Actuators Patents (Class 200/329)
  • Publication number: 20130270082
    Abstract: An operating device includes an operating portion that is in a neutral position in a non-operating state, a first force generating portion arranged in the operating portion to generate a first force, a moderating piece to receive the first force applied from the first force generating portion, a moderating portion including a moderating recessed part against which the moderating piece receiving the first force is pressed, a guide portion to guide a movement in a direction of the first force and in the opposite direction thereto when the operating portion is located in the neutral position, a second force generating portion to generate a second force to press the moderating portion against the moderating piece, and a restricting portion to restrict a movement of the moderating portion relative to the guide portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Makoto HARAZAWA
  • Patent number: 8536477
    Abstract: A control assembly for an electronic device includes a housing, a control key, and an elastic member. The housing defines a groove. The control key is slidably positioned in the groove. The elastic member includes a plate portion and at least one elastic arm. The control key brings the elastic member to move to contact a switch, and the at least one elastic arm provides a return force to return the control key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Jian-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 8525372
    Abstract: A dimming switch comprises an enclosure with a mounting surface, a flat plate button mounted on the mounting surface, a dimming button, a tripping button, a dimmer mounted inside the enclosure, a resetting/tripping device, a dimming control circuit, a power input end configured to connect to a live wire of a power supply, and a power output end configured to connect to an electrical load. Pressing the flat plate button resets the resetting/tripping device, thereby electrically connecting the power input end with the power output end through the dimming control circuit. The dimming button is configured so that rotating the dimming button and pressing the dimming button up and down regulates the output voltage of the dimming control circuit. The tripping button and resetting/tripping device trip so that the electrical connection between the power input end and the power output end will be cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Publication number: 20130221825
    Abstract: A hinge including a device bracket, a door bracket, a first arm, a second arm, and a closure device is provided. The first arm mounts to the device bracket at a first pin and to the door bracket at a second pin. The second arm mounts to the device bracket at a third pin and to the door bracket at a fourth pin. The third pin is closer to an axis of rotation of a door than the first pin when the door is in a closed position. The closure device includes a closure device body mounted to move with the second arm, a rod mounted within the closure device body, a spring, a spring retainer mounted to the rod, and a nut mounting the rod to the device bracket. The spring is mounted between the spring retainer and the closure device body to exert a force on the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Arturo J. Bonomie, Daniel Mark Graham, Mark J. Blahnik, Sean Petersen
  • Patent number: 8519288
    Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a support member, a key switch, a rotation member, and a resilient member. The key switch is located on the support member and includes a triggering portion. The keycap is located opposite to the triggering portion. The rotation member is rotatably connected to the keycap. The resilient member includes first resilient hooks latching with the rotation member. The rotation member is rotated relative to the resilient member at an angle when the key switch is not triggered, such that the first resilient hook elastically deforms and provides an elastic torque to the rotation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bin Dai
  • Publication number: 20130213782
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing and a key. The housing defines a mounting hole. The key is moveably connected to the housing, and includes a switch and a key cap engaging with the switch. The key cap comprises an operating component and an actuating component secured to the operating component. The actuating component includes a positioning component secured to the actuating component. When the actuating component extends through the mounting hole, the positioning component is deformed and cooperates with the operating component to abut opposite sides of the housing, for securing the key to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: YUAN-MING WANG
  • Patent number: 8513557
    Abstract: An actuator device including a holder element provided to be fixed against a device operated on by the actuator device. An actuator body is displaceable in a longitudinal direction along the holder element. A guide member is provided so as to guide the actuator body along the holder element. The actuator body includes a first part that is operable from outside the actuator device, and a second part that is movable in the longitudinal direction in relation to the first part. The actuator body is displaceable to a first, non-actuated position, in which the first part and the second part of the body are movable in the longitudinal direction and a second, actuated position, in which the second part is rotationally displaced in relation to the first part and abuts an abutment surface on the holder element such that motion of the second part in the longitudinal direction towards the first position is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventor: Joakim Wåhrenberg
