Surface Patents (Class 200/294)
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Patent number: 11481041Abstract: Low-profile keysets and input devices having such low-profile keysets are described. In one example, the input device includes a support structure having a first and second surface; a bezel having a first and second surface, wherein the first surface of the bezel is adjacent to the first surface of the support structure, and the bezel comprises at least one opening; at least one key cap positioned within the at least one opening of the bezel, wherein each key cap is configured to move between a first and second position to trigger a function of the input device; and a fabric cover layer positioned adjacent to the second surface of the bezel, such that the bezel and the at least one key cap are positioned between the fabric cover layer and the support structure, the fabric cover layer is only adhered to the second surface of the bezel.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Michael Francis Deily, Michael Gordon Oldani, Yajing Liu, David Paul Platt, David Michael Lane, Thomas Joseph Longo
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Patent number: 10914429Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a connector, a housing connected to the connector, a light source assembly provided in the housing and having a driving board electrically connected to a light source board, and a ring-shaped element rotatably secured to an outer surface of the housing and configured such that rotation of the ring-shaped element operates the switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO. LTD.Inventor: Jinyong Liu
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Patent number: 10670053Abstract: In a piston unit of a fluid pressure cylinder a plurality of magnets are disposed through holes provided in a ring body. The magnets are disposed in facing relation to detection sensors that are mounted on connecting rods, and are provided in the same quantity as the connecting rods. Further, a guide rod extending from a head cover to a rod cover is inserted through the interior of the ring body. When the piston unit is displaced along the cylinder tube, rotational displacement is restricted by the piston unit being displaced along the guide rod, whereby the magnets are retained to face toward the connecting rods at all times. Therefore, the position of the piston unit is detected by the detection sensors through the magnets.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: SMC CORPORATIONInventors: Yasunaga Suzuki, Chiaki Fukui, Makoto Yaegashi
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Patent number: 10242812Abstract: An electric appliance includes an appliance main body, a recess, and a power switch. The recess is arranged in a side surface of the appliance main body, and has a front surface-side inclined surface which is inclined to the side surface and which points to the rear surface side of the appliance main body. The power switch is arranged on the front surface-side inclined surface not to protrude out beyond the side surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.Inventors: Motoyuki Fukuda, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Tetsuya Ichiguchi
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Patent number: 10172270Abstract: A pick-and-place machine and method includes use of a passive component feeder cartridge including a feeder gear. Rotation of the feeder gear causes a component-bearing tape to be fed through the feeder cartridge. A pickup head includes a vacuum nozzle to pick up the components from the tape and a rack gear to engage and drive the feeder gear of the feeder cartridge via translational motion of the pickup head when operatively disposed with respect to a selected feeder cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Inventor: John S. Youngquist
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Patent number: 10141147Abstract: A touch safe electrical panel (100) includes a bus (110) having a branch connector (130) with a vertical stab (132) and a touch safe connection assembly (150). The assembly includes a dielectric housing (152) for the stab. The housing (152) includes a slot (180) through which to receive the stab, and an opening (190), arranged away from the slot, through which to receive a terminal of a plug-on circuit breaker configured to engage the stab. A dielectric barrier (170A, 170B) is arranged in the housing between the slot and the opening. The barrier partially blocks a passage way between the opening and the slot to prevent direct user contact of the stab while enabling the terminal to pass through the partially blocked passage way and engage the stab.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.Inventor: Daniel O'Brien
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Patent number: 9812828Abstract: A power station includes a wedge-shaped body including first and second surfaces extending between respective first and second ends. The respective first ends meet with the respective second ends being spaced apart in a rest position. The first and second surfaces are biased apart from each other such that an outward force is generated thereby when urged together from the rest position. At least one power socket is located on the wedge-shaped body and configured for connection to an electrical power source.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Inventor: Scott Hunter
