Christopher Kenneth Young

US Patent:

59672978, Oct 19, 1999

Filed:

Jul 17, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/118455

Inventors:

Dennis Kaufman - Farmington MI
James Larsen - Farmington Hills MI
Christopher Edward Young - Macomb IL
Jim Brian Hull - Keokuk IA

Assignee:

Methode Electronics, Inc. - Chicago IL

International Classification:

H01H 118

US Classification:

200241

Abstract:

An elastomeric switch is provided having self cleanings contacts. The switch includes a substrate and a switch actuator configured for reciprocating motion along an axis generally perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. A first switch contact, including a contact surface generally perpendicular to the actuator axis of motion is, carried by the switch actuator. A second switch contact is cantilevered from the surface of the substrate. Reciprocation of the actuator in a first direction toward the substrate acts to force the first contact against the distal end of the second contact. The two contacts are deflected together as result of further reciprocation of the actuator in the first direction. As the contacts are deflected, the distal end of the second contact is scraped across the contact surface of the first contact, thereby removing contaminants and other debris from the contact surface of the first contact. As the contacts are deflected, the second contact is mechanically biases against the first contact to eliminate contact bounce.

US Patent:

54062608, Apr 11, 1995

Filed:

Dec 18, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/992924

Inventors:

Marshall B. Cummings - Ann Arbor MI
Christopher R. Young - Austin TX

Assignee:

ChriMar Systems, Inc. - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G08B 2100

US Classification:

340568

Abstract:

A system and method are provided for monitoring the connection of electronic equipment, such as remote computer workstations, to a network via a communication link and detecting the disconnection of such equipment from the network. The system includes current loops internally coupled to protected pieces of equipment so that each piece of associated equipment has an associated current loop. A low current power signal is provided to each of the current loops. A sensor monitors the current flow through each current loop to detect removal of the equipment from the network. Removal of a piece of hardware breaks the current flow through the associated current loop which in turn may activate an alarm. This invention is particularly adapted to be used with an existing 10BaseT communication link or equivalent thereof, employing existing wiring to form the current loops.