Rocker Patents (Class 200/339)
  • Patent number: 8592703
    Abstract: Tamper-resistant, longer-lasting energy-harvesting switch assemblies that can accommodate longer antennas required for operation in the 315 MHz radio frequency band are provided. In order to accommodate longer antenna that will not fit within the energy-harvesting module, the front major face of the back plate is equipped with a perimetric channel or trough into which a wire antenna can be installed. The problem of rocker wear in prior-art devices caused by abrasive action of the bows is rectified by a redesign of the rocker and the manufacture of a wear-resistant insert that snaps into place at the rear of the rocker. The potential theft problem associated with prior-art devices has been resolved by redesigning the back plate and the retainer clip that engages latches on the redesigned back plate. Non-destructive removal of the retainer clip can be effected only with a special tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Martin R. Johnson, Jan F. Finlinson, Jeremy P. Willden, Robert E. Gooch
  • Patent number: 8546714
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a panel, a button assembly, and a circuit board. The panel defines an opening. The button assembly is mounted to the rear surface of the panel, and includes a button partially received in the opening of the panel, a base plate fixed to the rear side of the button, and a substantially U-shaped balance bar. The button includes a push portion and two protrusions rearwards extending through the base plate. An end of the balance bar is movably connected to the rear side of the base plate, and an opposite end of the balance bar is pivotably connected to the protrusions of the button. The circuit board is fixed behind the button assembly, and includes a switch aligning with the push portion of the button. When the button is pressed, the balance bar restricts the button to just move linearly to the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng Zhang, Guang-Yao Lee, Chien-Li Tsai, Jing-Mao Li, Jie Zhang
  • Patent number: 8541706
    Abstract: An electrical switch having a housing, with a contact system being located in the interior of the housing. A movable operating member, in particular in the form of a rocker, is arranged on the housing for switching action on the contact system. An opening is located in the housing, for the switching action of the operating member. An elastic seal for the opening is attached to the housing. The operating member comprises a moving inner part, which is located in the interior of the housing, in particular an inner rocker which can pivot, and a moving outer part, which is located on the exterior of the housing, in particular an outer rocker which can pivot. The seal completely covers the opening. The outer part moves the inner part, via the elastically moving seal, for switching action on the contact system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Marquardt Mechatronik GmbH
    Inventor: Edward Limbert
  • Publication number: 20130233684
    Abstract: A mounting structure of a switch knob for a vehicle includes a panel 10 having an opening portion 11 and a switch knob 14 having a front surface 14a exposed through the opening portion 11. The panel 10 includes a pair of support portions 12 respectively extending upright on opposing edge portions of the opening portion 11 on the back surface 10b of the panel 10 in a direction perpendicular to the panel 10, and the switch knob 14 is pivotably supported by the support portions 12. Thus, there is provided a mounting structure of a switch knob for a vehicle, which is simple, with the number of components for mounting being reduced and in which a possibility of scratching a panel surface during the mounting operation can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicants: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KOJIMA PRESS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro KATO, Kenji KIYOSAWA
  • Patent number: 8525372
    Abstract: A dimming switch comprises an enclosure with a mounting surface, a flat plate button mounted on the mounting surface, a dimming button, a tripping button, a dimmer mounted inside the enclosure, a resetting/tripping device, a dimming control circuit, a power input end configured to connect to a live wire of a power supply, and a power output end configured to connect to an electrical load. Pressing the flat plate button resets the resetting/tripping device, thereby electrically connecting the power input end with the power output end through the dimming control circuit. The dimming button is configured so that rotating the dimming button and pressing the dimming button up and down regulates the output voltage of the dimming control circuit. The tripping button and resetting/tripping device trip so that the electrical connection between the power input end and the power output end will be cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Publication number: 20130206560
    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: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas BUNK, Siegfried PIRKER
  • Patent number: 8492666
    Abstract: A key assembly for an electronic device comprises at least one key including a body having a first external contact portion and a second external contact portion. The first external contact portion is movable to thereby actuate a first switch of a pair of switches. The second external contact portion is movable to thereby actuate a second switch of the pair of switches. The body of the at least one key pivots about the first external contact portion when the second external contact portion moves to thereby actuate the second switch. The body of the at least one key also pivots about the second external contact portion when the first external contact portion moves to thereby actuate the first switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Michael Welker, Dietmar Wennemer
