Rocker Or Toggle Patents (Class 200/315)
  • Patent number: 11437208
    Abstract: An electrical switch with identifying features. Embodiments include a toggle assembly for an electrical switch that comprises a switch body including a contact mechanism configured to control an electrical circuit. A movement of the toggle assembly from a first position to a second position is mechanically communicated to the contact mechanism. The toggle assembly can also include a user-operable actuator portion elongated between the switch engagement portion and a front end of the toggle assembly enabling a user to pivot the toggle assembly from the first position to the second position. Embodiments include an interchangeable tile removably coupleable to the toggle. The interchangeable tile can comprise an identifier. Embodiments include an illuminating element and a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Melissa Zuniga
  • Patent number: 11280462
    Abstract: A safety device cabinet includes an equipment cabinet, a safety switch having an integrated light, a switch logic circuit and a battery back-up. The safety device cabinet includes an equipment cabinet and an access door. The access door includes a window and an edge light emitting device. The window is etched with a message containing a description of the equipment stored in the equipment cabinet. The safety switch with an integrated light includes a push momentary switch, a light bezel and a bezel light source. An inner perimeter of the outer shell is sized to receive a push button of the push momentary switch. The light bezel preferably includes an opening to receive a light emitting portion of the light source. The switch logic circuit preferably includes a AC to DC converter, a microprocessor, a software program and a monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventors: Steve Wriggle, Dorothy J. Wriggle
  • Patent number: 11172825
    Abstract: A handheld, multipurpose medical diagnostic instrument capable of examining a patient's ears and eyes, detecting the patient's body temperature, capturing the patient's photograph for a patient profile and capturing the target of interest, and transmitting the collected data to an external device. The obtained images, video, and/or data may be displayed on at least one display screen for viewing in real time or for later viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Stephen T. Ayanruoh
  • Patent number: 11066091
    Abstract: An operating apparatus for operating at least one electrical appliance in a motor vehicle may include an operating element, a rocker that may actuate a switching element using a rocker movement initiated by an actuation of the operating element, at least one connector between the operating element and the rocker, the at least one connector being a vertical pin connector, and a circuit board which may include a first side and a second side. The first side may include a switching element that switches when the operating element is actuated. The circuit board may be arranged between the operating element and the switching element so that the first side faces away from the operating element and the second side, lying opposite the first side, faces the operating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Onofrio Intini, Norbert Vajda, Jozsef Gelencser
  • Patent number: 10973544
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a loading unit to a handle assembly is provided. The adapter assembly includes a sleeve, a trocar assembly releasably securable with the sleeve, and a retaining mechanism configured to releasably secure the trocar assembly within the sleeve and to facilitate cleaning and sterilizing of the adapter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Justin Williams, Anthony Sgroi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10930449
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric switch for electric appliances. The electric switch include a switch housing, an actuating element, and a plug socket. The actuating element is configured to switch a contact system accommodated in the switch housing by movement between a switch-off position and a switch-on position. The plug socket is non-detachably connected to the switch housing. Electrical connections of the contact system are held in the plug socket such that ends of the electrical connections are in predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson Electric International AG
    Inventors: Alexander Kunz, Markus Kemski
  • Patent number: 10807522
    Abstract: Provided is a soft upper trim of a vehicle door, in which an upper substrate, a foam, and a transparent skin are laminated, and particularly, to a soft upper trim for switch assembly of a vehicle door, in which a switch, which is configured to preserve continuity of a transparent skin and display lock and unlock symbols on the transparent skin, is easily assembled to an upper substrate, and a method of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignees: SEOYON E-HWA CO., LTD., SEOYON AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ji Hyun Cho, Dong Suk Kim, Jong Kyu Kim, Sung Won Lee
  • Patent number: 10714858
    Abstract: A connector includes a casing configured to include a first contactor, a slider capable of insertion into the casing and configured to include a second contactor, an elastic body provided in the casing, the elastic body causing the slider to protrude from the casing, and a movable spherical body rotatably provided at a tip of the slider, wherein, when the slider is inserted into the casing, the first contactor comes in contact with the second contactor and the slider is moved in an intersecting direction that intersects an insertion direction of the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Koki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10285690
    Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a housing, an elongate shaft, and a switch assembly. The switch assembly is partially disposed within the housing and includes a finger switch, and a biasing assembly engaged to the finger switch. The finger switch is pivotably coupled to the housing between an inactivated position and an activated position. The finger switch has a distal portion, and a proximal portion having a magnet configured to activate a sensor of the handle assembly upon movement of the finger switch to the activated position. The biasing assembly biases the finger switch toward the inactivated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: David Nicholas
  • Patent number: 10276332
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a load control device with a light indicator is disclosed. The load control device may include an actuator assembly and a light source. The actuator assembly may include a frame, a light pipe, and an actuator having two surfaces. The light pipe may be arranged within the actuator and include first and second legs. The first leg may extend towards the first surface, and the second leg may extend towards the second surface. When the actuator is in a first position, the light source may be optically aligned with one of the first and second legs; and, when the actuator is in a second position, the light source may be optically aligned with the other of the first and second legs. When the light source is illuminated, the light pipe may direct the light towards the respective surface of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Jansen, Alfred Lombardi, Adam Kevelos
  • Patent number: 10217575
    Abstract: A switch device includes a base part which includes a switch element, an operating member, a force transmission member which transmits a force between the switch element and the operating member, a light source, and a reflective surface. The operating member includes an operating outer surface, an operating inner surface, and a transmitting member. The transmitting member has a transmitting inner surface. At least a portion of the force transmission member is disposed along a pressing direction between the transmitting inner surface and the switch element. The reflective surface is disposed at a position where it reflects at least a part of the light from the light source to at least a portion of the transmitting inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiromi Motoi
  • Patent number: 10002731
    Abstract: A rocker input mechanism includes an actuator that is operable to pivot against the interior surface of a housing through which an actuation surface of the actuator projects. Pivots or up-stops on the edges of the actuator are biased against the interior surface by dome switches contacting a switching surface of the actuator that is opposite the actuation surface. Thus, the actuator is able to pivot with respect to the interior surface to activate the dome switches when force is exerted on the actuation surface without bending or flexing like typical rocker buttons. As a result, the rocker input mechanism may have a feel to a user similar to non-rocking input mechanisms like single mode buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Ryan P. Brooks, Waylon Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 9988069
    Abstract: A steering column module includes a tubular jacket rotatably supporting a steering shaft, a switch module having a carrier including contact pressure surfaces, and a device for fastening the switch module to the tubular jacket. The device includes a clamp assembly between the tubular jacket and the switch module for exerting a clamping force on the tubular jacket. The clamp includes two half clamps each having two outwardly bent end flanges. The end flanges are axially movably accommodated in the carrier such that when the switch module is axially moved onto the tubular jacket the end flanges come into contact with axial end stops of the tubular jacket and the contact pressure surfaces of the carrier. The contact pressure surfaces exert forces on the end flanges as the switch module is axially moved onto the tubular jacket thus fastening the switch module to the tubular jacket with a clamping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Maik Frenzel, Klaus Hirschfeld, Michael Langs, Martin Deitmerg
  • Patent number: 9793074
    Abstract: A multi-directional operation switch that can be miniaturized is provided. The multi-directional operation switch includes an operation rod that is rotatable about an operation rod axis, and is also tiltable. The operation rod has an inner end portion inserted in a hole in a circuit substrate, and a slider, which operates in conjunction with an operation of the operation rod, is provided on the inner end portion. The slider has a movable contact. The circuit substrate has a plurality of fixed contacts that are brought into contact with, and are electrically connected to, the movable contact when the slider rotates or slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 9768713
    Abstract: An electric tool includes a brushless motor and an output part, which is driven by the brushless motor and to which a tip tool is mounted, and a tumbler switch. The tumbler switch applies, to the control unit, a stop signal for stopping the brushless motor at a neutral position, a forward rotation signal for forward rotating the brushless motor by an operation in a first direction, and a reverse rotation signal for reversely rotating the brushless motor by an operation in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI KOKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Koizumi, Naoki Tadokoro, Kazutaka Iwata, Eiji Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9373463
