Actuators Patents (Class 200/329)
  • Patent number: 7875820
    Abstract: A switching device includes a housing having an exterior surface with at least one opening in the surface. An inner edge of the opening is for receiving and securing solid bodies. At least a portion of the inner edge of the opening includes an integral weld tab which is raised above a level of the exterior surface. A sensing body includes a sensing structure operable to sense at least one condition. The sensing body has an outer surface that is disposed partially within the housing and secured to the edge of the opening by the weld tab, wherein the weld tab provides weld material physically bonding the outer surface of the sensing body to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Brose, Michael Skarlupka, Gregory Laue
  • Publication number: 20100307899
    Abstract: The present invention, in at least one embodiment, relates to a safety switch with a hold-closed function, having a plunger element, which is held such that it can move, for positive opening and closing of contact elements, at least one locking element for locking and unlocking the plunger element, and a housing. At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for positive opening and closing of contact elements of a safety switch with a hold-closed function, and to the use of a safety switch such as this.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Werner Puri, Joachim Seidl
  • Publication number: 20100300772
    Abstract: An input device and a method for providing an input device are provided. The input device assembly includes a base, a sensor support, and a guide mechanism attached to the base and the sensor support. The guide mechanism allows for only substantially uniform translation of the sensor support towards the base in response to a force biasing the sensor support substantially towards the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert Lee, Mark Jennings, Daniel Shar Wen Yang, Jesus Beltran, Heather Lynn Klaubert, Sung Kim
  • Publication number: 20100282583
    Abstract: A signaling device having an electrical switch configured to generate an electrical signal indicating a transition of an associated circuit breaker from a first state to a second state. A movable body is pivotally mounted around a first axis (101) so as to interact with the actuating mechanism. A return spring is operatively connected to the pivoting body (3) and is mounted around an axis substantially parallel to said first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Annunzio Regantini, Stefano Mussetti
  • Publication number: 20100155215
    Abstract: A sliding button mechanism includes a housing, a button, a connecting member, two resilient elements, and a printed circuit board. The housing defines a sliding slot. The button is slidably received in the sliding slot. The connecting member is secured on the button. Two resilient elements are disposed between the housing and the button provides a resilient force to the button. The printed circuit board is secured in the housing and includes at least two contact areas. The connecting member continuously and simultaneously connects to the two contact areas to achieve a continuous adjustment function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventor: ZHOU-QUAN ZUO
  • Publication number: 20100155207
    Abstract: The sliding key mechanism includes a main body fixed inside a slot on a housing, a sliding actuator connected to a side of the main body for containing a sliding head of a sliding switch, a key portion connected to the other side of the main body for driving the sliding actuator simultaneously when the key portion slides so that the sliding actuator slides the sliding head of the sliding switch, and two elastic components connected to both ends of the main body respectively, and the two elastic components being bent when the main body is fixed inside the slot on the housing so that the two elastic components contact against the housing elastically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Chin-Lung Fan
  • Publication number: 20100157502
    Abstract: A relay switch decoupler is disclosed. The relay switch decoupler may include a first contact, and a second contact selectively coupled to the first contact. The relay switch decoupler may further include an insulating decoupler situated proximate to the first contact and the second contact. The relay switch decoupler may further include an actuator coupled to the insulating decoupler and configured to cause the insulating decoupler to decouple the first contact from the second contact in response to a control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: David Alan Hale, Bryan Anthony Lavezzi, Sarah Elizabeth Schonert
  • Publication number: 20100147663
    Abstract: An interface device (15) is provided that includes an operating knob (30) for outputting an operation command signal to in-vehicle equipment, the operating knob (30) being provided with a palm rest portion (30a) for an occupant's palm to be placed on, and a switch (31) being disposed on the operating knob (30) within a region that a fingertip can reach while the palm is placed on the palm rest portion (30a). Since this determines the positional relationship between the switch (31) and the fingertip when the palm is placed on the palm rest portion (30a), even if the switch (31) is operated without being visually checked it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation from occurring and, moreover, the operability is remarkably improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hajime Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100133079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a data input device produced by means of a switch operated by a stem. A return spring enables the stem to return to a stable position. According to the invention, the device comprises a circular element that can be displaced roughly perpendicularly to the displacement of the stem, a cam attached to the stem, and elastic means holding the circular element pressed against the cam, the cam comprising a slope, a high point and a counter-slope on which the circular element bears in succession when the stem is operated from its stable position to a position in which the switch is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Bigand
