Dust, Dirt, Or Moisture Excluding Patents (Class 200/302.1)
  • Publication number: 20130220785
    Abstract: A switch device has an operating unit, a circuit board having a contact unit that is switched according to the operation of the operating unit, a case having the operating unit at an upper section thereof, an opening at a lower section thereof, and the circuit board inside thereof, and a cover that is fitted to the opening of the case to close the opening. A thin hinge and a flange continuous to the hinge are formed integrally with the case along a side wall at a lower end of the side wall of the case. The flange is folded and bent on the hinge, so that a clearance defined between the case and the cover is covered with the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Mori, Yuichi Fujii
  • Publication number: 20130206562
    Abstract: A keyboard with a water-draining function is provided. The keyboard includes a base, an upper cover, and a flexible plate. The base has at least one drainage hole. The upper cover has at least one upper cover opening corresponding to the at least one drainage hole. The flexible plate has at least one flexible plate opening corresponding to the at least one drainage hole. The flexible plate is arranged between the upper cover and the base. The flexible plate is contacted with the upper cover and the base, so that the at least one drainage hole is connected with the corresponding upper cover opening. The liquid splashed on the keyboard may flow through the upper cover opening, the flexible plate opening and the drainage hole, and then the liquid is exhausted out of the keyboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Wen Su, Chen-Wei Chan
  • Patent number: 8507815
    Abstract: Devices for the control and/or distribution of electric power having protective features against dust and other particles are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: BTICINO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Tiziano Aletti
  • Publication number: 20130199908
    Abstract: A removable case for a mobile device is provided, the mobile device having a front face and a side edge, and an input button located on the side edge. The case includes a main body defining a region in which the mobile device can be removably received, and an actuator on the main body having a user interface and a button interface, wherein the actuator translates an input force received on the user interface into a button activating force applied by the button interface in a different direction than the input force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
  • Patent number: 8500348
    Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys, and a keyframe into which the plurality of keys are assembled. Each of the keys includes: i) a plunger on which a character is printed, and ii) a keycap made of a transparent material. The keycap covers at least a portion of a top of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Dumont, Baptiste Merminod, Alain Tabasso, Jean-Marc Flueckiger, Patrick Monney, Nicolas Chauvin, Gerd Schneider
  • Publication number: 20130146430
    Abstract: A circuit breaker terminal lug cover is structured to mechanically secure to a circuit breaker terminal lug and protect the terminal lug from degradation or corrosion. The terminal lug includes a number of terminal lug screws capable of securing a number of cables to the circuit breaker. The terminal lug cover includes a plurality of sides structured to carry heat away from the terminal lug or deflect ionized gases away from the terminal lug. At least one of the sides includes a number of securing members structured to mechanically secure the terminal lug cover to the circuit breaker terminal lug. One of the sides includes an access hole permitting access to the number of terminal lug screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eaton Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130134019
    Abstract: Devices for the control and/or distribution of electric power having protective features against dust and other particles are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: BTICINO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Tiziano Aletti
  • Publication number: 20130118878
    Abstract: An input assembly for a human interface device such as a keyboard comprises a first membrane (20) and second membrane (22) each having an electrical circuit provided on a surface thereof. The first and second (20)(22) membranes are arranged such that the electrical circuits of each membrane are facing each other. Means (24) is provided for permitting selective electrical connection between the electrical circuits of the first and second membranes (20)(22). An electrical connector (42) is connected to the electrical circuit of one or both of the first or second membranes (20)(22) and comprises a connection portion configured for connection to a further electrical component. Sealing means is provided which is configured to seal the membrane assembly to a further surface to form a sealed unit which seals and encapsulates both the electrical circuits of the membrane assembly and the connection portion of the electrical connector (42).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Dale Purcocks
  • Publication number: 20130112535
    Abstract: An electrically conductive structure of a micro switch capable of letting users know about the reciprocal movement of a switch button, comprising a base, having an electrode module installed in a containing groove formed at the top of the base; an axis cylinder slidably installed in the containing groove; a conical sleeve made of a soft high temperature resisting material and disposed between the axis cylinder and the electrode module; a metal conductive bump formed at the top of the conical sleeve and driven by the axis cylinder to compress and release the conical sleeve to connect and disconnect the electrode module, and the axis cylinder moves reciprocally to produce a hand-pressing feeling, and the containing groove has as sheathe made of a soft high temperature resisting material to block external liquid from entering into the containing groove to improve the service life of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: CHING-HSIUNG CHU
  • Publication number: 20130112534
