Rotatable Patents (Class 200/336)
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Patent number: 7511241Abstract: A rotary indexing mechanism for a mechanically activated control. The mechanism includes an insulator, an input assembly, and an output assembly. The insulator rotatably attaches to the mechanically activated control by way of a frame of the mechanically activated control. The input assembly is operatively connected to the insulator and selectively rotates the insulator. The output assembly is operatively connected to the insulator and selectively activates the mechanically activated control.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventor: Martin A. Magda
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Publication number: 20090078551Abstract: A rotary input apparatus is disclosed. The rotary input apparatus may include a wheel, a cover having a center hole that exposes the wheel to the exterior, and a sheet interposed between the wheel and the cover, where the wheel may include a flange portion formed on a periphery of the wheel. A holding groove may be formed in the flange portion, and a protrusion protruding upwards may be formed on the flange portion. The cover may include an insertion portion formed on a periphery of the center hole. The insertion portion may protrude downwards and may be placed in the holding groove. The sheet may be in contact with both the protrusion and the insertion portion. This rotary input apparatus can stop foreign substances from infiltrating the interior of the rotary input apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Eung-Cheon Kang
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Publication number: 20090071808Abstract: A rotary input apparatus is disclosed. A rotary input apparatus that includes a wheel which inputs information by rotation; a holder which rotatably supports the wheel; a tooth or teeth formed on any one of the wheel and the holder; and a flat spring which is supported by the other of the wheel and the holder and which catches onto the tooth to elastically support the wheel in the direction of rotation, utilizes a simple structure to allow smooth operation while implementing a clicking sensation for each section.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Eung-Cheon Kang, Min-Kyu Shin, Yun-Gi Lee
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Publication number: 20090065339Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rotary handle. More particularly, the invention encompasses an improved support bracket for a deliberate action rotary handle. The invention further includes an improved support bracket to support an extended drive-plate deliberate action rotary handle, such that to turn on a component, such as, a circuit breaker, requires a deliberate manual action by the user. If a deliberate action is not taken by a user but the handle is accidentally pushed then the handle does not engage with a drive shaft and the handle moves to an outer edge of a drive plate thus preventing the engagement of the handle with the other components to turn on the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Mark Blankemeyer, Sheenfar Fong, Jose Hurtado, Huy Nguyen
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Patent number: 7495187Abstract: An electrical switch having a plurality of switch positions includes a plurality of first electrical contacts, and a second electrical contact configured to electrically connect at least two of the first contacts. A carrier member is configured to carry the second contact, and a knob is used to facilitate selection of the switch positions. The knob is configured to cooperate with the carrier member so that moving the knob from one switch position to another results in a related movement of the carrier member and the second contact. A first biasing member, which is electrically isolated from all of the electrical contacts, is configured to bias at least a portion of the second contact toward the first contacts to facilitate an electrical connection therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Faisal K. Sallam, Mark G. Feldman, Brian R. Masters, Bruce Pierik
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Publication number: 20090038921Abstract: A rotary selector forms a control element for inputting a setting value to an electronic control system, in particular for a control device of an electronic domestic appliance, such as a washing machine, a dishwasher, or the like. The rotary selector has a rotatably mounted control portion and an adapter non-rotatably connected to the control portion. The adapter has a latching section with side faces arranged uniformly about its periphery. Coaxially with the latching section of the adapter is a stationary spring element formed with elastic legs arranged uniformly about a periphery of the latching section and which extend tangentially relative to the side faces of the latching section. The number of the side faces of the latching section is an integral multiple of the number of the elastic legs of the spring element.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: DIEHL AKO STIFTUNG & CO. KGInventors: Werner Kaps, Harald Rapp, Andreas Brauchle
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Patent number: 7482548Abstract: An extended actuating device for a circuit breaker is provided, including a trip assistance device having a first rotary device integral in rotation with a control lever of the circuit breaker. A second rotary device is integral in rotation with a remote control device. The second rotary device is able to be driven in rotation by the first rotary device as far as a first position corresponding to the tripped position of the lever of the circuit breaker. A return spring is provided to force the second rotary device towards its first position. A breakable mechanical link device releases the return spring when its breakable mechanical link is broken.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SASInventors: Jean-Marie Periot, Evans C. K Er, Thian Nguan Quah
