Closure, Closure Operator Or Accessory Patents (Class 200/61.62)
  • Patent number: 8008586
    Abstract: A mechanical power coupling system including a mechanical power connector component for communicating a mechanical power service with another mechanical power connector component. A mechanical power service switch is provided for selectively permitting communication of the mechanical power service between the mechanical power connector components. The mechanical power service switch is activated to transfer a mechanical power service from a mechanical power service source to a mechanical power service consumer in response to a proximity sensor engaging a proximity target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Whirpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Kuehl, Richard A. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7956300
    Abstract: A safety holder is provided that firmly attaches to a safety switch so that safety of a worker is enhanced. The safety holder includes a base body 21 that is inserted into an actuator insertion opening 7, and limits rotation of a drive cam 9 by engaging at a tip end portion (hanging portion 21C) thereof with a concave portion of the drive cam 9 of the safety switch, and a slide body that is movably attached to the base body 21 so as to be insertable into an actuator insertion opening 8 with the base body 21 inserted in the actuator insertion opening 7, and when the slide body is inserted into the actuator insertion opening 8, that enters and engages with an engagement hole 36 of the base body 21 whose tip end portion (insertion arm 34) is being inserted into the insertion opening 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Idec Corporation
    Inventors: Takafumi Hidaka, Kiyo Hidaka, legal representative, Norifumi Obata, Masaki Nobuhiro, Takeo Yasui, Masahiro Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 7712285
    Abstract: A waste disposal device including a sensing mechanism for delaying the rotation of a cartridge. The waste disposal device comprises a container defining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated waste in a flexible tubing. The rotatable cartridge contains the flexible tubing. A lid is coupled to the device and is capable of moving between an open and closed position on the container. A rotation mechanism is operatively configured to engage the rotatable cartridge. A sensing mechanism is arranged to allow for delay in rotation of the cartridge until the lid assumes the closed position so that the waste is encapsulated in the flexible tubing after the closing of the lid, and after the subsequent twisting of the flexible tubing about the waste material caused by the rotation of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Stravitz, Richard S. Chomik, Mark Yoho, Stuart Leslie, Taek Kim, Aidan Petrie, Joe Sejnowski
  • Publication number: 20100066469
    Abstract: A domestic appliance for treating laundered articles including a container for receiving laundered articles, which can be introduced into the container via a loading opening that can be closed by a door, and a door contact switch that is actuated as a function of a door position in order to interrupt a treatment process of the laundered articles, wherein the door contact switch is arranged on a substrate, which supports electronic control devices of the domestic appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
    Inventors: Guido Sattler, Andreas Ziemann
  • Patent number: 7663069
    Abstract: A switch structure of an automatic external defibrillator including a housing member and a flap member for covering the housing member, open and closed states of the flap member and ON and OFF of a switch of the automatic external defibrillator which are associated with each other, the switch structure includes a movable unit for turning ON the switch when the flap member is in the open state and turning OFF the switch when the flap member is in the closed state and an operator performs further operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ishino, Kazunori Yoshifuku
  • Patent number: 7608791
    Abstract: A fastener module suitable for a foldable electronic apparatus with a first body and a second body pivotally jointed with each other is provided. The module includes a first fastener, a second fastener, a control circuit, and a magnetic element. The first fastener is disposed in the first body and has magnetic susceptibility. The second fastener is disposed in the second body and suitable for being fastened with the first fastener. The control circuit is disposed in the foldable electronic apparatus. The magnetic element is disposed in the foldable electronic apparatus, and is coupled to the control circuit. The magnetic element is controlled by the control circuit to determine whether to exert a magnetic force on the first fastener for driving the first fastener to be fastened with the second fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Shao-Tsu Kung, Yi-Hung Shen
  • Patent number: 7605335
    Abstract: A position switch is disclosed, with a plunger. In at least one embodiment, the plunger can be moved, via an actuator, from a rest position to an operating position by way of a first rotatable locking element. A second rotatable locking element is usable to block the first rotatable locking element by way of the plunger. A position switch is specified, which separates the actuating mechanism for a switch unit from the holding-shut mechanism and, in doing so, guarantees reliable holding-shut, which manages with a low number of components. Here, the plunger is designed to contact an active surface of the first locking element in the operating position and to contact an active surface of the second locking element in the rest position. The first locking element is able to block the second locking element by way of the plunger and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Hiltl, Werner Puri, Joachim Seidl, Rudolf Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7598469