  • Publication number: 20130161166
    Abstract: A power tool switching device, in particular for portable power tools, includes at least one switching unit having at least one movably mounted control element configured to actuate a mechanical, electrical and/or electronic switching element. The power tool switching device further includes at least one guide unit, which, upon an actuation of the control element along a direction of main extent of the control element, is configured to convert a movement of the control element along the direction of main extent at least into a movement of the control element running transversely in relation to the direction of main extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130153384
    Abstract: A non-homogeneous cam includes an eccentric disk having side surfaces with an opening therethrough, and a cam surface disposed between the side surfaces. A first radius extending from a point within the opening to a number of first portions of the cam surface and second radii extending from the point to second portions of the cam surface define the cam surface. The first radius is greater than each of the second radii. The cam surface includes a first cam surface generally having the first radius and a second cam surface having a plurality of the second radii. The first and second cam surfaces define an angle of less than 90 degrees. The eccentric disk is generally made of a first material having a first strength. A portion of the eccentric disk between the first and second cam surfaces is made of a different second material having a greater second strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony T. Ricciuti, Daniel E. Palmieri, Patrick C. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 8411423
    Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a keycap, fixing bracket, and at least one fixing member. The fixing member fixes the keypad to the fixing bracket. The fixing bracket includes a frame, a fixing portion located on a middle portion of the frame, and at least two resilient portions. The resilient portions interconnect the frame and the fixing portions. The keycap fixes on the fixing portion. The resilient portions are capable of elastically deforming and generating elastic restoring force to the keycap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bin Dai
  • Patent number: 8405961
    Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a keypad, a fixing bracket, and at least one fixing member. The fixing member fixes the keypad to the fixing bracket, and the fixing bracket includes two support portions, a fixing portion, two connecting portions and at least two resilient portions. The resilient portions interconnect the support portions and the fixing portions. Opposite ends of each connecting portion interconnect the two support portions, such that the two connecting portions and the two support portions cooperatively form a frame. The fixing portion is located on a middle portion of the frame. The keycap is fixed on the fixing portion. The resilient portions elastically deform to provide elastic restoring force to the keycap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bin Dai
  • Publication number: 20130068598
    Abstract: In a slide switch device in which a tactile-feel generation portion generates a tactile feel when a slider is operated to slide via an operation knob, the tactile-feel generation portion includes cam portions formed at a back surface of a flat plate portion of the slider, coil springs held at a guide base, and driving bodies that are elastically urged to the coil springs and are pressed to the cam portions. Elastic arms that elastically contact a guide flat surface of the guide base are provided at the flat plate portion of the slider. The elastic arms and the cam portions are arranged by the same number at positions separated from a shaft portion of the slider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya MUTO
  • Patent number: 8383973
    Abstract: A tripping assembly is provided for a switching device. The tripping assembly includes: a body part, a tripping axle configured to turn between a trip position and a tensioned position in relation to the body part; a tripping frame configured to turn between a trip position and a tensioned position in relation to the body part and whose turning axis is substantially parallel with the turning axis of the tripping axle; at least one tripping spring which has an non-tensioned state and a tensioned state and which is functionally connected to the tripping axle and to the tripping frame; a frame spring which has a non-tensioned state and a tensioned state and which is functionally connected between the body part and the tripping frame; and a connecting member which is arranged to functionally connect the tripping axle and the tripping frame both in the final stage of a tensioning event and in the initial stage of a tripping event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Matti Soininen, Aki Suutarinen
  • Publication number: 20130043111
