Rocker Patents (Class 200/339)
  • Patent number: 6355893
    Abstract: A push-button apparatus includes a main body having at least two inward walls parallel to each other and a push-button having two outward walls parallel to each other. The push-button is arranged within an inner space defined between the two inward walls of the main body. A recess is arranged at any one of the main body and the push-button. A rotation axis is arranged at the other of the main body and the push-button and rotatably fitted into the recess. A front end of the rotation axis pressingly comes into contact with a bottom of the recess by virtue of elastic return force derived from materials of the push-button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Ikunami
  • Publication number: 20020011404
    Abstract: A switch device includes a first case and a second case. Stationary contacts are enclosed within the first case that is sealed by a cover. An operating lever configured to actuate a movable contact is partially received by a window hole within the cover. An engaging hook is unitary part of or is coupled to the outside surface of the second case. Stationary terminals project from the stationary contacts. The second case encloses the first case and the cover. The first case and the cover are made of resins having an arc resistance. The second case is made of a thermoplastic resin that is more flexible than the first case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Masayuki Takeda, Toshiharu Mori
  • Patent number: 6343300
    Abstract: An input/output control device (11) comprises a dual processor system. Supplied with a file update request, first and second processors (12, 14) perform individual processing independently of each other. While the first processor (12) processes a processing request from an input/output device (18) with a current operation file, a new operation file is loaded from a storage medium (17) to a second memory (15). At a predetermined timing, input/output control is switched from the first processor (12) to the second processor (14). Thereafter, judgement is made about whether or not a new processing request subsequently received is an existing call already triggered in the current operation file or a new call newly triggered. In case of the existing call, the call is transmitted through a data transmission/reception unit (16) to the first processor (12) to perform processing with the current operation file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Suetake
  • Patent number: 6339201
    Abstract: A four function electrical rocker switch has two single pole, single throw on/off sections having their movable contact arms coupled to a single electrical line and their fixed contacts connected to individual circuits. The two switch sections are independently operated. A third rocker switch is a single pole, double throw switch with a center-off position. The third switch can be operated to either of two positions to operate either one of two independent circuits or can be left in the center-off position not engaging either circuit. A five function electrical rocker switch can be made up of one section having a single pole, single throw on/off switch and two sections with single pole, double throw switches which each have a center-off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Balaban, Anthony Tufano
  • Patent number: 6274826
    Abstract: A switch unit is provided, which includes: an operative body being swingingly operably provided; a pair of first switch portions being abuttable on respective end portions of the operative body when the operative body is swingingly operated so as to output signals to raise and lower, respectively, a window glass; a pair of second switch portions arranged apart from a line connecting the pair of first switch portions and nearer a longitudinal middle portion of the operative body than the first switch portions and being abuttable on the operative body when the operative body is swingingly operated so as to output signals to raise and lower, respectively, the window glass; and a pair of supporting portions arranged opposite to the pair of second switch portions with respect to the line, wherein the supporting portions abut on respective portions of the operative body when the first switch portions abut on the respective end portions of the operative body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyoshi Serizawa, Minoru Kubota, Keizo Nishitani
  • Patent number: 6255610
    Abstract: A switch system wherein the housing consists of a spatially injection-molded conductor support (MID technique). The switch system is designed such that it can be largely adapted to the requirements of automotive technology. To that end, the top of the housing has a surface which can be equipped as desired with electrical and/or mechanical components and its underside has pin-like projections which are connected to strip conductor and act as plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob Botz, Adam Weber
  • Patent number: 6248966
    Abstract: A lever switch comprises a box-shaped case 11 with the top open having fixed contact points 12, 13, 14 on the inner bottom surface. A movable contact element 15 made of an elastic metal, formed into an approximately reverse isosceles triangle having an elastic contact point 15E, 15F provided at the tip end of two respective elastic feet 15C, 15D extended from the equilateral sides to be crossing downward is placed in the case. An actuating body 16 of approximately isosceles triangle shape is disposed on the top of the movable contact element 15 so as protrusions 16C, 16D provided at the bottom corners press the upper surface of the flexed portions 15A, 15B, respectively, locating at the upper corners of the movable contact element 15. The operation lever 16E of actuating body 16 operates smoothly responding to the forces exerted from the three directions, both the right and the left, as well as from the up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Nakase, Yasuchika Kudo, Yusho Nakase
