Remote and proximal guard testing systems and testing systems either separately or in conjunction with interlock testing mechanisms and systems
AssigneeTriodyne Safety Systems, L.L.C.
InventorsRalph L. Barnett, Theordore Liber
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to novel systems for testing guards closures or barriers used on hazardous machinery for personnel protection. The guards are tested separately or in conjunction with safety devices which may include interlocks, locking mechanisms and latching devices. The testing process proceeds without having to shut down the machine on which the guarding system is mounted. Testers are incorporated in the process for establishing the integrity of the safety devices and for executing self-testing. Also included are various novel devices that are unable in such systems.
Claims50
A method of testing a guard closure of a machine safeguarding system to determine if the guard closure functions correctly or not, including the steps of applying a force displacement type test means to the guard closure to attempt to open the guard closure, sensing the change of state of the test means to determine if the guard closure is in a proper position and if the guard closure can be opened or not, or if the guard closure is open, and applying to the guard closure a continuous or a pulsating force by a force displacement mechanism as needed to accomplish the testing.
A method of testing a machine safeguarding system including a guard closure and an interlock system having a power control circuit and sensing systems which when functioning correctly prevents the powered operation of the machine or that portion of the machine protected by the guard closure when the guard closure is opened or open, comprising the steps of bypassing from the power control circuit, the interlock system to test the interlock system, applying a test means to the guard closure to attempt to open the guard closure and sensing the change of state of the test means to determine if the guard closure is in its proper position, and changing the state of the interlock sensing system to test the functioning of the interlock circuit system.
A method of testing a machine having a machine power control circuit and a safeguarding system including a guard closure held locked by a guard locking device and an interlock mechanism having a sensing and circuit system which when functioning correctly prevents the powered operation of the machine or that portion of the machine protected by the guard closure, when the guard closure is opened or open, comprising the steps of bypassing the interlock mechanism and guard locking device from the machine power control circuit, changing the state of the interlock mechanism and sensing such change of state to test the functioning of the interlock mechanism and the circuit and sensing system.
A device for testing a guard closure of a machine safeguarding system, comprising a tester assembly including a motor or other power means actuated to a tester that is adapted to engage the guard closure to test if the guard closure is open or will open or is closed;
- and means for sensing the movement of the tester to determine if the guard closure opened only a safe limited amount as specified by a guard closure design and function or if the guard closure can be opened more than such limited amount or is open wherein the guard closure includes a suitable gripping member such as a handle and the tester includes a releasable engaging member for gripping said handle for insuring positive movement of the guard closure by said member during testing of the guard closure while permitting disengagement from the gripping member when the guard closure is retracted by the tester.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.