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Patent number: 7476822Abstract: Rotary body 22 is provided with storing hole 22E, 22F in two positions point-symmetrical to the rotational center at the upper part of flange 22C, and retainers 26, 27 having steel balls 25A, 25B, steel ball receiving holes 26A, 27A, coil springs 28A, 28B are stored therein from the opening side in order, and steel ball receiving hole 26A of one retainer 26 is provided with a tolerance that enables steel ball 25A to slightly move in the horizontal direction, and click plate 24 on which steel balls 25A, 25B are resiliently contacted is disposed between rotary body 22 and bearing 23, and as a result, it is possible to maintain rhythmical clicking and clicking sound even in case of repeating the rotating operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Seiki Miura, Takumi Nishimoto
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Patent number: 7462795Abstract: A knob assembly comprising a rotary knob, a rotary actuated potentiometer and an electronic display. The rotary knob has a central opening and is configured to rotate. The rotary actuated potentiometer is actuated by rotation of the rotary knob. The electronic display is located within the central opening of the rotary knob. The electronic display does not rotate with rotation of the rotary knob.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Juan J. Montalvo
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Publication number: 20080289941Abstract: There is provided a rotary input apparatus including: a rotating wheel having a detected part; a board provided with a detecting part detecting the detected part rotating along with the rotating wheel; a base having the board disposed on a top thereof and provided with a plurality of guide holes therein; and a holder having the rotating wheel rotatably assembled therewith, and provided with a plurality of guide protrusions inserted through the guide holes to be exposed to a bottom of the base and having lower ends thereof stuck into the guide holes, respectively, the holder disposed between the rotating wheel and the board. The apparatus, when assembled in an assembly line, experiences minimum interference with other members, thereby enhancing work efficiency and ensuring more freedom in design.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Eung Cheon Kang, Min Kyu Shin
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Publication number: 20080289940Abstract: Disclosed is a washing machine, a control panel assembly of which has an improved structure to minimize problems caused by a shaking of a rotary knob and the interference of the rotary knob with other surrounding parts. The control panel assembly of the washing machine includes a control panel; a knob guide installed on the control panel; and a rotary knob rotatably mounted on the knob guide and including a boss passing through the knob guide. The knob guide includes a boss insertion part restricting the boss to prevent the rotary knob from shaking. The boss insertion part includes an extension extended from the bottom surface of the knob guide and forming a boss insertion hole, into which the boss is inserted, therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jin Doo Kim, Jeong Ki Seo
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Patent number: 7442893Abstract: A U-shaped spring member is placed on the outer periphery of a hollow cylindrical part of an operating body. Engaging portions in arm portions upwardly inwardly extending from both ends of the spring member are fitted into holes through the hollow cylindrical part and brought into resilient contact with a groove on the outer periphery of an operating shaft. This structure provides a switch device that has great resistance to pull-out of the operating body for secure fastening thereof and is easy to assemble.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takayoshi Kishimoto
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Patent number: 7442887Abstract: Implementations provide a first option of simultaneously turning on or turning off two distinctly separate and isolated electrical circuits, such as when each of two electrical devices are powered by a different energy source. Implementations provide a second option of connecting the two separate circuits together, such as when both of the first electrical device and the second electrical device are to be powered by both of the different energy sources connected in parallel. Included is an electrically isolative rotor internal to a housing. The rotor is keyed with an external knob used to control rotational position of the rotor. Further included are electrically conductive link bars contained by the rotatable rotor that electrically couple with stationary bus bars dependent upon rotational positioning of the rotor. Other implementations of the enhanced switch are envisioned including another depicted implementation discussed allowing for a double-pole, double-throw switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Blue Sea Systems, Inc.Inventors: Eric J. Graham, Justin C. Kaufman, Kevin L. Lacy
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Publication number: 20080257701Abstract: A multifunctional rotary switch for operating an electronic device is providing having a roller with an axis of rotation. The roller has a bidirectional rotational mode of operation where the roller rotates in both a clockwise and counter clockwise direction around the axis, a translational mode of operation where the roller is moved in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation and a pushing mode of operation where the roller is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventor: Paul Wlotzka
