Rocker Patents (Class 200/339)
  • Patent number: 11764782
    Abstract: There is described a motor vehicle control device (10) with a control unit (12), which includes a movable control element (14), and an electrode carrier (20) which comprises at least two electrodes (24) associated to the control element (14), which are contacted electrically and together with the control unit (12) form a common capacitor (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: BCS AUTOMOTIVE INTERFACE SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Nelson Carvalho, Pawel Borowczyk, Steffen Sornberger, Helmut Sowig, Viktor Beliuzhenko, Leandro Conde
  • Patent number: 11569051
    Abstract: A remote control device may control electrical loads and/or load control devices of a load control system without accessing electrical wiring. The remote control device may include a control unit and a base that may be configured to be mounted over a paddle actuator of an installed mechanical switch. The base may include a frame, a biasing member, and/or a ribbon portion. The frame may be configured to secure the remote control device thereto. The frame may define a rear surface that is configured to abut a bezel of the mechanical switch. The biasing member may be configured to engage a rear surface of a faceplate of the mechanical switch. The ribbon portion may be configured to attach the biasing member to the frame. The ribbon portion may be configured to extend through a gap between the bezel and the faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Jason C. Killo
  • Patent number: 11545315
    Abstract: An electrical device such as, for example, an electrical switch is disclosed. The switch being arranged and configured to prevent ingress or intrusion of water, dust, or the like from the external environment thus making the switch particularly suitable for use outdoors or indoors where water and dust are expected. In one embodiment, the switch includes a base or housing, an internal actuator positioned within an internal cavity of the base, an external actuator accessible by a user, a barrier layer positioned between the internal actuator and the external actuator, the barrier layer arranged and configured to seal the internal cavity and the internal actuator, and a magnetic coupling arranged and configured to transfer movement of the external actuator to the internal actuator through the barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Aaron, Michael Kamor
  • Patent number: 11437209
    Abstract: A remote control device may control electrical loads and/or load control devices of a load control system without accessing electrical wiring. The remote control device may include a control unit and a base for the control unit. The base may include a frame and a mounting tab that attaches to the paddle actuator of a mechanical switch. The mounting tab may be monolithic with the frame. Alternatively, the base may include a resilient attachment member that extends from the frame and is captively retained by the mounting tab. The frame and the attachment member may be configured such that the attachment member is held in a fixed in position by the frame, or such that the attachment member is translatable relative to the frame. The base may include one or more alignment members. The base may cause a rear surface of the frame to be biased against the mechanical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Chris Dimberg, Matthew Philip McDonald
  • Patent number: 11317136
    Abstract: An apparatus for interacting with a graphical user interface, including: a printed circuit board, a plurality of push detection elements disposed on or over the top surface of the printed circuit board, wherein four push detection elements are arranged orthogonally from each other in the cardinal directions, a flexible pad layer disposed on or over the plurality of push detection elements, a navigation key disposed over and covering the four push detection elements, wherein the bottom surface of the navigation key has an annular-shaped cavity, four plungers, each one of the four plungers disposed above a respective one of the four push detection elements and configured to actuate a respective push detection element when a corresponding plunger is actuated, and at least one post disposed in an angular region between two plungers of adjacent cardinal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: HOME CONTROL SINGAPORE PTE LTD
    Inventors: Qiang Liu, Whye Kwong Liang, Ching Guan Tay, Hon Shien Choong, Simin He
  • Patent number: 11195676
    Abstract: A switch mechanism (12) includes a housing (16, 18) with a fenestration (21), a switch element (22) held in the housing, and a membrane switch held in the fenestration. The membrane switch includes a flexible membrane (20) and a rigid rib (26). The rib is constrained to linear movement by guides (37, 38) in the housing so that contact with the membrane causes the membrane to deform and the rib to translate to actuate the switch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Gyrus Acmi, Inc.
