Plural Switch Patents (Class 200/14)
  • Patent number: 11965800
    Abstract: A device for testing the interface to periscope inboard electronics is provided with an enclosure having a cable connector for a plurality of cables from a periscope mast. Each cable includes electric wires, fiber optic lines, radio frequency lines, and video lines. A plurality of interface panels are mounted on the enclosure. Each interface panel is associated with a cable of the plurality of cables. Each interface panel has test points for each voltage conducting cable, video path, and fiber optic line for the associated cable and status indicators for the device and inboard electronics. A multi-position switch is mounted on the enclosure and can be selected for one of a plurality of periscope mast types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Inventors: James M Coombs, David E Baumgarte
  • Patent number: 11101578
    Abstract: An in-line switch assembly comprising a housing and two ports at different parts of the housing for insertion of an end of a power cord into the housing. The housing has first and second housing parts. A connection mechanism is provided in each of the ports, adapted to receive an end of a power cord, and is operable to cause piercing of a piercing part through a sheath of a power cord and then electrical contact with a conductive core of the power cord. The housing is configured to undergo from a first state in which the first and second housing parts are partially attached together, thereby allowing insertion of an end of a power cord through each of the ports to the respective connection mechanism, to a second state in which the first and second housing parts are fully attached together, with an inserted end of a said power cord being acted upon by the connection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Ka Kin Kwok
  • Patent number: 10852854
    Abstract: A control system for use in controlling operation of an electrical appliance, the system including: a processor module disposed inside of a housing of the electrical appliance, the processor module including at least one contactless-type sensor operably-connected with the processor module; an input control module including: an attachment element configured for releasably attaching the input control module to an outer surface of the housing; and at least one sensor-readable element configured for contactless-interaction with the contactless-type sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignees: Defond Electech Co., Ltd, Defond Components Limited
    Inventors: Cheng Chen Nieh, Kai Kei Poon, Ka Leung Luk
  • Patent number: 10635197
    Abstract: A lateral pressure sensing pointer includes a housing, a cartridge, a lateral key, a first elastic member, a first pressure sensing element, and a second elastic member. The housing extends a length along an axial direction, and has an end opening, a lateral opening, and an accommodation space. The end opening and the lateral opening are respectively in communication with the accommodation space. The cartridge is disposed at the end opening. The lateral key is disposed at the lateral opening. One end of the first elastic member is combined with the lateral key and can provide an elastic force along a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first pressure sensing element is disposed inside the accommodation space and can sense a pressure applied along the radial direction. The second elastic member abuts against the lateral key and can provide an elastic force along the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SHENZHEN PU YING INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Wen Hsu, Chung-Hsuan Li
  • Patent number: 10529501
    Abstract: A switching mechanism for an electrical switch assembly has a rotary switch mounted on a printed circuit board. The rotary switch includes a contact block having a plurality of conductive contact faces arranged in the general shape of a polygon and adapted to roll from one contact face to another as the rotary switch is turned. There is a manually rotatable knob for turning the rotary switch. The knob is mounted on a surface spaced apart from the printed circuit board. A rotatable shaft assembly operatively connects the rotatable knob with the rotary switch so as to allow simultaneous and coordinated turning of the rotary switch when the knob is manually rotated. There is a plurality of conductive terminal contacts mounted on the printed circuit board and upon which the contact block rolls. Each conductive terminal contact is part of a circuit for a separate current flow pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Kezza Products Pty Limited
    Inventor: William Paul Bunting
  • Patent number: 10505429
    Abstract: A connection apparatus includes a fixed board assembly and a selector board assembly. The fixed board assembly including a fixed board including a center axis and a plurality of contact pairs attached to the fixed board, each of a generator winding in electrical continuity with at least one of the plurality of contact pairs. The selector board assembly is rotatably mounted on the fixed board assembly and includes a selector board and a plurality of jumpers attached to the selector board. The plurality of jumpers are shaped and arranged on the selector board to electrically bridge at least one of the contact pairs to provide a first voltage output in a first configuration and a second voltage output in a second configuration. The second configuration is produced by rotating the selector board assembly relative to the fixed board assembly about the center axis from the first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nelson H. Slaughter, John H. Hancock
  • Patent number: 10460860
    Abstract: A controllable rotary knob including at least one base, at least one drive unit rigidly connected to the base, at least one transmission, and an operating part, and the operating part is configured as a housing surrounding the drive unit and the transmission, and the transmission establishes a connection between the drive unit and the operating part, wherein the drive unit has an axially symmetric structure and the drive unit and the operating element are arranged coaxially to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: ZULU OG
