Mechanical Force Patents (Class 307/119)
  • Patent number: 5602428
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive switch mat capable of interconnection with other such switch mats on all sides to eliminate non-activation zones as disclosed. The switch mat has a main switch mat portion and an activation edge on all sides of the switch mat. The activation edge includes a connector retainer lip, an actuation platform and an end portion. When an actuation force is applied to the actuation platform, the switch mat is actuated. A bridge connector for connecting adjacent pressure sensitive switch mats to eliminate non-activation zones therebetween is disclosed. Additionally, a control circuit for the switch mat system that has an integrity monitoring system for providing reliable control of the switch mat system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Acrometal Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Schultz, Duane M. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5602429
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a switch arrangement for signaling the movement and the inclination of the switch arrangement which is accommodated in a housing. The switch arrangement (2) includes a first switch (12) configured as an On/Off switch and a second switch (10) connected to a capacitor (K). The switches include each conductor portions (22, 24) adapted to be connected to each other by a movable actuating member (18). While the switch (12) signals both the movement and the inclination of the arrangement (2), the switch (10) signals a movement of the arrangement (2) by issuing pulse signals. In the position of the rest of the actuating member (18), none of the switches is activated. In one configuration of the switch arrangement, the actuating member is guided in a cutout whose sides extend towards each other in a converging fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Heinz Scgiebelhuth
  • Patent number: 5583735
    Abstract: A video monitor deployment/retraction apparatus includes a frame located in an aircraft overhead compartment and a monitor pivotally mounted on the frame for rotation between a stored and a deployed position. A spring biases the monitor to its stored position where is releasably retained by a locking mechanism. A solenoid and actuating arms selectively disable the locking mechanism to allow the monitor to be lowered to its deployed position and enable a latching mechanism when the monitor has reached its deployed position to retain the monitor in that position. The latching means is disabled when the monitor is bumped by a passenger while in the deployed position to allow the spring to return the monitor to the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Hollingsead International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Pease, Mark X. Rice
  • Patent number: 5573425
    Abstract: A communication cable used to connect a peripheral device to a computer has a first cable, a second cable and a patch unit. The first cable encloses a set of power lines and a set of data lines, and the second cable encloses a set of data lines. The patch unit includes a socket with first and second contacts. In the patch unit, the sets of data lines of the first and second cables are connected. One of the power lines is connected to the first contact, and another of the power lines is connected to the second contact. The first cable connects the patch unit with the peripheral device, and the second cable connects the patch unit with the computer. When power is applied from an external source to the first and second contacts, the power is supplied from the first and second contacts to the peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tahei Morisawa, Nobuhiro Tani, Harumi Aoki
  • Patent number: 5563458
    Abstract: Apparatus for sensing the flexure of a surface includes an array of bistable dome shaped switches within the surface which change their state or position depending on the direction and degree of local flexure of the surface. A flexible sheet parallel to the surface carries wiring for detecting the state of the bistable switches and carrying this information to a computer. A second parallel sheet may be used to detect the second position of the bistable switches for extra accuracy. The bistable switches may be linked, meaning the perimeters of the bistable switches overlap, or unlinked. The two stable positions may include two oppositely protruding positions, or one protruding position and one flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Paul L. Ericson
  • Patent number: 5554894
    Abstract: A footswitch for ophthalmic surgery includes a rotatable foot pedal, a spring member which biases the foot pedal to resist rotation and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the bias of the spring member to a surgeon selected value. In an illustrated embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a worm screw gear assembly which is used to vary the amount of torque generated by a coil spring on a shaft upon which a pedal is mounted. As a worm gear is rotated by a thumb wheel, a spur gear is rotated to wind or unwind coil spring thereby increasing or decreasing the amount of tension exerted by coil spring on a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Iolab Corporation
    Inventor: Perry Sepielli
  • Patent number: 5554893