    Inventor: Joey D. Magno
  • Patent number: 11024472
    Abstract: An operation element is disposed in a recess provided in a lower surface of a controller attached to a vehicle ceiling part, and the operation element comprises an inclined portion inclined at an upward gradient from a vehicle front toward a vehicle rear, a protruding portion formed by the inclined portion, and provided on a vehicle front side of a point, on the operation element, that has an equal distance from opposite ends of the operation element in a front-back direction, and an operating rotary shaft disposed on a side of the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Udo
  • Patent number: 10950398
    Abstract: A four-way switch including a knob configured to be tilted in four directions to perform a switching operation in the four directions; a housing to which the knob is attached in a tiltable manner; a stopper formed on a surface of the housing so as to protrude by a predetermined height, the stopper being configured to limit a downward motion of the knob by contacting a portion of a lower surface of the knob while the knob is tilted; a guide protrusion formed on the lower surface of the knob so as to protrude by a predetermined length; and a guide groove portion formed on the surface of the housing so as to protrude by a predetermined height so as to face the guide protrusion, the guide groove portion including a recess portion having a structure that engages with the guide protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: ALPS ALPINE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jisub Ban
  • Patent number: 10910173
    Abstract: A button restoring mechanism of an electronic device includes a housing, an adjustment button mounted on the housing, a bracket, and an elastic member. One side of the adjustment button protrudes within the housing. The bracket latches with the adjustment button. One end of the elastic member is fixed to one side of the bracket, and a second end of the elastic member abuts against a second side of the bracket. An elastic force of the elastic member drives the second side of the bracket to abut against a switch button within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignees: HONGFUJIN PRECISION ELECTRONICS (ZHENGZHOU) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bo-Duo Yuan, Hai-Tao Wang
  • Patent number: 10832876
    Abstract: A push-button switch and a transportation vehicle in which the disclosed push-button switch is inserted. The push-button switch has a keycap, a base plate, a switching element, a first lever and a second lever. The first lever and the second lever are each mounted for rotation on the base plate by a pivot bearing and are each movably connected to the keycap at a first lever end. The first lever and the second lever are movably connected to one another at a second lever end. The switching element is arranged on the keycap so the switching element is actuated by the second lever end of the first lever or by the second lever end of the second lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Thrien, Niels Petter, Alexander Oong
  • Patent number: 10825623
    Abstract: A rocker assembly structure includes a pedestal having a base portion, and a keycap. A bottom wall of the accommodating groove protrudes upward to form a rod portion. Several portions of a peripheral surface of the rod portion are recessed inward to form a plurality of first guiding grooves. A lower portion of an inner wall of each first guiding groove is recessed inward to form a buckling slot. A front of the peripheral surface of the rod portion is further recessed inward to form a second guiding groove. The keycap covers the rod portion. Several portions of an inner wall of the keycap protrudes inward to form a plurality of buckling blocks. The plurality of the buckling blocks are disposed in the buckling slots of the plurality of the first guiding grooves and the second guiding groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi Ming Tseng, Tsung Shih Lee
  • Patent number: 10656669
    Abstract: A trigger guard for a pendant for controlling a hydraulic power unit includes a first prong extending from a front side of a handle of the pendant; a second prong extending from the front side of the handle; a groove disposed between the first prong and the second prong, the groove defined by the first prong, the second prong, and the handle; a first gap disposed between the first prong and a head of the pendant; and a second gap disposed between the second prong and the head. The trigger is disposed between the first prong and the second prong such that the trigger is accessible through the groove, the first gap, and the second gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Dawson, Douglas S. Ryder
  • Patent number: 10614978
    Abstract: A rocker switching control element for electrical sliding roofs on a vehicle overhead panel has an actuation rocker formed as a switch with switching positions and is arranged on a substantially planar control panel. The actuation rocker is recessed such that it does not project beyond the panel edge region. The transition between the panel edge region and the actuation rocker is formed with the panel edge region forming over a first width a goblet-like edge set back by a first depth, and an adjoining edge, separated by a gap of width, of the actuation rocker, which edge is recessed by more than the first depth in the non-actuated state and set further back continuously over a second width by a second depth. The recess is shaped overall such that inadvertent actuation of the actuation rocker by an object significantly larger than a human finger is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Nikolaus Alexander Bechtel
  • Patent number: 10529509
    Abstract: An apparatus includes communication circuit; an actuator electrically coupled with the communication circuit; and a switch engagement component mechanically coupled with the actuator. The apparatus is configured for mounting adjacent to a switch (e.g., a rocker switch, a toggle switch, a button switch, etc.). The communication circuit is configured to activate the actuator in response to one or more instructions received by the communication circuit. The actuator is configured to rotate the switch engagement component. Rotating the switch engagement component while the switch is in a first state places the switch in a second state that is distinct from the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Naran Inc.
