A latch mechanism includes a latch having a first latch protrusion and a second latch protrusion, and a catch having a first catch protrusion and a second catch protrusion. The first catch protrusion engages the first latch protrusion in a first catch position. The second catch protrusion engages the second latch protrusion in a second catch position following release of the first catch position.

A safety switch (1) having an input/output structure and means for generating a switching signal. Depending on the switching signal, the operation of the system can be released. The input/output structure forms means of connection for connecting a start button (5). By manually actuating the start button (5), an acknowledgment signal for releasing the system is generated. The means of connection are detected automatically in the safety switch (1).

A safety switch (1) having an input/output structure and means for generating a switching signal. Depending on the switching signal, the operation of the system can be released. The input/output structure forms means of connection for connecting a start button (5). By manually actuating the start button (5), an acknowledgment signal for releasing the system is generated. The means of connection are detected automatically in the safety switch (1).

An interlocking method and blending apparatus is provided which includes a base, container, and lid. The apparatus comprises light emitters, light sensors, and light reflectors. Light is emitted by the light emitters from the base, through the container, and toward the lid. Light reflectors in the lid reflect the light back through the container and toward the base. The light sensors detect the reflected light and can be used to control operation of the blender and illumination of the container. Light may be in the visible spectrum, or sub-visible spectrum. The light emitters and light sensors may be at the base and/or the bottom of the container.

An interlocking method and blending apparatus is provided which includes a base, container, and lid. The apparatus comprises light emitters, light sensors, and light reflectors. Light is emitted by the light emitters from the base, through the container, and toward the lid. Light reflectors in the lid reflect the light back through the container and toward the base. The light sensors detect the reflected light and can be used to control operation of the blender and illumination of the container. Light may be in the visible spectrum, or sub-visible spectrum. The light emitters and light sensors may be at the base and/or the bottom of the container.

A method for signaling the position of a safety device with respect to a safety zone to be monitored with regard to the safety device, as well as a safety switch system suitable for carrying out the method. For monitoring the safety zone, the position of the safety device with respect to the safety zone is detected with a detection device, and the safety zone is divided into a first subzone and at least a second subzone. If the position of the safety device is detected within the first subzone, this is recognized as the first condition; if the position of the safety device is detected in the area of the second subzone, this is recognized as a second condition; and if the position of the safety device is not detected within the first subzone or in the area of the second subzone, this is recognized as a third condition. Furthermore, recognition of the third condition is signaled by a safety-oriented release signal for releasing of a predetermined safety-oriented reaction and/or recognition of the first and/or second condition(s) is signaled by an information signal with data pertaining to the respective condition to a display device, in particular a display device in a wireless connection.

A method for signaling the position of a safety device with respect to a safety zone to be monitored with regard to the safety device, as well as a safety switch system suitable for carrying out the method. For monitoring the safety zone, the position of the safety device with respect to the safety zone is detected with a detection device, and the safety zone is divided into a first subzone and at least a second subzone. If the position of the safety device is detected within the first subzone, this is recognized as the first condition; if the position of the safety device is detected in the area of the second subzone, this is recognized as a second condition; and if the position of the safety device is not detected within the first subzone or in the area of the second subzone, this is recognized as a third condition. Furthermore, recognition of the third condition is signaled by a safety-oriented release signal for releasing of a predetermined safety-oriented reaction and/or recognition of the first and/or second condition(s) is signaled by an information signal with data pertaining to the respective condition to a display device, in particular a display device in a wireless connection.

A safety switch (2) with a latching unit (12), by means of which an associated actuator (3) is held in a latched position. The latching unit (12) has an arrangement of latching jaws (14). Each latching jaw (14) is spring-mounted by means of a spring unit (15). The latching jaws (14) are concentrically arranged and each face one another with a first free end and delimit an insertion opening (A). The latching jaws (14) are held in latched position by the spring forces generated by the spring units (15). The latching jaws (14) can be displaced against the spring forces of the spring unit (15), which serves to enlarge the insertion opening (A).

An actuator (3) for a safety switch (2) with an actuator head (8), said actuator head being mounted to a core body (6) by means of a connection element (7). The actuator head (8) has, at least in parts, a larger cross section than the connection element (7). The connection element (7) is rigid in the axial direction. The actuator head (8) is held in a base position by means of the connecting element (7). In this base position, the longitudinal axis of the connection element (7) runs at an angle of inclination to the surface of the core body (6).

A safety switch (2) with a latching unit (12), by means of which an associated actuator (3) is held in a latched position. The latching unit (12) has an opening (9) and a blocking element. In a latched position, the blocking element projects into the opening (9) and rear-engages an actuator head (8) of the actuator (3), which is in the latched position. The blocking element is held in the latched position by means of a positioning element with a setting force. When the actuator head (8) is inserted into or removed from the opening (9), the actuator head (8) pivots the blocking element out against the setting force.