Seal For Push Button Actuator Patents (Class 200/302.2)
  • Patent number: 8662701
    Abstract: An electrical light or flashlight may comprise: a housing for receiving a battery; an electrical light source in the housing; an electrical switch including an electrically conductive flexible dome providing a switch contact; a controller for selectively energizing and de-energizing the electrical light source, wherein said controller is programmable responsive to closures or openings or both of the electrical switch, or to a time therebetween, or to continuous closure or opening thereof, or to a combination thereof, for operating the light source in predetermined operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Sharrah, Peter J. Ziegenfuss, Mark W. Snyder
  • Patent number: 8658924
    Abstract: A seal structure for a switch mechanism includes a switch disposed in a housing, an operating member protruding forward from the housing through an opening formed in the housing and configured to turn on or off the switch, a rubber cover attached to the operating member from a front-side of the operating member and having a rear end engageable with the opening, and a fixing cover fixed to the operating member from outside the rubber cover so as to integrate the rubber cover with the operating member. In this seal structure, the rubber cover seals gap between the opening and the operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Kawakami
  • Patent number: 8637781
    Abstract: An improved water sealing side key system for use in electronic device 24, such as but not limited to a mobile phone, and which provides for the construction of the seal assembly 21 as a rigid frame 29 and an elastomeric sealing material that allows for both a compressive and circumferential (perimeter) seal 28 as well as the overall non-binding movement of a side key 20 within the seal and the ability to closely control the thickness, tolerance spacing and tactile feel of the side key 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Thomas D. Derengowski, John Delianides, Thomas E. Gitzinger
  • Patent number: 8624140
    Abstract: A key switch preferably used for a keyboard as an input device in electronic equipment. The key switch includes a base section; a key top disposed above the base section; a pair of link members interlocked to each other to support and direct the key top in a vertical direction relative to the base section; a switch member including a contact section capable of opening and closing in response to a vertical movement of the key top; and a biasing member capable of applying an elastic biasing force in a vertically upward direction to the key top. The key switch further includes a protection member disposed and inserted between the base section and the key top at a position where the protection member surrounds the pair of link members, the contact section and the biasing member. The protection member is elastically deformed to follow the vertical movement of the key top, and protects the pair of link members, the contact section and the biasing member from penetration of foreign matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishino, Junichi Maruyama, Shuji Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140001019
    Abstract: Disclosed are a touch panel and a method of manufacturing the same. The touch panel includes a gas generation layer; a sensing electrode pattern on the gas generation layer; a gas blocking layer between the gas generation layer and the sensing electrode pattern to block a gas generated from the gas generation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Keun Sik LEE
  • Publication number: 20130319836
    Abstract: A housing assembly includes a housing, a push button, and a sealing member. The housing includes a bottom plate and a sidewall protruding from the bottom plate. The sidewall defines an opening therethrough and includes a protruding tab protruding from an inner side thereof and extending around the opening. The push button includes a button body extending through the opening and a pushing portion protruding from an inner side of the button body. The sealing member is made of elastic material and includes a first surface and an opposite, second surface. The first surface defines a receiving groove, and the protruding tab is tightly fit in the receiving groove. When the push button is pressed, the pushing portion pushes the sealing member and the sealing member is elastically deformed, thereby preventing liquid from entering the housing through a gap between the push button and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY(ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: DE-JUN CHEN, FAN-ZHE DING, YAN-QING ZHENG, PEN-UEI LU
  • Publication number: 20130313087
    Abstract: A watertight button and an electronic device are disclosure. The watertight button includes a button cap, a push element, a deformable and recoverable element, and a waterproof ring. The waterproof ring is made of elastic material, a portion of the shaft body between the head and the flange is extended through the through hole of the deformable and recoverable element. The head of the push element is received in a recess of the button cap. The deformable and recoverable element is configured to be deformed to enable the push element to be depressed when an external force is applied on the button cap, and to move the push element back to an original position upon the external force being removed. The watertight button is simple and generates a good anti-dust and waterproof protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: FU-FA LE
  • Publication number: 20130292235
