Mechanical Force Patents (Class 307/119)
  • Patent number: 6388345
    Abstract: A corner light switch assembly to be mounted against a corner edge of a wall corner at a predetermined location and vertical height. The corner light switch assembly includes 1) a main switch body; 2) a switch body cover plate of L-shape constructed of a transparent plastic material connected to the main switch body; 3) a touch sensitive switch assembly mounted in the main switch body and engageable with the switch body cover plate; and 4) a power supply cord to connect an appliance, table lamp or light fixture to the touch sensitive switch assembly for selective operation thereof The switch body cover plate has a sensor section with a plurality of sensor openings therein. The touch sensitive switch assembly includes a touch plate sensor connected to a touch sensitive switch circuit. The touch plate sensor is placed within one of the sensor openings in the sensor section of the switch body cover plate and having the touch plate sensor mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Aaron N. Stimpson
  • Patent number: 6369466
    Abstract: A method to manage power to a device includes receiving a first power-off request signal, initiating a predetermined delay period, and canceling the first power-off request if a second power-off request signal is received before expiration of the predetermined delay period. If a second power-off request signal is not received before expiration of the predetermined delay period, a signal to cause the device to power down may be generated. A device to perform the method and a system including such a power control device are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6346751
    Abstract: A safety mount for a tool on robotic apparatus, for protection of the tool should it encounter an obstruction to movement by the apparatus. The mount includes a hollow housing having a first end, a second end and a central axis passing through the ends. The housing is attachable at its first end to the robotic apparatus. Electrical switches are mounted in the housing radially outward of the axis, each switch having an operating member facing toward the first end of the housing and being biased toward the first end to a position establishing a first circuit condition and movable to a pressed-down position establishing a second circuit condition. A presser head is mounted in the housing and is biased for pressing down the switch-operating members. The presser head has a stem extending generally on the axis out of the second end of the housing for attachment of a tool holder thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: OCIM, S.R.L.
    Inventors: Antonio Delfino, Dario Delfino
  • Publication number: 20020008428
    Abstract: An integrated circuit with at least one antenna for the contactless transmission of data or energy. The antenna is configured above and/or below circuit sections to be protected and, as part of a protective circuit, enables the integrated circuit to be monitored with regard to an undesirable external attack. Such an attack can be identified by the attempt to effect observation or manipulation from the outside, which are typically associated with an alteration of the physical properties of the antenna. These physical alterations lead to significant changes in the protective circuit signals that are transmitted via the antenna. These changes are identified by signal detectors and initiate a transfer of the integrated circuit into a security mode. In this case, in addition to the function as means for transmitting data and/or energy, the antenna also serves the function of being a protective shield of a protective circuit for the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Michael Smola, Dominik Wegertseder
  • Patent number: 6316846
    Abstract: In order to provide a cord switch which can securely catch the ON/OFF operations, can cancel an erroneous operation by preventing the contact between electrodes caused by bending of the cord switch, and have a positive sensibility for the pressurization in all directions and a high reliability, at least two wire electrodes are spirally arranged along the inner surface of an insulator which is hollowed in the cross section and comprises a restorative rubber or plastic material in the longitudinal direction in a situation where the wire electrodes are not electrically contacted each other, and the wire electrodes are fixed to the hollowed insulator in a state where the wire electrodes are projected from the insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignees: Hitachi Cable, Ltd., Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Kashiwazaki, Hideki Yagyu, Koji Horii, Hidenori Ishihara, Tomoyuki Kikuta, Takeshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6310410
    Abstract: A hot swappable system includes a first system having an electrically conductive projection and a second system. The second system includes a voltage source having a first node having a first polarity, a resistive element, and a receptor system associated with the first node and configured to receive insertion of the conductive projection. The receptor system includes first and second conductive contacts electrically connected by the resistive element. The first conductive contact is disposed relative to the second conductive contact such that insertion of the conductive projection into the receptor system causes sequential electrical contact between the conductive projection and the first contact and then between the conductive projection and the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Feng Lin, Heping Dai, David G. Daniels
  • Publication number: 20010033109
    Abstract: A bypass switch (155) for use in an electronic device (125) includes a substrate (205) on which first, second, and third terminals (215, 220, 235) are mounted and an electrically conductive primary element (250), having first and second opposing ends, mounted to a bottom surface of the substrate (205) and electrically coupled to the first terminal (215) at its first end and to the second terminal (220) at its second end. The switch (155) also includes an electrically conductive bypass element (255), having first and second opposing ends, mounted to the bottom surface of the substrate (205) and electrically coupled to the third terminal (235) at its first end and vertically aligned, at its second end, with the second end of the primary element (250). A switch actuator (225) is mechanically coupled to the bypass element (255), extends through the substrate (205), and has an actuating surface (290) accessible at a top surface, opposite the bottom surface, of the substrate (205).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Hughes, Joel P. Jenkins, William G. Mahoney, Bart F. Spriester, Joshua C. Yi
