Cam Operates Contact Or Microswitch Patents (Class 200/573)
  • Patent number: 10325736
    Abstract: A surgical device comprising: (a) one or more functional elements, and (b) a selector assembly including: (i) one or more activation buttons, (ii) one or more circuit board switches, and (iii) a shuttle in communication with the circuit board switches or the one or more activation buttons to move the circuit board switches or the activation buttons between at least a first position and a second position so that the circuit board switches or the activation buttons are moveable relative to each other; wherein the one or more functional elements provide a first function when the circuit board switches or the one or more activation buttons are in the first position, and the one or more functional elements provide a second function when the circuit board switches or the one or more activation buttons are in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI, INC.
    Inventors: Theodore Blus, Riyad Moe
  • Patent number: 10000956
    Abstract: A hinge assembly includes first and second portions. One of the first and second portions includes first and second receptacles and the other one of the first and second portions includes first and second cylindrical members extending in opposite directions along a hinge axis and a thickened portion having a contoured outer surface disposed adjacent the cylindrical members. The second portion is moveable from: a first state wherein the first and second cylindrical members are disposed in the first and second receptacles such that the second portion is coupled to the first portion and generally free to rotate about the hinge axis through at least a predetermined degree range, and a second state in which the second portion is decoupled from the first portion responsive to the second portion being rotated beyond the predetermined degree range and the contoured outer surface interacting with a portion of the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Whitaker, Jason Eric Basta, Doel Jafeth Collazo, Paul Richard Rakus
  • Patent number: 8946577
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an auxiliary switch includes a rotation part and a switching lever assigned to a configuration of the auxiliary switch, the switching lever being embodied to detect a switching state of the electrical switch and transmit it to the rotation part. Further, different switching states of the auxiliary switch are set by different rotary positions of the rotation part, with the rotation part having at least two engagement points and with the switching lever assigned to a configuration engaging in the engagement point assigned to this configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Günter Bauer, Michael Freimuth, Jakob Fuchs, Jürgen Renner
  • Patent number: 8555919
    Abstract: A ball valve includes a valve housing that has a main passage defined therein and a valve assembly that includes a valve body, which is movable within the main passage between open and closed positions, and a valve stem that fixedly engages the valve body. A handle is disposed on the valve housing that is connected to the valve stem and is operable to rotate the valve body between the open and closed positions via the valve stem. A switch is disposed within the housing, which operatively engages the valve assembly and is configured to transmit a signal to an operator's station regarding the position of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: S. Clay Evatt, Gregory Stephen Childers
  • Publication number: 20120312675
    Abstract: An auxiliary switch for an electrical switch is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the auxiliary switch includes a rotation part and a switching lever assigned to a configuration of the auxiliary switch, the switching lever being embodied to detect a switching state of the electrical switch and transmit it to the rotation part. Further, different switching states of the auxiliary switch are set by different rotary positions of the rotation part, with the rotation part having at least two engagement points and with the switching lever assigned to a configuration engaging in the engagement point assigned to this configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Günter Bauer, Michael Freimuth, Jakob Fuchs, Jürgen Renner
  • Publication number: 20120292174
    Abstract: The present invention provides a retrofit actuator that can be fitted interchangeably to either a toggle switch or a rocker switch and which mimics both the up and down action required to operate a toggle switch and the pushing force required to operate a rocker switch, the retrofit actuator capable of being operated either directly by pressing an on/off button on the switch actuator itself or remotely by sending a signal from a remote control or other sender unit such as a passive infra red detector or a programmable central sender unit that can control one or more switch actuators from a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Pat Y. Mah, Alexander Joshef Kalogroulis
  • Patent number: 8294054
    Abstract: A draining device for air control equipment has a bottom shell, a top shell, a knob, a switch and a connecting device. The bottom and top shells are connected to each other. The top shell has two inclined recesses. The knob is mounted through the top shell and has two sliding protrusions mounted in the inclined recesses and two tabs. The switch is mounted in the bottom shell and has a button. The connecting device has a connecting tube, a flange and an end protrusion. The connecting tube is mounted through the top shell. The flange is formed around the connecting tube and is mounted across the tabs. The end protrusion abuts the button. When the knob is rotated, the sliding protrusions move along the inclined recesses to force the knob moving downward. Therefore, the end protrusion pushes the button to turn on the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: New Widetech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Chiu