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch device (100) for use in hand-held power tools. The switch device (100) may include at least one chamber (102) whose interior serves as an accommodation space. The chamber (102) may partially encase an operational member (104) for actuating the hand-held power tool through the switch device (100). Further, the switch device (100) is provided with multiple holes (202) on side walls (204) of the chamber (102) to create a passageway for external particulate materials. Also, a bottom surface (205) of the chamber (102) may be sloped to extend from an interior of the chamber (102) to each of the multiple holes (202), to enhance the discharging of the external particulate materials through the holes (202).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: NITTEI MUSEN CO., LTD., HUSQVARNA ZENOAH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Harada, Kohki Kamagome, Kiyotsugu Arai
  • Patent number: 8426755
    Abstract: A technique of preventing permeation of liquid and dust to electronic parts within a housing of an input device for an in-vehicle device. An input device of an in-vehicle device comprises a housing that stores a substrate and an operating member that passes through the housing from a side of the substrate and is exposed to outside. A first drain hole is formed in the housing at a position corresponding to a gap between the housing and the operating member. The first drain hole is coupled with a drainpipe, which passes through the substrate to the back side of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin—ichi Nogami
  • Patent number: 8420966
    Abstract: An electronic control apparatus includes a housing, a lid, a fastener, and a controller. The lid covers the opening of the housing to form a closed space defined by the lid and the housing. The fastener fixes the lid to the housing. The controller is located in the space. An isolation member is provided with an outer surface of one of the lid and the bottom of the housing. The outer surface has a liquid drip area where liquid is expected to drip. The isolation member causes the liquid dripped on the liquid drip area to flow down the outer surface in such a manner that the liquid avoids the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinsuke Oota
  • Patent number: 8354605
    Abstract: A technique of preventing permeation of liquid and dust to electronic parts within a housing of an input device for an in-vehicle device. An input device of an in-vehicle device comprises a housing and a substrate stored in the housing. The housing comprises a button, a rod hole for guiding vertically a rod positioned under the button, taking the top of the button as an upper side, and the rod inserted in the rod hole. The substrate comprises an input element positioned under the rod. The rod is fitted with a covering member that covers the rod hole from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin—ichi Nogami
  • Patent number: 8350170
    Abstract: An electric hand control, especially for electrically adjustable hospital and care beds and comprising a housing (1) constructed as a single trough shaped shell with a bottom and side walls, and wherein a printed circuit (2) with switches is mounted and above the switches there is a plate with tongue like shaped keys, and finally there is a cover foil (6) with indication of the keys and secured to the upper edge of the sides of the shell. As the housing is a single shell for one thing manufacturing of two difficult parts is avoided, for another assembling of these are avoided in the assembling process, and finally an assembling with a risk of leak is avoided. By further equipping the printed circuit and the cable with a plug (12a) the assembly is made easier. In this connection it is expedient that the spout (10) is equipped with an oval through going hole, so that the plug at the end of the cable can be led through the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Verner Smidt, Bjarne Carstensen
  • Publication number: 20120312669
    Abstract: A flexible resilient member at least partially overlying an electrical switch, and attached to an external surface of the switch, comprises at least one signalling component operable on operation of the underlying switch. The member may be in the form of a membrane, for example, formed of an elastomeric material. The signalling component may emit wireless signals which may be received by a monitoring component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert J. Breeds, Maurice F. Gray, James S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120300445
    Abstract: An end cap for a light-emitting-diode (LED) light tube includes an end cap housing having an end surface, an electric circuit and a switch for closing the electric circuit or opening the electric circuit. The switch includes a switch body having a pivot axis. The switch body is configured to pivotally move, with respect to the pivot axis, between an on-position for closing the electric circuit and an off-position for opening the electric circuit. When the switch is in the off-position, an end part of the switch body protrudes from the end surface of the end cap housing, and when the switch is in the on-position, the switch body and is substantially flush with respect to the end surface. When the switch is in the off-position, an outer surface of the switch body inclines with respect to the end surface of the end cap housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Sidney Chun Kit Chu, Chew Tong Fatt
  • Patent number: 8274002
    Abstract: A modular keyboard includes an upper casing, a lower casing corresponding to the upper casing, an electric conduction element and a circuit board. The upper casing includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and a plurality of press keys disposed on the first side. The lower casing is set for sealing the second side, and an enclosure space is formed between the upper casing and the lower casing. The electric conduction element is installed on the second side in the enclosure space, and the circuit board is installed between the electric conduction element and the lower casing. With a supersonic welding technique, the upper casing and the lower casing are engaged with each other to seal the enclosure space and isolate the electric conduction element in the enclosure space and the circuit board from the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Askey Computer Corp.