  • Patent number: 6307282
    Abstract: A smart switch produces a signal responsive to movement of said switch between a first state and a second state. The said switch has a first state position and a second state position. The switch can be moved from said first state to said second state responsive to a force applied to said switch. The switch includes a transducer, such as a load cell, that is responsive to said force for producing a transducer signal indicative of the force applied to said switch. The transducer signal is indicative of the amount of movement of said switch from said first state to said second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yu, Charles B. Swope, Michael J. Macaluso
  • Patent number: 6294846
    Abstract: A bypass switch (155) for use in an electronic device (125) includes a substrate (205) on which first, second, and third terminals (215, 220, 235) are mounted and an electrically conductive primary element (250), having first and second opposing ends, mounted to a bottom surface of the substrate (205) and electrically coupled to the first terminal (215) at its first end and to the second terminal (220) at its second end. The switch (155) also includes an electrically conductive bypass element (255), having first and second opposing ends, mounted to the bottom surface of the substrate (205) and electrically coupled to the third terminal (235) at its first end and vertically aligned, at its second end, with the second end of the primary element (250). A switch actuator (225) is mechanically coupled to the bypass element (255), extends through the substrate (205), and has an actuating surface (290) accessible at a top surface, opposite the bottom surface, of the substrate (205).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Hughes, Joel P. Jenkins, William G. Mahoney, Bart F. Spriester, Joshua C. Yi
  • Patent number: 6288457
    Abstract: In a key switch device 3, a guide member 10 constructed of a first and a second links 14 and 15, which guides a vertical movement of a key top 9, is movably mounted on a support plate 2 with a mounting member 6 provided with a rotatably supporting portion 7 which rotatably supports a rotatable shaft 18 formed at a lower end of the first link 14 and a slidably supporting portion 8 which slidably supports a slidable shaft 20 formed at a lower end of the second link 15. The mounting member 6 is fixed on the support plate 2 with a first, second, and third adhesive layers 24, 25, and 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsumasa Kako, Isao Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20010008351
    Abstract: An electronic equipment which provides an easier-to-use interface for the changing of the settings of various parameters on an LCD panel or the screen of a computer by the pushing by a user of a simple ON/OFF switch or holding it down, includes a switch connected to a pressure-sensitive unit, a processing circuit that performs processing depending on an output value of the switch, and a display unit that displays the results of processing of the processing circuit. The processing circuit changes the settings of parameters of electronic equipment in increments depending on the output value of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Komata
  • Patent number: 6255747
    Abstract: A protection device for vertically standing lamps devices is described. The protection device consists of a switch or other means of interrupting the electrical current in case of a fall. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a normally open switch installed at the base of the lamp. This switch is closed by the action of lamp's own weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Sergio R. Ramirez, Emanuel Shah
  • Patent number: 6204575
    Abstract: A method of verifying an addition of a slave controller to a master controller of more than one area sensor, including an electrical mechanism which determines if a slave controller is present, or detects whether a cover having a projection or a shorting circuit is mechanically attached to the master controller if no slave controller is present, the presence of the cover indicating that no slave controller is added, and if neither the slave controller nor the cover is detected, an abnormality is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventor: Akiji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6192321
    Abstract: A diagnostic test unit for deterministically measuring one or more parameters, such as dead band, dead time, response time, gain, or overshoot, of a process control device that is connected in a process control loop during operation of a process includes a switch controller, a signal generator, a switch, a response accumulator mechanism, and an analyzer mechanism. The switch controller monitors a process signal during operation of the process to determine whether the process signal is substantially stable. In the event that the process signal is substantially stable, the switch replaces a control signal with a diagnostic test signal generated by the signal generator. The response accumulator is in communication with the process control loop to obtain an indication of the response of the process control device to the diagnostic test signal. The analyzer unit then determines the device parameter from the test signal and the response indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce F. Grumstrup, Kenneth W. Junk, Jimmie L. Snowbarger, Eugene R. Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6160324
    Abstract: A deadman switch mechanism and a teaching operation panel equipped with the deadman switch mechanism, in which possibility of losing a safety function is low even if failure happens in a contact or other elements of a circuit. When an operator grips at least one of grip levers (GL1; GL2) with normal force, the grip levers turn around axes (AX4; AX5), shoulder portions (SD1; SD2) abut on slave levers (SL1; SL2) and turns the slave levers connected by a link (LK) around an axis (AX3) in the direction denoted by an arrow B, simultaneously, so that switches (SW1; SW2) are turned into an ON-state, simultaneously. Then, two circuits including those switches, respectively, output ON-signals independently and these signals are subjected to AND process, to allow the robot to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Terada, Mitsuhiro Yasumura, Shinsuke Nakao