  • Publication number: 20120132510
    Abstract: An electrical switch assembly is provided having a switch cell. The switch cell comprises at least one actuator assembly for actuating a switch. The actuator assembly comprises a resilient member; an actuator comprising a slot for receiving a post therethrough to guide movement of the actuator relative to a housing for the electrical switch, a first cam to engage the resilient member, a second cam, and a protrusion; and a contact providing a surface to engage the second cam; wherein a force imparted on the protrusion causes the second cam to move the contact and actuate the electrical switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Alexandru Salagean
  • Patent number: 8178809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a railroad toggle switch for a plurality of switching positions, the toggle switch comprising a housing, an operating lever supported on the housing and having a pivot axis, a switching cylinder supported on the housing and having a rotational axis, a plurality of microswitches and an engaging mechanism for engagement of the operating lever in the switching positions. The switching cylinder is here provided with a plurality of cam disks for operating the microswitches. According to the invention the pivot axis of the operating lever is located in the area of the housing top side and is different from the rotational axis of the switching cylinder, the operating lever being in engagement with the switching cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Schaltbau GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Bauer, Andreas Bauer
  • Publication number: 20110254288
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for the door leaf a transport vehicle, comprising a housing (10, 100) and, in said housing, a switch (1, 201) provided with a plunger (6, 206), a cam (115, 15) mounted so as to rotate relative to the housing, and a mobile element (102, 202) capable of a transmission movement (T) as a result of an action applied by the cam when the latter rotates (R), said mobile element also being capable, through said transmission movement (T), of acting on the plunger so as to tilt the switch from a first electric state to a second electric state, characterised in that the mobile element has a shape moulded so as to protrude from the body (100, 204) of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE
    Inventor: Didier Gaucher
  • Patent number: 7973622
    Abstract: An apparatus for auxiliary contact of circuit breaker is disclosed that is capable of preventing an erroneous operation of and damage to an ON/OFF switch caused by over-stroke of a linkage mounted at an auxiliary contact apparatus, and enhancing reliability despite repeated opening/closing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong Ik Yang, Sang Chul Lee, Kil Young Ahn
  • Publication number: 20110155555
    Abstract: A Medium Voltage circuit breaker which comprises a pole assembly having, for each phase, a first fixed contact and a second movable contact reciprocally couplable/uncouplable between an open and close position. The circuit breaker further comprises an actuator to actuate the opening and closing operation of said circuit breaker, and a kinematic chain operatively connecting said actuator to said movable contact. The kinematic chain comprises a sliding element operatively connected to said actuator, said sliding element having a first sliding surface operatively coupled to said movable contact and being movable between a first, open, position and a second, closed, position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: GIANLUCA CORTINOVIS, GIORGIO MORICONI
  • Publication number: 20110095019
    Abstract: A door opening mechanism for a domestic appliance (for example, a microwave oven), the domestic appliance including a housing, a front door, and a resilient member (e.g. spring bias), for urging the door open, wherein the door opening mechanism is adapted to be located within the housing; the door opening mechanism comprising: a retention mechanism, engageable with the door and movable between a first configuration, in which the door is retained in a closed position, and a second configuration, in which the door is non-engaged; a cam, the cam having a plurality of cam surfaces, each being adapted to move the retention mechanism out of said first configuration through camming action; and a rotary motor, for driving the cam in response to control signals. The cam suitable comprises a plurality of equally angularly spaced projections, the outer surfaces of the cam between successive projections comprising a cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Davies
  • Patent number: 7910844
    Abstract: A leaf switch may include a cam body formed with a plurality of cam parts in a multistage shape and a plurality of leaf contact pieces which are extended toward the cam body and whose tip end sides of the plurality of leaf contact pieces are respectively abutted with the plurality of cam parts, and base end sides of the plurality of leaf contact pieces are held at the same height position. Further, an ice making device may include a water supply leaf switch for controlling water supply from a water-supply part to an ice tray, and a water supply amount adjust mechanism which includes an operation member that causes a leaf contact piece to deform to adjust a timing when the water supply switch is turned on or off. Further, an ice making device may include an ice detecting lever and a lever position detecting mechanism which detects ice amount in an ice storage part by detecting a position of the ice detecting lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Nidec Sankyo Corporation
    Inventors: Takuya Higashitani, Hideaki Ito, Kazunori Nishikawa, Shunji Saito