    Inventors: Ching-Hui Chang, Ching-Feng Hsieh, Ko-Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 8274005
    Abstract: A keypad assembly is described herein in which the keypad assembly includes a substrate and a plurality of domes positioned on the substrate and configured to translate operator action into a corresponding input for a machine. The keypad assembly also includes a dome overlay positioned over the domes and the substrate in which the dome overlay can create a sealed environment for the substrate and the domes. A light guide that directs light in the keypad assembly and an interlocking component coupled to the light guide can also be part of the keypad assembly. In one arrangement, the interlocking component can selectively compress the dome overlay to assist in the creation of the sealed environment. In another arrangement, the interlocking component can compress the dome overlay by bending the dome overlay at an edge of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Chen Xu
  • Patent number: 8273159
    Abstract: A control device module for a motor vehicle includes a control device that has a closed housing in which a first internal pressure prevails, and at least one connecting device for coupling a connecting element of an electrical cable. A closed space is defined in the coupled state between the connecting device and the connecting element, in which closed space a second internal pressure prevails. The control device also includes a pressure compensating device for adapting the first and second internal pressures to an external pressure that acts on the control device module from outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Moser, Hartmut Wayand
  • Publication number: 20120228101
    Abstract: A switch device has a case, an operation knob disposed above the case, and a connector disposed under the case. The connector has connection terminals and a housing supporting the connection terminals, the housing being formed with an opening portion from which the connection terminals are led out. The case is provided with an impervious wall extending downward from the case so as to be opposed to both side surfaces of the housing parallel to a leading-out direction of the connection terminals. The impervious wall is arranged across a gap from each of the both side surfaces of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Koyama, Takuya Eguchi, Shinichi Togawa
  • Patent number: 8263885
    Abstract: A switch device has a slider that advances and retreats in a front-back direction, a push button that is integrally provided at a front end of the slider, a switch contact whose on and off states are switched according to an operation for pushing down the push button to cause the slider to retreat, a biasing member that biases the slider in an advancing direction in order to return the push button and the slider to a non-manipulated position, a case in which the switch contact, the biasing member, and the slider are assembled, the push button being disposed in an opening at a front end of the case, a front-portion constituent member that is attached to the case while disposed around the push button in the opening, and a coil that is wound around a bobbin formed in an outer circumference of the front-portion constituent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8258418
    Abstract: A dome overlay structure for a mobile device keyboard includes a plurality of dome switches, a circuit board disposed beneath the plurality of dome switches with each dome switch electrically coupled to the circuit board, a main overlay disposed over the plurality of dome switches, and a first adhesive dab centrally interposed between the dome switch and the main overlay with a second adhesive dab surrounding the first adhesive dab. Each dome switch has a central portion and a non-central portion. The first adhesive dab can bond the central portion of the dome switch to the main overlay. The second adhesive dab is configured to form a gap between the second adhesive dab and the non-central portion of the dome switch in an unactuated configuration and configured to contact the non-central portion of the dome switch in an actuated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Chao Chen
  • Publication number: 20120199454
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless switching device comprising: an actuating member (200) that can move along a main axis between an idle position and a working position, a spring (205) stressed by force by the actuating member in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis, a switching assembly (50) comprising a plunger arranged to be actuated by the actuating member (200) and a wireless transmitter module provided with an antenna (503) for sending a message to a receiver module in the event of an action on the plunger, the antenna (503) being arranged prominently on the switching assembly (50) in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis and the spring (205) of helical type being arranged coaxially to the antenna (503).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Alain GUILLOT, Dominique BENNI, Francis CHAUVET, Patrice THIZON
  • Patent number: 8237072
