Abstract: The invention provides modified recombinant nucleic acid sequences (preferably DNA) and methods for increasing the mRNA levels and protein expression of proteins which are known to be, or are likely to be, difficult to express in cell culture systems, mammalian cell culture systems, or in transgenic animals. The preferred “difficult” protein candidates for expression using the recombinant techniques of the invention are those proteins derived from heterologous cells preferably those of lower organisms such as parasites, bacteria, and virus, having DNA coding sequences comprising high overall AT content or AT rich regions and/or mRNA instability motifs and/or rare codons relative to the recombinant expression system to be used.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinantly engineered mice that are deficient in the expression of both presenilin-1 and presenilin-2. The mice exhibit characteristics of age-dependent cognitive impairments and neurodegeneration similar to those seen in Alzheimer's disease patients. This presenilin-deficient mouse model can be used to screen compounds capable of slowing, preventing or reversing the progression of cognitive impairments and neurodegeneration. The invention is also directed to the development of treatments for Alzheimer's disease based on augmentation or restoration of presenilin function in the brain. On the basis of the findings described herein, the invention is further directed to the development of assays to detect functional presenilin deficiency in human individuals, preferably through analysis of presenilin substrates, which may provide biomarkers useful in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disrupting a gene in a plant using a tobacco retrotransposon, comprising the steps of introducing the retrotransposon into the plant, and culturing and regenerating the plant, into which the retrotransposon is introduced, to produce a transformed plant.

Abstract: Disclosed are the complete polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems from Schizochytrium, and biologically active fragments and homologues thereof. More particularly, this invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such PUFA PKS systems, to proteins and domains thereof that comprise such PUFA PKS systems, to genetically modified organisms (plants and microorganisms) comprising such PUFA PKS systems, and to methods of making and using the PUFA PKS systems disclosed herein. This invention also relates to genetically modified plants and microorganisms and methods to efficiently produce lipids enriched in various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as other bioactive molecules by manipulation of a PUFA polyketide synthase (PKS) system.

Abstract: A transgenic plant transformed by a phosphatase stress-related protein (PHSRP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the plant results in increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic plants. Also provided are isolated PHSRPs, and isolated nucleic acid coding PHSRPs, and vectors and host cells containing the latter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a phytic acid biosynthetic enzyme. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the phytic acid biosynthetic enzyme, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the phytic acid biosynthetic enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding pantothenate synthetases. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a portion of the pantothenate synthetases, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric genes results in production of altered levels of the pantothenate synthetases in transformed host cells.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety, designated XB39J04. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB39J04, to the plants of soybean XB39J04, to plant parts of soybean variety XB39J04 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean variety XB39J04 with another soybean plant, using XB39J04 as either the male or the female parent. This invention also relates to methods for introgressing a transgenic or mutant trait into soybean variety XB39J04 and to the soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean varieties or breeding varieties and plant parts derived from soybean variety XB39J04, to methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB39J04 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar, designated 901023, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 901023, to the plants of soybean cultivar 901023, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 901023 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 901023 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 901023, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 901023 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing soybean cultivar 901023 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar, designated 1000126, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 1000126, to the plants of soybean cultivar 1000126, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 1000126 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 1000126 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 1000126, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 1000126 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing soybean cultivar 1000126 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar, designated 900213, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 900213, to the plants of soybean cultivar 900213, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 900213 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 900213 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 900213, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 900213 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing soybean cultivar 900213 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated 90M01. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety 90M01, to the plants of soybean 90M01 to plant parts of soybean variety 90M01 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety 90M01 with another soybean plant, using 90M01 as either the male or the female parent.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 5051007 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 5051007, to the plants of soybean 5051007, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 5051007 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 5051007 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 5051007, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 5051007 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 5051007 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety S06-WW157958 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety S06-WW157958 and its progeny, and methods of making S06-WW157958.