  • Patent number: 6239392
    Abstract: A switch unit is provided, which includes: an operative body being swingingly operably provided; a first contact portion being abuttable on one end portion of the operative body when the operative body is swingingly operated; a second contact portion being abuttable on the other end portion of the operative body when the operative body is swingingly operated; a fulcrum piece extending from a middle portion of the operative body in a direction where the operative body comes into contact with and gets off the first and second contact portions; a fulcrum receiving portion facing the fulcrum piece; an elastic support member to support the operative body in a state that the fulcrum piece and the fulcrum receiving portion have a gap therebetween when the operative body is not operated and to permit the fulcrum piece to approach the fulcrum receiving portion when the operative body is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyoshi Serizawa, Minoru Kubota, Keizo Nishitani
  • Patent number: 6201201
    Abstract: An electrical switch for switching on and off an electrical appliance such as a light bulb. The switch includes a body, a fixed contact and a movable contact, an actuator supported by the body for pivotal movement, causing movement of the movable contact between a switched-on position and a switched-off position, and an internal spring acting upon the actuator. The spring extends generally in-line with the actuator, in compression, such that the actuator and spring are pivotable rapidly and simultaneously in opposite directions through an over-centre action about an unstable central position. The body may include a lamp socket for receiving the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Chi Man Wu
  • Patent number: 6198061
    Abstract: A switch device is provided, in which a transparent key-top is arranged over a screen of a display unit so that information displayed on the screen of the display unit is seen through the key-top. The switch device is characterized by containing a shaft supporter provided in a space formed at both sides of the key-top for allowing the key-top to perform a seesaw-movement, wherein the space is formed by cutting off both sides of the key-top in an oblique direction so as to make an area of a face of the key-top larger than an area of a back of the key-top. Thus, the switch device achieves a seesaw-type key-top enabling a multiple display and improves visibility and operability for the seesaw-type key-top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Takeyuki Amari
  • Patent number: 6191372
    Abstract: A switch device having an excellent external view, capable of maintaining stable operability of a finger grip portion over a long period of time by reducing a gap dimension between a panel and the finger grip portion (knob) of the switch device. The having a panel which has a concave portion provided with a pair of mutually-opposed inclined walls, the tip end sides of which are inclined so as to spread toward the outside, and a finger grip portion of the switch unit arranged within the concave portion, wherein the finger grip portion is constructed of an enclosure consisting of a top surface wall and side walls, wherein a pair of mutually-opposed side walls are inclined such that the distance therebetween becomes narrower toward the opening of the enclosure, and wherein the side walls run in parallel with the inclined wall of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Sasaki, Kazuo Sotooka
  • Patent number: 6162999
    Abstract: A multi-directional operating switch for use in various kinds of electronic equipment, and the switch comprises: an insulation substrate employing a plurality of stationary contacts on an upper surface thereof; an elastic contactor body disposed on the insulation substrate and having a plurality of domed portions, which is provided with movable contacts each confronting with the stationary contacts, on a lower surface at a center and outer periphery, and one of the domed portions at the center further having a hole in an upper surface; a manipulation body of which a tip of protuberant part at a lower center surface is press-fitted into the hole in the upper surface of the domed portion at the center of the elastic contactor body, and having a plurality of depressing limbs around the lower peripheral surface for depressing the domed portions at the outer periphery of the elastic contactor body when being tilted; and a case having an opening for a center area of the manipulation body to pass through, and for co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Ishikawa, Isao Nozoe
  • Patent number: 6160231
    Abstract: A pivot switch assembly including a button and a housing. The housing includes a trunion and a retaining wall. The trunion opposes the retaining wall and forms a receiving gap between the two features. The button includes a rib. The rib has an aperture. The rib of the button being positioned into the receiving gap of the housing. The trunion of the housing then engages the aperture of the rib of the button so as to provide a pivoting function for the switch assembly. The geometry of the button and housing prevents the button from becoming dislodged during periods of high acceleration, such as during deployment of an airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Kaufman
  • Patent number: 6153843
    Abstract: A control-key device is provided for use as a controller for a video game including a direction specifying key mounted on a housing which an operator manipulates to control the play of a video game, where the surface of said direction specifying key comprises a combination of concave portions to facilitate use of the direction specifying key. The unit preferably comprises a push button and a housing including a hole through which the push button protrudes. The housing extends along a plane wherein said plane intersects a plane perpendicular to an axis of said push button at a predetermined angle, and said plane of said housing also extending parallel to a plane defined by the surface of said push button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshinori Date, Johnny D. Couch, Sarah Mason Richmond