    Abstract: This is directed to systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly. The button assembly may include a center region, a first end region that may extend from a first side of the center region, and a second end region that may extend from a second side of the center region. Each one of the first end region and the second end region may include a first flexibility, and the center region may include a second flexibility that may be less than the first flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Colin M. Ely, Fletcher R. Rothkopf, Stephen Brian Lynch, Christopher Matthew Werner
  • Patent number: 9175815
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device, such as a GFCI duplex receptacle, includes a light source for lighting a selected area and a photo sensor to detect ambient light conditions and to actuate a light source when the ambient light conditions are below a predetermined level. The light source is preferably at least two LEDs having an associated light conducting member functioning as a light pipe that extends between the respective LED and the front face of the electrical wiring device. Each light conducting member has an inclined face extending through an opening in the cover of the wiring device to project a light beam at an inclined angle with respect to the front face of the wiring device. The light conducting members are independently rotatably mounted in the wiring device so that the user can manually rotated the light conducting member to direct the light beam to a selected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Kenny Padro
  • Patent number: 9082569
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system may include an electrical device, an actuator for the electrical device, and an interchangeable frame configured to be removeably attached to the electrical device and to hold the actuator. The frame may be adapted to pivotally engage the electrical device. In another embodiment, an electrical device may have an interface adapted to enable a frame to be attached to and removed from the electrical device, an opening in the electrical device, a subactuator arranged to actuate a switch in the electrical device through the opening, and to engage an actuator on the frame when the frame is attached to the electrical device, and a first rim disposed about the opening. The subactuator may include a second rim arranged to overlap the first rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: R. David Alderson, Michael D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20150144470
    Abstract: A switch assembly includes a base plate and a switch element. The base plate includes a protrusion, a first light emitting diode, a second light emitting diode, a first switch contact, and a second switch contact. The first light emitting diode and the first switch contact are positioned on a first side of the protrusion, and the second light emitting diode and the second switch contact are positioned on a second side of the protrusion. The switch element is movably mounted on the protrusion and contactable with the first switch contact and the second switch contact. The switch element includes a light guiding portion with a first light incident surface positioned above the first light emitting diode, a second light incident surface positioned above the second light emitting diode, and a light emitting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: SHAO-HAN CHANG
  • Patent number: 9029720
    Abstract: An electrical switch includes a housing and at least two electrical terminals. A pivoting toggle is provided within the housing for controlling the electrical connection between the two terminals. A light source is mounted to the housing in a fixed position and a length of optically conductive material extends from within the toggle to adjacent the light source, such that, when the light source is on, light is visible through the toggle via the optically conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas Strothmann
  • Patent number: 8822859
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes an electrical device, a frame adapted to be attached to and removed from the electrical device without removing the electrical device from an installed position, a rocker pivotally attached to the frame, a switch disposed within the electrical device, and a subrocker arranged to enable the rocker to actuate the switch. In another embodiment, an interchange kit includes a frame adapted to be attached to and removed from an electrical device without removing the electrical device from an installed position, and a rocker pivotally attached to the frame. The rocker may be adapted to engage a subrocker on the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry R. Hoffman, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8810438
    Abstract: A membrane circuit board and a keyboard device having the same are provided in the invention. The membrane circuit board is defined with a plurality of key regions. Each of the key regions is with a pressing region and at least one light-pervious region thereon. The membrane circuit board comprising at least two light-pervious membranes stacked with each other, and at least one light-pervious adhesive layer sandwiched between the two light-pervious membranes and at least fully filled in the light-pervious region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Cheng Tsai, Cheng-Hui Shen
  • Patent number: 8729415