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Patent number: 9672998Abstract: Provided is a push switch that can be made thin without requiring that a notch be made into a mounting board. The push switch includes a substrate having a L-shaped cross section and wherein the substrate has a front surface, a back surface and a side face, an accommodating recess provided on the front surface, a center contact provided so as to be substantially centralized in the accommodating recess, a pair of peripheral contacts each provided at a circumferential edge of the accommodating recess, a movable contact spring constructed so as to extend across the pair of peripheral contacts and designed to be brought into contact with the center contact when pressed, a connection pad provided on the back surface and electrically connected to the mounting substrate, and an electrode provided on the side face and electrically connected to the connection pad.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: CITIZEN WATCH CO., LTD.Inventor: Shinsuke Watanabe
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Patent number: 9554480Abstract: An operating mechanism is provided for an electrical enclosure. The operating mechanism includes a switch operator, and a housing to house the switch operator. The switch operator includes a portion which extends through one of one or more holes in the electrical enclosure, and can be manipulated by an external handle to operate an electrical switching device, such as a circuit breaker, that is housed in the electrical enclosure. The housing includes a cavity to house and protect an external antenna or other electrical device, which is connectable to an electrical cable that extends from the cavity into an interior of the electrical enclosure via the hole(s). The electrical cable can be connected to a monitoring system inside of the electrical enclosure. The housing is mountable onto an exterior surface of a wall of the electrical enclosure to cover the hole(s).Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.Inventor: Alan Freeman
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Patent number: 9548171Abstract: Disclosed is a switchboard. The switchboard includes a switchboard case with a built-in circuit breaker, a door mounted on the switchboard case in a hinge structure to be opened or closed and configured to include a door hook including an inclined surface at a front end, an external manipulation handle provided at an outer side of the switchboard case and configured to manually, externally manipulate a switch-on or off operation of the circuit breaker, and a catching member disposed in the switchboard case to be contactable with the inclined surface of the door hook. The catching member rotates by contacting the inclined surface of the door hook according to a closing operation of the door, and a locked state of the door is maintained by catching the door hook on one side corner of the catching member.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: LSIS CO., LTD.Inventor: Jun Yong Jang
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Patent number: 9368306Abstract: In some aspects, a configurable multi-pole relay system is provided. The configurable multi-pole relay system can include a first relay module, a second relay module, and a connecting structure. The first relay module can include a first switch that can be electrically connected to a first electrical circuit. The second relay module can include a second switch that can be electrically connected to a second electrical circuit. The connecting structure can include first and second physical connectors. The first physical connector can be attached to a first interlocking portion of the first relay module. The second physical connector can be attached to a second interlocking portion of the second relay module.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLCInventors: Lance J. Hollner, Stephen Haight Lydecker
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Patent number: 9097309Abstract: A seismic isolation mechanism 1 includes a seismic isolation apparatus 6 which is installed at one end 2 in a vertical direction V on a superstructure 3 and installed at another end 4 in the vertical direction V on a floor 5 serving as a foundation or a substructure to isolate the vibration of the superstructure 3 with respect to the floor 5; an attenuation damper 10 which is connected at one end 7 in the horizontal direction H to the superstructure 3 and connected at another end 8 in the horizontal direction H to a portion 9 of the seismic isolation apparatus 6 between the one end 2 and the other end 4 thereof to attenuate the vibration of the superstructure 3 with respect to the floor 5 as it is extended and contracted in the horizontal direction H; and an attenuation damper 13 which is connected at one end 11 in the horizontal direction H to the floor 5 and connected at another end 12 in the horizontal direction H to the portion 9 of the seismic isolation apparatus 6 to attenuate the vibration of the superType: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: OILES CORPORATIONInventor: Shigeo Fujiu
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Publication number: 20150129401Abstract: Electronic devices are provided that have components. A housing protrusion may be interposed between a display cover layer and display components. A button may have a button member. A support structure for a dome switch in the button may have a screw hole. A housing may have screw holes through which a screw passes. The screw may also pass through the screw hole of the support structure to hold the switch structure near the button member. A clip may have a spring. A metal plate may prevent the clip from becoming worn by the spring. A display may be mounted on a ledge in a device housing. The ledge may have gaps with supports and removed corners.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2015Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Emery Sanford, Wey Jiun Lin
