Particular Shape Or Structure Of The Contact Patents (Class 200/275)
  • Patent number: 11920775
    Abstract: A lighting device is disclosed. The lighting device includes a core body that is shaped such that a light emitting diode sheet may be wrapped around the surface of the core body. A groove of a bottom housing of the lighting device is secured to a bottom portion of the core body and a groove of a top housing is secured to a top portion of the core body. The lighting device includes a hollow cavity extending from the bottom housing into the core body. The hollow cavity may be positioned over a portion of a tripod or mount, and a clamp is utilized to secure the lighting device to the tripod or mount. The lighting device may be activated, thereby causing a plurality of light emitting diodes of the light emitting diode sheet to emit light 360 degrees outwards from the core body of the lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: DIGITAL TWIN MARINE, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas E Bruger
  • Patent number: 11922795
    Abstract: The invention relates to a support component of a housing of a hazard detection center, preferably of an intrusion alarm, fire detection and/or fire extinguishing center, to an operator control panel module of a hazard detection center, to an indicator and operator control panel arrangement of a hazard detection center, to a housing of a hazard detection center and to a hazard detection center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventor: Carl Dechau
  • Patent number: 11596410
    Abstract: A stapling device includes a shell assembly, an anvil retainer assembly, an anvil assembly, and a strain gauge. The shell assembly includes a housing including an inner housing portion that defines a through bore and supports at least one detection member or leg. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head and an anvil center rod having a boss. The at least one detection leg is positioned to engage the boss of the center rod to obstruct movement of the anvil assembly in relation to the shell assembly between an open position and a clamped position. The strain gauge is positioned to identify increased strain in the stapling device when the at least one detection leg engages the boss. This allows a clinician to confirm that an anvil assembly is properly attached to the stapling device prior to firing of the stapling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Joseph Guerrera
  • Patent number: 11397473
    Abstract: Keyboards and other input devices are provided with membranes that extend under the keycaps or buttons. The membranes are flexible and can support conductive structures, traces, and electrical switch connections to enable effective key switches, lighting, and fluid-tightness for the keyboard. The flexible membrane is positioned near the keycaps to prevent ingress of fluids and debris into the lower portions of the key assemblies. In some cases, the flexible membrane also provides support for an interstitial layer that extends between keycaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Dinesh C. Mathew, Keith J. Hendren, Shan Wu, Simon R. Lancaster-Larocque
  • Patent number: 11378472
    Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a substrate, a patterned circuit, and a conductive material layer. The patterned circuit, formed on the substrate, includes a first-path part and a second-path part of which at least a part is formed at a predetermined gap from at least a part of the first-path part. The conductive material layer, resiliently disposed on the patterned circuit, has protrusions. The conductive material layer deforms to determine a contact area between the protrusions and the substrate, and upon deformation of the conductive material layer to contact the first-path part, the gap between the first-path part and the second-path part, and the second-path part, the first-path part electrically connects to the second-path part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Tae-il Kim, Chanho Jeong
  • Patent number: 11380494
    Abstract: A method for assembling a keyswitch device includes: connecting a first covering portion to a surface of a first housing; connecting a second covering portion to a connection base comprising an engaging portion; rotatably engaging the engaging portion with an engaging structure; connecting the engaging structure to the first housing; and fixing a second housing to the first housing such that the first housing and the second housing constitute a recess communicating with the surface, wherein the engaging structure partially protrudes into the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 11289293
    Abstract: A centrifugal switch for a motor of a clothes dryer is provided. The end of a bracket and the end of a fixed contact piece are arranged in alignment and each has a raised contact. An upper limit piece slot is provided above the contact of the bracket inside the housing. The aligned ends of the bracket and the fixed contact piece are located above the aligned ends of a starting spring piece, a starting lower piece and a starting upper piece. A pressing head at one end of the rocking lever is located above one side of the fixed contact piece aligned with the bracket. The other end of the rocking lever extends outside the housing. When the centrifuge is not rotating, a movable sleeve of the centrifuge slides into the rocking lever to trigger the centrifugal switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignees: Ningbo Zhenhai HongYe Electric Appliance & Meier CO., LTD, CHANGZHOU HONEST ELECTRIC CO.. LTD.