    Abstract: A device that provides a control system which is capable of positively preventing a semiconductor from suffering from latch up. In order to prevent this latch up, a control circuit controls the semiconductor through a power source switch. The control circuit is capable of supplying a constant voltage to a power source terminal of the semiconductor when it is electrically connected to the power source circuit by turning on the power source switch, and thereafter supplying a control signal to a control terminal of the semiconductor. The control circuit is capable of stopping the output of the control signal to the control terminal and then stopping the supply of voltage to the power source terminal when disconnected from the power source circuit by turning off the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Machida Endoscope Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshio Oku
  • Patent number: 5554835
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive switch has upper, middle and lower laminar elongated members, the middle member having an opening therethrough defining a cavity between the upper and lower members. A first array of substantially parallel, spaced-apart electrically conductive bands is fixed to a lower surface of the upper member and traverses the cavity. A second array of substantially parallel, spaced-apart electrically conductive bands is fixed to an upper surface of the lower member and traverses the cavity and the upper member bands, selected lower member bands being discretely connected to an electrical input lead and other lower member bands being discretely connected to an electrical output lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Bed-Check Corporation
    Inventor: Paul F. Newham
  • Patent number: 5552647
    Abstract: A remotely controlled actuator assembly is provided to switch a large power distribution switch used in an electrical utility power grid. The actuator of the assembly throws the switch between at least two positions to establish at least two power routing conditions. The actuator assembly includes a position-sensing device to repeatably and accurately indicate the position of the actuator. The position-sensing device generates a signal indicative of the extent of displacement of the actuator. The generated signal provides feed-back to a control system which control the extent of actuator travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Systems Analysis and Integration, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald B. Tinkham
  • Patent number: 5463258
    Abstract: A steering wheel (12) incorporates an air bag unit (22). The air bag unit has a cover door (30) with a transducer (38) molded in a deformable front wall (35) of the cover door. The transducer can be a force sensitive resistor (38) which is operably connected to an electrical circuit (42) that actuates a horn (44) when the circuit senses a change in the resistance of force sensitive resistor (38). The force sensitive resistor (38) produces a suitable change in resistance when hand pressure is exerted on the front wall (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Filion, Colin C. Frost, Denis L. Moore, Richard D. Roberge, Vincent J. Yedlin
  • Patent number: 5422521
    Abstract: A foot-operated control system for use with a multi-function device includes a movable foot control device, one embodiment of the device comprising a pedal mounted on a base to pivot azimuthally with respect to the base and also downwardly in elevation with respect to the base. When the pedal is pivoted in azimuth, the foot control device provides selection signals to a selector including a function menu. The selector in turn, selects a menu segment from the function menu which corresponds to the desired function of the multi-function device. Pivoting the pedal to the left or to the right moves a menu indicator or icon through the various menu segments until the indicator indicates the segment corresponding to the desired function as indicated. The foot pedal is then returned to a central position and is moved in elevation to actuate the multi-function device to perform the selected function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Liebel-Flarsheim Co.
    Inventors: Charlie Neer, Frank Fago, Marvin Watkins
  • Patent number: 5311068
    Abstract: The present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a load control apparatus comprising a control unit for controlling the supply of power to a load. The control unit has a first state and a second state. When the load control apparatus is disposed in the first state, the control unit enables power to be supplied to the load. When the load control apparatus is disposed in the second state, the control unit prevents power from being supplied to the load. The load control apparatus further comprises a switch for causing the control unit to switch from one state to another. The switch is actuatable external from the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5180925
    Abstract: A remote switching system for an electric trolling motor mounted to a boat includes at least one remote switching station secured to the boat and provided with a foot operated push-button switch actuator, the actuator configured for actuating the switch either momentarily or continuously by movement of the actuator by the operator's foot. A power circuit is designed to connect the remote switching station to the motor in a way which will conserve power and prevent corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew J. Lieb
  • Patent number: 5175443