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Patent number: 9006597Abstract: A push switch is configured to be mounted on an upper surface of a circuit board the circuit board having a land provided on the upper surface thereof and a side edge. The push switch includes a front section and a rear section. The front section includes a switch contact unit activated by being pushed in a predetermined direction, and is configured to be located outward from the side edge of the circuit board. The rear section includes a terminal connected with the switch contact unit the rear section extending from the front section, and is configured to be disposed on the upper surface of the circuit board. The rear section is connected with the front section, and configures substantially an L-shape in combination with the front section. The terminal is configured to be connected with the land of the circuit board. The predetermined direction is parallel to the upper surface of the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuki Hirata
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Publication number: 20150075956Abstract: An apparatus and system for a side actuator arrangement is provided, as well as a substrate, and method of manufacturing the same, for a side actuator arrangement. In an example of an apparatus for a side actuator arrangement, the apparatus comprises a first part configured to mechanically interlock with an edge of a substrate so as to prevent movement of the apparatus with respect to the substrate in a direction parallel to the edge of the substrate; and a second part configured to receive an actuatable conductive member such that, when the conductive member is actuated, the conductive member is able to be brought into contact with at least a first region of the edge of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: Jorma IKONEN
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Publication number: 20140360852Abstract: An electrical switch for mounting into a surface of a component, has at least one shoulder region to be brought closer to this surface and which has at least one seal, which is assigned to an opening in the surface. The shoulder region has at least one region with at least one assigned indicator component, wherein this assignment is changed in terms of position in the case of complete sealing action of the seal compared to an incomplete sealing action of the seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Dirk WEISS, Udo BALGHEIM, Martin KOEPSELL
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Publication number: 20140262710Abstract: An electrical rocker wall switch guard that is sized to fit over an electrical rocker wall switch where the electrical rocker wall switch guard has a main body sized to fit over a rocker arm of an electrical rocker wall switch; at least one aperture; and a circumferential skirt that extends downwardly from the main body and extends completely around the main body, the circumferential skirt having integrally formed portions at a first end and a second end of the electrical rocker wall switch guard that provide an attachment structure that permits removable attachment of the electrical rocker wall switch guard to an electrical rocker wall switch using screw receiving fittings that are provided in the electrical rocker wall switch for a decorative or protective wall plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: AMERICAN TACK & HARDWARE, CO. INC.Inventors: Daniel T. Rego, Adam Greenspan, Daren Moneta, Edward Hunt
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Patent number: 8829374Abstract: An apparatus includes a switching member which is attached to a main unit of the apparatus; a fixing member which is placed to be movable in a direction along a surface of a supporting portion that is an attaching portion for the switching member, and that contacts with and supports the switching member, which is disposed separately from or integrally with the switching member, and which fixes the switching member; an opening/closing member which has an opening for operating the switching member, and which is openably and closably disposed with respect to the main unit to cover a periphery of the switching member; and a positioning member as defined herein.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuo Uchida
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Patent number: 8809709Abstract: Provided is a pushbutton switch that can be made thin without requiring that a notch be made into a mounting board. The pushbutton switch is provided with a first substrate having a housing recess part located on a surface of the first substrate, a center contact provided at roughly the center of the interior of the housing recess part, a pair of peripheral contacts provided on peripheral edge parts of the housing recess part, a movable contact spring that is installed on the pair of peripheral contacts and that touches the center contact upon being pressed, and a second substrate, which is provided with a pair of connection pads electrically connected to the first substrate. A cross section of the first and second substrates is formed as a whole into an “L”-like shape.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignees: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd., Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinsuke Watanabe
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Publication number: 20140216903Abstract: An electronic device has circuitry mounted within an electronic device housing. The electronic device housing may have housing walls such as metal sidewalls. Openings are formed in an electronic device housing wall to accommodate buttons. A button may have a switch with a switch housing mounted to the housing wall. A movable button member that extends from the switch housing may protrude through a housing opening. Switch terminals are coupled to signal lines on structures such as flexible printed circuits. The switch terminals may be formed from portions of elongated switch leads supported by support structure that are mounted to the housing wall or may be formed on an inner surface of the switch housing. Support structures may be molded into engagement with features on a housing wall or may be mounted to a housing wall using a fastener such as a screw.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventors: Shayan Malek, Sawyer I. Cohen, Michael B. Wittenberg
