Abstract: Emergency stop for a linear actuator system, which comprises a housing (13) and an activation button (12) adapted for activating a circuit breaker and where the activation button (12) has a neutral position and an emergency position. The emergency stop further comprises a spring (19) for spring-loading the activation button (12) for retaining the activation button (12) in the neutral position, a latching mechanism adapted for retaining the activation button (12) in the emergency position once it has entered this position, and a release mechanism adapted to unlatch the latching mechanism. The spring-loaded activation button (12) is pivotally connected to the housing (13) and arranged to pivot between the neutral position and the emergency position. The spring-loaded activation button (12) comprises an arm (26,27) having one end attached to the underside (24) of the spring-loaded activation button (12). The housing 13 comprises a wall piece (35,36) adapted for engaging a free end of the arm (26,27).

Abstract: The invention describes a device (101), in particular multimedia device, and a method, wherein the device at least comprises a screen (105), a processor unit (152) and at least one pressure sensor means (102), wherein the pressure sensor means (102) is mounted on a rigid element (106), wherein the rigid element (106) is more rigid than the screen (105), wherein the rigid element (106) is arranged on one side of the sensor means (102) and wherein the screen (105) is arranged on an opposing side of the sensor means (102), wherein a location detection unit (190) is provided, wherein the location detection unit (190) is configured to output a location signal, wherein the location signal provides location information for identifying the location where pressure is applied to the screen (105), wherein the pressure sensor means (102) is configured to output a pressure signal, wherein the pressure signal provides pressure information about the pressure measured by the pressure sensor means (102), wherein the processor

Abstract: An electronic device may have a housing. The housing may be characterized by a vertical axis and may have housing structures such as cylindrical housing structures with a cylindrical surface. A speaker may be mounted in the housing to provide sound through openings in the housing structures. A visual output device may be mounted in the housing to provide light through openings in the housing structures. The visual output device may include an electrophoretic display, a light-emitting diode display, or other display with an array of pixels that display images or may include other components for emitting light. During operation, voice commands may be received by a microphone in the device and action taken based on the commands and other information. The action taken may include playing sound with the speaker and providing visual output with the visual output device.

Abstract: A mains-operated handheld machine tool includes a tool housing, an electric drive motor arranged in the housing and configured to drive an associated tool insert, and a slide switch arranged, at least in a longitudinally displaceable fashion, on the tool housing and coupled to a sliding element configured to switch the drive motor on and off. The mains-operated handheld machine also includes a protection device with an electromechanical relay. The protection device is configured to prevent, by way of the electromechanical relay, uncontrolled restarting of the drive motor after an interruption to a corresponding power supply to the drive motor as a result of latching of the relay being canceled.

Abstract: An arrangement for operating an organic radiation-emitting component (D) is specified. The arrangement comprises a driver circuit (T) with at least two driver outputs (TA1, TAn), a decoupling unit (E) with at least two inputs (EE1, EEn) and outputs (EA1, EAn) corresponding to the inputs (EE1, EEn), the radiation-emitting component (D) with at least two electrodes (DE1, DEn), and a contact sensor (S) with a sensor electrode (SE1) which is at least partially formed by one of the electrodes (DE1, DEn) of the radiation-emitting component (D). The radiation-emitting component (D) emits electromagnetic radiation during operation. One of the driver outputs (TA1, TAn) of the driver circuit (T) is coupled in each case, in a low-impedance manner using DC technology, to one of the electrodes (DE1, DEn) of the radiation-emitting component (D). The driver circuit (T) and the contact sensor (S) can be coupled to a common energy source (Q).

