Plural Switch Patents (Class 200/18)
  • Patent number: 8674245
    Abstract: A switch device includes a switch shifting a pair of input and output terminals in a housing and a manipulation knob for shifting the switch. The manipulation knob includes a rotating member rotatable to a plurality of rotating positions relative to the housing and a sliding member rotating with the rotating member and slidable along both positive and negative directions at each of the plurality of rotating positions, so that the manipulation knob is interconnected with a rotary shaft member which rotates with the rotating member. The switch gives an output corresponding to each direction according to the sliding of the sliding member in both the positive and negative directions even though the manipulation knob is at any one of the plurality of rotating positions. The rotary shaft member has a shifting unit for driving an external shifting mechanism accompanied by the rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8664551
    Abstract: An operating device provides for mutually independent rotation for two rotation operating knobs. First and second rotation operating knobs rotating centered on a rotation axis are provided as well as a holding member including a rotation operating knob holder holding the rotation operating knobs so as to be capable of independent rotation. The rotation operating knob holder includes a first and second support surfaces having substantially circular tubular shapes centered on the rotation axis. The first rotation operating knob includes first switch operators causing a first switch element to output a signal and a first sliding surface having a substantially circular tubular shape capable of sliding over the first support surface. The second rotation operating knob includes second switch operators causing a second switch element to output a signal and a second sliding surface having a substantially circular tubular shape capable of sliding over the second support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokatsu Nakajima, Satoru Chaen
  • Patent number: 8624142
    Abstract: An electrical device controller is provided for controlling power to a load. The controller includes a housing having an open face and a plate having a unitary aperture secured to the housing and disposed over the open face. The controller further includes an electrical power controller component positioned within the housing for coupling to a power source and a load, a first actuator coupled to the electrical component, and an adjacent second actuator coupled to the electrical component. The first actuator has a movable user operable portion that is user accessible via the unitary aperture for controlling power ON/OFF to the load. The second actuator has a movable user operable portion that is user accessible via the unitary aperture for adjusting magnitude of power delivered to the load. The movement and position of the respective user operable portions of the first and second actuators are mutually independent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Renjith Mathew, Walter Ancipiuk, Yun Wu, Alfred J. Lombardi
  • Patent number: 8530765
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively connecting and disconnecting a high voltage source includes a mechanical actuator including a plurality of stations. Each station includes connection elements that are electrically connectable to one or more corresponding high voltage modules which are part of a plurality of high voltage modules. The plurality of high voltage modules are electrically connectable to each other. The mechanical actuator has a connected position and a disconnected position for simultaneously electrically connecting each of the plurality of high voltage modules to each other, and for simultaneously electrically disconnecting each of the plurality of high voltage modules from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Controls Inc.
    Inventors: Filippo Muggeo, Dan Snavely, Derek Matthews, Brendan Pancheri, Jurgen Schulte
  • 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: 8494663
    Abstract: An interactive switch system for a stowage compartment system for a mobile platform (for example, commercial aircraft) is provided. The switch system is mounted to a moveable structure, such as an overhead stowage bin, and is responsive to a local input from a user, as well as to a remote input from an external control/monitoring panel. The switch system has at least one indicator surface responsive to the local input and the remote input to display indicator data. The indicator surface has a portion that forms at least one user input device for enabling the local input. The switch system further comprises a control system disposed behind the indicator surface. The control system is responsive to the local input and the remote input to transmit the indicator data to the indicator surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bret L. Lamoree, Dennis C. Lin, Heidi J. Kneller, Henry V. Fletcher, Brock J. Prince, Phillip J. Ayoub
  • Patent number: 8476546
