Interlock Patents (Class 307/328)
  • Patent number: 12132347
    Abstract: Provided is a system for uninterrupted power using an array of capacitive elements (e.g., ultra-capacitors). The system may include an input, which may receive power from a first power source. A direct current (DC) bus may be connected to the input and may receive power from the input. An array of capacitive elements (e.g., ultra-capacitors) may be connected to the DC bus. An output may be connected the DC bus. The output may include an alternating current (AC) power supply, which may supply power to at least one facility. At least one controller may control charging and discharging of the array of capacitive elements (e.g., ultra-capacitors) connected to the DC bus to supply power from the DC bus to the output. A method and computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Velocity Magnetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Domenic P. Marzano, Alex R. Rugh, Joseph L. Hake
  • Patent number: 11937221
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for multi-carrier network operation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of performing channel scrambling in a multi-carrier network, wherein the multi-carrier network includes a first component carrier (“CC”) and a second CC between a base station and a user equipment (“UE”) comprises receiving a Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (“C-RNTI”) and a cell identification (“ID”) for at least one of the first CC and the second CC; and using the RNTI and the cell ID to perform scrambling of information transmitted on at least one of the first CC and the second CC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Mo-Han Fong, Sean Michael McBeath, Youn Hyoung Heo, Jun Li, Hua Xu
  • Patent number: 11794586
    Abstract: A magnetic HVIL system for a drive in a transport application includes a Hall effect sensor within at least one housing of the drive that includes terminals and a removable cover. The removable cover includes a magnet having a magnetic field that is detectable by the Hall effect sensor when the removable cover is installed on the housing. The magnetic field of the magnet is not detectable by the Hall effect sensor when the removable cover is removed from the housing. The magnet HVIL system is configured to be operable to enable active operation of the drive when the Hall effect sensor detects the magnetic field of the magnet and is in a closed circuit condition and disable operation of the drive when the Hall effect sensor does not detect the magnetic field of the magnet and is in an open circuit condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Copeland LP
    Inventors: Nikhil R. Lakhkar, Kevin J. Gehret, Donald Wayne Cox, Russ M. Beisner
  • Patent number: 11784011
    Abstract: An electricity meter comprising an electrically-controlled electromechanical switch is disclosed. The electromechanical switch comprises a rotary actuator comprising a generally-cylindrical permanent magnet rotor having a central axis, a stator comprising a closed stator core and first and second opposite stator poles inwardly-projecting from the closed stator core towards the rotor and first and second coils wound around the first and second stator poles respectively. The electromechanical switch comprises a switch comprising at least one pair of first and second contacts wherein the first contact is movable. The electromechanical switch comprises mechanical linkage between the rotary actuator and the movable contact(s) configured such that rotation of the rotor from a first angular position to a second angular position causes the switch to be opened, and rotation from the second angular position to the first angular position causes the switch to be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: SENTEC LTD.
