With Flexible Mounting Means Patents (Class 200/295)
  • Patent number: 11953929
    Abstract: When an operation knob 10 formed of silicone rubber is pushed laterally, a stem 7 tilts with a contact portion (i) as a fulcrum, a push button portion 6b is pushed, and a contact point in a switch mechanism portion 6a operates to turn on a switch circuit. Even if, by a large operating force F3 being applied, the operation knob 10 is extended and the inner surface portion 15, which is a ceiling surface of an internal space 13 of the operation knob 10, rides on an upper end portion 7c, a reinforcing surface 19 provided on the inner surface portion 15 slides on the upper end portion 7c, and the operation knob 10 returns to the initial shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignees: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD., OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeto Gorai, Tetsu Numata, Akihiro Kusaka, Shunsuke Kimura, Reiji Koyama
  • Patent number: 11424299
    Abstract: Provided is a pressure sensitive display device including a sensing substrate, a reaction substrate provided on the sensing substrate, and spacers provided between the sensing substrate and the reaction substrate to space the sensing substrate apart from the reaction substrate. Here, the sensing substrate includes a flexible substrate and a touch electrode provided on one surface of the flexible substrate, which faces the reaction substrate. The reaction substrate includes a transparent substrate, a transparent electrode provided on one surface of the transparent substrate, which faces the sensing substrate, and a light emitting layer disposed on the transparent electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Ji-Young Oh, Seung Youl Kang, Seongdeok Ahn, Jeong Ik Lee, Chi-Sun Hwang, Byoung-Hwa Kwon, Tae-Youb Kim, Jeho Na, Sooji Nam, Jaehyun Moon, Young Sam Park, Chan Woo Park, Doo-Hee Cho, Chul Woong Joo, Jae-Eun Pi
  • Patent number: 10990131
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of touch sensors is provided. A flexible touch sensing component can be formed on a first substrate by a release layer. Next, the flexible touch sensing component is transferred to a second substrate after a releasing step. Furthermore, by the support of the second substrate, the flexible touch sensing component can be processed and then adhered a desired cover. After releasing the second substrate from the flexible touch sensing component, the touch sensor is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: TPK Touch Solutions (Xiamen) Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Shan Lin, Chun-Yan Wu, Chung-Chin Hsiao, Hwai-Hai Chiang
  • Patent number: 10957507
    Abstract: The present disclosure envisages a mechanism (100) for indirect access to an actuator (210) on an apparatus (200) disposed within a housing (300). The mechanism (100) comprises a bushing (10), a spring-loaded shaft (20), an arm (30), a first stopper (40) and a pedestal (50). The spring-loaded shaft (20) passes through the bushing (10) and is configured to reciprocate through the annular passage (12). An arm (30) is disposed within the housing (300), and is coupled to the shaft (20). The first stopper (40) is received on the shaft (20) operatively below the arm (30). The pedestal (50) is disposed between the arm (30) and the first stopper (40). The pedestal (50) is configured to facilitate abutment of the arm (30) with the actuator (210). The arm (30) is configured to press the actuator (210) when the shaft (20) is linearly displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Appleton Grp LLC
    Inventors: Maya G. Marode, Vaibhav B. Hande, Abdulkhadar F. Goravankoll, Rahul L. Kulkami, Vishal M. Bavale
  • Patent number: 10940039
    Abstract: A phacoemulsification system includes a console connected to a hand piece that has an ultrasonically vibrated cutting tip. The console generates an ultrasonic electrical signal for the cutting tip, provides irrigation fluid and is the source of aspiration force. The console also has a pressure sensor. The control system has automatic operation such that the aspiration force lowers when a first preset pressure limit is reached, and the aspiration force and ultrasonic vibration are turned off at a second preset pressure limit higher than the first. The control system also lowers the aspiration force initially when a change in pressure per unit of time exceeds a preset limit and then increases the aspiration flow if the pressure level drops below the limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SURGICAL DESIGN CORPORATION
    Inventor: William Banko
  • Patent number: 10930451
    Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a base having a positioning means, an cover combined with the base, a plunger with an cam portion movably coupling with the cover relative to the base, a restoring unit disposed between the base and the plunger to provide a restoring force to enable the plunger to move along a direction away from the base, a tactile feedback member having a positioning portion positioned by the positioning means and an extending arm extending across a moving path of the cam portion, and an adjusting unit being movable to drive the positioning portion to shift, so that the tactile feedback member has a first deformation or a second deformation, and a pressing force required for the cam portion to pass the extending arm when the plunger moves toward the base is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Yung-Chih Wang, Chia-Hung Liu, Yu-Chun Hsieh, Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 10867762