  • Patent number: 7728240
    Abstract: An electrical control device is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Rohit Dodal, Feihong Chen
  • Publication number: 20100126837
    Abstract: A key assembly comprises a base plate, two elastic elements and a key body. Each elastic element has a securing portion and two compressing portions protruding from two ends of the securing portion. The securing portions are latched to the base plate. The key body is slidably mounted to the base plate between the two elastic elements. The key body includes a first key section resisting one of the two elastic elements and a second key section resisting another elastic element. When the first key section slides toward and compresses the corresponding elastic element, the second key section slide away from the corresponding elastic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: MU-WEN YANG, CHIH-CHIANG CHANG
  • Publication number: 20100123358
    Abstract: An electrical bypass device for a battery is provided for isolating and bypassing a defective battery module made up of secondary cells to allow the battery to continue operating under slightly degraded conditions. The bypass device comprises a first actuator and a second actuator which trigger when a module becomes defective. The actuators each comprise a first, second and third terminal. The first and second terminals are electrically connected to the output terminals of the secondary cells, and the third terminal can be switched between the first and the second terminal. Switching over of the third terminal of an actuator occurs when the actuator is triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: SAFT GROUPE SA
    Inventor: Eric PASQUIER
  • Patent number: 7710237
    Abstract: A case includes first and second halves, each having an opening in its one side, combined together with the openings opposed to each other. A moving member is accommodated within the case and slidingly movable along a movement guide. An operator is connected to the moving member. The operator has a proximal end connected to the moving member, a free end projecting outwardly from an upper surface of the case, and a bent portion bent between the both ends. Tops of the first and second halves are displaced from each other, in a direction vertical to the upper surface, to form a gap permitting entry of the operator. Edge regions of the tops of the both halves overlap with each other in the direction vertical to the upper surface, and the bent portion is bent so that the free end projects outwardly through the gap in the overlapping regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Kojiro Kato
  • Patent number: 7709758
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-pole or multi-pole switch to be used preferably in low-voltage systems. The switch (1) comprises an outer casing (2) containing for each pole at least one fixed contact (10) and one mobile contact (20) which can be reciprocally coupled to/uncoupled from each other. The mobile contacts (20) are housed in suitable seats (25) provided on a mobile element (50). The switch (1) according to the invention is provided with a control mechanism (60, 61) comprising mechanical means supported by a structural part (70). This control mechanism (60, 61) is connected to the mobile element (50) through first removable connection means (64) and to the outer casing (2) through second removable connection means (65). The switch (1) also comprises means to support the mobile element (50) which are connected to the structural part (70) of the control mechanism (60, 61) through third removable connection means (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: ABB S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Curnis, Daniela Olivieri
  • Patent number: 7679017
    Abstract: A switch structure includes a switch body, a holding member, a torsion member, and a swinging lever. The switch body includes a base included a front surface and a rear surface, a pushing portion, two fixing portion, each fixing portion defining a guiding slot. The holding member defines two cavities. The switch body is rotatably installed onto the holding member by inserting the fixing portion into the cavity. The torsion member includes two elastic arms and a connecting pole, one of the elastic arm is hooked to the holding member. The swinging lever includes a first end movably connected to the switch body, a second end movably connected to the other elastic arm, and a connecting portion connecting the first and second end, the swinging lever rotatably installed to the holding member via the connecting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tung-Chi Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090321236