    Abstract: A vehicle door handle device includes: an electric part which is received within an internal space formed within a door handle so as to form a gap between the electric part and an inner surface of the door handle; and an elastic member which is fixed to the electric part, and is pressed against the inner surface of the door handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsurou Tanimoto, Kouichi Nagata, Masaki Nishikawa, Noriyasu Onishi, Osamu Kondo, Hajime Emura
  • Patent number: 7589291
    Abstract: A mounting accessory for installation behind the cover plate of a handle to mount a switch device behind the cover plate includes a body having mounting formations using which the switch device can be fastened to the mounting accessory and a cable clamp for a wire attached to the switch device. The mounting accessory is formed with an installation hole for fastening the mounting accessory to the cover plate using a screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Abloy OY
    Inventors: Jarmo Saarinen, Pauli Hernesniemi
  • Publication number: 20090223791
    Abstract: A sensor assembly for sensing relative movement between adjacent panels includes a base and first and second arms pivotally mounted to the base. An electrical connecting element is attached to the first and second arms and holds the first and second arms in a first position to indicate a first condition. When the first and second arms have moved relative to each other by a predetermined amount, the electrical connecting element breaks to indicate a second condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Patrick D. Conner, Andrew N. Baines, William E. Leden, Dale W. Massolle, Teddy L. Jones, Jeffrey T. Wavering
  • Publication number: 20090189463
    Abstract: An actuator is disclosed for actuating a safety switch. In at least one embodiment, the actuator includes a fixing element, an actuating element, and a connection arrangement for connecting the elements. A technical method is disclosed which proposes a universally applicable and low-cost activator. To this end, in at least one embodiment, the connection arrangement is implemented with at least one elastic element, which is pretensioned by way of at least one pretensioning element. Due in particular to the internal mounting of the pretensioning element inside the elastic element, a very simple and robust structure of the connection arrangement is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Werner Puri, Joachim Seidl
  • Patent number: 7536880
    Abstract: A magnetic lid switch assembly includes a first magnetically actuated electrical switch that has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the first switch is open and a second position wherein the first switch is closed. A second magnetically actuated electrical switch electrically is connected in series with the first switch. The second switch has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the second switch is open and a second position wherein the second switch is closed. A first actuator is magnetically coupled to the first switch. The first actuator moves the lever arm of the first switch closing the first switch to enable the first switch to pass an electric current when the first actuator is positioned proximate the first switch. A second actuator is magnetically coupled to the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Kristian Michael Magnuson, Thomas William McConihay, John Jacob Lapina, Jr., Derek Lee Watkins
  • Patent number: 7518072
    Abstract: A latch releasing device includes a switch that is turned on upon pressing a pressing button towards a switch body and unlatches a door, a base member that holds the switch via the switch body such that the pressing button is arranged on a front surface thereof, a key top member on the base member to cover the pressing button of the switch, and a biasing member between the base member and the key top member that biases the key top member in a direction departing from the pressing button of the switch. The switch is fixed to a panel via the base member such that the pressing button can be pressed via the key top member from outside the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Yoda
  • Patent number: 7511238
    Abstract: A switch actuation device includes a first actuation portion driven by a first moving member and a second actuation portion driven by a second moving member. The switch actuation device further includes a first lever, a second lever, and an actuator. The first actuation portion contacts the second lever to swing the second lever toward the actuator connected to a switch when driven by the first moving member. The second actuation portion swings the first lever to cause the first lever to move the second lever closer to the actuator when driven by the second moving member. The actuator is driven by a combination of the swing of the second lever caused by the first moving member and the movement of the second lever caused by the second moving member so as to turn on the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Sugane, Gakushi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7507922
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hinge of the type consisting of two flap-shaped main components (1, 2), having a mutual-engagement area (3) on a common pivoting axis. The hinge provides that with one of the flaps (1, 2) there is integral a head (4) of the pivoting axis, having a cam-shaped profile, and that with the other flap (1, 2) there is associated a switch body (5) wherefrom a control pin (9) protrudes. An outer end of the control pin (9) engages with said cam-shaped profile, and an end inside the body (5) acts on a button (11) actuating a switch (10) arranged within said body (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Elesa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Bertani