    Abstract: A manually operated switch assembly is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a housing, a switch mechanism, and an actuator assembly. The switch mechanism is housed within the housing and is configured to open or close a circuit upon actuation. The actuator assembly is shiftably supported by the housing and generally includes a depressible actuator and a stability element. The actuator presents an actuator length and serves to actuate the switch mechanism when depressed. The stability element is configured to ensure that the actuator moves substantially uniformly along the actuator length when the actuator is depressed such that actuation of the switch mechanism is facilitated regardless of where the actuator is depressed along the actuator length. The switch assembly may be waterproofed, and be formed, at least in part, by a curable liquid sealant supplied to the switch assembly from a single fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew R. Baum, James P. Meagher, Zhen Li, Charles V. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8575506
    Abstract: A push switch is provided with a button (10), a switch board (20), a switch (30) provided on the switch board (20), and a switch cover (40) disposed in the button (10) and covering the switch (30). A corner portion (44) between a side wall (43) and a upper wall (42) of the switch cover (40) is formed in a curved shape. A protruding pressing portion (13) of the button (10) is inserted into a through hole (41) provided on an upper wall (42) of the switch cover (40). A lower surface of the pressing portion (13) faces an operating portion (31) of the switch (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Tokyo Parts Industrial Co., Ltd., Alpha Corporation
    Inventors: Takahisa Kitahara, Toshiyuki Muto, Kenji Mizushima
  • Patent number: 8569639
    Abstract: A sealed dome switch assembly is provided to allow air to flow between the interior and the exterior of the dome switch during the collapse and recovery of the resilient dome shell. The sealed dome switch assembly comprises at least one vent leading between the interior space and the exterior space of the sealed dome switch, wherein the vent is covered by a membrane that is permeable to air and resilient to liquid (e.g. water) and small particles (e.g. dirt). A vent may also be used to network the interiors of a plurality of sealed dome switches to at least one exterior entranceway that is covered by the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Patrick Clement Strittmatter
  • Publication number: 20130277187
    Abstract: A button device with waterproof function is disclosed. The button device is mounted on an electronic device. The button device includes a push button and a sealing member, wherein the sealing member includes a fixed element and a trigger connected to the fixed element. The trigger includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The outer ring is placed around the inner ring, and a partitioned groove is formed between the inner ring and the outer ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Hou-Chun Huang, Chih-Feng Yeh
  • Patent number: 8558128
    Abstract: A switch device includes a body, an insulator which forms an outer casing with the body, a first engagement portion formed at a side portion of the body, a flange portion formed at an edge part of the side portion of the body, a second engagement portion formed on the insulator so as to be engaged with the first engagement portion, and a pressing portion which is formed on the insulator and is adapted to press the flange portion in a state that a plane part of the pressing portion is in line-contact with the edge part of the flange portion when the first engagement portion is engaged with the second engagement portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Toshihito Takai
  • Patent number: 8550181
    Abstract: An electric tool has a rib projecting from an inner peripheral surface of the electric tool, and a trigger switch. The trigger switch has a housing having a housing venthole, a contact mechanism disposed in the housing, and a trigger that, when depressed into the housing, drives the contact mechanism. The housing of the trigger switch is bonded to the rib. The rib has a rib venthole. The housing venthole is communicated with the rib venthole. The rib venthole is covered with a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki Baba, Yasushi Kamihashi
  • 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: 8541705
    Abstract: An electronic communications device such as a key fob is provided, and in some embodiments comprises a flexible film and a spacer layer defining at least one aperture. The flexible film can cover at least a portion of the spacer layer, and defines an exterior surface of the key fob. The flexible film includes at least one contact surface and a surface adjacent to the at least one contact surface. The at least one contact surface flexes when a force is applied in order to actuate at least one switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Strattec Security Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Dimig
  • Patent number: 8519286
    Abstract: A waterproof housing to contain and operate an electronic device with capacitive touch screen and electrically conductive outer case includes interfitting pieces configured to form a waterproof shell to removably receive and immobilize the electronic device. One or more electrical circuits extend within the shell between the outer case of the electronic device installed in the shell and one or more respective control regions of the screen. Manual actuators such as buttons are provided in openings through the shell to selectively manually complete each circuit from outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Pioneer & Co., lnc.