    Abstract: Provided is a push switch including: a tubular case; a slider which is supported by the tubular case to reciprocate and advance during a pushing operation; and biasing means for biasing the slider to retreat, wherein the slider upon retreating is automatically returned to a non-operation position by allowing a contact inclined surface provided at a contact portion of the slider to come in contact with a restriction inclined surface provided at a restriction portion of the tubular case, the slider is a mold made of a resin material having a higher thermal contraction coefficient and a lower melting temperature than those of the resin material of the tubular case, the shape of the contact portion is similar to and slightly smaller than the shape of the restriction portion in order that they be complementary to each other, and the tubular case is provided with a pair of restriction inclined surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony McCurdy, Takashi Sato
  • Publication number: 20090321235
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus that includes: a circuit board with a changeover switch; a housing having two surfaces extending in parallel and a side surface connecting edges of the two surfaces, holding the circuit board with a space between the circuit board and the housing and having an operation opening at a portion which faces the changeover switch; a housed part at a position between one side of the circuit board and the side surface of the housing, preventing the changeover switch from being visually recognized through the operation opening; and an operation member including an operation piece placed outside the side surface and receives a slide operation, and an operation arm extending inside the housing from the operation piece through the operation opening, bypassing the housed part to come in contact with the changeover switch, and switching the changeover switch when the operation piece receives the slide operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Takashi Iijima, Yuta Iizuka
  • Publication number: 20090295371
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wedge shaped actuator device configured to provide separation of spring supported electrical contacts in an electrical switch. The wedge is configured with dual contour sides to maximize transfer of energy from a drive solenoid to the contact carrying springs. Portions of the wedge are relieved to allow for uninhibited movement of the wedge over side surfaces of the contact carrying springs to avoid digging in of any rough materials from the side edges of the spring as may be occasioned due to stamping techniques used to form the springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Pontin, David N. Makinson, Larry O'Dell
  • Patent number: 7622689
    Abstract: A switch activator includes a tongue including a first end and a second end and a surrounding portion. The tongue is joined to the surrounding portion at the first end and has a pressing point adjacent the second end. The tongue may be joined by glue, a heat stake or a rivet. Preferably, the tongue and the surrounding portion integrally formed in a surface. This invention provides a very low cost method of actuating a SOCI (State Of Charge Indicator) push-button switch under the requirements of MIL-PRF-49471B, paragraph 4.7.17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Integrated Device Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Strangfeld, Jason G. Pecor
  • Publication number: 20090223795
    Abstract: A key structure includes a key body, a key portion disposed on the key body and installed inside a slot formed on a case of an electronic device in a movable manner, and an actuating portion disposed on the key body and synchronally movable with the key portion. The actuating portion includes two actuators for respectively actuating a corresponding electronic switch of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Chang-Hsun Lee, Hsin-Chu Lee
  • Publication number: 20090220928
    Abstract: An article with circuit actuating capability includes a first article part, a second article part formed with a pocket and linked to the first article part such that the first and second article parts being movable relative to each other, the pocket having an access opening, and a circuit built in the pocket in the second article part and accessible through the access opening of the pocket for controlling circuit states of the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Jen-Lin Chen, Han-Chao Chang
  • Publication number: 20090178908
    Abstract: A switch structure of an automatic external defibrillator including a housing member and a flap member for covering the housing member, open and closed states of the flap member and ON and OFF of a switch of the automatic external defibrillator which are associated with each other, the switch structure includes a movable unit for turning ON the switch when the flap member is in the open state and turning OFF the switch when the flap member is in the closed state and an operator performs further operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ishino, Kazunori Yoshifuku
  • Publication number: 20090159413
    Abstract: A circuit breaker with electrical contacts adapted to open or close thereby preventing or allowing respectively current to be supplied from one pair of an electrical system to a further part of the electrical system. The circuit breaker is provided with a storage device for storing data indicative of the zero crossing points of the current signal and an actuator arrangement for causing the electrical contacts of the circuit breaker to be opened or closed in accordance with the data indicative of the zero points of the current signal. The system synchronises the zero energy state of the a.c. system with the rapid opening of the contacts thereby circumventing an arc in the circuit breaker. Preferably, the actuator is an electrical linear motor whose armature is provided with a position detector to provide feedback control of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Guruge Elmo Laksham Perera
  • Publication number: 20090152084