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a breaker housing, a stationary contact, a movable contact, an operating shaft, and a linear position sensor. The stationary contact is non-movably mounted within the breaker housing, and the movable contact is movably mounted within the breaker housing. The movable contact is coupled to receive an input force and is configured, upon receipt of the input force, to move between a closed position, in which the movable contact is electrically coupled to the stationary contact, and an open position, in which the movable contact is electrically isolated from the stationary contact. The operating shaft is coupled to the movable contact to supply the input force thereto. The linear position sensor is connected to the operating shaft and is configured, upon movement of the operating shaft, to supply a position signal representative of movable contact position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kannan Venkitachalam, Dinesh Naik, Kumaran Sena Narasimhan, Dathathreya Durgadhahalli Ganesh, Madhan Raj Bagianathan, Manikandan M, Kantharaju T
  • Patent number: 8378245
    Abstract: A push-to-trip mechanism is provided for a handle assembly for an electrical switching apparatus, such as circuit breaker. The handle assembly includes a casing coupled to the exterior of the circuit breaker housing over the push-to-trip button of the circuit breaker. The push-to-trip mechanism includes an actuating member at least partially disposed within an aperture of the casing. The actuating member is movable between an actuated position corresponding to the actuating member actuating the push-to-trip button, and an unactuated position corresponding to the actuating member not actuating the push-to-trip button. A resilient element biases the actuating member toward the unactuated position. The push-to-trip mechanism is operable from the exterior of the handle assembly casing, thereby enabling the push-to-trip button of the circuit breaker to be actuated, without removing the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Martin Fischer
  • Patent number: 8362378
    Abstract: An electrical switch has a casing, fixed and moving contacts, and an internal operator turning and moving the moving contact relative to the fixed contact for switching. The casing has an opening through which an engagement part of the operator is accessible from outside for engaging a pull chain to turn the operator. The casing has a tubular part by which the switch may be mounted and through which the pull chain extends. The tubular part, being molded, has an inner surface defining a passage for the pull chain, an outer surface bearing a screw thread for engagement by a threaded nut, and, in a transverse cross-section, four recesses between the inner and outer surfaces to alleviate deformation of the screw thread due to shrinkage in molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Memie Mei Mei Wong, Sam Yun Sum Wong
  • Patent number: 8362377
    Abstract: A control key assembly for an electronic device includes a housing and a control key. The housing forms a receiving portion defining an opening having two spaced-apart arms. The control key is received in the receiving portion. The control key includes a first hook and a second hook. The first hook and the second hook are slidably engaged in the opening, and alternatively latch with the two arms when the control key is slid between first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Xiao-Liang Wei, Zhi-Yun Shen
  • Publication number: 20120285805
    Abstract: An apparatus for tripping an electrical switch is disclosed, which includes a selective tripping device and a power-saving mechanism. The electrical switch can be tripped by the selective tripping device by way of the power-saving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Torsten Ahlert, Johannes Nestler
  • Patent number: 8304674
    Abstract: A signaling device having an electrical switch configured to generate an electrical signal indicating a transition of an associated circuit breaker from a first state to a second state. A movable body is pivotally mounted around a first axis (101) so as to interact with the actuating mechanism. A return spring is operatively connected to the pivoting body (3) and is mounted around an axis substantially parallel to said first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Annunzio Regantini, Stefano Mussetti
  • Publication number: 20120228102
    Abstract: A spring operated actuator for an electrical switching apparatus. It includes an opening spring, a closing spring and a damper for the closing. The damper is a rotary air damper with components that rotate relative to each other and has air as working medium for the dampening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel Staffas, Mats Holman
  • Publication number: 20120228103
    Abstract: A spring operated actuator for an electrical switching apparatus. The actuator has a main shaft transmitting the actuation movement to the switching apparatus and has opening spring means and closing spring means. The opening spring means includes an opening torsion spring and the closing means includes a closing torsion spring. The axes of the torsion springs extend in the same direction and at a distance from each other that is less than 20% of the external opening spring diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel Staffas, Johannes Tredoux, Mats Holman
  • Patent number: 8247723