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Patent number: 8736448Abstract: A notebook computer stand includes a base and an anti-theft circuit received in the base. A number of supporting pads are positioned on the top surface of the base, to support a notebook computer. The anti-theft circuit includes a pressure sensitive switch, an alarm, a control switch, and a battery. The pressure sensitive switch, the alarm, and the control switch are connected in series. The pressure sensitive switch is positioned on one of the supporting pads. When the notebook computer is placed on the top surface, the pressure sensitive switch is open. The pressure sensitive switch is closed when not under the pressure applied by the weight of the notebook computer, and the battery supplies power to the alarm, the alarm works, when the control switch is closed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Xue-Yun Chen
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Patent number: 8698021Abstract: A socket structure of a micro switch includes a plurality conductive pins of at the bottom of the switch, and a plurality of grooves and distal slots, and the grooves are formed at the bottom of the switch, and the pins are disposed in the grooves, and the distal slots are formed on an outer wall of the switch and interconnected to the grooves respectively, and the top of the pin is extended into the distal slot, so that the pin is exposed from the outer wall of the switch, and the grooves are provided for positioning the pins and preventing them from being deformed, and containing a solder paste for soldering to prevent the switch from being protruded, and the distal slots are provided for extending a soldering iron to touch that pins to facilitate removing and soldering the switch on a surface of a circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: Ching-Hsiung Chu
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Publication number: 20130180837Abstract: A push switch is configured to be mounted on an upper surface of a circuit board the circuit board having a land provided on the upper surface thereof and a side edge. The push switch includes a front section and a rear section. The front section includes a switch contact unit activated by being pushed in a predetermined direction, and is configured to be located outward from the side edge of the circuit board. The rear section includes a terminal connected with the switch contact unit the rear section extending from the front section, and is configured to be disposed on the upper surface of the circuit board. The rear section is connected with the front section, and configures substantially an L-shape in combination with the front section. The terminal is configured to be connected with the land of the circuit board. The predetermined direction is parallel to the upper surface of the circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Panasonic Corporation
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Patent number: 8436702Abstract: There is provided an electromagnetic contactor unit capable of firmly connecting electromagnetic contactors without influencing outer dimensions when the electromagnetic contactors are connected to each other. The electromagnetic contactor unit connected at least two juxtaposed electromagnetic contactors (2a, 2b) with a connection piece (42). The electromagnetic contactor includes an attachment hole (41a) formed in each corner of an attachment plate portion, a piece accommodation concave portion (43) fitting a half portion of the connection piece formed above the attachment hole and accommodating within an outer dimension, and is opened to a connection surface with the adjacent electromagnetic contactor, and a locking portion (44) locking the connection piece formed in the piece accommodation concave portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Naka, Koji Okubo, Kouetsu Takaya, Kenji Suzuki
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Publication number: 20130087439Abstract: A socket structure of a micro switch includes a plurality conductive pins of at the bottom of the switch, and a plurality of grooves and distal slots, and the grooves are formed at the bottom of the switch, and the pins are disposed in the grooves, and the distal slots are formed on an outer wall of the switch and interconnected to the grooves respectively, and the top of the pin is extended into the distal slot, so that the pin is exposed from the outer wall of the switch, and the grooves are provided for positioning the pins and preventing them from being deformed, and containing a solder paste for soldering to prevent the switch from being protruded, and the distal slots are provided for extending a soldering iron to touch that pins to facilitate removing and soldering the switch on a surface of a circuit board.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: April 11, 2013Inventor: CHING-HSIUNG CHU
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Patent number: 8324518Abstract: A flush-mounted switch, in particular a door-opener switch, for mounting on a fastening surface, has a tubular housing and a flange which protrudes over the cover and an axially moveable button for actuating a switching member connected to the housing. The button is held in its rest position by a restoring force and can be pushed in counter to the action of this restoring force. A fastening ring affixes the door-opener switch on the fastening surface. The flange of the housing covers the fastening ring. A support ring is provided by way of which the button is lockable to the fastening ring.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: EAO Holding AGInventor: Daniel Furrer