Abstract: A method and apparatus system for recognizing touch operation of a user on a user interface. The apparatus includes a housing including an at least one characteristic surface; a vibration detector to detect vibrations generated on interaction of the user with the characteristic surface; a proximity detector to detect deformations generated on the interaction of the user with the characteristic surface; a processor to process the vibrations obtained from the vibration detector to determine a vibration pattern specific to the interaction of the user on the characteristic surface and to process the detected deformation related information to determine a force applied by the user to the characteristic surface; a controller to identify and process an instruction to control an operation of a device in accordance with the vibration pattern and the detected deformation; and a communication interface to communicate the instruction to the device.

Abstract: A key switch includes a baseplate, a circuit layer, a keycap and a support rod. The baseplate has a hook and a first through hole neighboring to the hook. The circuit layer includes a first sublayer disposed above the baseplate and having a second through hole, and a second sublayer disposed above the first sublayer and having a third through hole; a portion of the second sublayer extends over the second through hole and forms a first resilient portion; the first resilient portion has four sides, two of which connect to the second sublayer; and the first resilient portion is neighboring to the hook. The keycap is disposed above the baseplate and can move upward and downward in respect to the baseplate. The support rod has a first portion and a second portion; the first portion movably connects to the keycap and the second portion engages the hook.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle steering wheel (10) has a closed, touch-sensitive, preferably three-dimensionally shaped sensor surface (20), at least two mechanical switching elements (22) which are arranged below the sensor surface (20) and can be actuated by deforming the sensor surface (20), the touch-sensitive sensor surface (20) being designed to be so flexible that the mechanical switching elements (22) can be actuated separately, and a change-over switch (24) which can activate and/or deactivate the mechanical switching elements (22) and/or the touch-sensitive sensor surface (20).

Abstract: A snowmobile includes an engine, an engine power controller, an operation portion, an operation input detector, an operation amount detector, and a control portion. The control portion does not control the engine power controller based on an amount detected by the operation amount detector in a preliminary zone in which the operation amount detected by the operation amount detector is not more than a first operation amount. The control portion controls the engine power controller based on an operation amount detected by the operation amount detector if the operation amount is greater than the first operation amount. A second operation amount smaller than the first operation amount is set in the preliminary zone and the control portion determines whether operation of the operation portion is carried out based on whether operation corresponding to the second operation amount is detected by the operation input detector.

Abstract: A surgical power tool has an actuation assembly which comprises a force sensor and a switch. The force sensor is provided to determine an actuation force produced by the user, and the switch is transferred by the actuation force from a first switching state to a second switching state. A combined evaluation of the force sensor signal and of the switching state enables, for example, a plausibility check for increasing the operational reliability of the power tool.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatus, and systems implementing techniques for providing input for playing a game of chance. A gaming machine includes a touch screen display. The touch screen display is configured to display input selections, auxiliary input selections, and auxiliary data. The touch screen display is further configured to receive game input corresponding to the input selections and auxiliary input corresponding to the auxiliary input selections. The received game input and auxiliary input are transmitted to a controller of the gaming machine.

Abstract: A handheld gaming machine including one or more actuators for providing vibrational cues or feedback during play of a wagering game to indicate the occurrence of a wagering-game event, such as a change in game rules, an input of a wager, and the like. The change in game rules may include a change in the odds of winning an award during the wagering game, a change in the type of award that can be awarded during the wagering game, eligibility for bonus play, or eligibility to accumulate one or more game elements associated with the wagering game. The vibration can be consistent with a wagering-game theme and can accompany or be a substitute for concurrently played audio sounds. The actuator(s) may include a haptic device such as a haptic touchscreen that overlays the display or an electromagnetic coil acting upon an unbalanced mass.

Abstract: A latch-release actuating apparatus includes a switch element, a base member, and a cover member. The switch element is depressed via the cover member. In the latch-release actuating apparatus, a key top member and the cover member are formed to be long to extend horizontally from an upper region of the push button. The key top member is arranged on a back surface of the cover member so that a longitudinal direction of the key top member coincides with a longitudinal direction of the cover member. Furthermore, claws and retaining portions to which the claws are retained are arranged between the base member and both longitudinal ends of the key top member, thereby constituting a regulating unit for restricting separation of the key top member from the push button when the claw abuts on the retaining portion.

