Cases And Bases Patents (Class 200/293)
  • Publication number: 20080237193
    Abstract: An electrical conductor mount is provided for an accessory including a number of electrical conductors and an actuator. The electrical conductor mount includes an accessory enclosure from which or to which the electrical conductors extend. A mounting element is disposed on the enclosure proximate the electrical conductors external to the accessory enclosure. The mounting element includes a receiving portion structured to receive the electrical conductors, and a retaining portion retains the electrical conductors within the receiving portion. The mounting element mounts the electrical conductors in a position in which they do not obstruct operation of the actuator. The mounting element may be a resilient hook including a first end disposed on the enclosure of an accessory module. The retaining portion may be a hook disposed on the second end of the resilient hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Erik R. Bogdon, Thomas A. Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20080237007
    Abstract: An auxiliary switch tray is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing, an actuating mechanism, and a plurality of auxiliary switches. The housing has a mounting mechanism. The auxiliary switch tray includes a module having first and second sides, and a plurality of mounts disposed on the first side. At least a plurality of the mounts is structured to receive a corresponding one of the auxiliary switches. A base is disposed on the second side of the module and is coupled to the mounting mechanism in order to install the auxiliary switches in a predetermined position with respect to the actuating mechanism of the circuit breaker. The module, the mounts, and the base comprise one single-piece molded member. At least a plurality of the mounts are molded compartments of the single-piece molded member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas A. Whitaker, Erik R. Bogdon, Glen C. Sisson, Ronald W. Brand, James M. Smeltzer, Robert S. Estok, Craig A. Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20080237192
    Abstract: An accessory tray is provided for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, including a housing, an operating mechanism, and a number of accessories. The housing has a cavity with a first end and the second end, and is disposed beneath the operating mechanism. The accessory tray includes an elongated member including first and second ends and is structured to receive the circuit breaker accessories. A guide mechanism guides the elongated member into and out of the cavity, in order to install the circuit breaker accessories beneath the operating mechanism. When the elongated member is disposed within the cavity, the first end is disposed at or about the cavity first end and the second end is disposed at or about the cavity second end. The accessory tray may be a single-piece molded member having a plurality of mounting portions for removably securing a plurality of circuit breaker accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas A. Whitaker, Erik R. Bogdon, Ronald W. Brand, Robert S. Estok, James M. Smeltzer
  • Publication number: 20080237191
    Abstract: A strain relief mechanism is provided for an accessory for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The accessory includes an enclosure having a first end with an aperture, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and a number of electrical conductors, such as wires, extending through the aperture and outwardly from the first end of the accessory enclosure. The strain relief mechanism includes a support extending outwardly from the first end of the enclosure, and being proximate the aperture and the number of electrical conductors extending therethrough. A fastening mechanism, such as a wire tie, wraps around the electrical conductors and the support in order to secure the number of electrical conductors to the support and resist undesired movement thereof. First and second portions of the enclosure are fastened together without a plurality of separate fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Erik R. Bogdon, Thomas A. Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20080230363
    Abstract: An electronic device which includes a resilient piece, base plate and electronic source. The upper conductor is located on the resilient piece; the base plate is connected to the resilient piece, with a space between the two. The lower conductor is located on the base plate, and there is a crevice between the lower conductor and the upper conductor. The electronic source electrically connected to the upper conductor and the lower conductor. The sensor device is located on the base plate. Utilizing this structure, the electronic device can, based on the user's needs, perform testing of the subject's physiological status or test a specific site that is pressed, be used as assist for medical equipment, exercise equipment or communications facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Chang Ming Yang, Tzu Lin Yang, Ching Wen Yang, Hao Yang
  • Publication number: 20080210046
    Abstract: A control device (1) for a bicycle for providing at least one electrical-electronic command to at least one bicycle component is provided, comprising a support body (2), at least one switch (47, 48), and a respective manual actuation member (34, 35, 70), the switch (47, 48) and the respective manual actuation member (34, 35, 70) are included in a switch unit (30) so as to be integrally removable from the support body (2). By so including said components (47, 48, 34, 35, 70) in a self-standing switch unit (30), in the case of a failure or malfunction of the switch (47, 48), the switch unit (30) can be easily inspected and possibly replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Bruno De Perini