    Abstract: A key structure is provided, including a key housing, a keycap, an elastic piece and a spring. The key housing comprises an interfering portion. The keycap is movably assembled to the key housing along a pressing axial direction. The elastic piece is movably assembled to the keycap along the pressing axial direction. The elastic piece comprises a protrusion, and the interfering portion is located on a movement path of the protrusion. The spring abuts between the keycap and the elastic piece. When in an initial position, the protrusion is stopped at the interfering portion. When an external force is applied to the keycap, in a pressing process, the keycap is moved relative to the key housing, and drives the protrusion to surmount and cross over the interfering portion. An elastic restoring force of the elastic piece causes the protrusion to hit the interfering portion to make a sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignees: LITE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED, Lite-On Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Wen Su, Yu-Hsun Chen
  • Patent number: 10861659
    Abstract: A touch input device includes a base board, a circuit module having a free end portion and a connecting end portion, a metallic connecting member and an annular, metallic frame. The connecting member includes a positioning portion fixedly mounted to the connecting end portion of the circuit module, and an elastic arm extending from the positioning portion away from the connecting end portion and toward a free end portion in such a way to define a coupling groove that indents away therefrom. The frame is spaced apart from the circuit module and includes a coupling portion that is embossed from a side of the frame proximate to the connecting member, and that has a coupling block coupled to the coupling groove of the elastic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: SUNREX TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Chun-Chieh Chen, Yi-Wen Tsai, Ching-Yao Huang, Ling-Cheng Tseng
  • Patent number: 10851461
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating an anodized metal surface. According to the method, polynuclear clusters comprising aluminum oxide hydroxide are applied to the anodized metal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Susanne M. Opalka, Weina Li, Joseph J. Sangiovanni, Mark R. Jaworowski, Georgios S. Zafiris, Weilong Zhang, Zhongfen Ding
  • Patent number: 10829223
    Abstract: Button assemblies for controlling a seat position and for mounting on a seat panel are provided. The button assemblies may have a button housing having a portion that is configured to position over edges of an opening in the seat panel. One or more flexible retaining members integral to or attached to the button housing are configured to compress through the opening in the seat panel and expand therein positioned opposite an inner surface thereof upon insertion, securing the assembly within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: James Senneff, Timothy Boerschig, Terrance E. Daul
  • Patent number: 10798842
    Abstract: A power module includes a housing, a support bracket, a sliding member and a resilient recovery member. The housing has a first surface and a second surface. The support bracket is fixed to the first surface. The support bracket has a hook to retain a first side of a support rail. The sliding member is slidably connected to the support bracket. The sliding member has a latch member to retain a second side of the support rail. The resilient recovery member has a first end connected to the support bracket and a second end connected to the sliding member. The resilient recovery member is to push the sliding member to cause the hook member and the latch member to sandwich the support rail. The sliding member has a first unlocking end for applying a force against the resilient recovery member. The first unlocking end projects beyond the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ping-Hung Wen, Ying-Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 10687430
    Abstract: An electrical component support bracket is disclosed. In embodiments, the electrical component support bracket includes a base member, a component support surface, and a component support member. The component support surface extends from the base member with an angled transition between the base member and the component support surface. The component support member is configured to surround at least a portion of an electrical component. The component support member includes a first tab and a second tab disposed at opposite ends of the component support member. The first tab and the second tab are configured to be coupled to the component support surface so that the electrical component is held against the component support surface by the component support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent M. O. Lajux, Lucy E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10532659
    Abstract: Various implementations include an occupant monitoring system (OMS) for monitoring at least one occupant in a vehicle. The OMS includes a mounting bracket coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly, a housing coupled to the mounting bracket, at least one imaging unit disposed within the housing, and at least one lens disposed adjacent the housing and imaging unit and facing an expected position of at least one vehicle occupant and configured for allowing light to pass through to the imaging unit. The mounting bracket extends upwardly from the steering wheel assembly adjacent a central portion thereof. The housing has a back surface that is disposed adjacent a back cover of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view inside of the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area within the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventor: Jason Carl Lisseman
