Light Visible Through Actuator Patents (Class 200/313)
  • Patent number: 11915564
    Abstract: A cover for an electronic payment terminal having at least one zone to be back-lit. The cover includes at least one part having at least one lower layer and one upper layer assembled during the manufacture of the cover, the lower layer being opaque or semi-opaque and having at least one aperture facing the at least one zone to be back-lit when the cover is mounted on the electronic payment terminal. The upper layer is translucent and covers the at least one aperture in the lower layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: INGENICO GROUP
    Inventors: Gaetan Mabille, Didier Coquelet, Ludovic Neveu, Johann Balasse
  • Patent number: 11842872
    Abstract: A switching device includes: a triggering unit; an actuator coupled to the triggering unit; a switching mechanism coupled to the actuator; and an interface module. The interface module includes: a signal processing unit coupled to the triggering unit; an interface circuit coupled to a transmitting and receiving circuit of the signal processing unit; a power supply input for feeding a first supply voltage; and a voltage converter connected on an input side to the power supply input and a power outlet for issuing a second supply voltage. The power outlet is coupled to the signal processing unit and to the triggering unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Gregor Fleitmann, Hans-Juergen Mader, Daniel Andreas Jansen, Rolf Arck, Ralph Kriechel
  • Patent number: 11490497
    Abstract: A keyboard device includes a casing, a circuit board, plural keys and an electrostatic conduction module. The circuit board is disposed within the casing. The circuit board includes a ground terminal. The plural keys installed in the corresponding key slots of the casing. The electrostatic conduction module includes a first conductive element, an elastic conductive element and a second conductive element. The first conductive element is installed on a keycap of the key. The elastic conductive element is disposed within the casing and contacted with the circuit board. The second conductive element is connected between the first conductive element and the elastic conductive element. Moreover, electrostatic charges on the keycap are transferred to the circuit board through the first conductive element, the second conductive element and the elastic conductive element and discharged from the ground terminal of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Ying-En Liang, Zhen Chen
  • Patent number: 11409373
    Abstract: An input device including a bracket, key caps and a black light module is provided. The key caps are disposed on the bracket. The backlight module is disposed under the bracket, and includes a light guide plate, a light source and a shading plate. The light guide plate includes diffusing elements arranged at a position corresponding to an opening of the bracket. The light source is disposed on a side of the light guide plate. The shading plate is disposed on the light guide plate, and includes a transparent sheet, an opaque layer and a translucent coating. The opaque layer is disposed on the transparent sheet correspondingly between two adjacent key caps, and the translucent coating overlaps a portion of the opaque layer on the transparent sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Ching-Lung Cheng
  • Patent number: 11287909
    Abstract: A sensitivity-adjustable mouse includes a casing, a switching button, an illumination module and a lightshade cover. The switching button is installed on the casing and swingable relative to the casing. The illumination module is disposed within the casing and located under the switching button. The illumination module emits plural light beams to the switching button. The lightshade cover is connected with the switching button and arranged between the switching button and the illumination module. The plural light beams are divided by the lightshade cover. The illumination module and the lightshade cover are covered by the switching button. Due to the appearance of a single button structure, the appearance of the mouse is aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Cheng Lu
  • Patent number: 11248754
    Abstract: A light tube apparatus includes a light passing tube, a light strip, first cap end, a second cap end, a driver circuit board and a manual switch. The light passing tube are connected with the first cap end and the second cap end on opposite sides of the light passing tube. The manual switch is a fixed to the first cap end. The driver circuit board is at least partly enclosed by the first cap end. The manual switch has a switch sheath and a sliding switch. When a user moves the switch sheath, the sliding switch is moved by the switch sheath to change a position of the sliding switch for changing an operation parameter of the driver circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: XIAMEN LEEDARSON LIGHTING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Guochao Li, Yongjun Bao, Dejuan Liang
  • Patent number: 11189445
    Abstract: A dial type operation switch comprises: an upper assembly including a display device; a lower assembly including an encoder; and a wheel assembly which rotates while surrounding the sides of the upper assembly and the lower assembly. Further, a knob switch comprises a push switch which is operated by pressing the display device in multiple directions, whereby a structure capable of various settings and operations is provided by combining the push switch with the rotation of the wheel assembly. In addition, a sink cabinet device comprises a bath sink and a functional module, wherein a bath sink lamp is provided and operation states of the sink cabinet device can be displayed using the bath sink lamp. Therefore, there is provided a structure in which the bath sink lamp can be used as a mood lamp for improving the beauty of a bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Inhyung Yang, Seongho Kim, Jong Seok Kim, Daeyun Park, Ung Je Jo