    Inventors: Honghong Luo, Jie Chen
  • Patent number: 11282659
    Abstract: Methods for assembling low-profile, singulated keyboards by prefabricating key assemblies onto a chassis strip that is divided into individual key assemblies only after the substrate is affixed to a feature plate of keyboard. For example, a row of key assemblies is fabricated onto a chassis strip. The row corresponds to a partial or complete row of keys of the keyboard. The chassis strip is thereafter affixed to a feature plate in a specific location, thereby aligning each prefabricated key assembly to a precise location on the feature plate. While connected, each prefabricated key assembly is independently affixed to the feature plate. Thereafter, interconnecting portions of the chassis strip between the prefabricated key assemblies are removed, thereby singulating each key assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Chia Chi Wu, Ming Gao, Zheng Gao, Zyhengyu Li
  • Patent number: 11231824
    Abstract: A touch panel including a sensing cell and a sensing line disposed on a transparent substrate. Each of the sensing cell and the sensing line includes at least one pattern line. The at least one pattern line includes unit patterns, each of the unit patterns including a first line extending in a first direction, a second line connected to the first line and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a third line connected to the first line and extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction, and a fourth line connected to the third line and extending in the first direction. The first line, the second line, the third line, and an extension of the fourth line form a trapezoid. The unit patterns are repeatedly arranged and adjacent unit patterns are connected each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gwang Bum Ko, Hyun Jae Na
  • Patent number: 11170951
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electric contact includes a welding step of welding a contact material (12) to a base material (11), and a crushing step of crushing the contact material (12), wherein one or more absorption holes (11a and 11b) that absorb deformation of the base material (11) in a thickness direction (Z direction) caused by the crushing of the contact material (12) are formed around the welding position of the contact material (12) on the base material (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Uchiya Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Takeda
  • Patent number: 11160915
    Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a wound dressing, negative pressure source, switch, and control circuitry. The switch can include an actuator that toggles states of first and second pairs of contacts in response to a user input. The control circuitry can supply negative pressure with the negative pressure source when the state of the first pair of contacts is a first state and the state of the second pair of contacts is a second state, and the control circuitry can disable supply of negative pressure with the negative pressure source when the state of the first pair of contacts is not the first state or the state of the second pair of contacts is not the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventor: Felix Clarence Quintanar
  • Patent number: 11086159
    Abstract: An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a housing having first and second faces opposite to each other; a transparent substrate disposed on the first face of the housing; a display panel disposed below the transparent substrate; and an input sensing panel disposed below the display panel. The input sensing panel may include: a plurality of conductive patterns; and dummy patterns each disposed between each of the conductive patterns. Other various embodiments are also possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventors: Jin-Man Kim, Hyun-Chul Oh, Joon Gyu Lee, Ju-Hee Han, Kyungok Jang, Ji-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 11040651
    Abstract: A multifunctional switch device for a vehicle includes a housing coupled to one side of the steering column, a lever switch protrudingly mounted on one side of the housing so as to be rotatably manipulated within a predetermined section range, a moving block disposed within the housing so as to be rotatably moved together with the lever switch, a retaining block being provided at one side of the moving block, a guide bush mounted at one side of the steering column so as to rotate together with the steering wheel, and a cancel cam configured to be operated by the guide bush depending on a manipulated state of the steering wheel to return the moving block that has been rotatably moved to its original position. The cancel cam includes a cam body rotatably coupled to the housing and a shock-absorbing rib elastically deformably disposed at the cam body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: LS AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Soon Hak Kwon, Seung Hun Shin, Jae Chul Lee, Sung Ho Joo
  • Patent number: 10991522
    Abstract: A movable contact includes a conductive member having an outer end having substantially a rectangular shape when viewed from above the conductive member. The conductive member includes a dome portion, a flange extending in a direction away from the dome portion, a connection portions provided at each of four corners of the rectangular shape, and a contact portion extending away from the flange. The connection portion, a first boundary portion where the connection portion is connected to the flange, and a second boundary portion where the connection portion is connected to the contact portion may constitute a drawn portion. Alternatively, the first and second boundary portions may be curved to be concave toward the dome portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Nakao, Koji Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 10921921