    Abstract: A pushbutton switch includes a pushbutton for changing a switching mode of a tact switch provided on a switch holder fixedly disposed within a casing. The pushbutton includes a push operation portion disposed in a through hole provided in the casing and a collar that protrudes outwardly from the push operation portion and faces an inner face of the casing at the peripheral edge of the through hole. The pushbutton is connected to the switch holder and resiliently urged toward the side on which the collar gets closer to the inner face of the casing. Projections projecting toward the inner face of the casing are projectingly provided integrally at a plurality of positions spaced in the peripheral direction on an opposing face, of the collar of the pushbutton, that is opposed to the inner face of the casing. This prevents a freezing problem in the operation of a pushbutton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventor: Yuji Kubota
  • Publication number: 20120193198
    Abstract: A switch device is provided for a wall element, such as a door, flap, or window, in particular for a vehicle, having a first housing part, which is positionable or positioned in or on the wall element, having a second housing part, which is particularly disc-shaped or plate-shaped, having a sealing apparatus, which is positionable or positioned at least between the first housing part and the second housing part and fixes the first housing part and the second housing part on one another so they are movable relative to one another, and having a switch element, which is positionable or positioned between the first housing part and the second housing part and can be actuated by a movement of the second housing part relative to the first housing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joachim-Günther LOITZ, Friedrich HEIN, Michael FUCHS, Christophe GEHANNIN
  • Patent number: 8213162
    Abstract: A protective cover mechanism for a port of electronic device, includes a latching element and a cover element. The latching element has a main body and a slit defined through the main body. The cover element has a cover body, a follower protruding from the cover body slidably extending into the slit of the main body, and a stopping portion protruding from a distal end of the follower preventing the follower and the main body from separating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Guo-Zhao Huang
  • Patent number: 8209868
    Abstract: A button assembly for displaying an illuminated symbol has a locking ring and a solid light guide positioned within and spaced apart from the locking ring. The light guide has a top surface for displaying an illuminated symbol and a bottom surface with a light receiving member having a refracting surface with a first lens member for receiving and directing light to the top surface of the light guide. A resilient sealing member interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The resilient sealing member is mounted on the locking ring and interconnects the locking ring and the light guide. The sealing member has an unsupported portion that facilitates movement of the light guide relative to the locking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Fred Schnak, Stefan Rehbein, Gerd Laschinski, Klaus Günther Amsel, Werner Hübscher, Herbert Lessiak
  • Patent number: 8199464
    Abstract: A cover mechanism is for an electronic device, and the cover mechanism includes a base member and a cover member. The base member defines a hole and a receiving groove. The cover member is received in the receiving groove. The cover member includes a connecting portion to allow the cover member to be elastically bent to cover the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Zhou-Quan Zuo, Hong Wu
  • Patent number: 8188395
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical switch for an electrical appliance, in particular for an electrical tool, such as a drill, a grinder, a saw, a plane, an angle grinder or the like, and having a housing. The switch has a contact system which is located in the housing, and electrical connections, which lead into the housing and/or are located in the housing, for electrical supply lines to the contact system. Furthermore, the switch may have an operating member for switching action on the contact system, with the contact system being operatively connected to the operating member by means of an elastic element. The electrical connections have seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventors: Alfons Steidle, Klaus Fiederer
  • Patent number: 8178803
    Abstract: An electronic device including a main body, a carrying layer disposed at the main body, a waterproof layer stacked on the carrying layer and located between the carrying layer and the main body, a supporting element disposed on the carrying layer, a key disposed on the supporting element, and a guiding element connected to the key is provided. The main body has an inner space and an opening exposing the inner space. The carrying layer covering the opening has a first ventilation hole and an assembly hole. The waterproof layer has a second ventilation hole. The first ventilation hole is exposed by the second ventilation hole and connected with the inner space. The assembly hole is covered by the waterproof layer. The supporting element covers the first ventilation hole and has a third ventilation hole connected with the first ventilation hole. The guiding element is locked at the assembly hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Chia-Yuan Chang, Cheng-Pang Wang, I-Huei Huang, Wen-Neng Liao
  • Patent number: 8168902