  • Patent number: 10892753
    Abstract: An input device, including a flat panel defining an array of control surfaces, and an array of capacitive sensors and a support. The control surfaces are on a surface of the panel facing towards the operator and the support is on a side of the panel facing away from an operator. Also, each capacitive sensor forms a measuring capacitance assigned to a control surface. Further, each capacitive sensor is formed by a common substantially flat film layer structure. The film layer structure includes a first electrode for forming the measuring capacitance. On the side of the support, a lighting device is provided for each control surface for backlighting the associated control surface and transmitting light through the film layer structure. Also, the input device reduces the passage of light from one capacitive sensor to an adjacent capacitive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: PREH GMBH
    Inventors: Ottmar Gleissner, Jochen Schlereth
  • Patent number: 10657910
    Abstract: The resolution of a low-resolution image is made high and a stereoscopic image is displayed. Resolution is made high by super-resolution processing. In this case, the super-resolution processing is performed after edge enhancement processing is performed. Accordingly, a stereoscopic image with high resolution and high quality can be displayed. Alternatively, after image analysis processing is performed, edge enhancement processing and super-resolution processing are concurrently performed. Accordingly, processing time can be shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Kimura
  • Patent number: 10600591
    Abstract: This application provides a luminous keyboard, including a plurality of keys, a plurality of keys, a light guide plate, and a reflector. Each of the keys includes a rubber dome, where the rubber dome is made of a translucent material doped with a plurality of light-diffusion particles, and when the rubber dome is irradiated by a light ray, a part of the light ray is diffused when traveling upward through the rubber dome, and the other part of the light ray is reflected downward by the rubber dome to the reflector, then, is reflected upward, and is diffused when passing by a plurality of light diffusion protrusions of the light guide plate, to be emitted outward through the keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Ying-Te Chiang, Lei-Lung Tsai, Yu-Ming Lin, Ding-Hsiang Pan
  • Patent number: 10353510
    Abstract: A force-scalable stationary interface control is provided. The control includes a knob-like structure including an axis and a fixed surface located at least partially around the axis, and a touch sensor located at least partially around the fixed surface, the touch sensor configured to sense a plurality of different levels of applied pressure and locations of touch input. The control further includes at least one output device. The control further includes a controller configured to: identify a first level of applied pressure sensed at the touch sensor, identify a scrolling action based on a detected change in locations of the touch input sensed at the touch sensor, identify a current scale of the scrolling action based on an identified first level of applied pressure, and control the at least one output device to provide an identified current scale and an identified scrolling action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven J Kerr, Goktug Duman
  • Patent number: 10320179
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a switch with a supply terminal and a load terminal. A blocking diode is electrically connected in series between the switch and one of the supply terminal and the load terminal. The blocking diode is arranged to oppose current flow between the load terminal and the supply terminal through the switch to prevent current back-flow through the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert F. Longley, Jr., Christopher P. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10293761
    Abstract: A vehicle trim element has a panel that includes at least one colored mask having solid areas and at least one aperture delimiting a pattern, and a colored screen transmitting light and closing each aperture of the mask. The mask and the screen are substantially of the same color so that the pattern is visible when the panel is backlit and substantially invisible in the absence of backlighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Geoffroy Topart, Thierry Vourlat, Dany Desrus
  • Patent number: 10219368
    Abstract: A laminated light guide and component carrier includes a printed circuit board having a light emitting diode connected to a first face of the printed circuit board. A through bore is created in the printed circuit board proximate to the light emitting diode. An opaque film is applied using an adhesive to a second face of the printed circuit board oppositely directed with respect to the first face, the opaque film having a portion overlapping the through bore. A light guide is positioned within the opening and affixed to the portion of the opaque film overlapping the through bore. A white film is applied or ink printed onto the light guide without contacting the first face of the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: DURA OPERATING, LLC
    Inventors: Ron G. Gipson, Bhanumurthy Veeragandham
  • Patent number: 9996173