    Abstract: Switch assemblies and electrical distribution devices for making and breaking electrical connections in an electrical circuit are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a switch assembly that includes a pair of electrically conductive jaws attached to a platform. The first jaw is configured to electrically connect to an incoming line of the electrical circuit, whereas the second jaw is configured to electrically connect to an outgoing line. The switch assembly also includes a blade having at least two electrically conductive plates that are attached to and spaced from each other via an electrical insulator. The blade is pivotably coupled to the platform to rotate between a disengaged position, whereat the blade is electrically decoupled from the first and second jaws, and an engaged position, whereat the blade delivers an electrical current from the incoming line through the first and second plates to the outgoing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamid S. Abroy
  • Patent number: 8445803
    Abstract: An electrical switching device and method are disclosed. The electrical switching device can include two movable contacts. During opening of the switching device, the two movable contacts move in a first direction until one of the movable contacts engages a blocking member. The other movable contact continues in the first direction, effecting opening of the switching device. In a particular implementation, the movable contact that engages the blocking member “bounces” in a second direction after contacting the blocking member. This causes the contacts of the switching device to be separated very quickly, reducing electrical arcing during opening of the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Cavailles
  • Publication number: 20130119872
    Abstract: A solid state lighting switch can include a first input control that can be configured to adjust a dimming indication or color indication for a solid state lighting fixture that is configured for coupling to the solid state lighting switch. A selective linking mechanism can be configured to activate a linked mode of operation of the switch to link the dimming indication to the color indication or to activate an unlinked mode of operation of the switch to unlink the dimming indication from the color indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph Paul Chobot
  • Patent number: 8440945
    Abstract: A control unit for an electric household appliance for setting functions and operating parameters. The control unit includes at least one control knob located on a display panel by magnetic force. The control knob capable of being pushed by an operator from an initial position into a selecting position to select a function, such as a specific cooking plate and capable of being rotated about its axis to set an operating parameter of the function, such as the cooking temperature of the cooking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Blumenthal, Bernward Reinker, Bernd Stitzl
  • Publication number: 20130087438
    Abstract: In this device, a mechanism for receiving an input mechanical command and for actuating first and second switches comprises a lever having a first side arm tiltable about a swiveling axis of said lever and a second side arm tiltable about the same swiveling axis. The first side arm and the second side arm are respectively arranged on a first side and a second side opposite relative to said swiveling axis. The first side arm is an operating arm for operating the first switch. The second side arm is an operating arm for operating the second switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
  • Patent number: 8410379
    Abstract: An electric operating device includes an operation member for operating to activate a plurality of electric functions provided at a vehicle seat. An operating structure for switching a pivoting position of the operation member is configured as a switching structure for selecting the electric function that is an operational object. Further, an operating structure for switching a slide position in a diametrical direction of the operation member is configured as an operation control structure by which the electric function selected as the operational object is operated to activate. Further, a pushing operation structure of the operation portion is configured as a switching structure for switching a category of an electric function group. The pushing operating structure of the operation member is provided with a return mechanism for returning the operation member operated to be pushed to an initial position taken before the pushing operation by urging the operation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Kuno, Toshihide Azuma, Hisato Shimomura, Jun Yashiro, Yukio Kanzaki
  • Patent number: 8350167
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems which provide buttons oriented at angles relative to each other as a part of a multiple function switch are described. In one embodiment, the multiple function switch is part of an inline controller that is suitable for use to control features or functions of a portable electronic device. A multiple function switch may be incorporated in a cable associated with an earpiece arranged to be interfaced with a portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Prest, Kurt Stiehl, Cameron Frazier, Michelle Yu, Wim Crooijmans
  • Patent number: 8278574
    Abstract: The invention relates to a switch element including an actuating element that can be impinged upon by an energy accumulator (force storage device) and is mounted so that it can be moved along a trajectory. At least two energy accumulators are used to impinge the actuating element and the number of the energy accumulators impinging the actuating element varies in predetermined positions of the trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Mathias Grimm
  • Publication number: 20120222942