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor that responds by measuring a change in capacitance induced by application of force includes a first capacitive plate having an electrically conductive touch cell, a second capacitive plate spaced from the first capacitive plate and having an electrically conductive area generally parallel with and overlapped with the touch cell, an incompressible spacer between the capacitive plates and having an aperture defining an air gap adjacent the touch cell, and a flexible dielectric touch plate overlying a flexible one of the first and second capacitive plates. The flexibility of the touch plate and adjacent capacitive plate allows finger pressure on the touch plate at the touch cell to change the dimension of the air gap and capacitance between the touch cell and a conductive region of the second capacitive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Kostal of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Conrad Pastwa
  • Patent number: 10886081
    Abstract: The keyboard device includes a substrate, a key, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member. The substrate includes a top surface having an assembly area. The assembly area has a pivoting base including a standing portion and an extension portion extending from the standing portion. The key is liftably disposed over the assembly area. A pivoting hook is extending from the bottom of the key toward the assembly area, and one end of the pivoting hook includes a pivoting portion. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are disposed on the assembly area and elastically abutted against the bottom of the key, so that the pivoting portion is abutted against and pivoted to the extension portion, and a liftable distance is maintained between the extension portion and the bottom of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: CHICONY ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Po-Hsin Li, Chia-Hsin Chen, Mitsuo Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 10854399
    Abstract: A switch case includes a first metal plate, a dome shape metal plate, and a second metal plate. The first metal plate includes a first ring in which a plurality of first recesses are arranged along the first ring shape, and a second ring in which a plurality of second recesses are arranged along the second ring shape. The second metal plate includes a third ring in which a plurality of third recesses are arranged along the third ring shape, and a fourth ring in which a plurality of fourth recesses are arranged along the fourth ring shape. A direction along a line passing through a center of the first ring and a center of the second ring is different from a direction along a line passing through a center of the third ring and a center of the fourth ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Sera, Masatsugu Takeuchi, Daisuke Nakata
  • Patent number: 10832874
    Abstract: A keyswitch device includes a main body, an engaging structure, a connection base, and a flexible covering layer. The main body has a surface and a recess communicating with the surface. The engaging structure is connected to the main body and partially protrudes into the recess. The connection base includes an engaging portion. The engaging portion is rotatably engaged with the engaging structure. The flexible covering layer includes a first covering portion and a second covering portion. The first covering portion is connected to the surface. The second covering portion is connected to the connection base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 10727008
    Abstract: A contact device for an electrical switch, and an electrical switch are disclosed. In an embodiment the contact device includes a first connection element, a second connection element, a movable contact bridge, at least two magnets configured to quench arcs which arise during a switching of the electrical switch, wherein the magnets are configured to generate a magnetic field in a first region which comprises at least one first contact region and one second contact region, in which, when the electrical switch is in a closed switching position, the first connection element and the second connection element are in contact with the contact bridge and at least one deflection element configured to distort the magnetic field such that a first arc when formed between the first connection element and the contact bridge, and a second arc when formed between the second connection element and the contact bridge, are forced into different directions, pointing away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Robert Hoffmann, Thomas Westebbe
  • Patent number: 10695852
    Abstract: An assembly of mechanical components includes a solder joint between two metal components. A mounted component is retained on one side of a support structure by a solder joint on the other side of the support structure between a retainer and a connector that is fast with the mounted component and extends through the support structure. The retainer is of sheet metal construction, so that a height of the solder joint is no more than the thickness of the retainer, thus providing a low-profile joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Teodor Dabov, John Bernard Ardisana, II, Ashutosh Y. Shukla
  • Patent number: 10566886
    Abstract: A female contact element for a slip ring motor with a power output >1 MW. The female contact element is configured for engagement with a male contact element to make an electrical connection between the female contact element and the male contact element. The female contact element is made of a Cu—Be-alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz Posselt, Marco Kleis
  • Patent number: 10543547
    Abstract: An assembly of mechanical components includes a solder joint between two metal components. A mounted component is retained on one side of a support structure by a solder joint on the other side of the support structure between a retainer and a connector that is fast with the mounted component and extends through the support structure. The retainer is of sheet metal construction, so that a height of the solder joint is no more than the thickness of the retainer, thus providing a low-profile joint. The assembly may be in the form of a movable push button for control of an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Snap Inc.