  • Patent number: 10365035
    Abstract: A domestic refrigeration appliance includes a housing in which an inner container is disposed. The inner container has walls delimiting a receiving chamber for food. A bearing rib for supporting a separating plate is formed or molded on a side wall of the inner container. An electrical part disposed on the front face of the bearing rib extends through a passage in the front face and projects into the receiving chamber. A method for producing a domestic refrigeration appliance is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Lindel, Ralf Spiller, Claudia Weiss, Felix Wiedenmann
  • Patent number: 10173778
    Abstract: Button assemblies for controlling a seat position and for mounting on a seat panel are provided. The button assemblies may have a button housing having a portion that is configured to position over edges of an opening in the seat panel. One or more flexible retaining members integral to or attached to the button housing are configured to compress through the opening in the seat panel and expand therein positioned opposite an inner surface thereof upon insertion, securing the assembly within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: James Senneff, Tim Boerschig, Terrance E. Daul
  • Patent number: 10170208
    Abstract: The invention discloses an electromagnetic coil bobbin used in reactor as well as an inner bobbin and an outer shell thereon, wherein more than one cut-off grooves are provided on the inner bobbin and the outer shell and uniformly distributed on corresponding inner bobbin or outer shell such that the inner bobbin and the outer shell of which the material of the main body is metal have excellent high-temperature resistance and avoid generation of induced eddy current, and such that the electromagnetic coil can generate a more uniform magnetic field while operating, thus achieving technical effects of reducing or avoiding eccentric wear, reducing or avoiding partial excessive wear, etc., and realizing the objectives of improving and raising movement performance of CRDM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventor: Jie Yu
  • Patent number: 10079123
    Abstract: A keyboard switch comprises an upper cover (1), a base (2), a fixed terminal (3), a movable terminal (4) and a pressing component (5). A guide column (21) is disposed on the base, the pressing component is installed on the guide column on which a return spring (8) is fitted, the upper end of the pressing component is exposed out of the upper cover for pressing, and the upper cover is fastened to the base to form a cavity, the fixed terminal and the movable terminal are disposed on one side of the pressing component in the cavity, and one end of the fixed terminal and one end of the movable terminal penetrate out of the base to be connected to an external circuit. The pressing component moves up and down to drive the movable terminal to move, and further to control contact and disconnection between the other end of the movable terminal and the other end of the fixed terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Zhengming Yu
  • Patent number: 10002724
    Abstract: A thin switch includes a pressing cup (1), a base (2) and a top cover (3). A conductive component (4), a spring (5), a fixed terminal (6) and an elastic wire (7) are disposed in a space defined by buckling the base and the top cover. The elastic wire is arranged below the conductive component, one end of the elastic wire is fixed on the base and the other end is disposed under a boss of the pressing cup. When the pressing cup is pressed down, the conductive component is driven to contact the fixed terminal to turn on the switch, and the elastic wire is driven to descend at the same time. When the pressing cup is pressed down to a preset position, the elastic wire separates from the pressing cup, and bounces back upwards to strike the dome to make a sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Zhengming Yu
  • Patent number: 9848479
    Abstract: A faceplate remote control device is attached to a wall-mounted mechanical light switch that has a toggle actuator. The faceplate remote control device includes a toggle indicator that detects operation of the toggle actuator of the mechanical switch. The toggle indicator causes the generation of an indication of detected operation of the toggle actuator. The toggle indicator comprises a sliding member that is configured to move with the toggle actuator. The toggle indicator may comprise an obstruction detection device that includes an infrared (IR) transmitter and an IR receiver. The faceplate remote control device includes a control circuit and a wireless communication circuit. The control circuit is configured to cause the wireless communication circuit to transmit one or more messages in response to detecting operation of the toggle actuator of the mechanical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Karc, Jamie Steffie, Jordan H. Crafts
  • Patent number: 9587990
    Abstract: An arrangement for sensing temperature in an electric machine comprises a plate member including a first side, a second side, a perimeter portion, and at least one hole extending through the plate member from the first side to the second side. A mount is coupled to the plate member. The mount includes a retention surface, at least one first arm, and at least one second arm. The retention surface is removed from the first side of the plate member. The at least one first arm extends from the retention surface and engages the perimeter portion of the plate member. The at least one second arm extends from the retention surface and through the at least one hole of the plate member. A temperature sensor is positioned between the first side of the plate member and the retention surface of the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Remy Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Michael McCord