  • Publication number: 20080202904
    Abstract: A switching device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the switching device includes a coupling element for non-contacting communication, and a first enclosure part. According to at least one embodiment, the switching device includes an at least partially spherical holder, in which case the partially spherical holder can rotate by virtue of its shape about at least two axes with respect to the first enclosure part. Further, the partially spherical holder is provided in order to retain and to hold the coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Werner Olbrich, Karl Eckstein
  • Patent number: 7417849
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an electric load center including a basepan with a plurality of fastener devices for securing bus bars, neutral bars, and a variety of other electrical components to the basepan. Each fastener device comprises two independent structures, the first structure a self aligning support post and the second structure is an engaging lock. Both the self aligning support post and the engaging lock project away from the basepan first surface. The self aligning support post consists of a plurality of angled surfaces to facilitate assembly of the electrical component to the basepan first surface. The self aligning support post also contains an interior cavity that houses the engaging lock. The engaging lock has a first surface with an inclined angle with respect to the basepan and a second surface with a zero angle with respect to the basepan to facilitate retention of the bus bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Scott Dixon, Kristopher Scott Robinson, Jeffrey Kenton Hudgins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7414212
    Abstract: An emergency stop switch of a shredder is disposed in a preformed hole on the top cover of the shredder and protrudes from the surface of the top cover for the convenience of switching. The emergency stop switch has a switch with the fwd, off, and rev modes; a brake, which is disposed on the switch and has a control part protruding from the shredder top cover for switching among the different modes and a positioning part for assuring the switch mode; a positioning base, which is disposed on a bottom surface of the shredder top cover opposite to the position of the positioning part for assuring the switch mode; and a restoring part, which releases stored energy to push the switch from the fwd or rev mode to the off mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Michilin Prosperity Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Simon Huang
  • Patent number: 7414191
    Abstract: An electrical-component assembly that includes a first housing portion that includes a wall. The wall includes a slot. At least a portion of the slot includes threads. An electrical component includes a body and a threaded protrusion. The threaded protrusion defines a longitudinal axis and is translational along a path that includes a portion that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to engage with the threaded portion of the slot such that the body inhibits rotation of the electrical component relative to the first housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Norman R. Long
  • Patent number: 7408128
    Abstract: A switch apparatus includes: a button key being displaceably supported in a pressing direction; a displacement portion being displaced in the pressing direction in interlocking relation to the button key; and a switch being disposed on a downstream side in the pressing direction of the button key. The switch is operable a switching action by being pressed by the displacement portion when the button key is operated by pressing. The displacement portion deviates from the button key with respect to the pressing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasunori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7405373
    Abstract: The switch structure according to the present invention is obtained by interposing an elastic connection member between the circuit board provided with electrodes and a push switch fixed to a case of an electronic device. The elastic connection member has a structure in which conductive layers and insulation layers are alternately laminated. The conductive layers of a first lamination layer surface on which the conductive layers and the insulation layers of the elastic connection member are exposed abut against the electrodes so that the electric connections therebetween are established. The push switch is pushed down, and a contact portion thereof abuts against the plurality of conductive layers on a second lamination layer surface, whereby the electrodes are in a conductive state. Even if the push switch is pushed strongly, the elastic connection member deforms to absorb the force. As a result, the switch structure which hardly breaks is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Konishi, Hisashi Fujieda, Fumiyoshi Nagakura, Akiko Asahata, Masaji Kondo, Shigeki Yagi
  • Patent number: 7403088
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes a circuit breaker device having a molded housing with line and load ends, plural terminals disposed from the housing, and first and second handle devices. The terminals electrically and mechanically engage a circuit breaker mounting block. The first and second handle devices engage the housing at or about the respective line and load ends. The handle devices remove the circuit breaker device from the mounting block. Each of the handle devices includes an insulative barrier having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion at least partially covers a corresponding one of the housing ends. The second portion is coupled to the housing at or about the corresponding one of the housing ends. The third portion is structured to be manually grasped in order to pull the insulative barrier together with the circuit breaker device away from the mounting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Fischer, Vicki D. Fodi, Glen C. Sisson
