Patents Examined by Lisa Klaus
  • Patent number: 7342189
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device (1) for an electrical switch device comprising a body (10) upon which is mounted a hand lever (2) that rotates about a main axis (A), cooperating with a transmission shaft (3) able to control the opening or the closing of electrical contacts of the electrical switch device and elastic linking means between the hand lever (2) and the transmission shaft (3). The device also comprises means (7) for locking the rotation of the hand lever (2) with respect to the body (10), used when an angular divergence between the hand lever (2) and the transmission shaft (3) exceeds a specified threshold. The purpose of the invention is to limit the damage to the hand lever and to the electrical device when an operator attempts to return the hand lever (2) to its “Off” position whilst the contacts are welded and to prevent the beginning of electrical arcing if the operator should succeed in unsticking the contacts when rotating the hand lever 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Lionel Bravard, Yew Keong Clarence Chan, Wai Luen Eugene Cheong, Kok Kiong Low, Jean-Marie Periot
  • Patent number: 7326867
    Abstract: An omni-directional tilt and vibration sensor contains a first electrically conductive element, a second electrically conductive element, and an electrically insulative element. The electrically insulative element is connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element, where at least a portion of the first electrically conductive element and at least a portion of the second electrically conductive element are located within the electrically insulative element. A plurality of electrically conductive weights are located within a cavity of the sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by at least one surface of the first electrically conductive element, at least one surface of the electrically insulative element, and at least one surface of the second electrically conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: SignalQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Whitmore B. Kelley, Jr., Brian Blades
  • Patent number: 7326866
    Abstract: A sensor contains a first electrically conductive element, a second electrically conductive element, and an electrically insulative element connected to the first electrically conductive element and the second electrically conductive element. The sensor also contains a plurality of electrically conductive weights located within a cavity of the sensor, wherein the cavity is defined by at least one surface of the first electrically conductive element, at least one surface of the electrically insulative element, and at least one surface of the second electrically conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: SignalQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Whitmore B. Kelley, Jr., Brian Blades
  • Patent number: 7326868
    Abstract: A button apparatus for an electronic component (10) having a button (16) includes a computer bezel (20) and a pressing member (30) pivotally attached to the computer bezel for pressing the button of the electronic component. The computer bezel includes a front panel (22) and a flange (24) extending from a side of the front panel, an opening (221) is defined in the front panel. The pressing member includes a pressing portion (32) received in the opening for pushing the button and a resilient piece (34) abutting against the flange for urging the pressing portion to pivotally rebound to an original state from a deformed state at which the pressing portion pushes the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Li Tong
  • Patent number: 7323650
    Abstract: A protection mechanism includes a first member connected to a switch member pivotably connected to an open top of a case so as to lift a bimetallic plate when the switch device is set to an “OFF” status, and a second member that is pivotably connected to an extension board extending form the switch member. The second member is located above the bimetallic plate and pushes the bimetallic plate downward to set the switch device to an “ON” status. The second member can be pivoted counter clockwise when the bimetallic plate is deformed upward and will not stop the deformation of the bimetallic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7307230
    Abstract: A mechanism for controlling circuit-closing/opening of power ratchet wrench, including: an elongated tubular main body for a user's hand to hold; a driving motor disposed in the main body; a transmission member disposed in the main body and connected with the driving motor for transmitting the power of the driving motor; a driving end disposed at the first end of the main body and drivable by the driving motor via the transmission member; a power supply for supplying power to the driving motor; a driving power supplying circuit disposed in the main body and electrically connected between the power supply and the driving motor, whereby the power supply can power on the driving motor via the driving power supplying circuit a controlling trigger, one end of the controlling trigger being pivotally connected with the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Tranmax Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 7297883
    Abstract: The invention proposes an electrical switch (20) with multiple switching ways comprising a bottom support (22) in the bottom (32) of which are arranged fixed contacts (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d), a top member (26) that is mounted to be movable relative to the bottom support (22) from a central rest position to four main actuation positions distributed angularly at 90°, and a contact plate (28) that comprises four contact blades (34) each of which is capable of coming into contact with a fixed contact (30b), characterized in that the actuation member (26) is mounted to be movable relative to the support (22) to one or other of four intermediate actuation positions that are offset angularly by 45° relative to the main actuation positions, and in each of which two contact blades (34) are simultaneously in contact with the associated fixed contacts (30b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvain Rochon, Michel Bruno
  • Patent number: 7297885
    Abstract: A water pressure switch employs two pivotable plates and springs to control the activation of the pump. The arrangement of the two pivotably plates, the springs and the activation device reduces the space required so that a small box can accommodate all the parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Chia Lee
  • Patent number: 7294803
    Abstract: A keypad includes a light guide panel, the interior of which light propagates through; at least one key button positioned on the upper surface of the light guide panel; and at least one reflective pattern fixedly positioned with respect to the light guide panel to reflect a part of the light, which propagates through the interior of the light guide panel, towards the key button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joo-Hoon Lee, Sun-Tae Jung, Kyoung-Youm Kim, Byung-Duck Cho, Dong-Hoon Jang
  • Patent number: 7294797
    Abstract: An electronic controller for a vehicle leveling system comprises an extend-enable switch, a retract-enable switch, an all-activate switch, and at least one group-activate switch. It is configured to generate an all-extend electronic signal upon coordinated actuation of the extend-enable switch and the all-activate switch, an all-retract electronic signal upon coordinated actuation of the retract-enable switch and the all-activate switch, a group-extend electronic signal upon coordinated actuation of the extend-enable switch and the group-activate switch, and a group-retract electronic signal upon coordinated actuation of the retract-enable switch and the group-activate switch. Vehicle leveling systems having the electronic controller further include a plurality of jacks operably controlled by the electronic controller and a power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Atwood Mobile Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Scott Erickson