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a power switch, an elastic force member adjacent to the power switch, a triggering member fixed on the elastic force member to trigger the power switch, and an elastic reposition member. The triggering member is capable of sliding between a first position and a second position relative to the power switch. The elastic reposition member provides elastic force to move the triggering member from the first position to the second position. In the first position, the triggering member faces the power switch and can be pressed to trigger the power switch. In the second position, the triggering member is away from the power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zi-Ming Tang, Wei-Jun Wang
  • Publication number: 20120199454
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless switching device comprising: an actuating member (200) that can move along a main axis between an idle position and a working position, a spring (205) stressed by force by the actuating member in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis, a switching assembly (50) comprising a plunger arranged to be actuated by the actuating member (200) and a wireless transmitter module provided with an antenna (503) for sending a message to a receiver module in the event of an action on the plunger, the antenna (503) being arranged prominently on the switching assembly (50) in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis and the spring (205) of helical type being arranged coaxially to the antenna (503).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Alain GUILLOT, Dominique BENNI, Francis CHAUVET, Patrice THIZON
  • Publication number: 20120193198
    Abstract: A switch device is provided for a wall element, such as a door, flap, or window, in particular for a vehicle, having a first housing part, which is positionable or positioned in or on the wall element, having a second housing part, which is particularly disc-shaped or plate-shaped, having a sealing apparatus, which is positionable or positioned at least between the first housing part and the second housing part and fixes the first housing part and the second housing part on one another so they are movable relative to one another, and having a switch element, which is positionable or positioned between the first housing part and the second housing part and can be actuated by a movement of the second housing part relative to the first housing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joachim-Günther LOITZ, Friedrich HEIN, Michael FUCHS, Christophe GEHANNIN
  • Publication number: 20120186959
    Abstract: A control assembly for an electronic device includes a housing, a control key, and an elastic member. The housing defines a groove. The control key is slidably positioned in the groove. The elastic member includes a plate portion and at least one elastic arm. The control key brings the elastic member to move to contact a switch, and the at least one elastic arm provides a return force to return the control key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JIAN-HUI CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120160645
    Abstract: A switch for vehicles, in particular of the type adapted to be actuated by a linkage or kinematic system of the vehicle, used for signaling an operating condition, includes: a body, electric terminals housed within the body, an actuation element at least partly movable within the body when subjected to a control action, so as to put at least two of the electric terminals in electric contact with each other, wherein the actuation element is at least partly deformable when a higher stress is applied thereto than necessary for closing the contact between the electric terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: ELTEK S.P.A.
    Inventors: Mauro Zorzetto, Alberto Barbano, Andrea Daffonchio, Costanzo Gadini
  • Patent number: 8207466
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to pushbutton actuators. More particularly, the invention encompasses a pushbutton 2 position twist release switch with integral LED and actuator. The invention also includes a pushbutton 3 position momentary switch with an integral LED and actuator. Another embodiment of the invention relates to a pushbutton 3 position maintained switch with an integral LED and actuator. The invention also includes various embodiments of the inventive pushbutton actuator of this invention. The inventive pushbutton also comprises a pushbutton knob that has ridges for the transmission and scattering of light for the LED in the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Neeraj Singh, Tinghao Wang, Li-Chih Ree, Xinhua Chen
  • Publication number: 20120152707
    Abstract: An electrical device controller is provided for controlling power to a load. The controller includes a housing having an open face and a plate having a unitary aperture secured to the housing and disposed over the open face. The controller further includes an electrical power controller component positioned within the housing for coupling to a power source and a load, a first actuator coupled to the electrical component, and an adjacent second actuator coupled to the electrical component. The first actuator has a movable user operable portion that is user accessible via the unitary aperture for controlling power ON/OFF to the load. The second actuator has a movable user operable portion that is user accessible via the unitary aperture for adjusting magnitude of power delivered to the load. The movement and position of the respective user operable portions of the first and second actuators are mutually independent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Renjith Mathew, Walter Ancipiuk, Yun Wu, Alfred J. Lombardi