    Inventor: Nathan Bloch
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8507820
    Abstract: A mobile electronic device has a dome switch assembly secured to the housing of the device, over a recess formed in the housing of device. The dome switch assembly has a substrate with a vent hole communicating between the recess of the housing and the space comprised between the substrate and a dome actuation portion of the dome switch assembly. Upon actuation of the dome switch assembly, air present between the dome actuation portion and the substrate flows into the recess of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Vijai Rajagopal
  • Patent number: 8502099
    Abstract: A dome switch that may prevent liquid from coming into contact with circuit elements of the switch is disclosed. 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gloria Lin, Bruno Germansderfer
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8497440
    Abstract: A flexible button of a push switch includes a peripheral side wall having an opening at the bottom. A switch board is fitted in the opening of the peripheral side wall. A switch is provided on the switch board. A tubular case is fixed in place around the peripheral side wall. A stopper is disposed under the switch board, and latched on the inner face of the case. Filler fills the underside of the switch board, and fills at least an area that includes the entire peripheral length of the bottom periphery of the switch board and the bottom-end inner peripheral face of the peripheral side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Parts Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahisa Kitahara
  • Patent number: 8481877
    Abstract: A dust-proof machine tool which has a handgrip with an aperture to hold a driving switch movable up and down and a control bar hinged thereon to generate a pivotable stroke to press the driving switch. The handgrip is coupled with a dust-proof cover which has an opening to couple on the driving switch and a press portion formed on the perimeter of the opening to press the handgrip and seal the aperture. Thereby during operation of the machine tool, dust can be prevented from entering the machine tool through the driving switch and the aperture to maintain steady operation of the machine tool and enhance the lifespan thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: X' Pole Precision Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Bach Pangho Chen
  • Publication number: 20130161165
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing defining a hole and a button structure. The button structure includes a button cap passing through the hole and an elastic member. The elastic member includes a first connection part, a second connection part, and a body. The first connection part and the second connection part are connected via the body, the first connection part is connected to the housing, and the second connection part is connected to the button cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PING HAN
  • Patent number: 8445802
    Abstract: A button structure includes a pressing member and a housing. The pressing member has a plate portion and a pressing portion protruding from the plate portion, and the plate portion is elastic. The housing has an end wall defining a through hole. The pressing member is assembled in the housing, a portion of the plate portion is fixed on the end wall, and the pressing portion extends through the through hole. The plate portion pivots relative to the end wall by pressing the pressing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Ming-Chun Hsiung
  • Publication number: 20130118876
    Abstract: A sealed dome switch assembly is provided to allow air to flow between the interior and the exterior of the dome switch during the collapse and recovery of the resilient dome shell. The sealed dome switch assembly comprises at least one vent leading between the interior space and the exterior space of the sealed dome switch, wherein the vent is covered by a membrane that is permeable to air and resilient to liquid (e.g. water) and small particles (e.g. dirt). A vent may also be used to network the interiors of a plurality of sealed dome switches to at least one exterior entranceway that is covered by the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventor: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
  • 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: 20130105288
    Abstract: An improved water sealing side key system for use in electronic device 24, such as but not limited to a mobile phone, and which provides for the construction of the seal assembly 21 as a rigid frame 29 and an elastomeric sealing material that allows for both a compressive and circumferential (perimeter) seal 28 as well as the overall non-binding movement of a side key 20 within the seal and the ability to closely control the thickness, tolerance spacing and tactile feel of the side key 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Derengowski, John Delianides, Thomas E. Gitzinger
  • Patent number: 8431852
    Abstract: A key switch device and a keyboard, capable of preventing key-entry noise from rebounding and having a drip-proof effect so as to avoid a contact fault and/or insulation failure. The key switch device includes a switch panel; a key top positioned above the switch panel; a pair of link members positioned between the key top and the switch panel and adapted to interlock with the key top so that the key top may be moved in a vertical direction while maintaining a horizontal posture; and an annular elastic wall member positioned between the switch panel and a membrane sheet and configured to contact opposing surfaces of the switch panel and the membrane sheet, wherein the elastic wall member is arranged along a contour of the key top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Junichi Maruyama, Hiromi Otsuka, Kazuya Yoshimatsu
  • Publication number: 20130098740
    Abstract: An electronic device 28 with an effective water sealing button system 26 comprising a special compression gasket seal with compressive faces 30 and 32 and deformable annular seal portions 34 and 36 to dynamically seal a moveable side key 20 providing a button 22 against a housing 40 of the electronic device and accommodate non-binding sliding movement of the side key while controlling the spacing and tactile feel of the side key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC.