  • Patent number: 7804037
    Abstract: A push button assembly comprises a button (1) with an actuating structure (5) movably mounted within a housing (2) for operation of a switch (20). The housing (2) provides a frame (18) comprising side wall structures (16), with a flange structure (15) mounted at a top open end thereof, The axial length of the housing (2) is shorter than the horizontal length of the side wall structures (16), resulting in a short push button assembly. The button (1) is illuminable via a lamp (25) which is provided on a carrier strip (22), the switch (20) being mounted on a body (19), both of which can be removably mounted substantially within the confines of the housing (2), with respective connection terminals (23, 21) projecting outward thereof, the assembly therefore occupying minimal space behind a panel when mounted on such a panel of an amusement or gaming machine where space may be restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Gamesman Limited
    Inventor: James Cove
  • Patent number: 7790995
    Abstract: A device and method that contains an electro-mechanical break away sensor that de-energizes power or stops the flow of electricity to a pole upon a vehicle colliding with the pole or otherwise activation of the sensor. The sensor is omni directional and operates regardless of direction of impact from the vehicle or activation and has the ability to disconnect power when the pole falls due to a shear impact such as when there is a collision or the pole falls due to tension created by wind or weight failure. The sensor may also be activated by an authorized user such as one that is performing maintenance on the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Karl A. Burkett
  • Publication number: 20100147669
    Abstract: A rotary combined switch structure with multistage switch function includes a casing unit, a switch unit and a rotary unit. The casing unit has a casing, a first opening formed on a top side of the casing and a second opening formed on a bottom side of the casing. The switch unit is disposed under the casing. The rotary unit has a rotary body. The rotary body has a top portion passing through the first opening and exposed above the casing, and the rotary body has a bottom portion passing through the second opening and exposed under the casing in order to selectably turn on or turn off the switch unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Chia-Wei Lin, Chi-Meng Phang, Chen-Hong Huang
  • Publication number: 20100116636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a railroad toggle switch for a plurality of switching positions, the toggle switch comprising a housing, an operating lever supported on the housing and having a pivot axis, a switching cylinder supported on the housing and having a rotational axis, a plurality of microswitches and an engaging mechanism for engagement of the operating lever in the switching positions. The switching cylinder is here provided with a plurality of cam disks for operating the microswitches. According to the invention the pivot axis of the operating lever is located in the area of the housing top side and is different from the rotational axis of the switching cylinder, the operating lever being in engagement with the switching cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Schaltbau GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Bauer, Andreas Bauer
  • Publication number: 20100089875
    Abstract: This invention relates to the control of a switch apparatus having two interrupters, such as a busbar disconnector and a grounding disconnector. The invention provides: a rotary control shaft arranged away from, and at right angles to, the planes of straight line motion of the movable contacts; at least one disk cam fastened to the control shaft and having two distinct internal cam grooves; and two pairs of levers hinged to each other, with one of the levers of a given pair having one end hinged at a fixed point while its other end is hinged to the other lever of the same given pair, which is itself hinged to one of the movable contacts, a spigot being located between the two ends of each of the levers that has one end hinged at a fixed point, the spigot being engaged in one of the cam grooves so as to constitute a cam follower. The mechanism of the invention enables there to be an additional actuating ratio between the disk cam or cams and each associated movable contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: AREVA T&D AG
    Inventor: Lukas Treier
  • Patent number: 7687728
    Abstract: A safety switch includes a cable having a first end connected to a cable translator moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, the cable having a second end for connection to a remote lock and power supply switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Limited
    Inventors: Julian Poyner, Burt Sacherski, David Williams
  • Patent number: 7623330
    Abstract: A ground fault circuit interrupter device is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Copper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Gunter A. Gallas, Erik J. Gouhl, Gregory G. Moreinis
  • Patent number: 7619172
    Abstract: A micro switch is mounted onto a mounting base attached to a controller of an automatic icemaker. The micro switch generates a signal for controlling the amount of water to be filled in an ice tray. The micro switch is fixed to the mounting base by the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The first fixing member is inserted through a mounting hole formed in a case of the micro switch. The second fixing member is arranged on a surface of the mounting base on an opposite side of a surface mounted with the micro switch, and is fixed to the first fixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Nidec Servo Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Maehara, Eiji Kuroda, Yoshitaka Yokoi