    Inventors: Ernst Stottinger, Michael Sternad
  • Patent number: 9805885
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary switch. In particular, the rotary switch includes a main contactor having a main contact carrier and a main cam, a shaft rotatably journaled in the main contactor and extending axially through the main contactor, and an auxiliary contactor. When the switch is rotated from the ON position to the OFF position, the shaft rotates to break open auxiliary contacts before main contacts break open upon further rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: REDARC TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventors: Roderick M. Francis, Jon R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9710077
    Abstract: An operation unit has a rotary body that has a through-hole, and that rotates about a rotation axis that passes through the through-hole, a ball that is disposed inside the through-hole, a rotary body-detecting part that detects rotation of the rotary body, a first ball-detecting part that detects rotation of the ball, and a second ball-detecting part that detects pressing of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Ryoji Okazaki
  • Patent number: 9666006
    Abstract: A wireless radio frequency switch controller may be capable of being retrofit on to any existing parent system such as a thermostat, security system, garage door, and the like. The switch controller may have an external housing, a contact penetrating clip, a processor capable of being connected to a network, and a computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs for execution by the processor. The bottom of the contact penetrating clip preferably has at least one cutting surface. The cutting surface being capable of cutting an insulative covering for an electrical wire, once the contact penetrating clip is secured to the switch controller. The switch controller requires no batteries and harvests/stores energy from the parent system's existing wiring. The switch controller may be capable of being paired with a wireless receiver/transceiver by which the operation of the switch controller and subsequently the parent system may be manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Mark Kramer, Wilfred Tucker, John Sample
  • Patent number: 9534933
    Abstract: A human machine interface includes a capacitive sensor disposed on an interior side of a face plate. A control device is rotatably coupled to the face plate and is disposed on an exterior side of the face plate. The control device includes at least one electrically conductive element. The control device rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular to the face plate such that the at least one electrically conductive element follows the rotation of the control device. The capacitive sensor senses a rotational position of the at least one electrically conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Gerald Tang-Kong
  • Patent number: 9527335
    Abstract: Electronics devices are disclosed herein operatively configured to provide a tally or count of various phenomena within an electronic record while also being capable of marking a sheet of paper with ink. These include for instance the frequency of pitches thrown among a visiting and home team in a baseball game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventors: Raymond Pullaro, Jr., Vadim Gordin
  • Patent number: 9181934
    Abstract: A gridded ion propulsion system comprising two power controllers, four ion thrusters, and two switch assemblies. One switch assembly is connected to the two power controllers and to two of the four ion thrusters. The other switch assembly is connected to the two power controllers and to the other two ion thrusters. Each switch assembly has first and second switching states which can be selected to enable either power controller to supply power to any one of the four ion thrusters. Each switch assembly comprises a respective movable body and a respective multiplicity of switches which change state in unison when the movable body changes position. For example, the movable body may be a rotatable hollow shaft driven by a stepper motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John F. Stickelmaier, John Ziavras, Julie Marie Perkins, Kurt B. Kreiner, Glenn N. Caplin, Brian K. Smith, Peter S. Lauenstein
  • Patent number: 8536472
    Abstract: A rotary switch mechanism includes a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member, a push button and a triggered switch. By rotating the first rotatable member, a first rotation command is executed. By rotating the second rotatable member, a second rotation command is executed. By moving a user's finger on the push button, a motion command is executed. By pressing down the push button to trigger the push switch, a pushing command is executed. In such way, the rotary switch mechanism may be used to input plural commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Che Wu, Chun-Nan Su
  • Patent number: 8519987
    Abstract: An operating and display device is provided for a vehicle having a display unit and having a rotary knob for selecting a function and/or for selecting a menu within a hierarchical menu structure shown using the display unit. The rotary knob forming an operating unit is movable in both directions of its rotational axis, and pressing of the operating unit causing navigation between two menu levels in a first hierarchy direction and pulling of the operating unit causing navigation between two menu levels in a second, opposing hierarchy direction of the menu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Uwe Bonne
  • Patent number: 8502092