    Abstract: A front panel overlay having a plurality of layers and one or more logic circuits incorporated therein is disclosed. One of the plurality of layers may have a first electrical contact and another one of the plurality of layers may have a second electrical contact. The one or more logic circuits may be incorporated at least indirectly within the plurality of layers and may be activated when the first electrical contact completes an electrical circuit with the second electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, William A. Herring, Daniel W. Johnston
  • Patent number: 9958138
    Abstract: A trim assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The trim assembly includes a substrate and a housing forming a cavity therebetween. A conductive layer is coupled to the housing and has first and second portions each including an electrically conductive material. The first portion is separated from the second portion by an electrically insulative gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman
  • Patent number: 9841102
    Abstract: A self-venting device includes a first component having an interior, a second component coupled to the first component so as to close the interior, and seal structure engaged between the first and second components in a sealed state so as to seal the interior from external agents. The seal structure includes a plurality of seal members, each having a resilient seal tip extending therefrom. The seal tips are constructed and arranged such that 1) when pressure inside the interior is equal to pressure outside of the device, the seal tips are compressed between the first and second components in the sealed state, and 2) when pressure in the interior is greater than the pressure outside of the device causing the second component to move away from the first component, the seal tips move to an unsealed state, permitting air to exit from the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John M Burca, Scott Hall, Karthik Narayan, Wojciech Makiej, Alan Honda
  • Patent number: 9308400
    Abstract: An indicator arrangement for a regulator removably connectable to a facemask in a breathing apparatus, the indicator arrangement including: at least one release button comprising a body operationally engaged with at least one component of the regulator and configured to be actuated by a user to detach the regulator from the facemask, wherein at least a portion of the body is configured to facilitate transmission of light from at least one light source; and wherein the light is visible on or through at least one external surface of the body of the at least one release button. A regulator release button and breathing apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Mark L. Cavaliere, Christopher L. Prete, Michael F. Becker, Carsten Leuschner
  • Patent number: 9287866
    Abstract: A sensor element device for a capacitive contact switch for an operator control device with an operator panel has a molded body of an electrically nonconducting material. The molded body has an upper side that lies against an underside of the control panel in the assembled state. The molded body is transparently formed in certain portions in a direction perpendicular to its upper side as an illuminated indicator and is provided on its upper side with an electrically conductive coating. The electrically conductive coating serves as a capacitive sensor element of the capacitive contact switch and has at least one recess, which has been produced by means of a laser, to form a symbol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Kleinhans
  • Patent number: 8866031
    Abstract: A slim key includes a supporting plate, at least one key cap, at least one dome and a light-permeable circuit board. The supporting plate is disposed above the circuit board and has at least one frame part. Each frame part is formed with a light-permeable hole at a central portion thereof. The key pad is disposed on the top surface of the frame part correspondingly. The circuit board has at least one conductive circuit formed thereon under the dome correspondingly. The dome is correspondingly disposed between the frame part and the circuit board. According to one embodiment, the instant disclosure also provides an electronic device with the slim keypad structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Hsiao-Lung Chiang
  • Patent number: 8783884
    Abstract: A display device for displaying two graphics is provided. The display device has first and a second light transmitting substrates, each having a front surface and a rear surface, the first substrate including at least one etched region corresponding to a first graphic, and the second substrate including at least one etched region corresponding to an inverse or negative of the first graphic. The display device also has first and second light sources arranged to emit light into the first and second substrates. The first substrate conveys the light to the etched region(s) of the first substrate which then scatters light towards the user. The second light source is behind the second substrate and emits light through both substrates towards the user. When the first light source is illuminated only the first graphic is displayed, and when the second light source is illuminated only the second graphic is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Baker, Dan Gullick
  • Patent number: 8740399
    Abstract: A touch type lamp switch, which comprising: an upper and lower casing matched to each other; a keying zone is protruded integrally on the upper casing, and several touch switches are divided; multiple punch holes are arranged on the periphery of the keying zone, and the lower casing is provided with a depressed space, with its opening interlocked with the upper casing; a faceplate, attached firmly onto the upper casing; a transparent light panel, attached firmly with the surface of the faceplate; a rectangular hollow frame, embedded onto the center of the transparent light panel and faceplate for locking the transparent light panel; and a circuit structure, embedded into the space formed by the upper and lower casings, comprising of touch switch circuit, several LED indicators and colorful LED backlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: David Wang