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Publication number: 20120292164Abstract: A switch panel with an indicator is disclosed. The switch panel has a transparent region. There is a light source disposed in the switch panel for emitting light when turning off a switch body. A shape of the transparent region is projected onto the wall for forming a large area of indicating pattern, and this can replace a night light. The drawback of a luminous region in prior art which is limited to be on the switch body or on the switch panel is solved.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: National Taiwan University of Science and TechnologyInventors: Hung-Jung Lin, Shao-Lun Chao, En-Chuan Tsui, Wen-chih Chang, Rung-Huei Liang
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Patent number: 8222550Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an electric thermostat fitting control switch (10) for actuating the fitting. The switch (10) can be mounted in a bore (4) in a lining element, for example of a washstand or wall. The switch (10) is held in the bore (4) by the holder designed as a pad (30) firmly secured in the bore (30a) of the lining element.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Inventor: Michael Gerloff
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Patent number: 7990731Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing defining a through hole, a circuit board fixed in the housing, including a switch and a grounding portion connecting with the ground, a fastening member received in the through hole fixed on the housing and contacting the grounding portion, passing static electricity therethrough and defining a mounting hole, and an actuating member received in the mounting hole and contacting the fastening member, and pressing the switch when actuated; wherein the fastening member and the actuating member are conductive.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shi-Kun Guo, Ke-Hui Peng, Guo-Ping Yao
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Patent number: 7869192Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus mounting apparatus includes a base with a planar portion having a first side and an opposite second side. A number of first adjustable members are coupled to the opposite second side. Each of the first adjustable members includes a first end and an opposite second end. A number of second adjustable members are coupled transverse to the first adjustable members and include a first end and an opposite second end. At least one of the first end and the opposite second end of at least one of the first adjustable members and the second adjustable members is adjustable generally toward or generally away from the base. At least one of the first end and the opposite second end of the at least one of the first adjustable members and the second adjustable members is coupled to a number of walls of a switchgear enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Mark W. Jacobsen, Jaymie L. Davenport, Barry T. Rambo
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Patent number: 7679887Abstract: A switching system includes switchgear that can be contacted via pin contacts. In at least one embodiment, the switching system is provided with pin contacts and mating pin contacts and at least one device(s) for the transmission of force onto the switchgear, thereby allowing to establish and interrupt contact to the switchgear even when only little space is available.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Robert Adunka, Georg Bollinger, Johann Drexler, Berthold Heldmann, Eugen Mayer
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Publication number: 20100032271Abstract: A switch having terminals that provide from side surfaces of a switch housing for mounting on a substrate. Through-holes are provided in the terminals. A main body is installed in a cutaway part of the substrate to form a gap between the housing side surface and the cutaway part. When soldering a solder connection surface of the terminal to the solder mounting surface of the substrate, flux flows out to a substrate end surface through a space formed continuously between each through-hole and the gap, such that there is no penetration of flux into the interior of the switch. As a result, contact operation is made stable. In addition, the solder connection strength is also improved by forming a solder fillet on the interior surface of the through-hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: SMK CorporationInventor: Masataka Maehara
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Publication number: 20090175440Abstract: A metallic panel assembly having multilayer arrays of micropores includes a backlight module and a panel body. The backlight module is constituted of a first and a second light-guiding plate. First and second light-guiding microstructures are provided on the first and second light-guiding plates. A first and a second set of light-emitting units are disposed on one end of the first and second light-guiding plates, respectively. A first and a second shielding unit are disposed on the first and second light-guiding plates and the first and second sets of light-emitting units respectively. The panel body is disposed on one side surface of the first light-guiding plate. The panel body has thereon a plurality of hollowed portions with the hollowed portions encircling a key body. The key body has thereon a plurality of micropores. The plurality of micropores is arranged to form a pattern of each key body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventors: Chang-Li LIU, Che-Tung Wu