  • Patent number: 7504601
    Abstract: A release control sensor module for an openable member of a vehicle, such as a vehicle window, includes a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor is a displacement sensor that controls the closure of an electric circuit, such as a changeover switch or a reed switch. The second sensor is powered by the electric circuit. The first sensor controls the activation of the electronic circuit. If the first sensor is not actuated, the sensor module is electrically isolated and does not consume any power. If the first sensor is actuated, the second sensor is powered and can be used to detect movement of a moving part of the control, such as a pull handle or an opening lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems - France
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Belmond, Emmanuel Huber
  • Patent number: 7501595
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for activating a passive entry system. The motion detector can include a latch input lever, a switch, and a damper. The damper can provide more resistance to the latch input lever in order to transfer motion to the switch in response to fast movement of the door handle. In some embodiments, the motion detector can include a switch actuator, a notched lever, and a switch. Movement of the notched lever can cause the switch actuator to contact the switch. In other embodiments, the motion detector can include a switch actuator, a notched lever, and a magnetic sensor switch. The magnetic sensor switch can include a magnetic switch member that moves in response to a second end of the switch actuator in order to complete a circuit to the passive entry system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Dimig, David C. Janssen, Erik Esser
  • Patent number: 7446273
    Abstract: A safety lockout system deactivates a safety switch to interrupt unintentional electrical current flow or signals controlled by a safety switch which is used on door-like closures. The switch generally comprises two components: one mounted on a moveable closure and the other mounted on an adjacent fixed member, such as a door frame. When the two components are aligned and closely adjacent to each other, as when the closure is in closed position, the switch allows current to flow to an electrically powered device. But when the closure is in its open position, the components are not aligned or closely arranged next to each other so that the lockout system automatically deactivates the switch which then prevents unintentional current flow to the device. The closure and the adjacent fixed member are normally locked together by a slider element which engages a keeper element when the closure is in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Jokab Safety North America, Inc
    Inventor: Brian Sukarukoff
  • Patent number: 7417542
    Abstract: An aircraft security alarm system uses proximity sensors mounted in adjacent pairs to any access area into an aircraft, The proximity sensors are connected electrically to a battery-powered control box with a miniature LED remote indicator light to identify that the system is activated. When any door or cover over an access area is moved, opened, or otherwise accessed, a switch in one of the pair of proximity sensors detects the movement. The proximity sensor sends a signal to the control box, which in turn triggers a high decibel/high pitch siren/horn that sounds indefinitely until the system is disarmed via a wireless remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Stein Bruch
  • Patent number: 7405374
    Abstract: A plunger switch comprises a switch body housing a first contact element, a second contact element and an elongate plunger. The first contact element is partially housed in the switch body and extends out for operative communication with a circuit. The second contact element is movable along a longitudinal axis of the switch body and is aligned to contact the first contact element through movement. The elongate plunger is movable along the longitudinal axis of the switch body, and is able to be completely recessed in the switch body. Movement of the plunger in a first direction facilitates contact between the first and second contact elements. The contact elements contact at contact portions. At least a pair of the contact portions may have ridged surfaces that are oriented so as to have intersecting points at contact and configured to perform oxidation cleanup. At least a pair of the contact portions may include silver nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Scot Thomas, Timothy Paul Doyal, James L. Ayres
  • Patent number: 7375299
    Abstract: A handle 16 for exterior use in a vehicle to authorize a mechanism (18) to unlatch an access door has a structural part (34); a cover (36); and a pair of sensors or switches (28, 29) between the structural part (34) and the cover (36). A first sensor or switch (28) to interact with one or more fingers of a user's (26) hand (2) and a second sensor or switch (29) spaced from said first sensor (28) to be activated by a user's (26) different finger or the user's (26) thumb. The combination of the two switches or sensors (28, 29) signal the mechanism (18) to unlatch the access door and wherein the activation of only the second sensor or switch (29) in the absence of touching the first sensor or switch (28) authorizes a mechanism (18) to lock the access door. Preferably, the first and second sensors or switches (28, 29) are electrically coupled such that activation of both authorizes an unlatching of the access door while the activation of only the second sensor or switch (29) authorizes a lock only feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Key Plastics, LLC