  • Publication number: 20140138221
    Abstract: A control mechanism comprises a housing defining an interior and an exterior, an aperture formed in the housing and extending from the interior to the exterior thereof, an actuator on the interior of the housing, proximate the control aperture, and a control member positionable within the aperture to operate the actuator. The control member comprises a first surface exposed to the exterior of the housing, a second surface proximate the actuator within the housing, and a body portion extending therebetween, the body portion being formed of a substantially single crystal aluminum oxide material. A bias member is configured to bias the body portion of the control member toward an inner surface of the housing, such that the control member is retained within the aperture in operation of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Kelvin Kwong
  • Patent number: 8723063
    Abstract: A button assembly for displaying an illuminated symbol with a locking ring having an outer surface. A solid light guide is positioned within and spaced apart from the locking ring. The light guide has a top surface for displaying an illuminated symbol and a bottom surface with a light receiving member having a refracting surface with a first lens member for receiving and directing light to the top surface of the light guide. A resilient sealing member is mounted on the locking ring and interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The sealing member has an unsupported portion that facilitates movement of the light guide relative to the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Fred Schnak, Stefan Rehbein, Gerd Laschinski, Klaus Günther Amsel, Werner Hübscher, Herbert Lessiak
  • Patent number: 8680413
    Abstract: An illuminating push-button device includes a key-top part having a key-top surface and a first protrusion that protrudes from a back side of the key-top surface. The device also includes a key rubber part made of a transparent or semi-transparent elastic material and having a second protrusion that receives the first protrusion, the second protrusion being oriented in a common direction as the first protrusion. A switching device is included that opposes the second protrusion and is configured to be actuated in response to the key-top part being depressed. A light-source element emits light from a light-emitting surface and cooperates with a light-blocking sheet disposed between the light-source element and key rubber part and covers at least a portion of the light-emitting surface of the light-source element and has a loose hole through which the second protrusion of the key rubber part is passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 8674247
    Abstract: A switch panel with an indicator is disclosed. The switch panel has a transparent region. There is a light source disposed in the switch panel for emitting light when turning off a switch body. A shape of the transparent region is projected onto the wall for forming a large area of indicating pattern, and this can replace a night light. The drawback of a luminous region in prior art which is limited to be on the switch body or on the switch panel is solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hung-jung Lin, Shao-lun Chao, En-chuan Tsui, Wen-chih Chang, Rung-huei Liang
  • Patent number: 8674221
    Abstract: A switch structure includes a cover plate unit having a holding case and a transparent cover movably connected to the holding case with a patterned section sandwiched between them; at least one switch coupled with the cover plate unit and having a switching key; a light emitting unit arranged in the holding case and electrically connected to the switch; and at least one press section including a push plate movably coupled with the cover plate unit and the switching key with a front side protruded from the cover plate unit, a transparent cover movably connected to the push plate, and a label located between the push plate and the transparent cover. The patterned section provides esthetic visual effect; the label indicates a position of which the lighting is controlled by the switch; and the light emitting unit works cooperatively with the switch to serve as an auxiliary light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Hsiu-Ling Yang
  • Publication number: 20140042002
    Abstract: A touch-sensitive rotary switch is configured to be touched along a rotary path, thereby turning on or off, or adjusting stepwise the magnitude of power supplied from, an external power source. The rotary switch includes a housing whose top portion has a sensing surface. A touch control circuit board is provided in the housing and topped with a touch control circuit layer whose peripheral region is divided into multiple sensing areas in which plural first light-emitting elements are annularly arranged. The sensing areas can be sequentially triggered by touching the sensing surface along its peripheral region, so as for the corresponding portion of the touch control circuit layer to control light emission of the first light-emitting elements corresponding to the triggered sensing areas and to output a coded signal according to the triggered sensing areas in order to control the power supplied from the external power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiung CHU
  • Patent number: 8616026