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Patent number: 7541552Abstract: A switch pin for SMD manufacturing processes to be mounted onto a circuit board includes a connection end located in a switch housing and a coupling end extended from the connection end and exposed outside the switch housing. The coupling end has a horizontal portion and a bend portion bending from the horizontal end towards the switch housing. Hence the signal pin and the circuit board can form a greater electric connection area to enhance electric effect. The bend portion also can prevent interference of other electronic elements installed on the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.Inventor: Tsui-Jung Su
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Publication number: 20090045040Abstract: A microswitch with push-in wire connectors is provided. In one illustrative embodiment, the microswitch may include a plunger for activating the switch, a first stationary contact, a second stationary contact, a movable contact, and a snap-spring assembly reactive to the plunger for switching the movable contact between making electrical contact with the first stationary contact and making electrical contact with the second stationary contact. The microswitch may include a first push-in wire connector for electrically connecting an end of a first wire to the first stationary contact, a second push-in wire connector for electrically connecting an end of a second wire to the second stationary contact, and a third push-in wire connector for electrically connecting an end of a third wire to the movable contact.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2007Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Maninder S. Bharaj, Richard C. Tsou
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Patent number: 7446667Abstract: A switch apparatus for activating an alarm function of an alarm circuit on a motherboard of a portable computer, the switch apparatus includes a switch mounted on the motherboard and a pressing device mounted on a base. The pressing device includes a pressing member deformable via an outside force to depress the switch.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xiong-Dong Peng, Ke-Cheng Lin, Chien-Li Tsai, Wen-Kang Lo, Jie Zhang, Mao-Chang Huang
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Patent number: 7417849Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Scott Dixon, Kristopher Scott Robinson, Jeffrey Kenton Hudgins, Jr.
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Patent number: 7403373Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a circuit breaker mounting plate that can comprise a prong adapted to receive a clip. The prong can define a first longitudinal axis that extends in a first direction and in an opposing second direction. The prong can be adapted to receive a spring. The clip can comprise a latch. The latch can be adapted, via the spring, to releasably attach a circuit breaker to the circuit breaker mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Brian Timothy McCoy, Thomas William Holland
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Patent number: 7403088Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Kenneth M. Fischer, Vicki D. Fodi, Glen C. Sisson
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Patent number: 7295427Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Emily Elizabeth Muhlberger, Roland Joseph Montalbo
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Patent number: 7286340Abstract: An adapter is for mounting an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, on the back panel of an enclosure, such as a switchgear cabinet. The back panel has at least one aperture. The adapter includes a first end portion coupled at or about the aperture of the back panel, an engaging portion engaging and securing the circuit breaker to the adapter, a fastener, and a second end portion disposed distal from the first end portion and including an elongated slot. The elongated slot receives the fastener in order to couple the adapter to the back panel when the fastener is fastened, while enabling adjustment of the adapter and the circuit breaker coupled thereto, with respect to the back panel, when the fastener is unfastened. The first end portion, the engaging portion and the second end portion form a single piece adapter. An enclosure assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Syed M. Karim, James L. Gehlbach
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Patent number: 7245480Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Scott Dixon, Kristopher Scott Robinson
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Patent number: 6974918Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes spaced contacts (40). A rocking contact (50) has first and second arms (52 and 54) in electrical contact with each other and is supported for rocking movement in opposite first and second directions. The first arm (52) is movable into engagement with a first one of the contacts (40) when the rocking contact (50) rocks in the first direction. The second arm (54) is movable into engagement with the second one of the contacts (40) when the rocking contact (50) rocks in the second direction. An actuator (32) is pivotable to effectuate rocking movement of the rocking contact (50) in the first and second directions. The first and second contacts (40) include respective terminals (70 and 76) for helping to mount the apparatus. The terminals (70 and 76) each comprise compliant pin connectors.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventor: Mike Blossfeld