  • Publication number: 20120061218
    Abstract: A keypad assembly includes a support member, a key switch, a rotation member, and a resilient member. The key switch is located on the support member and includes a triggering portion. The keycap is located opposite to the triggering portion. The rotation member is rotatably connected to the keycap. The resilient member includes first resilient hooks latching with the rotation member. The rotation member is rotated relative to the resilient member at an angle when the key switch is not triggered, such that the first resilient hook elastically deforms and provides an elastic torque to the rotation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BIN DAI
  • Publication number: 20120050002
    Abstract: In an apparatus having a rotary switch which can be moved into a plurality of positions, each of which is assigned a different function of the apparatus, a different input signal is respectively supplied to a microcontroller when each position is assumed. In at least one embodiment, a firmware program accesses a table as external data source, the table directly assigning input signals and output values to one another, that is to say assigning the input signals to a switch position and assigning the switch position to an output value in one go.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Hans Gradl, Stefan Widmann
  • Publication number: 20120043189
    Abstract: A slide switch includes a housing, a plurality of fixed electrodes, and a slider. The housing includes a first face provided with an accommodating recessed part and a second face configured to be attached to an attaching board. The fixed electrodes are provided in the accommodating recessed part. Each of the fixed electrodes has an external terminal exposed on the second face. The slider has a movable electrode configured to be electrically conducted to the fixed electrodes, and is movably provided in the accommodating recessed part so as to switch an electrical conducted state of the movable electrode and the fixed electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Atsushi Kodama, Toshihiko Terashita, Tadahiko Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 8110763
    Abstract: A key assembly comprises a base plate, two elastic elements and a key body. Each elastic element has a securing portion and two compressing portions protruding from two ends of the securing portion. The securing portions are latched to the base plate. The key body is slidably mounted to the base plate between the two elastic elements. The key body includes a first key section resisting one of the two elastic elements and a second key section resisting another elastic element. When the first key section slides toward and compresses the corresponding elastic element, the second key section slide away from the corresponding elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Publication number: 20120019999
    Abstract: A touchpad with two or more concentrically arranged curved touch sensitive areas. The curved touch sensitive areas are distinguished from one another by level variations and may from a rippled or undulating surface that allow a user to identify the individual curved touch sensitive areas blindly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chen Yao Shao
  • Patent number: 8084701
    Abstract: A push button actuator unit has a housing that defines a passage extending along an axis. A push button assembly has components movable in the passage including a forwardly-biased push button at the front of the housing that is movable along and turnable about the axis. Two independently movable operating elements at the rear of the housing move differently in response to depression of the push button when the push button is turned to different orientations about the axis. The rear operating elements may extend concentrically along the axis, and the unit may be lockable to permit and prevent some operating element movement. The operating elements may be used to selectively disengage, or to engage and move a variety of auxiliary devices situated behind the unit. The unit may provide enhanced resistance to defeat by hammering than has been offered by a known form of push button unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventor: Michael O. Misner
  • Publication number: 20110290626
    Abstract: A manipulation knob is molded from a resin material and is manually depressible by a user. A switch is depressible through the manipulation knob to execute a corresponding switching operation when the manipulation knob is depressed by the user. The manipulation knob includes a resin spring portion, which is molded integrally with the manipulation knob and projects in an axial direction of the manipulation knob. The resin spring portion is resilient and is adapted to exert a resilient reaction force against the switch when the manipulation knob is depressed by the user to depress the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryo Kunitachi
  • Publication number: 20110284350