    Abstract: The invention originates from a machine tool switching device, in particular for a machine tool (12) for sawing, with a first operational control element (14) having at least one switching function for switching the machine tool (12). It is proposed that the machine tool switching device have at least one additional operational control element (16) which has at least the switching function of the first operational control element (14) for the switching of the machine tool (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Markus Hofer, Hans Kaiser, Thomas Tschumi
  • Patent number: 7545245
    Abstract: A manual opening device is for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a synchronous circuit breaker, including a housing having an opening, a plurality of pole mechanisms each comprising separable contacts, and at least one operating mechanism including a number of actuators adapted to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism is supported by the housing and includes a corresponding pole shaft. The manual opening device comprises an operating handle, a cam assembly, and a drive assembly. A first end of the operating handle protrudes through the opening of the housing and the second end is coupled to the cam assembly. The drive assembly couples the cam assembly to the corresponding pole shaft of the operating mechanism and cooperates with the corresponding pole shaft and actuators to simultaneously open the separable contacts when the operating handle is moved from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Brad R. Leccia, Paul J. Rollmann
  • Patent number: 7536880
    Abstract: A magnetic lid switch assembly includes a first magnetically actuated electrical switch that has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the first switch is open and a second position wherein the first switch is closed. A second magnetically actuated electrical switch electrically is connected in series with the first switch. The second switch has a lever arm movable between a first position wherein the second switch is open and a second position wherein the second switch is closed. A first actuator is magnetically coupled to the first switch. The first actuator moves the lever arm of the first switch closing the first switch to enable the first switch to pass an electric current when the first actuator is positioned proximate the first switch. A second actuator is magnetically coupled to the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Kristian Michael Magnuson, Thomas William McConihay, John Jacob Lapina, Jr., Derek Lee Watkins
  • Patent number: 7525057
    Abstract: A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of telescoping actuator and a housing having holes of different sizes, the larger hole being sized to completely receive a fastener within the housing and the smaller one of the holes being sized to retain a portion of the fastener within the housing while the rest of the fastener extends from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Control Products Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Glasson
  • Publication number: 20090095609
    Abstract: An electrical sliding contact switch having a housing in which a common contact body and at least one selective contact body having a contact surface are arranged. A sliding area including electrically insulating material is arranged adjacent to the contact area of the selective contact body. A contactor that is in continuous electrically conducting connection with the common contact body and has at least one sliding contact is either in electrically conducting connection with the selective contact body or touches the sliding area. An actuating member is furthermore arranged in the housing such that upon actuation, it slidingly moves the at least one sliding contact of the contactor on a sliding path from the contact surface of the selective contact body into the sliding area and/or out of the sliding area to the contact surface of the selective contact body. Furthermore, embodied in the sliding path, are zones that are not touched by the sliding contacts during transit of the sliding area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Eduard Ruff
  • Patent number: 7504597
    Abstract: A key switch has a switch part and an operating part. The switch part is activated to switch contact points as an operating key is inserted. The operating part includes a driver cam that rotates as it is pushed by the operating key and to activate the switch part and a plurality of lock cams configured to directly lock the driver cam in a normal condition when the operating key is pulled out of the operating part and to rotate as it is pushed by the operating key so as to release the driver cam from its locked condition. The key switch may further include lock cam holder for holding the lock cams in the normal condition when the operating key is pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Shimazu, Shunkichi Sasaki, Hidemitsu Takenaka, Tetsuya Fukumoto, Shinya Yamamoto, Shinya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7504595
    Abstract: A switching signal input device for use with an electronic apparatus is provided. The switching signal input device includes a switch part, an operating part and a resilience element, and is capable of performing four-directional switch control actions in response to the elastic forces generated from the resilience element on two planes perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Transpacific Plasma, LLC
    Inventors: Chang Kun Lu, Wen Shin Wang
  • Publication number: 20090065338