    Inventors: Andrew Nicholas Dames, Michael Cantor, Lawrence Born, James Evett
  • Patent number: 11747010
    Abstract: A monitor includes a metallic edge piece and a downlight module. The edge piece provides a contact surface to receive touch inputs for a touch sensor. The downlight module includes the touch sensor and a lamp. The downlight module is coupled to the edge piece to receive the touch inputs to turn on and off the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Guentaek Oh, Kyung Eun Lee
  • Patent number: 11316366
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for access-controlled electrical docking stations that automatically switch power to an electrical system between generator power and utility power are disclosed herein. An illustrative electrical docking station can include a cabinet that houses a circuit breaker, a generator interface to connect generators to the electrical docking station, an Automatic Transfer Switch, and a power supply. The power supply can supply converted DC power and protection to different accessories for the electrical docking station including an alarm, a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be configured to lock a door to the generator connectors in a closed position when the ATS is energized by a generator and to not lock the door when the door is in an open position. In some such circumstances, the alarm can shine green or provide an audible alarm and shine red respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Trystar, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Sunde, Jared A. Smith, Griffin A. Hebel
  • Patent number: 11295911
    Abstract: A safety switching device for controlling a load having at least one input for receiving an input signal and one output for outputting an output signal, and having an electrical circuit which provides the output signal as a function of the input signal. The electrical circuit is arranged on a printed circuit board and is coupled to at least one setting component for setting an operating parameter of the safety switching device. The surface of the printed circuit board defines a mounting plane, and the at least one setting component has an adjusting element in a housing and is arranged recessed on the printed circuit board so that the housing of the adjusting element intersects the mounting plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Pilz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Zinser, Lothar Merz
  • Patent number: 11121538
    Abstract: An electronic circuit arrangement may include first and second electric connections connectable to first and second electronic devices, respectively. A first electric conduction path may connect the first and second electric connections, and a second electric conduction path may connect a tee point provided in the first electric conduction path to an electric ground connection. First and second switching elements may be provided in the first and second electric conduction paths, respectively, between the tee point and the respective electric connection. Each switching element may switch between an open state, in which the switching element may interrupt the respective electric conduction path, and a closed state. In response to connecting the second electronic device to the second electronic connection, the second switching element may switch to the open state, and the first switching element to the closed state only after the second switching element is already in the open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventors: Norbert Sack, Axel Sailer
  • Patent number: 10939888
    Abstract: A radiation irradiating apparatus includes a radiation generator that generates radiation and a switch that controls emission of the radiation from the radiation generator. The radiation generator and the switch are constituted by separate housings. The radiation generator and the switch are attachable and detachable to and from each other via a surface of a portion of each of the housings thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Sato, Kenji Nakamura, Misaki Kawahara, Fumito Nariyuki, Ryosuke Ogura, Tomoaki Nakashima
  • Patent number: 10938085
    Abstract: An antenna structure to which the present invention is applied includes: a film that transmits visible light and has antennas formed thereon; a feeding part to which coaxial cables for feeding power to the antennas are connected; a flange that transmits visible light and is used for positioning the film from a visible side of equipment; and positioning structures for positioning the film from an invisible side of the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: NIHON DENGYO KOSAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Maruyama, Hiroki Hagiwara, Yukio Sato
  • Patent number: 10677402
    Abstract: Techniques for smart light and lighting drywall are provided. A system and/or method can comprise a smart light comprising at least one light bulb; and a lighting drywall comprising: a power source; a mesh configured to provide power from the power source using a wireless power transfer mechanism; wherein the smart light is removably attachable to a plurality of locations on the lighting drywall and configured to receive the power using the wireless power transfer mechanism at respective locations of the plurality of locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: RESILIENCE MAGNUM IP, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rosen, Ronald Cozean, Eric Allen, David Edward Mordetzky, Megan Horvath, Anthony John Pyros, John Elwood, Michael Chang, Elie Attarian
  • Patent number: 10647044