    Abstract: An exemplary electronic device includes a casing, a first switch, a second switch and a switch control unit. The casing includes a side plate and a top plate detachably connected with a top end of the side plate. The first switch is turned on when the top plate is connected to the side plate and turned off when the top plate is detached from the side plate. The switch control unit includes a sliding member mounted at one side of the second switch. The sliding member includes a pressing plate. The sliding member is moveable relative to the side plate between a first state in which the pressing plate aligned with and pressing the second switch to turn on the second switch and a second state in which the pressing plate is staggered with the second switch to turn off the second switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JUN-XIONG ZHANG, ZHI-XIN LI, BANG-WEI WANG, YOU-TAO WANG
  • Publication number: 20120118709
    Abstract: A high-voltage assembly contains a switching device. The switching device contains a gear having two coupling rods that can be pivoted in a predetermined pivot plane and that displace an electric contact element during pivoting, whereby the switching position of the switching device can be varied. In a first switching position, the switching device connects a first connection to a second connection, and in a second switching position, it connects the first connection to a third connection, and in a third switching position, the three connections remain unconnected. A drive axis of a drive is arranged perpendicular to a pivot plane of the coupling rods, and the coupling rods are mounted such that at least one of them can pivot through the drive axis region in which the drive axis of the drive penetrates the pivot plane of both coupling rods when adjusting the switching position of the switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Sebastian Goeschel, Dirk Schulze-Wischeler, Andreas Kleinschmidt
  • Publication number: 20120097508
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunction switch for a vehicle and provides a multifunction switch for a vehicle in which a user may clearly and intuitively distinguish and recognize a rotating knob on a multifunction switch lever and an operating region of a corresponding rotation knob/mechanism which includes a symbol indicating a manipulating position of the rotating knob and which may enhance visibility that distinguishes respective operating regions of the multifunction switch lever and user convenience thereof. The multifunction switch includes a multifunction switch lever, a rotating knob mounted on the multifunction switch lever, and a lighting module for emitting light to the outside along an interface between a rotating knob operating region including a region where symbols indicating a rotating knob and an operating position of the rotating knob are marked and the rest of the operating regions adjacent to the rotating knob operating region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Daesung Electric Co., Ltd., Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Who Guen Son, Jung Kuean Kim, Seong Ho Park
  • Patent number: 8143536
    Abstract: A switch (1) for converting mechanically generated movements into electrical switching signals, consisting of a cover (2) and a carrier plate (3) at a distance from one another and fixedly connected together, a switching element (4) that can be moved to a limited extent relative to the cover (2) and be actuated by one or more pushbuttons (5) facing the carrier plate (3), by means of which the particular adjustment movements of the switching element (4) can be measured and are converted into switching signals, the movement direction of the switching element (4) should be being perceived as the movement direction of an object, in particular a vehicle seat, and the switch (1) can be operated in at least six different movement directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Rafi GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Theo Beil, Ralf Siegler, Axel Mueller
  • 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: 8124898
    Abstract: An electrical device controller is provided for controlling power to a load. The controller includes a housing having an open face and a plate having a unitary aperture secured to the housing and disposed over the open face. The controller further includes an electrical power controller component positioned within the housing for coupling to a power source and a load, a first actuator coupled to the electrical component, and an adjacent second actuator coupled to the electrical component. The first actuator has a movable user operable portion that is user accessible via the unitary aperture for controlling power ON/OFF to the load. The second actuator has a movable user operable portion that is user accessible via the unitary aperture for adjusting magnitude of power delivered to the load. The movement and position of the respective user operable portions of the first and second actuators are mutually independent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Renjith Mathew, Walter Ancipiuk, Yun Wu, Alfred J. Lombardi
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8080745