    Inventor: Richard I. Pudney
  • Patent number: 7347461
    Abstract: An electronic egress system includes at least one door, each door having a handle defining an interior area, an actuator and an exit control assembly including a switch assembly located substantially within the handle's interior. The handle is movable relative to the actuator such that motion of the handle relative the actuator changes the switch assembly from a first switch state to a second switch state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: C.R. Laurence Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Sprague
  • Patent number: 7329820
    Abstract: A detecting system capable of detecting an open/closed state of a cover equipped to a body of a device is provided. The detecting system comprises a body, a cover that moves in a range between an open position and a fully-closed position, a detecting unit that detects open state and closed state of the cover, an actuating mechanism equipped to the cover, a part of which is shifted in a first direction according to opening motion and closing motion of the cover, and affects the detecting unit, and a releasing mechanism by which the part of the actuating mechanism is shifted in a second direction when the cover in the open position is brought in a position in adjacent to the fully-closed position and when the cover in the fully-closed position is opened to a predetermined extent to be in the position in adjacent to the fully-closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7291794
    Abstract: An improved, low-cost magnetic switch assembly (16, 16a) is provided having an easily fabricated housing (24, 24a) and cover (29, 29a) formed of non-conducting synthetic resin material. A pair of electrically conductive switch elements (30, 32, 30a, 32a) are positioned in spaced relationship with the housing (24, 24a) along with a body (40, 40a) shiftable between a first position in simultaneous contact with the switch elements (30, 32, 30a, 32a), and a second position out of such simultaneous contact. The housing (24, 24a) is also equipped with a first attractive component (38, 38a) which magnetically reacts with the body (40, 40a) to hold the latter in one of the positions thereof when the assembly (16, 16a) experiences a first magnetic field condition, but allows the body (40, 40a) to move to the other of the positions thereof when a second magnetic field condition is experienced adjacent the assembly (16, 16a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Magnasphere Corporation
    Inventor: Randall Woods
  • Patent number: 7273991
    Abstract: The invention relates to a handle with an integrated switch (20) for doors or hinged flaps of vehicles. The push-button switch is essentially made up of two components which can be fitted together. The first component (21) is made of a single-pieced injection-moulding product made of three plastic components which comprise a solid covering-shaped housing and an elastic membrane. Said membrane closes the housing cover (22) at the base on one end thereof, thus giving the component (21) a shell shape. A solid pressure activator (24) on the membrane (23) is used as the third plastic component. The second component (31) is formed from a circuit board (33) comprising connected cables (19) and a microswitch (30) mounted thereon. The second component (31) is inserted into the inside of a shell (26) of the first component (21). The circuit board (33) is oriented towards the shell opening (28) and is projected from the edge of the shell (43) of the shell-shaped component (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Erkan Korultay, Marion Kilian
  • Patent number: 7271358
    Abstract: A switching hinge comprises a hinge housing (6) at which a hinge flap (4) is swivellably disposed, a switching element (2) coupled with the hinge flap (4) being provided, which switching element (2) triggers a switching operation at a built-in switch (7) in a predetermined position of the hinge flap (4). According to the invention, the built-in switch (7) can be adjusted relative to the switching element (2) for adjusting the switching point. Particularly, a precision adjustment can be carried out so that an adaptation to the respective installation situation becomes possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Bernstein AG
    Inventors: Joachim Ulfik, Markus Finger, Lothar Pedron
  • Patent number: 7268306
    Abstract: A temporary clamping structure for electronics includes a bracket fastened to a ceiling surface of the interior of a room, an electronic device body connected to the ceiling surface by screwing down to the bracket, fitting holes formed on the bracket side, and a fitting pawl provided on the electronic device body and fittable into the fitting holes. The temporary clamping structure for electronics is arranged such that the fitting pawl is unfixed from the fitting hole by bending the tip end of second protrusion of the electronic device body in the direction in which the second protrusion goes away from the first protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Ikunami
  • Patent number: 7265306
    Abstract: A switch flip pack for the interior of an automobile comprising a door trim panel with a switch panel carrying at least one electrical switch, a flip cover pivotally attached to the switch panel, and a electroluminescent lamp mounted to the flip cover. The flip cover has an opened position in which the electrical switch is accessible and a closed position in which the electrical switch is inaccessible. When energized, the electroluminescent lamp is positioned for emitting visible light to illuminate the electrical switch when the flip cover is in the opened position. A method is also provided for forming the flip cover and electroluminescent lamp by an injection molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Bodgan Radu