  • Patent number: 7294805
    Abstract: A key structure applicable in an electronic device for pressing an electrical button of the electronic device is disclosed. The key structure includes an annulus section for fixing the key structure in the electronic device, and a pair of key sections, each of which extends from the annulus section and has a protruding section and a retention section, wherein the protruding section protrudes out of an inner wall of the key section to prevent the key section from sinking, and the retention section extends from at least one side of the key section to prevent the key section from protruding upwards. With each key section being additionally provided with the protruding section and the retention section, the key structure efficiently prevents the key sections from protruding upwards and sinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: You-Fa Luo, Yung-Chi Yang
  • Patent number: 7291796
    Abstract: A press switch includes a base, a contractible pulling rod, an upper casing, and an actuator, and when the actuator is pressed to compress a resilient spring between the upper casing and the actuator, such that the contractible pulling rod and its press terminal move downward until two movable contact points are in contact with two fixed contact points of input/output terminal on both sides of the base to electrically connect to power supply If the actuator is released, the extension of the resilient spring lifts the contractible pulling rod and its press terminal, and thus the two movable contact points are forced to be detached from the fixed contact points of the input/output terminals on both sides, so as to disconnect the power supply. The invention can assure the safety of the use of an electric appliance product such a tool machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Solteam Electronics Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Song Liu, Fumiaki Miyaoka, Chih-Yang Chen, Hu-Chuan Wei
  • Patent number: 7285738
    Abstract: A control knob for a control panel assembly having a panel to which a push-and-turn switch assembly is mounted, with the switch assembly having a stem axially movable and rotatable to effect actuation of the switch assembly. The control knob has a cap and a skirt. The cap is axially immobile relative to the stem, and the skirt is coupled with the stem for axial movement therewith. The skirt is axially moveable relative to the cap. An axial force acting on the cap is not transferred to the stem and an axial force acting on the skirt will cause axial movement of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kim Cyril Lavigne, Phillip Henry DeRuiter
  • Patent number: 7282657
    Abstract: An assembly having an electric switching function, comprises a switch device which has associated electric conductors and a movable actuating part, on which a hood member is mounted, and which is provided in a housing comprised by an outer injection-molded body; the hood member has its rim resting on a first injection-molded synthetic material body that fixes and partially encloses the electric conductors, and is sealingly connected to the first injection-molded synthetic material body by means of the outer, second injection-molded synthetic material body that both covers the rim of the hood member and also adjoins the first injection-molded synthetic material body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Pollmann Austria OHG
    Inventors: Walter Wimmer, Robert Pollmann
  • Patent number: 7279650
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus with an illuminated button, the apparatus comprising a first operation button, a second operation button, a first board mounted with a first switch corresponding to the first operation button, wherein a portion of the first board is notched, a second switch corresponding to the second operation button, wherein the second switch is mounted below the notched portion of the first board, and a light source that is mounted below the second operation button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshinobu Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7276671
    Abstract: An electronic device having a modularized press key disposed therein. The electronic device is provided with a switch, and the modularized press key is composed of a key cap, an identification part, and an extension part. The key cap is provided with a connection hole and is disposed in the electronic device and facing the switch. The identification part is disposed in the connection hole, and the extension part has a specific color and is engaged to the identification part in a specific direction. The other end of the extension part is pressed against the switch. As such, through the uniqueness of the assembly and the distinction of the colors, the fool-proof assembly and fault inspection and detection of the modularized press key are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventor: Yaz-Tzung Wu
  • Patent number: 7273992
    Abstract: A mechanical limiter device, having: a housing with a slot passing at least partially therearound, the slot forming a plurality of teeth in a side of the housing; a plunger movable within the housing; a biasing mechanism configured to urge the plunger in a proximal direction within the housing; a contact member extending through the slot in the side of the housing, the contact member being configured to advance past at least one of each of the plurality of teeth in the slot each time the plunger is moved back and forth within the housing. The contact member may perform a switching function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Medconx, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold B. Kent, James J. LeVante, Aaron T. Fine
  • Patent number: 7273993
    Abstract: A keypad (102) for entering data in an electronic device (100) is disclosed. The keypad includes a first carrier (302), a key panel (202), and a backlighting module (204). The key panel is coupled to a first side of the first carrier and the backlighting module is coupled to a second side of the first carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Tanner, Ralph G. Cory
  • Patent number: 7273990
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ice storage detection switch for detecting an ice level in an ice storage chamber of an ice making machine including: a magnet lever rotatably fitted to the switch lever, for holding the magnet so that the magnet is located in a vicinity of the reed switch when the switch lever is not pressed; and a projecting portion formed on the switch case to be located between a rotational center of the magnet lever and the reed switch, the magnet separating from the reed switch through abutment of the magnet lever on the projecting portion and rotation of the magnet lever when the switch lever is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yoshida, Hideji Ota, Atsushi Sugita
  • Patent number: 7268311
    Abstract: A touch panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a polarizing plate and a compensating plate. A first conductive layer is formed on the first substrate. The second substrate is formed so as to face the first substrate and has a second conductive layer facing the first conductive layer at a certain interval. The polarizing plate having a heat shrinkage ratio larger than that of the first substrate is laminated on a side, which is opposite to the second substrate, at the first substrate. The compensating plate having substantially an identical heat shrinkage ratio with that of the first substrate is laminated on a side, which is opposite to the first substrate, at the polarizing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Tanabe, Kenichi Matsumoto, Shoji Fujii