    Inventors: Teodor Dabov, John Bernard Ardisana, II, Ashutosh Y. Shukla
  • Patent number: 10468209
    Abstract: A waterproof board switch includes a print circuit board, a bottom coverlay, an insulation adhesive film having a dome hole and being thermo-compression bonded to the front surface of the print circuit board, a metal dome inserted into the dome hole, and a top coverlay coupled to the insulation adhesive film and the print circuit board to cover the dome hole and surround sides of the insulation adhesive film and sides of the print circuit board. The top coverlay is thermo-compression bonded to the top of the insulation adhesive film, the sides of the insulation adhesive film, and the sides of the print circuit board by thermo-compression bonding to seal a space on which the metal dome rests, thereby preventing an introduction of contaminant into the metal dome and the print circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Inventor: Soo Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10460892
    Abstract: Methods for assembling low-profile, singulated keyboards by prefabricating key assemblies onto a chassis strip that is divided into individual key assemblies only after the substrate is affixed to a feature plate of keyboard. For example, a row of key assemblies is fabricated onto a chassis strip. The row corresponds to a partial or complete row of keys of the keyboard. The chassis strip is thereafter affixed to a feature plate in a specific location, thereby aligning each prefabricated key assembly to a precise location on the feature plate. While connected, each prefabricated key assembly is independently affixed to the feature plate. Thereafter, interconnecting portions of the chassis strip between the prefabricated key assemblies are removed, thereby singulating each key assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Chia Chi Wu, Ming Gao, Zheng Gao, Zhengyu Li
  • Patent number: 10409316
    Abstract: A key device includes a substrate having an assembling area, a keycap, and a restoring member. A pivot coupling member and an elastic arm are provided in the assembling area. The pivot coupling member has a pivot axis, and the elastic arm is extending in a direction parallel to the pivot axis. The elastic arm includes a limiting member protruding out of the substrate. The keycap is disposed above the assembling area. A connection arm is extending from the keycap and includes a pivot portion pivoted with the pivot coupling member, so that the keycap is swingable relative to the substrate. The keycap further includes a limiting groove for detachably fitted with the limiting member. The restoring member is disposed between the substrate and the keycap. The restoring member is adapted to provide a restoring force for swinging the keycap relative to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Hsin Chen, Mitsuo Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 10403457
    Abstract: An actuating element for a switch includes a U-shaped actuating section. The actuating section includes two different arms with different lengths. The long arm is configured to transfer force to the push-button of the switch and includes a bracket portion at the free end of the long arm for supporting actuating element. The short arm is configured for the force input and is aligned obliquely to the long arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: JOHNSON ELECTRIC INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Joachim Bahr, Jörg Gaßmann, Wassim Hayek, Bernhard Jaworek, Martin Tomala, Andreas Wiencek
  • Patent number: 10325741
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay including: a relay body that includes a first terminal; a base that includes a second terminal which contacts the first terminal and supports the relay body; an outer cover that covers the relay body; and an elastic member that is attached between the relay body and the outer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Chuqi Liang, Masahiro Kaneko, Nobuo Yatsu, Yayoi Tokuhara, Kohei Takahashi, Katsuaki Koshimura
  • Patent number: 10290434
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an alloy. The alloy includes elemental silver. The alloy further includes a metal oxide phase in the elemental silver. The metal oxide phase includes a wetting agent layer that coats the metal oxide phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Brian Keith Olmsted, Jeffrey Hall, Darryl Ballard
  • Patent number: 10229796
    Abstract: A key switch structure is provided with a key switch located in a position corresponding to a keyhole, a key top, and a key sheet disposed between the key switch and the key top. An embossed portion recessed inwardly relative to a case body is formed on the key sheet in a state where the key sheet is pressed down by a pressing protuberance of the key top not depressed, and tip corner parts of the pressing protuberance contact the formed embossed portion. Thus, the key top can be naturally positioned in the center position of the keyhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Hirano
  • Patent number: 10199751