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Publication number: 20080251363Abstract: An elevating member is fitted on a rotary shaft of a rotation operating member slidably supported by a base so that it can be elevated, first and second cam members are provided in the rotation operating member, and first and second elastic contact members are provided so as to be elevated. By forming guide grooves, which extend in an oblique direction, in the elevating member, and slidably inserting engaging projections provided in the base into the guide grooves, the sliding operating force on the rotation operating member in a horizontal direction is converted into the elevation operating force of the elevating member in a vertical direction, and the first and second elastic contact members are selectively engaged with any one of the first and second cam members according to the elevated position of the elevating member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventor: Mikio Onodera
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Patent number: 7427722Abstract: A power hand tool includes a rotary adjustment knob for adjusting maximum output torque, which has a plurality of radial ribs, radial locating grooves alternatively arranged on the inner sidewall thereof, and a locating member for supporting the rotary adjustment knob in position, which has a mounting base coupled to a part inside the housing of the power hand tool and two locating portions located at two opposite sides of the mounting base. Each of the locating portions has a protrusion engaged with one of the radial locating grooves of the rotary adjustment knob.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: Mobiletron Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fu-Tsai Wu
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Patent number: 7423230Abstract: A rotary manipulation type electronic device permits users to obtain a feel of manipulation during rotational manipulations and produces clicking sounds of manipulations to thereby obtain an audiological sense of manipulations. The rotary manipulation type electronic device has a base body with which a rotary body is rotatably combined. An operative element is disposed such that movement of the operative element is restricted by an inside wall of a terminal leading portion of the base body and by leg portions of a leaf spring. Engagement portions engaging an uneven portion of a top surface of a flange portion of the rotary body protrude from the operative element. The leaf spring is brought into elastic contact with the top surface of the operative element.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2007Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Yoritsune, Akira Matsumoto, Jun Sato, Takumi Nishimoto
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Publication number: 20080202906Abstract: A control knob for use in a motor vehicle is provided, having a hub for attachment of the control knob to a shaft, a torsion-proof part, a rotatable part, a rotation angle sensor, means for generating rotary haptics, and an electronic system by means of which the components, located in the control knob, can be controlled and the signals of the sensors can be evaluated and via which the control knob can be connected to the on-board electronics of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Harald Schelbert, Andreas Kramlich, Martin Jeitner
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Patent number: 7417201Abstract: Future motor vehicles will require additional lighting means. Additional lighting means are required, above all, in conjunction with environmental sensors, especially sensors which are used in night vision systems. As a result of the generally increasing number of electric and electronic systems in motor vehicles, such systems must be easy to operate for the driver. The invention thus relates to a switching arrangement which enables a plurality of lighting systems to be ergonomically operated on one motor vehicle. Said switching arrangement comprises a single switch having a plurality of switching stages. In this way, all switching stages pertaining to different lighting systems are located in the same switching region, enabling the lighting systems to be operated in a simple and intuitive manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2003Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Helmuth Eggers, Gerhard Kurz, Juergen Seekircher, Thomas Wohlgemuth
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Publication number: 20080197004Abstract: A control switch is equipped with a detent mechanism that generates a click feeling in a dial knob as a result of a detent piece of a plunger member gets over detent crests of a detent crest member. A stopper is provided in the plunger member, and the position of vertical motion of the stopper is switched by means of a rectilinear actuator, thereby switching rotational operation of the dial knob between an enabled state and a disabled state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: Seiji Ishigaki, Terukazu Hiroe
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Patent number: 7414205Abstract: A electronic rotary switch is disclosed that comprises domes molded into an elastomeric switch mat mounted to a printed circuit board. A knob rotatably attached to the circuit board includes a cam that depresses individual domes to actuate a contact switch pad on the printed circuit board. A microprocessor may be utilized with the switch to replicate an encoder or potentiometer.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Heinrich, Thomas Hernandez, Thomas A. Zapalski
