Electrical and pneumatic lock-out device

• US 6,268,574 B1
• Filed: 05/01/2000
• Issued: 07/31/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rudolph R. Edens
• Original Assignee: Rudolph R. Edens
• Inventors: Edens, Rudolph R.
• Primary Examiner(s): FRIEDHOFER, MICHAEL A
• Application Number:
  US09/561,793
• Time in Patent Office: 456 Days
• Field of Search: 200/17.R, 200/43-1-, 200/43-9-, 200/52.R, 200/50.01, 200/50.02, 200/50.09, 200/61-2-, 200/330, 200/331, 200/334
• US Class Current: 200/43.04
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/22 Means for operating or controlling lock or fastening device accessories, i.e. other than the fastening members, e.g. switches, indicators E05B39/00 - E05B45/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16P 3/08 in connection with the locking of doors, covers, guards, or like members giving access to moving machine parts
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 27/00 Switches operated by a removable member, e.g. key, plug or plate; Switches operated by setting members according to a single predetermined combination out of several possible settings combined with plug-and-socket connectors H01R13/70; with current-carrying plug H01R31/08
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 3/163 associated with locking or manipulating means of the closing member

Abstract

An electrical and/or an electrical and pneumatic lock-out device is disclosed for maintenance work crews to render their maintenance worksites more tamperproof and electrical “jumper”-proof, which provides more safety for their operations. The present lock-out device works with a safety interlock switch which either shuts off the electricity, or, if necessary, simultaneously shuts off the electricity and the pneumatic power system to work cell safety gate electrical systems, as well as electrical and pneumatic machinery and assembly line equipment. The present lock-out device acts to more reliably render work cells and manufacturing equipment inoperable for maintenance operations by maintenance crews as the key to the safety interlock switch is permanently attached to a safety pin to be used for closing a gate or to be inserted into a pneumatic or hydraulic device to prevent the pneumatics or the hydraulics from slipping once the power has been shut off.

Claims

1. A lock-out device to shut off power supplies to a mechanism for enhancing the safety of a worker during maintenance and other operations, comprising:

a) a safety interlock switch for electrical lock-out of the mechanism, said switch having electrical wires attached therein for electrical communication between said interlock switch and the mechanism, said safety interlock switch completing the electrical communication between the interlock switch and the mechanism;

when a key is received within the safety interlock switch completing the electrical communication; and

b) a lock-out safety pin for enabling the mechanism to be opened up for maintenance and other operations, said safety pin being permanently attached to the key, such that when the key is not received within the switch, the power is shut off and the lock-out safety pin can be removed from a position within the mechanism, whereby the mechanism is disabled from operation for maintenance, and the power is also disconnected for the safety of the worker.

2. The lock-out device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator button to release the key and cut the power.

3. The lock-out device of claim 1, wherein the key is permanently welded to the lock-out safety pin.

4. The lock-out device of claim 1, wherein the mechanism includes a utility gate enclosing manufacturing machinery.

5. The lock-out device of claim 4, further comprising a gate mounting plate extension for receiving the lock-out safety pin and keeping the gate locked shut.

6. The lock-out device of claim 4, further comprising a cleavis welded to the gate to receive the gate mounting plate extension.

7. The lock-out device of claim 6, wherein said key and safety pin are welded together in a configuration such that the key and the safety pin will be simultaneously disengaged to shut off power and open the mechanism when pulled out and simultaneously engaged when the key and the safety pin are inserted into the safety interlock switch and the cleavis simultaneously.