  • Publication number: 20090194405
    Abstract: A safety switch for affecting the operating state of equipment to which the safety switch is at least indirectly connected. The safety switch includes a configuration, such as a number of contacts, that is arranged to change from a first condition to a second condition depending on whether or not an actuator has been engaged with or disengaged from the safety switch. The safety switch includes an arrangement for determining information that is at least indicative of an operational property of the configuration, and for storing information that is at least indicative of the obtained information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Julian Poyner, Derek Jones, Derek Sawyer
  • Patent number: 7566838
    Abstract: A rotary DIP switch includes a base having a receiving space and a shaft, a plurality of fixed contact terminals having fixed contact portions exposed in the receiving space, and a contact plate having a plurality of movable contact portions to contact the fixed contact portions. A rotary member is disposed above the contact plate, and includes a press plate having a periphery interconnecting radial top and bottom faces thereof, and a plurality of press members to respectively press the movable contact portions against the fixed contact portions. The periphery has an axially extending first face, and an inclined second face. A top cover covers the rotary member, and includes two wing plates each having a tongue plate with an abutment portion to abut against the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Excel Cell Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Ming Kuo
  • Patent number: 7538291
    Abstract: A micro switch includes a base, a common terminal, a normally open terminal, a normally close terminal, a top cover, a pressing element, a resilient piece and a cushioning pad. The cushioning pad is disposed on an inner surface of the top cover. By means of the cushioning pad, the noise generated during operation of the micro switch is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Chih Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080308399
    Abstract: A switch (50) is adapted to be On when a contact point (52) is at a position to be in contact with a cam surface (47) and Off when the contact point (52) is at a position corresponding to a non-cam surface (48). In the vicinity of the non-cam surface (48) of the cam surface (47), a rib (49) is provided which changes a direction of the contact point (52) when reciprocation of the cam member (43) is changed. Accordingly, even when the switch (50) comes into contact with the cam member (43) moving in a different direction, the direction of the contact point (52) is changed so as to be the same. Hence, the switch (50) is prevented from being affected by a hysteresis caused by difference in directions of the contact point (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji Hoshinaka, Hitoshi Ueno, Yukinari Makisaka
  • Publication number: 20080035465
    Abstract: A switch device, comprising: a switch base plate that includes a sliding surface on one side thereof, a sliding member that is provided with a first claw portion and a second claw portion, the sliding member being latched by the first and second claw portions, and the sliding member also being supported by the switch base plate so as to be slidable in a sliding direction; a contact member that is disposed in a position opposing a sliding surface of the sliding member, the contact member being deformed by bending by a pressing force from the sliding surface, and the contact member is pressed against the sliding surface by a restorative force from the bending deformation; an extended portion that is formed at a leading end portion of the switch base plate; and a cut-out portion that is formed at the leading end portion of the switch base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI-RIKA-DENKI-SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Tetsushi MUROMACHI
  • Patent number: 7268307
    Abstract: Signal Actuator device, having a support structure; a bottom drive shaft, tunable in a seat of the support structure; a first torsional coupling, integral with and surrounding the bottom drive shaft; at least a first cam torsionally coupled to the first torsional coupling in a selective manner for adjusting the angular position thereof relative to the bottom drive shaft; the at least one first cam actuating an electrical device supported by the support structure; a top drive shaft, torsionally coupled to bottom drive shaft in a selectively removable member; a second torsional coupling, integral with and surrounding the top drive shaft; at least a second cam torsionally coupled to the second torsional coupling in a selective manner for adjusting the angular position thereof relative to the removable top drive shaft; and the at least one second cam actuating an electrical device supported by the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Soldo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giovanni Soldo
  • Patent number: 7262377
    Abstract: A limit switch control device for an actuator is disposed at both ends of a linearly moveable mover and comprises at least: two limit switches, a circuit board, and a connecting rod assembly. The two limit switches are disposed on the circuit board, both ends of the connecting rod assembly define the effective travel length of the mover. One end of the connecting rod assembly is moved by the mover to control the other limit switch. By such arrangements, the limit switch is simplified, and with the arrangement of the connecting rod assembly, the number of the brake devices or the limit switches can be increased as desired. Further, the circuit board and the connecting rod assembly are modular designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Hiwin Mikrosystem Corp.