    Abstract: In a switch apparatus having a membrane structure, when it is detected that a conductive pattern comes into contact with both of two conductive patterns, it is judged that a normal ON operation is performed, and an ON signal is output. When the conductive pattern comes into contact with only one of the two conductive patterns, it is judged that a failure such as a short-circuit due to peeling occurs, and an alarm signal is output. The switch apparatus has a self-detecting function, so that it reliably detects an unstable condition of a failure such as a short-circuit due to peeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masazumi Tabuchi
  • Patent number: 5168172
    Abstract: A control system for a washing machine which controls an induction motor to generate an optimum torque in accordance with a load amount of laundry and whether the washing machine is operating in a washing or drying mode. The control system drives the motor at an optimum torque by varying the input voltage in accordance with the sensed load and sensed mode of operation. This allows a washing machine according to the invention to operate more efficiently and with less noise than conventional washing machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung T. Jung
  • Patent number: 5159316
    Abstract: An object to be protected is placed on a compressible pad having upper and lower conductive plates, separated by a compressible dielectric. A sensing device is connected to the upper and lower plates to sense a first capacitance when the upper plate is compressed by presence of the object, and a change in capacitance when the object is removed so as to permit the dielectric layer to expand and change the capacitance. There is a time delay circuitry and other circuitry to alleviate the possibility of false alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Lazzara Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Sal Lazzara
  • Patent number: 5151844
    Abstract: A hand brake operated control device of a car includes an electrical control circuit having a normal-open switch positioned under a rear cam portion of a hand brake lever, a normal-close switch formed in a front portion of the hand brake lever to be operatively depressed by a push button of the hand brake lever, and an electromagnetic switch which is powered for protruding a core latch outwardly to retard a depression of an accelerator pedal of the car, whereby upon an upwardly pulling of the hand brake lever for braking the car, the normal-open switch will be closed by the rear cam portion of the hand brake lever to close the electrical control circuit to actuate the electromagnetic switch to protrude the core latch outwardly for retarding a depression of the accelerator pedal for preventing the driving of a hand braked car for protecting the car; and upon a depression of the push button of the hand brake lever, the normal-close switch will be opened as being depressed by the push button to thereby open the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 5126643
    Abstract: A control system for an electric-motor-driven power tool, comprising solenoid operated switching contacts in a mains supply circuit for controlling the supply of mains current to the motor, a latching circuit for normally holding said switching contacts closed during normal operation, a stop switch for breaking the latching circuit to open said switching contacts when it is desired to stop the motor in normal operation, and a reed relay having switching contacts disposed in the latching circuit and a coil disposed in the mains supply circuit to the motor. The reed relay is arranged to break the latching circuit automatically, and thereby disable the motor, if the current supply to the motor exceeds a predetermined level. A movement detection device is adapted to trigger the latching circuit to open the solenoid operated switching contacts in the event of the control system being physically moved in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Rotabroach Limited
    Inventor: Edward M. French
  • Patent number: 5112133
    Abstract: An alignment system usable in an exposure apparatus for printing a pattern of a mask on a wafer, for aligning the mask and the wafer, is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of position detecting devices; a plurality of driving stages corresponding to the position detecting devices, respectively, each driving stage being adapted to move a corresponding one of the position detecting devices two-dimensionally along a plane which is substantially opposed to the mask; a plurality of contacts corresponding to the position detecting devices, respectively, each contact being provided at an end portion of a corresponding one of the position detecting devices, along the plane and facing the pattern side; a detecting device for detecting mutual approach of the position detecting devices through at least one of the contacts; and a control device for controlling movement of at least one of the driving stages in accordance with the detection by the detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kurosawa, Koji Uda, Kunitaka Ozawa, Shunichi Uzawa, Ryuichi Ebinuma, Takao Kariya
  • Patent number: 5109223
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for inductive transfer of the scanning signal from a sensing head to a machine body. The apparatus includes cooperating inductive coupling elements between a receiving lug of the sensing head and the spindle of the machine. Cooperating coupling elements for inductive coupling are also provided between the spindle and the machine body. The coupling element of the receiving lug includes a coil with a ferromagnetic core. The spindle includes a second cooperating coil lying opposite to the receiving-lug coil which also includes a ferromagnetic core. The scanning signal is conducted from the detector to the coil in the receiving lug and is transferred inductively to the spindle. The scanning signal then passes over a transfer coil to a receiving coil. The transfer coil and receiving coil are configured such that the signal is transferred independently of rotation of the spindle relative to the machine body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Schmitt, Franz Ritz