    Abstract: A manually operated circuit breaker for motor protection and/or line protection includes a basic board including a switching mechanism, a contact device, and a main current path. The switching mechanism includes a switching apparatus and a breaker latching mechanism. The circuit breaker includes a manual actuating device disposed in a housing part protruding from an operating front and configured to activate the switching mechanism via a rotary knob and an actuating shaft disposed perpendicular to the operating front. The circuit breaker includes an electronic control unit module pluggable onto the basic board and configured to be set with at least one control variable for a fault scenario so as to activate the switching mechanism by indicating a settable fault scenario. The electronic control unit is supplied with a voltage from the main current path via the contact device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Moeller GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Baujan, Klaus Dauer, Anke Juelich
  • Publication number: 20090059485
    Abstract: Several mechanical features of an electronic device are provided. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a bezel coupled to a housing. The bezel may include one or more snaps extending into the electronic device which may be operative to engage a cantilever spring extending from the inner surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a window that is formed by coupling an outer layer to an inner layer that is larger than the outer layer. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a chassis for supporting the window. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a grounding clip for simultaneously grounding the bezel, the housing and a circuit board. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a switch that includes a button molded into a base using a double shot process. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include a switch supporting bracket that includes a slot operative to receive a pin of the bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Brian Lynch, Pinida Jan Moolsintong, Leng Lim
  • Patent number: 7473859
    Abstract: A gating voltage control system and method are provided for electrostatically actuating a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device, e.g., a MEMS switch. The device may comprise an electrostatically responsive actuator movable through a gap for actuating the device to a respective actuating condition corresponding to one of a first actuating condition (e.g., a closed switching condition) and a second actuating condition (e.g., an open switching condition). The gating voltage control system may comprise a drive circuit electrically coupled to a gate terminal of the device to apply a gating voltage. The gating voltage control system may further comprise a controller electrically coupled to the drive circuit to control the gating voltage applied to the gating terminal in accordance with a gating voltage control sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joshua Isaac Wright, Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, William James Premerlani, John Norton Park, Christopher Keimel, Long Que, Kuna Venkat Satya Rama Kishore, Abhijeet Dinkar Sathe, Xuefeng Wang, Edward Keith Howell
  • Patent number: 7465896
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a pad which can detect an operating coordinate position by a touch operation, and a single push-switch provided under the pad. A touch operation to the pad at a given place allows a preliminary announcement of a function, and a further press-down of the pad being kept at the same position prompts the push-switch to work and determine the function preliminary announced. This structure allows excellent operability, and a single push-switch allows reducing the number of components of the operating section, so that the electronic device having these advantages is obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Sawada, Hiroto Inoue, Tamotsu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7465895
    Abstract: Provided is an operating switch mechanism having a handle cover with enhanced rigidity. The operating switch mechanism has a chassis 1 in which individual switches 21 and a group switch are exposed from the front side. An indicator hole for passing light is formed in the chassis 1 to at locations facing light-emitting diodes indicating operation states of lighting apparatuses in association with the group switch. A handle body 4 is rotatably attached on the front side of the chassis 1 so as to press the group switch. An indicator hole is formed at the location corresponding to the indicator hole formed in the chassis 1. A handle cover 5 is rotatably attached on the front side of the handle body 4. An indicator hole is formed at the location corresponding to the indicator hole formed in the handle body 4. A concave groove 44 for attaching an indicator window 8 is formed on the front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7456368
    Abstract: In order to perform maintenance of a working robot, a worker pulls a handle of a slider and moves the slider backward to thereby withdraw a slider fitting portion from a fitting hole portion and withdraw an actuator from an operating portion of a door switch. In this case, a key inserted into a key hole of a lock is rotated through 90° to vertically orient an interference protruding portion to thereby prevent fitting of the slider fitting portion into the fitting hole portion. Only in this state, the key can be withdrawn from the key hole of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Fukumoto, Yoichi Shude, Shigeki Nakanishi, Shunkichi Sasaki, Hidemitsu Takenaka, Kenji Shimazu
  • Patent number: 7442892