  • Patent number: 6153840
    Abstract: An electrical switch comprising: one of a housing and a housing part; a contact system attached to one of the housing and the housing part; an operating member for switching the contact system and arranged so that the operating member can move on one of the housing and the housing part; and at least one damping element, the damping element serving as a sound dampening bumper between the operating member and one of the housing and the housing part, and the damping element is located on at least one of the housing, the housing part and the operating member, and wherein the damping element is of a single unitary piece with at least one of the housing, the housing part and the operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventor: Regine Dreher
  • Patent number: 6130393
    Abstract: An electrical rocker switch includes a body having at least two switch terminals, an internal switching mechanism for momentarily making or breaking an electrical connection between the terminals, an actuating knob on the body for operating the switching mechanism, a rocker supported on the body for pivotal movement between a first position depressing the actuating knob relative to the body and a second position releasing the actuating knob, and a resiliently biassed member for maintaining the rocker in the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Defond Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Raymond Wai Hang Chu
  • Patent number: 6114637
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improvement made on the structure of a switch manipulator for a liquid-crystal display apparatus. In a liquid-crystal display apparatus includes a liquid-crystal display unit accommodating a liquid-crystal panel and switches used to control the operation of the liquid-crystal display unit are stowed in a case, and at least an image display unit and a switch manipulator used to manipulate the switches are located on the face of the case, the switch manipulator includes at least two switches, the switches are separated from each other, a manipulation button is placed over the separated switches, and first and second button pressers are located near both ends of the manipulation button with substantially the center of said manipulation button as a fulcrum. When the manipulation button is pressed, one of the two switches is selectively turned on or off by the first or second button presser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuji Nakao, Katsuo Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 6103981
    Abstract: A tumbler switch for mounting in an opening in a wall having a base part and a tumbler which is pivotably connected to the base part between at least two positions, said tumbler having a splashproof edge portion. For mounting the switch from the inside of the wall, two opposite side parts of the tumbler are provided with recesses over the full length of the tumbler, the recesses cooperating projections, for example cams, provided in opposite edges of the opening in the wall. Resilient blade springs provided on the base part complete the fastening of the switch to the inside wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Harm Kremer
  • Patent number: 6072135
    Abstract: A switch mechanism for an electronic mechanism, particularly in an automobile or other vehicle. The switch member or button has a pair of post members which are positioned on supporting members on a retainer member. The support members also position the switch member or button in the retainer member and hold it fictionally in alignment along its side surfaces. Pad members also can be provided on the support members. The switch mechanism minimizes noise, undesirable side-to-side movement and undesirable twisting movement of the button member. The switch mechanism also allows control of the "feel" of the button actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Francis O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6066815
    Abstract: A combination, one-piece, integral, electrical connector and rocker-type power switch module comprises an electrical connector housing having a plurality of 90.degree. terminals mounted therein and adapted to be mounted upon and connected to a printed circuit board (PCB), and a power switch housing having a rocker mechanism, a substantially U-shaped, hairpin type contactor, and a pair of contacts defining a common contact and a make/break contact. The housings are fabricated from a thermoplastic material and are specially structured so as to permit the mounting of the power switch housing upon the electrical connector housing whereby the housings may be ultrasonically welded together so as to form the one-piece, integral module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Spedale
  • Patent number: 6054655
    Abstract: A power window switch (1) for a motor vehicle comprises an actuation element (2) which is pivotally supported in a housing (6) and actuates switch contacts (57) by means of a corresponding sliding contact element (35), whereby said switch contacts are associated with connector contacts (53). In the pushing direction for the downward motion of the window, as well as in the pulling direction for the upward motion of the window, the actuation element (2) is respectively associated with a two-step pivoting motion (19), whereby the actuation element (2) acts on deflecting means (38, 78) to effect a linear back and forth motion of the sliding contact element (35), which successively actuates two switch contacts (57) of a switch matrix (49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Norbert Swidersky
  • Patent number: 6049048
