Easily sanitized control device
US8284015B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01C10/16
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A smooth surface of a control device is achieved by positioning the actual control devices within a sealed housing and having the operator touchable knobs proximity connected to the control devices through the surface of the housing. In one embodiment, the proximity connection is a magnetic connection between the handle mechanism detachably positioned on the outside of the housing and traditional slider potentiometers mounted within the housing. In another embodiment, longitudinal proximity sensors within the housing are used to emulate the physical layout of the slider potentiometers and the movement of handle mechanisms outside the housing create the changing proximity under control of the operator. In all embodiments, the outside handle mechanism easily separates from the housing leaving a relatively smooth outer housing surface which can be easily sanitized. The removed handle mechanism allows for easy cleaning and sanitizing as well as for easy substitution.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.