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first contact to be electrically connected to a first cable segment and a second contact to be electrically connected to a second cable segment. The apparatus includes a spring to absorb a loading placed on the first contact. The spring is adapted to form at least part of an electrical communication path between the first cable segment and the second cable segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: OneSubsea IP UK Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Gelderd, Oliver David Booth, Rossa Miller
  • Patent number: 10148081
    Abstract: A circuit interrupting device including a loop split interrupter for interrupting a loop split circuit with a high current and a low voltage and a quick whip interrupter for interrupting a charging circuit with a low current and a high voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: David Rhein, Nathan Scot Loucks
  • Patent number: 10141125
    Abstract: The present invention improves bug plug technology by providing a rotatable contact head to align contact surfaces in parallel. The parallel alignment avoids pitting of the surfaces by eliminating sparking gaps, improves the surface area-in-contact, and lengthens the useful life of the contact components. The novel features include minimizing heel-toe incursion during contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Garrett Garcia
  • Patent number: 10139922
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods associated with a touch-sensitive input device including a plurality of keys, wherein each key of the plurality of keys includes at least one spring. Such a spring may include a substantially planar peak located at a central portion of the spring, a first substantially arcuate leg extending from the peak in a first direction, and a second substantially arcuate leg extending from the peak in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In one embodiment, a resistive force provided by the at least one spring decreases after the peak travels a first distance from an initial position of the peak. In such an embodiment, the first distance is less than or equal to approximately ? of a range of travel of the peak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Feng-Hsiung Hsu
  • Patent number: 10117662
    Abstract: A switch mechanism for a medical manipulator, the switch mechanism including a moveable switching operation part, moving-side contacts provided to the switching operation part, and fixed-side contacts capable of contacting the moving-side contacts. At least the electrical-contact sections of the moving-side contacts and of the fixed-side contacts are formed from a corrosion-resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Karl Storz SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Yuuki Sakaguchi, Shinji Ishida
  • Patent number: 10096439
    Abstract: In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a spring plate includes a central portion; a first leg portion projecting outward from an edge of the central portion; and a second leg portion projecting outward from the edge of the central portion. The first leg portion includes a hollow portion that is positioned within an outline of the first leg portion in a top plan view, and the second leg portion includes a hollow portion that is positioned within an outline of the second leg portion in a top plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignees: CITIZEN ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryo Wakuda
  • Patent number: 10090121
    Abstract: A thin keyboard device is described herein. In one or more implementations, a keyboard device includes a plurality of keys, and a housing that includes a structural printed circuit board (PCB). The structural PCB includes, for each of the plurality of keys, a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace. The keyboard device further includes a key-switch mechanism for each of the plurality of keys. The key-switch mechanism includes a conductive material oriented towards the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace, and is configured to cause the conductive material to move downwards, when the key is depressed, to electrically connect the first conductive trace and the second conductive trace of the depressed key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew E. Winter
  • Patent number: 10083807
    Abstract: A key mechanism is disclosed. The key mechanism comprises a keycap, a dome support structure positioned relative to the keycap and defining an opening, an actuation mechanism coupled to the keycap, and a collapsible dome positioned in the opening of the dome support structure. The actuation mechanism is configured to movably support the keycap relative to the dome support structure. The dome comprises an upstop member configured to limit upward travel of the collapsible dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Chia-Chi Wu, Zheng Gao, Ming Gavin Gao, Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Richard Xu, Kenneth M. Silz, Chia-Wei Lee
  • Patent number: 10071930