Abstract: A novel inbred maize line designated PHAR1 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing inbred maize line PHAR1 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHAR1 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the inbred line PHAR1 or a trait conversion of PHAR1 with another maize line. Inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHAR1, methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHAR1 and the inbred maize lines and their parts derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A novel hybrid maize variety designated 33Y74 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize lines. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety 33Y74 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 33Y74 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the hybrid seed 33Y74, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and trivial modifications of hybrid 33Y74. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize lines derived from hybrid maize variety 33Y74 and to the maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: An exemplary retainer ring for a head of an acoustic drum can produce a visual display that allows an observer to visualize timing associated with percussive sound. An exemplary retainer ring includes a vertical wall disposed at a radius about a central axis and a laser diode module that includes a lens to emit visible radiation as a fan-beam. In such an exemplary retainer ring, the lens is positioned such that the fan-beam crosses the central axis and terminates as an arc in a groove in the vertical wall. When an object interrupts the fan-beam, the object reflects visible radiation of the fan-beam to thereby produce a visual display that allows an observer to visualize timing associated with percussive sound (e.g., sound produced by the object contacting a head of an acoustic drum). Various other exemplary arrangements, devices, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-aided learning system to facilitate a human to control the pitch and rhythm of their voice. In a preferred embodiment for learning how to sing a song in tune, a display provides visual, real-time depiction of the singer's actual pitch compared to the “target” pitch they should be singing, thereby allowing the singer to interactively raise or lower the pitch of their voice.

Abstract: There is provided a rendition style selector operable by a user to select a desired rendition style from among a plurality of rendition styles associated with a plurality of portions of tones. In response to selecting operation via the selector, a rendition style is determined which is to be applied to each desired portion of a tone. Then, performance information is output which designates a rendition style module corresponding to the determined rendition style. The module defines a waveform characteristic to provide the corresponding rendition style. According to another type of the rendition style selector, a user can collectively select a combination of a plurality of rendition styles associated with different portions of a tone. Thus, a plurality of rendition styles can be designated collectively by one selecting operation. Rendition style suitable for each portion of a tone to be generated may be determined on the basis of a performance event.

Abstract: The present invention is a musical synthesizer that can respond to a pitch wheel control by generating realistic slide-step-slide and slide-step portamento pitch curves. The musical synthesizer responds to a pitch wheel control in a context sensitive manner. When a first note-on occurs the pitch wheel behaves in the standard fashion. However, when a second-note on occurs, if the pitch wheel is still being held after the second note-on then the effects of the pitch wheel are disabled. The result is a clean slide-step portamento curve. In addition, the effects of the pitch wheel are delayed slightly relative to the raw pitch wheel signal. The result is that if the pitch wheel is released slightly before a second note-on occurs then the delayed pitch wheel signal will still be at substantially the previous held value when the second note-on occurs. The result is a clean slide-step portamento curve.

Abstract: A device for mixing the outputs of two sensors. The device includes a first input for receiving a signal from at least one first sensor, a second input for receiving a signal from at least one second sensor, a low pass filter for passing signal components of the first input signal below a first frequency, a high pass filter for passing signal components of the second input signal above a second frequency and a mixing circuit for combining the signals passed by the low pass filter and the high pass filter to form a combined output signal. The mixing device may be incorporated into a pre-amplifier for use with an electrified acoustic guitar, or other acoustic stringed instrument, having an under saddle sensor and a second sensor attached to a body portion of the guitar, such as the soundboard. In this way, lower frequencies are taken from the under saddle sensor and higher frequencies are taken from the body/soundboard sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light-weight thin-film photovoltaic cells, methods for making cells, modules made from cells, and methods for making modules from cells. The invention teaches a manner in which individual cells may be bonded to one another, eliminating the need for an additional support substrate and interconnecting leads, thus reducing the overall weight and thickness of individual cells and modules of the cells.

Abstract: The Photocatalytic film of semiconducting iron oxide (Fe2O3), contains an n-dopant, or a mixture of n-dopants, or a p-dopant or a mixture of p-dopants. Electrode consists of a substrate, with one or more films or photocatalytic arrangements of film of semiconducting n-doped or p-doped iron oxide (Fe2O3) e.g. on the surface of one side of the substrate or on the surface of different sides. The photoelectrochemical cell comprises electrodes with a film or with films of the n-doped or p-doped semiconducting iron oxide (Fe2O3). The semiconducting iron oxide (Fe2O3) film can be manufactured with a spray pyrolysis process or a sol gel process. The system for the direct cleavage of water with visible light, into hydrogen and oxygen the system comprises one or more of the photoelectrochemical cells with photocatalytic films. The system can be a tandem cell system, comprising the photoelectrochemical cell with the doped iron oxide (Fe2O3) film.