  • Patent number: 9552944
    Abstract: A switching device for direct current applications having a first switching chamber for a first current path and a second switching chamber for a second current path, each current path having a switching contact arrangement having a first and second contact, wherein both the contacts, switched-on, come into contact with each other and, switched-off, are kept out of contact with each other by the creation of an isolation gap; a current path having an extinguishing device to extinguish an arc created between the contacts; an arc driver arrangement, arranged in one of the two switching chambers, and which creates a magnetic field at least in the area of the switching contact arrangement for the relevant current path that drives the arc into the relevant extinguishing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: EATON ELECTRICAL IP GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Guenther Baujan, Klaus Dauer
  • Patent number: 9534829
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a body; a door hinged to the body and closing an interior of the refrigeration appliance; a seal disposed between the door and the body; and a control unit for actuating an opening mechanism acting on the door whose control signal, which triggers the opening of the door, is configured to be generated by at least one sensor which cooperates with a plunger and operates based on a piezoelectric effect, wherein the refrigeration appliance has a sensor unit in which the plunger is axially movably supported and indirectly coupled to the sensor by a biased spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventor: Benjamin Held
  • Patent number: 9508503
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure optimize yield of a product having one or more switch assemblies and improve impact robustness of the product without sacrificing tactile feel. Based on failure limits of a gap in the switch assembly during manufacturing, a single size for a shim is calculated. The shim is selectively inserted into the switch assembly based on the gap to maximize the switch assembly yield while minimizing cost. In some examples, a bracket is designed for the switch assemblies. The bracket has datum surfaces in three dimensions and a beam tuned to absorb energy during an impact event to prevent switch failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Michael C. Gordon
  • Patent number: 9410735
    Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes a body having an interior sealed by a closeable door by a seal disposed between the door and the body, and at least one control unit for actuating an opening mechanism acting on the door, whose control signal, which triggers the opening of the door, is configured to be generated by at least one sensor cooperating with a plunger, wherein the plunger has a contact surface for engagement of the sensor, and the plunger is supported in a passage of the door or of the body so that it is configured to be movable, together with the sensor engaged against the contact surface, in an axial longitudinal direction of the plunger and against a force of a spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventor: Guenther Maas
  • Patent number: 9373472
    Abstract: A circuit breaker module includes a faceplate with a number of passages and a number of circuit breakers, each circuit breaker including an operating mechanism, conductor assembly, and a housing assembly. Each circuit breaker housing assembly includes a first body, a second body, and a plurality of pins. The first body defines a cavity. The second body defines a cavity. The first body and the second body have complimentary shapes. At least one of the first body or the second body includes a plurality of pin cavities. The pins and pin cavities disposed in an alignment pattern. The first body and the second body are coupled to each other defining an enclosed space, the enclosed space structured to accommodate an operating mechanism and conductor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Labinal, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Wellington Mills, James Michael McCormick
  • Patent number: 9257241
    Abstract: A switch body portion attached to a center console includes a dial switch. The switch body portion is held on the side of the enter console for attachment through engaging of front engagement portions and a rear engagement portion. When an external force having a specified magnitude or greater acts on the dial switch from the rear, the engaging of the front engagement portions is released, so that the switch body portion falls off downward, rotating around the rear engagement portion. Accordingly, an impact which may occur when some object hits against the dial switch projecting upward from an upper face of the center console from the rear can be properly absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichirou Yamamoto, Yohichi Yanagi
  • Publication number: 20150090567