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power switch, which includes a housing, a key pivotally connected to the housing, a first conductive plate having one end in the housing, a thermally actuated metal plate having one end fixed to the first conductive plate and a free end extending within the housing, a C-shaped spring having two ends engaged with the thermally actuated metal plate, a second conductive plate having one end in the housing, an insulating seat accommodated in the housing, a light-emitting unit located in the key and having two electrodes connected to the insulating seat, and a third conductive plate having one end in the housing. Thus, the light-emitting unit can be easily installed in the housing along with the insulating seat, and the electrodes can directly connect with the second and third conductive plates respectively, so as to make the power switch suitable for automated production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Tsan-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 8674221
    Abstract: A switch structure includes a cover plate unit having a holding case and a transparent cover movably connected to the holding case with a patterned section sandwiched between them; at least one switch coupled with the cover plate unit and having a switching key; a light emitting unit arranged in the holding case and electrically connected to the switch; and at least one press section including a push plate movably coupled with the cover plate unit and the switching key with a front side protruded from the cover plate unit, a transparent cover movably connected to the push plate, and a label located between the push plate and the transparent cover. The patterned section provides esthetic visual effect; the label indicates a position of which the lighting is controlled by the switch; and the light emitting unit works cooperatively with the switch to serve as an auxiliary light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Hsiu-Ling Yang
  • Patent number: 8674247
    Abstract: A switch panel with an indicator is disclosed. The switch panel has a transparent region. There is a light source disposed in the switch panel for emitting light when turning off a switch body. A shape of the transparent region is projected onto the wall for forming a large area of indicating pattern, and this can replace a night light. The drawback of a luminous region in prior art which is limited to be on the switch body or on the switch panel is solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hung-jung Lin, Shao-lun Chao, En-chuan Tsui, Wen-chih Chang, Rung-huei Liang
  • Patent number: 8525056
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a switch for use in an electronic device. As the user actuates the switch, different labels may be visible to indicate to the user the current state of the switch. To allow the switch to be positioned adjacent to an edge of the device, the switch may include only a single label that moves with the switch. For example, the switch may include a label positioned adjacent to a nub that the user may operate. The label may be sized such that only the label is visible when the switch is in a first position. The electronic device may also include a second label that is fixed to a non-moving portion of the electronic device. When the user moves the switch, the switch may move away from and uncover the second label while hiding the label that is included in the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Emery Sanford
  • Patent number: 8517549
    Abstract: A light keyboard includes a base, a plurality of keyswitches and a backlight module. The keyswitches are disposed on the base. The backlight module includes a light shielding plate, a light guiding plate and a reflecting plate. The light shielding plate is disposed under the base. The light guiding plate is disposed under the light shielding plate. The reflecting plate is disposed under the light guiding plate. The light shielding plate, the light guiding plate and the reflecting plate are stacked with each other so as to form a middle area of the backlight module. An edge of one of the light shielding plate and the reflecting plate is folded and stacked with the other one of the light shielding plate and the reflecting plate so as to form an edge area of the backlight module. The middle area and the edge area are at equal height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Liang-Yu Yao, Hsuan-Wei Ho
  • Publication number: 20130140160
    Abstract: An electrical switch includes a housing and at least two electrical terminals. A pivoting toggle is provided within the housing for controlling the electrical connection between the two terminals. A light source is mounted to the housing in a fixed position and a length of optically conductive material extends from within the toggle to adjacent the light source, such that, when the light source is on, light is visible through the toggle via the optically conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Strothmann
  • Patent number: 8367955
    Abstract: An electrical switch includes a housing and at least two electrical terminals. A pivoting toggle is provided within the housing for controlling the electrical connection between the two terminals. A light source is mounted to the housing in a fixed position and a length of optically conductive material extends from within the toggle to adjacent the light source, such that, when the light source is on, light is visible through the toggle via the optically conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Strothmann
  • Patent number: 8247721
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a switch for use in an electronic device. As the user actuates the switch, different labels may be visible to indicate to the user the current state of the switch. To allow the switch to be positioned adjacent to an edge of the device, the switch may include only a single label that moves with the switch. For example, the switch may include a label positioned adjacent to a nub that the user may operate. The label may be sized such that only the label is visible when the switch is in a first position. The electronic device may also include a second label that is fixed to a non-moving portion of the electronic device. When the user moves the switch, the switch may move away from and uncover the second label while hiding the label that is included in the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Emery Sanford