    Abstract: A latch release operating apparatus includes a switch unit that has a push button on its switch main unit and that is turned ON for releasing a latch state of a door when the push button is pressed down; a base member that holds the switch unit via the switch main unit such that the push button faces the outside; and a waterproof cover member that is attached on a surface of the base member and that covers the push button. A peripheral edge of the cover member is held between the base member and a door outer panel, and the switch unit is mounted on the door outer panel via the base member such that the push button is operable from an outside of the door outer panel via the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Ishiguro
  • Publication number: 20080257700
    Abstract: A combination switch is provided for a high-speed oven, the oven having a door. The combination switch has a rotatable cam (40) that is rotated when the door of the oven is moved between a closed position and an open position. The cam (40) has at least one lobe (50, 52) for engaging at least one safety-switch (44, 46) for actuation by the at least one lobe of the cam as the cam rotates. The at least one safety switch controls operation of at least a portion of the oven. A locking latch (48) is selectively moveable between an engaged position, in which the latch engages the cam (40) to limit rotation of the cam and thereby prevent opening of the door, and a disengaged position, in which the latch (48) does not engage the cam (40) and thereby allows opening of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Carlos Bacigalupe, Michael J. Dobie
  • Publication number: 20080217150
    Abstract: A safety switch control mechanism includes a linkage and a safety control key. The linkage has a bracket mounted to an instrument panel of an exerciser and a wheel thereof rotatably mounted to the bracket. The instrument panel includes a keyhole located at an opposite side thereof to the bracket. The wheel has at least one hook portion formed at an outer periphery thereof, and a holding portion and a releasing portion formed at one side thereof. The safety control key has a through hole for engaging said at hook portion. When the safety control key is inserted into or pulled away from the keyhole, the sidewall of the through hole forces clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the wheel to further shift the releasing portion for contact against a micro switch mounted to the instrument panel, and thus the micro switch is driven to switch on or off the power supply of the exerciser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: HealthStream Taiwan, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuan-Chen CHEN, Hung-Chih Tseng
  • Patent number: 7408128
    Abstract: A switch apparatus includes: a button key being displaceably supported in a pressing direction; a displacement portion being displaced in the pressing direction in interlocking relation to the button key; and a switch being disposed on a downstream side in the pressing direction of the button key. The switch is operable a switching action by being pressed by the displacement portion when the button key is operated by pressing. The displacement portion deviates from the button key with respect to the pressing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasunori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7399938
    Abstract: A low-profile robust switch having low pre-travel and high overtravel is provided through the use of counteracting biasing elements that operate upon the actuating area of the switch in the absence of externally applied forces. These biasing elements set the switch very close to its actuation point. In the disclosed embodiments, these counteracting biasing elements include a lever and at least one spring which are arranged to provide a low-profile switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Control Products Inc
    Inventor: Richard Glasson
  • Patent number: 7394031
    Abstract: A saw switch box includes a supporting base resting on a switch platform, a switch shelter pivotally connected to the supporting base to define a sheltering cavity between the switch shelter and the supporting base for receiving a switch member, and a locking device for locking the switch shelter on the supporting base at the idle position. In which, at an operation position, the switch shelter is pivotally folded to a position that a contacting side of the switch shelter is adapted for contacting with the switch member to protectively shelter the switch member within the sheltering cavity in position while the saw machine is operating, and at the idle position, an operation side of the switch shelter is pressed to force the contacting side thereof for pivotally pressing the switch member downward to switch off the saw machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Wy Peron Lee
  • Patent number: 7385154
    Abstract: A cam switch assembly is actuated by movement of a member, such as a part of a convertible top that is pivoted about a first pivot axis toward and away from a surface that is fixed relative to the pivot. The cam switch comprises a holder for at least one switch that is attached to the member. A cam switch actuator having an arm is attached to the holder at a second pivot axis. The cam switch actuator opens and closes the switch as the cam switch actuator is pivoted relative to the holder about the second pivot axis. The arm has a first lost motion connection to the movable member in a first direction. The member has a second lost motion connection at the first pivot axis that is aligned with the first direction when the member is moved into engagement with the surface. The member is movable relative to the surface in a first direction and the arm is permitted to move relative to the surface without changing the angular orientation of the cam switch actuator relative to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Carl J. Klug
