Harold A Paschal

US Patent:

59490390, Sep 7, 1999

Filed:

Oct 20, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/954549

Inventors:

Kevin C. Koek - Rochester NY
Harold A. Paschal - Rochester NY
Thomas L. Schwartz - Fairport NY
David R. Gotham - Rochester NY

Assignee:

Eastman Kodak Company - Rochester NY

International Classification:

H01H 920

US Classification:

200 501

Abstract:

An interlock switch access control apparatus controls access to an interlock switch (12) positioned in a cavity (14) in a housing (16). The interlock switch access control apparatus includes a plate (32) for sliding above the cavity (14) in a slot (30) in the housing (16), with the plate (32) having a plurality of apertures (38, 40). A detent (34) is positioned in a first aperture (38) of the plate (32) for fixing the position of the plate (32) in a first position over the cavity (14) to cover the interlock switch (12) to prevent access thereto. A resilient member such as a spring (48) applies a restoring force to the detent (34) to push the detent (34) toward the plate (32). The resilient member pushes the detent (34) toward and through the first aperture (38) when the plate (32) is positioned with the first aperture (38) in a longitudinal path of the detent (34). The detent (34) responds to a releasing force opposing the restoring force to move out of the first aperture (38) to release the plate (32) therefrom and so to allow the plate (32) to slide in the slot (30). A main access cover (20) is pivotally mounted to the housing (16) to cover the plate (32) in a closed position, and pivots to an open position to expose the plate (32).