  • Patent number: 6055394
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a body cover pivotally mounted on a body of the image forming apparatus and a switch mechanism for detecting an opening/closing status of the body cover. The switch mechanism includes a switch disposed in the body and a cam disposed beside the switch for activating the switch when rotated in a prescribed direction. The switch mechanism further includes a lever with one end supported by the body cover while another end contacts and rotates the cam by a prescribed constant amount of a rotational angle when the body cover is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Suda, Hiroshi Yoshinaga
  • Patent number: 6051948
    Abstract: A positioning actuator for positioning at least a part of a movable load at selected positions in a range of available positions in response to corresponding provisions of electrical energy of selected polarities between a pair of power terminals connected through limit switches to an electrical motor which switches limit that range. Energy storage is used to force the motor to further separate the contacts in those switches after they have been initially opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Tamas A. Vepy
  • Patent number: 6031301
    Abstract: A simulated toggle switch capable of being set and reset by remote means and being manually operated. Control signals are received by two on-board electronic drive circuit assemblies which cause two corresponding magnetic solenoids to drive two cams clockwise or counterclockwise, independently of each other. This, in turn, causes a bat handle to move to an uppermost position, a lowermost position, or to be centered. In addition, the position of the switch is remotely sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: AAI Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Arthur Callahan, Jeffrey Joseph Perloski, Christopher Joseph Murk, John Nicholas Merkle, David Anthony Franckowiak
  • Patent number: 6031300
    Abstract: To eliminate interference with digital broadband service created by bridge tapped connections in local loop distribution cables, a switch is associated with each broadband customer drop cable connection in the terminals along the length of each distribution cable. In one position, a switch connects the upstream portion of a metallic circuit to the downstream portion of the circuit. The switch also may connect the metallic circuit to an associated one of the connectors. This bridge tapped connection enables use of the metallic circuit for a subscriber drop connection through a downstream terminal. In a second position, a switch connects the upstream portion of the metallic circuit only to the connector associated with the switch in the local terminal. A drop cable for broadband service runs from the connector in the local terminal to a nearby subscriber premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Atlantic Networks Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Moran
  • Patent number: 6011325
    Abstract: A rotary switch for providing deicing power to the heaters of a helicopter rotor includes a conductive rotor with conductive protrusions located thereon. Conductive fingers are arranged such that a pair of conductive fingers are in electrical communication with a pair of conductive protrusions for a given position of the conductive rotor. The pair of conductive fingers are in electrical communication with the heaters of a helicopter rotor such that if one the pair of electrical fingers fails to make electrical contact with its respective conductive protrusion electrical power is still delivered to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua I. Goldberg, Kenneth D. Milkie
  • Patent number: 6011328
    Abstract: An electric power lockout apparatus is provided which includes an input terminal for electrically coupling the apparatus to an electric power source and an output terminal for electrically coupling the apparatus to a device requiring electric power. The electric power lockout apparatus also has a switch that is electrically coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal. The switch is capable of assuming: (1) an open state wherein the input terminal is electrically isolated from the output terminal and (2) a closed state wherein the input terminal is electrically coupled to the output terminal. The electric power lockout apparatus further has a first lock which controls operation of the switch so that the switch cannot assume the closed state unless the first lock is unlocked at least momentarily. The electric power lockout apparatus also has a locking structure to secure the electric power lockout apparatus to the power cord of an appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Terry L. Smith
    Inventor: Terry L. Smith
  • Patent number: 5969440
    Abstract: An improved pressure-actuated door access bar is disclosed which may be located on a door to control access or egress through the door, whereby the door access bar is used to trigger unlocking or opening, or both unlocking and opening, of the door following pressure being exerted on the door access bar by an individual desiring access or egress through the door. Two electromechanical force transducer assemblies having no moving parts are mounted within a rigid base member which may in turn be mounted on a door or in another desired location, and a cover member mounted over the base member exerts pressure on the electromechanical force transducer assemblies when pressure is placed on it. When a given amount of pressure is detected by either or both of the electromechanical force transducer assemblies, the door will be unlocked or opened, or both unlocked and opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: Christopher L. Young, Richard Geringer, David Geringer
  • Patent number: 5942815
    Abstract: A flexible capacitor is used in a switch circuit arrangement for activating a vehicle horn. The switch circuit arrangement includes an astable circuit having a flexible capacitor. The astable circuit generates a signal having a frequency that varies in response to force applied to the capacitor. A programmed frequency sensor activates a horn activation signal if the frequency of the signal falls below a programmed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Sheldahl, Inc.