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable control unit for activating a panel assembly of a vehicle that includes a housing, a first switch disposed on the housing, at least one connector, and a battery, wherein the at least one connector is configured to engage a receptor of a panel assembly of a vehicle, the panel assembly lacking a power source, such that the battery provides power to the panel assembly and the first switch controls movement of a panel within the panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy L Smith
  • Patent number: 8058578
    Abstract: A safety switch allows for greater safety and greater ease in operating a machine where multiple operators may be required. The safety switch allows multiple operators in different locations to exercise control over the machine, reducing the risk of accidents and improper operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Jordan, David S. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8039767
    Abstract: A compound operation input device includes a case; an operating member for pushing operation, tilting operation and rotating operation, having a push button for pushing operation and a rotary knob for rotating operation; an operation support portion for supporting the operating member in a pushingly, tiltingly and rotatingly operable manner; and at least one of a tilting operation detecting push switch and a pushing operation detecting push switch, disposed to be contactable with a base end side of at least one of the operation support portion and the operating member. The push switch includes a snap plate, and a key top with one end portion contactable with a top portion of the snap plate, the key top being elastically extendable and contractable in an axial direction. An elastic force of the key top is set to be greater than that of the snap plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventor: Takuhiko Saomoto
  • Patent number: 8026784
    Abstract: This current invention is about a switching implement enabled to perform the remote-controlled switching of electric consumers, consisting of multiple electro-mechanical bistable switches, plus at least one actuating element allocated to the bistable switches such that it can selectively change the state of any of the bistable switches from one of its two states to the other and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hella KGAA
    Inventor: André Körner
  • Patent number: 8003904
    Abstract: A dimmer switch includes a first switch for coupling to a power source, a second switch, a dimmer module, and a main actuator movable between an operational position and a disconnected position. The main actuator includes a first switch actuator and a second switch actuator. The first switch may be a normally-closed air-gap switch including a lever in contact with the first switch actuator. Movement of the main actuator between the operational position and the disconnected position is effective to open the switch. The main actuator is pivotally and slidably coupled to a frame. A coupling between the main actuator and the frame includes a pivot in a pivot holder; a partial cylindrical surface of the pivot is in contact with a surface of the pivot holder which includes a first portion having a partial cylindrical surface and a second portion having a ramp surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Yun Wu
  • Patent number: 7999199
    Abstract: An electric commutator (20) with multiple switch ways comprising a horizontal upper panel (24) with an upper face (24s) that can be contacted by a pointing element, a supporting frame (22) and means (26) for locating the point of contact of the pointing element on the horizontal upper face (24s) of the upper panel (24) that comprise a plurality of electric switches (28) on the supporting frame (22) that are capable of being actuated selectively by the upper panel (24). The switches (28) are distributed on the supporting frame (22) so as to divide the horizontal upper face (24s) of the upper panel (24) into a plurality number of contact zones (44), the number of which contact zones (44) is greater than the number of switches (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: CoActive Technologies, LLC.
    Inventor: Jean-Christophe Villain
  • Patent number: 7985937
    Abstract: A switching device includes a paddle actuator biased to a rest position and configured to pivot relative to a housing to a depressed position to engage an air-gap switch disposed within the housing. The air-gap switch is configured to change a first state of a load connected to the switching device upon engagement by the paddle actuator. The paddle actuator is defined by a pair of opposing long sides and a pair of opposing short sides and has at least one slot defined therein parallel to the pair of opposing short sides thereof and centrally disposed between the pair of opposing long sides thereof. A rocker actuator is disposed in the at least one slot defined in the paddle actuator and is configured to pivot relative thereto to engage at least one switch. The at least one switch is configured to change a second state of the load connected to the switching device upon engagement by the rocker actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun Wu, Alfred J. Lombardi, Cheng-Lung Chou, Azer Ilkhanov
  • Patent number: 7945991