    Abstract: An injection molding machine, which includes a safety door that can be opened and closed, is further equipped with a servo motor configured to open and close the safety door, a presence detector configured to detect whether or not an operator or object is present within a door operating space of the safety door or within a predetermined vicinal area of the safety door including the door operating space, and a controller configured to control the servo motor with a reference control amount in order to perform a closing operation of the safety door, and during a time it is detected by the presence detector that an operator or object is present, to cause a control amount that controls the servo motor in order to perform the closing operation of the safety door to decrease from the reference control amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jun Iwakura, Junpei Maruyama, Tatsuhiro Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 10600543
    Abstract: An electromechanical assembly is provided controlled by voltage across a motor or with an electronic system. The electromechanical assembly includes a control circuit coupled to sense voltage at the motor or within the electronic system, and an electromechanical actuator energized by the voltage sensed by the control circuit. A movable element is movable by the electromechanical actuator from an operational position to a quiesced position when the voltage sensed by the control circuit falls below a quiesced threshold. In certain embodiments, the voltage being sensed is across a motor of an air-moving assembly, which resides within a support structure, or the voltage being sensed is within the electronic system, which resides within the support structure, and the movable element is an interlock element which interlocks to the support structure to prevent removal of one or more components from the structure when sensed voltage is above the quiesced threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven J. Ahladas, Robert K. Mullady
  • Patent number: 10587619
    Abstract: A system and method serve to a user a login menu that is executed on a computing device, wherein the login menu is programmed to acquire from a user a set of parameters for access to a facility computing environment. In response to receiving credentials corresponding to the user, displaying, using the computing device, at least one graphical user interface that allows the user to participate in at least one activity corresponding to the facility, wherein the at least one activity is based in part on the credentials and one or more tasks available at the facility, and wherein the one or more tasks are verified for the user. The system and method generate, using the computing device, one or more points in real-time or near real-time for the user, during execution of the at least one activity at the computing device, wherein the at least one point is based on at least one achievement corresponding to the activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: JAIL EDUCATION SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Christopher Hill, Michael Raymond Dhruba Cornstubble
  • Patent number: 10460541
    Abstract: A system includes an electrical panel having a high voltage compartment and a low voltage compartment and a first door shiftable between an open position allowing access to the high voltage compartment and a closed position preventing access to the high voltage compartment and a lock shiftable from a locked position to an unlocked position by an actuator in response to a receipt of an unlock signal. A main disconnect switch outside the electrical panel selectively connects a source of electric current to the electrical panel, and a sensor detects a position of the main disconnect switch and sends an unlock signal to the first actuator in response to a detection that the main disconnect switch is in an OFF position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: A.G. STACKER INC.
    Inventor: Eric Stempihar
  • Patent number: 10320793
    Abstract: A system and method serve to a user a login menu that is executed on a computing device, wherein the login menu is programmed to acquire from a user a set of parameters for access to a facility computing environment. In response to receiving credentials corresponding to the user, displaying, using the computing device, at least one graphical user interface that allows the user to participate in at least one activity corresponding to the facility, wherein the at least one activity is based in part on the credentials and one or more tasks available at the facility, and wherein the one or more tasks are verified for the user. The system and method generate, using the computing device, one or more points in real-time or near real-time for the user, during execution of the at least one activity at the computing device, wherein the at least one point is based on at least one achievement corresponding to the activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: JAIL EDUCATION SOLUTIONS, INC
    Inventors: Brian Christopher Hill, Michael Raymond Dhruba Cornstubble
  • Patent number: 9782921
    Abstract: An injection molding machine and an additional injection device are provided such that a power interruption signal is output to a controller of the injection molding machine or the additional injection device on the destination when it is detected that a movable door is opened and a state of position confirmation means for the movable door is transmitted to the injection molding machine or the additional injection device on the destination through a communication line. Thus, the state of the position confirmation means can be transmitted and notified without decreasing maintainability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tatsuhiro Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 9754752