    Abstract: An electrical device includes a housing, a circuit unit disposed in the housing, a waterproof keypad disposed in the housing at a position above the circuit unit, and a press member. The waterproof keypad includes a rigid layer, a resilient pad body, a waterproofing ring, and a plurality of keys. The press member is connected to the housing and presses against the rigid layer. The waterproofing ring is connected to a bottom face of the resilient pad body, abuts against the housing, and surrounds the circuit unit. A portion of a top face of the resilient pad body is connected immovably to a bottom face of the rigid layer. Another portion of the top face of the resilient pad body is exposed from the rigid layer. The keys are connected to the exposed portion of the top face of the resilient pad body and are exposed from the rigid layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Lang Tang, Wen-Hsin Wang
  • Patent number: 8161776
    Abstract: A laundry treatment machine and a door switch thereof are provided. The door switch includes a switch housing unit, which is a predetermined distance apart from a cabinet. Thus, water flown along the cabinet may be able to be discharged through the space between the cabinet and the switch housing unit. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the infiltration of water into the switch housing unit and to improve the durability and the safety of the door switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 8160657
    Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device may include a housing having an opening therein and an inwardly extending housing ring adjacent the opening, and a switch carried by the housing and being aligned with the opening. The mobile wireless communications device may further include a backing member within the housing adjacent the opening, and an elastomeric switch membrane comprising a body covering the switch, and a flange coupled to the body and compressed between the backing member and the housing ring to define a seal therewith. The flange may include a flange base, and a pair of flange rings extending inwardly from the flange base and defining a valley therebetween aligned with the housing ring. In another embodiment, the flange may include a flange base and a first flange ring on a first surface thereof, and a pair of second flange rings on a second surface of the flange base and defining a valley therebetween aligned with the first flange ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Perriello, Daniel Rice, Raymond Chapman
  • Patent number: 8106320
    Abstract: Provided are a decorative sheet which is enhanced in durability of an edge portion of a soft feel layer thereof and which is unlikely to suffer breakage, a method of manufacturing such a decorative sheet, a decorative molded body, and a decorative key sheet. A compressed portion formed by crushing a foam layer in a thickness direction is provided at a side surface of an edge portion of a decorative sheet with a soft touch feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Polymatech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tedi Kunthady, Masami Arai
  • Patent number: 8089014
    Abstract: A waterproof push button switch does not need to be covered with a resin to a height at which a divided connected portion of a case for the switch is hidden by the resin in a height direction and the divided connected portion may be waterproofed. A gap (55, 57) is formed between a peripheral wall portion 7b of a base case 7 and a second cylindrical wall portion 9b of a cover case 9, and between an opposite surface 41 of the cover case 9 and a waterproofing seal member 11. The gap (55, 57) extends from an opening portion of the base case fitting chamber 37 to an annular watertight seal portion 51 to completely surround a periphery of the watertight seal portion 51. The thickness of the gap portion 55 is determined so that the resin entered into the gap portion 55 from an opening portion 37a of the base case fitting chamber 37 reaches the watertight seal portion 51 by surface tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hokuriku Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Maeda, Morio Tada
  • Patent number: 8081445
    Abstract: A drainage structure of the present invention includes a drainage groove, a drain, and a groove portion. Thus, even in the case where a user accidentally spills a liquid such as water on an upper face of a first housing, intrusion of the liquid into a disk drive can be prevented, and damage to the disk drive can be prevented. Moreover, the drain is connected to the groove portion. Thus, a liquid that drains from the drain can be collected in the groove portion. Accordingly, the liquid can be prevented from spreading over a wide area, and adhesion of the liquid to various types of electric components disposed in a back face of the first housing can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Nakatani, Shintaro Tanaka, Haruka Kaneko, Yoshiaki Nagamura
  • Patent number: 8058576