    Abstract: A non-reinforced glass sheet, the chemical composition of which is of lithium aluminosilicate type, has a thickness of at most 2.0 mm. Furthermore, an electronic device, in particular a pocket or portable electronic device, includes, as protective glass, the non-reinforced glass sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Claire Lestrigant, René Gy, Julien Sellier
  • Patent number: 9991072
    Abstract: An electrical switch includes a pivotally supported blade, a toggle mechanism, and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is drivable in a first direction to pivot the blade about a first axis and toward a closed blade position. When pivoting toward the closed blade position, the toggle mechanism inhibits the blade from pivoting about a second axis. Upon reaching the closed blade position, continued motion of the operating mechanism in the first direction causes the toggle mechanism to pivot the blade about the second axis toward a closed contact position. In the closed contact position, the blade contacts at least one blade contact to electrically connect the blade and a first electrical terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: David A. Rhein
  • Patent number: 9974527
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom and a rotatable member disposed on the housing and operably connected to the elongated shaft. The elongated shaft defines a longitudinal axis extending therealong. The rotatable member is configured to rotate the elongated shaft about the longitudinal axis upon actuation thereof. The rotatable member includes an inner surface defining an interior space therein configured to house at least one printed circuit board about the elongated shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: William E. Robinson
  • Patent number: 9923352
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for connecting a first bus bar to a second bus bar. The device includes a pivoting device and an adapter bus bar. The pivoting device is connected to the adapter bus bar and is mounted to pivot about the adapter bus bar. The pivoting device can be fastened to a first busbar or to a housing of a first busbar, and the adapter busbar can be pivoted into a second position in which it can be electrically connected to a second busbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Frank Alefelder, Rainer Haar, Dirk Rottlaender
  • Patent number: 9911554
    Abstract: System and methods for providing a keyframe module for a input device are disclosed. In an embodiment, the input device includes a keyframe having a key opening, and a key disposed within the key opening. The key includes a keycap having a bottom surface, a plurality of tabs that extend laterally from the bottom surface of the keycap, and a protrusion extending from the bottom surface of the keycap. A compressible dome structure is disposed underneath the protrusion, and a plate is coupled to the keyframe and disposed underneath the compressible dome structure. A plurality of openings is disposed within the plate, where a location of the plurality of openings corresponds to a location of the plurality of tabs such that one or more of the plurality of tabs pass through one or more of the plurality of openings in response to the depression of the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Linus Chien, Chia Feng Lee
  • Patent number: 9842711
    Abstract: Embodiments of keyboards having variations of electrically connecting keys to an internal component of an electronic device are described. Some embodiments include positioning several rows of conductive layers below several rows of keys. The conductive layers may be configured to receive a signal indicating a key has been depressed. Also, the internal component may be configured to scan the conductive layers to determine whether a key or keys have been depressed. In some embodiments, the conductive layers lie outside a portion of the electronic device in which internal components are traditionally located. In some embodiments, a substrate may be integrally connected with the keyboard. The substrate may receive some internal components of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Ligtenberg, Mikael M. Silvanto, Ron A. Hopkinson, Nicholas Alan Rundle
  • Patent number: 9793071
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing input component assemblies for dome switches are provided. In some embodiments, an input component assembly includes a switch, a button positioned over the switch, where the button is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch, an actuator positioned underneath the button to at least partially enclose at least one switch element, where the actuator is operative to deform when the button is depressed, and a weld plate welded to an underside surface of the button with at least one sonic weld joint to create a seal around the actuator and the at least one switch element, where a portion of the actuator is secured between the underside surface of the button and the weld plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Lee E. Hooton
  • Patent number: 9761390