  • Patent number: 8232492
    Abstract: A keypanel assembly includes a light-emitting diode (LED) attached to a substrate. A switch is attached to the substrate. A control button is configured to actuate the switch. The control button permits light from the LED to pass through the control button to an outer surface of the control button to illuminate control symbology disposed thereon. An isolating structure ensures light emitted by the LED only illuminates the control symbology on the control button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua V. Davis, William G. Perreault, Steven W. Kramer
  • Patent number: 8148656
    Abstract: A push-button assembly has a button retainer having a first side wall connected to a second side wall, with an included angle between the first and second side wall being in the range of about 100 degrees to about 170 degrees. Additional side walls connect the second side wall back to the first side wall, forming a hollow portion within the button retainer. The button retainer can be mated within the channel of a corresponding bezel structure. The bezel structure can be tuned to fit the button retainer along a single axis of the bezel structure. A tune-to-fit process includes forming the bezel structure from a mold and measuring the fit of the button retainer within the bezel structure along an x-axis. The bezel mold is either re-cut or material is added to the bezel mold along the x-axis, without re-cutting or adding material along any other axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Vistcon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Krista Lynn Orr, Sabin Oana
  • Patent number: 8138435
    Abstract: An electrical device is disclosed for use in a wall box having a series of buttons that can either be rocker buttons or push buttons; these buttons can be supported by springboards formed integral with a support board; the springboards are for biasing the series of buttons; much of the device is housed within a housing formed at a first end by a body and a second end by a strap coupled to the housing; the strap extends beyond the body, wherein this strap can be used to dissipate heat from the device; inside of the housing can be at least one circuit board which has switches, which can be used to receive instructions from a plurality of buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Parimal Patel, Alfred J. Lombardi, Danilo F. Estanislao
  • Patent number: 8044315
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a button plate, a support element and a printed circuit board. The housing has an opening. The button plate is disposed at the opening of the housing, has a central region and two sides, wherein the button plate is mounted to the housing through the two ends of the two sides formed by elastic arms respectively. The support element is disposed under the central region of the button plate for defining the button plate into left and right parts. The printed circuit board is located underneath the support element, has two switches located respectively corresponds to the left and right parts of the button plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc
    Inventors: San-Feng Lin, Chih-Yung Chi, Wei Wu
  • Patent number: 7982150
    Abstract: A switch assembly having an indicator includes a case, a switch member, at least two terminals, a conductive member and an indicator. The case includes a cover and the switch member is pivotally connected to the case. The terminals are electrically connected to a circuit and the conductive member actuated by the switch member to control the circuit to be an open circuit or a closed circuit. The indicator is installed within the switch member and has two legs which are connected to the cover of the case. Two resilient members are respectively biased between the two legs and the two terminals, thereby ensuring electrically connecting the legs with the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Tsung Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 7961476
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a support plate for reinforcing a portion of a circuit board. The support plate may be coupled to a portion of the circuit board that is subject to forces (e.g., portions of the circuit board having switches) to prevent flexing of the board. The support plate may be coupled to the circuit board. This invention is also directed to a switch constructed from a button, a label plate, and a backer plate. The label plate and the backer plate may include apertures operative to receive a protrusion extending from the button, where the protrusion is welded to the backer plate. Labels may be printed or attached to the bottom surface of the label plate to protect the labels. In some embodiments, the protrusion may be welded to the backer plate. The protrusion may be operative to engage an electrical switch of an electronic device in which the switch is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Brian Lynch, Dinesh Mathew
  • Patent number: 7952044