    Abstract: An electronic switch includes a housing having a base with opposite inner and outer sides, and a cover body having a main portion that cooperates with the inner side of the base to define a chamber, and an end portion cooperating with the outer side of the base to define a sealing space. A terminal has a connecting part extending through the base and the sealing space and adapted to be connected to the circuit board. A hollow portion projects outwardly from the outer side of the base into the sealing space, and confines an air-discharge hole communicating fluidly with the chamber. A first adhesive layer is disposed in the sealing space without covering the air-discharge hole. A sealing unit is attached to the base, and seals the air-discharge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
  • Patent number: 8049121
    Abstract: The invention relates to control unit for a domestic appliance, especially for a washing machine with a fascia panel (10) to which is assigned at least one control button (16), indicator (18) or similar arranged within a panel opening (12, 14), with a board 22 for mounting at least one electrical or electronic component (24, 26, 28) arranged at a distance behind the fascia panel (10), and with a sealing element (34) arranged between the fascia panel (10) and the board (22) by means of which the at least one electrical or electronic component (24, 26, 28) is to be protected against water or similar, whereby the sealing element (34) is attached to the fascia panel (10) of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Kleinlein, Lothar Knopp, Thomas Ludenia
  • Patent number: 8026455
    Abstract: A connector structure of waterproof and explosion-proof button is provided. A waterproof element completely covers the connecting part of the connecting element. By pressing a first button bar of the waterproof element, a second button bar is driven to depress the button therein. A companion part inside the connecting element is connected and fixed with an explosion-proof element. The connector structure thus achieves the waterproof and explosion-proof effects and has the button function at the same time. The structure solves the problem of having too many elements and too complicated assembly process for achieving the waterproof effect in the prior art. According to the structure, the assembly of the connector structure is simple and both waterproof and explosion-proof effects are simultaneously achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Moxa Inc.
    Inventor: Chih Hsiung Liu
  • Patent number: 8027156
    Abstract: A keyboard includes a keyboard unit and casing. The keyboard unit is rectangular and includes a first and second surface, the first surface including at least one key disposed thereon, the second surface including a protrusion portion that protrudes therefrom. The protrusion portion includes an engagement hole open toward a first direction that corresponds to a longitudinal direction of the rectangle. The casing includes a third surface on which the keyboard unit is mounted, the third surface including an insertion or through hole into which the protrusion portion is insertable, the casing including an engagement protrusion provided at a position opposed to the engagement hole of the protrusion portion that is inserted into the through hole, the engagement protrusion being engaged with the engagement hole of the inserted protrusion portion when the keyboard unit is moved in the first direction. A method of assembling the keyboard is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Kobayashi, Hideki Hanamura, Masanori Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20110198205
    Abstract: An electronic device including a main body, a carrying layer disposed at the main body, a waterproof layer stacked on the carrying layer and located between the carrying layer and the main body, a supporting element disposed on the carrying layer, a key disposed on the supporting element, and a guiding element connected to the key is provided. The main body has an inner space and an opening exposing the inner space. The carrying layer covering the opening has a first ventilation hole and an assembly hole. The waterproof layer has a second ventilation hole. The first ventilation hole is exposed by the second ventilation hole and connected with the inner space. The assembly hole is covered by the waterproof layer. The supporting element covers the first ventilation hole and has a third ventilation hole connected with the first ventilation hole. The guiding element is locked at the assembly hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Chia-Yuan Chang, Cheng-Pang Wang, I-Huei Huang, Wen-Neng Liao
  • Patent number: 7969331
    Abstract: A method for resetting a key decoder coupled to a plurality of capacitive keys to prevent processing of a key code generated by a ghosting condition. The method includes receiving a key code from a key decoder that corresponds to a first capacitive key of a capacitive keypad, detecting a ghosting condition for a second capacitive key that does not correspond to the detected key code, and resetting a key decoder in response to the ghosting condition being detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Doug Williams, Rick Helm, William Joseph Taylor, Robert M. Libbe
  • Patent number: 7952042
    Abstract: A seal apparatus is disposed between a switchgear cabinet and a circuit breaker between the racked and unracked positions of the circuit breaker. The seal apparatus sealingly extends between the switchgear cabinet and the circuit breaker to resist fluid flow, such as exhaust gases and other matter, between an interior region of the switchgear cabinet and the exterior of the switchgear cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jarrod Lyle Coomer, David Aaron Metcalf, Timothy Fair, Michael Howard Abrahamsen, Daniel Edward Hrncir, Stanley Ervin Moore, Amy Wilcox Rowell