    Abstract: An input device includes a first switch unit, a second switch unit, and a third switch unit that switch a combination of a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact, a combination of the second fixed contact and a third fixed contact, and a combination of the third fixed contact and a fourth fixed contact between a contact state and a separation state using a first movable contact, a second movable contact, and a third movable contact that move integrally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuji Ataka
  • Patent number: 9741508
    Abstract: Panel assemblies and button trees for panel assemblies are provided. In one embodiment, a button tree includes a frame, and a plurality of arms extending from the frame. At least one of the plurality of arms includes a plurality of branches. The button tree further includes a button connected to the frame by the plurality of arms, wherein each branch of the plurality of branches contacts the button. In another embodiment, a button tree includes a frame, and a plurality of arms extending from the frame. The button tree further includes a button defining a central axis, the button connected to the frame by the plurality of arms, the button including a face surface and an edge surface. The button tree further includes a locating feature extending on the edge surface generally co-axially with the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Robert Vitan, Raghavendra Eshwarappa, Praveen Kumar Nandigama
  • Patent number: 9697958
    Abstract: A movable contact of a rotary switch, including a pair of contact blades for making an electrical contact to a stationary contact receivable between the contact blades. The movable contact includes a traction member for providing a traction force between the contact blades, wherein the traction member is a unitary piece including two frame portions for framing the pair of contact blades, the traction member including a spring portion for pressing one of the contact blades against the other contact blade, wherein the spring portion is arranged between the two frame portions arranged at a distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Oskari Uitto, Aki Suutarinen
  • Patent number: 9666386
    Abstract: A multi-illuminated pushbutton, including a substrate having a switch and a button cap. A lighting board may be affixed to the substrate, the lighting board having a first light source, a second light source, and a through channel disposed between the first light source and the second light source. The button cap can have a first window for transmission of light from the first light source, a second window for transmission of light from the second light source, and a button base disposed through the channel of the lighting board and in operable relation with the switch. The button base can be shaped to prevent substantially all light emitted from the first light source from transmission through the second window and prevents substantially all light emitted from the second light source from transmission through the first window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Astronics Corporation
    Inventors: Julien Touchette, Colin Dassigli
  • Patent number: 9651982
    Abstract: The invention relates to a resetting device (6) for a steering-column switch unit (1) of a motor vehicle, having a triggering element (10) by means of which an actuating lever (2) of the steering-column switch unit (1) can be moved from an actuated position into an initial position, having an intermediate piece (22) on which the triggering element (10) is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (35) between a rest position and a triggering position in which the actuating lever (2) can be moved into the initial position, wherein the triggering element (10) is furthermore mounted on the intermediate piece (22) so as to be displaceable in a sliding direction (28) perpendicular to the pivot axis (35), having a spring element (27) for generating a spring force which acts parallel to the sliding direction (28) and with which the triggering element (10) is arranged under preload on the intermediate piece (22), and having a switch override protection unit (32) with at least one switch override spring (33, 34
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: VALEO Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Lipfert, Martin Hasch, Karl Simonis
  • Patent number: 9568208
    Abstract: Embodiments of a HVAC electrical system power supply packaging system within an ultimate enclosure are provided. The HVAC electrical system power supply packaging system provides serviceability, safety, manufacturability, and system management failure diagnostic reporting enhancements over conventional packaging systems while conforming to agency safety requirements. The embodiments disclosed herein also reduce equipment and service costs for HVAC electrical system power supply components provided within the HVAC electrical system power supply packaging system by reducing delays in servicing these components. Thus, customer uptime of the HVAC system can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Nathan Thomas West, David Marshall Foye, William James Walters