    Inventors: David Raymond Neuman, Roy A. Maynard, Gary W. Schult
  • Patent number: 5907197
    Abstract: A portable computer system which includes a modified C-7 power cord socket, which can receive either an AC power cord with a standard C-7 connector or a DC power cord with a modified C-7 connector. (However, the modified C-7 connector cannot be inserted into a standard C-7 socket.) Microswitches in the modified power cord socket detect the presence of the DC connector, and automatically adjust the power conversion circuit accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Faulk
  • Patent number: 5892301
    Abstract: A mechanical AND element (U) serves for mutual locking of power switches (LS1, LS2, LS3). A carrier (T) serves as the stop for three flexible transmission members (S1, S2, S3) whose Bowden cables (S7, S8, S9) with parallel longitudinal axes act upon a coupling carriage (K). The Bowden cables (S7, S8) for the input signals (E1, E2) work in opposite directions and are engaged with the coupling carriage (K) at the outside and approximately in the center, respectively. The Bowden cable (S9) for the output signal (A) is connected to the other, outer, side of the coupling carriage (K).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Warnatz
  • Patent number: 5886428
    Abstract: A switch has at least two switching elements and a drive member for moving at least one of the switching elements relative to the other switching element for opening and closing the switch. The at least one switching element is fixedly connected to the drive member and the drive member is a solid-state energy converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Bach GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Jochen Feiler, Daniel Josef Jendritza, Hartmut Janocha, Horst Binnig
  • Patent number: 5883615
    Abstract: A foot-operated control device system coupleable to a multi-function apparatus comprises a body for positioning on a floor surface and a mode switch manipulatable by the foot of an operator to switch the control device between a dedicated operational mode and an icon operational mode. An actuator is engageable by the operator's foot, and the system operates to actuate a dedicated function of the multi-function apparatus with the system in the dedicated operational mode. Another actuator operates to actuate another dedicated function when the system is in the dedicated operational mode. The one actuator is further operable to select a function of the apparatus when the system is in the icon mode and the other actuator is further operable to actuate the selected function whereby the multi-function apparatus may be selectively operated in the dedicated operational mode for some functions of the apparatus and in the icon operational mode for other functions at the discretion of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Liebel-Flarsheim Company
    Inventors: Frank M. Fago, Bill Pollack, Brian J. Poland
  • Patent number: 5880539
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnet induced switch comprises a substrate having an upper and lower conductive membranes, a plurality of electromagnet induced switches and a circuit controlling device. The electromagnet induced switches are suitably mounted onto the substrate and are suitably controlled by the circuit controlling device (including an analog multiplexer, a signal amplifying device, a signal triggering device, a signal locking-up/deleting device, a CPU and a breaking point controlling device during operation.) By this arrangement, the depressing position can be suitably recognized and the resulted signal is suitably and properly processed by the CPU. Consequently, a quick, missing free, free of incorrect works, linear and silent inputting device is resulted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Silitek Corporation
    Inventor: Rich Chen
  • Patent number: 5877565
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interlocking connector for a communication card including a first connection portion for connection to signals in the communication card relating to a first device such as a cellular telephone. A second connection portion in the interlocking connector provides for connection to signals in the communication card relating to a second device such as the PSTN. A blocking portion of the interlocking connector prevents electrical connection with the second connection portion and allows electrical connection with the first connection portion when the interlocking connector is connected to the communication card. A communication card is also provided which comprises modem circuitry, and an interface for connection between the modem circuitry and a computing device. A PSTN interface is provided for connection between the modem circuitry and a telephone line, and a cellular telephone interface is provided for connection between the modem circuitry and a cellular telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Eugene Hollenbach, Donald Raymond Laturell, Steven Brooke Witmer
  • Patent number: 5818121
    Abstract: In an on-board wiring system for vehicles has a battery line for connecting a generator with an energy accumulator and a disconnection switch, actuated as a result of an accident, arranged therein. Additional consuming devices are connected to the energy accumulator by way of a consuming device line. The disconnection switch 2 is constructed such that, in addition to the battery line 3, it also interrupts the consuming device line 9 and in the process also disconnects it from the battery line 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Alfred Krappel, Robert Albiez, Maximilian Groebmair, Bernhard Fahrnbauer
  • Patent number: 5814905