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Publication number: 20080185277Abstract: The operating device according to the present invention comprises a first holder 30 that holds a zoom lever 20 so as to be rotatable, an return spring 70 that energizes the zoom lever 20 in the rotation direction, and a second holder 60 that holds the return spring 70 and is held within the zoom lever 20, wherein the first holder 30 supports the return spring 70 while causing the return spring 70 to undergo elastic deformation. Such a configuration makes it possible to distribute the load placed on stopper means during operation, thereby preventing an operating member or the stopper means from breaking.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun SAIKI, Shuji YAMASHITA
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Publication number: 20080169178Abstract: The invention relates to a tap-changer for low power switching on a step transformer. Said tap-changer is closed on the top by a tap-changer head which comprises a head flange wherein a drive shaft, which is guided from the outside, is mounted. An upper gear step and a hand wheel drive can be mounted on said head flange by means of a compatible hand wheel drive flange without requiring additional components, in particular, a special tap-changer head.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2005Publication date: July 17, 2008Inventors: Reinhold Baertl, Albert Schmidbauer
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Patent number: 7399939Abstract: A control panel assembly for controlling a home appliance is provided. The control panel assembly includes a control board including at least one functional component. A control panel is coupled to the control board. The control panel forms a central cylinder defining an opening. A knob is positioned within the opening. The knob includes a front side, a rear side, a first cylindrical portion extending from the rear side and coupled to the control panel, and a second cylindrical portion extending from the rear side. The knob is configured to shield the control board from damage.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Steve E. Hettinger, Mark A. Zaccone
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Patent number: 7394037Abstract: A rotary electric switch 1 comprises a base 2 having a rotary actuator 3 mounted thereon, the base 2 including a pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart substrate layers 6, 7. Each layer 6, 7 has a first surface 9, 10 which faces the other substrate layer 7, 6 and a second surface 11, 12 which faces away from the other substrate layer 7, 6, the first surface 9, 10 of each layer having an electrically conducting contact 13, 14, 16 provided thereon. At least one of the substrate layers 6, 7 is deformable towards the other so as to effect an electrical connection between the contacts 13, 14, 16 on the two layers 6, 7, and the rotary actuator 3 includes a projection 21 which engages against the second surface 11 of said deformable substrate layer 6 so as to press it towards the other layer 7 in the immediate vicinity of the projection 21.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: In2tec Ltd.Inventor: John Lewison
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Publication number: 20080116047Abstract: A two-way key of a portable terminal is provided. The two-way terminal includes a fixed member mounted on the portable terminal, a driving member rotatably assembled with the fixed member, and an operating member pivotably assembled with the fixed member, wherein, as the driving member rotates, the driving member comes into contact with the operating member and causes the operating member to pivot. The two-way key as configured above can construct a key capable of operating in two ways while taking a small space so that it contributes to the compact size of the terminal. Further, if the two-way key is employed in the watch-type portable terminal, the operating scheme is identical to that of a spring of a common analog wrist watch or a time control lever, so that it is familiar to a user and thus it is convenient for a user to use.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.Inventors: Ki-Bum KIM, Kwang-Jin BAE
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Patent number: 7342186Abstract: A knob assembly comprising a housing, a circuit board, a rotary knob, a rotary actuated potentiometer and a rotation assembly. The housing has a front face. The circuit board is located in the housing, with the circuit board having a front and a rear. The rotary knob extends from the front face of the housing, with the rotary knob being located in front of the circuit board. The rotary actuated potentiometer is connected to the rear of the circuit board. The rotation assembly mechanically transfers a rotation force of the rotary knob to the rotary actuated potentiometer.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Juan J. Montalvo, Cristian D. Delamora
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Publication number: 20080053805Abstract: The invention describes a power tool having at least one contactless switch element that includes at least one sensor element and at least one signal transducer, and having an actuating means for actuating the switch element; the sensor element or the signal transducer can be connected rigidly to the actuating means.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventor: Helmut WANEK
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Publication number: 20080023310Abstract: An electronic instrument includes a rotary switch disposed to be rotated by the thumb of a user while the housing is gripped in the hand of the user. The rotary switch has a knob protruding from the front face of the instrument with a rotational axis centered approximately midway between longitudinal side walls of the housing. The rotary switch has a light rotational tension requiring a force of less than 300 grams for easy rotation by the thumb. Elastomeric over-molded side strips are attached along the longitudinal side walls and an elastomeric over-molded knob is attached along an indicator projection portion of the knob.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Seng Chuen Chong, Soo Keat Lim, Carol Geok Chooi Leh