  • Publication number: 20080164130
    Abstract: An electromechanical switching device, a switching device arrangement and an electric connection module are disclosed. In order to make it easier to connect an electromechanical switching device, a switching device is provided with a base body, and with a connection module that can be connected to the base body and has at least one connection terminal for a main current path of the switching device. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a modular construction is used instead of the integrated design used in previous switching devices. For that purpose, a number of connection terminals are combined into one or more connection modules for each switching device, and the connection modules can be mounted individually and independently from the base body of the switching device. This makes it possible to pre-wire the connection terminals without the actual switching device. Only afterwards does the base body of the switching device need to be mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Adunka, Berthold Holdmann
  • Patent number: 7397005
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control panel assembly for a washing machine, which provides an improved structure enabling a knob smoothly to rotate without making noise. The present invention includes a board having a switch and parts mounted thereon, a control panel installed at one side of a cabinet of the washing machine to cover the board to protect, and a knob connected to the switch to penetrate the control panel wherein a rear end is partially contacted with a backside of the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dong Won Kang
  • Patent number: 7388169
    Abstract: An electrical device for low-voltage applications that comprises at least one fixed contact designed to connect to a corresponding mobile contact; the electrical device also comprises at least one module, on which said fixed contact is housed, and the module is operatively connected to a structural part of the device and is at least partially separable from said structural part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: ABB Service S.r.l.
    Inventors: Lucio Azzola, Stefano Besana
  • Patent number: 7381918
    Abstract: An exemplary return ensuring assembly (20) includes a switch (21), a connector (22), a housing (23) for receiving the switch and the connector, and an adjusting screw (26). The switch has includes a body (211), an actuator (212) formed on the body, and a number of contacts (213) electrically coupled to the body. The connector is electrically coupled to the contacts of the switch. The connector has a number of connector ends (2221). The housing includes a bottom plate (231), a first sidewall (232) extending from an edge of the bottom plate, and a second sidewall (233) extending from an opposite edge of the bottom plate. The second sidewall defines an adjusting screw hole (2322) therein. The adjusting screw engages in the adjusting screw hole and abuts the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jian-Hua Zhong
  • Publication number: 20080121507
    Abstract: A key structure comprises a base, a key support structure consisting of a first frame and a second frame, and a key cap, characterized in which a paired pivots are disposed on the first frame, and a paired duplex bearing members are configured beneath the key cap for jointing the paired pivots of the first frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Tsung-Min Chen
  • Publication number: 20080116045
    Abstract: A switch body is mounted on a sub-board, the sub-board is held, by fastening it with screws together with a protective plate that protects a surface of the sub-board on the opposite side of a mounting surface of the sub-board, in a holding wall formed integrally with a jack holder such that the mounting surface of the sub-board is disposed facing a mounting surface of a main board, and an operation portion of a push button is allowed to project to the outside of a casing from a square hole disposed in the jack holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Matsutani
  • Publication number: 20080099316
    Abstract: An electrical switch includes a dielectric casing, first and second terminal units, and an actuating unit. The dielectric casing includes a cover and a, mounting seat. The mounting seat is disposed in and attached to the cover. Each of front and rear ends of the mounting seat is formed with a notch. Each of the first and second terminal units extends into the cover through the notch in a respective one of the front and rear ends of the mounting seat. The actuating unit extends into and is coupled to the cover, and is operable so as to selectively connect and disconnect the first terminal unit to and from the second terminal unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Excel Cell Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Meng-Tzung Liu
  • Publication number: 20080099317
