part is moving, and is changed in length corresponding to movement of the moving thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, WEBASTO DONGHEE HOLDINGS
    Inventors: Hoo Sang Park, Su Yun Choi
  • Patent number: 9863179
    Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation. The sensing edge includes an elongate sheath, a first end plug and a first end flap. The elongate sheath has a first end and a second end. A first cavity is located at the first end. The elongate sheath is mounted to the forward edge. The first end plug includes an inner end, an outer end, first engaging structures extending from the inner end and a first vertical groove in the outer end. The engaging structures are positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The first end flap includes a relatively flat first body and a first flange structure. The first flange structure is positioned in the first vertical groove in the assembled configuration to secure the first end flap to the first end plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Castello, Krishnaraj Tejeswi, Gary Leigh, Jack Provenzano
  • Patent number: 9721439
    Abstract: There is provided a transaction terminal device including: a housing; a frame panel that is attached to the housing; a plurality of electrodes that is provided on a board disposed within the housing; a switch member that is inserted into a penetrating hole formed in the housing, and includes a conductor which electrically connects the plurality of electrodes and an elastic deformer which maintains an electrically connected state in which the conductor is in contact with the electrodes by urging force due to elastic deformation in a state in which the frame panel is attached to the housing; and a tamper detector that detects tampering through the releasing of the electrically connected state of the plurality of electrodes due to the detachment of the frame panel from the housing. A waterproof portion that prevents water from infiltrating into the penetrating hole is provided at the switch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9541664
    Abstract: In an aspect, a pinch sensor is provided, comprising: an elongate non-conductive casing enclosing first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes; the first and second electrodes being separated by a portion of the casing, a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode to provide a proximity indication of the obstacle to the pinch sensor; and, the second and third electrodes being separated by an air gap formed in the casing, a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the casing by the obstacle to provide a contact indication of the obstacle with the pinch sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.
    Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Rade Isailovic, Mirko Pribisic, Thomas Mellary, Alex Porat
  • Patent number: 9477003
    Abstract: An obstacle sensor for a closure panel of a vehicle includes an elongate non-conductive case which encloses a first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes. The first and second electrodes are separated by a portion of the case, with a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode. The changed capacitance of the obstacle sensor provides a proximity indication of the obstacle to the obstacle sensor. The second and third electrodes are separated by an air gap formed in the case, with a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the case by the obstacle. The changed resistance of the obstacle sensor provides a contact indication of the obstacle with the obstacle sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Mirko Pribisic, Liviu Bolbocianu, Alex Porat, Thomas Mellary, Timothy Dezorzi, Allan Corner, Erik Schattenmann, Anjan Nayani
  • Patent number: 9334684
    Abstract: A sliding door device for a vehicle is disclosed. The sliding door device for a vehicle includes a sliding door installed in a vehicle body to be slidingly moved to open and close a door opening formed in the vehicle body. A vehicle body weather strip is attached to the door opening. A sensing device is installed in the vehicle body weather strip to sense that an object or an occupant is jammed in a state where the sliding door is closed. An electronic control unit (ECU) for receives a sensing signal of the sensing device to control opening and closing of the sliding door. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent an object or an occupant from being jammed in a process of closing the sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Kyunghyun Nam
  • Patent number: 9279281
    Abstract: A universally mountable sensing edge comprises an elongated sheath defining a compressible cavity with a force sensor located therein. A center securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath, has a T-shaped base portion and a removable mounting strip extending from the base portion. At least one T-shaped edge securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath at least a distance generally equivalent to the distance that the upward extension of the T-shaped base portion of the center securing member extends from the top wall of the sheath. The at least one T-shaped edge securing member is disposed proximate to at least one of the front and rear sidewalls of the sheath. The universal sensing edge is attachable to a structure compatible with the mounting strip, the base portion of the center securing member, or the T-shaped edge securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: MILLER EDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Bearge D. Miller, Krishnaraj Tejeswi