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Publication number: 20080017484Abstract: An appliance timer operable in a selection mode and an operation mode includes a shaft assembly, a switch assembly, a cam device, a bi-directional motor, and a display device. The shaft assembly is operable to select an operation cycle and to drive the display device in the selection mode. The motor rotates in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in the operation mode. When the motor rotates in the first rotational direction, the motor drives the cam device to operate the switch assembly to actuate or deactivate a plurality of electrical circuits associated with a plurality of appliance functions. When the motor rotates in the second rotational direction, the motor drives the display device to indicate an operational status of the appliance. The rotation of the motor is controlled by a microprocessor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.Inventors: Ellis P. Lipp, Gregory A. Peterson, Peter F. Stultz
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Patent number: 7307232Abstract: A rotary switch for installation in the dashboard of a vehicle has a switch housing, an actuation shaft that is arranged rotatably in the switch housing, a knob that is mounted on one end of the actuation shaft, and a ring-shaped faceplate that surrounds the knob and that is detachably fastened to the switch housing. The faceplate is connected to the switch housing by a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism can be released by a relative rotation between the faceplate and the switch housing. The knob can be moved axially in a predetermined rotational position and is coupled non-rotatably to the faceplate by means of this axial movement. In order to detach the faceplate from the switch housing, the knob is moved into the predetermined rotational position and then moved axially and turned at the same time, whereby the faceplate also turns and the latched connection between the faceplate and the switch housing is released.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Markus Altmann, Karl-Heinz Wohlfahrt
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Patent number: 7297889Abstract: A rotary switch is disclosed which has a central handle (12) which is rotatable about a central axis (Z), a ring-shaped shield (16) surrounding the handle (12), a rotary button (18) which is arranged on the shield (16) and is rotatable about an axis (V) offset from and parallel to said central axis (Z), and a potentiometer (28) which is adjustable by means of the rotary button (18). The potentiometer (28) is radially spaced from the offset axis (V), and is coupled with the rotary button (18) by means of a gear (24, 26). The potentiometer (28) is offset radially inwards from the offset axis (V) towards the central axis (Z).Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dieter Bornhorst, Klaus Mueller, Hans-Joachim Frohne
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Patent number: 7294796Abstract: A playback apparatus is provided, which comprises a switch device (200) that gives the user good feeling of operating. A tape-shaped switch (500) is provided on a base part (410), extending along the circumference of the base part (410). A ring-shaped rotational drive section (450) opposes the tape-shaped switch (500) and can move to and from the base part (410). A plurality of second rollers (440), each having a roller part (444) made of rubber or the like, are rotatably mounted on the rotational drive section (450). A flange (313) continuously extending outward from the disc-shaped table plate (311) of a jog table unit (310) is mounted on the rotational drive section (450). When the user rotates the jog table unit (310), the rotation-detecting section (470) provided on the base part (410) detects the rotation of the unit (310).Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Pioneer CorporationInventors: Yoshinori Kataoka, Keitaro Kaburagi, Tetsuya Kikuchi, Hiroshi Kawami
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Publication number: 20070246339Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a housing, a first switch, a second switch, and a knob. In this case, the first switch and the second switch are disposed on an inner surface of the housing. The knob is pivoted on the housing, and disposed between the first switch and the second switch. When the knob rotates in a first direction, the knob touches the first switch. When the knob rotates in a second direction, the knob touches the second switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Inventors: Chiu-Chia Chen, Wen-Cheng Tsai
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Patent number: 7268307Abstract: Signal Actuator device, having a support structure; a bottom drive shaft, tunable in a seat of the support structure; a first torsional coupling, integral with and surrounding the bottom drive shaft; at least a first cam torsionally coupled to the first torsional coupling in a selective manner for adjusting the angular position thereof relative to the bottom drive shaft; the at least one first cam actuating an electrical device supported by the support structure; a top drive shaft, torsionally coupled to bottom drive shaft in a selectively removable member; a second torsional coupling, integral with and surrounding the top drive shaft; at least a second cam torsionally coupled to the second torsional coupling in a selective manner for adjusting the angular position thereof relative to the removable top drive shaft; and the at least one second cam actuating an electrical device supported by the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Soldo S.r.l.Inventor: Giovanni Soldo