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Wei, Yu-Jian Lin
  • Patent number: 7175390
    Abstract: A switching apparatus having an actuating shaft, an actuator, at least one switch and a housing. A switching apparatus is in the form of at least one actuating guide which is connected with a first actuating guide portion to the actuating shaft and which with a second actuating guide portion at least partially embraces the actuating shaft at a predetermined spacing, wherein provided on the convex side of the second actuating guide portion is an actuating track for the switch or switches, insofar as at least one predetermined position the spacing between the outer peripheral edge and the actuating shaft is greater for a predetermined arcuate dimension than at other positions of the second actuating guide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7087849
    Abstract: A control device processes or agricultural sprayer. A slip member biased by a retaining member and springs to an initial neutral position produces a signal by a sensor upon initiation or cessation of angular forces from rotation of a machine driven shaft. The signal is caused by movement of the slip member from friction produced by an impeller situated within the grease filled slip member. The impeller is coupled directly or indirectly to the machine driven shaft and rotates upon rotation of the shaft. Upon initiation of angular forces on the impeller, the signal produced may cause a valve on an agricultural sprayer to open and initiate spraying therefrom. Upon cessation of angular forces on the impeller, the valve may be closed to turn off the spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: One Pass Farm Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: James Dennis Brown, Allen Tison
  • Patent number: 7057122
    Abstract: A remote controller has a sliding switch which has more than two contacting positions linearly disposed, and a sliding lever to switch among the contacting positions. A slider engaged with the sliding lever and the slider has an angle portion. A first cam piece has a first V-shaped notch to fit the angle portion of the slider. The first cam piece corresponds to one or two of the contacting positions located in a central portion of the sliding switch. A second cam piece has a second V-shaped notch to fit the angle portion. The second cam piece corresponds to two of the contacting positions located on side portions of the sliding switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: SMK Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Yuji Mizuno, Minh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7057129
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-way synchronous switcher. The multi-way synchronous switcher comprises a contacting tongue unit and a cam, the contacting tongue unit comprises an upper contacting tongue unit, an intermediate contacting tongue unit and a lower contacting tongue unit which are mounted in sequence; the lower end of the cam has a shape of step provided with several step stages; the first slider being able to move up and down is provided between the cam and the intermediate contacting tongue unit; the lower end of the first slider is connected to an elastic mechanism which can actuate the intermediate contacting tongue unit to move up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Shanghai Guangwei Electric & Tools Factory
    Inventors: Yeping Fan, Wenxin Zhang
  • Patent number: 7049531
    Abstract: A circuit selector assembly including an electrical conductor, an electrical contact, a first spring beam connected to the electrical contact and a second spring beam connected to the electrical contact. The second spring beam biases the electrical contact to a first position, the first spring beam being deflected when the electrical contact is in a second position, the second position being defined as when the electrical contact is contacting the electrical conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn J. Kondas, Daniel L. Hayes
  • Patent number: 6935205
    Abstract: A switch actuator is provided with a rotor in a housing and a third class lever having a cam follower operatively engaged against a cam surface of the rotor. A fulcrum of the lever is provided at a location relative to the rotor, which location is adjustable relative to the rotor in response to continued rotation of the rotor after an operative end of the lever has been stopped against a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Danek
  • Patent number: 6670567
    Abstract: A rotary switch mechanism for an operation panel is designed such that the space on a printed board is ensured, the design of electronic parts on the printed board can be readily made, and the attachability of a switch is good. Drive pieces are arranged at predetermined intervals around the end of a rotary knob behind the operation panel, and a detection switch for detecting the passage and the direction of the passage of the drive pieces is disposed in or near the extent where the drive pieces move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Zexel Valeo Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Koseki, Kazuhiko Hirota, Hiroshi Misuda
  • Publication number: 20030226749