    Abstract: In order to rotatably support a joggle knob on a front panel, a recess is formed in the part of the front panel where the joggle knob is supported, and cuts are formed along the periphery of the recess in such a manner that they are coaxial with the center of turn. Furthermore, the joggle knob has locking pawls whose end portions are wedge-shaped in section. The locking pawls are inserted into the cuts, respectively. In addition, on the side of the inner surface of the front panel, sloped boards are arranged which have sloped surfaces along the loci of turn of the locking pawls. Hence, when the joggle knob is turned, the locking pawl is moved on the sloped board to push the latter backwardly, whereby a tact switch is positively pushed which is arranged behind the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Ohira
  • Patent number: 6040543
    Abstract: A toggle switch includes a main housing that contains an electrical contact assembly operated by a cam member which opens and closes the contacts through movement of a leaf spring. The switch further includes a modular assembly of a housing cover to which a manually operable pivotable handle is mounted and is connected to a rotatable bushing supported shaft. The shaft operates a gear set attached to the cam member. The contacts provide an electrical connection to terminals that are insert molded into the housing. The terminals are configured to be provided with wire connecting screws accessible from the rear of the housing. The switch is thus explosion proof in construction and the rear mounted terminal screws avoid the possibility of shorting the live terminals to an associated metal electrical box. The switch is also readily constructed by known manufacturing methods and is capable of being directly installed in a standard electrical box thus avoiding the need for a separate explosion proof enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: EGS Electrical Group LLC
    Inventors: Nabil L. Mina, Santosh Vilanilam, Garrett S. Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 6037552
    Abstract: A see-saw button device for electronic equipment includes rates a box fitted with a button, and a board mounted with switches. The button has two press portions on it. Shafts serving as a see-saw fulcrum of the button are provided along a rib formed at an intermediate portion of the two button press portions. The two switches each having an operating portion on an end face thereof are mounted on the board such that their operating portions oppose each other. The two switches are separated by a distance larger than a thickness of the rib of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6013885
    Abstract: An electric switch housing comprises a generally downwardly open rectangular dielectric casing which has laterally spaced side walls and opposed end walls integrally connected at their adjacent vertical edges to form four corners. The casing has a top wall, which includes a raised center rib portion having laterally spaced sockets, and is integrally joined with the top edges of the side and end walls. The casing defines an integrally formed upwardly open cavity for receiving an actuator. The actuator has upper shoulder portions received in the laterally spaced sockets, and is pivotally received in the casing. A generally upwardly open rectangular dielectric base is received in the downwardly open casing, defining a switch cavity containing at least two terminals and at least one movable switch contact in the base. A lamp module is provided in the casing and is supported between the base and the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Carlingswitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Karen Kowalczyk
  • Patent number: 6013884
    Abstract: An electrical, manually actuated switch comprises a housing (11), in which a contact unit (27) is located that comprises switch elements (26), and at least one self-returning and eccentrically mounted switch (10) having a switch tappet (29) that acts on the switch elements (26). The manually actuated switch (9) is to be adapted to prevent a damaging or destruction of the switch elements (26) even under excessive loading. To achieve this object, the contact unit (27) is resiliently or spring mounted in a housing (11) and yields to excessive application of force to the switch elements (26) by the switch tappet (29), wherein a spring unit (60) is located between the contact unit (27) and the base (20) of the housing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gerd Rudolph, Erhard Lange
  • Patent number: 6005308
    Abstract: An electrical switch and dimmer device for controlling current applied to a load comprises a bezel assembly (16) which includes a bezel housing (17), a switch actuator (18) and a dimmer actuator (19). The bezel housing supports both switch and dimmer actuators for respective movement between first and second positions, whereby the on/off state of an electrical switch adapted to apply power to an electrical load (e.g. an electric light or fan) is controllable, as is the level of power applied to the load by the switch. The bezel housing and the switch/dimmer actuators which it supports comprise a self-contained assembly which can be releasably connected to a yoke member (20) on which an electrical switch and dimmer circuitry are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gary William Bryde, James Edgar Swain, John Roderick Woodman, Mark Andrew Cieri
  • Patent number: 6005210
    Abstract: A push button style power switch using a switching button to control movement of a curved sheet to form an electric power on or off state, the power switch is comprised of a base, a power control portion, a switching button and a cover. Wherein the power control portion is provided with a first conducting piece, a second conducting piece and a curved sheet. The conducting pieces connect respectively with two connecting ends of a wire of a power line. The curved sheet is mounted on the first conducting piece. When the switching button is pushed down, it lowers a bottom control tip beneath it to render the tailing end having a small boss of the curved sheet to move down/raise and press/leave the second conducting piece to make electric connection/circuit breaking of the power line. Therefore, this is a power switch structure capable of fast switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Wen-Ching Chien