  • Patent number: 8481878
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices that may be used in conjunction with one or more battery modules and related methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a devices and related methods allowing one to manually disconnect high voltage and high current devices from a system. In one aspect, the present invention provides a mid pack break. The mid pack break is able to manually disconnect high voltage and high current devices from a system. The mid pack break includes a handle, a pin, a first sleeve, and a second sleeve. Force exerted on the handle causes the pin to insert into the first and second sleeves, thereby completing an electrical connection between the first and second sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel J. Elliott, W. Jeff Ulrich, Rick Reinhard, David Weinberger, David Edgar
  • Patent number: 8459812
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system may include an electrical device having an indicator light source, an actuator having a window, a viewing piece arranged to be visible through the window, and a light guide arranged to guide light from the light source to the viewing piece. The viewing piece may have a receiving portion arranged to receive light from the light guide, and the width of the receiving portion may be substantially larger than the width of the light guide. In another embodiment, a system may include an electrical device having a first support member, and an actuator having a second support member. The actuator may be adapted to move along a path of motion from a retracted position to an extended position, and the first and second support members may be adapted to support the actuator in the extended position with forces that are substantially balanced along the path of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Yun Wu, Alfred J. Lombardi
  • Publication number: 20130063284
    Abstract: A cantilevered push button adapted for accepting an input on an electrical or electronic device is disclosed. The button can include an elongated button top component disposed about an exterior surface of an electrical or electronic device such that it is accessible to a user, and having two opposing distal ends associated with separate user inputs. A first fulcrum is located between the first distal end and the midpoint of the elongated button top component, while a second fulcrum is located between the second distal end and the midpoint. A first electrical contact is associated with the first distal end, such that when a user presses on the first distal end, the elongated button top component pivots about the second fulcrum and the first electrical contact is actuated. A second electrical contact is similarly associated with the second distal end and first fulcrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. HAMEL, Tang Yew TAN, Erik WANG
  • Patent number: 8383974
    Abstract: A switch device has a casing, a tubular portion provided on the casing, an upper surface and a lower surface of the tubular portion being opened, a support shaft provided in the tubular portion, a manipulation knob attached to the tubular portion such that an opening in the upper surface is covered therewith, the manipulation knob being turned about the support shaft by manipulation, a first hitting portion provided in the manipulation knob, a first hit portion provided in the tubular portion, the first hitting portion hitting the first hit portion when the manipulation knob is turned to reach a limit of an operating range of a turning operation of the manipulation knob, and a second hitting portion provided in the manipulation knob independently of the first hitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Kotaro Wada, Shinichi Togawa, Muneki Nishii
  • Patent number: 8350648
    Abstract: A power control apparatus in the form of a standard, toggle, wall-mounted light switch for remote actuation of an electrical load or local manual override. A switch housing supports and retains a latching relay that includes power terminals, a switching terminal for remote actuation by a control signal, and a manual override. A switch lever extends from the body of the switch housing for manual actuation to override the state of the relay. The switch lever engages the manual override of the latching relay upon manual actuation by a person. A centering structure maintains the switch lever in a centered position to allow unimpeded movement of the manual override. The latching relay can be remotely actuated by a signal at its switching terminal to switch a power load connected to the power terminals on or off, or the relay can be manually overridden by actuation of the switch lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Gus Cueto
  • Patent number: 8344278
    Abstract: An exemplary control key assembly for an electronic device includes a housing and a control key. The housing forms a receiving portion. The receiving portion includes a resisting portion and a hole. The control key is positioned in the receiving portion. The control key includes an operating element and an elastic element. The operating element is received in the hole, and the elastic element includes a bent arm engaging with the resisting portion to limit the movement of the control key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Zhi-Qiang Xiao
  • Patent number: 8338731