    Abstract: A safety switching device for driving a plurality of different kinds of guard locking devices is provided. The safety switching device comprises a first terminal and a second terminal for connecting a guard locking device, and a safety processor adapted for controlling drive signals at the first and the second terminal to drive the guard locking device. The safety processor is adapted for determining a kind of a guard locking device connected to the first and/or the second terminal out of a plurality of different kinds of guard locking devices by detecting external electrical connections between the first terminal, the second terminal, and a reference potential. The safety processor is further adapted for controlling the drive signals depending on the determined kind of the guard locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Germany GMBH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rudolf Papenbreer, Sascha Wagner, Thomas Helpenstein, Oliver Heckel, Norbert Machuletz
  • Patent number: 9673629
    Abstract: A direct current to alternating current inverter sub-system is for a HVDC distribution system. The DC to AC inverter sub-system includes an enclosure and a DC to DC galvanically isolated buck converter having a DC input electrically connectable to a HVDC cable and a DC output. A DC to AC inverter includes a DC input electrically connected to the DC output of the DC to DC galvanically isolated buck converter and an AC output electrically connectable to an AC transmission line. The DC to AC inverter is mounted in an enclosure with the DC to DC galvanically isolated buck converter, in order that the DC output of the DC to DC galvanically isolated buck converter is directly electrically connected within the enclosure to the DC input of the DC to AC inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harry Broussard, Geraldo Nojima
  • Patent number: 9608430
    Abstract: A power system which includes a battery (or string of batteries) as well as a preemptive fuse driver, PFD, system. The PFD protection system reliably protects circuits that could be damaged by long term fault currents. More specifically, the PFD protection system includes a sensor and a controller as well as a controlled switch. The controller includes a PFD control module which allows protection to be tuned specifically to the source and load characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jiwu Duan, John C. Elliott, Dennis W. Fried, Steven M. Groff, Trung Le
  • Patent number: 9434061
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a restart protection device and a method thereof, wherein the restart protection device is installed in an electric device, and comprises a switch module and a restart protecting module. The restart protecting module is connected between the switch module and a motor of the electric device, used for preventing the current outputted by an external electrical power from directly flowing into the motor when the electric device is restarted. To start the electric device, the user must follow the steps of the restart protection method, such that the unexpected accidents resulted from the sudden restart of the electric device can be effectively prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignees: SOLTEAM ELECTRONICS (DONG GUAN) CO.,LTD., SOLTEAM ELECTRONICS (SU ZHOU) CO.,LTD., SOLTEAM ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-Yi Lee, Chang-Nan Chen, Chen-Hong Huang, Ying-Sung Ho
  • Patent number: 9383061
    Abstract: A drive regulation device for a machine tool that stops driving of a motor when a door (18) provided for a cover (17) for covering a driven body driven by the motor becomes to be in an open state includes a detection unit (21) detecting an open/closed state of the door (18) provided for the cover (17) for covering the driven body driven by the motor, an excitation operation unit (22) switching the motor between an excitation state and a non-excitation state, a speed regulation unit (23) stopping the motor, when the motor that has been stopped is rotated faster than a predetermined allowable rotation speed, and a speed-regulation switch unit (24) controlling the speed regulation unit (23), in a case where the detection unit (21) detects that the door (18) is in the open state, such that the speed regulation unit (23) works when the motor is in the excitation state, and the speed regulation unit (23) does not work when the motor is in the non-excitation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignees: CITIZEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD., CITIZEN MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9318899
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a multi wireless charging apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same. The multi wireless charging apparatus includes: a control unit wholly controlling a multi wireless charging process; and a plurality of wireless charging units electrically connected with the control and deformed into a roll form by being bonded so as to a plurality of interlayer voids at the time of laminating a plurality of flexible substrates. By this configuration, the multi wireless charging apparatus can be rolled up in a roll form while having a slim thickness and therefore, can be conveniently carried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Seok Yoon, Jung Ho Yoon
  • Patent number: 9261234
    Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized device comprises the steps of providing a motorized device, receiving a code, checking that code, and changing the operational state of a portion of the motorized device in response to the code in certain circumstances. In one embodiment, the motorized device comprises a drive system, an activation mechanism, and a safety circuit that is in communication with the activation mechanism and at least a portion of the drive system. After receiving an unlocking code from the activation mechanism, the next step is to determine if the received unlocking code corresponds to a predetermined unlocking code. Subsequently, if the received unlocking code corresponds to the predetermined unlocking code, then the safety circuit is transitioned from a locked state to a normal operation state. Additional codes and corresponding operational states may also be incorporated into other embodiments of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. DiLuciano, Jerry O. Thacker, George F. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9041258