  • Patent number: 5990436
    Abstract: An electrical rocker type wall switch capable of single, duplex and triplex configurations incorporates one or more slightly concave manually depressible rockers. These rockers have a relatively short range of motion from their respective on to off positions. The edges of the rocker lie substantially flush with the switch cover when in either of their on or off positions. Switching is actuated by an actuating arm attached to the rocker moving a contact on the end of a movable brush arm in and out of electrical contact with a fixed contact on the end of a contact arm attached to a fixed terminal. One or more brush arms extend from a fixed brush backplate and are formed so as to be resilient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Balaban, Anthony Tufano
  • Patent number: 5973280
    Abstract: A circuit breaker handle is provided with a curved bearing surface at its pivot point. The handle bearing surface has a substantially constant radius and is connected to the body of the handle with a necked down handle extension. The handle extension has a width that is less than the width of the curved bearing surface at the point of connection between the bearing surface and the necked down region. The handle pivot mates with a corresponding bearing surface on a notch in the side plate that it pivots within. The arc of the curved bearing surface in the side plate is greater than that of the corresponding bearing surface on the handle and captures the handle pivot within the notch in the sideplate, so the handle cannot lift off the bearing surface on the notch as it is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Lance Gula, Yu Wei Chou, Henry Kenneth Pruszynski, James Alan Trax, Trent Allan Chontas
  • Patent number: 5957273
    Abstract: A user-activated switch assembly includes a knob pivotally mounted in a housing. A plunger is selectably mountable in any one of a plurality of locations between the knob and a cam. The cam includes a plurality of cam surfaces, any one of which can be selected based upon the orientation of the cam and/or the location of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventor: Boris Karasik
  • Patent number: 5950812
    Abstract: A rocker-type switch having components which can be assembled by automatic assembly machines and do not require the intervention of a human operator. A star shaped spring provides the necessary forces to hold the rocker in a selected position and hold the rocker to a switch spacer and couple the rocker to a movable contact arm. The movable contact arm is inserted in the switch spacer. The star spring is assembled to the rocker and the rocker is assembled to the movable contact arm when the rocker is assembled to the switch spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Mehmet K. Tanacan, Gregory Lawren, Ralph Giannuzzi, Michael D. Williams, Clifford G. Martin
  • Patent number: 5934453
    Abstract: A center shaft (2a) for holding a key top (1), and springs (2b) are provided in a casing (2) of a small-sized electronic equipment such as an inter-call receiver. The springs (2b) are provided so as to extend from the peripheral portions toward the center shaft (2a), and holes are formed in the springs (2b) respectively. The key top (1) is provided with a stopper nail (1a), first protrusions 1b and second protrusions 1c. The protrusions (1c) of the key top (1) for pushing switches (3) are inserted through the holes of the springs (2b) respectively, and the stopper nail (1a) of the key top (1) is engaged with the center shaft (2a) acting as a fulcrum during the seesawing operation of the key top (1). Thus, the key top (1) is held in a stable manner. The existence of the center shaft (2a) prevents simultaneous depression of the two switches (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuuichi Sugawara, Kazuhiro Ikeda, Kenichi Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 5923007
    Abstract: A switch assembly (100) includes a first switch (102), a second switch (104) and a third switch (106). The switch assembly further includes a rocker actuator (108) having a first rocker arm (152) and a second rocker arm (154) and a selector actuator (110). The rocker actuator pivots about a post (158) to actuate the first switch or the second switch. The selector actuator is disposed between the first switch and the second switch to slidingly actuate the third switch. In one application, a radiotelephone (800, 904) includes a switch assembly (840). A controller (914) responds to actuations of the rocker actuator and the selector actuator to control storage of data in a memory (926) and display of data in the display (818, 918).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Emmert
  • Patent number: 5920042
    Abstract: A seesaw sliding composite motion switch is provided. The switch includes at least two switch elements disposed on a printed wiring board, a holder placed on the printed wiring board, and a slider which moves in a sliding manner between the printed wiring board and the holder. The slider has lever swingingly supporting portions projecting from openings defined on the holder. A lever is supported by the lever swingingly supporting portions. First projections are disposed on the holder. Openings permitting swinging motion are defined on the lever and accommodate the first projections only at a neutral position of a sliding motion to thereby permit the lever to turn. Second projections are disposed on the holder and abut against the lever when it turns to thereby prevent the sliding motion of the slider. Balls are disposed on the slider. A swing return first cam portion is disposed on the lever and has one of the balls abutted thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Gotoh