    Abstract: An electrical switch has a casing, fixed and moving contacts, and an internal operator turning and moving the moving contact relative to the fixed contact for switching. The casing has an opening through which an engagement part of the operator is accessible from outside for engaging a pull chain to turn the operator. The casing has a tubular part by which the switch may be mounted and through which the pull chain extends. The tubular part, being molded, has an inner surface defining a passage for the pull chain, an outer surface bearing a screw thread for engagement by a threaded nut, and, in a transverse cross-section, four recesses between the inner and outer surfaces to alleviate deformation of the screw thread due to shrinkage in molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Memie Mei Mei Wong, Sam Yun Sum Wong
  • Publication number: 20110247924
    Abstract: A key button structure for entering data in an electronic device comprises a first key element and a second key element. The second key element is retained to the first key element by a retaining mechanism. The second key element has a joint positioned at a side thereof opposite to the first key element and two actuators 226 located at an opposite side thereof facing the first key element. The joint pivotably couples the second key element to a housing 10 of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicants: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED, SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: GUANG-FEI CAO
  • Patent number: 8035049
    Abstract: A slide operating device (e.g., fader device of a mixer) has a moving block 5 which is slidable along a moving guide 3 and a secondary moving guide 4. The moving guide 3 is composed of a non-magnetic stainless shank 31 and a scale portion 32 formed by magnetizing a permanent magnetic member to have magnetic poles (markings). The moving block 5 is provided with a magnetic sensor 7 opposed to the scale portion 32. The magnetic sensor 7 senses magnetic poles provided on the scale portion 32. Mounting hardware 11A, 11B are provided as stoppers which stop a lever 6a of an operating knob 6. Areas outside a range sandwiched between the stoppers where the magnetic sensor 7 is allowed to travel are dead zones 3A, 3B which do not have magnetic poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Kojiro Kato
  • Publication number: 20110226596
    Abstract: An electric slide switch has at least two contact pins that are secured to a base plate. A contact element supported in sliding fashion is provided for electrically connecting two contact pins. According to the invention, the contact element is situated on a slider that is connected to an actuating component and the actuating component protrudes laterally from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Guenter LOHR
  • Publication number: 20110226597
    Abstract: A keyboard containing a number of keys that contain dynamically stabilizing self-balancing keyswitches that are expandable and compressible. Each key includes a compressible-expandable elastic keyswitch, a rigid keyboard base, a mechanical actuator switch, and a printed circuit board. Each elastic keyswitch includes a rigid keytop, one or more thin elastic membranes, and a compressible-expandable spherical surface. The compressible-expandable spherical surface allows the keyboard to dissipate key wobble and also compress to a very thin flat surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Shakoor Siddeeq
  • Publication number: 20110214971
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: an apparatus body which can house a battery; a lid member which is coupled to the apparatus body; an operating portion which is moved between an ON position where a power source supplied from the battery is turned ON, and an OFF position where the power source is turned OFF; and a unit which, when the operating portion is not at a position which is one of the ON position and the OFF position, moves the operating portion to the position and holds the operating portion at the position in accordance with removal or coupling of the lid member from or to the apparatus body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroaki YAHAGI
  • Patent number: 8010234
    Abstract: A live handle switch in the form of a hand operated safety switch for an industrial robot or a machine is described. The live handle comprises a safety certified switch for operating a robot or other machine safely while under manual control. The live handle switch may be comprised in a portable robot controller of the TPU Teach Pendant Unit type. Such a TPU may comprise control means for moving a robot in three or more degrees of freedom. In other aspects of the invention a system comprising a robot and a control unit and the live handle switch are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: ABB AS
    Inventor: Tormod Henne
  • Patent number: 7973622
    Abstract: An apparatus for auxiliary contact of circuit breaker is disclosed that is capable of preventing an erroneous operation of and damage to an ON/OFF switch caused by over-stroke of a linkage mounted at an auxiliary contact apparatus, and enhancing reliability despite repeated opening/closing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong Ik Yang, Sang Chul Lee, Kil Young Ahn
  • Publication number: 20110147183
    Abstract: A tripping assembly is provided for a switching device. The tripping assembly includes: a body part, a tripping axle configured to turn between a trip position and a tensioned position in relation to the body part; a tripping frame configured to turn between a trip position and a tensioned position in relation to the body part and whose turning axis is substantially parallel with the turning axis of the tripping axle; at least one tripping spring which has an non-tensioned state and a tensioned state and which is functionally connected to the tripping axle and to the tripping frame; a frame spring which has a non-tensioned state and a tensioned state and which is functionally connected between the body part and the tripping frame; and a connecting member which is arranged to functionally connect the tripping axle and the tripping frame both in the final stage of a tensioning event and in the initial stage of a tripping event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Matti SOININEN, Aki SUUTARINEN