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Patent number: 7238904Abstract: When a dial is operated to rotate forward to a DEF position with a knob 52 staying in a depressed state, a cam portion 12 operates a key operating portion 56 to move in an approaching direction in which the key operating portion 56 approaches a reset key 39, so as to operate the reset key 39 as a result of the key operating portion 56 moving in the approaching direction. Then, a push button 31 returns from a depressed position to a normal position, and interlocking with the push button 31, the knob 52 returns from the depressed state to a normal state. Due to this, since the driver only has to operate the dial 4 to rotate forward to the DEF position so that the knob 52 can be forced to return from the depressed state to the normal state, the operability is increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Satoshi Ogawa
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Patent number: 7211755Abstract: A knob structure is disposed on an electronic device to input a preset control signal. The knob structure includes a rotary encoder, a brake wheel, and a rotary wheel. A plurality of ratchets is disposed around the circumference of the brake wheel and locked on the rotary encoder. The rotary wheel is rotatably disposed on the body case of the electronic device and is nested on the brake wheel correspondingly. A block is disposed on the rotary wheel to be embedded between the ratchets, so as to control the rotation of the rotary wheel to generate a preset control signal by causing the brake wheel to drive the rotary encoder to rotate. The rotary wheel and the brake wheel are engaged non-fixedly, so as to prevent the rotary wheel and the body case of the electronic device from interfering with each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Micro-Star Int'l Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chia-Ho Wang, Ching-Sen Hu, Chi-Yen Chiang
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Patent number: 7208690Abstract: The rotary electronic component contains a case for accommodating a functional element section, a rotary shaft supported by a bearing for actuating the functional element section, with the upper portion of the shaft upwardly protruding, and a length-adjusting shaft attached to the upper portion of the rotary shaft. The rotary electronic component further contains a fixing member with a linear section extending in a direction axially of the rotary shaft. The linear section is inserted between the rotary shaft and the length-adjusting shaft, whereby a secure connection between the two shafts is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electic Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Kodani
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Patent number: 7202433Abstract: A console switch assembly for appliances provides a rotatable electronic switch having a rotational range constrained by a cutout in the control panel to which the switch is mounted. The cutout most simply may be a sector of a circle having a different angular range which constrains a projecting tooth on the shaft of the switch or knob attached to the shaft of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Ark-Les CorporationInventor: David Malcolm Howie
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Patent number: 7109430Abstract: A panel mounted low profile rotary switch (100) contains a detent mechanism (120) mounted in a bushing (110). In a preferred class of embodiments, the detent sub-assembly comprises a single spring (220) positioned in parallel within the vertical extending shaft (130). The force exerted by the spring is manually adjusted by a set screw (210) to provide the desired downward applied vertical force on a plunger (230). The plunger, preferably a pointed cylinder, applies pressure to detent balls (240) causing the detent balls to move radially outward and engage rotor cams located on the inner surface of the detent mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Emrise CorporationInventors: Donald Horton, William Miller
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Patent number: 7105759Abstract: An electronic instrument has a rotary switch with an extending shaft, a light source proximate to the shaft, and a knob attached to the shaft. The knob has a body with a rear face, an opposed front face, and side surfaces extending between the faces. The rear face defines a bore sized to receive a free end of the shaft. The body has a light-transmissive portion extending from a first surface portion of the rear face surrounding the bore, such that light from the light source enters the light transmissive portion regardless of the rotary position of the knob. The light-transmissive portion of the body extends to a window in the side surface or the front face.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.Inventor: Jeff Mucha
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Patent number: 7105755Abstract: A two-phase rotary encoder is provided which includes a substrate for the encoder which is double-faced and has a copper-foil-bonded substrate etched thereon, a first ring-shaped electrode pattern and a second ring-shaped electrode pattern formed concentrically around a center hole on the substrate, a smooth, level ring-shaped comb electrode pattern formed on an outermost periphery of the substrate, wiring patterns which cover the electrode patterns through each of external connecting terminals provided on the substrate, and a common external connecting terminal provided on an edge of the substrate, formed on a surface thereof via the center hole or a through hole. The rotary encoder further includes a resin-molded case, a shaft, a gear-shaped rotor, a click mechanism and a tact switch mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Tsubame Musen, Inc.Inventor: Masao Imamura