    Abstract: An actuating element mounted on an electrical appliance for pivotal movement about a pivoting axis in the switching direction of a switch, in order to switch a function of the electrical appliance by actuating the switch, and comprises a slide with an actuating surface that is guided along a slide path provided on the actuating element to adjust an operating parameter. An operating rocker/slide is provided enabling uniform forces introduced into the operating rocker during displacement of the slide. The actuating element includes the slide path and the pivoting axis extending substantially parallel to each other. The parallel orientation of the pivoting axis and the slide path enables the same length of lever arm to be obtained in relation to the pivoting axis of the actuating element, in each position of the slide, during the introduction of forces into the actuating surface of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Silvio Hamm, Roland Illig, Jörg Schröter
  • Patent number: 7915549
    Abstract: In a multidirectional operation switch apparatus, a rotary switch is switched on by rotating a dial, and push switches are switched on by sliding the dial in multidirections by means of a sliding section. The sliding section is made of a single constituting member. The sliding section is provided on an upper surface thereof with an upper rail part which slides a pad in X direction (direction of arrow “c-d”; FIG. 3), and is provided on a lower surface thereof with a lower rail part which slides the pad supported by the sliding section in Y direction (direction of arrow “a-b”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Okidate
  • Patent number: 7915548
    Abstract: An arrangement for synchronizing and the actuation of a set of three interrupters, tow of which are disconnectors and one is a switch, in a combined circuit breaker and disconnector for an alternator is described. This allows for fitting of an accessory shaft for actuation purposes, which is specifically dedicated to the actuation of one of the two disconnection interrupters and to set it in rotation only after a final angle of rotation of a main shaft, which is itself dedicated to the actuation of the other disconnecting interrupter and actuation of the switching interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Areva T&D SA
    Inventors: Xavier Allaire, Philippe Manin
  • Patent number: 7898372
    Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes a solenoid control contacts assembly, an auxiliary contacts assembly, a dual purpose cam attached to a cylindrical shaped weight, and a solenoid actuator. When energized, the solenoid actuator rotates the cylindrical weight and the dual purpose cam actuates both the solenoid control contacts assembly and the auxiliary contacts assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: ASCO Power Technologies, L.P.
    Inventor: Rocco M. Melchionne, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7860538
    Abstract: A mobile phone is provided that includes a first body, a second body slidably connected to the first body, and an input device formed in the second body. The input device includes a roller member rotatably supported in the second body, the roller member defining a rotational axis, and at least one button pivotally mounted adjacent the roller member along the rotational axis of the roller member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang-Bai Won, Jin-Hyung Jo, June-Wook Jeong
  • Patent number: 7781692
    Abstract: A switch for controlling first and second components of an electric circuit is proposed. The switch is operable between first and second positions to control the operation of the first of said components and is operable between third and fourth positions to control operation of the second of said components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Heerlein, Wee Haw Koo
  • Patent number: 7780319
    Abstract: A panel assembly includes a panel (10) having a light-pervious area (142), a light source (60) attached on the panel for lighting the light-pervious area, a variable resistor (30) electrically connected in series with the light source, and a rotating member (40) rotatably attached on the panel, the rotating member is engagingly coupled to the variable resistor and is manually rotatable in a manner that a resistance of the variable resistor is adjusted accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Jian Hu, Qing-Hao Wu, Xian-Huang Gao
  • Patent number: 7772509
    Abstract: Provided is an easily assembled multi-directional switching device that prevents the rattling of drive members, in which each pair of drive members mutually adjacent in the circumferential direction are connected to each other by an elastic arm member to form drive member units, and in which stem portions of the respective drive members are inserted in a casing from above corresponding guide holes to position the elastic arm members of the drive member units on the upper surface side of a top panel of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongwoon Lee, Yoshiteru Takayanagi
  • Publication number: 20100186190
    Abstract: A cleaning appliance includes a motor arranged to drive a fan for generating suction air flow and a cleaner head having a drivable agitator with a dedicated motor. The agitator drive motor has a selectively-operable switch and a resettable circuit breaker arranged such that, when the switch is activated, the circuit breaker is reset. A button actuates the switch and simultaneously resets the circuit breaker. When there is a blockage so that the circuit breaker trips out the motor, the user can reset the circuit breaker and restart the agitator motor by the simple act of depressing one button, thereby obviating the need for a separate control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Lloyd Genn, James Dyson, Thomas Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7759587