    Abstract: A switch assembly includes a base, a switch member and a switch cap. The switch member is received in a recess of the base and pivotally connected to the base. The switch member has a pressing piece which is lowered to push a bi-metallic strip in the base. The switch member has engagement portions. A switch cap has a hook unit on a bottom thereof and the hook unit includes a first hook, a second hook and a third hook. The first and second hooks are located at two opposing sides of the switch cap, and the third hook is located at another side of the switch cap. The hook unit is hooked with the engagement portions of the switch member so that the switch cap is connected to the switch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Yu
  • Patent number: 8299381
    Abstract: A cantilevered push button adapted for accepting an input on an electrical or electronic device is disclosed. The button can include an elongated button top component disposed about an exterior surface of an electrical or electronic device such that it is accessible to a user, and having two opposing distal ends associated with separate user inputs. A first fulcrum is located between the first distal end and the midpoint of the elongated button top component, while a second fulcrum is located between the second distal end and the midpoint. A first electrical contact is associated with the first distal end, such that when a user presses on the first distal end, the elongated button top component pivots about the second fulcrum and the first electrical contact is actuated. A second electrical contact is similarly associated with the second distal end and first fulcrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Hamel, Tang Yew Tan, Erik Wang
  • Patent number: 8299376
    Abstract: A key button structure for entering data in an electronic device comprises a first key element and a second key element. The second key element is retained to the first key element by a retaining mechanism. The second key element has a joint positioned at a side thereof opposite to the first key element and two actuators located at an opposite side thereof facing the first key element. The joint pivotably couples the second key element to a housing of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Yu Zhang
  • Patent number: 8297217
    Abstract: A control box includes a shell, a display hole, an active member, an indicating member and an interlinking member. The display hole is formed in the shell. The active member has a turn-on end and a turn-off end and is pivotally connected with the shell so as to seesaw. The indicating member is movably disposed in the shell and has a first identifiable portion and a second identifiable portion. The interlinking member is connected between the active member and the indicating member to drive the indicating member to move. Accordingly, when the active member seesaws under the effect of an external force, the indicating member is driven by the interlinking member to show the first identifiable portion or the second identifiable portion in the display hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Hui Hsu, Cheng-Feng Wu
  • Patent number: 8278578
    Abstract: A key assembly comprises a base plate and a key. The base plate has an opening defined therein. The key is accommodated in the opening, and includes a first key section, a second key section connecting with the first key section and a shaft portion protruding from the junction of the first key section and the second key section. The shaft portion is rotatably mounted to the housing. The key further includes two contacting members, one contacting member is mounted on the first key section, another contacting member is mounted on the second key section. When the first key section is pressed to rotate about the shaft portion, the contacting member mounted on the first key section moves in a direction perpendicular to the direction that the first key section is pressed, and the contacting member mounted on the second key section moves in a direction reverse to the direction that the contacting member mounted on the first key section moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Publication number: 20120217144
    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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Satoru Konno
  • Patent number: 8248815
    Abstract: A key assembly comprises a base plate, two elastic elements and a key body. The elastic elements are both mounted to the base plate, and the elastic elements are spaced from and opposite to each other. The key body is slidably mounted to the base plate between the two elastic elements. The key body includes a first key section and a second key section connected with the first key section. The first key section has an arcuate first contacting portion formed thereon. The second key section has an arcuate second contacting portion formed thereon. The first key section resists one of the two elastic elements, the second key section resisting another elastic element. When the first key section slides toward and compresses the elastic element that resists the first key section, the second key section slide away from the elastic element that resists the second key section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8232486
    Abstract: A power seat control unit has a dial-type switch, a seesaw-type switch and button-type switches. The dial-type switch is ring-shaped, and allows a seat occupant to perform frontward and rearward inclining adjustments of a seat back of a power seat depending on a rotation direction thereof. The seesaw-type switch is inward of the dial-type switch and across a center of the dial-type switch and allows the seat occupant to perform a frontward and rearward displacement adjustments of the seat depending on a pushed position. The button-type switches are inward of the dial-type switch and on both sides of the seesaw-type switch, and allow the seat occupant to perform tilt-up and tilt-down adjustments of a front portion of a seat cushion and lift-up and lift-down adjustments of a rear portion of the seat cushion depending on which button-type manual switch is pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takushi Ujimoto, Hiroshi Nakahira, Hiroshi Shimase, Tomohiro Kawasaki, Yuuki Kihara
