Self checking safety switch
US6285021A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D3/08
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A hand operated optical touch button switch configured for insertion of a human hand into an opening. The opening having a beam of light emitted from an emitter and traveling to a photo detector. The housing includes switching circuitry for operating a controller coupled to a relay which actuates the operation of electrical machinery. The switching circuitry also includes a self check circuit adapted to continuously provide feedback regarding proper function of all components comprising the optical touch button switching circuitry. The continuous feedback provided by the self check circuitry generates data within the output signal that informs the controller of component failures which may result in unintended actuation of a machine to which the switch is coupled when the human hand is not inserted in the opening of the switch housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.