  • Publication number: 20070163864
    Abstract: A latch releasing device includes a switch that is turned on upon pressing a pressing button towards a switch body and unlatches a door, a base member that holds the switch via the switch body such that the pressing button is arranged on a front surface thereof, a key top member on the base member to cover the pressing button of the switch, and a biasing member between the base member and the key top member that biases the key top member in a direction departing from the pressing button of the switch. The switch is fixed to a panel via the base member such that the pressing button can be pressed via the key top member from outside the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: Yuji Yoda
  • Patent number: 7238900
    Abstract: A switching hinge having a hinge housing at which a hinge flap is swivellably disposed about an axis. A switching element is coupled to the hinge flap, which switching element triggers a switching operation at a built-in switch in a predetermined position of the hinge flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Bernstein AG
    Inventors: Joachim Ulfik, Markus Finger, Lothar Pedron
  • Patent number: 7232967
    Abstract: An open-door sensor for a refrigeration device contains a magnetically operated switch and a housing that surrounds the switch. Plug-in contacts for the switch are accessible from one side of the housing. The housing is equipped with detachable fixing elements for fixing the housing in a cavity. This results in a compact and inexpensive sensor for the refrigeration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Claudia Rupp
  • Patent number: 7199317
    Abstract: A vehicle door handle apparatus includes a door handle having an inner space therein, a first wall portion having an operation surface at an outer side thereof, and a first inner surface at an inner side thereof, the first inner surface being a part of a surface defining the inner space of the door handle; a sensor electrode positioned inside the inner space so as to face the first inner surface of the first wall portion and capable of generating electrostatic capacitance between the sensor electrode and a dielectric approaching the operation surface; and a controlling member housed within the inner space and capable of adjusting the sensor electrode to come in contact with the inner surface of the first wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Ieda, Takamasa Fujitsuna, Kazuyoshi Mori
  • Patent number: 7132955
    Abstract: A domestic appliance is provided having a control panel in which a remote control signal passing part is formed on a manipulating member, and the manipulating member is integrated with a display window. The control panel includes a switch to be selectively turned on and off by relative movement of a moving part and a fixed part. The manipulating member is configured to be operated in conjunction with the moving part to selectively turn on and off the switch and is provided with the remote control signal passing part to allow a signal from a remote controller to pass. A signal-receiving unit is placed behind the manipulating member to receive the remote control signal through the manipulating member. The domestic appliance of the present invention is effective in reducing costs and time required for separately forming of a signal-receiving window, and miniaturizing products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, Sanyo Air-Conditioners Co., Ltd., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kang Ho Choi, Masao Koseki
  • Patent number: 7108387
    Abstract: A doorknob and lock light assembly for providing a useful light when for a user attempting to place a key in the lock. The doorknob and lock light assembly includes a door lock assembly including a handle being adapted to be securely attached to a door; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being attached to the door lock assembly and including a battery being disposed in the handle and also including light-emitting members being attached to the handle and being connected with wires to the battery; and further includes a sensor/switch assembly being attached to the door lock assembly and being connected to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel D. Lucas
  • Patent number: 7084362
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator, which is used in a belt latch mechanism of restraint systems in motor vehicles and which indicates the proper locking of the tongue of the safety belt when the tongue is inserted into the belt latch mechanism. The actuator is provided in the form of a double-contact actuator, whereby the contact steel plates are arranged inside a contact space that is closed at the top, and the contact can be actuated by a slide by moving this slide into a channel situated to the side of the inner space of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignees: EAO-ESA Zweigniederlassung der EAO Lumitas GmbH, Autoliv Development
    Inventor: Bernd Ebert
  • Patent number: 7078640