  • Patent number: 7939774
    Abstract: A control device for use on a working surface includes a bottom housing configured to be placed on the working surface; a top housing coupled with the bottom housing, the top housing including at least one key; an actuator disposed between the bottom housing and the top housing and coupled with the key; a switch disposed between the bottom housing and the top housing, wherein the switch is activated via application of an actuation force to the key; and an adjustment means configured to enable a user to adjust the actuation force required to activate the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Fergal Corcoran, Martin Gleeson, Christian Blandin, Denis O'Keeffe, Neil O'Connell, Kevin Forde
  • Publication number: 20110094864
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an electric control or control-by-wire device comprising a control lever (11) that can be moved in a pivoting movement in a plane perpendicular to the lever in a position of rest, and that can be moved in a translational movement in a direction parallel to the lever in a position of rest, a rotary control member (13) that can be moved in a rotational movement and in a pivoting movement in a plane perpendicular to the lever in a position of rest, and an electrical circuit (15) for converting the various movements of the lever (11) and the rotary member (13) into control signals. The device comprises a lever base (19) that can move over a predefined travel parallel to the lever in a position of rest and which keeps the control lever fixed in terms of rotation and comprises a universal joint connection supporting the rotary control member in such a way as to connect it pivotally to the control lever (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2007
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Patrice Laurent, Laurent Mounier
  • Publication number: 20110094862
    Abstract: Techniques for making high voltage connections are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an electrical switch. The electrical switch may comprise a component extending from a first electrical contact to a second electrical contact. The component may also comprise a non-conductive section and a conductive section. In a first mode of operation, at least a portion of the non-conductive section may be positioned between the two electrical contacts to insulate the two electrical contacts. In a second mode of operation, the conductive section may be positioned between the two electrical contacts to connect the two electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas E. MAY, Kasegn D. Tekletsadik, Eric Hermanson, Piotr R. Lubicki, Russell J. Low, Joseph C. Olson, Stephen E. Krause
  • Patent number: 7923652
    Abstract: An activation device useful for drag racers comprising a body, a trigger, a cocking pressure spring plunger set screw, a trigger tension spring plunger set screw, a trigger tension jam nut, a body cover, cocking safety button, screws, a microswitch, a wave washer, and a trigger set screw. The body comprises a trigger pivot post, a wiring channel, a wiring aperture, and a recess surface. The trigger comprises a trigger pivot post aperture, a trigger released position notch, a trigger cocked position notch, and a cocking channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: William Harold Beck
  • Publication number: 20110048910
    Abstract: An electrical device having a reserve battery activation system for efficiently activating an electrical device via a low mechanical force. The electrical device having a reserve battery activation system generally includes a housing, such as flashlight housing, FM radio housing, MP3 player housing, etc., a first actuator connected to the housing, wherein the first actuator is at least partially external to the housing, a linkage operatively connected to the first actuator, a second actuator operatively connected to the linkage opposite the first actuator, wherein the second actuator is internal to the housing and at least one reserve battery for powering at least a part of the electrical device, wherein the at least one reserve battery is internal to the housing. The reserve battery is operatively connected to the second actuator for being activated via the second actuator via applying a low mechanical force to the first actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Fred Allen, Steve D. Simon, Victor A. Lifton, Ronald Durando
  • Publication number: 20110042193
    Abstract: A control key assembly for an electronic device includes a housing and a control key. The housing forms a receiving portion defining an opening having two spaced-apart arms. The control key is received in the receiving portion. The control key includes a first hook and a second hook. The first hook and the second hook are slidably engaged in the opening, and alternatively latch with the two arms when the control key is slid between first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: XIAO-LIANG WEI, ZHI-YUN SHEN