Abstract: A mounting system for securing an electrical box within a wall of a building. The electrical box is of typical construction having an open side thereof. The mounting system consists of an elongated bracket having one end region secured to the wall structure and a generally rectangular opening therein sized to permit access to the open side of the electrical box. An adapter plate is mounted to the bracket with this adapter plate having a central opening that is also sized to permit access to the open side of the electrical box. The adapter plate is further configured with box mounting structure to secure the electrical box to the adapter plate.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting bracket assembly for mounting an electrical box that includes: (a) a mounting bracket that includes a mounting plate having a first opening for receiving an electrical box and a rail having a first aperture; a mounting bracket attaching end; a mounting bracket mating end; a first pair of side walls and a pair of tabs; (b) an adapter plate that includes: a base plate having a track with a second aperture; an adapter plate attaching end; an adapter plate mating end; and a second pair of side walls; and (c) a fastener. The mounting bracket mating end slidably receives the adapter plate mating end and the first aperture in the rail aligns with the second aperture in the track. The fastener is inserted in the first and second apertures and tightened to secure the mounting bracket to the adapter plate.

Abstract: A security block for securing I/O ports of an electronic instrument physically prevents any breach of data through a protected I/O port, such as a USB port, by securing cables that may be plugged into the port by means of a locked cover. The cables are prevented from being removed and USB memory devices are prevented from being connected in their place. In a second aspect, a portion of the security block covers unused I/O ports thereby preventing USB memory devices and other devices from being connected to unoccupied I/O ports. The locking mechanism can be either a padlock, or a locking screw, or the like.

Abstract: An electrical control device, such as an exemplary electrical receptacle, has a front face that is a blended, aspheric surface. The vertical edges of the device have an arcuate profile from top to bottom, preferably elliptical, and the horizontal edges of the device have an arcuate profile from side to side that may be elliptical or circular. The vertical profile of the front face along a centerline of the device is substantially flat, thus an electrical plug seated in the receptacle will be limited to a rocking dimension within UL guidelines for safety. A faceplate component for use in assembly with the electrical control device has an arcuate shape in the vertical dimension that substantially matches the vertical edge profile of the electrical control device.

Abstract: A wall plate assembly includes a front faceplate having two lateral openings. A rear faceplate is connected to the front faceplate such that the rear faceplate is recessed from the front faceplate and access to the rear faceplate is provided through one of the lateral openings. The rear faceplate has a low voltage port. A clamp is connected to a rear surface of the front or rear faceplates for securing the front faceplate to a wall structure.

Abstract: A cable assembly having a plurality of wires, each having a first end and an opposed second end. A sheath including an shield encompasses all the wires. The shield is a braid formed of a plurality of braid wires, and each of the braid wires has an insulating coating. The wires of the braid may be gathered at an end into a pigtail. The insulation is removed from the wires at the pig tail. The insulation may be removed by dipping the pigtail in a high temperature solder bath.

Abstract: Cable components of silicone elastomer contain glass fibers having an average length of at least 1 m. The cable components retain substantial strength when exposed to heat or fire.

Abstract: A multi-twisted pair cable including a plurality of twisted pairs positioned within pockets of a filler. The filler including shaped elements having retaining members for retaining the twisted conductor pairs of the plurality within the pockets of the filler. At least one of the shaped elements of the filler having an end piece that creates a helical ridge in the jacket of the multi-twisted pair cable.

Abstract: A twisted pair cable wherein characteristics of the twisted pairs, such as twist lay, insulation thickness, characteristic impedance, etc. are selected so as to achieve minimal skew between the twisted pairs. In some examples, insulation materials may be varied among the twisted pairs and composite insulations may be used for one or more pairs in a cable.