    Abstract: An actuator subassembly is provided for a rocker switch including a housing, a plunger and a number of contact elements. The actuator subassembly includes an operating member movably coupled to the rocker switch housing at or about an opening, and including at least one projection which extends into a cavity of the housing. A sub-actuator is removably coupled to such projection and includes a shaped portion, a number of contacting portions and a depth. The shaped portion cooperates with a plunger to provide a plurality of operating characteristics of the operating member, including a plurality of positions thereof. Each contacting portion contacts a corresponding one of the contact elements when the operating member is disposed in a corresponding one of the positions. When the actuator subassembly is coupled to the housing, the depth of the sub-actuator occupies less than one-third of the width of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Davin R. Lee
  • Patent number: 7915554
    Abstract: A display unit, attached to a bar forming a handlebar, frame or stem of a bicycle with a securing tool, comprises a body having a display part capable of realizing a first display state displaying first data (traveling speed, for example) and a second state displaying second data (traveling distance, for example). The first and second display states are switched by pressing down body from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Cateye Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Ueda, Takahiro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7884297
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus simplifies the structure of and facilitates the manufacture of the electronic apparatus having a seesaw-type operation button which is tiltable in a plurality of directions. The electronic apparatus has: an operation button; an operation panel provided with a holding portion for holding the operation button; and a plurality of switches to be pushed down by the operation button. The operation button comprises: a plurality of operating portions; a plurality of pressing portions respectively provided on the plurality of operating portions toward the plurality of switches; and a flat-shaped flexible board portion protruded between the plurality of pressing portions. The board portion is held by the holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoya Okuzumi
  • Publication number: 20100288609
    Abstract: An electrical switch includes a housing and at least two electrical terminals. A pivoting toggle is provided within the housing for controlling the electrical connection between the two terminals. A light source is mounted to the housing in a fixed position and a length of optically conductive material extends from within the toggle to adjacent the light source, such that, when the light source is on, light is visible through the toggle via the optically conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Strothmann
  • Patent number: 7745750
    Abstract: A dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source provides a night light feature on a user interface adapted to be provided in an opening of a traditional-style faceplate. The user interface comprises a frame, a pushbutton actuator, and an intensity actuator. Actuations of the pushbutton actuator change an internal switch mechanism between an open position and a closed position. A source of illumination, mounted internally to the dimmer switch and offset longitudinally from the switch mechanism, illuminates the pushbutton actuator and an elongated slot of the intensity actuator when the lighting load is off to provide the night light feature. The dimmer switch further comprises a plurality of lenses operable to redirect the light from the source of illumination towards the pushbutton actuator and the elongated slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: John Hewson, Matthew J. Ochs, Jennifer S. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7663070
    Abstract: A rocker switch for a cell phone having a display mounted thereon. A five-position rocker switch, as is commonly used in cell phones, has a display device mounted directly thereon. The display indicates the function of the five switches, which may vary with time. Accordingly, different menus or levels of screens are possible. Contacts with the corner switches are disabled if movement is within 20 degrees of vertical to avoid erroneous inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Milton, William Toth
  • Publication number: 20090260966
    Abstract: An electrical device is disclosed for use in a wall box having a series of buttons that can either be rocker buttons or push buttons. These buttons can be supported by springboards formed integral with a support board. The springboards are for biasing the series of buttons. Much of the device is housed within a housing formed at a first end by a body and a second end by a strap coupled to the housing. The strap extends beyond the body, wherein this strap can be used to dissipate heat from the device. Inside of the housing can be at least one circuit board which has switches, which can be used to receive instructions from a plurality of buttons. In one embodiment, a plurality of light pipes are adapted so that they are housed at least partially inside of these buttons. At least one portion of the light pipe can be formed as a shaft and adapted to extend out from this housing and down to a light emitter disposed on the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Parimal Patel, Alfred J. Lombardi, Danilo F. Estanislao
  • Patent number: 7601927
    Abstract: A Rocker key with LED window and chromatic cover for actuating electrical mechanisms, characterized in that it comprises a lower perimeter rim with a rectangular section, on the upper and horizontal flat face of which the cover rests entirely, fitted through pressure on the key in such a way that the key is totally covered by said cover, while uncovered and visible from the outside is the vertical outer face of the lower perimeter rim of the key, which is elevated according to its normal rocking movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Simon, S.A.