  • Patent number: 9256311
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus include a substantially flexible substrate and a touch sensor disposed on the substantially flexible substrate. The touch sensor comprising drive or sense electrodes made of flexible conductive material configured to bend with the substantially flexible substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventors: Esat Yilmaz, Steven Alan Laub, Jalil Shaikh
  • Patent number: 9048034
    Abstract: The extended contact strip has a first elongate strip having first and second longitudinal edges, an upper and a lower surface, a first electrically conductive strip located on the upper surface of the first elongate strip, a second elongate strip having first and second longitudinal edges, and a flexible resilient portion extending between the first and second edges, the flexible resilient portion having an upper and a lower surface, a second electrically conductive strip located on the lower surface of the second strip, the first and second strips being connectable at their respective first and second edges, and the first and second strips forming an isolating gap such that the first and second electrical conductors lie opposite and spaced apart from each other when the second strip remains un-deformed, such that the first and second electrical conductors can make contact with each other upon deformation of the second strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Control Systems Limited
    Inventors: John Petty, Phillip Petty
  • Patent number: 8901940
    Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation includes an elongated sheath and first and second end plugs. The elongated sheath is mounted to the forward door edge and has a first end, second end and first cavity connecting the ends. First and second spaced apart electrically conductive materials are disposed within the elongated sheath. The first end plug includes an inner end having first engaging structures positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration and an outer end having a first depression for housing an electronic component. The electronic component is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive materials. The second end plug includes an inner end having a sensing component and second engaging structures positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The sensing component is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Provenzano, Vinay Sao, Krishnaraj Tejeswi
  • Patent number: 8854061
    Abstract: A linear sensor 21 includes an attachment base 22 attached to a metallic edge of a slide door 2 capable of opening and closing a platform 4, a skin cover part 23 which bulges from the attachment base 22 and has a hollow part 24 in the inside, an insulator 25 which has flexibility and also is embedded in the hollow part 24, and a plate-shaped electrode 26 opposed to the attachment base 22, at least a portion of the electrode being embedded in the insulator 25. In the hollow part 24, a gap 27 is disposed between the electrode 26 and the attachment base 22 and also, the electrode 26 is set in a plus pole and the attachment base 22 is set in a minus pole as the grounding, and proximity and/or contact between a foreign body and the skin cover part 23 is detected based on a change in capacitance between the electrode 26 and the grounding minus pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Suhara, Satoshi Toki, Toshihiro Okamoto, Yuzo Tajima, Taizo Shibata, Noboru Sakakibara, Osamu Ito
  • Patent number: 8803689
    Abstract: Apparatus for counteracting a suicide attempt of a person trying to hang himself from a cord extended over the top edge of a door which door has an inside upper surface facing the interior of the room, the apparatus including an elongated pressure sensor mountable on that inside upper surface of the door, the sensor having an exposed surface facing away from the inside surface of the door, that exposed surface being responsive to a force applied thereagainst by a segment of a cord when it is draped over the top of the door and hanging downward adjacent the inside surface, and the apparatus being adapted to forward an alarm signal indicating the sensing of the force by the cord, and an electrical controller to forward an alarm signal indicating that the sensor has sensed the downward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Securitech Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Berger
  • Publication number: 20140197014
    Abstract: A universally mountable sensing edge comprises an elongated sheath defining a compressible cavity with a force sensor located therein. A center securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath, has a T-shaped base portion and a removable mounting strip extending from the base portion. At least one T-shaped edge securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath at least a distance generally equivalent to the distance that the upward extension of the T-shaped base portion of the center securing member extends from the top wall of the sheath. The at least one T-shaped edge securing member is disposed proximate to at least one of the front and rear sidewalls of the sheath. The universal sensing edge is attachable to a structure compatible with the mounting strip, the base portion of the center securing member, or the T-shaped edge securing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: MILLER EDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Bearge D. MILLER, Krishnaraj TEJESWI