    Abstract: A multi-tap device for tapping a main TV or rf signal to deliver attenuated signals to individual TV receivers includes a pair of socket assemblies for receiving input and output pins of a plug-in tap plate or printed circuit board carrying necessary attenuation/tap off circuitry. The socket assemblies connect the input pin to a main input cable for receiving the main rf signal and ac power, and connect the output pin to a main output cable or continuation of the main cable, for distributing the main rf signal(s) and ac power to cascaded down line multi-tap devices. A shunt printed circuit board is mounted between the socket assemblies, and has an rf/ac conductive strip for connection at either end to switches built into each socket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Danny Q. Tang
  • Patent number: 5811892
    Abstract: A low voltage power inverter utilizes reed switches to control a number of display tubes. The reed switches are controlled by magnetic coils or permanent magnets. The magnetic coils receive a control signal from a control circuit. The control circuit is powered by a capacitor coupled around a power lead and a capacitor coupled around a return lead. The permanent magnet is coupled to a mechanical actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: KCS Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Battles, Robert Iannini
  • Patent number: 5798703
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highly reliable mat sensor which can also detect temporary faults in a sensor portion. Two sensor portions are provided, and agreement or disagreement of an ON/OFF condition of the output from the two sensor portions is detected, and when the output conditions of the two sensor portions are in agreement, then a normal judgment signal for both sensor portions is generated. When the normal judgment signal is generated and the two sensor portions are OFF, an operation permit signal for a movable portion of a machine is generated. Moreover, the presence or absence of a body is detected from a change in value of the electrostatic capacity of one sensor portion. In this way, a temporary poor contact attributable to deterioration of the sensor portion can also be detected, and the movable portion of the machine can be stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Sakai, Koichi Futsuhara, Toshihito Shirai
  • Patent number: 5765915
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for adjusting the height of the seat cushion for a vehicle which includes a rubber tube positioned under the seat cushion, a pressure sensing means positioned under the rubber tube and moving upward or downward depending upon the load supplied on the seat cushion, a first switch and a second switch selectively operating a compressor and a vacuum pump depending upon a signal from the pressure sensing means, and a limit switch cutting off the first switch on contact with the rubber tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Chang Seog Lee
  • Patent number: 5757088
    Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control device for mobile and stationary concrete pumps. The remote control device has a central control device to control groups and signalling units of the concrete pump and a remote control appliance connected to the central control device via a multicore remote control cable. The central control device has an emergency stop switch gear remote controlled by a mechanically actuatable emergency stop switch fitted in the remote control appliance, the power supply to which is taken via a forced first switch contact of the emergency stop switch and which triggers an emergency stop if the power supply fails. In order to ensure reliable emergency cut-off even in the event of a short circuit in the emergency stop system when the emergency stop switch is actuated, there is an overload fuse in the central control-side lead to the first switch contact designed as a break contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Putzmeister-Werk Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Baeumen, Wolf-Michael Petzold
  • Patent number: 5743487
    Abstract: A video monitor is deployed from an aircraft overhead storage compartment via a monitor-drive shaft selectively connected to an electric motor and retracted back into the compartment by a spring connected to the shaft. The monitor has limited rotational movement in both directions relative to the shaft. A bump sensor detects when the monitor has moved from its deployed position relative to the shaft as a result of being struck by a passenger and trips a solenoid. The solenoid, in turn, disengages the monitor-drive shaft from the motor and allows the spring to return the monitor to its stores position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Hollingsead International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark X. Rice
  • Patent number: 5744873
    Abstract: A manual switch has an electric contact movable into and out of simultaneous contact with the first and second conductors, an angularly movable operating member, with the electric contact fixedly mounted thereon, angularly movable to bring the electric contact selectively into a closed or ON position in simultaneous contact with the first and second conductors and an open or OFF position out of simultaneous contact with the first and second conductors, and a torsion coil spring for forcibly angularly moving the operating member to move the electric contact into the open position to open the electric lines connected to the batteries when pressing forces are applied to the operating member with the electric contact in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Hasegawa, Satoshi Watanabe, Shigeru Suzuki, Katsuhiro Shinmen
  • Patent number: 5721457