    Abstract: A service switching device is disclosed which includes a housing. The housing includes a face side, a fastening side and a narrow side lying therebetween. A connection terminal is held in a terminal accommodating area of the housing which is located in the vicinity of the narrow side. The connection terminal includes a clamping screw, which is accessible from the face side, having an actuating end and a clamping end opposite the actuating end. A clamping body, in which a busbar and/or a connecting conductor can be pressed against a conductor bar by the clamping screw, is accessible via a first housing opening in the wall of the narrow side. The clamping area can be covered by a terminal covering part. The terminal covering part is coupled to the clamping end of the clamping screw and can be carried along thereby in the movement direction of the clamping screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: ABB PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf WEBER, Klaus-Peter Eppe
  • Publication number: 20080087532
    Abstract: A single-pole or multi-pole device for low-voltage systems, in particular a circuit breaker or a disconnector, which comprises: an outer casing containing for each pole at least one fixed contact and at least one mobile contact that can be coupled to/uncoupled from one another; a rotating element that comprises a shaped body made of insulating material comprising at least one seat for each pole of said switch, said seat being designed to house at least one mobile contact of a corresponding pole; a control mechanism operatively connected to the rotating element for enabling movement thereof; and one or more elements made of ferromagnetic material set in a position corresponding to at least one portion of the inner surface of said at least one seat of the mobile contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: ABB SERVICE S.R.L
    Inventors: Stefano Besana, Alessio Bergamini
  • Patent number: 7358837
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a molded enclosure comprising a first molded portion and a second molded portion, a plurality of thread cutting screws fastening the first molded portion to the second molded portion, and a plurality of machine screws. The first molded portion and the second molded portion cooperate to form a plurality of exterior walls. The exterior walls define an interior volume, which encloses the separable contacts and at least a portion of the operating mechanism. The machine screws extend within and reinforce the exterior walls and restrict expansion of the exterior walls away from the interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Puskar, William E. Beatty, Jr., Robert W. Mueller, Arthur D. Carothers, William M. Randal
  • Patent number: 7348510
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including an enclosure, separable contacts housed by the enclosure, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The enclosure has a back panel, sidewalls extending outwardly from the back panel, an exterior and an interior having a plurality of compartments. A first compartment houses the separable contacts and includes a first cover. A second compartment is disposed adjacent the first compartment and includes a second cover. The electrical connector assembly includes a plate member disposed between the first and second compartments, and a plurality of electrical connectors coupled to the plate member and being substantially disposed within the second compartment. The electrical connectors are structured to be electrically connected to the separable contacts, and are substantially inaccessible when the second compartment is covered by the second cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Brendan A. Foley, Eddie D. Carson, Douglas R. Bender, William E. Wilkie, Richard D. Prohaska
  • Publication number: 20080000762
    Abstract: A switch device that adjusts tactile sensation of a switch knob without control delay. The switch device includes a knob operated to switch an actuation state of an apparatus. A click mechanism is connected to the knob and includes a recess and a projection. Engagement of the projection and the recess provides a tactile sensation to a person operating the knob when the knob is operated. An adjustment mechanism generates a magnetic field to adjust tactile sensation of the click mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Masayuki Kurihara, Seiji Ishigaki, Masahiko Miyata
  • Patent number: 7309840
    Abstract: An emergency stopping safety device includes an emergency switch and an emergency light. When children accidentally put their fingers into a paper feeder of a paper shredder, the paper shredder can be temporarily disabled by pressing a button of the emergency switch immediately, and the emergency light blinks as warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Emily Lo
  • Patent number: 7297886
    Abstract: A dustproof structure for an electronic equipment includes internal switches disposed in a housing forming an external frame of the electronic equipment and an opening for use in operating the internal switches. The dustproof structure further includes a shutter plate for opening or closing the opening; and a cover plate for supporting the shutter plate, the shutter plate being freely slidable between the cover plate and the housing. A slide recess serving as a sliding area of the shutter plate is formed in the housing or the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Futaba Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Noguchi, Masahiro Arai
  • Patent number: 7294801
    Abstract: A switching device has a switch, a case within which the switch is accommodated, a cylinder which is provided on an upper surface of the case and open to above and below to communicate with the inside of the case, an operation knob which covers an opening of the cylinder and swings in a front-to-rear direction, and an operation bar which extends from the operation knob through the opening into the case to transmit the motion of the operation knob to the switch. A guide member is disposed between the case upper surface and the end of the operation knob. The guide member is inclined in the left and right directions so as to guide water toward the sides of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventor: Keiichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7295427