  • Patent number: 8615927
    Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes a first component and a second component. The motor is configured to move the second component toward the first component. Radio frequency identification tags (RFIDs) are connected to one of the first component and the second component. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and has a transmitter operatively connected to the other of the first component and the second component. The transmitter is operable to create a magnetic field between the first component and the second component. Each of the RFIDs is operable to provide a respective signal in response to the field. The controller is configured to modify power delivery from a power source to the motor when the respective signals received by a receiver change due to at least a portion of the magnetic field being at least partially blocked or attenuated. A method of detecting an obstacle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hesham A. Ezzat, James C. O'Kane, Pei-Chung Wang, Doru N. Serban, Bradley W. Jewell
  • Patent number: 8348330
    Abstract: The present invention is a touch sensor assembly for a closing panel of a frame member that at least partially defines an opening and is oppositely disposed from the closing panel. The touch sensor assembly can have an elongated housing dimensioned to attach to a leading edge of the closing panel or a trailing edge of the frame member. The touch sensor assembly can also have a wire harness with a first portion encapsulated within the housing and a second portion that extends a predetermined length from the housing and passes through an aperture in the closing panel or an aperture in the frame member. A wire harness protector is also provided, the protector being attached to the wire harness proximate to the elongated housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Higgins, Hideki Shimizu, Hironori Koeda, Yoshiteru Taniguichi
  • Publication number: 20120267220
    Abstract: A warning device includes a main body, a touching switch, and a pressure element. The main body includes a first and a second end surfaces opposite to each other, and defines a receiving room penetrating through the first and second end surfaces. The touching switch is received in the receiving room and includes two spaced pins, an operation pole, and a metal sheet. The operation pole protrudes from the first end surface. The metal sheet is positioned on one end of the operation pole and connected between the two pins. The pressure element includes an operation portion and a pressure portion. One end of the operation portion is connected to the pressure portion and another end is positioned on the first end surface. The pressure portion is above the operation pole. The operation portion pushes the operation pole so as to separate the metal sheet from the two spaced pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XUN-CHUN QIU, RONG HU, XIAO-QING YI
  • Patent number: 8115125
    Abstract: A cord switch includes a hollow insulation having a restoring force, a plurality of inner electrode wires provided along an inner surface of the hollow insulation, and an outer electrode provided on an outer surface of the hollow insulation. The outer electrode includes a plurality of outer electrode wires wounded on the outer surface of the hollow insulation, the outer electrode wires each including a copper wire and a plated layer formed on a surface of the copper wire, and the plated layer includes a transition metal except cobalt, manganese, copper, iron and vanadium, or a typical metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuhei Yasuda, Takashi Aoyama, Akira Yamaura, Tomiya Abe
  • Patent number: 7958672
    Abstract: A conductive movable body opens and closes an opening portion formed in a conductive opening forming body. The movable body has a front edge portion positioned in a front side in the closing direction of the movable body. The opening portion has an opposed edge portion opposed to the front edge portion. The sensor is arranged in a layout body corresponding to one of the opening forming body and the movable body, and is arranged in one of the front edge portion and the opposed edge portion. The sensor is capable of detecting a conductive object-to-be-detected on the basis of a change of a capacitance between a sensor electrode and the object-to-be-detected coming close to the sensor electrode. A guard electrode is provided between the layout body and the sensor electrode. An electric potential of the guard electrode is kept equal to an electric potential of the sensor electrode or kept at a fixed rate with respect to the electric potential of the sensor electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidenori Ishihara
  • Patent number: 7712256
    Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus is provided with a foreign material detecting sensor, a position detecting apparatus and a control circuit apparatus. The foreign material detecting sensor has a sensor electrode, and is arranged in a front end of a door panel. The foreign material detecting sensor outputs an electrostatic capacity detection signal corresponding to a change of an electrostatic capacity between the sensor electrode and a foreign material coming close to the electrode. The position detecting apparatus outputs a position detection signal corresponding to a position of the door panel. The control circuit apparatus compares a change amount of the electrostatic capacity detected on the basis of the electrostatic capacity detection signal with a threshold value so as to judge, on the basis of a result of comparison, whether or not a foreign material exists between the door panel and a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Kato, Masaaki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7554045