    Inventors: Taehyun Park, Hyodong Kim, Hyojae Son, Yongsuk Choi, Jinsu Choi
  • Patent number: 10468749
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mobile display terminal, including a case, a main board and an antenna. The main board is arranged inside the case, a circuit board is arranged on the main board, and the antenna is arranged on the case. The mobile display terminal further includes a connector configured to electrically connect the antenna to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yongchun Lu, Jian Xu, Xinyin Wu, Yong Qiao, Jianbo Xian
  • Patent number: 10285825
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a distal end connectable with an implant, and a handle connected to a proximal end of the shaft. The instrument defines an internal fluid channel through which a fluid can be passed. A kit includes the instrument and a spinal implant that is expandable through the introduction of the fluid therein. A method of using the instrument includes passing a fluid through an internal fluid channel defined by the instrument and toward the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Frank Pinal, Bryan D. Milz, Dan Boljonis, Collin Desens
  • Patent number: 10268364
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a display, a sensor and a processor. The processor is configured to activate the display in a first input mode to acquire a first touch input through the display, and to identify context information related to the electronic device through the display or the sensor. The processor also is configured to change the display to a second input mode to acquire a second touch input through one or more areas of the display when the context information meets a predetermined condition. In addition, the processor is configured to execute a predetermined function related to at least one object displayed on the display based on the second touch input acquired through the one or more areas while the display is in the second input mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-Seok Park
  • Patent number: 10260795
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet, a door, a cooling system, an indicator configured to indicate a door-ajar condition and a door-ajar switch. The cabinet includes a liner that defines a refrigerated compartment, and the door is movable between an open position and a fully closed position to selectively seal the refrigerated compartment. The cooling system is configured to generate cool air and circulate the cool air within the refrigerator. The door-ajar switch includes a switch portion and a damper portion, with the portions located adjacent to one another in a common housing mounted to the cabinet or the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Neomar Giacomini, Axel Julio Ramm
  • Patent number: 10233670
    Abstract: A lock detecting device (10) which is capable of detecting a state of a thumbturn (1) and transmitting a detection result and is very versatile and device costs of which are small is provided. A sensor portion that detects whether the state of the thumbturn (1) is in a first state or in a second state orthogonal to the first state and a wireless communication portion that transmits a signal corresponding to a detection result of the sensor portion by wireless communication are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Jun Shintani, Atsushi Nagano
  • Patent number: 10141137
    Abstract: A latch-free actuator includes, for example, a movable arm, a first biasing element operable to apply a force to move the movable arm in a first direction, and a yieldable support having a rigid configuration defining a generally straight axis and a flexible configuration defining a non-straight axis. The yieldable support is operable in the rigid configuration to support a compression force along the straight axis due to and countering the first biasing element so that the movable arm is prevented from movement in the first direction, and the yieldable support is operable, by applying a tripping force, to the yieldable support to transition the rigid configuration to the flexible configuration to withdraw support of the compression force and allow the movable arm to be moved by the first biasing element in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventor: David Peter Mika
  • Patent number: 10061395
    Abstract: The present invention provides a button structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The button structure includes a base made from a first material, a graphic piece made from a second material, and a transparent piece made from a third material, where the graphic piece is integrally formed with the base and protrudes out beyond an upper surface of the base, the transparent piece wraps the base and the graphic piece, and a heat resistance temperature of the first material and a heat resistance temperature of the second material are both higher than a heat resistance temperature of the third material. In addition, the present invention further provides a game controller using the button structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Tsu-Hui Yu, Shu-An Huang
  • Patent number: 10044115
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a cable connector including: a first connector body portion including a first plurality of electrical contacts arranged to contact electrical contacts of a first surface of an edge connector substrate; a second connector body portion separate from the first connector body portion and including a second plurality of electrical contacts arranged to oppose the first plurality of electrical contacts of the first connector body portion and to contact electrical contacts of a second surface of the edge connector substrate, wherein the first and second plurality of electrical contacts are electrically coupled to one or more cables; and a joining mechanism configured to join the first connector body portion and the second connector body portion together and to apply a bias force to the edge connector substrate when the edge connector substrate is arranged between the first connector body portion and the second connector body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Donald T. Tran, Gregorio Murtagian, Kuang Liu, Srikant Nekkanty, Feroz Mohammad, Karumbu Meyyappan, Hong Xie, Russell S. Aoki, Gaurav Chawla
  • Patent number: 9972460