    Abstract: An opening switch for an opening and closing body includes a switch base having a first substrate and a second substrate which are put together in a manner such that inner faces of the substrates face each other and outer faces of the substrates are outer faces of the switch base; a main switch body provided on the outer face of the first substrate; a lever portion which is provided on the inner face of the first substrate and passes the second substrate through a through hole; and a flange portion for preventing an over stroke of the lever portion. The flange portion protrudes from the outer face of the second substrate and is positioned away from the lever portion and on a side toward which the lever portion is inclined. A flexible cover member for covering a combined body of the lever portion and the flange portion is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsui Mining and Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Miyake, Tomofumi Ichinose, Kenichi Munenaga, Kazuhiko Yamada, Katsuyuki Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 7057124
    Abstract: A push switch apparatus includes a switch case adapted to be a base member, a switch mounted on the switch case, a switch cap made of an elastic material and supported on the switch case for covering the switch, a switch button supported by the base member and having an actuating portion for pushing the switch and an switch plate mounted on the switch case and arranged between the switch cap and the switch button. The switch plate having a contact surface contacts the switch button when the actuating portion of the switch button pushes the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Ieda, Eiji Mushiake, Takeshi Ito, Kazuyoshi Mori, Yuichi Murakami, Noriyasu Onishi, Teruya Tomiyasu
  • Patent number: 7049533
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hood switch of a front end module carrier, which employs a contactless-type proximity switch installed on an inner panel of a hood in order to inform the driver of an opened state of the hood installed on the front end module carrier in a vehicle, thus improving aesthetic appearance and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae-sung Park
  • Patent number: 7019233
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing device consisting of a grip housing (10) containing a pivotably mounted grip flap (12). Said grip flap (12) is loaded by means of a restoring force (38) in the direction of its neutral position (12.1), against which force the manual actuation of the grip flap (12) must be carried out. Furthermore, an electrical switch (20) is associated with the grip housing (10), said switch comprising a spring-loaded (28) contact actuator (24). In order to provide a compact, cost-effective closing device, the restoring force (38) of the grip flap (12) can be directly generated by the spring-loading (28) of the contact actuator (24) of the electrical switch (20). In this way, separate springs are not required for the grip flap (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Uwe Spies
  • Patent number: 6982391
    Abstract: A safety position switch including a push rod which responds to the movement of an actuator connected to a device to be made safe in order to act upon an electrical device by a lockable transmission mechanism acted on by the push rod. The transmission mechanism includes a pivoting lever capable of assuming a locked position and an unlocked position. The pivoting lever has force applied to it from the push rod such that a movement of translation of the push rod generates a rotation of the lever and the pivoting lever has an arm with a jamming element that is applicable, in the locked position of the lever and transversely with respect to the main axis, against the locking head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Hugues Da Dalt
  • Patent number: 6953903
    Abstract: A signal transfer assembly supplies a signal to unlock a door by controlling a lock of the door. The signal transfer assembly includes a transfer strip assembly in the door frame for receiving a deactuation signal, for passing the deactuation signal to a transfer tip assembly in the door, and for passing the deactuation signal to the lock to unlock the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Securitech Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Berger, Simon Berger, Peter Zoltan
  • Patent number: 6949712
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved actuator 215, and an operating key 100 for use in the actuator 215. Known actuators suffer from a number of problems such as limited functionality and limited radius of operation. Accordingly, the present invention provides an operating key 100 for use in an actuator 215, the operating key 100 comprising a key body 105 and a key element 110 and means to adjust an angle of inclination of the key element 110 relative to the key body 105, the adjustment means having first and second resilient biasing means 115, 120. The invention further provides an operating key 100 comprising means to at least partially rotate at least part 160 of the key element 110 around an axis extending from the key body 105. The operating key 100 is thus a “universal” key, which may be used in horizontal or vertical hinged doors, though is not limited to such use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: James O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6930263
    Abstract: A switch assembly for a laptop computer includes a push member connected to the lid of the computer. An activation member is disposed to a base of the computer. A switch is located at a position where the activation member movably touches the switch when the lid is pivoted toward the base and the activation member is moved by a movement of the push member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Averatec Asia Incorporation
    Inventor: Tsung-Yung Hung
  • Patent number: 6881912
    Abstract: A door open/close operating device includes an operating switch, a control device, an actuator, an output member and an auxiliary power source, and these components are integrally formed. A purpose of the invention is providing the door open/close operating device for enhancing flexibility of assembling the door open/close operating device to the vehicle's door and reducing a man-hour for assembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norikazu Kobayashi, Koichi Hirota, Koji Aoki, Hidetoshi Kadoya, Kazuyoshi Mori