    Abstract: The present invention provides a machine tool making it possible that an operator needs to remove a key member from a predetermined position after an unlock condition of a door is established when a door lock mechanism brings the door into an unlocked state, meanwhile the operator can recognize the necessity of reattaching the key member to the predetermined position when the door lock mechanism brings the door into a locked state. In the machine tool, an interlock mechanism 5a allows a door lock mechanism 8 to bring a door 3 into the unlocked state in a state that the unlock condition of the door 3 is established and when the key member 9 is removed from the predetermined position and, after the door 3 is unlocked, allows the door lock mechanism 8 to bring the door 3 into the locked state only when the key member 9 is attached to the predetermined position in a state that the door closed state detection mechanism 7 detects that the door is located at the predetermined closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: DMG MORI SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Miyamoto, Satohiro Izumi, Shinji Yonemitsu
  • Publication number: 20150102691
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety circuit (10) for use in an explosion-proof casing (12). The safety circuit (10) is disposed for discharging a capacitor arrangement comprising at least one capacitor (19) that is associated with an electrical operating means (11). The at least one capacitor (19) is discharged, in a defined manner, via the safety circuit (10) through an electrical discharge circuit (33) during a discharge time period (ET), after a supply voltage (UV) on a power supply input (13) is switched off. At the end of the discharge time duration (ET), the electrical charge or the electrical energy of the at least one capacitor (19) is sufficiently low, so that an ignition of the potentially explosive atmosphere in the environment of the explosion-proof casing (12) is precluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Ralf Kollreutter
  • Publication number: 20150061413
    Abstract: A battery system includes a battery cover, a battery access panel removably connected to the battery cover, and a service disconnect switch. The service disconnect switch includes an electrical interlock switch. The service disconnect switch has a first position cooperating with the battery access panel to prevent removal of the access panel from the battery cover. In the first position, the service disconnect connects a traction battery to circuitry. The service disconnect also has a second position, the second position being displaced from the access panel and disconnecting the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Suriyaprakash Ayyangar Janarthanam, Saravanan Paramasivam, Patrick Daniel Maguire, John Peter Bilezikjian, Jason C. Marcath, Debbi Callicoat
  • Patent number: 8916990
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a functional high-voltage interlock system. The apparatus includes an enclosure, a high-voltage terminal, a low-voltage circuit, and a control circuit. The enclosure includes an access point that may be breached. The high-voltage terminal is disposed at least partially within the enclosure, is accessible by breaching the high-voltage access point, and is configured to be energized from a high-voltage electrical power source. The low-voltage circuit is disposed within the enclosure, and is coupled to selectively receive a low-voltage electrical signal. The control circuit is coupled to, and is configured to supply the low-voltage electrical signal to, the low-voltage circuit only when the high-voltage access point is not breached. The control circuit implements a first function and a disparate second function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Gem Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James E. Tarchinski, Gery J. Kissel, William J. Omell, Ronald W. Young
  • Patent number: 8810081
    Abstract: An interlock arrangement allows a floating neutral electrical generator having a receptacle, such as a duplex receptacle, absent GFCI protection to be used to provide electrical power to the electrical system of a home or other building during utility power interruption. The interlock arrangement includes structure to disable or prevent access to the duplex receptacle when the electrical generator is coupled to the power cord used to transfer electrical power from the generator to the electrical system of the building. Thus, the duplex receptacles cannot be used to power electrical devices when the generator is connected to supply power to the electrical system of the building. Conversely, when the generator is physically disconnected from the electrical system of the building, the interlock arrangement exposes or supplies power to the duplex receptacles, and may be configured to close access to the receptacle used for connecting to a building electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Michael O. Flegel, Jeffrey D. Flegel
  • Patent number: 8796890
    Abstract: A power control module including a socket, a switch circuit and an interface control circuit is provided. A plug is adapted to be inserted into the socket, and the socket has a positive terminal, a first negative terminal and a second negative terminal. When the plug is inserted into the socket, a negative terminal of the plug sequentially contacts the first negative terminal and the second negative terminal. The switch circuit receives a power voltage through the positive terminal. The interface control circuit determines whether to generate a switching signal to the switch circuit according to a voltage level of the second negative terminal. When receiving the switching signal, the switch circuit outputs the power voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Compal Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-Chih Chen, Yi-Hsun Lin, Wei-Chih Shih, Huang-Kai Lo