    Abstract: A connector includes a fixed contact, a movable contact that contacts with the fixed contact, a slide, a contact slide operated in association with a movement of the slide, a button that is pushed in accordance with the movement of the slide, the button including a lower portion, an upper portion, and a slant portion connecting the lower portion to an upper stage, and a card that moves the movable contact toward and away from the fixed contact in accordance with the movement of the button, wherein the contact slide contacts with the lower portion when the switch is in a turn-off state, contacts with the slant portion so as to push the button and cause the card to move the movable contact toward the fixed contact when the slide slides in one direction, and contacts with the upper portion when the switch is in a turn-on state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED, NTT FACILITIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daiei Iwamoto, SeungSeok Beak, Takashi Yuba, Koichi Kiryu, Keiichi Hirose, Masatoshi Noritake
  • Patent number: 9928972
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a limit switch comprising a switch housing; a contact block assembly comprising a contact plunger and a switch circuit; a head assembly comprising a lever; a reset plunger configured to fit within the housing, configured to interact with the head assembly and the contact plunger; and a reset assembly comprising a reset button and a reset axis, configured to attach to the housing and to interact with the reset plunger, wherein the head assembly moves the reset plunger downward against a bias, wherein, when the reset plunger is moved down a predetermined amount, the reset axis moves into an opening in the reset plunger, due to a bias on the reset axis, wherein when the reset plunger moves downward, the contact plunger also moves downward against a bias, and wherein the contact plunger is configured to control the switch circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Xingjun Ou, Keyong Zhou, Honggui Shuai
  • Patent number: 9558898
    Abstract: A contactless control switch that is resistant to influence from external magnetic fields is disclosed. The switch includes a switch housing, a button moveably mounted to the housing that has at least one protrusion formed on an underside thereof, a circuit board mounted to the housing and including at least one magnet sensor, and a magnet holder positioned adjacent each respective magnet sensor, the magnet holder housing a positive field magnet and a negative field magnet therein and being rotatably mounted to the housing. A respective protrusion interacts with the magnet holder responsive to an actuation of the button by a user, so as to position one of the positive field magnet and the negative field magnet proximate to its respective sensor and the other of the positive field magnet and the negative field magnet distal to its respective sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Davin Robert Lee
  • Patent number: 9466385
    Abstract: In a general aspect, a circuit can include a printed circuit board having an opening defined therein and an electrical write line disposed on the circuit board. The electrical write line can be connected to a semiconductor memory device, and be configured to transmit a write voltage signal to the semiconductor memory device to write data therein in a write mode of the circuit. The circuit can also include an input voltage terminal disposed on the circuit board. The input voltage terminal can be configured to receive a write-protection voltage. The circuit can also include a reversible closing element that, when inserted in the opening in the circuit board, electrically connects the electrical write line and the input voltage terminal to pass the write- protection voltage to the electrical write line connected to the semiconductor memory device to reversibly enable a write-protect mode of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Hayter, Frank R. Hislop, Olof Johansson
  • Patent number: 9443680
    Abstract: Input device includes a printed circuit board, a first switch, a button and at least one second switch. The first switch is arranged at the printed circuit board, and is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The at least one second switches are arranged at the printed circuit board surrounding the first switch. The guide body is arranged on the printed circuit board. The button is arranged on the guide body. The button is configured to move towards the circuit board to trigger the first switch. The button is also configured to rotate with respect to the circuit board to trigger the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignees: AMBIT MICROSYSTEMS (SHANGHAI) LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wang-An Hu
  • Patent number: 9426267
    Abstract: There is disclosed a mobile terminal including a rear case having a back plate and a lateral wall; a front case coupled to a front surface of the rear case to form a predetermined space where components are mounted; a button hole formed in the lateral wall; a retaining projection projected from an inner surface of the button hole in a perpendicular direction with respect to the lateral wall; a side key inserted in the button hole; and a retaining rib extended from an inner or lateral surface of the side key to be fastened to the retaining projection, such that in case the button hole may be provided in the lateral surface of the rear case to insert the side key therein, the retaining projection which is able to be integrally formed with the button hole and the retaining rib which is able to be coupled to the retaining projection stably can be arranged to retain the side key stably in a process of assembling the side key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sungin Choi, Hoseok Chung, Younji Shin, Jungsuk Lee, Byungduck Park, Moonyoul Ahn
  • Patent number: 9401252
    Abstract: A wireless load control system is provided including one or more wireless switch components and one or more load controller components optionally in one-to-one, many-to-many, many-to-one, and one-to-many wireless communication with each other. A wireless switch assembly includes a base and a corresponding rocker shell that together define an enclosure for a control circuit and at least one elastically deformable actuator, the actuator being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: LEVVEN AUTOMATION INC.