  • Patent number: 8213165
    Abstract: A key assembly comprises a base plate, a connecting member, a first key and a second key. The base plate has an opening defined therein. The connecting member is rotatably accommodated in the opening. The first key is rotatably hinged one side of the connecting member. The second key is rotatably hinged another side of the connecting member opposite to the first key. When the first key or the second key is pressed, the pressed key is rotated toward the base plate and rotates the connecting member, and the connecting member rotates the non-pressed key away from the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Mu-Wen Yang, Chih-Chiang Chang
  • Patent number: 8207463
    Abstract: A miniature switch with a switch operating unit having a swinging motion about a fulcrum on the side opposing the pressed side, instead of a spindle in the switch operating unit. The miniature switch includes: a switch operating unit composed of a holder 9 and an operational button 2 fixed to the holder 9; and a switch mechanism unit composed of a printed circuit board 6, a connector 5, and switch elements 7 arranged in a case 4, and coil springs 8 which engage between the switch elements 7 and the holder 9, wherein the switch operating unit and the switch mechanism unit are coupled to each other by a first packing 10 made of a resilient material, and the switch mechanism unit and the switch operating unit are disposed in a housing 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Nihon Kaiheiki Industrial Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Saito
  • Publication number: 20120118717
    Abstract: A rocker switch may include a housing and an actuator pivotably mounted relative to the housing for movement between an initial position and an actuated position. The actuator may include an exterior face defining a first contact surface and a second contact surface, the first contact surface being substantially planar and disposed within a first contact plane, and the second contact surface being substantially planar and disposed within a second contact plane, wherein the second contact plane is spaced from and substantially parallel to the first contact plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Eric James Hanson, Robert B. Riggs
  • Patent number: 8175641
    Abstract: A push-to-talk (PTT) switch with biasing to a first center position in which in which the PTT function of neither one of up to two audio devices is engaged, also having a first operated position to which the switch may be moved by hand operation to cause the PTT function of the first one of the two audio devices to be engaged, and further having a second operated position to which the switch may be moved by hand operation to cause the PTT function of the second one of the two audio devices to be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Bergeron, Paul G. Yamkovoy
  • Patent number: 8151928
    Abstract: An operator input assembly includes an operator input device. The operator input device includes a paddle and a leaf spring interfacing with the paddle so as to bias the paddle to a predetermined position. The paddle includes a region which interfaces with the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. States, Wolfgang Grabner, David J. Klas
  • Publication number: 20120067708
    Abstract: A switch module applied for a power supply system is disclosed. The switch module comprises a power switch, an insulating member, a surge absorber and a pyrocondensation belt. The power switch is connected with the power supply system, the insulating member is set on the power switch, the surge absorber is electrically connected with the power switch and adjacent to the power switch, the pyrocondensation belt is connected with the surge absorber and the insulating member. The pyrocondensation belt shrinks with a temperature of the surge absorber. When the insulating member is in the initial state, the insulating member does not affect the power switch. The insulating member makes the power switch off when the shrinkage degree of the pyrocondensation belt develops enough to block the power switch from being on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: POWERTECH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YU-LUNG LEE, JUNG-HUI HSU
  • Patent number: 8124898
    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: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Renjith Mathew, Walter Ancipiuk, Yun Wu, Alfred J. Lombardi
  • Patent number: 8115128
    Abstract: A multifunction switch has a switch body; a main switch toggle rotationally mounted to the switch body for controlling completion of an electric circuit. The main switch toggle has an on position and an off position. A toggle switch button is mounted to the main switch toggle. The toggle switch button is generally planar. A secondary switch button is mounted to the toggle switch button. A secondary switch is mounted to the switch body. The secondary switch is mounted adjacent to the main switch toggle. A generally planar faceplate has a switch button opening. The switch button opening is sized to receive the toggle switch button. An offset gap is formed when the toggle switch button is moved to the main switch off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin Yang