  • Patent number: 5091656
    Abstract: A footswitch apparatus for remotely controlling a surgical instrument. The footswitch apparatus preferably includes a base and a footpedal movably mounted to the base. The footpedal is movable within set upward and downward limits. In one mode of operation, the downward travel of the footpedal is resisted by different springs and different ranges of travel. The footpedal position is sensed and the operation of the surgical instrument is altered depending on which of the ranges the footpedal is in. This gives the operator constant tactile feedback as to which range of travel the footpedal is in. In addition, in a second mode of operation, the multiple springs are decoupled and only a single spring is experienced throughout the range of travel. This provides a flexibility so that the same footswitch apparatus can be used to operate a surgical instrument in a particular mode with linear control throughout the range of footpedal travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Storz Instrument Company
    Inventor: Gerald S. Gahn
  • Patent number: 5051605
    Abstract: A continuously energized switch having only stationary parts for application to electronic sports equipment is disclosed. The switch connects and disconnects the electronic circuitry of the sports equipment to and from its power supply in response to the application of predetermined non-invasive external influences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: Marker International
    Inventors: Nicholas F. D'Antonio, Ehrenfried Andra, Lorenz Stempfhuber
  • Patent number: 5028807
    Abstract: A load cell includes a load sensing section which is formed by a rigid load introduction section, a rigid load support section and a strain sensing section, and a base plate having a neck and two parallel plate-shaped rigid sections. One part of the plate-shaped rigid section of the base plate is integratedly fixed to the load sensing section, and the strain gauges are mounted on the strain sensing section formed on the load sensing section so as to detect a load applied to the load introduction section and convert the magnitude of a measured load into a quantity of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Kyowa Electronic Instruments Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayasu Kawai, Yoshisaburo Tohdoh, Koji Sakata
  • Patent number: 5012124
    Abstract: A control panel having a series of touch sensitive sensors mounted under a protective cover. The outputs of the sensors are effected by the presence of a human finger on the surface of the cover due to the capacitance of the human body with the earth. A microcomputer is used to distinguish intentional touching of the sensors from incidential contact with the panel, thereby making the control panel useful for controlling multiple functions from a single location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Jerrell P. Hollaway
  • Patent number: 4994793
    Abstract: A device for detecting intrusion for security or inventory control purposes includes a mat having loosely superposed metallic foil sheets separated by a sheet of paper or plastic foil dielectric to form a capacitor, and circuitry connected to provide a voltage differential to the capacitor and to detect a change in capacitance caused by weight applied to or removed from the mat. The circuit includes a voltage regulator to regulate the applied voltage differential, a unity gain amplifier to isolate the mat capacitor from change signal amplifier circuitry, a comparator to compare the amplified change signal with user settable thresholds, and a one-shot multivibrator for initiating an alarm signal pulse when one of the thresholds is exceeded. The sheets are preferably aluminum foil backed with plastic film and, in one form, are wrapped one around the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Kevin Curtis
  • Patent number: 4979149
    Abstract: A memory device for digital electronic signals includes at least one micro-mechanical memory element. The memory element includes a support having recess defined therein and a curved mechanical component bridging the recess and fixed to the support. The mechanical component has two stable positions, each of which being maintained by mechanical forces, one concave down towards the support and the other convex up away from the support. The mechanical component is adapted to be selectively changed from one stable position to the other stable position during a writing cycle and to have its stable position determined during a reading cycle so that the memory element can be used for storing binary logic information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: LGZ Landis & Gyr Zug AG
    Inventors: Radivoje Popovic, Katalin Solt, Heinz Lienhard
  • Patent number: 4897754
    Abstract: There are provided a first switch which is switched to the on state or the off state in association with a displacement of an actuator which causes a displacement by a contact with an object and a second switch which is switched to the on state or off state later than the first switch in association with the displacement of the actuator. A switch output is produced and an abnormality is detected in accordance with the on and off states of these switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.