    Abstract: A limit switch sealing anon-contact type microswitch has a stainless steel actuator lever subjected to nitriding processing which is cantilever supported on a housing upper portion by a plate spring made of polyimide. A non-contact type microswitch stored inside a housing cavity is slightly adjusted for upward and downward positions by a screw mechanism, and after that, is sealed inside the cavity by the filler such as silicon rubber and the like. A piston which transmits the movement of the actuator lever to the microswitch is supported air tight by the housing at the center of a flat conical bellows, and the limit switch including a return coil spring is highly sensitive, and is excellent in water resistance, oil resistance, abrasion resistance and durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Yukihiro Asa
  • Patent number: 6655626
    Abstract: A belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt includes a frame, a belt spool rotatably mounted in the frame, and a locking mechanism which is provided with a release disk and by means of which the belt spool can be blocked against rotation in the frame. The belt retractor further includes a control disk as well as a reduction gear that couples the belt spool with the control disk. A rocking lever is provided which is adapted to be pivoted by the control disk between a release position in which it does not cooperate with the release disk, and a blocking position in which it engages in the release disk, whereby the belt spool can be blocked against rotation. A switch is provided which is adapted to be actuated by the control disk when a predetermined amount of belt webbing has been drawn off the belt spool and the control disk has been turned into a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lloyd Snyder
  • Patent number: 6646212
    Abstract: A switch mechanism comprising a housing in which a switch is mounted, the switch being actuable to switch between first and second conditions. A cam is mounted within the housing to rotate about a predetermined cam axis, the cam defining a cam surface against which a cam follower bears such that rotation of the cam causes displacement of the cam follower to activate the switch. An actuator shaft which may be connected to a safety rope is mounted to be axially displaceable within the housing, the actuator shaft being mechanically coupled to the cam such that axial displacement of the shaft causes the cam to rotate about its axis. The actuator shaft is positionable in an intermediate axial position in which the cam is rotatable to a predetermined rotational position such that the cam follower causes the switch to assume the first condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: EJA, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mehdi Mohtasham
  • Patent number: 6605793
    Abstract: The switch includes a microswitch switching mechanism having a biassed plunger. The body of the switching mechanism is covered by a lid having a user-operated slider mounted thereon. Movement of the slider is confined to a track formed in the lid. A cam surface is provided on a part of the slider which is engageable with the plunger of the switching mechanism. The “over-centre” profile of the cam surface is such that movement of the slider in one direction causes the plunger to be depressed and then released. Inadvertent operation of the switch is avoided due to the cam profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: ITW Limited
    Inventors: Mark Jonathan Banfield, Barry Voss
  • Patent number: 6590169
    Abstract: An electronic switch assembly, has at least one switch thereon, the at least one switch being capable of receiving a contact from a rotating cam, in order to control the power accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Richard J. Martinez
  • Patent number: 6441332
    Abstract: A switch assembly includes both a separating wedge member, which functions to maintain two electrical contacts out of electrical communication, and a second, camming element, which can be used to squeeze the contacts together when the switch assembly is actuated. In a first embodiment, the second element is of a generally conical shape. In a second embodiment, the second element is actually constituted by two side members having ramped surfaces. The interaction of the specially shaped contacts and camming element ensures proper mating of the contact members when the switch is actuated. In one preferred form of the invention, an undulating channel is formed in a housing of the switch to pinch connecting wires and assure a positive, reliable connection with the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Crawford, Jeffrey L. Sears, Harold T. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20020088700
    Abstract: The switch includes a microswitch switching mechanism having a biassed plunger. The body of the switching mechanism is covered by a lid having a user-operated slider mounted thereon. Movement of the slider is confined to a track formed in the lid. A cam surface is provided on a part of the slider which is engageable with the plunger of the switching mechanism. The “over-centre” profile of the cam surface is such that movement of the slider in one direction causes the plunger to be depressed and then released. Inadvertent operation of the switch is avoided due to the cam profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Mark Jonathan Banfield, Barry Voss
  • Patent number: 6310529