Abstract: A switching device for a portable apparatus, comprises a button disposed in an opening formed in a housing. A spring member, supported by the housing, is integrally connected to a first connecting portion of the button. A stopping claw is connected to a second connecting portion of the button, and can engage with an inner wall of the housing near the peripheral edge of the opening. The switching circuit board is provided in the housing. The switching circuit board is depressed and released through the button. The switching circuit board has a notch in which the stopping claw is inserted when the button is depressed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method, an apparatus, an electronic device, a system, and a computer program product for selecting at least one component out of at least one maintenance component and at least one non-maintenance component, wherein said at least one maintenance component and said at least one non-maintenance component represent electronic components arranged in an apparatus; and switching an external connector of said apparatus to said at least one selected component.

Abstract: A programmable push button having a microcontroller located therewithin to provide a switching signal to operate an electronic switch and thereby enable power to be supplied from a source of power to a load to initiate an external event. The push button also has a piezoelectric assembly which is responsive to one or a sequence of manually applied pushing forces at a push button cap. The microcontroller is interconnected with the piezoelectric assembly on a printed circuit board so that output voltage signals generated by the piezoelectric assembly are applied to the microcontroller as a series of digital pulses. The microcontroller can be programmed by applying a particular sequence of pushing forces to the push button cap so that one or more times can be set during which the external event will be initiated or to require a predetermined security code to be entered before the external event can be initiated.

Abstract: A capacitance based switch device employs an electric field imaging device electrically coupled via an electrical conductor to a conductive electrode member that is attached to the door or any other suitable surface. Such electric field imaging device generates a sine wave which is transmitted to the conductive electrode member and produces a surrounding electrical field. Any human body part which enters such electrical field will create a capacitance load due to the body being grounded to a surface. Reduction in distance between the body part and the conductive electrode will increase the capacitance and will decrease the voltage intermediate the resistor and conductive electrode which is an inverse function of the capacitance. Such change in voltage will be detected by a microcontroller by comparing voltages at each end of the resistor and the change exceeding a predetermined threshold will be associated with an output control signal.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention an apparatus is provided for remotely controlling a digital processing system, comprising a housing, a scrolling detector, a cursor positioning detector, and a transmitter. The housing has a wall having an outer scrolling surface over which a finger of a person's hand is movable in a scrolling movement. The scrolling detector is located within the housing. The scrolling detector detects the scrolling movement remotely through the wall and generates a scrolling signal. The cursor positioning detector is secured to the housing and is actuable by the hand to generate a position signal. The transmitter transmits the scrolling signal and the position signal to the digital processing system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foil keyboard with a security system for detecting and preventing unauthorized mechanical access to the key contacts. The foil keyboard comprising a foil having for each key an elastic key spring area in which an electrical contact is arranged, a printed circuit board (PCB) having electrical contacts that are contacted by the electrical contacts of the keys during the key travel, and a security system which is fully integrated into the foil and the PCB. A closed circuit between keyboard foil and PCB forms a security grid that secures that unauthorized mechanical accesses against key contacts are recognized.

Abstract: A press switch comprises an insulating substrate with two conductive zones suitable for triggering first and second functions, respectively. The first zone has at least two portions that are electrically insulated from each other. A spring has two contact zones, one of which includes at least two regions that are electrically interconnected and suitable for making contact with respective portions. In a rest position, the spring makes contact with at least part of the first conductive zone, and no function is performed. In a first actuated position, a first amount of pressure applied to the spring causes it to make full contact with the first conductive zone, thereby causing the first function to be performed. In a second actuated position, a second amount of pressure causes contact to be made by each contact zone with the respective conductive zone, and the said function is performed.