    Inventors: James Keirstead, Jim Qualie, Yi Dong
  • Patent number: 9373466
    Abstract: An inner wall for partitioning a storage chamber is disposed in a case. A switching member operating a movable contact inside the storage chamber is positioned inside a penetrating portion formed between an inner recess formed on an inner wall and a first cutout portion formed in an inner clamping piece of a lid body. The switching member is formed integrally with a flange portion, and the flange portion closes the penetrating portion. As a result, dust, dirt and moistures are unlikely to enter the storage chamber through the penetrating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Sasaki, Tomoaki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 9373465
    Abstract: A switch includes conductive first and second prongs that have upper portions located within a switch casing and lower portions exposed therefrom, a button mounted pivotally on the casing having a protrusion rod and a connection rod connected to the protrusion rod; and an alloy plate disposed within the casing having one end connected securely to the upper portion of the second prong and a free end operably connected to the connection rod. The free end is provided with an upper electrical contact in alignment with a lower electrical contact of the first prong. An elastic member has a first straight abutment portion in resiliently abutment against a fixing element within the casing, a second straight that resiliently abuts against the free end of the alloy plate, whereby, the alloy plate is displaced from its initial position when an overload current flows through the switch in a switch-on position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 9360947
    Abstract: An input device includes a printed circuit board for outputting a signal, a supporting base fixed on the printed circuit board, and a cap pivoted to the supporting base. A protrusion is formed on an end of the cap for contacting against the printed circuit board when the cap is not pressed down. The cap pivots relative to the supporting base when the cap is pressed down. The input device further includes a resilient conductive component disposed between the printed circuit board and the cap for being pressed by the cap to conduct the printed circuit board when the cap is pressed down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang, Chun-Chien Chen, Shun-De Bai, San-Pao Kao
  • Patent number: 9302183
    Abstract: A push-button structure includes a circuit board, a conductive adhesive mounted on the circuit board, a base column, a splinter and a button body. The base column has an assembling portion. A bottom end of the assembling portion is mounted to the circuit board through the conductive adhesive. The splinter mounted to a top end of the base column has a base plate. Several portions of an outer periphery of the base plate meander outward to form a plurality of elastic arms. A free end of the elastic arm is bent upward to form a fastening piece. The button body has a base portion. Several portions of an outer periphery of the bottom surface of the base portion protrude downward to form a plurality of propping plates. The propping plate hooks a top end of the fastening piece to keep a balance of the button body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: CHENG UEI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsung Shih Lee, Li Wen Lin
  • Patent number: 9268364
    Abstract: A data entry device includes a housing comprising a front and rear surface and laterally separated grip portions each configured to engage with a hand of a user. The user may thereby support the housing by engaging the grip portions of the housing. The rear surface includes first and second generally concave portions disposed proximate the first and second grip portions, which curve generally towards the hand of the user when the housing is supported by the user. The device further includes input keys positioned on each of the first and second generally concave portions of the rear surface such that the user may actuate the input keys with fingers of each hand while engaging the grip portions, and such that the generally concave portions facilitate ergonomic access to the input keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: TREWGrip, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Parker
  • Patent number: 9165730
    Abstract: A switching apparatus for an electric switch, in particular an electric circuit breaker, including a switching head with a grip section, and a switching frame connected to the switching head. In an embodiment, a bearing end of at least one spring element is mounted on the switching frame on at least one bearing device. The switching head for the bearing end of at least one spring element includes at least one positioning depression on the side of the switching head opposite to the grip section, which is embodied for a lateral positioning of the bearing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Bunk, Siegfried Pirker
  • Patent number: 9114319
    Abstract: An apparatus generally directed to controlling a video game. The apparatus preferably includes a wireless communications enabled computing device, an electronic game communicating with the wireless communications enabled computing device, and an input device for controlling movement of a virtual object provided by the electronic game. Preferably, the input device includes a pair of opposing side structures adjacent opposing sides of plurality of sides of the wireless communications enabled computing device. The input device further preferably includes a plurality of input switches, wherein said input switches are adjacent each of the at least two opposing sides of the plurality of sides of the wireless communications enabled computing device. In a preferred embodiment, the input device masks less than a majority of the back of the wireless communications enabled computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Wikipad, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Joynes, James Bower, Kelly Gamble