  • Patent number: 8104803
    Abstract: A latching system for securing two members together includes a housing, a pawl that is pivotally attached to the housing, a locking member, an actuating mechanism, and a rocker switch. The pawl is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The rocker switch is used to control the actuating mechanism. The rocker switch includes an outer housing, an inner housing, a printed circuit board, and a button. The pawl is provided with a torsion spring member that biases the pawl toward the open or disengaged configuration. Energizing the electrical actuating mechanism retracts the locking member out of engagement with the pawl, thus allowing the pawl to rotate under spring bias to the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Horton, Andrew Thornton
  • Patent number: 8106321
    Abstract: A circuit breaker device has a first electrode piece and a second electrode piece. In order to ensure protection from weather, the circuit breaker device is equipped with an electrically isolating housing. The electrically isolating housing has a first shell and a second shell. The first shell serves as a volatile casing for the second shell during production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reinhard Göhler, Bernd Kruska, Kai Steinfeld, Gernot Swiatkowski
  • Publication number: 20110280608
    Abstract: A power switch structure for an apparatus, including a recess provided in a side surface of the apparatus and having a distal sloped face facing a front side of the apparatus and a proximal sloped face surface, and a power switch, inclined with respect to the side surface of the apparatus, positioned on the distal sloped face surface to face the front side of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanae Amemiya, Hiroshi Ishii, Toshihiro Shimada
  • Publication number: 20110272261
    Abstract: Tamper-resistant, longer-lasting energy-harvesting switch assemblies that can accommodate longer antennas required for operation in the 315 MHz radio frequency band are provided. In order to accommodate longer antenna that will not fit within the energy-harvesting module, the front major face of the back plate is equipped with a perimetric channel or trough into which a wire antenna can be installed. The problem of rocker wear in prior-art devices caused by abrasive action of the bows is rectified by a redesign of the rocker and the manufacture of a wear-resistant insert that snaps into place at the rear of the rocker. The potential theft problem associated with prior-art devices has been resolved by redesigning the back plate and the retainer clip that engages latches on the redesigned back plate. Non-destructive removal of the retainer clip can be effected only with a special tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Martin R. Johnson, Jan F. Finlinson, Jeremy P. Willden, Robert E. Gooch
  • Patent number: 8053696
    Abstract: An electric connector switch for connecting lighting fixtures to a power cable is disclosed to include an electrically insulative housing, a connector body mounted inside the housing to hold a grounding unit and a conducting unit, and a switching member for controlling on/off status between the conducting unit and the power cable. The conducting unit has two fixed electrodes respectively connected to the positive and negative poles of the power cable, and a movable electrode, which has one end constantly kept in contact with one fixed electrode and the other end movable by the switching member between the on position to contact the other fixed electrode and the off position to be disconnected from the other fixed electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Shan Chaing Lin
  • Publication number: 20110259722
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system may include an electrical device, an actuator for the electrical device, and an interchangeable frame configured to be removeably attached to the electrical device and to hold the actuator. The frame may be adapted to pivotally engage the electrical device. In another embodiment, an electrical device may have an interface adapted to enable a frame to be attached to and removed from the electrical device, an opening in the electrical device, a subactuator arranged to actuate a switch in the electrical device through the opening, and to engage an actuator on the frame when the frame is attached to the electrical device, and a first rim disposed about the opening. The subactuator may include a second rim arranged to overlap the first rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: R. David Alderson, Michael D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110259721
    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: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Jerry R. Hoffman, Michael D. Williams
  • Patent number: 8044315
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing, a button plate, a support element and a printed circuit board. The housing has an opening. The button plate is disposed at the opening of the housing, has a central region and two sides, wherein the button plate is mounted to the housing through the two ends of the two sides formed by elastic arms respectively. The support element is disposed under the central region of the button plate for defining the button plate into left and right parts. The printed circuit board is located underneath the support element, has two switches located respectively corresponds to the left and right parts of the button plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc
    Inventors: San-Feng Lin, Chih-Yung Chi, Wei Wu
  • Patent number: 8022319