  • Patent number: 6867382
    Abstract: A modular contact switch adapted to be readily assembled from a plurality of contact modules is provided. Both active contact modules and passive contact modules comprise coupling features, including but not limited to, engagement tabs and mating surfaces, to enable a removable coupling of multiple active contact modules to form active contact assemblies and passive contact modules of a passive contact assembly. The active contact modules provide a spring-biased contact that responds to the position of passive contacts of the passive contact modules. As the active and passive contact modules come into abutment and urging engagement, an electrical connection is made between the corresponding contacts. The spring-bias of the active contacts ensures that the electrical contact is made regardless of variations in tolerances and position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence Andrew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6797900
    Abstract: A modular contact switch adapted to be readily assembled from a plurality of contact modules is provided. Both active contact modules and passive contact modules comprise coupling features, including but not limited to, engagement tabs and mating surfaces, to enable a removable coupling of multiple active contact modules to form active contact assemblies and passive contact modules of a passive contact assembly. The active contact modules provide a spring-biased contact that responds to the position of passive contacts of the passive contact modules. As the active and passive contact modules come into abutment and urging engagement, an electrical connection is made between the corresponding contacts. The spring-bias of the active contacts ensures that the electrical contact is made regardless of variations in tolerances and position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Drew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6780044
    Abstract: A splice connector assembly for mechanically and selectively electrically connecting first and second conductor members includes a connector body adapted to receive the first and second conductor members. The connector body includes a first body member and a second body member adapted to engage the first body member. First and second electrically conductive terminals in the connector body are adapted to electrically engage the first and second conductor members, respectively. An electrically conductive bridge member is mounted in the connector body such that the bridge member is movable between a closed position, wherein the bridge member electrically connects the first and second terminals and thereby the first and second conductor members, and an open position, wherein the bridge member does not electrically connect the first and second terminals so that the first and second conductor members are not electrically connected by the splice connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property
    Inventors: Charlie Sawyer, Isaac White, James Dickens, Blake Urban, Kevin Forsberg
  • Patent number: 6720508
    Abstract: A switch includes a switching mechanism, an operating mechanism with a key which normally causes the switching mechanism to be in a switched-off condition when it is pulled out and to be displaced against a biasing force to be in a switched-on condition when the key is inserted, and a locking mechanism for maintaining the switching mechanism locked in the switched-on condition and releasing it from the locked condition if a load greater than a specified magnitude is applied to the key while the switching mechanism is locked such that the switching mechanism is set back in the switched-off condition. The switching mechanism may be contained in a head case attached to a main case containing the operating mechanism. The main case also includes a forcing mechanism which tends to force the switching mechanism in the switched-off condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Moriyama, Shingo Akiyama, Takashi Niwa, Sueaki Honda, Minoru Yoshii, Hiroyuki Kajio, Hidemitsu Takenaka, Kazuki Kawata, Tetsuhiko Miyoshi
  • Publication number: 20040055858
    Abstract: A modular contact switch adapted to be readily assembled from a plurality of contact modules is provided. Both active contact modules and passive contact modules comprise coupling features, including but not limited to, engagement tabs and mating surfaces, to enable a removable coupling of multiple active contact modules to form active contact assemblies and passive contact modules of a passive contact assembly. The active contact modules provide a spring-biased contact that responds to the position of passive contacts of the passive contact modules. As the active and passive contact modules come into abutment and urging engagement, an electrical connection is made between the corresponding contacts. The spring-bias of the active contacts ensures that the electrical contact is made regardless of variations in tolerances and position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Drew Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6696652
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for activating an opening mechanism for lockable moving parts on vehicles. The device has a manual activator, which acts on a contact sensor (13) of a switch (12) for activation purposes. An outer skin (40) is provided on the vehicle. A part (43′) of the actual outer skin (40) is made elastically deformable (43′) and this part (43′) is used as the activator for the switch (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Uwe Spies