    Abstract: A rotary switch mechanism includes a hollow cylinder, a base, a push button, a first rotatable member, a second rotatable member, a first switch, a second switch and a third switch. The base is disposed under the hollow cylinder. The first rotatable member is sheathed around the hollow cylinder. The second rotatable member is sheathed around the first rotatable member. The first switch is disposed beside the first rotatable member. The second switch is disposed beside the second rotatable member. The third switch is mounted on a first circuit board, which is disposed under the base. The first rotatable member and the first switch interact with each other to generate a first rotating signal. The second rotatable member and the second switch interact with each other to generate a second rotating signal. The third switch is triggered by the pressing rod to generate a pressing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Primax Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuan-Nan Chou
  • Patent number: 8383967
    Abstract: An input device that may work in combination with an electronic device is provided. The input device is configured to input one or more adjustable parameters to the electronic device. The input device uses a plurality of concentric rotary dials to input the one or more adjustable parameters. The concentric rotary dials are co-planar with one another, and share a common center, axis or origin with one inside the other. The concentric rotary dials may have different radii from one another. Further, the concentric rotary dials have a plurality of indicia on one surface of the concentric rotary dials (such as the upper surface). Or, the indicia may be on a surface adjacent to the concentric rotary dials (such as on a non-movable faceplate). A user may move the concentric rotary dials to one or more settings in order to select one of the plurality of indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventor: Janardhan Kindikeri
  • Patent number: 8217282
    Abstract: A rotary switch section R includes a brush unit 60 rotatably operated by a lever 72 and a plurality of fixed contacts. The brush unit 60 includes a pair of main contact shoes 62, 63 and a single auxiliary contact shoe 64. The fixed contacts include a main contact 24 with which the main contact shoes 62, 63 come into contact with the lever 72 is at its neutral posture N, a pair of contacts 25L, 25R with which the auxiliary contact shoe 64 comes into contact first when the lever 72 is rotatably operated, and second contacts 26L, 26R with which one of the main contact shoes 62, 63 comes into contact subsequently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Asada
  • Patent number: 8164009
    Abstract: A control knob capable of operating multiple systems has a first rotational body and a second rotational body coaxially arranged, and a shaft connected to the second rotational body. Opposite the shaft, a movable body is moved axially in response to rotation of the first rotational body. Engaging units have concaves or convexes, for example, similar to teeth. The engaging units are provided on the shaft or the movable body. An engaged unit is elastically biased toward one of the engaging units, and engages the concaves or convexes. In use, the control knob may be configured to permit selection of a function by rotation of the first rotational body, and to permit adjustment of the function by rotation of the second rotational body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Kagami, Osamu Yoneji, Masatoshi Koike
  • Patent number: 8129637
    Abstract: A switch mechanism includes a support; a plurality of switches connected to the support. An encoder rotatable about an axis of a shaft; an actuator rotatable with the shaft and tiltable relative to the shaft; and a connector assembly interconnecting the actuator and the shaft to transmit rotational movement of the actuator to the shaft and permits tilting of the actuator. Each of the switches has a central axis and an upper surface to actuate the switch. A lever engages the upper surface at a first location on the central axis and pivotably engages actuator at a second location. The pivot axis is spaced from the first location a first vertical distance parallel to the central axis. The second location is spaced from the first location a second vertical distance parallel to the central axis 52. The first distance D1 is smaller than the second distance D2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Scott Morrison, Todd List, Paul McEvilly
  • Patent number: 8110758
    Abstract: A mode dial device is set in an electrical device. The mode dial device includes a rotary member and a pressure detection module. The rotary member includes a main body, a shaft portion connecting the main body and the electrical device, and a contact portion located at the bottom of the main body with an inclined surface. The pressure detection module is electrically coupled to the electrical device and located under the rotary member. The pressure detection module includes a button portion which is movable vertically. The button portion contacts the contact portion. When the rotary member is rotated, the contact portion pushes the button portion of the pressure detection module. The pressure detection module outputs a signal according to a moving distance of the button portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Altek Corporation
    Inventor: Tzu-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 8101877
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rotating dual switching mechanism having a first switch and a first activator with rotational axis, and a second switch having a second activator that is offset from the rotational axis. A ring-shaped actuator is concentric with the rotational axis and is movable to actuate the second activator. A switch arm is rotatable about the rotation axis and has a first portion that actuates the first activator and a second portion for engaging and the ring-shaped actuator and hence the second activator. The switch arm is movable to a first position where both the first and second activator are “off,” a second position where the first activator is “on” and the second activator is “off,” and a third position where both the first and second activator are “on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: David Rowntree