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to linkage means. More particularly, the invention encompasses a handle operator linkage with sealing means. The present invention is also directed to a novel linkage for controlling switches or breakers, and more particularly to a linkage for use as a double throw switch for controlling two switches or breakers mounted in the same enclosure so that only one switch can be ON at any given time, and the second switch would automatically be in an OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Tod Taylor Lament, Michael J. Holland
  • Patent number: 7989723
    Abstract: A button apparatus includes a button, a cover pivotally engaged with the button, and a chassis secured to the cover. The chassis includes a frame, an opening defined in the frame, and an elastic element connected between two opposite sides of the frame. The elastic element includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion. The button includes two pressing portions extending outwardly from two opposite sides thereof. The two pressing portions are arranged at two opposite sides of the elastic element. When the button is depressed, it moves relative to the cover from an original position to a depressed position, causing one of the first and second contact portions to be resiliently distorted and abut one of the two opposite sides of the body. When the button is released, the elastic element restores the button to the original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsung-Chin Wang, Feng-Yang Ma
  • Patent number: 7989724
    Abstract: In a switch, particularly a window lifter switch, with a housing, a switching rocker which is mounted in the housing and is associated with electrical contacts, and with a button which is likewise mounted in the housing, the button is acted upon elastically so that it is mounted free from play in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Altmann, Juergen Schmider, Peter Schulte
  • Patent number: 7985937
    Abstract: A switching device includes a paddle actuator biased to a rest position and configured to pivot relative to a housing to a depressed position to engage an air-gap switch disposed within the housing. The air-gap switch is configured to change a first state of a load connected to the switching device upon engagement by the paddle actuator. The paddle actuator is defined by a pair of opposing long sides and a pair of opposing short sides and has at least one slot defined therein parallel to the pair of opposing short sides thereof and centrally disposed between the pair of opposing long sides thereof. A rocker actuator is disposed in the at least one slot defined in the paddle actuator and is configured to pivot relative thereto to engage at least one switch. The at least one switch is configured to change a second state of the load connected to the switching device upon engagement by the rocker actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun Wu, Alfred J. Lombardi, Cheng-Lung Chou, Azer Ilkhanov
  • Publication number: 20110162947
    Abstract: A safety switch has a casing, a first prong, a second prong, the rocker and a pivot switch contact unit. The rocker is mounted pivotally on the top of the casing and has an arm and an end opposite to the arm. The pivot switch contact unit has a switch contact and a pull rod. The switch contact bends upward as temperature of the switch contact increases, is pivoted to the top end of the first prong and has a proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the switch contact is connected to the arm and selectively abuts the second prong. The pull rod is connected between the end of the rocker and the proximal end of the switch contact to provides the second end of the rocker a down pulling force when the distal end of the switch contact is slightly bent and not abut the second prong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Albert Huang
  • Patent number: 7960664
    Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a seesaw switch that has a simple structure with improved opearatability. In order to achieve the purpose, a seesaw switch 1 includes pressing sections each located at corresponding locations of operated sections of a pair of switch elements; a rotation operating member that is rotationally displaced; pressure transmitting members that are respectively provided between the pressing sections and operated sections; and a guide member that guides the pressure transmitting members to contacting and separating directions with respect to the operated sections, when the pressing sections are rotationally displaced. The seesaw switch also includes viscous material that is provided between the pressing sections and the pressure transmitting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatomo Inoue, Yasushi Oonishi, Nagatoshi Takeda, Satoshi Nakagaki
  • Publication number: 20110127151
    Abstract: A multifunction switch has a switch body; a main switch toggle rotationally mounted to the switch body for controlling completion of an electric circuit. The main switch toggle has an on position and an off position. A toggle switch button is mounted to the main switch toggle. The toggle switch button is generally planar. A secondary switch button is mounted to the toggle switch button. A secondary switch is mounted to the switch body. The secondary switch is mounted adjacent to the main switch toggle. A generally planar faceplate has a switch button opening. The switch button opening is sized to receive the toggle switch button. An offset gap is formed when the toggle switch button is moved to the main switch off position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin YANG
  • Patent number: 7952044