    Abstract: An improved control panel assembly is easy to fabricate, and easy to recognize a selected operation condition, and a laundry device with the same. The control panel assembly for a laundry device includes a button assembly having a plurality of buttons provided in correspondence to operation conditions, a control panel having a plurality of mounting holes for exposure of the plurality of buttons therethrough from a front thereof, and a frame on a rear of the control panel, the frame joining the plurality of buttons as one unit, and preventing pressing interference between adjacent buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ju Han Yoon, Sung Gi Hwang, Seong Kyu Kim, Seon Il Heo
  • Patent number: 8599170
    Abstract: Light emitted from a light source such as LED and reflected by a fingertip is guided by a cover member onto a light receiving surface of an imaging element. A second resin part is provided that is in contact with the cover member and a resin molded part sealing the imaging element. The reflected light guided by the cover member is made to reach the light receiving surface via the second resin part and the resin molded part, traveling along a path spaced apart from an air layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideya Takakura
  • Patent number: 8586888
    Abstract: A safety device for attachment to a flotation device is disclosed comprising a light source, a housing, an actuator mounted within the housing and slideable between a first position wherein the light source is not illuminated and a second position wherein the light source is illuminated. The actuator further comprises a raised boss engageable from outside of the housing, a lanyard at least a portion of which is outside of the housing and a water activated switch wherein when the device is submerged in water, the water activated switch completes an electrical circuit illuminating said light source. The lanyard is releasably connected to an end of the actuator using a separable interconnection assembly. When the lanyard is pulled, the actuator moves from the first position to the second position and on reaching the second position the separable interconnection assembly separates thereby disengaging the lanyard from the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Flewelling Ford Family Trust
    Inventors: Timothy D. F. Ford, Stéphane Gascon, Steve Roumeliotis
  • Patent number: 8574001
    Abstract: An electronic connector comprises: an insulating body, a plurality of terminals contained in the insulating body, a metal shield housing the insulating body, and a light pipe covering the metal shield. The insulating body and the metal shield define a mating space having an inserting opening. The light pipe is made of transparent, compressible LSR and comprises a base body and a ring sealing gasket in front of the base body covering the periphery of the insertion opening. When the electronic connector is assembled in a panel, the sealing gasket is held between a hold of the panel and the metal shield to form a sealing structure, so that the electronic connector and assembly comprising the same are excellently waterproofed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: DawWei Lee
  • Patent number: 8517549
    Abstract: A light keyboard includes a base, a plurality of keyswitches and a backlight module. The keyswitches are disposed on the base. The backlight module includes a light shielding plate, a light guiding plate and a reflecting plate. The light shielding plate is disposed under the base. The light guiding plate is disposed under the light shielding plate. The reflecting plate is disposed under the light guiding plate. The light shielding plate, the light guiding plate and the reflecting plate are stacked with each other so as to form a middle area of the backlight module. An edge of one of the light shielding plate and the reflecting plate is folded and stacked with the other one of the light shielding plate and the reflecting plate so as to form an edge area of the backlight module. The middle area and the edge area are at equal height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Liang-Yu Yao, Hsuan-Wei Ho
  • Patent number: 8466815
    Abstract: A combination input unit comprises a printed circuit board, a press key, a retaining bracket, a light transmissive rotary dial, and a housing. The printed circuit board accommodates an encoder circuit, a plurality of contacts, and a plurality of light sources. The press key is disposed above the contacts, and comprises a flange thereof. The retaining bracket is fitted over the press key and connects the press key to the printed circuit board. The light transmissive rotary dial is rotatably fitted over the press key. The rotary dial is positioned above the encoder circuit, comprises at least one elastic piece for resiliently pressing the encoder circuit, and a reflective surface. Light emitted by the light sources are reflected by the reflective surface, thus to illuminate the whole rotary dial. The housing receives the press key, the rotary dial, and the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Gui Zhou, Kenneth Zhao, Kun-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8462022
    Abstract: A control unit comprising a light guide is formed and positioned in a circuit board for providing visual indication to a user of an appliance, such as a cooktop. The light guide receives light from a source, typically in the form of an LED on the circuit board, typically positioned laterally to the light guide, and the light guide receives and directs the light to the user. In some embodiments, the light guide is positioned behind a cover, which may have indicia thereon for providing operating information to the user. Portions of the light guide may be coated with an electrically conductive coating so as to also form a portion of a capacitance touch switch for detecting user input for controlling operation of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Roth
  • Patent number: 8456837
    Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a front panel, a switch module attached to the front panel, and a light guide block. The front panel includes a front plate and a top flange connected to the front plate. A holding slot is defined on the top flange for accommodating the light guide block. The switch module includes a mounting bracket and a first light emitting diode (LED) attached to the mounting bracket. The first LED faces one end of the light guide block and generates light that enters the light guide block and emits from the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-Chi Hsieh, Li Tong, Jun-Zhi Xu
  • Patent number: 8431849
    Abstract: A keypad assembly including a dome configured to operatively engage a switch sensor; a dome overlay guide operatively coupled by to the dome; a key corresponding to the dome and configured to operatively engage the dome; and a light emitting source, configured to emit light. The dome overlay guide is configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitting source and direct the received light toward the keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 8389883
    Abstract: A key-press structure comprises a transparent substrate, a plurality of characters formed inside the transparent substrate thereby forming a plurality of keys, and a touch control member disposed on the surface of the transparent substrate such that each of the keys is operable to sense a touch event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: BYD Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lihong Zhao, Wenhai Luo, Jiaxin Zhang
  • Patent number: 8367956
    Abstract: An electric switch for use on multiple-use operating elements in commercial vehicles has an operating part that performs a rotational movement around a limited angle and can be actuated directly by a solid body outside the switch, and having a support housing and an adjustment wheel having the operating part. In order to enable a safe usability in the dark, the operating part is constructed in an illuminated manner dependent on the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Elobau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Hoess, Michael Hetzer
  • Patent number: 8362928
    Abstract: A keypad assembly using a waveguide for guiding lights emitted from light emitting devices is disclosed. The keypad assembly includes a switch board having a plurality of dome switches. The keypad also includes a plurality of key buttons; a plurality of light emitting devices included in the switch board; a waveguide formed under the key buttons, the waveguide having a predetermined refractive index to allow lights emitted from the light emitting devices to travel according to an internal total reflection condition; a plurality of reflecting patterns formed in the waveguide to reflect the light traveling through the waveguide toward the key buttons; and an auxiliary layer formed on the surface of the waveguide, the auxiliary layer having lower refractive index than that of the waveguide to make a constant total reflection condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joo-Hoon Lee, Sun-Tae Jung, Dong-Hoon Jang
  • Patent number: 8339294
    Abstract: A keyboard or keypad which can highlight symbols on the keys by illuminating them. The keys are backlit by two light sources, one visible and one ultraviolet, each of which illuminates multiple keys. One symbol on each key is designed to transmit the visible light, becoming highlighted when the visible light source is activated. A second symbol on each key is designed to fluoresce when illuminated by ultraviolet light, becoming highlighted when the ultraviolet light source is activated. If desired, both light sources can be activated, highlighting both symbols simultaneously. If desired, complementary light color and filter material may be used to reduce or eliminate transmission of light through the second symbol. A single pair of light sources may be used for the entire keyboard or the keyboard may be divided into segments with separate light sources for each segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Jason L. Frazier
  • Patent number: 8330385
    Abstract: A light bar system for a vehicle compartment includes a circuit board having a plurality of capacitive-type, user-activated switches, an electrical power source coupled to the circuit board, a light emitting diode (LED) coupled to the circuit board, and a light bar affixed to the circuit board. The user-activated switches are coupled to a vehicle accessory to control the level of operation of the vehicle accessory. The most recently actuated one of the user-actuated switches is detected by the circuit board and the circuit board provides a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the LED with a duty cycle of the PWM signal based on the most recently actuated switch. A higher duty cycle PWM signal corresponds to a higher setting of the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Jeffrey Singer, Denis Patrick Igoe
  • Publication number: 20120292165
    Abstract: A switch integrated LED lamp device, includes a slide type switch knob, a LED body, a cover, busbars and an insulating housing. The LED body is held in the switch knob. The cover makes the switch knob to be slidably exposed in an opening. The busbars contact with terminal parts of the LED body. The insulating housing fixes the busbars. Spring parts which press the LED body against the busbars are provided in the switch knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuo Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120279840