Abstract: A multi-pair cable having a double jacket, including an inner jacket and an outer jacket. The inner and outer jackets each including channels formed on an inner surface. The channeled double jacket of the cable reducing the occurrence of alien crosstalk between adjacent cables by reducing the overall dielectric constant of the cable and increasing the center-to-center distance between adjacent cables. The channeled double jacket of the cable still accommodating existing standard cable connectors.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for attenuating flexible circuit resonance. The apparatus includes a flexible circuit assembly. The flexible circuit assembly has a flexible circuit having a flexible cable with first and second sides. The flexible circuit assembly also includes a circuit support. The circuit support includes a base having top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface is attached to the first side of the flexible cable. The circuit support also includes a support wall extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the top surface of the base. The support wall has a first face, which is substantially oriented towards the top surface of the base. The first side of the flexible cable is attached to the first face and also faces a second face of the support wall to thereby reverse a direction in which the flexible cable faces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device which permits the passage of an electrical cords or wires through an open window or door into a building while providing a weather proof seal for the opening and preventing the entry of carbon monoxide and other fumes into the building. The device also prevents the entry of insects and/or small animals into the building thereby preventing the introduction of diseases and other health issues. The device prevents damage to the electrical cords or wires by not permitting the window or door to close directly onto the cords. The device allows the electrical cord length to be adjusted. A provision is made in the device to allow the passage of the electrical cord therethrough while maintaining the integrity of the sealed opening. The device may be formed from a number of different materials, closed cell foam being a preferred material. The device is preferably an elongate member with a provision for electrical cords to pass transversely therethrough.

Abstract: A wired circuit board is provided having excellent heat radiation characteristics, including when the semiconductor device is mounted on the wired circuit board by the flip chip mounting method. An insulating base layer defines a base opening portion in a mounting region. The base opening portion includes a thin layer portion that surrounds the base opening portion. Inside terminal portions are disposed on the thin layer portion. A heat radiating portion is formed in the base opening region to contact the stiffener sheet As a result, the surface of the inside terminal portion is located lower in level than the surface of the heat radiating portion. Thus, a semiconductor device may be mounted on the wired circuit board by the flip chip mounting method to enable heat generated from the semiconductor device to be transferred to the stiffener sheet via the heat radiating portion.

Abstract: A circuit board includes first and second reference plane layers. A first decoupling capacitor is mounted to a surface of the first reference plane layer, and a second decoupling capacitor is mounted to a surface of the second reference plane layer. Vias extend generally along a first direction through the circuit board. The first and second decoupling capacitors are aligned generally along the first direction to increase an amount of space through which the vias are extendable.

Abstract: A protective coating of insulating material is formed around a clearance hole in a conductive layer of a printed circuit board, so that the conductive material in a via within the clearance hole will not contact the conductive layer and create a short circuit. In one embodiment, the protective coating is sufficiently hard to deflect a drill bit being used to drill the via hole, thus protecting against misregistered drilled holes.

Abstract: A surface mounted support assembly that is alignable with an electrical box installed at any position. A first bracket is adapted to be secured to the support and has a plurality of openings adapted to receive wiring from an electrical box secured to the support. A cover is connected to and disposed over the first bracket the first bracket. A cover ring is connected to the cover and adapted to receive an electrical fixture.

Abstract: A poke-through device for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defining a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The second working environment including a junction box. The poke-through device including a body having upper and lower ends and sized for insertion within the hole. The lower end communicating with the junction box and the upper end including a receptacle-receiving basket. The basket defining a peripheral wall, wherein the wall includes at least one channel extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the floor. Also included is a connector supporting bracket sized to removeably engage the channel, wherein the bracket is maintained in a stationary position upon installation.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing mail pieces being advanced across a transport path including a weighing module having load cells, an in-feed drive module and a takeaway module. The scale platform is mounted independently of the in-feed drive module and the takeaway module, and the scale platform comprises an uninterrupted mail piece support surface. A control system is provided that acquires a mail piece weight signal when the lead edge of a mail piece reaches a sensor at the exit of the weighing module. Sensors also calculate the velocity of a mail piece as it leaves the weighing module, whereby speed of each mail piece is accelerated to its original speed and position in the mail transport path. Mail weighing throughput rates of up to 10 mail pieces per second are achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides airline travelers with a method of determining baggage weight compliance while traveling, prior to having baggage rejected or additional fees assessed at the baggage check counter at the airport. In a first aspect, a scale is disclosed that comprises first and second attachment points, wherein the scale indicates a relative force applied to the attachment points. In a second aspect, a scale is disclosed which comprises two independent attachment points wherein the scale can display the total force applied to the attachment points.