  • Patent number: 8795862
    Abstract: A battery pack that electrically connects a terminal cover, which is attached to a terminal base, and a battery pack case even if the terminal cover and case are not in direct contact with each other. The case is formed from a conductive material and accommodates a battery. The terminal base is formed from a non-conductive material and attached to the case. The terminal cover is formed from a conductive material and attached to the terminal base. A conductor formed from a conductive material comes in contact with both of the terminal cover and the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuhei Marukawa
  • Publication number: 20140151138
    Abstract: An automobile includes: a controller for controlling a motor; a main battery for supplying electric power to the motor via the controller; a normally open relay interposed in an electric power supply path extending from the main battery to the controller; and a sub-battery for supplying the electric power to the relay. The controller is mounted with a terminal cover that covers an output terminal for connection with a power supply cable to the motor. The sub-battery is disposed adjacent to the controller so as to interfere with the removal of the terminal cover by a worker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akio Kitami, Tatsuyuki Uechi
  • Patent number: 8736118
    Abstract: A safety switching device for fail-safely switching on and off an electrical load, and to a system comprising at least two safety switching devices which interact in a fail-safe manner via a single-channel. The safety switching device comprises a fail-safe control unit, a first and a second electronic switching element connected with a first and a second output terminal; and at least one input terminal for receiving a first switching signal that causes a switching of said switching elements. Said first and second switching elements each comprise an output which provides depending on the first switching signal an output signal having a first or second potential. A third output terminal connects said safety switching device to a second safety switching device, providing a clocked signal depending on the first switching signal and being monitored by said control unit for performing a cross fault detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Lorenz, Norbert Machuletz, Rudolf Papenbreer, Thomas Helpenstein
  • Publication number: 20140132086
    Abstract: A drive regulation device for a machine tool that stops driving of a motor when a door (18) provided for a cover (17) for covering a driven body driven by the motor becomes to be in an open state includes a detection unit (21) detecting an open/closed state of the door (18) provided for the cover (17) for covering the driven body driven by the motor, an excitation operation unit (22) switching the motor between an excitation state and a non-excitation state, a speed regulation unit (23) stopping the motor, when the motor that has been stopped is rotated faster than a predetermined allowable rotation speed, and a speed-regulation switch unit (24) controlling the speed regulation unit (23), in a case where the detection unit (21) detects that the door (18) is in the open state, such that the speed regulation unit (23) works when the motor is in the excitation state, and the speed regulation unit (23) does not work when the motor is in the non-excitation state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicants: CITIZEN MACHINERY MIYANO CO., LTD., CITIZEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8654623
    Abstract: A method for wireless communications is provided. The method includes determining a set of physical layer cell identities and analyzing a current set of scrambling sequences. The method increases the current set of scrambling sequences to account for increases in the physical layer cell identities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Tao Luo, Juan Montojo, Wanshi Chen
  • Publication number: 20140042831
    Abstract: A method of controlling a motorized device comprises the steps of providing a motorized device, receiving a code, checking that code, and changing the operational state of a portion of the motorized device in response to the code in certain circumstances. In one embodiment, the motorized device comprises a drive system, an activation mechanism, and a safety circuit that is in communication with the activation mechanism and at least a portion of the drive system. After receiving an unlocking code from the activation mechanism, the next step is to determine if the received unlocking code corresponds to a predetermined unlocking code. Subsequently, if the received unlocking code corresponds to the predetermined unlocking code, then the safety circuit is transitioned from a locked state to a normal operation state. Additional codes and corresponding operational states may also be incorporated into other embodiments of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Johnson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. DiLuciano, Jerry O. Thacker, George F. Johnson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140042806