    Abstract: A touch type lamp switch, which comprising: an upper and lower casing matched to each other; a keying zone is protruded integrally on the upper casing, and several touch switches are divided; multiple punch holes are arranged on the periphery of the keying zone, and the lower casing is provided with a depressed space, with its opening interlocked with the upper casing; a faceplate, attached firmly onto the upper casing; a transparent light panel, attached firmly with the surface of the faceplate; a rectangular hollow frame, embedded onto the center of the transparent light panel and faceplate for locking the transparent light panel; and a circuit structure, embedded into the space formed by the upper and lower casings, comprising of touch switch circuit, several LED indicators and colorful LED backlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: David Wang
  • Publication number: 20120234658
    Abstract: A button assembly for displaying an illuminated symbol with a locking ring having an outer surface. A solid light guide is positioned within and spaced apart from the locking ring. The light guide has a top surface for displaying an illuminated symbol and a bottom surface with a light receiving member having a refracting surface with a first lens member for receiving and directing light to the top surface of the light guide. A resilient sealing member is mounted on the locking ring and interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The sealing member has an unsupported portion that facilitates movement of the light guide relative to the locking ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Fred Schnak, Stefan Rehbein, Gerd Laschinski, Klaus Günther Amsel, Werner Hübscher, Herhert Lessiak
  • Patent number: 8269123
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image display device having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), which can maintain a primary color which is desired to be expressed, and prevent an interference of other unwanted colors and a change of the primary color at the time of application of a light source of each light emitting diode. The image display device comprises: a first optical filter layer containing a violet wavelength-absorbing material having a wavelength range of from 380 nm to 450 nm such as Bi2O3 so as to prevent light having a wavelength ranging from 380 nm to 450 nm from being leaked out to an undesired region of an image display portion of the image display device; and a second optical filter layer such as a blue color filter layer so as to allow a white light to be expressed in a desired region of the image display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyeon Jin Shin, Jae Young Choi, Dong Kee Yi, Seong Jae Choi, Seonmi Yoon
  • Patent number: 8247719
    Abstract: A button device includes a button unit, a resilient member, and a switch unit. The button unit includes a button, a transparent power icon member, and a retaining member. The power iron member is attached to the button. The retaining member includes an elastic element, a tray located at one end of the elastic element, and a fixing loop located at the other end of the elastic element. The button and the power iron member are retained on the tray. The tray includes a seat with a hole for receiving an illuminator, and reflects lights of the illuminator to the power icon member. The resilient member is sandwiched between the button unit and the switch unit to reset the button unit back to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guang-Yao Lee, Hsuan-Tsung Chen, Gang Liu, Qing-Hui Mi
  • Patent number: 8226255
    Abstract: A button includes a keycap made of transparent material and including a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, a light guide block set on the first side surface of the keycap, and an ultraviolet lighting element set on the first side surface to emit ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet lighting element may enter into the light guide block, then is reflected by the light guide block to pass through the keycap to arrive to the second side surface of the keycap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Tsung Fan
  • Patent number: 8217285
    Abstract: An exemplary keyboard assembly includes a light source for emitting light, a light guide plate and a plurality of keys mounted on the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a light incident surface facing the light source and a light emitting surface. Each key includes a cap, a light guide portion coupled to the cap, and a spring member configured for biasing the light guide portion in a direction away from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. Each key is movable relative to the light guide plate, in response to manual manipulation thereto, between a depressed position where the light guide portion is attached to and optically coupled to the light emitting surface of the light guide plate thereby illuminating the cap, and a rest position where the light guide portion is spaced apart from the light emitting surface of the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jen-Tsorng Chang
  • Patent number: 8209868
    Abstract: A button assembly for displaying an illuminated symbol has a locking ring and a solid light guide positioned within and spaced apart from the locking ring. The light guide has a top surface for displaying an illuminated symbol and a bottom surface with a light receiving member having a refracting surface with a first lens member for receiving and directing light to the top surface of the light guide. A resilient sealing member interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The resilient sealing member is mounted on the locking ring and interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The sealing member has an unsupported portion that facilitates movement of the light guide relative to the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Fred Schnak, Stefan Rehbein, Gerd Laschinski, Klaus Günther Amsel, Werner Hübscher, Herbert Lessiak