Electronic lock-out tag-out safety device

• US 20040227631A1
• Filed: 05/12/2003
• Published: 11/18/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gary J. Loudon
• Original Assignee: Gary J. Loudon
• Inventors: Loudon, Gary J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,026,932 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/545.2
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 1/08 using electric transmission ; transformation of alarm signals to electrical signals from a different medium, e.g. transmission of an electric alarm signal upon detection of an audible alarm signal
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/08 by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind

Abstract

An electronic lock-out tag-out system comprising a transmitter lock and a portable receiver. One or more switches of the transmitter lock is connected to a utility box or the like and are actuated when the transmitter lock is moved or removed. When the switch is activated, an alarm is sounded in the transmitter lock and a signal is transmitted to the receiver to sound an alarm in the receiver.

Claims

1. A lock-out system for signaling undesired activity at an electrical device, said system comprising:

a) a transmitter lock comprising a transmitter, a switch coupled to said transmitter and actuatable in response to movement of said switch relative to the electrical device and means for connecting the switch to an electrical device; and

b) a portable receiver comprising a discernible signal generator, wherein a discernible signal is generated by said portable receiver when said switch is actuated.

2. A lock-out system according to claim 1 wherein said connecting means comprises at least one magnet.

3. A lock-out system according to claim 2 wherein at least one of said magnets comprises an electromagnet.

4. A lock-out system according to claim 1 wherein said switch comprises a vibration sensor.

5. A lock-out system according to claim 1 wherein said switch comprises a spring biased switch.

6. A lock-out system according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter lock comprises a key switch coupled to said switch.

7. A lock-out system according to claim 6 wherein after said transmitter is activated, it can only be deactivated by said key switch.

8. A lock-out system according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter lock comprises a discernible signal generator which generates a discernible signal when said switch is actuated.

9. A lock-out system according to claim 8 wherein said discernible signal comprises an audible signal.

10. A lock-out system according to claim 8 wherein said discernible signal comprises an visible signal.

11. A lock-out system according to claim 1, wherein said transmitter lock comprises tag-out indicia for indicating the location of affected equipment and/or personnel.

12. A lock-out system according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter lock comprises a folding flap for obstructing a portion of an electrical device.

13. A lock-out system according to claim 1 wherein said discernible signal comprises an audible signal.

14. A lock-out system according to claim 1 wherein said discernible signal comprises an visible signal.

15. A transmitter lock for use with a portable receiver for creating a discernible signal in response to undesired activity at protected equipment, said transmitter lock comprising:

a) a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a portable receiver;

b) at least one switch coupled to said transmitter, said switch responsive to movement wherein movement of said switch will activate said transmitter causing a signal to be transmitted to the portable receiver; and

c) means for connecting said switch to said protected equipment.

16. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said connecting means comprises at least one magnet.

17. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein at least one of said magnets comprises an electromagnet.

18. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said switch comprises a vibration sensor.

19. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said switch comprises a spring biased switch.

20. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said transmitter lock comprises a key switch coupled to said switch.

21. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein after said transmitter is activated, it can only be deactivated by said key switch.

22. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said transmitter lock comprises a discernible signal generator which generates a discernible signal when said switch is actuated.

23. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said discernible signal comprises an audible signal.

24. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said discernible signal comprises an visible signal.

25. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said transmitter lock comprises tag-out indicia for indicating the location of affected equipment and/or personnel.

26. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said transmitter lock comprises a folding flap for obstructing a portion of an electrical device.

27. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said discernible signal comprises an audible signal.

28. A lock-out system according to claim 15 wherein said discernible signal comprises an visible signal.