    Abstract: A safety system for vehicles for reducing the danger of an electric shock from a battery is described, wherein the safety system is arranged on the outside of the vehicle and has an operator control area and a charging plug-in location with an operating plug. It is characteristic that the operating plug and the charging plug-in location are combined with one another outside the vehicle and are embodied in such a way that removing the operating plug causes the voltage of the vehicle to be disconnected. In addition, the disclosure relates to a motor vehicle which contains such a battery and to a method for reducing the danger of an electric shock from a battery, which method serves to implement the battery according to the disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Gless
  • Publication number: 20140021805
    Abstract: An injection molding machine has a motor power interruption function such that it is determined whether or not the respective contents of preset first and second interruption criterion settings are different from each other. If the contents of the two settings are determined to be different from each other, then a third motor power interrupt signal is output so that at least one of first and second motor power interruption units is cut off in response to the output signal, thereby interrupting power supply to a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: FANUC Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki KOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20130342030
    Abstract: An interlock system and method are provided for protecting high voltage electrical couplings. The interlock system may control access to the electrical couplings based on the voltage of the electrical couplings. The interlock system may also selectively energize and de-energize the electrical couplings based on the position of a lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Remy Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andrew Meyer, Ronald Erli, Alex Creviston, Colin Hamer, Cary Ramey
  • Patent number: 8583834
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising a main device and an accessory, which can be connected by a safe connector and a safe detection method. According to the invention, the assembly comprises: —a main device (2), —an accessory (3) connectable to the main device (2), —the accessory (3) comprising an accessory connector (4) for mating with a device connector (5) of the main device (2), —the accessory connector (4) and the device connector (5) each comprising one or more supply contacts (7) for transmitting electric power from the main device (2) to the accessory (3), —the main device (2) comprising a detection device (9), which, if connecting the accessory (3) to the main device (2), receives complex accessory data stored by the accessory (3) and which by positive evaluation of the complex data enables applying a supply voltage at the one or more supply contacts (7) of the device connector (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Marcus Schwenk, Alexander Dubielczyk
  • Publication number: 20130285478
    Abstract: The present invention provides a safety pin which includes a cylinder having a first and second interfaces. A piston is moveably disposed within the cylinder to divide the cylinder into the first and second chambers. A safety pin is securely attached to the piston. A compressed air supplying device supplies the compressed air to the first and second chambers selectively. The safety made accordance with the present invention is securely attached to the piston which divides the cylinder into the first and second chambers. When the compressed air is injected into the first and second chambers selectively, the safety pin is extended or retracted so as to realize the lockup and unlock of the equipment eliminating human error resulted from negligence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Zhenhua Guo, Chunhao Wu, Kunhsien Lin, Yunshao Jiang, Yongqiang Wang, Xiande Li, Weibing Yang, Minghu Qi, Zenghong Chen, Rui Lei
  • Publication number: 20130221763
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to systems, for selectively actuating a safety mechanism, using a transformable material, to protect against an unwanted condition. The system in one implementation includes first and second pulley devices configured to accommodate multiple strands of the transformable material. In another implementation, the system includes two connection points for holding the transformable material and an overload-protection sub-system for protecting the transformable material from overload. In still another implementation, the system includes a first biasing element and a manual-release sub-system including a second biasing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130214618
    Abstract: A safety system comprises an activation mechanism, a safety circuit, and a drive system in communication with each other. In one embodiment, the activation mechanism produces an activation signal in response to an actuation of the activation mechanism. The safety circuit operates in either a locked state or a normal operation state. In this embodiment, the safety circuit is programmed to prevent the activation signal from being communicated to the drive system when the safety circuit is operating in the locked state and to allow the activation signal to be communicated to the drive system when the safety circuit is operating in the normal operation state. The safety circuit is programmed to transition from the locked state to the normal operation state in response to receiving both an unlocking code and a follow-up signal that is received by the safety circuit within a predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Johnson Industries, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8513837
