Patent ID: 8439178
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: F16D,F25D

Abstract:
1. A mechanical power coupling system comprising: a first mechanical power connector component capable of being associated with a mechanical power service consumer; a contactless proximity target associated with at least one of the first mechanical power connector component and the mechanical power service consumer; a second mechanical power connector component operably engageable with the first mechanical power connector component, the second mechanical power connector component capable of being associated with a mechanical power service source; a contactless proximity sensor associated with at least one of the second mechanical power connector and the mechanical power service source; a mechanical power service pathway between the first and second mechanical power connector components when the first and second mechanical power connector components are interengaged, the mechanical power service pathway capable of passing a mechanical power service between the first and second mechanical power connector components; and a service switch operably associated with the contactless proximity sensor to selectively permit the communication of the mechanical power service along the mechanical power service pathway when the contactless proximity sensor detects the contactless proximity target; wherein the contactless proximity target and the contactless proximity sensor are magnetic and the service switch responds to movement of the contactless proximity sensor in response to the detection of the contactless proximity target by the contactless proximity sensor.