Membrane Type Patents (Class 200/512)
  • Publication number: 20130161177
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a touch panel including a window, a transparent substrate, a first electrode wiring formed on one surface of the transparent substrate, a second electrode wiring formed on the other surface of the transparent substrate, an adhesive layer attaching one surface of the window to one surface of the transparent substrate, a connection wiring formed on one surface of the window and electrically connected to the first electrode wiring, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) electrically connected to the second electrode wiring and the connection wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wan Jae Lee, Ha Yoon Song
  • Publication number: 20130140164
    Abstract: A thin film switch is disclosed, which comprises: a first thin film, having a first conductor unit mounted on a surface thereof; and a second thin film, having a second conductor unit mounted on a surface thereof facing toward the first thin film; wherein, the first conductor unit is composed of a plurality of first electric conductors, and the second conductor is composed of at least one second electric conductor; and the first conductor unit and the second conductor unit are arranged at positions corresponding to each other while being spaced from each other by a specific interval; the at least one second electric conductor is enabled to engage with one of the plural first electric conductors for constructing an electrical conduction when the thin film switch is subjected to a load for forcing the first and the second thin films to move toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventor: CHIH-HUNG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130134025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a resistive touch display panel having anti-scrape layer, which comprises a display apparatus, a first transparent substrate, an adhesive layer, a second transparent substrate, and an anti-scrape layer. The first transparent substrate is disposed on the display apparatus. The adhesive layer is disposed on the first transparent substrate and has an outer periphery. The second transparent substrate is disposed on the adhesive layer. An outer edge of the anti-scrape layer is disposed on the second transparent substrate opposite to the outer periphery. Besides, the outer edge is located inside the outer periphery. Thereby, the internal structure is free from scrapes; the touch sensitivity at the periphery of the touch display panel is improved. Accordingly, superior convenience in usage and practicability can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: CRETE SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: YUNG-TENG WU, CHUAN-HSIUNG LI
  • Publication number: 20130134026
    Abstract: The switch includes a printed circuit, of generally plane shape, and comprising a first face bearing a first contact pad, a second face, opposite the first, bearing a second contact pad, and a through-orifice allowing access between the first face and the second face. The switch also includes a conductor, having a first part, which cooperates with the first contact pad, and a second part, which extends between a first end, fixed to the first part, and a free second end, passing through the orifice. The second part is elastically deformable between a rest position, in which its second end cooperates with the second contact pad, and a stressed position, in which its second end is moved away from the second contact pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: THALES
    Inventor: Christophe Boget
  • Patent number: 8451591
    Abstract: An appliance control panel is described. The control panel includes a front metal panel, a rearwardly positioned polymeric decorated film and an adhesive layer disposed between the panel and the decorated film. The film overlies an electronic control module which typically includes various displays and press-type switches. Various markings and indicia on the decorated film are visible through openings in the panel and the adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: American Trim, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Byrne, Bret E. Kline, Steven J. Couvillon, Michael Standley, Rick Hemmelgarn
  • Patent number: 8410381
    Abstract: A high waterproof compact push-on switch includes a first contact plate, a spacer, and a second contact plate laminated in this order. The first contact plate is substantially rectangular, and made of highly conductive flat sheet metal. The spacer is flat, rectangular, made of LCP resin, and has a circular center hole at its center. The second contact plate is substantially rectangular, made of highly conductive flat sheet metal, and has a circular central opening at its center. The spacer is thermocompression-bonded to the surfaces of the first and second contact plates so as to integrate them. On the second contact plate is provided a dome-shaped movable contact, which is covered with an adhesive protective sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Yanai, Yoshikazu Yagi, Takashi Tomago, Akira Ishigame
  • Patent number: 8404989
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a membrane switch sheet for a switch matrix-type key input apparatus. The membrane switch sheet is used in a switch matrix-type key input apparatus, including a plurality of switch contacts, so as to prevent the occurrence of a ghost key phenomenon. The membrane switch sheet includes at least one film wired through a single patterning process using only ink having low conductivity so as to have resistors having a same resistance value, with distances between start points of lines of a switch matrix in a column scan direction and the switch contacts being set to the same value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pointchips Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Hyun Han
  • Publication number: 20130062179
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a touch panel having a shielding structure and a method of manufacturing the same. The touch panel having a shielding structure comprises a conductive ring disposed on periphery of an upper surface of a substrate, a shielding layer disposed on a lower surface of the substrate, and a plurality of conductive connection points electrically connecting the shielding layer and the conductive ring. By connecting the shielding layer and the conductive ring by the conductive connection points, impedance of the shielding layer is consistent for different distances between the shielding layer and flexible printed circuit, thereby eliminating noise interference from a liquid crystal display or an electronic device under the touch panel, while using the touch panel. Moreover, the manufacturing method of the touch panel with a shielding structure is a simple process, which reduces the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: HUILIN YE, JING YU, QUNFENG LIN