    Abstract: In a computer apparatus including an enclosure and a direct access storage device mounted within the enclosure, a mounting apparatus for the direct access storage device including: a plurality of a relatively rigid shock isolators and at least one stress sensor mounted in series with are of said shock isolators and disposed between the enclosure and the direct access storage device. The enclosure may include a user frame and the mounting apparatus may be disposed between the direct access storage device and the frame. There may be one stress sensor for each of the shock isolators. The shock isolators may be coupled to the direct access storage device. Each stress sensor may include a piezoelectric element. Preferably the shock isolators are rigid enough so that the resonant frequency of said mounting apparatus is at least 800 Hz, but can be 800 Hz or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Muthuthamby Sri-Jayantha, Vijayeshwar Khanna, Arun Sharma, Koji Kawabata, Jagdeep Tahliani
  • Patent number: 5708309
    Abstract: A power supply control circuit controls power supply to a circuit when an external unit is connected to and/or disconnected from a terminal unit to which the circuit is coupled. The power supply control circuit includes a first sensor for detecting whether or not the external unit is in a first state where the external unit is close to the terminal unit, a second sensor for detecting whether or not external unit which has been already connected to the terminal unit is in a second state, and a control circuit for controlling the power supply to the circuit in accordance with detecting results obtained by the first and second sensors. In addition the above power supply control circuit is applied to a computer game machine having a main circuit coupled to a cartridge slot to which a cartridge is to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventor: Manabu Kubo
  • Patent number: 5691580
    Abstract: A button interface for a state machine provides three signals, X, Y, or X and Y. The state machine further detects a single contact, a double contact, or a persistent contact to provide a matrix of nine separate states which control player functions. The cover of the button interface has two degrees of freedom, rotation and depression, which are achieved by various embodiments of leaf and coil springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Kevin Alan Shelby
  • Patent number: 5684457
    Abstract: A tamper indication system for use with combination locks can indicate or signal that unauthorized manipulation of one or more of the lock components has occurred. In one mode, the tamper indication system senses unauthorized retraction of the lock bolt. Unauthorized movement of the lock cover or combination dial can also be sensed. Sensing can be achieved by generating a mechanical action responsive to the unauthorized manipulation and converting the mechanical action into an electrical signal for sensing and indicating. The mechanical action can utilize a snap action motion generation system, non-contact means such as magnets or a spring biased switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: C&M Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clayton Miller, Michael P. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5682259
    Abstract: A manually actuatable integrated pilot light/contact/communications module connecting to an associated output device also having a communications module by means of a common communications link. The integrated pilot light/contact/communications module has at least one electrical contact, a logic circuit, a communications circuit, a communications terminal and pilot light activation circuit mounted on a printed circuit board. A bulb base for a pilot light is mounted on the module enclosure and electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board provides communication between the electrical contact and the logic circuit, between the logic circuit and the communications circuit, between the communications circuit and the communications terminal, between the communications circuit and the pilot light activation circuit, and between the pilot light activation circuit and the pilot light. The printed circuit board is enclosed within the module housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Steven L. Worm, Jackie C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5677578
    Abstract: A multi-tap device for tapping a main TV or rf signal to deliver attenuated signals to individual TV receivers includes a pair of socket assemblies for receiving input and output pins of a plug-in tap plate or printed circuit board carrying necessary attenuation/tap off circuitry. The socket assemblies connect the input pin to a main input cable for receiving the main rf signal and ac power, and connect the output pin to a main output cable or continuation of the main cable, for distributing the main rf signal(s) and ac power to cascaded down line multi-tap devices. A shunt printed circuit board is mounted between the socket assemblies, and has an rf/ac conductive strip for connection at either end to switches built into each socket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Danny Q. Tang
  • Patent number: 5654595
    Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of electrical current to a power tool includes a switch and handle combination coupled to a wiring component which serves to bypass an electrical circuit of a power tool. In a first embodiment, the wiring component can be "hard wired" into the electrical circuit of a power tool in a permanent arrangement. In a second embodiment, the wiring component is self-contained, and includes a power cord bisected by a junction box, the junction box for accepting the plug adaptor of a power tool. An anchoring device serves to anchor the switch and handle to an accessible location upon the power tool, so that the switch may be easily reached, should a user need to increase, decrease, reverse or stop the flow of electrical current to the power tool motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas R. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5637931