  • Publication number: 20110303514
    Abstract: A dial operation device for a vehicle including a plurality of dial devices each having a dial knob and a dial element outputting a signal corresponding to a turned position of the dial knob, a plurality of circuit boards on which the dial devices are mounted, wiring members electrically interconnecting the circuit boards, and a board supporting body having a panel with a plurality of through-holes for inserting the dial devices therethrough and individually supporting the circuit boards such that the dial knobs protrude toward a front of the panel through the through-holes, wherein the circuit boards are supported in the body such that at least one of the circuit boards is positioned out of a plane of another one of the circuit boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Yuuichirou Morishita
  • Patent number: 7968808
    Abstract: A compound operation input device of the invention includes: a body; a switch being disposed in the body and including a contact in an arcuate cross-sectional shape; and a lever. The lever includes: a basal portion disposed on a vertex of the contact; and an operating portion being swingable in swing directions and being depressible toward the switch from a predetermined position on a swing path. The body includes an arcuate abutting portion. The lever has a protrusion being disposed above the abutting portion. The abutting portion has a recess at a position thereof corresponding to the predetermined position. When the lever makes a depressing movement from a position other than the predetermined position, the protrusion abuts against the abutting portion. When the lever makes a depressing movement from the predetermined position, the protrusion is received in the recess such that the basal portion presses the vertex of the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7960661
    Abstract: A multifunctional rotary switch for operating an electronic device is providing having a roller with an axis of rotation. The roller has a bidirectional rotational mode of operation where the roller rotates in both a clockwise and counter clockwise direction around the axis, a translational mode of operation where the roller is moved in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and a pushing mode of operation where the roller is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Paul Wlotzka
  • Patent number: 7915546
    Abstract: A multi-function light switch unit mountable to an interior panel of an automotive vehicle has a rotatable outer ring controlling a main headlamp, two pushbutton panels within the outer ring controlling additional lights, and an extendable module within the outer ring having at two rotary controllers for controlling other lights. The extendable module is movable with between an extended position wherein it projects from the front surface of the light switch unit such that the rotary controllers are exposed in a manually operative position in front of the push button panels, and a retracted position wherein the rotary controllers are behind the front surface of the light switch unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Stephan
  • Patent number: 7812271
    Abstract: A complex button assembly and a portable multimedia device using the same. The complex button assembly is installed to an upper end of a case which defines an external appearance of the portable multimedia device. The complex button assembly is provided with a plurality of buttons to receive information on an operating state of the multimedia device. The complex button assembly is installed to face upwardly on the upper surface of the case or rearwardly and upwardly on the upper surface of the case such that a user can easily operate the portable multimedia device. In the complex button assembly, a button body having first and second button units is installed in a penetration portion of a button frame. A jog window is further formed in a middle portion of the button body in which a jog button is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seok Woo Lee, Kyung Yul Kim
  • Patent number: 7791504
    Abstract: A rotary encoder includes a case made of insulating resin, a rotatable operation shaft, a slidable brush fixed to the operation shaft, and a signal contact embedded in a surface of the case. The slidable brush has a contacting section slidable on a surface of the case on a predetermined circumference according to a rotation of the operation shaft. The signal contact has an upper surface flush with the surface of the case, a first side surface connected to the upper surface at a first corner having a right angle, a second side surface connected to the upper surface at a second corner having a right angle, and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The first and side surfaces are positioned on the predetermined circumference. The lower surface has a width smaller than a width of the upper surface. This rotary encoder has a small size and outputs a signal precisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Sugahara, Jun Sato, Takumi Nishimoto, Kenji Kataoka
  • Patent number: 7750256
    Abstract: A rotary switch assembly (100; 200) is disclosed. The assembly may include a dial assembly (102; 202) having a main body (150; 250) disposed about a centre aperture (132; 232). The main body may be rotatable about a central axis (126; 226) in both a clockwise (106; 206) and counter clockwise direction (108; 208). The dial assembly includes a projecting member (138; 238) extending outward from the main body. The assembly includes a switch (114; 214) having an actuator (156; 256) moveable between a first position (158; 258) and a second position (160; 260). The actuator is positioned such that when the dial assembly is rotated clockwise, the projecting member moves the actuator to the first position, and when rotated counter clockwise, the projecting member moves the actuator to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sony EMCS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd
    Inventor: Kok Eng Looi
  • Publication number: 20100140059
    Abstract: A mode switching switch and a dial switch are coaxially provided. A spring member is fixed to a linkage unit of the dial switch. The linkage unit is inserted through a click number change member, which has a cylinder unit and a shaft. The shaft is inserted into a guide groove formed on a cylinder unit of the mode switching switch. By the rotation of the mode switching switch, the click number change member is moved in the axial direction. On the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder unit of the click number change member, two click surfaces on which the different numbers of concaves or convexes are formed in the circumferential direction are aligned in the axial direction. By the movement in the axial direction of the click number change member, any one of the click surfaces is engaged with the spring member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicants: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring System, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akinori Kagami, Osamu Yoneji, Masatoshi Koike
  • Publication number: 20100108476
    Abstract: The present invention includes a knob assembly which provides rotational movement and translational travel along an axis of dual and independent rotary knobs. The present invention controls electronics within a housing, without requiring protrusion into the housing. Having no protrusions into the housing avoids exposure of the electronics within the housing to environmental contaminants or electromagnetic interference. The components of the dual independent push button rotary knob assembly may operate without need for O-rings, gaskets, or any other applied sealants to prevent containments from entering the housing. Assembly of the knob assembly is simplified, because the rotary knob assembly may be installed and replaced without any tools and without need to access the interior of the housing. Furthermore, if any part of the assembly is damaged, the rotary knob assembly, in part or whole, may be replaced without compromising any seal provided to the exterior surfaces of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: TIMOTHY KRAHN TRUDEAU, Gregory Seith Bandy
  • Patent number: 7705252
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary control device intended, in particular, for being fixed to a handle of a remote control of a heavy-construction machine, comprising: a housing to be fastened to the handgrip in a fixed manner; a moving actuating part that rotates relative to the housing about an axis; first means for generating a rate control signal starting from the angular position of the moving actuating part, comprising a moving part driven by the actuating part and a part fixed to the housing, the moving actuating part being able to be driven by the operator in two opposite directions starting from a home position up to elastic means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth D.S.I.
    Inventor: Didier Merletti
  • Patent number: 7635817
    Abstract: A main body portion has fixed contacts and houses movable contacts. A lower electrode plate and upper electrode plate serving as the movable contacts are deformed at a time of a pressing operation. The upper electrode plate is contactable to the lower electrode plate and lower electrode plate brings contact pairs mounted in a center of the bottom inside the main body portion into conduction. On the bottom inside the main body portion, contacts serving as fixed contacts for a rotating operation are formed on the circumference of the same circle outside contact pairs for the pressing operation. A brush serving as the movable contacts is secured to a lever receiving rotating operational forces and brings contacts into conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Asada
  • Patent number: 7612305
    Abstract: A rotating and pressing operation type electronic component that is reduced in the number of parts and man-hour for assembly and reduced in height dimension and floor surface area, comprising a frame formed of first and second bases, a tubular rotatingly operating body rotatably supported on the inside of the frame, first and second contact pieces as elastically deformable conductive leg parts fitted to the frame, and a common contact piece. The terminal parts of the contact pieces and the terminal parts of the common contact piece are directly positioned on a printed circuit board and electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Miyoshi, Satoshi Takamori
  • Patent number: 7572991
    Abstract: A knob assembly applicable for an electronic device for executing a plurality of default commands is provided, which at least includes a manipulator and a plurality of push switches disposed adjacent to the manipulator, wherein the manipulator performs back and forth swing and linear movement, and touches a corresponding push switch in the travel of the back and forth swing and the linear movement, so as to output a trigger signal for executing a corresponding default command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Yu-Jen Du, Yu-Jeng Yang
  • Publication number: 20090194395
    Abstract: An operation device for a vehicle is provided in which selection/execution means for selecting any one of operation menus related to in-vehicle equipment displayed on a monitor and selecting and executing any one of functions related to the in-vehicle equipment is formed from an operating knob (30) and a plurality of operation switches (31, 32) provided on the operating knob (30), and selection of an operation menu and execution of a function are commanded by a combination of operation of the operating knob (30) and operation of the operation switches (31, 32). This enables selection of the operation menu and selection/execution of the function to be commanded simply and in a short time by operation with one hand without detaching the hand from the operating knob (30), thus improving the operability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Hajime Yamada