  • Publication number: 20150129404
    Abstract: A two-piece rocker assembly having an inner rocker and an outer rocker, the inner rocker being snap-fit into the outer rocker via a connection between at least one flange and at least one latch beam. In certain embodiments, a locking member is added to the two-piece rocker assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Vincent Cassarino
  • Patent number: 8946576
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a switch device that includes a first switch portion that is configured to rotate a first angular amount in a first direction about a first fixed axis of rotation and has a first pivot arm length. The first and second switch are coupled to the interface portion. The second switch portion rotates a second angular amount in a second direction and has a second pivot arm length. The second angular amount is greater than the first angular amount and a function of the first pivot arm length and the second pivot arm length. A set of switch contacts includes at least one fixed contact and a movable contact separated by a predetermined minimum distance that is a function of the first pivot arm length and the second pivot arm length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Richard M. Rohmer
  • Publication number: 20140332359
    Abstract: A pivotable key structure includes a housing body, a pivotable unit, a switch module, and a carrier. The pivotable unit has a touchpad module and a pivotable member. The pivotable member is engaged to the touchpad module thereunder. The pivotable member is disposed on the carrier through two pivot axle as a pivot point to relatively pivot on the carrier. The carrier has a switch module corresponding to two pivot axles. The pivotable member has two operating portions which are protrusions, each respectively correspond to the switch module. The housing body has an opening so that the pivotable member can pivot horizontally and be exposed through the opening. Thereby, through the pivoting movements of the pivotable unit toward the switch module, the operating protrusions can contact the switch module and generate a corresponding control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicants: LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, LlTE-ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LIMITED
    Inventor: HSIAO-LUNG CHIANG
  • Patent number: 8859920
    Abstract: A button assembly having a shim for a pivot button. One embodiment may take the form of a button assembly with a stem and a receiving portion pivotally coupled to the stem. The stem is positioned within an aperture of the receiving portion, with the aperture providing a gap between the receiving portion and the stem. A shim sleeve having non-uniform thickness is coupled over the stem and positioned between the receiving portion and the stem. The shim sleeve is configured to reduce the gap between the receiving portion and the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson Manullang, Teodor Dabov
  • Patent number: 8853893
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power control device. The device includes an interchangeable user interface assembly includes a frame member having a plurality of connector elements configured to mate with a plurality of frame connection apertures. The frame member is removable from the device heat sink without any tools. The interchangeable user interface assembly includes an interface paddle rotatably coupled to the frame member and detached relative to the device's rocker switch such that the interface paddle slidably moves relative to the rocker switch with at least one degree of freedom during a rotational movement, the user interface assembly further including an interface dimmer movably disposed within the frame member and coupled to the device's dimmer actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald R. Savicki, Jr., Kent Morgan
  • Patent number: 8835783
    Abstract: A switch has a manipulator that is supported by a housing and swung on one side and the other side, a power switch mechanism that brings contact portions of a movable piece and a fixed terminal into contact with each other when the manipulator is swung onto one side, the movable piece and the fixed terminal being disposed opposite each other in the housing, a returning spring that biases the manipulator in a swing manipulation direction when the manipulator is swung onto the other side, and a power retaining and releasing mechanism that includes a retaining portion and a releasing portion, the retaining portion regulating a restoring force of the returning spring according to the swing manipulation of the manipulator onto one side to retain a contact state of the contact portions of the movable piece and the fixed terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kiyono, Toshihiro Naruo
  • Patent number: 8829370
