Mark C Matzka

RE37777, Jul 2, 2002

Dec 19, 1997

08/994125

Jeffrey G. Herman - Lake Orion MI, 48362
Mark C. Matzka - Rochester Hills MI, 48306

G01V 904

250221, 250229, 361189

A manually operable switch apparatus for a machine having at least one mode of operation actuated by a control circuit includes a spaced pair of switches which are simultaneously manually operable without the application of exertive contact by an operator. Preferably, each switch includes an infrared emitter spaced from an infrared receiver, and a single or double pole, double throw relay actuated when the beam between the emitter and receivers are broken, so as to cause actuation of an alternative mode of machine operation. The use of switches which do not require exertive contact obviates the injury to wrist and finger tendons experienced by machine operators when conventional palm buttons are employed on machines requiring repetitive operator manipulations. The use of a spaced pair of such switches requires that the operator place both hands on the switches in order to operate the machine, so that the operator cannot inadvertently place a hand in or adjacent to the machine during operation, thus serving to prevent injury to the worker. Such a switch apparatus is substantially more reliable then conventional mechanical and pneumatic switches, subject to significantly less breakdown in use.

56659610, Sep 9, 1997

Oct 26, 1994

8/329521

Mark C. Matzka - Rochester Hills MI

Break-A-Beam, Inc. - Warren MI

G01V 800
H01J 4014

250221

A photoelectric switch having a rectifier for converting a received AC voltage to a DC voltage, a transparent cover having a user friendly finger rest surface, means for generating a pulsed infrared beam across the finger rest surface, means responsive to the breaking of the pulsed infrared beam by an operator placing at least one finger on the finger rest surface to actuate a relay to generate an output signal, and means for disabling the actuation of the relay in response to the operator removing his finger from the finger rest surface restoring the continuity of the pulsed infrared beam. The photoelectric switch includes fault protection circuits which disable the relay when the AC voltage is below a predetermined voltage, when the ambient infrared background illumination exceeds a predetermined value, or when the means for generating a pulsed infrared beam fails to generate the beam. The photoelectric switch also includes circuits for lighting a fault light when the AC voltage is less than the predetermined voltage, the ambient infrared background illumination exceeds the predetermined limits, and when a contact in the relay welds or becomes stuck in the activated position.

49393588, Jul 3, 1990

May 23, 1988

7/198613

Jeffrey G. Herman - Lake Orion MI
Mark C. Matzka - Rochester MI

Jeffries, Inc. - Warren MI

G01V 904

250221

A manually operable switch apparatus for a machine having at least one mode of operation actuated by a control circuit includes a spaced pair of switches which are simultaneously manually operable without the application of exertive contact by an operator. Preferably, each switch includes an infrared emitter spaced from an infrared receiver, and a single or double pole, double throw relay actuated when the beam between the emitter and receivers are broken, so as to cause actuation of an alternative mode of machine operation. The use of switches which do not require exertive contact obviates the injury to wrist and finger tendons experienced by machine operators when conventional palm buttons are employed on machines requiring repetitive operator manipulations. The use of a spaced pair of such switches requires that the operator place both hands on the switches in order to operate the machine, so that the operator cannot inadvertently place a hand in or adjacent to the machine during operation, thus serving to prevent injury to the worker. Such a switch apparatus is substantially more reliable then conventional mechanical and pneumatic switches, subject to significantly less breakdown in use.

53671589, Nov 22, 1994

Oct 25, 1991

7/782420

Jeffrey G. Herman - Lake Orion MI
Mark C. Matzka - Rochester Hills MI

Break-A-Beam, Inc. - Warren MI

G01V 904

250221

A photoelectric switch having a rectifier for converting a received AC voltage to a DC voltage, a transparent cover having a user friendly finger rest surface, means for generating a pulsed infrared beam across the finger rest surface, means responsive to the breaking of the pulsed infrared beam by an operator placing at least one finger on the finger rest surface to actuate a relay to generate an output signal, and means for disabling the actuation of the relay in response to the operator removing his finger from the finger rest surface restoring the continuity of the pulsed infrared beam. The photoelectric switch includes fault protection circuits which disable the relay when the AC voltage is below a predetermined voltage or the ambient infrared background illumination exceeds a predetermined value. The photoelectric switch also includes circuits for lighting a fault light when the AC voltage is less than the predetermined voltage, the ambient infrared background illumination exceeds the predetermined limits, and when a contact in the relay welds or becomes stuck in the activated position.

D3465870, May 3, 1994

Jun 11, 1992

7/897512

Jeffrey G. Herman - Lake Orion MI
Mark C. Matzka - Rochester Hills MI

Break-A-Beam, Inc. - Warren MI

D13177