Abstract: A buffering protective handheld controller, mainly with a buffering protective configuration for direction buttons and a number of functional buttons on one side of the main unit. It composes a multiple-layer cushion as a protective mechanism. Further, the handheld main unit has the rigid plastic base in an appropriate hollow shape, which may be enclosed by a sticking soft pad with a proper size. Thus, it can provide a cushion air-bag effect and fits the user's palm in any shape and any size. Particularly, because the user can hold the unit with a firm grasp by fingers, the grasping force is minimized during use. Such a handheld controller not only has the most comfortability but also reduced holding pressure. Therefore, it can provide fatigue reduction, blistering prevention and benefits like finger protection from callus and deformation.

Abstract: A indexing wheel mounted in the head assembly of a safety switch has an axis of rotation extending at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the plunger, and against whose lateral surface the plunger bears. A key channel in the head assembly is adapted for receiving a key and into which the indexing wheel projects. A key, upon being inserted into and upon being withdrawn from the key channel positively rotates a cam plate about its axis of rotation and switches over the switch. The switch and key is maintained in locked status by action of the locking hole on the cam pin and by action of the plunger when a key is inserted into the head assembly where the plunger becomes inserted in the locking hole of the indexing wheel and/or the flank on the cam pin after rotation by the key causing the key and switch to become locked.

Abstract: A hybrid limit/proximity switch combining the standard limit switch operator head and a proximity sensor in a body that may be interchangeably mounted on a machine in place of a conventional mechanically operated limit switch is disclosed.

Abstract: High to medium voltage interface test systems and methods of testing high to medium voltage systems are provided. A high to medium voltage interface test device for testing a circuit connected comprises a block having a first aperture and a plug having a finger to insert into the first aperture. The finger can have insulation disposed between pins to isolate the pins, maintain correct polarity for the circuit, and open and connect to a circuit substantially simultaneously. An interface testing method for testing a high to medium voltage circuit can comprise inserting a finger of a test module into a first aperture of a block module, opening the circuit with the finger, and connecting the finger to the circuit. The opening and connecting to the circuit occur substantially simultaneously to achieve a make-before-break sequence.

Abstract: A switching hinge comprises a hinge housing (6) at which a hinge flap (4) is swivellably disposed, a switching element (2) coupled with the hinge flap (4) being provided, which switching element (2) triggers a switching operation at a built-in switch (7) in a predetermined position of the hinge flap (4). According to the invention, the built-in switch (7) can be adjusted relative to the switching element (2) for adjusting the switching point. Particularly, a precision adjustment can be carried out so that an adaptation to the respective installation situation becomes possible.

Abstract: A fluid height sensor (10) includes a float (14) with an arm (20) fixed to a shaft (40) that extends into a cavity (30) in a housing (12). A switch assembly (32) in the housing includes a switch (50) formed by a largely stationary blade (52) and by a moveable switch blade (54) that moves forward (F) and rearward (R), respectively against and away from the stationary blade. The switch assembly also includes an activator (56) for snapping the switch blade as the shaft pivots back and forth. The activator (56) includes an activation blade (58) that is moved back and forth by the shaft, and a leaf spring (90) that extends in a loop between the outer ends of the activation blade and of the switch blade. The leaf spring compresses the switch blade by urging its outer end (74) towards its inner end (72), to cause the moveable blade to overshoot when it passes a center position in its forward and rearward movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a key button structure, capable of easily and positively finding a targeted character in accordance with an entry mode preset by a user, comprises: a key top; a light shielding section, which is attached onto rear face of the key top and of which is formed by reversely printing characters assigned to a key button for each character type display area; key backlights, each of which is provided in a dome anchoring sheet for covering a metal dome, and are arranged so as to be divided into three types: key backlights for lighting a numeral display area, a kana character display area, and an alphabetical letter display area respectively. For example, with a numeral entry mode preset, only the key backlight for lighting the numeral display area is lighted, thus displaying only a required numeral bright in the number entry mode.

Abstract: An input key of the present invention, which is assigned a plurality of information items to be inputted, and which is assigned each of the information items to be inputted, according to a direction of a force exerted on the input key. And the input key includes a push detecting means for detecting a push on the input key, and a direction detecting means for, when the push detecting means detects a push on the input key, detecting a strain occurring in the input key and thereby detecting a direction of a force exerted on the input key.