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a load center comprising a basepan with fastener devices for securing bus bars, neutral bars, and a variety of other electrical components to the basepan. Each fastener device comprises a self aligning support post flush with two extending side walls and an arm with engaging lock. The self aligning support post and the two extending side walls are integrally formed where the self aligning support post projects away from the basepan first surface. The self aligning support post consists of at least one angled surface to facilitate assembly of the electrical component to the first surface of the basepan. The engaging lock has a first surface with an inclined angle with respect to the basepan and a second surface angled at zero degrees with respect to the basepan to facilitate securing the electrical component to basepan first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily Elizabeth Muhlberger, Roland Joseph Montalbo
  • Patent number: 7285721
    Abstract: The present invention includes a modular electrical device for use in an electric circuit. The modular electrical device includes a wall plate defining a first opening, and a housing configured to be disposed within the first opening. The housing is configured to accommodate a frame member selected from the plurality of frame members. Each frame member is configured to accommodate at least one wiring assembly. The modular electrical device further includes an electrical wiring assembly chosen from a plurality of electrical wiring assemblies. Each of the plurality of electrical wiring assemblies has a different functional configuration, and each of the plurality of electrical wiring devices being sized to fit in the selected frame member. The modular electrical device further includes a set of terminal contacts selected from a plurality of sets of terminal contacts. Each set of terminal contacts is matched to accommodate one of the plurality of electrical wiring assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7285739
    Abstract: A waterproof structure for switch pins includes a pin exposed outside a switch to be connected to an electric wire. The pin and the electric wire are covered by a waterproof insulation material through an injection forming process to become an integrated manner. The pin and electric wire are fully waterproof. The electric wire also can be fastened firmly to the pin to prevent separation of the two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Kuo-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20070227864
    Abstract: A computer includes a main housing formed with a mounting hole, and a switch device aligned with the mounting hole. The switch device includes a base, a power supply circuit board disposed fixedly on the rear side of the base, a power supply switch disposed on the power supply circuit board, a pressing unit operable to activate the power supply switch, and an infrared receiver disposed fixedly on the base of the switch device for receiving infrared signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Hung-Chieh Tsai
  • Patent number: 7253370
    Abstract: A computer button apparatus includes a switch (30), an opening (12) defined in a panel (11), a bracket (40) receiving the switch, and a button (20). A plurality of flanges extends from the edges of the opening. A plurality of protrusions (134) is formed on the flanges. The bracket includes a pair of hooks (43). The button comprises a pair of clasps (25) for actuating the switch. The bracket is mounted on one side of a panel corresponding to the opening by the hooks engaging with the flanges and the protrusions retaining the bracket. The button is mounted on the opposite side of the panel corresponding to the opening by the clasps engaging with the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Quan-Guang Du
  • Patent number: 7250579
    Abstract: A large actuation area switching device includes a housing for holding a switch, means for compression and at least three slotted hinges. The slotted hinges create axes of operation such that a force applied to any point on the surface of the housing actuates the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Micro Pneumatic Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Ahlers, Steve Severson
  • Patent number: 7247806
    Abstract: Disclosed are a computing device bezel and a facia button that is used with the bezel. In one embodiment, the facia button includes a base member, a finger interface that is supported by and that extends from the base member, an axis about which the facia button can pivot, and a spring member that is adapted to resist pivoting of the facia button, wherein the facia button is configured to contact and press an associated button of a device contained within the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Wayne David Gibbs, Jeffrey A. Lambert
  • Patent number: 7247804
    Abstract: Electrical switch designed for high voltage and/or current and surrounded by a housing (2) divided into a first part (2?) forming a first compartment for taking up at least one switching device (3) and an appurtenant actuator device (4), and a second part (2?) forming a second compartment for connecting of at least one phase. At least the first part (2?) of the housing (2) is pressure sealed encapsulated and filled with oil under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignees: EB Elektro AS, Bennex Omnitec AS
    Inventors: Bjørn Eriksson, Viggo Landaas
  • Patent number: 7245480