    Inventors: Ajit C. Cotha, Thomas E. Gitzinger
  • Publication number: 20130075240
    Abstract: A waterproof switch structure includes a circuit control device and a waterproof casing. The circuit control device includes a clip member, a power cord, a controller, and a circuit breaker. The waterproof casing is used to cover the controller and the circuit breaker. The waterproof casing includes an upper lid and a lower lid. The screw is screwed to the upper and lower posts to lock the upper and lower lids. The upper and lower notches of the upper and lower lids clip the power cord. The engaging grooves and the engaging ribs engage with each other. The engaging recess of the resilient cap engages with the engaging ring. The resilient cap is pressed to control operation of the press switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: I-SIN PENG
  • Publication number: 20130062171
    Abstract: A long-life cover is provided whose outer circumferential edge is not warped upward and not easily damaged even when an operation shaft is pushed down to a final position. Therefore, the cover is to cover the operation shaft protruding from a housing of an electric device and is operable in the axis direction. Particularly, the cover includes a tubular pressing portion to which a pressing force is applied by operating the operation shaft, and a tubular elastic deformation portion continuous to a lower edge of an outer circumference of the tubular pressing portion, the tubular elastic deformation portion being thinner than the tubular pressing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Minoru KOBAYASHI, Taiki KOYAMA
  • Patent number: 8378244
    Abstract: An exemplary portable electronic device includes a housing, a cover detachably mounted on the housing, a circuit board mounted inside the housing, a switch assembly electrically connected with the circuit board, and a key assembly secured with the cover and aligned with the switch assembly. The key assembly can be pressed by an external force to operate the switch assembly, and rebounds when released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Zhi-Qiang Xiao
  • Publication number: 20130037397
    Abstract: A water resistant switch assembly comprises a sealed compartment, and an electrical switch within the compartment. The sealed compartment includes a housing defining a cavity that maintains the electrical switch therein, the housing having an upper opening and a lower opening. The sealed compartment further includes an elastomeric member sealing said upper opening, and a moldable member sealing said lower opening, whereby the electrical switch is sealed from the ambient. The elastomeric member is sufficiently flexible for moving a switch button of the switch within said cavity when the elastomeric member is pressed from outside the switch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: JUDCO MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. Tittle
  • Publication number: 20130026340
    Abstract: A display device has a cabinet; a button provided on the cabinet; a switch being pushed by the button; a circuit board including the switch, and a button pad which comprises: (a) a button portion; (b) a peripheral portion which is in the surroundings of the button portion, and (c) a plurality of annular ribs provided on the button pad in a position corresponding to the periphery of the button, wherein, each of the rib is arranged so as to contact the inner surface of the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki KANAMORI, Masayoshi MUKAIDE
  • 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: 8344277
    Abstract: A waterproof housing to contain and operate an electronic device with capacitive touch screen and electrically conductive outer case includes interfitting pieces configured to removably receive and immobilize the electronic device. One or more buttons through the housing are aligned opposite control regions of the screen and exposed for user depression. Different conductive polymer members connect at least distal tips of the buttons with the outer case to provide electrical connection between the case and a control region of the touch screen with depression of the button overlying the region. Some members further provide sealing and spring functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Pioneer & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Bloch
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8294053
    Abstract: An electronic key includes a case having therein an internal space; a circuit board including a transmit portion for transmitting a radio wave, a control portion for outputting a control signal for instructing the transmit portion to send the radio wave and an internal switch for instructing the control portion to output the control signal; a waterproof cover for protecting the circuit board; an external switch configured to be bent when being pressed by a user; and a flexible sheet arranged between the waterproof cover and a surface of the circuit board on which the internal switch is arranged. The circuit board, the flexible sheet, the waterproof cover and the external switch are arranged in series in the internal space. The internal switch receives a press-force by the user from the external switch via the waterproof cover and the flexible sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tokio Shimura, Mitsuru Nakagawa
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120234657
    Abstract: Provided a trigger switch including a case having a switching mechanism inside thereof and opened on one side, a cover configured to be fitted inside an opening of the case to close the opening, and a trigger arranged outside of the case and configured to operate the switching mechanism by sliding operation via the plunger. An engaging depression is formed on an inner wall surface defining an opening edge portion of the case. A shoulder is formed on an outer peripheral end edge portion of the cover. An engaging projection is formed to project outward from a side surface of the shoulder to a small extent so as to be capable of engaging with the engaging depression corresponding thereto. A joint groove is formed by the inner wall surface of the opening edge portion of the case and the shoulder, and the joint groove is filled with an adhesive agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Junichi NISHIKIMI, Tatsuya Yoshizaki, Hiroyuki Hirose, Satoru Kowaki
  • Patent number: 8263886