  • Publication number: 20110108401
    Abstract: A key switch structure is provided whose waterproofing property is improved without affecting a contact of a membrane sheet. The upper surfaces of the membrane sheet, the embossed part and the circumferential bend part of a back plate are formed on one and the same plane, and a thermal sheet is welded to those upper surfaces. The thermal sheet comprises a thermally meltable, adhesive sheet, which will be heated and pressed with heat rollers to be welded to the upper surfaces. The back plate has an air vent hole formed in its bottom portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Shigeru Yamada, Yasushi Takagi
  • Patent number: 7938460
    Abstract: A latch release operating apparatus release a latch state of a door, for example, a vehicle door. The apparatus includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes a case having a hollow portion; a base plate arranged in the hollow portion, the base plate having an electrically conducting portion; a member made of electrically non-conducting material arranged at the electrically conducting portion of the base plate; and a cover for closing the hollow portion. At least one of the case and the cover is provided with a breathing hole so that an interior of the enclosure communicates with an exterior of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Ishiguro
  • Publication number: 20110079496
    Abstract: This is directed to a dome switch that may prevent liquid from coming into contact with circuit elements of the switch. A deformable dome may include a conductive inner surface region and may be placed over a conductive contact pad such that the dome may deform and the conductive elements may contact each other. At least one sheath may be positioned between the conductive region of the dome and the contact pad positioned below the dome for preventing liquid external to the one or more sheaths from contacting the conductive portions of the switch. In some embodiments, a first sheath may be coupled to the inner surface of the dome about the conductive inner surface region and a second sheath may be coupled to a mounting surface about the conductive contact pad, such that when a user deforms the dome, one of the sheaths may extend into the other sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gloria Lin, Bruno Germansderfer
  • Patent number: 7911768
    Abstract: A drawout system with an interface proving a lower ingress protection rating is provided. The system includes a flange mounted to a door. A sleeve is movably mounted to the door adjacent to the flange. As the circuit breaker is moved from a racked-in position to a test position to a racked-out position, the sleeve moves with the circuit breaker and avoids creating exposure to electrical components within the drawout. The drawout system allows the operator to operate the circuit breaker with the door open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tomasz Ignasiak, Adam Skrudlik
  • Publication number: 20110056813
    Abstract: A switch device for a power tool includes a switch case and a switch lever. The switch lever extends outwardly from within the switch case. The switch lever has a rotative portion rotatably supported by a support portion of the switch case. A waterproofing member is disposed between the rotative portion and the support portion and provides a waterproof seal therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi NISHIKIMI, Masahiro MAEGAWA, Akira TOMONAGA
  • Patent number: 7893372
    Abstract: Remote control for a mobile machine, in particular a heavy construction machine, agricultural or handling machine comprising a remote control body, a lever fixedly attached to a handle designed to be held by a user, means for connecting the lever to the body allowing a movement of the lever relative to the body on at least one axis, and means for detecting the relative movement of the lever relative to the body of the remote control, the signals originating from the detection means being designed for the control of a member of the mobile machine. The detection means are of the contactless type, and the remote control body comprises a sealed wall separating on the one hand the detection means that are situated on a first side of the sealed wall, and on the other hand, the lever and the means for connecting the lever to the body that are situated on a second side of the sealed wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth D.S.I.
    Inventors: Frédéric Malfois, Mathieu Marron
  • Publication number: 20110011710
    Abstract: An enclosure described herein satisfies the requirements of a NEMA 4X enclosure, and is capable of being used in food and beverage plants, and other washdown environments. The enclosure includes a housing and a removable cover coupled to the enclosure. The cover is flush with the housing, and both the housing and the cover have a smooth exterior finish. A sealing gasket having a thickness greater than the cover is positioned between the cover and the housing. The enclosure generally houses at least one switch therein. The cover includes a handle and switch mechanism that controls the switch(es) when the cover is coupled to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Rohit Sumerchand Dodal, Chadwick Garfield Smith