    Abstract: Electronic switching device having a housing in which at least one printed circuit board with circuit parts is arranged, the housing being designed with at least one housing cover, which closes a housing opening, and with a cable bushing for a connection cable and being provided with a filling made of a plastic material which surrounds the printed circuit board with circuit parts, wherein the printed circuit board (2) is encapsulated in the housing (1) in a supported manner on a grid-like carrier body (6), to which end the grid-like carrier body (6) has individual supports (7) which span an adjustment plane (X) depending on heights (Y) of the supports (7) and on which the printed circuit board (2) can be fixed at a distance from the housing walls (8, 9, 10) for a localized arrangement of the encapsulated circuit parts in the housing (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Matthias Banaszek, Jens Weber
  • Publication number: 20150083560
    Abstract: A circuit breaker module includes a faceplate with a number of passages and a number of circuit breakers, each circuit breaker including an operating mechanism, conductor assembly, and a housing assembly. Each circuit breaker housing assembly includes a first body, a second body, and a plurality of pins. The first body defines a cavity. The second body defines a cavity. The first body and the second body have complimentary shapes. At least one of the first body or the second body includes a plurality of pin cavities. The pins and pin cavities disposed in an alignment pattern. The first body and the second body are coupled to each other defining an enclosed space, the enclosed space structured to accommodate an operating mechanism and conductor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Patrick Wellington Mills, James Michael McCormick
  • Patent number: 8981247
    Abstract: A rear operation body is attached on a rear portion of a front case via a pair of front supporting plate springs. A front operation body is provided in a frontward of the front case and the front operation body and the rear operation body are connected via a penetration portion. A rear case is provided in a rearward of the front case, and a rear supporting plate spring is provided in the rear case. A flexible print substrate is provided in a frontward thereof and a plurality of detection members are mounted on the flexible print substrate. When an operation surface of the front operation body is pressed, the front supporting plate springs are deformed. Thereby, the rear operation body is moved such that any of the plurality of detection members is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Sano
  • Patent number: 8981246
    Abstract: A rear operation body is attached on a rear portion of a front case via a pair of front supporting plate springs. A front operation body is provided in the front case so as to abut on the front case, and the front operation body and the rear operation body are connected via a penetration portion. A rear case is provided in a rearward of the front case, and a rear supporting plate spring is provided in the rear case. A flexible print substrate is superimposed in a frontward of the rear supporting plate spring and a plurality of detection members are mounted on the flexible print substrate. When an operation surface of the front operation body has been pressed, the front supporting plate springs are deformed. Thereby, the rear operation body is moved such that any of the plurality of the detection member is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Sano
  • Publication number: 20150047957
    Abstract: A flexible touch panel comprises a base material sheet; a first axis detection electrode, which is provided on the base material sheet and is patterned concerning a first axis; an insulative layer, which is provided on the first axis detection electrode; a second axis detection electrode, which is provided on the insulative layer and is patterned concerning a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis; a first routing circuit, which electrically connects the first axis detection electrode to an external part; and a second routing circuit, which electrically connects the second axis detection electrode to an external part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Katsumi Tokuno, Shuzo Okumura, Ryomei Omote
  • Patent number: 8953306
    Abstract: A load center featuring a two-piece dielectric barrier that securely retains a plug-on neutral rail and methods of assembling the same. The barrier includes a shield and a base having a protrusion that cooperates with fingers of the shield to securely retain the conductor in the load center. The shield is installed over the base and rests on hooks protruding from the base. This creates a distance between the protrusion and the fingers to allow the conductor to be inserted through a gap between the fingers along the conductor's skinny edge. The conductor rotates 90 degrees until it rests on the protrusion. The base and shield are snapped together, causing the hooks of the base to attach to the shield. At the same time, the fingers of the base move downward to rest against the conductor so that it is sandwiched securely between the protrusion and the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim D. Wheeler, Jeffrey O. Sharp, Jason D. Potratz
  • Patent number: 8929055
    Abstract: A plug-on load center featuring snap-in or snap-on neutral rails that are retained securely in the load center on or between a dielectric barrier without requiring any fasteners and assembled by installing the dielectric components and neutral rail along the same direction orthogonal to a rear wall of an enclosure that houses the load center. The snap-in configurations feature dielectric barriers with fingers that create a snap-fit connection between the neutral rail and a shield member. The neutral rail is forced between the fingers, which separate and then snap back to their original position once the neutral rail is fully seated in the dielectric barrier. The snap-on configurations feature a neutral rail that is snapped onto the dielectric barrier and retained in the load without any fasteners. The barrier can include retention members that snap-fit into corresponding features of the neutral rail when it is installed onto the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Potratz, David R. Pearson, William J. Broghammer
