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United States Patent | 5,334,223 |
Dieken ,   et al. | August 2, 1994 |
Apparatus and electrical circuitry are provided for electrical devices in order to provide electrical isolation of exposed electrical contacts on at least one of multiple modules of the electrical device. The apparatus includes at least one actuating component in one module and at least one sensor component within a second module in electrical communication with electrical circuitry, whereby electrical isolation of the exposed electrical contacts ceases when the sensor apparatus senses a desired location of the module. Placement of the apparatus and electrical circuitry to reside within the modules promotes electrical safety while minimizing tampering with safety aspects of the device. The apparatus and circuitry are useful for medical devices such as handheld diagnostic devices and consumer devices such as telephones.
Inventors: | Dieken; Alan P. (Oakdale, MN); Fischer; David J. (Arden Hills, MN); Platt; Jonathan C. (Bloomington, MN); Sondermann; William L. (Circle Pines, MN) |
Assignee: | Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (St. Paul, MN) |
Appl. No.: | 008724 |
Filed: | January 22, 1993 |
Intern'l Class: | A61B 005/00 |
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