    Abstract: A linear sensor (101, 201) comprising electrically conductive textile fibers (103, 105, 205, 207) and electrically insulating textile fibers (106, 208). The sensor comprises at least two conductive elements (102, 104, 204, 206) having electrically conductive textile fibers (103,105, 205, 207). The sensor also has electrically insulating textile fibers (106, 208) spaced to separate the two electrically conductive elements when no pressure is applied to said sensor, and to allow electrical conduction between the two conductive elements under the application of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Peratech Limited
    Inventors: David Lee Sandbach, Stuart Mark Walkington
  • Publication number: 20090133994
    Abstract: A cord switch includes a hollow insulation having a restoring force, a plurality of inner electrode wires provided along an inner surface of the hollow insulation, and an outer electrode provided on an outer surface of the hollow insulation. The outer electrode includes a plurality of outer electrode wires wounded on the outer surface of the hollow insulation, the outer electrode wires each including a copper wire and a plated layer formed on a surface of the copper wire, and the plated layer includes a transition metal except cobalt, manganese, copper, iron and vanadium, or a typical metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Shuhei Yasuda, Takashi Aoyama, Akira Yamaura, Tomiya Abe
  • Patent number: 7476819
    Abstract: A switch box is provided for converting a unidirectionally activated ribbon switch inserted in the switch box into a multi-directionally activated ribbon switch. At least two pairs of fingers protruding from the body of the switch box contact one or more posts protruding into the hollow interior of an external housing in which the switch box is inserted so that external compression of the housing forces the posts into the fingers and the external body of the switch box to activate the unidirectional ribbon switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Tapeswitch Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Steele, John E. Gavey
  • Patent number: 7373754
    Abstract: A safety edge element made of flexible material includes a flat electric conductor, a rounded electric conductor as well as a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a base for the connection to a door or gate, a top with a seat to receive the flat electric conductor and two lateral sides to flexibly connect the base with the top. The base, top and lateral sides define a chamber. The second portion has a top and two lateral sides for the engagement with the top of the first portion and a seat arranged in the top of the second portion to receive the rounded electric conductor so that the rounded electric conductor is spaced from the flat electric conductor when the safety edge element is at rest and so that the rounded electric conductor is brought into contact with the flat conductor when the safety edge element experiences forces in orthogonal and inclined directions with respect to the base of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Stagnoli T.G. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Francesco Albiero
  • Patent number: 7342190
    Abstract: A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Richard Lerch
  • Patent number: 7319301
    Abstract: A proximity sensor for sensing an object in the path of or proximate to a closure panel such as a vehicle window. First and second electrodes encased in a non-conductive casing are mounted on the metallic structure near the closing edge of the aperture. The two electrodes define a capacitance CE1/2 therebetween, and parasitic capacitances CE1 and CE2 between the first electrode and chassis ground and the second electrode and chassis ground, respectively. A controller cyclically connects (1) the second electrode to a voltage reference source (Vref1) and the first electrode to chassis ground and (2) the second electrode to chassis ground and the first electrode to the reference capacitor, thereby periodically charging the capacitance CE1/2 and transferring the charge stored thereon to the reference capacitor whilst short-circuiting the parasitic capacitances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.
    Inventor: Mirko Pribisic
  • Patent number: 7282879
    Abstract: A bi-directional sensing edge includes a mounting member for securing the sensing edge to a leading member of a gate. An elongate outer sheath has at least first and second portions each respectively corresponding to first and second sides of the leading member. An interior surface of the sheath is spaced from an outer surface of the mounting member to thereby define a second area. A first switch is complementarily positioned within the second area and corresponds to the first portion of the sheath for actuation of the first switch upon application of pressure on an exterior surface of the sheath substantially anywhere along the first portion. A second switch is complementarily positioned within the second area and corresponds to the second portion of the sheath for actuation of the second switch upon application of pressure on the exterior surface of the sheath substantially anywhere along the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Miller Edge, Inc.
