Control Devices, Incorporated

David E Windsor

A two-hand operator's control station mounted on a common enclosure detects an operator's hands and provides output signals without requiring the operator to push buttons. Such control stations, called pushless run bars, are for use with automatic machinery which requires the simultaneous use of two hands to initiate operation of the machinery. In each embodiment of the present invention, two hand-sensing mechanisms are provided on or near the cover of an elongated enclosure, one for sensing each hand. The sensing mechanisms are located sufficiently far apart, near opposite ends of the run bar enclosure, to prevent accidental operation by one hand. Suitable anti-tie-down circuitry, an electrical cover interlock, indicator lights, and physical barriers to prevent access from certain directions may also be provided as part of the apparatus. A first embodiment of the run-bar apparatus employs two separate photo-transceiver units for detecting the operator's two hands. A second run bar employs two capacitive sensor units for detecting the operator's hands. A third run bar employs two passive infra-red intrusion devices to detect the operator's hands. A fourth embodiment employs two ultrasonic sensing systems to detect the operator's hands. A fifth run bar employs passive infrared intrusion devices to detect the presence of the operator's hands. A third sensor may be provided to detect the operator's body in front of the run bar.

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Fenton, MI, United States of America

David E Windsor