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a load center comprising a basepan with a plurality of fastener devices for securing bus bars, neutral bars, and a variety of other electrical components to the basepan. Each fastener device comprises a self aligning support post and an arm with engaging lock affixed thereto. The self aligning support post projects away from the basepan first surface. The self aligning support post consists of a plurality of angled surfaces to facilitate assembly of the electrical component to the first surface of the basepan. The engaging lock has a first surface with an inclined angle with respect to the basepan and a second surface angled at zero degrees with respect to the basepan to facilitate securing the electrical component to basepan first surface. The fastening device may also include a swing snap and an angled arm for securing electrical components to basepan first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Scott Dixon, Kristopher Scott Robinson
  • Patent number: 7217897
    Abstract: A switch comprising a switch body and a control actuator, which can be associated with a control button and can move with respect to the switch body, the control actuator having a receptacle for a light source at a containment portion which is directed toward the button: the switch body is provided with fixing elements for a panel, by backpanel insertion, which comprise at least two abutment portions and at least two locking elements which act, with the panel in the mounted position, respectively at opposite faces of the panel, the two locking elements being arranged proximate to the button. Elements for detachable connection between the button and the control actuator are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Scoieta′ Europea Componenti Elettrici S.p.A. In Short S.E.C.E. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Mattarelli
  • Patent number: 7211759
    Abstract: A switch coupling structure includes a cap and a seat that are coupled to form a housing chamber inside to hold switch elements. The cap and seat have a coupling surface. The cap and seat have respectively a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion formed in a mating convex and concave fashion corresponding to the coupling surface. The first and second fastening portions are partly or entirely covered by a bonding material so that they are bonded together without the bonding material overflowing inside or outside the switch. Hence no interference occurs to the switch elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chin-Wen Chou
  • Patent number: 7208689
    Abstract: A switch including at least one boss, outwardly protruding from the side surface(s) of the case, located below the supports which extend downward so as to engage the side surfaces of the case. Thus, if the switches occasionally collide with each other, with tools, the like the boss prevents the supports of the cover from receiving an outward force and thereby prevent the cover from coming off from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Kodoh
  • Patent number: 7199319
    Abstract: A handle assembly is provided for a circuit breaker which includes a housing assembly that defines a substantially enclosed space housing an operating mechanism. The handle assembly is preferably a single-piece and includes a base member which is coupled to the operating mechanism, and a handle member having a first end which protrudes from an opening of the housing assembly, and a second end coupled to the base member. The base member includes first and second integral resilient legs which are disposed within the opening and are supported by posts protruding from the housing assembly, in order to resist undesired access into the substantially enclosed space therein. The first and second integral resilient legs each include a groove which increases the resiliency of the leg. The handle assembly is preferably symmetric about the longitudinal axis of the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Rodgers, Ronald W. Brand
  • Patent number: 7170020
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes terminals with screws on a power supply side and a load side disposed at a front end section and a rear end section of a main body case containing a current interrupting unit and a switching mechanism. A terminal cover is detachably attached onto the main body case at a position corresponding to the terminals on at least one of the power supply side and the load side. A terminal cover attaching surface is formed on an upper surface on the power supply side and/or the load side of the main body case. The terminal cover is inserted while sliding on the attaching surface from a front end, so that the terminal cover is attached to the main body case with a snap-fit coupling unit at an assembling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Fa Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Kawata, Katsunori Kuboyama, Isamu Nagahiro
  • Patent number: 7166812
    Abstract: A remote keyless entry device for use with a vehicle that includes a printed circuit board, at least one button configured to cooperate with the printed circuit board to selectively form an electrical circuit, a power source, and a housing. The printed circuit board and the power source are embedded within the housing. The housing at least partially covers the button and secures the button to the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. White, John Burca, Robert Wegrzyn
  • Patent number: 7126069