    Abstract: An electrical interlock system for including a power takeoff device operable in a first state to transfer mechanical energy from an associated combustible engine to an associated electric motor and/or generator and operative in a second state to prevent the transfer of mechanical energy from the associated combustible engine to the associated electric motor and/or generator. A relay having a first switch and an energizable portion, is coupled to the power takeoff device, the electric motor and an associated power source, such that when the energizable portion is receiving electrical power from the associated power source, the power takeoff device is in the first state and when the energizable portion is not receiving electrical power from the associated power source, the power takeoff device is in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Ralf Gomm, Dale Vanderlaan
  • Publication number: 20130162190
    Abstract: An integrated controller for an operator unit for powering an overhead garage roller door or roller shutter is described. The operator unit comprises a motor, an output drive assembly, a timing assembly unit, and a clutch assembly for providing selective engagement between motor powered operation and manual operation (provided by a chain rotating a chain wheel). The motor is arranged to drive a shaft which, in turn, provides drive to the roller door or shutter assembly (not shown), which includes an axle around which the roller door or shutter is wound. The integrated controller comprises an inverter for receiving a single phase power supply and supplying three phase power to drive the motor; and a drive controller in operable association with the inverter for providing active management of the operation of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: AUTOMATIC TECHNOLOGY (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD
    Inventors: Travis William Smith, Nikolai Klepikov, Jasbir Singh, Ray Hawkins, Geoff Baker
  • Patent number: 8466586
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a high-voltage (HV) energy storage system (ESS), an HV device having HVIL source and return (SR) pins and an HV receptacle, an HV cable, and an HV terminal assembly. The assembly includes a tray portion and retainer for aligning the HV cables with the HV receptacle. An HVIL jumper device is connected to the tray portion and electrically connectable to the HVIL SR pins. The assembly includes a cover portion removably mountable to the tray portion to provide a suitable EMF shield and weather seal. The cover portion includes an HVIL shorting plug. HV electrical energy is supplied from said ESS to the HV device only when all three of the HVIL components, i.e., the HVIL SR pins, the HVIL jumper device, and the HVIL shorting plug, are electrically interconnected to form a closed HVIL circuit, while at the same time the HV cable is properly connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James E. Tarchinski, William J. Omell, Keith D. Van Maanen, Ryan M. Meroz
  • Patent number: 8453549
    Abstract: An enhancement for use with automatically cycled saw systems that provides an operator access to two-hand anti-tie down buttons and other machine control functions while manually crowding the material to be cut against the saw's fence. The enhancement includes anti-tie down buttons to prevent a cutting cycle unless both buttons are depressed within preset time limit of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Hoshor
  • Publication number: 20130026856
    Abstract: An electrical disconnect assembly with separate disconnecting device compartment, such that safety handle mechanism does not provide access to the disconnecting device or any energized parts or conductors consisting of multiple compartments arranged so as to allow service of the load compartment without exposure to line voltages. The assembly includes a plurality of compartments with the load compartment having a lockable handle operator that that is interlocked with its corresponding compartment door. The handle operators are mechanically connected to the disconnecting devices via flexible cables or mechanical linkage. A key feature/distinction of this invention is that the disconnecting devices is remote mounted from the overcurrent protective device, so that when the handle operator is switched to the OFF position there are no components (e.g. disconnecting device and/or its conductors) within the load compartment that remain energized by line voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce William Grindeland
  • Publication number: 20130026857
    Abstract: A protective system for an electric unit operated by an installable battery pack includes: a control device configured to activate the electric unit in the case of the installed battery pack by operating a main switch; a contact device of the electric unit and a contact device of the battery pack including mutually complementary contact elements, which in each case form a first and a second interface for producing a first and a second electrical connection between the electric unit and the battery pack. In this instance, the contact devices are configured, during the installing of the battery pack, to produce the first electrical connection before the second electrical connection in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Markus Schmid, Thilo Koeder
  • Patent number: 8330304
    Abstract: An information handling system component contained within an information handling system housing uses the information handling system housing as at least a portion of a safety enclosure for hazardous functions of the component. A lock out device disables the hazardous function if the information handling system housing is moved relative to the component. For example, an optical disc drive laser is disabled if a Hall effect sensor in the chassis of the optical disc drive no longer senses a magnet placed in a portion of the information handling system housing used to enclose the optical disc drive. Alternatively, the component couples to the information handling system housing to enclose the hazardous function within the interior of the information handling system housing so that the component is inaccessible from the exterior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Karlene Berger, James Utz, James Gossett