    Inventor: Bearge D. Miller
  • Patent number: 7220928
    Abstract: A safety strip for a striking edge protection device or closing edge protection device has contact elements arranged transversal to the longitudinal extension of the holding bodies, and the points of contact of the contact elements enable a flow of current from one side of one holding body to the other side of the other holding body. To this end, the holding bodies can be provided in the form of contact strips, spring brackets or the like, and sensors can be used instead of the contact elements. These sensors are mounted transversal to the longitudinal extension of the contact strips or of the spring bracket, and the sensors, via the operation thereof, actuate the electrical switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventors: Andre Haake, Oliver Haake, Patrick Haake
  • Patent number: 7199315
    Abstract: An electrical switch comprises a dielectric substrate and a deformable contact member overlying the dielectric substrate for contacting an electrical conductor on the dielectric substrate when deformed. The contact member is electrically connected to another electrical conductor on the dielectric substrate, and may have plural contact fingers. A mounting may be provided for mounting the switch using a fastener, a tie member or an adhesive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Sharrah, Charles W. Craft, John C. DiNenna
  • Patent number: 7102089
    Abstract: A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Richard Lerch
  • Patent number: 7055885
    Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus including a trapping detection structure which reliably implements detection of trapping of foreign objects, even at a structure at which an outer peripheral edge of a moving body or an inner peripheral edge of an opening includes corner portions with small radii of curvature. A pressure sensor which detects external forces from directions intersecting a length direction thereof is provided at an outer periphery portion of a back door. However, at a corner portion, at a lower end portion of a door side portion or the like, the pressure sensor is provided with a large curvature such that the pressure sensor keeps distant from the corner portion. In place thereof, another pressure sensor, with a facing pair of electrode sheets, is provided along the corner portion. When one or more of these pressure sensors detects an external force, the back door is moved for opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignees: Asmo Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidenori Ishihara, Takeshi Hattori, Masahiro Tanigawa, Kazuya Shibata, Tatsuo Chiura, Ryoji Araki
  • Patent number: 6917002
    Abstract: A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Richard Lerch
  • Patent number: 6896268
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shaped seal for sealing a power-operated closing device comprising a jam-protection zone, which has at least two electrically conductive areas, situated at a distance from each other. According to the invention, to save space and reduce weight and cost, the carrier is used as a metallic conductor for the conductive area so as to reduce volume resistance. Alternatively or in addition thereto, a frame can be used to which the shaped seal can be fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Knut Hofmann, Bernd Westerhoff
  • Patent number: 6834740
    Abstract: An entrance-door safety-system for a vehicle that includes a contact-sensing door-edge attachment that is adapted to be mounted to a door edge of a door panel of the vehicle. The entrance-door safety-system also includes a door-safety-logic system that is constructed in such a manner and that is adapted to be communicatively linked to the contact-sensing door-edge attachment, an entrance-door control-system of the vehicle, and a powered actuator of the vehicle in such a manner that when the contact-sensing door-edge attachment contacts an obstruction, the door-safety-logic system causes the powered actuator to cease actuating the door panel toward its closed position. The contact-sensing door-edge attachment has a unique shape that provides a particularly effective weather barrier and that has a high tolerance to positional variance relative to other components of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Milton W. Kurttila
  • Publication number: 20040140186
    Abstract: A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Richard Lerch
  • Patent number: 6740826
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety contact strip (1) that is regularly used as a closing edge safely device in squeeze and shear areas, for example, gates, machines or the like, having at least two conductive switch layers (2,3) in a non-conductive closed switching chamber (4) located inside a profile (6) that forms an outer jacket (5). In order to enhance quality while preserving a relatively simple structure of said strip, the profile (6), the switching chamber (4) and the switch layers (2,3) are configured as a single piece having at least one built-in conductor (7,8). In order to ensure safe switching even in case of low switch loads and unexpected direction, the switching chamber (4) is kept free in a cross section by spoke-shaped webs (9,10,11). The invention also provides for a cap for closing the front side of the safety contact strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: ASO GmbH Antriebs-und Stenerungstechnik
    Inventors: Helmut Friedrich, Paul Meyer