  • Patent number: 5906272
    Abstract: A toggle-type switch employing a cam controlled toggle lever to move or permit to move resilient arms on which are located movable contacts into engagement with fixed contacts. The number of resilient arms and movable contacts and the number of fixed contacts is selected to make and break tie desired number of circuits. The manner in which the circuits are closed or opened depends upon the shape of the cam surface and the cam is spring loaded to hold the toggle in a selected position on a momentary or maintained basis. A slider cooperates with the toggle lever to move selected movable contacts into contact with fixed contacts or allows movable contacts to move out of engagement with other fixed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Kurek
  • Patent number: 5902972
    Abstract: The invention includes a three-position switch having a keycap connected to a housing for pivotal movement, and slidable movement in a vertical direction. The keycap is connected to the housing so that the keycap may be rocked to a first position in which one end of the keycap is depressed closing a first circuit. The keycap may also be rocked to a second position in which a second end of the keycap is depressed closing a second circuit. The keycap may also be pushed downwardly so that both ends of the keycap are depressed closing the first and second circuits simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James Michael Nestor, Samuel Edward Penn
  • Patent number: 5880419
    Abstract: A selective switch includes a switch housing, and a button cap with two opposite side portions. A contact assembly includes first, second and third conductive members which are all fixed in the switch housing. A helical spring is mounted in the switch housing, and has an outer end portion to support the button cap thereon and an inner end portion adjacent to the contact assembly. A flexible mandrel has an inner end portion and an outer end portion which is integrally formed with the outer end portion of the helical spring. The helical spring extends around the flexible mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Shin Jiuh Corp.
    Inventor: Chin-Wen Chou
  • Patent number: 5880685
    Abstract: A keyboard for use with a computer is disclosed. The keyboard has an array of keys made up of four rows such that all keys are accessible by a user using finger and thumb movements of the user's hands without moving the hands from a central location. All modes and functions of the keyboard are accessible using finger movements also in that the character keys on the keyboards are capable of producing different characters or performing different functions when actuated in combination with other mode and function keys on the keyboard. The keyboard has a space bar and an enter key that are accessible by the user's thumbs. The space bar and enter key are actuated by pressing either key horizontally rather than vertically as in standard keyboards. The keyboard also includes dual mode keys which allow the user to access additional modes. This feature expands the capability of the keyboard to interact with more software functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: James A. Weeks
  • Patent number: 5850062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a switch configuration that can be used in a receptacle that is equipped with a shield. In this case, the shield can be arranged offset relative to the receptacle within the framework of given tolerances. The novel switch arrangement is used to compensate for the offset of the shield relative to the receptacle with the aid of a cap that is mounted in a floating manner. In this case, the friction of an actuation cap, which actuates a switch via an actuator, is to be kept as low as possible relative to the guide surfaces of the corresponding shield opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Automotive Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Jakob Botz, Berthold Fein, Adam Weber
  • Patent number: 5844183
    Abstract: A button switch includes: a housing provided with two resilient members at two opposite lateral sides thereof and two aligned holes at another two opposite sides thereof, a first blade extending upwardly into the housing and pivotally connected with an intermediate portion of a rocking plate; a second blade being a L-shaped member extending upwardly into the housing and engageable with the rocking plate; a button provided with two protuberances adapted to engage with the aligned holes of the housing, a projection at a bottom thereof, and a recess at an end thereof, the recess being provided with a protrusion at one side thereof and a through hole at another side thereof; a spring mounted between the first blade and the projection of the button; and an indicating member having a cavity at a bottom and a protuberance at a top, the indicating member being fitted within the recess of the button with the cavity and protuberance engaged with the protrusion and through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Ming-I Tseng
  • Patent number: 5834716
    Abstract: The invention includes a mechanism for multi-dome dual detent switches having at least a first and second collapsible dome structure. An elongated action bar extends across and bridges the first and second collapsible dome members. The action bar has a top surface and a bottom surface. A notch is formed in the top surface closer to one of the dome structures. A keycap positioned for pivotal movement between a first and second forward position, and a first and second rear position. The keycap includes an engagement bar extending downwardly near one end and positioned to be received in the notch formed in the top surface of the action bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Packard Hughes Interconnect Company
    Inventor: James Sungioun Lee
  • Patent number: 5833048