  • Patent number: 7557314
    Abstract: A rotating and pressing operation type electronic component has a reduced size, but without lowering workability, reliability of contact, and operability, wherein an inner contract formed of a tubular conductor and formed by extending, parallel with each other; a plurality of extension parts from an opening edge part along the axis thereof at specified angular pitches is inserted into a rotating operation body and formed integrally therewith. The elastic contact parts of two contact pieces are disposed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the extension parts of the inner contact so as to contact these inner peripheral surfaces, and the elastic contact parts of a common contact piece are disposed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the inner contact excluding the extension part so as to be always brought into contact with the inner peripheral surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Miyoshi, Keiji Komiya, Takeshi Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 7550685
    Abstract: A compound operation input device includes: an first operating body that can be pressed in a direction substantially orthogonal to a circuit board; an second operating body of annular shape, disposed around the first operating body and substantially parallel to the circuit board, tilt operable, and rotatably operable; a first switch actuable in response to pressing movement of the first operating body; second switches independently actuable in response to tilt movement of the second operating body; an attachment having an outer portion, the second operating body being provided with the outer portion, and an inner portion facing the second face of the first operating body; and a rotation detector for detecting rotation of the second operating body. The rotation detector is attached to an inner portion of the attachment and disposed in a space between the circuit board and the first operating body and inside the second switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventor: Shiro Tsuduki
  • Patent number: 7507920
    Abstract: In the case of a hearing aid with a movable control element as compact a structure as possible should be achieved and at the same time a large number of movement cycles of the control element should be possible. To this end it is proposed to connect contacts of the movable control element by means of a flexible PCB to the PCB. Preferably the flexible PCB also acts as a support for a flat spring-loaded switch which is activated when the control element performs a swivel movement. Furthermore the flexible PCB has a bending zone which is devoid of electrical contacts and components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Ehrenfried Erbe
  • Patent number: 7482543
    Abstract: A signal generating module is provided. The signal generating module includes a processor, an arcuate elastomer, a first fixed contact, a second fixed contact, a first pin, and a second pin. The processor is disposed on the circuit board of an electronic apparatus. The arcuate elastomer is disposed in the electronic apparatus, and includes a first movable contact and a second movable contact. The arcuate elastomer has a portion exposed out from a housing of the electronic apparatus. The first fixed contact is fixed to the electronic apparatus corresponding to the first movable contact. The second fixed contact is fixed to the electronic apparatus corresponding to the second movable contact. The first pin is secured to the circuit board, coupled to the processor, and coupled to the first fixed contact. The second pin is secured to the circuit board, coupled to the processor, and coupled to the second fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Compal Electronics , Inc
    Inventor: Ti-Ming Hsu
  • Patent number: 7462787
    Abstract: A rotary manipulation type input device is disclosed. The rotary manipulation type input device may include: a wheel, which may receive information as input by rotation; a sensor unit, which may sense a rotation of the wheel; and a switch, which may generate an on/off signal for connecting and disconnecting a power supply to the sensor unit. This configuration can be used to reduce power consumption in the rotary manipulation type input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eung-Cheon Kang, Sang-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 7427721
    Abstract: There is provided a compound switch suitable for preventing malfunction as a multidirectional switch caused by an unreasonable turning force applied to a slider, improving the switch operability, and simplifying a switch mounting panel surface. When a transverse push-in force is applied to the operating portion 14, the slider 8 slides in the push-in direction of the operating portion from a fixed position of neutrality, and hence a contact state corresponding to the slide direction can be obtained. When torque for turning the operating portion 14 around the axis thereof is applied to the operating portion 14, the torque is transmitted to an outer base 2 via the slider 8 etc., by which the outer base 2, the slider 8, and the operating portion 14 are rotatingly moved together in the rotation direction of the operating portion 14 from the fixed position of neutrality, and hence a contact state corresponding to the rotation direction can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: MIK Electronic Corporation
    Inventors: Miyata Muneyoshi, Satoshi Myoujin, Tsuyoshi Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7381912