    Abstract: A two-way key of a portable terminal is provided. The two-way terminal includes a fixed member mounted on the portable terminal, a driving member rotatably assembled with the fixed member, and an operating member pivotably assembled with the fixed member, wherein, as the driving member rotates, the driving member comes into contact with the operating member and causes the operating member to pivot. The two-way key as configured above can construct a key capable of operating in two ways while taking a small space so that it contributes to the compact size of the terminal. Further, if the two-way key is employed in the watch-type portable terminal, the operating scheme is identical to that of a spring of a common analog wrist watch or a time control lever, so that it is familiar to a user and thus it is convenient for a user to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki-Bum Kim, Kwang-Jin Bae
  • Patent number: 7759589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power window switch apparatus (1) having a switch housing (5) supporting at least one actuation element (2) for user access at a first surface (4) of the switch housing (5). The actuation element (2) is arranged to be slideable from a zero position in directions perpendicular to the first surface (4). The actuation element (2) being operable upon user manipulation to slide in a first direction outwards of the housing (5) for closing of an associated first switch element (8) for energizing an associated motor for lift of an associated window. The actuation element (2) being operable upon user manipulation to slide in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, for closing of an associated second switch element (9) for energizing the associated motor for lowering the associated window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jonas Wilhelm Göthlin
  • Patent number: 7741571
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary/push-button controller having a controller ring (18) which can be rotated about a rotation axis (7) and is arranged such that it can rotate on a holding cylinder (6) which is arranged coaxially within the control ring (18). In this case, the holding cylinder (6) is provided at its end with an input and/or display field (14), and the control ring (18) and the holding cylinder (6) can be moved axially with respect to the rotation axis (7) against a spring force from a neutral position to a switch position which operates a switching element. The input and/or display field (14) is mounted so that it can rotate about the rotation axis (7). A rotary transmitter ring is arranged coaxially on the control ring (18) and is arranged coaxially alongside a rotary transmitter (17) which is firmly connected to the holding cylinder (6) with the relative rotation position of the rotary transmitter ring with the respect to the rotary transmitter (17) being recordable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive AG
    Inventors: Daniel Hostmann, Nhu Nguyen Thien
  • Patent number: 7737374
    Abstract: An input device is provided. The input device includes a first input unit configured to provide at least two directional signals, a second input unit located in the first input unit, the second input unit being configured to provide at least two directional signals different from the at least two directional signals of the first input unit, and a circuitry supporting substrate configured to receive a signal that is input through the first input unit and the second input unit. In addition, a mobile communication device having an input device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jee Young Cheon, Kyung Ik Lee
  • Patent number: 7723629
    Abstract: An actuator assembly and packaging feature for an electric toothbrush is disclosed. The actuator assembly includes a positionable member accessible along the outer surface of the toothbrush body. The actuator assembly further includes a spring member retained within the interior of the toothbrush body which urges a cam member against the underside of the positionable member. The positionable member defines an aperture extending through its midsection within which is disposed a depressible member. The depressible member has an outer end which is also accessible along the outer surface of the toothbrush body. Upon pressing the depressible member, the cam member and spring are urged against an electrical circuit provided within the body of the toothbrush which is used to selectively operate a motor and drive mechanism to move one or more sets of bristles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Chan
  • Patent number: 7723630
    Abstract: A safety switch allows for greater safety and greater ease in operating a machine where multiple operators may be required. The safety switch allows multiple operators in different locations to exercise control over the machine, reducing the risk of accidents and improper operation of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Jordan, David S. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20090257604