    Abstract: Rocker switch, especially for vehicles, with a spring-loaded rocker lever serving as actuator enclosed in a housing. In the housing at least one switch unit (14) strikes connection contacts (9, 17). In order to achieve a rocker switch which has a small number of individual parts and a narrow switch angle, switch unit (14) is designed as a one arm swing lever (15) which activates the connection contact associated with it (17) via a snap contact (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Gunter Dilly
  • Patent number: 5819916
    Abstract: The invention includes a keycap having a top surface having a first and second end, and a body portion, said keycap being pivotally connected to a support for movement of the keycap from a first to a second position. A lever extending downward from the body portion of the keycap. The lever is sandwiched between and constantly engaged by a first and second opposed dome structures. Each dome structure has a conductive material on the underside thereof and the dome structure is supported on a substrate having an open circuit. In the first position for the keycap a first dome structure is collapsed and the electrically conductive element on the undersurface of the dome engages the open circuit to close the circuit. When the keycap is moved to a second position, the keycap pivots causing the lever to move in a rotational direction collapsing the second dome structure and said first dome structure biases the lever against the second dome structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Packard Hughes Interconnect Company
    Inventor: James Sungioun Lee
  • Patent number: 5821489
    Abstract: A trim switch for a radio control transmitter capable of exhibiting satisfactory operability and permitting concurrent operation of two such switch members to be readily selectively carried out in a transmitter which is adapted to operate two-in-a-set switch members. The trim switch includes two switch members and a switch lever including two actuation sections arranged in correspondence to the two switch members. The switch lever is constructed so as to operate the switches either individually or concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Futaba Denshi Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Masahiro Arai, Masashi Tokita
  • Patent number: 5818128
    Abstract: A wireless multiple position switching system is disclosed for controlling the application of power to a load device from a plurality of remote locations. The switching system includes a power source, a load device, a master toggle switch and one or more slave toggle switches. A slave toggle switch generates an electromagnetic switching signal which changes the state of the master switch. The master switch is connected in series with the power source and the load device and controls the application of power to the load device in response to the switching signal from the slave switch or actuation of its own toggle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Heath Company
    Inventors: Miles K. Hoffman, Brad Jenson, Klaus Wieder
  • Patent number: 5806665
    Abstract: An arcuate switch plate assembly for a standard wall toggle switch comprising a convex base plate and a convex switch actuator wherein the convex actuator moves in an arc similar to the arc of the toggle switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: American Tack & Hardware Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Vazgen Houssian
  • Patent number: 5808249
    Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit breaker assembly having a base, cover, and switch handle adapted to withstand an external force applied to a lever of the switch handle. During normal operation the handle rotates on small-diameter pivots in elongated bearing slots. Under abnormal conditions that occur when the lever of the switch handle is inadvertently struck, such as when the circuit breaker is dropped on the lever of the switch handle, the pivots slide in the elongated bearing slots. The force is borne by large-diameter hubs which come in contact with mating bearing surfaces. Thus, the pivots are not shorn off during such incidents, which would damage the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Donald Charles Francis, Jr., Randall Luther Siebels, Brett Eugene Larson
  • Patent number: RE36349
    Abstract: A tilting member has a force bearing portion to which operating force is applied, and a supported surface. A supporting member has a supporting projection with which the supported surface of the tilting member may come in contact. When the operating force is applied to the tilting member, the tilting member tilts with respect to the supporting member. The supporting member supports the tilting member at a supporting point where the supporting projection of the supporting member is in contact with the supported surface of the tilting member, about which supporting point the tilting member tilts. The tilting of the tilting member, with respect to the supporting member, establishes a predetermined electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsumiya, Takeki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: RE36738
    Abstract: A tilting member has a force bearing portion to which operating force is applied, and a supported surface. A supporting member has a supporting projection with which the supported surface of the tilting member may come in contact. When the operating force is applied to the tilting member, the tilting member tilts with respect to the supporting member. The supporting member supports the tilting member at a supporting point where the supporting projection of the supporting member is in contact with the supported surface of the tilting member, about which supporting point the tilting member tilts. The tilting of the tilting member, with respect to the supporting member, establishes a predetermined electrical contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsumiya, Takeki Sugiyama