  • Patent number: 7381920
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved thin touch switch that includes a penetrating hole disposed on a plastic body and proximate to an exposed end of a metal component of a terminal and a high heat resisting and waterproof plastic material filled and sealed at the penetrating hole, such that when pins of the metal components of the touch switch are soldered to a printed circuit board, the plastic material used for sealing and combining the metal components and the plastic body can totally block the cleaning solution from entering from the joint that connects the metal components and the plastic body during the soldering process and can prevent possible short circuits to the metal components of the terminal, so as to effectively improve the life expectancy and safety of the touch switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Yoochi Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Lung Lee
  • Publication number: 20080099318
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing an accelerated linear motion to a circuit breaker operating handle during ON or OFF operation of the circuit breaker. The accelerated linear motion being applied to the operating handle at a particular point during its movement such that the moveable contacts of the circuit breaker are not delayed in their opening or closing due to slow movement of the circuit breaker operating handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Randy W. Blake, Alexander S. Filippenko, Duane L. Turner
  • Patent number: 7365282
    Abstract: A push/pull switch control is incorporated into the surface pattern of a wall box dimmer having a planar face surface. The switch control is finger nail operated and contains a finger nail groove which is accessible on the bottom end surface of the operator so it can be withdrawn to an open position. A switch position indicia is exposed when the operator is withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Altonen, Jeremy Nearhoof
  • Patent number: 7360269
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an elongated housing bounding a chamber with a motor disposed therein. A drive shaft is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the housing, the drive shaft being coupled with the motor such that during selective operation of the motor the drive shaft is rotated continuously. A brush head has a plurality of bristles mounted thereon. A hub is disposed on the brush head and has an elongated channel bounded by a pair of spaced apart engagement surfaces. A spherical head is disposed within the channel so as to selectively bias against the engagement surfaces, the spherical head being eccentrically disposed on the drive shaft such that the spherical head reciprocally rotates the brush head when the drive shaft is continuously rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: SonicScrubbers, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron D. Cobabe, David O. Meyers, Darrell E. Goff, W. Kenneth Thiess, Qi-Chun Jackson Zhao
  • Patent number: 7361856
    Abstract: A platform of the type holding a plurality of normally-open electric switches in position for activation of a selected individual switch by application of a force in a direction normal to a surface of the switch by a portion of a human body. An exemplary platform according to the invention forms a dance platform on which a user steps to activate switches in accordance with instructions viewed on a video display device. A joining structure may by used to hold two platforms in a side-by-side competition arrangement. A security vault may be affixed to structure associated with platform to resist theft of a commercially available game controller adapted to operate the video display and to receive switch input from a platform. Certain aspects of the invention include one or more, typically inert, practice platforms structured to represent the user interface surface of an activatable platform. A method for using a system of active and inert platforms is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Ladd Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080073191
    Abstract: A slide operating device (e.g., fader device of a mixer) has a moving block 5 which is slidable along a moving guide 3 and a secondary moving guide 4. The moving guide 3 is composed of a non-magnetic stainless shank 31 and a scale portion 32 formed by magnetizing a permanent magnetic member to have magnetic poles (markings). The moving block 5 is provided with a magnetic sensor 7 opposed to the scale portion 32. The magnetic sensor 7 senses magnetic poles provided on the scale portion 32. Mounting hardware 11A, 11B are provided as stoppers which stop a lever 6a of an operating knob 6. Areas outside a range sandwiched between the stoppers where the magnetic sensor 7 is allowed to travel are dead zones 3A, 3B which do not have magnetic poles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Kojiro Kato
  • Publication number: 20080060922
    Abstract: A modularized push button switch of which a main body has a plurality of exposed metallic pins in a front and a rear line, each of the pins is connected with a signal line; a unitary insertion connecting module is provided on a connecting end of the signal lines, the unitary insertion connecting module has inserting holes respectively facing to the metallic pins in the front and the rear lines. Thereby an improved modularized push button switch is formed that has the advantages of effectively preventing the metallic pins from damage, rendering accurate of wire connecting and resulting better quality of the push button switch, and having firmer as well as more reliable structure after insertion assembling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Benson Su