    Inventors: Keisuke Konishi, Norio Iwakiri, Hiroyuki Yamada, Masanori Ishii
  • Patent number: 4872082
    Abstract: The present invention is a safety feature in an automatic garage door operator. In the prior art a single momentary contact push button, either directly connected to the automatic garage door operator or connected via a radio transmitter, is used to control door operation. In accordance with the present invention, closing the garage door requires continuous actuation of the momentary contact push button from the time the operation is begun until the door is fully closed. Any interruption in this continuous operation causes the automatic garage door operator to reverse and fully open the door. Thus continuous attention of the operator is required, thus enhancing safety because of the attention of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Stanley Electronics
    Inventor: Brian J. Martel
  • Patent number: 4868411
    Abstract: A signal conversion circuit converts variations in resistance into an electrical signal. The conversion circuit comprises both a bridge circuit and a single operational amplifier with a capacitor between them to store voltage samples produced by an unbalancing of the bridge. The bridge circuit has a detector element such as a strain gauge for providing a resistance variation. A capacitor is connected through switches to both the bridge circuit and signal operational amplifier. The switches operate in a sequence whereby the operational amplifier is disconnected from the capacitor during the storage of the sample and the bridge is disconnected from the capacitor during intervals while the charged capacitor is connected to the amplifer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Ishihara
  • Patent number: 4863233
    Abstract: An EMR containment system coupling an EMR contained computer chassis and a wide band video monitor includes three plastic fiber optic cables terminated in a plug at each end. The computer chassis includes a socket having an electrically conductive surface in which three cylindrical fiber optic wave guides are positioned, each having at least a 3/1 ratio of length to diameter. Optical diodes are positioned at the end of each wave guide for coupling wide band R, G and B video and sync signals to and from the fiber cables when the plugs are seated within the sockets. A microswitch communicates with the rear of one of the sockets and is physically operable by a removable actuator carried by the mating plug for selecting between monochrome and color monitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Zenith Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Nienaber, Gary G. Schoeffel
  • Patent number: 4860144
    Abstract: An overload protector for a robot arm has an open-topped cylinder into which a piston is inserted. The piston is held against a circumferential stop surface of the cylinder by compression springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus Berner
  • Patent number: 4851706
    Abstract: A system for processing analog electrical input signals to produce output signals having frequencies determined by electrical adapting signals, in which the adapting signals may depend upon characteristics of the input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventor: Nicholas D. D'Antonio
  • Patent number: 4835412
    Abstract: A motor home/soldout detection scheme which can sense N motors home and/or soldout, using only a two wire interface to each motor. The two wire interface can also be matrixed by row and column to further expand the interfacing ability. By channeling the home signal from the control board through the soldout switch the detection of soldout can be assured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott B. Hudis, Craig A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4798970
    Abstract: A defrosting circuit switch unit for an electronic range comprises: a frame of said unit, said frame being provided with a shaft; a defrosting circuit switch lever provided in a case in which a time switch is incorporated; a connecting rod having its lower end portion connected with a free end portion of said lever, said connecting rod being slidably moved up and down; a rotary plate rotatably mounted on said frame through said shaft and provided with a stopper extending in a projecting manner, said stopper being received in an elongated hole of an upper portion of said connecting rod, said rotary plate being integrally formed with a projection and a sector cam, said projection abutting on a leaf spring mounted on said frame; and a tension spring mounted between said rotary plate and said frame so as to resiliently biasing said rotary plate, said tension spring being engaged with said rotary plate through an engaging hole provided in said rotary plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Imanishi Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenzo Okamoto, Fumihiko Kitada
  • Patent number: 4797564
    Abstract: An overload detection mechanism for a robot is disclosed, wherein first and second members are relatively urged together by an urging means to urge the axis of the second member toward the Z axis of the first member. The second member is guided in any movements departing from coaxial alignment, and the first member is supported near the end of a robot arm. A tool mount or workpiece mount is connected to the second member. An electrical device is mounted on one of the members, and a device actuator on the other of the members, with the reaction means acting between the members to relatively move the members upon tilting from an X-Y plane normal to the Z axis, or axial thrust applied by the tool mount to the second member. In this manner, an overload of a tool in the tool mount establishes relative movement between the first and second members, so that the electrical device is actuated to change an electrical condition thereof and can be connected to stop movement of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Erickson Tool Company
    Inventor: Valdas S. Ramunas
  • Patent number: 4789791