    Inventor: Cristina Egea Soler
  • Patent number: 7538285
    Abstract: An electrical device is disclosed for use in a wall box having a series of buttons that can either be rocker buttons or push buttons. These buttons can be supported by springboards formed integral with a support board. The springboards are for biasing the series of buttons. Much of the device is housed within a housing formed at a first end by a body and a second end by a strap coupled to the housing. The strap extends beyond the body, wherein this strap can be used to dissipate heat from the device. Inside of the housing can be at least one circuit board which has switches, which can be used to receive instructions from a plurality of buttons. In one embodiment, a plurality of light pipes are adapted so that they are housed at least partially inside of these buttons. At least one portion of the light pipe can be formed as a shaft and adapted to extend out from this housing and down to a light emitter disposed on the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Parimal Patel, Alfred F. Lombardi, Danilo F. Estanislao
  • Patent number: 7507352
    Abstract: A luminous material comprising a rubber, glass or plastics material matrix. A luminescent material is dispersed throughout the matrix, and a colorant dispersed throughout the matrix. The colourant gives the matrix a colour when it is observed under substantially white light, and the colourant allowing substantial transmission of light emitted by the luminous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventors: Craig Jameson Baillie, Stephen Lambert
  • Patent number: 7488909
    Abstract: A lighted switch apparatus includes a casing (upper case) that has an opening; an operating part that is movable and has at least a pair of indicators; and a light source that is disposed in the casing (the upper case and a lower case). In this case, the operating knob includes a shaft portion (light-guiding member) composed of a light-guiding member having one end, which is inserted into the opening of the casing to be positioned in the casing and is disposed to face the light source, a knob light guiding part (operating part) having reflecting portions that are provided below the indicators of the operating part and reflects light from the other end of the shaft portion positioned outside of the casing to the indicators, and second reflecting portions that reflect and lead the light from the other end of the shaft portion to the knob light guiding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumito Kajiwara, Kim Dohyung
  • Patent number: 7476820
    Abstract: Consisting of a casing (1), affixed to the supporting ring (56), equipped with an external operating key (16), whose hollow interior features interchangeable sets of contacts (22, 23, 24, 30, 32 and 34), in order to fulfill the following applications: single-pole switch, illuminated single-pole switch, single-pole switch with pilot light, bell-push, illuminated bell-push, two-way switch, illuminated two-way switch, two-way switch with pilot light, double-pole switch, double-pole switch with pilot light, crossover switch and illuminated crossover switch. The casing.(1), when it houses four contacts, features four lateral mounts (2), and for two or three contacts, three mounts (2). The rocker (13) transmits the pressure exerted on the key (16) to a swinging contact (21), and furthermore features two pivots (18) in the embodiment with two swinging contacts (21) and a single pivot (18) in that of a single swinging contact (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Simon, S.A.
    Inventor: Joaquin Aubert Capella
  • Publication number: 20080237010
    Abstract: An electrical device is disclosed for use in a wall box having a series of buttons that can either be rocker buttons or push buttons. These buttons can be supported by springboards formed integral with a support board. The springboards are for biasing the series of buttons. Much of the device is housed within a housing formed at a first end by a body and a second end by a strap coupled to the housing. The strap extends beyond the body, wherein this strap can be used to dissipate heat from the device. Inside of the housing can be at least one circuit board which has switches, which can be used to receive instructions from a plurality of buttons. In one embodiment, a plurality of light pipes are adapted so that they are housed at least partially inside of these buttons. At least one portion of the light pipe can be formed as a shaft and adapted to extend out from this housing and down to a light emitter disposed on the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Parimal Patel, Alfred J. Lombardi, Danilo F. Estanislao
  • Publication number: 20080078665
    Abstract: A rocker key with a LED window has a lower perimeter rim with a rectangular section, a cover that is fitted on top of the key and is left with its lower edge resting totally on a flat upper surface of the perimeter rim, while a vertical outer surface of the lower perimeter rim which is elevated according to a normal rocking movement is uncovered and visible from outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Cristina Egea Soler