    Abstract: A key mechanism for actuating a circuit board includes a housing whereon an opening is formed, a key button installed inside the opening of the housing, and a waterproof structure installed between the key button and the circuit board for preventing fluid from leaking into the circuit board via an interface of the housing and the key button. A space is formed between the waterproof structure and the key button for containing the fluid leaking from the interface of the housing and the key button. The space is lower than the interface of the housing and the key button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Yung-Feng Lin, Mei-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 8247720
    Abstract: A sealed pushbutton switch includes an insulative housing defining a cavity, an actuator moveably retained in the insulative housing, a base conglutinated to the insulative housing by glue, a number of fixed contacts assembled to the base, a spring mounted below the actuator, and a moveable contact mounted on the actuator and provided with a number of contact portions in contact with corresponding fixed contacts. The moveable contact is moveable with the actuator from a first position to a second position relative to the insulative housing along a top-to-bottom direction to disengage the fixed contacts. The base defines a first slot formed along an edge of a inner face of said base and a second slot formed on a position of the inner face except the edge, the second slot have a connection with the first slot so as to retain glue therein when said base and said housing are fastened together by said glue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xin-Yun Peng
  • Patent number: 8243442
    Abstract: An integrated switch assembly is described, the integrated switch assembly including at least an actuator and a flexible membrane mechanically coupled to the actuator, the flexible membrane formed of a resilient, electrically conductive material. In the described embodiment, the flexible membrane is held at a first electrical potential. The integrated switch assembly also includes at least an electrical contact at a second electrical potential connected to an electrical circuit. The integrated switch assembly is engaged when the actuator applies a mechanical force to the flexible membrane causing the flexible membrane to deflect to a point of contact with the electrical contact causing the electrical potential of the electrical contact to change from the second potential to the first potential. The electrical circuit detects the change in potential of the electrical contact as a signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip M. Hobson, Stephen Brian Lynch
  • 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: 20120193199
    Abstract: A dust-proof switch for a machine tool which has a handgrip with an aperture to hold a driving switch movable up and down and a control bar hinged thereon to generate a pivotable stroke to press the driving switch. The handgrip is coupled with a dust-proof cover which has an opening to couple on the driving switch and a press portion formed on the perimeter of the opening to press the handgrip and seal the aperture. Thereby during operation of the machine tool, dust can be prevented from entering the machine tool through the driving switch and the aperture to maintain steady operation of the machine tool and enhance the lifespan thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Bach Pangho CHEN
  • Patent number: 8232493
    Abstract: An operating device is provided having a supporting member, a button, an elastic member, and a bearing member. The supporting member has an opening which passes through the thickness direction of the supporting member. The button has a shaft and an engaging portion. The shaft is arranged such that the axial direction of the shaft is parallel to the thickness direction of the supporting member. The engaging portion projects parallel to the axial direction of the shaft. The elastic member is set onto the supporting member so as to cover the opening, and has a projecting portion which engages the end of the shaft. The bearing member is provided between the supporting member and the elastic member, which is provided around the opening and is located nearer to the shaft than the engaging portion in the direction orthogonal to the projecting direction of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Ichikawa, Akiko Ogata
  • Publication number: 20120168291
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a circuit breaker arrangement for medium voltage to high voltage applications. The circuit breaker includes at least one pole part housing for accommodating a vacuum insert, within which a pair of corresponding electrical contacts is coaxially arranged. A fixed electrical contact is electrically connected to an upper terminal of the pole part housing and an axial movable electrical contact is electrically connected to a lower terminal of the pole part housing and is operated by an insulating pushrod. The insulating pushrod extends through a shielding plate arranged on a lower opening of the pole part housing. The shielding plate includes a rigid moulded plastic insulating material. At least one sealing ring has an elastic material moulded on the periphery of the shielding plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Christian REUBER, Dietmar Gentsch
  • 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: 8158899
    Abstract: A waterproof operating device has a pressure resistant housing including a support surface with one or more openings therethrough; a cover plate having corresponding openings therethrough; an elastic member having opposing major surfaces facing the support and cover plates with a protrusion extending from one major surface through an opening in the support surface. A button shaft extends through each pair of aligned openings into the protrusion. Each opposing major surface of the elastic member is maintained in direct continuous contact with the cover and support plates from the openings in the support and cover plates outward to beyond an area covered by the head portion of the button. The protrusion is dimensional for the selected elastic material and button dimensions to resist elongation from water pressure at greater than sixty meter depths, sufficient to actuate a switch element proximal to the distal end of the protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pioneer & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan D. Bloch
  • 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