    Abstract: A rotary drive mechanism has a yoke mounted on a motor shaft which engages a crank connected to a device to be rotated, such as the rotary portion of a microwave switch. When the gear motor is activated, the yoke causes the crank to move from a first position to a position past top dead center. A spring connected to the crank causes the crank to snap from the position past top dead center to a second position. A microswitch at the second position provides a signal to brake the motor when the crank reaches the second position. The yoke is configured like a V with the attachment point to the motor being the base of the V. A post from the crank is contained within the area defined by the legs of the V at a point where the shaft will not contact the opposite leg when the crank passes top dead center and is snapped to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Erwin Grellmann
  • Patent number: 4788453
    Abstract: Mechanical signals which are made available in the form of limited travel distances can be fed, for obtaining at least one output variable, to an arrangement in which plungers assigned to the input variable are arranged in space parallel to each other, wherein a slide movably guided likewise parallel to the plungers is provided for the transmsision of force between the plungers. For obtaining a logical AND interconnection, at least one plunger for a first input signal can be guided at the slide and at least one plunger can be arranged approximately opposite the former for the output signal and the slide an have a working surface for at least one corresponding plunger for action by a further input signal. Arrangements of this kind can be used in conjunction with wire tripping devices in electrical switching installations for interlocking purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Peter Bohnen, Ludvik Godesa, Reinhard Kugler, Ulrich Marquardt
  • Patent number: 4772807
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric control device for controlling displacement of a moving element (22) between two predetermined positions, said element (22) being associated with one or two electrically conductive return means (18, 30) having shape memory which exert substantially no return force on the element (22) so long as no electric current is passing therethrough, and which exert sufficient force thereon to displace it when an electric current is caused to pass therethrough, with an electric current being switched through one or other of the return means by a controlling switch (10). Once the moving element has reached the desired predetermined position, the electric current used to move it is interrupted by means of a toggle switch (24) operated by the moving element. The invention is applicable to selecting pneumatic functions, e.g. in the motor industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Bouvot
  • Patent number: 4767943
    Abstract: In a switch arrangement for switching electrical functions with at least two switches (A;B) having electrical contact elements (8;9;10;11), at least one of the switches (A;B) is made as a foil switch having a flexible base foil (4;7) carrying one contact element (9;11) and a switch element (2;5), particularly a switch foil, elastically deflectable in the direction toward the base foil and carrying the opposite contact element (8;10). The other switch (B) is so arranged behind the foil switch (A) in the keying direction that it is operable by an operating pressure on the foil switch (A) which exceeds the required operating pressure for the foil switch (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Stierlen-Maquet AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Adler, Hermann Kieferle
  • Patent number: 4749878
    Abstract: A variable force push button is used as an input device for a control system. Specifically, a bi-directional storage device produces a command that is applied to an element to be controlled. A signal is generated having a characteristic representative of the force applied to the push button. A representation of the characteristic is integrated by the storage device. In addition to changing the characteristic by varying the force applied to the push button, the user can change the direction of the integration, thereby increasing and decreasing the value of the command. The push button comprises a pressure sensitive element sandwiched between electrically conductive contacts one of which is actuated by the user. The pressure sensitive element is constructed of conductive particles in an elastomeric matrix. Preferably, electrically conductive micro-agglomerates of unbound finely divided electro-conductive carbon particles having a maximum dimension of between about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Advanced Micro-Matrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Snyder, Michael Michalchik, Peter T. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 4745301
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive electro-conductive material which can be utilized as a pressure sensitive electro-conductive switch or as a variable resistor. The switch comprises two electrodes with a deformable pressure sensitive electro-conductive material sandwiched between the electrodes. The electro-conductive material comprises a deformable elastomeric material impregnated with a plurality of electro-conductive micro-agglomerates of unbound finely divided electro-conductive carbon particles enclosed by a matrix of the elastomeric material and finely divided electro-conductive carbon particles bound together by the elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Advanced Micro-Matrix, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Michalchik
  • Patent number: 4742245
    Abstract: In a method for controlling an automatic door system, after a power-supply switch of the system is turned on, a door of the system initially conducts its low-speed opening/closing operation when a first human-body detection signal is inputted to the system; and then, when the door travels a distance more than a predetermined minimum door stroke, the door conducts its normal-speed opening/closing operation after completion of its traveling the predetermined minimum door stroke to enable the door to conduct its normal-speed operation within a short time after the power-supply switch is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K. K.