  • Publication number: 20140305778
    Abstract: An input device for an electronic device includes a floating prevention mechanism that prevents a physical key from being rocked. The input device may include a case, a body that is partially exposed to the outside of the case, a key base that is made of a soft material and coupled to a lower surface of the body, a switch that is positioned below the key base and generates an electrical signal when pressed by a force that is equal to or larger than a predetermined magnitude, and a substrate on which the switch is mounted. The key base may include a pressing protrusion that is formed on a bottom surface of the key base and presses the switch, and a floating prevention unit that is made of a soft material and formed at opposing sides of the key base with respect to the pressing protrusion. The floating prevention unit supports the body to prevent the body from being rocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junghyun KANG, Seungchul BAEK, Byounguk YOON, Jaeryang LEE
  • Publication number: 20140216904
    Abstract: A switch body portion attached to a center console includes a dial switch. The switch body portion is held on the side of the enter console for attachment through engaging of front engagement portions and a rear engagement portion. When an external force having a specified magnitude or greater acts on the dial switch from the rear, the engaging of the front engagement portions is released, so that the switch body portion falls off downward, rotating around the rear engagement portion. Accordingly, an impact which may occur when some object hits against the dial switch projecting upward from an upper face of the center console from the rear can be properly absorbed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keiichirou YAMAMOTO, Yohichi YANAGI
  • Publication number: 20140042001
    Abstract: A panel with a sensing structure includes a photoresist adhesion layer with a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first conductive layer with a plurality of first conductive patterns disposed on the first surface along a first direction in sequence; and a second conductive layer with a plurality of second conductive patterns disposed on the second surface along a second direction in sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Kuei-Ching Wang
  • Publication number: 20140008191
    Abstract: A portable terminal includes a housing, a key member movably coupled to the housing and exposed to a side of the housing, and a board arranged to be opposed to the inner surface of the key member. The board is coupled to the housing and serves to restrain the key member within the housing, so that the key member is prevented from breaking out from the housing during the assembly process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Woong HYUN, Su-Kyu LEE
  • Publication number: 20130341168
    Abstract: A small form-factor input device operative to be coupled to an electronic device using a cable may include a circuit board; a first electrical switch disposed on a first side of the circuit board; a second electrical switch disposed on a second side of the circuit board; a frame defining a periphery, wherein the circuit board is maintained within the periphery of the frame; first and second shells that house the circuit board, the first shell placed over the first side of the circuit board, and the second shell placed over the second side of the circuit board; and at least one clip coupled to each one of the first shell and the second shell, wherein the at least one clip is operative to engage the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Kurt Stiehl, Michelle Yu, Wilhelmus M.C. Crooijmans, Cameron Frazier
  • Publication number: 20130319835
    Abstract: Disclosed is a touch window. The touch window includes a cover window including an active area and an unactive area; a sensing electrode part on the active area; a wiring electrode part formed on the unactive area and connected to the sensing electrode part; an insulation film on one end of the wiring electrode part; a flexible printed circuit board spaced apart from the insulation film and formed on an opposite end of the wiring electrode part; and a protective layer on the wiring electrode part placed on a space region between the insulation film and the flexible printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Jung CHO
  • Publication number: 20130319834
    Abstract: An electrical signal switch connector structure is provided, mainly including an insulating case, an elastic terminal, a fixing terminal, and a shielding case. The insulating case respectively accommodates the elastic terminal and the fixing terminal. The elastic terminal has an elastic arm, and the elastic arm of the elastic terminal has a cutting gap. The fixing terminal has a fixing arm, and the elastic arm of the elastic terminal is elastically pressed against the fixing arm of the fixing terminal. An inlet hole of the insulating case is used for passing a terminal of a butting connector therein, and the shielding case wraps the insulating case profile such that an ambient extraneous matter is not attached to the elastic arm of the elastic terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SPEED TECH CORP.
    Inventors: Chih-Cheng CHEN, Chen-Hung SUNG, Hei-Hsueh CHIANG
  • Patent number: 8550412
    Abstract: A switch bracket includes a bracket body that includes a lower surface and a kickplate. The switch bracket also includes a switch mount located on the lower surface of the bracket body, where at least a portion of the kickplate extends outward from the lower surface further than the stop lamp switch that is retained at the switch mount. In another embodiment, a brake pedal assembly includes a switch bracket coupled to a pedal mount, the switch bracket having a lower surface and a kickplate. The brake pedal assembly also includes a stop lamp switch coupled to the lower surface of the switch bracket, and a brake pedal rotationally engaged with the pedal mount and coupled to the stop lamp switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Richard Slade, Crystal Jasmine Mink, Herb Meingast
  • Publication number: 20130228427
    Abstract: A rear operation body is attached on a rear portion of a front case via a pair of front supporting plate springs. A front operation body is provided in the front case so as to abut on the front case, and the front operation body and the rear operation body are connected via a penetration portion. A rear case is provided in a rearward of the front case, and a rear supporting plate spring is provided in the rear case. A flexible print substrate is superimposed in a frontward of the rear supporting plate spring and a plurality of detection members are mounted on the flexible print substrate. When an operation surface of the front operation body has been pressed, the front supporting plate springs are deformed. Thereby, the rear operation body is moved such that any of the plurality of the detection member is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Sano
  • Patent number: 8362928
    Abstract: A keypad assembly using a waveguide for guiding lights emitted from light emitting devices is disclosed. The keypad assembly includes a switch board having a plurality of dome switches. The keypad also includes a plurality of key buttons; a plurality of light emitting devices included in the switch board; a waveguide formed under the key buttons, the waveguide having a predetermined refractive index to allow lights emitted from the light emitting devices to travel according to an internal total reflection condition; a plurality of reflecting patterns formed in the waveguide to reflect the light traveling through the waveguide toward the key buttons; and an auxiliary layer formed on the surface of the waveguide, the auxiliary layer having lower refractive index than that of the waveguide to make a constant total reflection condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joo-Hoon Lee, Sun-Tae Jung, Dong-Hoon Jang
  • Patent number: 8310339
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for triggering an operating device. In one embodiment, a triggering device includes a receiving unit configured to receive one or more wireless control signals. The receiving unit may include a switch and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to control the switch for activation of an operating device coupled to a signaling line based, at least in part, on the one or more wireless control signals. According to another embodiment, the triggering device may include a connector configured to electrically couple the receiving unit to the signaling line, the connector having one or more contacts and a housing configured to clasp the signaling line and couple the one or more contacts to the signaling line. Additionally, the signaling line may relate to existing wiring of the operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Gallen Ka Leung Tsui, Philip Y. W. Tsui
  • Patent number: 8222550
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Gerloff
  • Patent number: 8084699
    Abstract: A vehicle switch includes a switch unit formed of a wiring board and an operating unit placed over the wiring board, a housing accommodating the wiring board, and a supporting member elastically deformable and placed in the housing for supporting the wiring board. This structure prevents switch contacts and the wiring board from being damaged, even when a great load or shock is applied to the operating unit, so that the vehicle switch can be reliably operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Eto
  • Publication number: 20110036692
    Abstract: In an operation panel device for an elevator, a switch provided with a switch main body and an operation portion is mounted onto the back surface of a faceplate. A retaining mechanism for retaining the switch main body in a predetermined mounting position is provided between a side surface of the switch main body and the back surface of the faceplate. The retaining mechanism includes an elastic member. The elastic member allows the switch main body to be moved to the mounting position by elastic deformation. Further, when the switch main body is moved to the mounting position, the elastic member is restored to an original state thereof to prevent the switch main body from moving from the mounting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eiji Yuasa
  • Publication number: 20090266690
    Abstract: A pushbutton for a hearing device is provided. The pushbutton includes a probe guided into a housing shell and includes a locking element. The locking element produces a first snap-on connection between the housing shell and the probe when inserted into the probe. As a result, the pushbutton is fixedly connected to the housing shell, as a result of which the housing shell can be easily exchanged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Josef Ruppert
  • Patent number: 7597578
    Abstract: A mounting device includes a switchgear, which is mounted thereon and which can, via plug contacts, be brought into contact with mating plug contacts of the mounting device. At least one first retaining device(s) holds the switchgear in a defined stationary position in which the plug contacts do not come in contact with the mating plug contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Adunka, Berthold Heldmann
  • Patent number: 7569783
    Abstract: A low profile limit switch utilizes a bowed spring actuator for advancing a bridge contact into and out of contact with a pair of terminal contacts to close and open the switch. The bridge contact is mounted on a glide on an end of the spring and formed from an insulating material. The terminal contacts are spring loaded and maintained in spaced apart and staggered relationship so that only one of the terminal contacts remains in contact with the bridge contact when it is retracted by the bowed spring. A mounting clip including a mounting flange and spaced apart spring loaded arms extending generally perpendicular to the mounting flange is used to mount the switch to a surface proximate an edge without having to obtain any significant amount of vertical clearance above the switch for bolting it to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Burger & Brown Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Burger, Paul Horner