    Abstract: A deformable controller for an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device, is disclosed. A user can interact with the controller to cause it to “deform” and thereby provide user input to control the electronic device. The controller can be malleable and symmetrical, and user interaction with the controller can be provided with substantially arbitrary orientation. In one embodiment, the controller is an in-line controller with a cable that couples to the electronic device. In one particular implementation, the portable electronic device can be a portable media player and the controller can remotely control media playback functions for the portable media player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Kyle Yeates
  • Patent number: 7586051
    Abstract: A sunroof switch assembly for a vehicle includes a switch housing, a push switch, a first tilting switch, and a second tilting switch. The switch housing is installed in a cabin of the vehicle and has a plurality of contacts for respective operations of a sunroof. The push switch is mounted to the switch housing. The first tilting switch is mounted to the switch housing by the medium of a first hinge part, which is located adjacent to one side of the push switch. The second tilting switch is mounted to the switch housing by the medium of a second hinge part, which is located adjacent to the other side of the push switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Young Sub Oh
  • Patent number: 7550688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tap changer having a switching monitoring device, which is arranged above the upper transmission stage in a housing. For monitoring purposes, two cam switches are provided which are actuated by a cam disk which is connected to the contact-bearing switch column of the tap changer. The cam disk has a horizontally split contour at its end face, wherein one of the two cam switches runs on each partial contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhold Baertl, Dieter Dohnal, Albert Schmidbauer
  • Patent number: 7545245
    Abstract: A manual opening device is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a synchronous circuit breaker, including a housing having an opening, a plurality of pole mechanisms each comprising separable contacts, and at least one operating mechanism including a number of actuators adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is supported by the housing and includes a corresponding pole shaft. The manual opening device comprises an operating handle, a cam assembly, and a drive assembly. A first end of the operating handle protrudes through the opening of the housing and the second end is coupled to the cam assembly. The drive assembly couples the cam assembly to the corresponding pole shaft of the operating mechanism and cooperates with the corresponding pole shaft and actuators to simultaneously open the separable contacts when the operating handle is moved from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Brad R. Leccia, Paul J. Rollmann
  • Publication number: 20090139843
    Abstract: A shutter device is provided for a bypass isolation automatic transfer switch. The shutter device comprises a frame and a shutter that is movably supported by the frame and that is configured to selectively cover and uncover conductors. At least one cam is movably supported by the frame and at least one shutter lever is interposed between the shutter and the at least one cam. The shutter lever is configured to move the shutter in response to movement of the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Serrano
  • Patent number: 7528331
    Abstract: A control includes a drum (36) that is rotatably mounted in a housing (22), and includes devices for generating signals to indicate the direction in which the drum is turning and for generating signals to indicate which end of the drum is depressed. A gear (100) is fixed to the drum, and as the drum rotates a deflectable contact element (T6) is repeatedly deflected by teeth of the gear to repeatedly engage a stationary contact (T4, T5). The deflectable contact element is in the form of a wire with a deflectable part (104) deflected by gear teeth, a mount part (110) mounted on the housing, and a contacting part (108) that repeatedly engages the stationary contact, all being part of the wire. Depression of one end of the drum results in depression of a corresponding end of a sheet metal trigger member (30) that is free to snap down against a stationary contact (T2, T3). Stationary contacts that are repeatedly contacted, are in the form of wires with fixed first end and with free or fixed second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: CoActive Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Herve′ Bricaud, Yves Pizard, David Ferraton
  • Patent number: 7525051
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a switch mechanism to be adopted in an air-conditioning system that may be operated manually, which allows a plurality of functions to be integrated therein and assures superior operability for the driver. Manual switch mechanisms 1 and 3 are dial type mechanisms each comprising at least a tubular dial component 4 with open ends on the two sides thereof, a first gear 5 that is fitted on the outside of the dial component 4 so as to rotate together with the dial component and includes gear teeth 5a formed at the outer circumferential side surface thereof and a second gear 6 that includes gear teeth 6a formed at a circular arc circumferential surface thereof to which the rotation of the dial component 4 is transmitted from the first gear 5 via a relay component 7 and is connected through a wire 20 to drive an air-conditioning door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Thermal Systems Japan Corporation
    Inventors: Kei Fukuda, Noriaki Yahata