    Inventors: Yukio Yoshida, Akiyoshi Takimoto, Kenzo Ono, Kiyotada Nishikawa, Toshio Oura
  • Patent number: 4727263
    Abstract: In an electromotive control device having an end disconnect switch, two circular conductive paths are arranged on an insulating support, at least one of said paths being less than an entire circle. Wiper contacts which connect the conductive paths are electrically connected to each other and are connected to a wheel which is driven by a motor, the wheel being mounted coaxially to the conductive paths. The limit disconnect switch and thus a setting element can be manufactured at low cost by the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventor: Roland Sudler
  • Patent number: 4698717
    Abstract: An electrical safety disconnect device inserted in overhead power wires to prevent live broken wires from contacting the ground or persons in their vicinity. The device takes the form of a male-female plug combination that automatically separates when the wire experiences a predetermined force generally less than that required to break the wire itself. A band encircles both the male and female components to hold them together and maintain the electrical connection. This band breaks when a predetermined stress pulls on the wires to allow the male and female portions to separate. The device sits on the wire near to the pole closer to the source of electricity. Upon separating, as in a storm for example, the "live" end of the wire hangs above the ground where it cannot contact people or other objects. Placing the female component on this portion of the wire provides additional protection to the environs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventor: William J. Scheid
  • Patent number: 4691117
    Abstract: A contactless electrical switch includes a switch element comprising a piezo-resistive transducer (25). Coded toothed cams (16) operated via a shaft (14) deflect the transducer (25) causing corresponding changes in stress and hence resistance. The output of the transducer is amplified and fed to logic circuitry which determines a corresponding current path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Assignee: International Standard Electric Company
    Inventors: John C. Greenwood, Robert J. Hodges, Robert Sheppard
  • Patent number: 4685709
    Abstract: A locking system comprises a lock mechanism including a casing structure adapted to be mounted to one of a door and a door frame and having a front plate with an aperture therein; a latch bolt mounted with respect to the casing structure for movement between a first position wherein a portion thereof extends from the front plate of the casing structure for latching engagement with the other of the door and door frame, and a second, retracted position wherein the same portion thereof is held out of position for said latching engagement. A deadlock member is mounted to the casing for movement between a blocking position wherein the deadlock member will prevent movement of the latch bolt to the second, retracted position, and a non-blocking position wherein the latch bolt is free to move to the retracted position. An operating disc is rotatably mounted coaxially with the latch bolt and coupled to rotate the latch bolt through a lost motion type of connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: R. R. Brink Locking Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond V. Kambic
  • Patent number: 4667119
    Abstract: A trigger switch for use with hand held power tools includes a trigger which is movable in response to finger pressure thereon. A pair of normally open switch contacts are closed when finger pressure in excess of a first threshold pressure is applied to the trigger. In the event the applied finger pressure exceeds a second, greater threshold pressure, the switch contacts are opened to deactuate the tool. An insulating member shields the switch contacts when the second threshold pressure is exceeded to prevent closure of the contacts upon release of the trigger. A second set of switch contacts, closable in response to finger pressure in excess of the second threshold, may be provided to control actuation of an electrical tool brake mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: Zealy M. Holmes
  • Patent number: 4654569
    Abstract: In a control circuit for a transfer device including feed bars movable along two or three axes and servo-actuators respectively provided for driving the feed bars in stroke-forming movements along the axes, there are provided a stroke signal generator for generating a stroke defining signal separately from press movement and press control device for controlling the operation of a press. Based on the output signal from the stroke signal generator, the press control delivers press starting and stopping instructions at appropriate instants not interfere with the movements of the feed bars for initiating press operations of an intermittent nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Masakatsu Mizumoto, Yasuhiro Umano
  • Patent number: 4633099
    Abstract: The drain voltage of an IGFET having a channel responsive to the change in physical quantity to be measured is negatively fed back to the gate terminal of the IGFET. The negative feedback loop includes series connection of a first amplifier having an amplification factor larger than unity and a second amplifier having an amplification factor smaller than unity. The interconnection point between the first and the second amplifiers is connected to the output terminal. There is provided a stable, highly sensitive and highly reliable semiconductor sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Tanabe, Kanji Kawakami
  • Patent number: 4599524
    Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool has a rotatable spindle (10) to which is connected, in the place of the usual cutting tool, a probe (16) for measuring a work surface (25) to be, or having been, machined by a said tool. The probe (16) includes an electric circuit (30) adapted to respond to engagement between the probe (16) and the work surface (25), by disestablishing a signal (26) to a control system (12) and thereby effect measurement of the position of the work surface (25). The circuit (30) is energized by a battery (31) normally disconnected from the circuit (30) and connectable thereto by the control system (12) effecting a transient rotation of the spindle (10). The rotation acts on a centrifugally operated, normally open switch (FIG. 2) arranged within the probe (16). The circuit (30) is arranged to latch the switch in the "on" condition when the transient rotation ceases whereafter the probe (16) is ready for the probing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Assignee: Renishaw plc
    Inventor: David R. McMurtry