    Abstract: The present invention is for a bi-stable battery switch incorporated preferably for internal use into a remotely switchable storage battery, or, in the alternative, for external use with a battery. A bifurcated contact assembly incorporating dual bus bars is pulse actuated by a solenoid and cam arrangement to engage or disengage across opposing contacts. When engaging the contacts and when associated with high inductive loads, the first bus bar to advance initiates contact and assumes the arcing load, while the second bus bar to advance assumes the current load. When breaking contact and when associated with high inductive loads, the first bus bar to retreat breaks the current load and the second bus bar to retreat breaks the arcing load. Thus, the loads are shared to increase the durability and length of service of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: MTR, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin J. Luetzow, Richard L. Luetzow
  • Patent number: 6278619
    Abstract: The invention concerns a disconnecting appliance, such as a switch, a fuse-disconnecting switch or breaker-reversing switch, having a novel arrangement of fixed and moving contacts promoting contact surface self-cleaning and increasing contact force for the same contact force applied by the cam. Moreover, it comprises a newly designed cam for actuation the mobile contacts to optimize to the maximum the operating conditions when engaging and releasing. The appliance is characterized in that the moving contacts (35, 36) comprise two contact surfaces (38) arranged in substantially perpendicular planes, corresponding with those (27) of the fixed contacts (31, 31′ and 33, 33′), each moving contact (35, 36) moving in radial translation relative to the control shaft (23) along a direction (F) substantially perpendicular to a straight line passing through its two contact surfaces (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Socomec S.A.
    Inventor: Roger Dumont
  • Patent number: 6242706
    Abstract: A microswitch is provided with a push lever having a ball at a lower end so as to roll freely. A seesaw contact piece has one side piece to which a movable contact is attached and an opposite side piece to which the ball of the push lever is in constant contact when external force is not applied to the push lever. A fixed contact switches ON by coming into contact with the movable contact and switches OFF by separating from the movable contact. A fixed contact piece is configured to support a comer part of the seesaw contact piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Mic Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Munechika Miyata
  • Patent number: 6180903
    Abstract: A tact switch comprises an insulative base having contacts partially retained therein and partially exposing to exterior, wherein the exposed portions of the contacts face upward. Two separated steps are formed in the insulative base and located beyond the exposed portions of the contacts. A conductor plate has a frame positioned on the separated steps, an integral contacting portion surrounded by the frame and connected to the frame via two spring arms. Normally, the contacting portion registers with and separates from the exposed portion of the contacts. An elastic device is positioned on the conductor plate and it is deformable by depression thereon to thus deform the spring arms of the conductor plate and move the contacting portion of the conductor plate downward to electrically connect the exposed portions of the separated contacts simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chu-Mei Chen
  • Patent number: 6180898
    Abstract: An emergency stop switch mechanism for a robot which can take an emergency position when an external operation force is released and when a strong external operation force is applied. When the robot operation is started, a main lever La is pushed down from the OFF state with a normal external operation force. Since an elastic biasing force S2 is sufficiently larger than S1, a second ancillary lever Lc is pushed by a plunger PL and is turned downward together with a first ancillary lever Lb. A movable contact element ME of a contact mechanism section CM is moved to the ON position by the second ancillary lever Lc, so that the ON state (motion permitting state) is established. If emergency stop becomes necessary, the pressure of the main lever La is released from this state, or a specially strong force is applied to the main lever La. When the former is selected, the movable contact element ME is returned to the OFF position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Terada, Mitsuhiro Yasumura, Kenichiro Abe
  • Patent number: 6144000
    Abstract: A robust switch assembly has a support structure with a hermetically sealed high temperature switch secured to it. A high temperature current conductor is within the switch. A spring is in contact with the switch and with the plunger of a plunger mechanism. A lead wire assembly extends from the opposite end of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas J. Webb
  • Patent number: 6130393
    Abstract: An electrical rocker switch includes a body having at least two switch terminals, an internal switching mechanism for momentarily making or breaking an electrical connection between the terminals, an actuating knob on the body for operating the switching mechanism, a rocker supported on the body for pivotal movement between a first position depressing the actuating knob relative to the body and a second position releasing the actuating knob, and a resiliently biassed member for maintaining the rocker in the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Defond Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Raymond Wai Hang Chu