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Patent number: 6884953Abstract: In a switching circuit, at least two bus bars are fixed with an insulator interposed therebetween and secured to a substrate of the switching circuit. Being combined with the bus bars, the insulator serves not only to insulate those bus bars but also to enhance the bending rigidity and bending strength of the switching circuit. As current flows in one of the bus bars in a direction opposite to a direction in which current flows in the other bus bar, the inductance of the bus bars is reduced, resulting in the decreased fly-back voltage generated upon switching operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso CorporationInventors: Yoshibide Nii, Naohiko Hirano
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Patent number: 6828519Abstract: A doorbell assembly with hidden fasteners includes a doorbell cover, a bracket for supporting the doorbell cover and a button assembly. The bracket includes a first set of resilient fingers for engaging the button assembly and a second set of resilient fingers for engaging the doorbell cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Newfry LLCInventors: Jeanette Bui, Michael Winardi
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Publication number: 20040212952Abstract: An electrical component has a housing received in a receiving groove, which is confined by opposite lateral walls connected to a groove bottom, formed in a support. A retaining device includes a base extending from one end of the housing and disposed on the groove bottom of the receiving groove, an engaging block confined non-rotatably in the receiving groove and disposed between the base and opposite stop protrusions that are formed respectively on the lateral walls and that cooperate to form a restricted access into the receiving groove, and a fastener extending rotatably through a through hole in the engaging block and coupled rotatably to the base. Operation of the fastener can drive the engaging block to move to an engaging position, where the engaging block abuts against the stop protrusions and where the fastener urges the base toward the groove bottom.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventor: David Chen
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Patent number: 6674026Abstract: A rear-mount integrated rotary encoder comprises a mechanical portion and a printed circuit board portion. The mechanical portion of a rear mount integrated rotary encoder comprises a housing including a bushing for receiving one end of a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft passes through an open front portion of the housing and is mechanically connected to exposed rotatable circuit contacting members. The printed circuit board portion has an encoder contact pattern formed thereon. The printed circuit board has an area larger than the cross sectional area of the housing. The encoder contact pattern surrounds (or is at least concentric with respect to) an aperture in the circuit board. The rotatable shaft of the rotary encoder is passed through the aperture such that the rotatable circuit contacting members contact the encoder contact pattern on the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.Inventors: James H. McGrath, Jr., David F. Hiltner
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Patent number: 6657144Abstract: A switch which includes an internal metal strap which is captivated by a top enclosure and a bottom enclosure with the top enclosure being configured to captivate the strap and provide an attachment point for a switch actuator. The bottom enclosure also functions to captivate the strap and provide an enclosure for electrical terminals. The strap has a substantially planar configuration and contains at least one member which functions to position and orient said strap in a predetermined location with respect to both the top and bottom enclosures.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.Inventors: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Mark S. DelFavero
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Patent number: 6636427Abstract: The housing, which is to accommodate a rotary switch arranged on a printed circuit board, is provided with a threaded projection which can be used to fasten it to a wall through which a setting stem, which is assigned to the rotary switch, reaches. The housing is designed in two parts in such a manner that one half (19, 20) of the threaded projection is integrally formed on each housing component (9, 10). The two housing components (9, 10) are joined together by means of latching connection means (11, 12, 13, 14) and hooks (one of which is denoted by 16) engaging in eyelets.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AGInventor: Christian Dörrie
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Patent number: 6600117Abstract: A two-piece doorbell button mounting device for securing doorbell pushbuttons to structures having vinyl siding or stucco. The device includes an enclosure and a cover member. The enclosure includes a peripheral wall, a flange extending from the base of the wall, and projections from the top of the wall. Fasteners may be installed through the flange to secure the enclosure directly to an exposed substrate. Alternately, for installation in finished structures, the flange includes a break away feature that allows it to be broken away from the enclosure. A hole is then cut in the exterior siding or stucco and the enclosure inserted through the hole and against the substrate. Fasteners may then be fed through apertures in the interior of the enclosure to secure the enclosure to the substrate. A cover member including an opening is then secured to the enclosure. Wiring is fed through the enclosure and cover member, connections are completed, and a doorbell button secured to the cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz