Panel Patents (Class 200/296)
  • Patent number: 11275451
    Abstract: A computer input device can include a housing, a set of key switch mechanisms positioned in the housing, and a removable key structure that is operable between a first configuration positioned in the housing and a second configuration detached from the housing. The removable key can have a position sensor, wherein in the first configuration, the removable key structure is operable to provide a key-based typing input, and, in the second configuration, the removable key structure is operable as a computer pointing device using the position sensor. The removable key structure can therefore allow comfortable, portable, and precise pointer input for a computer input system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Paul X. Wang
  • Patent number: 11276268
    Abstract: Push-button switches and components thereof, including push-button switch button covers, as well as methods of making the same and gaming machines having such push-button switches, are provided. The push-button switches are low profile and configured for aperture-free mounting, and the button covers are configured to convey information and have improved characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: AGS LLC
    Inventors: Rachel Calhoun Lewis, Mark Robert Brandau, Karl Frederick Zedell, Jr., Sigmund Hyunjai Lee, Ian Robert Scott, James Ely Tillery
  • Patent number: 11267084
    Abstract: A leaking oil dipstick adapter is repaired by removing a flanged nut from a threaded extension of the dipstick adapter. A gasket and preferably also gasket seal forming material are applied surrounding the threaded extension of the dipstick adapter and adjacent to an exterior side of the wall of the oil pan. A washer is applied adjacent to this gasket. A nut is threaded onto the threaded extension of the dipstick adapter and applies a compression force on the washer, compressing the gasket against the exterior surface of the wall of the oil pan. A tool is preferably used to retain the dipstick adapter and keep it from falling into an interior of the oil pan during the repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Mitchell S. Olsen
  • Patent number: 11164712
    Abstract: A fixing and unlocking mechanism for a plug-in type circuit breaker includes a housing (1) A button (2) is mounted in a button slot (101) of the housing (1). The fixing and unlocking mechanism is characterized in that the housing (1) is provided with a locking mechanism (3) therein, so that the plug-in type circuit breaker cannot be unplugged from a mounting cabinet, and the housing (1) is further provided with an unlocking mechanism (4) therein, which can unlock the locking mechanism (3) to make the plug-in type circuit breaker is unplugged from the mounting cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Shanghai Liangxin Electrical Co., LTD
    Inventors: Wanjun Pan, Yanqun Yang
  • Patent number: 11107648
    Abstract: A hardware product for creating a light ring and a dead front effect. The product may include a housing with an opening. The hardware product may also include a button positioned within the opening and configured to be depressed by a user. The button is constructed using a two-part molding process and includes a first shot and a second shot. The first shot is configured to disperse light around the perimeter shape of the opening. The second shot is constructed from an optically opaque or semi-opaque material. A single light-emitting component electrically coupled to the circuit board provides light for creating the light ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Scott Duncan, Chee Sen Poh, Jacqueline Laiz, Anurag Gupta, Shelomon Doblack, Alexander Wroblewski
  • Patent number: 11097615
    Abstract: A dashboard component assembly for a vehicle, including: a cover-panel; a main body and an auxiliary body, the auxiliary body being retained on the main body so as to be movable in at least one dimension relative to the main body prior to installation of the cover-panel, the cover-panel is configured to cover at least a portion of each of the main body and the auxiliary body; a primary datum included by one of the cover-panel or the main body; a primary datum retainer included by the other of the cover-panel or the main body, the primary datum is configured to engage at least one primary datum retainer to cause a predetermined alignment of the cover-panel with regard to the main body; a secondary datum included by one of the cover-panel or the auxiliary body; a secondary datum receiver comprised by the other of the cover-panel or the auxiliary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR EUROPE
    Inventors: Ozgur Tastekin, Benoit Herbin, Wim Smets, Daniel Jones
  • Patent number: 10892116
    Abstract: A durable and secured switch assembly includes an alternate action switch with a push button on one end and two primary cable terminals on the opposing end. The switch is secured in a housing with a lumen configured to securely retain the switch body. A first section of the lumen at the proximal end includes peripheral spacing for epoxy between the switch body and the inside wall of the housing. A second section of the lumen at the distal end includes a second peripheral spacing for epoxy between the switch body and the inside wall of the housing. The second section includes a peripheral notch for securing a cover that encloses the primary cable terminals in a cavity that is filled with epoxy. The housing includes a primary channel that connects a primary cable to the primary cable terminals and secondary channel for securing a secondary cable to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventors: David Ferrari, Karina Vera
  • Patent number: 10783739
    Abstract: A push-button for a game machine which is mounted on the game machine includes an operation key configured to accept a press, a side surface portion having translucency and provided in a direction vertical to a pressing direction of the operation key as viewed from the operation key, a light source configured to apply light in a direction parallel to the pressing direction, and a light guiding portion configured to guide light applied from the light source. The light guiding portion includes a first reflective structure configured to reflect at least a part of the light applied from the light source, and a second reflective structure configured to reflect at least a part of the light reflected by the first reflective structure toward the side surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Sumi, Takehiro Agata, Hiroyuki Onitsuka, Junya Fujita
  • Patent number: 10763064
    Abstract: An electric fuse box or junction box assembly has a high voltage electric line cutter assembly inside an electric fuse box or junction box. The assembly has a box housing for connecting a plurality of electrical lines or connections to a power source. The housing has a pair of mounting stanchions for affixing the high voltage electric line cutter assembly with an electric current carrying busbar having a pair of stub ends. Each stub end of the busbar for carrying electric current from the power source to the plurality of electrical lines is secured to one of the mounting stanchions. Each mounting stanchion has an attachment platform for attaching and supporting the stub end of the busbar and an underlying chamber below the attachment platform for receiving exhaust gases generated when the high voltage electric line cutter assembly is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alois Mauthofer, Martin Pieruch, Matthias Volkmann
  • Patent number: 10699858
    Abstract: The present invention provides a keyboard device, including a plurality of keys, thin film circuit boards, and key bottom plates. A connection component of the key is connected between a keycap of the key and a bottom plate connection portion of key bottom plate, and the bottom plate connection portion has a connection portion surface corresponding to the keycap and a raised portion formed on the connection portion surface. When the keycap moves downward relative to the thin film circuit board, a lower surface of the keycap knocks the raised portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng-Fan Chang, Che-An Li, Ding-Hsiang Pan, Chia-Feng Lee
  • Patent number: 10694628
    Abstract: A circuit holding device for a display module and a display device are disclosed. The circuit holding device includes an external circuit terminal component, wherein the external circuit terminal component is disposed external to the display module, and a circuit board is held in the external circuit terminal component, the circuit board and the display module are electrically connected to each other. The circuit holding device can accommodate multiple external circuits in one terminal component, thereby making the connection between the external circuits and the display module easy and convenient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian Xu, Xinyin Wu
  • Patent number: 10629394
    Abstract: A keyswitch assembly is provided. The keyswitch assembly includes a keyswitch module having a key cap, a light guiding member disposed above an outer surface of the key cap and a light source module disposed corresponding to the light guiding member. The light guiding member has a first surface adjacent to the key cap and a second surface facing away from the key cap and opposite the first surface. The light source module provides a light beam incident to the light guiding member. In the invention, the illumination effect of the keyswitch assembly is improved and the power consumption of the keyswitch assembly is reduced by way of disposing the light guiding member of the keyswitch assembly above the outer surface of the key cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignees: LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY (CHANG ZHOU) CO., LTD, LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiao Qiang Liang, Bing Wei Zhang, Chia-Shiun Wu, Xiang Zhao
  • Patent number: 10356936
    Abstract: A DIN rail electronics rack having opposed sidewalls with modified “top hat” DIN rails attached therein and equipment attachment rails coupled to and lockable to the DIN rails, which are modified to have a linear array of equally spaced-apart openings aligned on each side of each DIN rail. The DIN rail coupling has a proximal flat surface to abut the equipment rail base panel, and distal opposed clamp ends to engage and retain the “brim” of the “top hat”. A central distal plateau on the coupling includes two nut sockets shaped to prevent nuts from rotating while being threaded. The nut heads are configured to form three channels that align with any three adjacent DIN rail side openings. A three-toothed locking comb is inserted through the DIN rail side openings and three channels to lock the coupling to the DIN rail. A rack crown provides for lighting and fault services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Johnathan Ivey
  • Patent number: 10321970
    Abstract: A handle assembly comprised of a base and a detachable handle that mounts to the base. The base includes integrated electronics, such as switches. The detachable handle includes buttons for activating the switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Michael Hollopeter, Lance Clark Bellows
  • Patent number: 10163591
    Abstract: An operating device includes a casing, an operating button arranged at the casing for the manual actuation of the operating device, and a printed circuit board that is arranged in the casing. A switching element is mechanically coupled to the operating button and arranged on the printed circuit board. The switching element produces a pronounced sound when the operating button is actuated. To this end, next to the switching element, the printed circuit board is mechanically connected to the casing by at least one support element and each support element is designed to stabilize the printed circuit board against a tremor that is produced by the switching element when producing the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Michael Wachinger
  • Patent number: 10128066
    Abstract: A toggle switch includes a hollow base, a switch mechanism, a cover, a bushing extending from the cover, a toggle lever, and a one piece resilient sealing component. The sealing component includes a lever seal surrounding the toggle lever and covering the inner wall of the bushing for sealing a space between the toggle lever and the bushing. A cover seal forms a lower closed sealing ring compressed between the cover and the base for sealing the cover to the base. The one piece resilient sealing component also includes an upper closed sealing ring surrounding the bushing and extending on a portion of the upper surface of the cover for cooperating with a panel for mounting the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: C&K Components S.A.S.
    Inventors: William Agnatovech, Ken Zhao
  • Patent number: 10053473
    Abstract: A flame retardant filler having brominated silica particles, for example, imparts flame retardancy to manufactured articles such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), connectors, and other articles of manufacture that employ thermosetting plastics or thermoplastics. In this example, brominated silica particles serve both as a filler for rheology control (viscosity, flow, etc.) and a flame retardant. In an exemplary application, a PCB laminate stack-up includes conductive planes separated from each other by a dielectric material that includes a flame retardant filler comprised of brominated silica particles. In an exemplary method of synthesizing the brominated silica particles, a monomer having a brominated aromatic functional group is reacted with functionalized silica particles (e.g., isocyanate, vinyl, amine, or epoxy functionalized silica particles).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dylan J. Boday, Joseph Kuczynski, Robert E. Meyer, III
  • Patent number: 10032573
    Abstract: An operating or command element has a key plate having a substantially flat or slightly curved basic form and having a plurality of surface elevations, which are formed on the basic form and which can be tactilely sensed using a fingertip so that the position of the fingertip on the key plate can be sensed. Both in a horizontal and in a vertical installation position of the operating or command element, the key plate can be free of recesses in which liquids can accumulate. Other installation angles are also possible, for example in the case of installation in an inclined console housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Freyermuth, Deepak Sanan, Mathias Borneck
  • Patent number: 9954322
    Abstract: A connection terminal having a terminal housing for securing a terminal block arrangement having a plurality of terminal blocks in a wall opening of a housing wall, and a construction unit having two connection terminals and a terminal block arrangement that are formed of a plurality of adjacently arranged terminal blocks. The connection terminal enables the terminal blocks and/or the terminal block arrangement to be mounted and/or dismounted from one side in a wall opening of a housing wall by displaceably arranging a securing element in the terminal housing, the securing element having a terminal bevel that protrudes through an opening in the terminal housing, and by movably disposing the securing element with the aid of an actuation element into a terminal position in which the terminal bevel acts against an inner edge of the wall opening in the mounted state of the connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Gebhardt, Dennis Habirov, Christian Kloppenburg, Thorsten Schloo, Olaf Schyrocki, Dennis Sprenger, Marcel Willems
  • Patent number: 9887052
    Abstract: A light guide plate includes a light shielding plate body, a light guide plate body and a plurality of light source receiving spaces. The light shielding plate body includes a peripheral frame, a plurality of longitudinal and transverse partition strips provided in the peripheral frame, and a plurality of light guide regions cooperatively defined by the peripheral frame and the longitudinal and transverse partition strips. The light guide regions are configured to respectively align with the keys. The light guide plate body includes a plurality of light guide blocks embedded in the light guide regions, respectively. The light source receiving spaces correspond to the light guide blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sunrex Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Shih-Pin Lin, I-Ting Wang
  • Patent number: 9865575
    Abstract: Methods of forming conductive and insulating layers for semiconductor devices and packages. Substrate is provided with integrated circuit device and interconnect structure mounted thereon, the interconnect structure adjacent the integrated circuit device. The integrated circuit device and portions of the interconnect structure can be covered with an encapsulation exposing a portion of the interconnect structure. Conductive material is formed over the exposed portion of the interconnect structure by a depositing process followed by a heating process to alter the chemical properties of the conductive material. Optionally, a dispersing process may be incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: STATS ChipPAC Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: HeeJo Chi, HanGil Shin, KyungMoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9839426
    Abstract: A jaw restraint is provided to temporarily secure an anvil assembly relative to a cartridge assembly during shipping. The jaw restraint generally includes a body portion having an upper arm for releasably securing the anvil assembly and a lower arm for releasably securing the cartridge assembly. An inwardly projection is provided between the upper and lower arms. The anvil assembly is secured between the upper arm and the inwardly directed projection and the cartridge assembly is secured between the lower arm of the inwardly directed projection. One or more finger members extending proximally from the body portion may be provided to facilitate biasing the upper arm away from the lower arm to release the anvil and cartridge assemblies from the jaw restraint. The jaw restraint may be provided with structure for engagement with shipping packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Dino Kasvikis, Russell Estrella, David Farascioni, Gregory Pappas
  • Patent number: 9696084
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance having a cabinet defining a food storage chamber, a first door, a second door rotatably mounted to the outer surface of the first door, a light, a switch in operative communication with the light, and an actuator. The switch and actuator are configured to turn the light on when the first door is in the open position, to turn the light on when the second door is in the open position, and to turn the light off when both the first door and the second door are in the respective closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Phani Kumar Kalva, Bagawathkumar Chellappan, Satish Gundala
  • Patent number: 9629264
    Abstract: A display device housing and corresponding receiving bracket may provide a snap-in or screwless configuration to place a monitor into a wall bracket or self-standing display housing. In one example the apparatus includes a display housing that includes an electronic display affixed to a mounting bracket which rests along the perimeter of the electronic display and which comprises at least two spring loaded securing tabs, and a receiving bracket configured to house the display housing and the mounting bracket in a secure position with at least two receiving slots form-fitted to receive the at least two spring loaded securing tabs and provide a secure spring loaded locking position that maintains the display device housing and the mounting bracket in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AMX LLC
    Inventors: Phong Viet-Thanh Le, Douglas N. Laube
  • Patent number: 9490092
    Abstract: A circuit breaker includes a housing, wiring boards and terminals disposed within the housing, wherein the terminal comprises a screw, a press board and a wire trap provided with a incoming line hole and a wiring space; the screw passes through a threaded hole on the top end face of the wire trap to contact the press board which is able to lift up and down and is embedded in the wire trap; the wiring board traverses the wire trap, and divides the wiring space of the wire trap into two independent wiring spaces; a first line hole is provided on the housing at a position above the screw of the terminal; and the press board and the wire trap perform a relative displacement with the wiring board under the action of the screw, to compress the two independent wiring spaces so as to realize the connection between wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: NOARK ELECTRICS (SHANGHAI) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qian Lu, Pengbin Yan
  • Patent number: 9481311
    Abstract: An accessory mounting structure to a vehicle dashboard, the structure includes: a dashboard extending in a vehicle width direction at a front portion of a riding space and provided with an accessory location opening for locating an accessory; and an accessory mount panel detachably provided to the dashboard and closing the accessory location opening. The accessory mount panel has an accessory mount portion for mounting the accessory that is located through the accessory location opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideyoshi Kosuge, Chad Enger
  • Patent number: 9443670
    Abstract: A switch suitable for use in contaminated environments provides for internal support of the operator allowing an oversized opening in the housing of the switch through which the operator extends. In this way contamination on the outer surface of the operator may be accommodated without a jamming of the operator in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Osvatic, Jarod M. Sulik
  • Patent number: 9423414
    Abstract: A device and method measure an acceleration of a moving body. The device contains a solid body having a moving part and an internal cavity capable of allowing for a free movement of the moving part. The internal cavity has at least one wall forming a sloping track, the sloping track having a surface allowing for the free movement of the moving part on the sloping track between an initial position at rest and a distant position spaced from the initial position situated at an end of the internal cavity and reachable by the moving part during a variation in acceleration. The moving part moving from the initial position to the distant position in the internal cavity under an effect of the acceleration of the moving body. At least one detector is provide and is capable of detecting a presence of the moving part at the distant position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS S.A.S.
    Inventor: Yves Clarissou
  • Patent number: 9412532
    Abstract: A portable power source includes a main body and a power button. The main body includes a receiving portion. The receiving portion defines a receiving groove and includes a protrusion received in the receiving groove. The protrusion includes a contact switch. The power button includes a button body and a latching arm. The button body pushes the contact switch to turn on/off the portable power source, and the latching arm rebounds the button body away from the contact switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignees: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Chao Duan, Shing-Hua Chiang
  • Patent number: 9362068
    Abstract: A switching arrangement for detection of displacement of a movable member (80, 62, 86) of a household appliance comprises: (a) a switch (76, 84) having an control element (78, 116) which is movable between a first position in which the switch assumes a first switching condition and at least one second position in which the switch assumes a second switching condition; and (b) an actuation member (68, 82) adapted for connection to said movable member (80, 62, 86) and having a cam surface engaging said control element (78, 116).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Frank Huget, Christoph Blüml
  • Patent number: 9342098
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display body, an operation member with an operation portion and a mounting portion, a bracket, and a gripping member. The operation member is slidably mounted on the inside of the bracket. The bracket includes a bracket body and a receiving member with a resisting portion. The gripping member is movably received in the receiving member and includes a gripping body, a pressing portion, and two or mover gripping arms. The mounting portion is positioned between the gripping arms positioning the operation member within the bracket body allowing the operation portion to drive the mounting member and the gripping member to slide. The pressing portion resists the resisting portion so that the gripping arms may be spread to disengage from the mounting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Quan Liao, Te-Hsu Wang, Chih-Kang Cho, Zhan-Ao Yu
  • Patent number: 9324529
    Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes a first terminal, a second terminal, separable contacts moveable between a closed position and an open position, an operating mechanism configured to open said separable contacts, an electromagnetic element electrically connected between the first terminal and the second terminal and cooperating with said operating mechanism, and a diode electrically connected between the first terminal and the second terminal and in parallel with the electromagnetic element. When a current flowing through the circuit interrupter flows in a first direction from the first terminal toward the second terminal, the current flows through the diode. When the current flowing through the circuit interrupter flows in a second direction from the second terminal toward the first terminal, the current flows through the electromagnetic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Charles J. Luebke, Peter Theisen, Mark Allan Juds
  • Patent number: 9280175
    Abstract: A display device housing and corresponding receiving bracket may provide a snap-in or screwless configuration to place a monitor into a wall bracket or self-standing display housing. In one example the apparatus includes a display housing that includes an electronic display affixed to a mounting bracket which rests along the perimeter of the electronic display and which comprises at least two spring loaded securing tabs, and a receiving bracket configured to house the display housing and the mounting bracket in a secure position with at least two receiving slots form-fitted to receive the at least two spring loaded securing tabs and provide a secure spring loaded locking position that maintains the display device housing and the mounting bracket in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: AMX LLC
    Inventors: Phong Viet-Thanh Le, Douglas N. Laube
  • Patent number: 9179554
    Abstract: Example appliance displays having modular light guides and methods of assembling the same are disclosed. An example appliance display includes a printed circuit board having a side-fire light emitting diode attached to a surface of the printed circuit board, a frame having a plurality of heat stakes to operatively connect the printed circuit board to the frame, and a light guide inserted into an opening defined in the frame, wherein the light guide guides light emitted by the light emitting diode through the opening defined in the frame, and wherein the printed circuit board retains the light guide in the opening when the printed circuit board is heat staked to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Eric Joseph Schuh
  • Publication number: 20150077657
    Abstract: A curved touch device is provided in the present invention including a back cover and a touch panel corresponding to the back cover, where at least one edge portion of the touch panel is a curve surface jointing with the one edge of the back cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Chen-Yun Ma, Sheng-Wei Chen
  • Publication number: 20150043134
    Abstract: A set of circuit interrupters and electrical enclosures that are configured to permit an electrical enclosure having a current rating to have connected therewith a circuit interrupter having a current carrying rating no greater than the current rating. However, a current interrupter having a current carrying rating less than the current rating of the electrical enclosure potentially may be connected therewith. Such electrical interruption equipment employs threaded studs on bus bars that are of varying sizes and/or are separated by varying distances in order to resist an electrical enclosure having a current rating from being electrically connected with a circuit interrupter having a current carrying rating greater than the current rating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: JAMES GERARD MALONEY, TONY RAY BENSON, ERIC ALAN SAMUELSON
  • Publication number: 20140306505
    Abstract: A hand-switch arrangement (HSA) for an adjustable seating furniture (SF), in particular a recliner, the hand-switch arrangement (HSA) comprising an operating unit (OU) and a carrier module (CM). The carrier module (CM) comprises a body part (BP) with an opening (O) for accommodating the operating unit (OU). The carrier module (CM) is designed to be mechanically fixed to a rigid part (RP) of the adjustable seating furniture (SF). The operating unit (OU) comprises a control panel (CP) for controlling a drive unit (DU) of the adjustable seating furniture (SF). The operating unit (OU) further comprises a locking means (LM1) and the carrier module (CM) comprises a mating locking means (LM2) for engaging the locking means (LM1) of the operating unit (OU) when the operating unit (OU) is inserted into the opening (O) of the carrier module (CM), wherein a mounting depth of the operating unit (OU) is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: LOGICDATA Electronics & Software Entwicklungs GmbH
    Inventor: Walter KOCH
  • Patent number: 8829376
    Abstract: A control panel for fitness equipment has a board, a screen, a rotary knob switch and a wire. The board has an inner surface and an outer surface. The screen is securely mounted on the outer surface of the board. The rotary knob switch is rotatably mounted through the board beside the screen and has a held end and a wire end opposite to the held end. The wire has an end that is securely mounted at the wire end of the rotary knob switch. Accordingly, the rotary knob switch can be directly and conveniently turned at the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Paradigm Inc.
    Inventor: Tsao-Kuang Wei
  • Patent number: 8779311
    Abstract: An electrical appliance housing including a hard plastic housing body defining a switch-actuating aperture. The aperture is sealed with a soft plastic membrane. An actuating button is fastened to a hard plastic base that is bonded to the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Karl Herzog, Thomas Willi Fritsch
  • Patent number: 8674246
    Abstract: A control switch for a cooking range includes a mounting plate configured to be mounted in a control panel of the cooking range and a snap lock defined in the mounting plate. The snap lock includes a catch that orients the control switch in the control panel. The mounting plate also includes a keyed tab shaped to match the profile of the catch of the snap lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Chris Steffens
  • Patent number: 8624139
    Abstract: A key button mechanism includes a retaining board, a sliding board, a key button and a stopping member. The sliding board is slidably mounted to the retaining board. The sliding board is capable of sliding between a first configuration and a second configuration. The key button is fixed to the sliding board so the key button can be slid relative to the retaining board. The stopping member is located between the retaining board and the sliding board. The stopping member, which can be overcome with fingernail pressure, holds the sliding board in either the first configuration or the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Guo-Zhao Huang
  • Patent number: 8592702
    Abstract: A illuminant keyboard device includes a bottom frame having a plurality of latch parts, a plurality of keying units disposed on the bottom frame, a membrane switch interposed between the bottom frame and the keying units, a light guide plate interposed between the membrane switch and the bottom frame, a least a light source disposed on predetermined position of the light guide plate, a plate interposed between the membrane switch and the light guide plate and a light-shielding plate interposed between the membrane switch and the keying units. The light guide plate has a plurality of first holes and the plate has a plurality of second holes, the diameter of each of the first holes is larger than the diameter of each of the second holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Cheng Tsai