Abstract: A pedestrian push button assembly for activating a signal generator to generate a signal at a street crosswalk. The pedestrian push button assembly has a rigid frame having a piezoelectric material of a solid state switch positioned across a central aperture, and an elastic sealing ring positioned in a groove surrounding the piezoelectric material. A button is secured to the rigid frame such that (1) a seal contact portion of the button sealably rests against the elastic sealing ring, (2) a very small space separates an abutment surface of the button and a stopper surface of the rigid frame, and (3) an elastic pressure portion of the button contacts the piezoelectric material. When operated, the elastic sealing ring is sufficiently biased to urge the elastic pressure portion against the piezoelectric material to generate a signal pulse.

Abstract: In order to provide a cord switch which can securely catch the ON/OFF operations, can cancel an erroneous operation by preventing the contact between electrodes caused by bending of the cord switch, and have a positive sensibility for the pressurization in all directions and a high reliability, at least two wire electrodes are spirally arranged along the inner surface of an insulator which is hollowed in the cross section and comprises a restorative rubber or plastic material in the longitudinal direction in a situation where the wire electrodes are not electrically contacted each other, and the wire electrodes are fixed to the hollowed insulator in a state where the wire electrodes are projected from the insulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety switch intended to be connected into a safety circuit for an industrial machine, for example an industrial robot. The switch comprises a contact device (2) with a hand-operated device (3, 4) in which a pressure rod (31) is displaceable against the action of a return spring (33) from a first end position via an operating position to a second end position, the safety circuit being closed only in the operating position. During the return movement of the pressure rod from its second to its first end position, the contact device (2) is not affected, and the safety circuit thus remains open during the whole of this return movement.

Abstract: A safety control for power tool includes a trigger responsive element coupled to the power tool drive apparatus. The trigger responsive element is operative to permit normal trigger movement between on and off positions. In addition, the trigger responsive element responds to excessive force upon the trigger in the on position to initiate a safety shutdown of the power tool drive apparatus. Upon release, the trigger responsive element returns the trigger to the off position without reactivating the power tool drive apparatus. Embodiments are shown for both electrical and internal combustion engine powered tools.

Abstract: A push-button switch which has a comparatively small overall thickness or height and rattling of a stem upon movement is eliminated or minimized. The push-button switch includes a stem having a flat plate and a plurality of legs each having a protruded portion at an end thereof. The flat plate of the stem is placed on a click rubber element accommodated in an insulating case while upper portions of the protruded portions of the stem are resiliently engaged with an open end of the insulating case to position the protruded portions within the insulating case. The insulating case has a plurality of relief grooves formed at a plurality of corner portions thereof, and when the stem is depressed, the protruded portions thereof are inserted into the relief grooves. Sliding surfaces for the protruded portions of the stem are formed at the corner portions of the insulating case between the open end of the insulating case and an inner bottom face of the relief grooves 25.

Abstract: A simple and reliable electrosurgical instrument includes a cable having a main contact wire and first second insulated switch wires all provided with a short insulated or bare portion. The cable is received in a main member having a first holding mechanism for holding the switch wires adjacent uninsulated portions thereof on one lateral side and spaced from one another as well as a second holding mechanism for holding the switch wires adjacent the uninsulated portions thereof on the other lateral side so that the uninsulated portions span between the first and second holding mechanisms and are spaced longitudinally from one another. A blade receiver receives an electrode blade and is then electrically connected to the contact wire. A switch device selectively connects one of the uninsulated portions of the switch wires to the contact wire during operation. The first and second holding mechanisms preferably include channels and a cover includes projections which hold the wires in place.

Abstract: A miniature ratchet type push button activated electrical switch wherein a first electrical contact is caused to sweep across and briefly contact a second electrical contact upon depression of a push button to transmit an electrical pulse. The rotation is driven by the free expansion of a spring upon depression of the push button beyond a preselected depth, and therefore results in a pulse of uniform duration independent of how quickly the push button is depressed or how long it is held in its depressed state.