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Patent number: 7094982Abstract: A switch device includes a base member, a rotary mechanism and a vertical actuation mechanism. The rotary mechanism is received in the base member to move a present circular displacement while a hollow handle turning. The vertical actuation mechanism is received in the base member under the rotary mechanism to move a downward preset displacement in the vertical direction for touching button type switches underneath while the rotary mechanism moving.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Behavior Tech Computer Corp.Inventor: Chin Sheng Liu
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Patent number: 7054551Abstract: A mode selection device and a multi-function button containing such a device are provided. The mode selection device includes a case, a chassis and a dial. The case has a hole; the chassis, lying under the case, includes a latch and a set of slots. The latch is between the slots. The dial, installed in the hole, includes a recess and a set of protuberances corresponding to the slots. The recess is located in the center of the dial. The protuberances are located under the dial and engage with the slots. When the latch engages with an edge of the dial, the latch, the slots and the protuberances together keep the relative position between the dial and the chassis unchanged.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: BENQ CorporationInventors: Chi-Yu Liao, Jih-Yung Lu
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Patent number: 7034234Abstract: A switch assembly held in a support member by a bushing mounted to the support member by a clip carried in an outer groove formed on the bushing. A compressible seal ring is carried in another outer groove formed on the bushing so that the seal ring acts on another surface of the support member to form a seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Steven A. Brillhart
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Patent number: 7005597Abstract: A switch device capable of increasing the operation speed at the time of reversion of contacts, thereby suppressing generation of arcs, and capable of increasing the contact pressure between the contacts, thereby reducing the bouncing of the contacts. A first rotor plate and a second rotor plate are operatively coupled with each other with a torsion coil spring and when the first rotor plate is rotated, a reversing force from the torsion coil spring causes the contact driving part to engage with or disengage from the contact plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiharu Mori
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Patent number: 6998553Abstract: A rotary manipulation type electronic component includes a space formed by a case. A base houses a rotating body holding a resilient contact as a movable element. A comb-like contact is formed as a fixed element. A first bushing in the case and a second bushing in the base rotatably support a rotating shaft that rotates together with the rotating body. An inner bottom face of a cap-shaped knob is secured onto an end of the rotating shaft so that the knob receives a barrel portion, which supports the rotating shaft as a portion of the case.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Hisamune, Takumi Nishimoto, Jun Sato
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Patent number: 6982390Abstract: An actuator switch for use in an electronic energy meter has a reduced number of parts, and can be used to actuate multiple concealed switches. An actuator switch includes an inner actuator portion having ribs separated by at least one gap, and an outer housing with a locking-tab, where the locking-tab corresponds to at least one gap for interlocking.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Elster Electricity, LLCInventors: Peter W. Heuell, Garry M. Loy, Russell C. Broome, Lars Anders Lindqvist
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Patent number: 6972386Abstract: A digital pulse generator including a circular housing having a cover and a base. The base including at least one contact terminal secured therein. The digital pulse generator further including an encoder disc secured within the cover and rotatable relative to the base. The encoder including a plurality of projections formed on a first side of the encoder disc such that each of the plurality of projections defining a ridge and a valley. A ball positioned adjacent to the first side of the encoder and adapted to roll between the ridge and the valley. The ball coupled to a flexible contact and adapted to alternately engage the at least one terminal contact when the ball is adjacent to the ridge.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLCInventor: John P. McSwiggen
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Patent number: 6946609Abstract: In a telescopic switch between a step-up transformer and a generator, axially spaced sets of three alignment mechanisms each are disposed in a housing. Each mechanism includes puck secured to an insulator secured in turn to a fixed conductor, an inner ring and a base plate. The puck is threaded into an opening through the inner ring and has an axis of rotation relative to the inner ring opening offset from the axis of rotation of the inner ring relative to the base plate. By screw threading the puck relative to the inner ring, radial adjustment of an attached conductor is provided. By rotating the inner ring, the eccentrically mounted puck carrying the insulator and fixed conductor is rotated about the geometric axis of the opening in which the inner ring rotates for displacing the fixed conductor laterally.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Marc André Lajoie, Daniel Gaboury