    Abstract: An actuator subassembly is provided for a rocker switch including a housing, a plunger and a number of contact elements. The actuator subassembly includes an operating member movably coupled to the rocker switch housing at or about an opening, and including at least one projection which extends into a cavity of the housing. A sub-actuator is removably coupled to such projection and includes a shaped portion, a number of contacting portions and a depth. The shaped portion cooperates with a plunger to provide a plurality of operating characteristics of the operating member, including a plurality of positions thereof. Each contacting portion contacts a corresponding one of the contact elements when the operating member is disposed in a corresponding one of the positions. When the actuator subassembly is coupled to the housing, the depth of the sub-actuator occupies less than one-third of the width of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Davin R. Lee
  • Patent number: 7945991
    Abstract: An actuating element mounted on an electrical appliance for pivotal movement about a pivoting axis in the switching direction of a switch, in order to switch a function of the electrical appliance by actuating the switch, and comprises a slide with an actuating surface that is guided along a slide path provided on the actuating element to adjust an operating parameter. An operating rocker/slide is provided enabling uniform forces introduced into the operating rocker during displacement of the slide. The actuating element includes the slide path and the pivoting axis extending substantially parallel to each other. The parallel orientation of the pivoting axis and the slide path enables the same length of lever arm to be obtained in relation to the pivoting axis of the actuating element, in each position of the slide, during the introduction of forces into the actuating surface of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Silvio Hamm, Roland Illig, Jörg Schröter
  • Patent number: 7939775
    Abstract: A button unit for an electronic control apparatus of a vehicle is disclosed. The button unit comprises a button and a detector. The button comprises a controlling portion which is pivotably coupled to a front panel of the electronic control apparatus, and an extension bar which extends from the controlling portion into the electronic control apparatus to be pivoted in a direction opposite to the pivoting direction of the controlling portion. The detector comprises a switch which is located within a pivoting radius of the extension bar and can be pivoted under the action of the extension bar, and a detector body on which the switch is pivotably installed and configured to transmit at least a electrical signal to the outside according to pivoting angles of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Eung Young Kim
  • Patent number: 7884291
    Abstract: A pair of engaging projections is provided on a periphery of a knob mounting section projecting from an upper case 13. A substantially octagonal annular joint member is engaged with the engaging projections and has a pair of engaging projections provided in the direction of 90 degrees off the engaging projections so as to be relatively rockably engaged with the operation knob, whereby the operation knob is universally jointed through the joint member with the knob mounting section. The operation knob is capable of being rocked by pressing an optional position thereof in the circumferential direction, and by being pivoted on two axes meeting at right angles, properly controlled steady operation can be performed. A seal plate is placed on a concave portion of the upper case. Lift springs are projectingly formed on the seal plate at intervals of about 45 degrees in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Toyo Denso Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takanori Terao
  • Patent number: 7884297
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus simplifies the structure of and facilitates the manufacture of the electronic apparatus having a seesaw-type operation button which is tiltable in a plurality of directions. The electronic apparatus has: an operation button; an operation panel provided with a holding portion for holding the operation button; and a plurality of switches to be pushed down by the operation button. The operation button comprises: a plurality of operating portions; a plurality of pressing portions respectively provided on the plurality of operating portions toward the plurality of switches; and a flat-shaped flexible board portion protruded between the plurality of pressing portions. The board portion is held by the holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoya Okuzumi
  • Patent number: 7863533
    Abstract: A cantilevered push button adapted for accepting an input on an electrical or electronic device is disclosed. The button can include an elongated button top component disposed about an exterior surface of an electrical or electronic device such that it is accessible to a user, and having two opposing distal ends associated with separate user inputs. A first fulcrum is located between the first distal end and the midpoint of the elongated button top component, while a second fulcrum is located between the second distal end and the midpoint. A first electrical contact is associated with the first distal end, such that when a user presses on the first distal end, the elongated button top component pivots about the second fulcrum and the first electrical contact is actuated. A second electrical contact is similarly associated with the second distal end and first fulcrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley J. Hamel, Tang Yew Tan, Erik Wang