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic apparatus with an operation button that can be easily mounted and prevents from being pushed into the electronic apparatus excessively. A front panel is provided with a button mounting portion. The front panel is further provided with an opening, a stopper portion, and a convex portion. The convex portion is fitted into a concave portion formed in an operation button to position the operation button. The operation button is sandwiched between the convex portion and a decorative panel. When an operating portion is pushed, a hinge portion formed on the operation button is bent to allow a pushing portion inserted through the opening to operate an internal switch. An abutting portion abuts against the stopper portion to inhibit the operation button from being excessively pushed in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Orion Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidenobu Mukougawa, Daisuke Shimizu, Takayuki Horie, Tsuyoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7109429
    Abstract: A switch assembly has a base, a cover and multiple conductive slices. The base has an extending board and multiple inserting recesses. The inserting recesses are formed in the extending board and each have two mounting posts and an inserting hole. The mounting posts are formed on and protrude up from the recess. The inserting hole is formed through the extending board. The cover is mounted over the base. The conductive slices are attached to the inserting recesses and each has an elastic tab and a mounting tab. The mounting tab is contacted with the elastic tab, is attached to the inserting recess and has two mounting holes, an opening and two clamping slices. The mounting holes are formed through the mounting tab and correspond to the mounting posts. The opening is formed through the mounting tab and corresponds to the inserting hole. The clamping slices are attached to the mounting tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Fu-Hsiung Lee
  • Patent number: 7105760
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a button member having an operation button portion, a part of which is translucent, an LED arranged behind the operation button portion, a switch arranged behind the button member and a button supporting member, which supports the button member rotatably. The button member is rotatably supported by a shaft portion provided at the button supporting member and the operation button portion is pressed by a plate spring portion out of the image forming apparatus. When the operation button portion is pressed against the pressing force of the plate spring portion, a button contact portion provided at a front end of the plate spring portion allows the switch to operate. In this configuration, the shaft portion, the plate spring portion, the button contact portion, the switch and the LED are arranged so as to overlap the button member for simplification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsunori Zensai
  • Patent number: 7102090
    Abstract: A front panel for electrical equipment is provided that has a plurality of push buttons formed integrally with the front panel and requires no additional panel for covering around the push buttons while being excellent in appearance. Each of the push buttons is linked to the face plate of the front panel through a button supporting portion and a button arm. The button supporting portion is extended from the back of the face plate at a substantially right angle to the face plate. The button arm is extended from the rear end of the button supporting portion so as to be parallel to the face plate. The face plate and the button arm are arranged, with a space formed by removing a slidable core, to overlap each other when viewed from front. Thus, the front panel does not require any additional cover panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Morisada
  • Patent number: 7084727
    Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a switching device (1) based on a uniform control tile, which is easy to produce and assemble, ensuring good electric insulation properties. To achieve this, the device comprises an adapter (12) with second contact means (13), arranged to form a connection between first contact means (7, 8) and a conductor (10) that is to be connected. Said adapter and second contact means have insulating isolating elements (18, 18a, 18b, 18c), at least bordering several sides, for defined creepage distances and clearances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Bauer, Peter Hartinger, Stefan Merz, Rolf Müller, Ludwig Niebler, Joe Rogers
  • Patent number: 7067751
    Abstract: A switch including an insulative plastic case having a cavity formed therein, a metal cover joined to the case to cover over the cavity, and a switching contact section contained in the cavity. In this switch, a surface of the cover opposed to the case has an insulative film formed on at least a region of the surface facing to the cavity. The switch can prevent externally-originated static electricity from adversely affecting the switching contact section to protect a circuit section of a device connected to the switching contact section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nishimura, Tamotsu Yamamoto, Tatsuya Tsuda
  • Patent number: 7064285
    Abstract: A cover opening and closing mechanism switches a cover body on a corresponding surface of a main body between a closed position for closing the corresponding surface and an open position for opening the same. The cover opening and closing mechanism includes a forcing device for always urging the cover body toward the closed position; a push button; a switching device having a cam facing the button, an acceleration gear engaging a gear part provided on the cover body, and a striker; and a latch device for locking the striker in the open position of the cover body and releasing the lock when the button is pushed. The switching device switches the cover body from the closed position to the open position against a force of the forcing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Takahide Ichimaru