    Abstract: A switch device is provided. The switch device includes a circuit substrate having a fixed contact. A rubber sheet having dome-shaped protuberances is disposed on the circuit substrate. A holder is held moveable in the vertical direction. A rotatable knob is axially supported at the holder within a housing. An actuator is provided at the side of the rotatable knob. A drive portion is attached to the rotatable knob that extends out of the holder so as to be engaged with the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Choi Nok Hyun, Mikio Shirakawa, Tatsuya Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 7348503
    Abstract: A dial type switch mechanism is developed in which an installation space can be made as small as possible. In a dial type switch mechanism (10) furnished with a push type switch part provided in its center, and a dial switch part which operates a dial fitted around the push type switch part, there are provided: a substantially cylindrical dial knob (21), in the center of which a cavity is provided for the push type switch part to be installed; a ring-shaped joint ring (23), which is supported such that it can rotate freely relative to a front panel (6) and connects and rotates together with the dial knob (21); and a rotary bracket (24), which is joined to the joint ring (23), and in which a switch rotation shaft (24b) that operates the dial type switch part is connected together with a ring-shaped member (24a) via an arm (24c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunari Shiroyama, Tadao Suzuki, Yasuo Katayama, Yasuhiro Irie
  • Patent number: 7342187
    Abstract: A rotating input selection device is equipped with a rotating input unit, a case member rotatably supporting the rotating input unit, a circuit substrate opposing the rotating input unit, and a contact connection structures formed from a fixed contact point and a movable contact point. A rubber sheet, interposed between the rotating input unit and the circuit substrate, includes a tilting pressure section supported on the rotating substrate by way of a tilting support section, so that a tilting motion is possible. The contact point connection structures are disposed so that they are separated from each other and are aligned with the ends of the tilting pressure section on the circuit substrate. Rotation of the rotating input unit causes the tilting pressure section to tilt in the direction of rotation, resulting in the tilting pressure section pushing the movable contacts toward the fixed contact points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: SMK Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuaru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7269103
    Abstract: A tape-shaped switch (500) is provided on a base part (410). Coil springs (460) support a ring-shaped rotational drive section (450) on the position opposed to the switch (500), biasing the same away from the base part (410), so that the rotational drive section (450) may move toward and from the base part (410). First buffers are provided in association with the switches (501) of the tape-shaped switch (500), respectively. A flange (313) extends outward from the disc-shaped table plate (311) of a jog table unit (310) and is mounted on the rotational drive section (450). When the user depresses the jog table unit (310), moving the same downward, at least one of the switches (501) is closed. The motion of the jog table unit (310) is reliably detected because it is detected at a position outside that part of the jog table unit (310), which is depressed so that good feeling of the operation can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kataoka, Keitaro Kaburagi, Tetsuya Kikuchi, Hiroshi Kawami
  • Patent number: 7262373
    Abstract: A multifunctional switch having a push button placed on an upper surface, and an operating lever protruding laterally from the side thereof. The push button on the upper surface is used to operate a push switch. The operating lever on the side is used to operate a rotary switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiki Miura, Yukio Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20070193861
    Abstract: A range of operable angle is divided into four large sections. A plurality of signal contact shoes come into contact with signal conductive portions in different combinations at individual positions within each of the large sections, and these states of contacting combinations repeat in each of the large sections. A plurality of common contact shoes correspond individually to four large sections, and each remains in contact with a common conductive portion continuously in the corresponding large section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Masato Yamasaki, Takumi Nishimoto, Jun Sato
  • Patent number: 7166810
    Abstract: A switching device and a remote control transmitter using the switching device are provided. In the switching device, a driving body rotating in conjunction with an operation body is provided. This rotation of the driving body provides an electrical contact or separation of a switch. A rotation of the operation body causes a great number of electrical contacts and separations of the switch. The operation as described above provides fine detection of an operation angle of the operation body to provide detection of the operation position with a high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Hanahara, Takaya Nakamura
  • Patent number: RE40161
    Abstract: An inverter by pass safety switch for rerouting electrical power either through or around AC variable frequency inverter drives during electrical disturbances, thus allowing a motor to continue operation. The switch works in a mechanical fashion, and comprises a contact block containing electrical contacts and cams operably connected to the contacts and mounted on a shaft that can be turned by an operator. The cams are shaped and mounted on the shaft in such a way to provide a desired switching pattern when the shaft is manually rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Advance Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald G. Panuce