    Abstract: A safety circuit for an electrical iron is provided comprising a double through position sensitive switch having a common contact that is connectable to connect a horizontal position sensing contact and a vertical position sensing contact. When the iron is in use, the common contact will continually shift its contact between the two position sensing contacts, which enables the coupling of power to the heating circuit of the iron. When the iron is placed either horizontally or vertically, a delay timer of a control unit will start to count passage of time. When a preset time has elapsed, the control unit will deactivate the coupling of power to the iron's heating circuit. However, during this period when time is being counted or subsequent to the deactivation of power, if use of the iron is resumed, the control unit delay timer will start to count from the very beginning and the power will be activated again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Lundar Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tony Hsu
  • Patent number: 5635777
    Abstract: A foot operated control apparatus for randomly selecting any function and subsequently activating that function of a multi-function device that includes a base assembly and a foot operator assembly. The foot operator assembly is capable of being articulated in at least distinct three directions of travel with respect to the base assembly. The foot operator assembly may be selectively moved by the foot of the user in any of the directions, separately or in combination, to provide a floating-like movement. This apparatus includes indicating means for providing physical sensory indications to the user during the random selection and activation of a function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Andrew Telymonde
    Inventors: Timothy D. Telymonde, Mark Iosim
  • Patent number: 5627416
    Abstract: An electronic device has a host with a card-receiving slot, and can receive and operate with both low voltage (3 volts) and high voltage (5 volts) IC (integrated circuit) cards. The inner end of the slot has a voltage-discriminating first side, and has a switch (82, FIG. 5) with an actuator (80) lying at a location that is occupied by a discrimination key portion (69) that is present in a low voltage card but not a high voltage card. The electronic device has both lower and higher voltage circuits (124, 130) for energizing lower and higher voltage cards, and the type of card sensed by the switch determines which circuit is connected to contacts at the inner end of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Edward A. Kantner
  • Patent number: 5619076
    Abstract: Connection of batteries to the DC bus lines across which capacitors are connected in power systems, such as uninterruptible power systems, is carried out using an auxiliary switch which is controlled to connect the batteries to a DC bus line through a precharge resistor momentarily before connection is made through a main connector. The preconnection of the batteries through the precharge resistor provides a controlled rate of charge of the capacitors before closing of the main connector to thereby avoid excessive surge currents. When the main connector is opened, as when the power system is prepared for transportation or long term storage, the auxiliary switch interrupts the current path from the battery through the precharge resistor and provides a current path from the DC bus line through a discharge resistor to ground to bleed down the charge on the capacitors to a desired level within a selected period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: General Signal Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Layden, Michael J. Cane, Robert Bishop
  • Patent number: 5614772
    Abstract: An operating device for electronic switching devices, which operating device includes a front plate, one or more actuators applied to the from plate for the purpose of actuating one or more modules, a changeable from foil which can be applied to the front plate and which is designed to hold a coding, a recognition system which reads in the data of the coding, and an intelligent control device which picks up the read-in data from the recognition system and assigns, in dependence on the read-in data, a user-specific activation function to each actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Bregenhorn, Butow & Co., Elektrotechnische Gerate GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Butow, Harald Schilling
  • Patent number: 5608274
    Abstract: A safety switch system for a machine having a ram which can be cycled toward and away from a workstation includes a pair of trip switch triggers disposed on handgrips remote from the workstation and an anvil switch trigger coupled to the machine at the workstation. The trip switch triggers are operable to effect a first signal, and the anvil switch trigger is operable to effect a second signal. The handgrips are coupled to a workpiece holder which is movable to align a selected area of a workpiece in the tooling ram path and to move the workpiece into actuating engagement with the anvil switch trigger. A control system is provided for cycling the ram upon sensing the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: David Cipolla, Ronald D. Peffer