Electrical safety system for electrical device

US5334223A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company · US

Inventors

• Alan P. Dieken · Oakdale, US
• David Fischer · Milford, US
• Jonathan C. Platt · Bellevue, US
• William L. Sondermann · Circle Pines, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 22, 1993
• Grant date: Aug 2, 1994
• Expiry date: Jan 22, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

Apparatus and electrical circuitry are provided for electrical devices in order to provide electrical isolation of exposed electrical contacts on at least one of multiple modules of the electrical device. The apparatus includes at least one actuating component in one module and at least one sensor component within a second module in electrical communication with electrical circuitry, whereby electrical isolation of the exposed electrical contacts ceases when the sensor apparatus senses a desired location of the module. Placement of the apparatus and electrical circuitry to reside within the modules promotes electrical safety while minimizing tampering with safety aspects of the device. The apparatus and circuitry are useful for medical devices such as handheld diagnostic devices and consumer devices such as telephones.