    Abstract: An operating device includes click feeling generation members provided on a base plate, a pusher that elastically deforms the click feeling generation members, a pressure receiving surface provided on the pusher, a shaft that is operable to tilt to directions with respect to a standing state, and an operating part provided on the shaft and engaged with the deepest part of the pressure receiving surface. The operating part is disengaged from the deepest part of the pressure receiving surface when the shaft is operated to tilt to any of the directions. When the operating part is disengaged from the deepest part of the pressure receiving surface, the operating part of the shaft pushes the pressure receiving surface to move the pusher toward the base plate, so that all of the click feeling generation members are elastically deformed from the first states to the second states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ueno
  • 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: 8816229
    Abstract: An electric switch, in particular a rocker or toggle switch, includes a manually operable actuating part (12) that is mounted for rotary or swiveling motion and is deflectable from a neutral position to an actuating position. The electric switch further includes an electric switching member (16) that is adapted to be actuated mechanically, and an actuating member (22) that acts upon the switching member (16). The actuating member (22) is coupled to the actuating part (12) and to the switching member (16) such that a rotary or swiveling motion of the actuating part (12) from the neutral position to the actuating position is transformed into a substantially linear motion of the actuating member (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventor: Erich Seeh
  • Publication number: 20140158510
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device includes a metal switch cover as a user contact point. The metal switch cover has antimicrobial properties that reduces microorganisms that are present on the wiring device, and helps reduce the spread of infections or disease from user to user. The metal switch cover is disposed on a switch in the wiring device, such that users touch the metal switch cover when operating the switch. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal switch cover is coupled to a paddle-style switch and takes on the profile of a paddle. In some exemplary embodiments, the metal switch cover is coupled to a toggle-style switch and take on the profile of a toggle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Darron Lacey, Rahul Natwar Goyal, Rohit Sumerchand Dodal, Luis F. Salas, Carlos Eduardo Restrepo, Erik Gouhl
  • 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: 8704118
    Abstract: A switch device includes a rockable operating body held in a case, a driving body held within the case and made rockable by the operating body, and a switch element pressed by the driving body. The rockable operating body is held with respect to the case by a first rotating portion apart by a predetermined distance from a position where the operating body is operated. The rockable driving body is held with respect to the case by a second rotating portion apart by predetermined distance from a position where the driving body presses the switch element. A rocking portion that makes the operating body and the driving body rockable relative to each other between the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion is constituted by the operating body and the driving body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Konno
  • Patent number: 8698026
    Abstract: A push button switch includes: a support structure of a generally box-like shape, defining an internal space, the support structure having at least an opening communicating with the internal space and an opening axis, the opening being defined by an internal opening edge; an actuation mechanism having a push button and a mechanical coupling arrangement for connecting the push button to the support structure, the mechanical coupling arrangement having a guiding arrangement for the push button to traverse with respect to the support structure in a direction generally parallel to the opening axis; a key which is fixable to the push button for manually actuating the push button; and an anti-jamming protection device having a protective plug interposable between the key and push button and being appliable onto the support structure for interacting with the internal edge, to protect the guiding arrangement from undesired intrusion by dust particles and such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: BTICINO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Roceereto
  • Patent number: 8624142
    Abstract: An electrical device controller is provided for controlling power to a load. The controller includes a housing having an open face and a plate having a unitary aperture secured to the housing and disposed over the open face. The controller further includes an electrical power controller component positioned within the housing for coupling to a power source and a load, a first actuator coupled to the electrical component, and an adjacent second actuator coupled to the electrical component. The first actuator has a movable user operable portion that is user accessible via the unitary aperture for controlling power ON/OFF to the load. The second actuator has a movable user operable portion that is user accessible via the unitary aperture for adjusting magnitude of power delivered to the load. The movement and position of the respective user operable portions of the first and second actuators are mutually independent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Renjith Mathew, Walter Ancipiuk, Yun Wu, Alfred J. Lombardi