  • Patent number: 8558129
    Abstract: An apparatus including an electrical switching device to control current to a load and a second case arranged to substantially encapsulate the electrical switching device. The electrical switching device includes a first case; a plurality of contacts disposed in the first case; and an opening in the first case disposed to expose the contacts. The second case is arranged to duct a blast from the opening of the first case of the electrical switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Elliott, John B. Engel, Rhonda L. Wilson, Pieter Agnar Paulson
  • Patent number: 8546714
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a panel, a button assembly, and a circuit board. The panel defines an opening. The button assembly is mounted to the rear surface of the panel, and includes a button partially received in the opening of the panel, a base plate fixed to the rear side of the button, and a substantially U-shaped balance bar. The button includes a push portion and two protrusions rearwards extending through the base plate. An end of the balance bar is movably connected to the rear side of the base plate, and an opposite end of the balance bar is pivotably connected to the protrusions of the button. The circuit board is fixed behind the button assembly, and includes a switch aligning with the push portion of the button. When the button is pressed, the balance bar restricts the button to just move linearly to the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng Zhang, Guang-Yao Lee, Chien-Li Tsai, Jing-Mao Li, Jie Zhang
  • Patent number: 8541704
    Abstract: An electrical appliance housing including a hard plastic housing body defining a switch-actuating aperture. The aperture is sealed with a soft plastic membrane. An actuating button is fastened to a hard plastic base that is bonded to the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: Karl Herzog, Thomas Fritsch
  • Patent number: 8530742
    Abstract: A household appliance having at least one fascia panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one fascia panel may include an electronics housing structured to house electronic components for operating the household appliance, and a cosmetic panel structured to be at least one of mounted and joined with the electronics housing. The cosmetic panel may include one or more interfaces cooperating with the electronic components for operating the dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: David Hite, Michael Justis
  • Patent number: 8513553
    Abstract: A combination light and switch assembly for a panel of a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a circuit board having an LED contact and a latch contact. The latch contact is configured to electrically couple to a latch of the panel. A LED is joined to the LED contact. The LED is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the panel. An actuator assembly is moveable toward the circuit board so that the actuator assembly engages the latch contact to operate the latch of the panel when the latch contact is engaged by the actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Canada ULC
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Goto, Salvatore Alesio
  • Publication number: 20130199907
    Abstract: An operation switch where a switch unit can be separated from an operation unit in a simple manner even when the operation switches are densely fitted is disclosed herein. The operation switch of the invention includes an operation unit that is disposed on a front surface side of a panel and operated by external pressing force, a switch unit that can be separated from a rear surface side of the panel from the operation unit, a latching unit formed on an external circumferential surface of the operation unit along an axial center direction, a latching receiving unit which is formed along an external circumferential surface of the switch unit and to which the latching unit is latched, and a release lever that releases a latching state of the latching unit and the latching receiving unit so that the switch unit is separated from the operation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventor: OMRON CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8502098
    Abstract: An appliance control panel is described. The control panel is a laminate assembly of a front metal panel and a rear polymeric film. The film carries various electronic circuits and other components which are operable from the metal panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: American Trim, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Byrne, Bret E. Kline, Steven J. Couvillon, Frank J. Catanzarite
  • Patent number: 8437130
    Abstract: In a medium drive unit, a flexible portion of a frame body deflects toward a tray when pressed. Then, the tip of the protrusion disposed on the back surface of the frame body, which surface is directed toward the tray, pushes a button disposed on the front surface of the tray, thereby causing the tray to slide out from a housing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masahiko Hoshi, Sonomasa Kobayashi, Wataru Tanaka