  • Patent number: 8383966
    Abstract: A key assembly for use in an electronic device is provided. The key assembly includes a plurality of dome switches, a plurality of single-piece keycaps and plurality of actuators which activate the dome switches. Each single-piece keycap has a plurality of character-representing portions identifying a number of keyboard characters which are separated by deforming portions. Each character-representing portion is associated with a separate one of the plurality of dome switches. Each actuator has a first side which is engaged by one of the character-representing portions of the single-piece keycap and a second side which engages the dome switch associated with that character-representing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Steven Andrew Prsa, Joseph Michael Hofer, Michael Welker, Todd Andrew Wood
  • Patent number: 8373079
    Abstract: A manually operable sensor for providing control signals to an electronic device. A fabric has a length substantially longer than its width with insulating yarns and electrically conductive yarns included therein, such that the conductive yarns define three conductive tracks running the length of the fabric. The conductive tracks are configured to interface with an electronic device at a first end and, at a second end, an active region of the fabric forms part of a sensor assembly that is receptive to a manually applied pressure. The sensor comprises first and second conductive regions to which a first and a second conductive track are connected respectively, to apply an electric potential to each conductive region. A conductive path is formed between a connected conductive track and the third conductive track of said active region when manual pressure is applied to one of the conductive regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Peratech Limited
    Inventor: Stuart Mark Walkington
  • Patent number: 8367947
    Abstract: A computer keyboard is disclosed to remediate the phantom key or ghosting problem. Diodes are added to the PCB or contact-receptive membrane to eliminate reverse current, which is responsible for phantom key strikes. These one-way diodes increase the number of possible concurrent combinations that a microcontroller with limited inputs can support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Min-Liang Tan, Chern Ann Ng
  • Patent number: 8362381
    Abstract: A switch mechanism having a switch button(s) to be pushed, a support board having a projecting portion(s) at a position corresponding to the switch button(s), and a switching assembly that is provided between the switch button and the support board and that switches an electrical connection state with the projecting portion in a state where the switch button is pushed. The support board having a through hole(s) around a position corresponding to the projecting portion. The through hole(s) is(are) formed such that the projecting portion is displaced in a pushing direction of the switch button in the state where the switch button is pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Itou
  • Patent number: 8362371
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a keypad for an electronic device includes a plurality of switches and a plurality of keycaps. Each keycap has a plurality of external contact portions defining a full row of the keypad. Each external contact portion corresponds to one of the switches and includes at least one of a text-entry character and a functional character. Each of the external contact portions is movable to actuate the corresponding switch. The keypad further includes a plurality of keycap supports. Each keycap support is disposed between adjacent external contact portions. After one of the external contact portions has been moved to actuate the corresponding switch, at least one of the keycap supports engages the keycap having the one of the external contact portions to inhibit the keycap from actuating at least one of the other switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 8357865
    Abstract: A keypad illumination apparatus having a key plate member, a flexible light guide film, a reflective layer, a plurality of metal domes, a light source and a substrate. The key plate member may have a plurality of keys formed thereon. The flexible light guide film is configured to transmit light from the light source and has a plurality of plunging structures and apertures to accommodate the plurality of metal domes, which may be configured to actuate a plurality of electrical switches on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte, Ltd.
    Inventors: Fook Chuin Ng, Choon Guan Ko, Felix Cheang, Boon Keat Tan
  • Publication number: 20130008767
    Abstract: An anti-newton ring sheet is provided with an uneven layer. The uneven layer is formed by tightly arranging a plurality of structures in a lattice-like formation. The structures are substantially formed with a polymer resin and have a peak. Here, the axis extending in the vertical direction when the sheet is viewed in plan is the x-axis, and the axis extending in an orthogonal direction to the x-axis is the y-axis. In addition, an arbitrarily defined structure from the structures forming the uneven layer is a base structure, and structures that are adjacent to the base structure along the x-axis and the y-axis are other structures. The uneven layer is formed in a manner such that the height of a vertical section along the direction (x-direction, y-direction) of straight lines connecting the peak of the base structure and the peaks of the other structures periodically changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Takehiro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8344279
    Abstract: A mobile terminal keyboard comprises a keyboard body and a key, where sidewalls of the key can produce a cavity so as to form a capsule structure. The keyboard body and the sidewalls can be made of a transparent material; and transparent liquid can be included in the cavity. The mobile terminal keyboard can be convenient for a user and humanized. Light can pass through the transparent liquid in the cavity from one or more directions and generate refraction to form a colorful effect. The liquid in the cavity also can be deformed to generate various color changes on the press of a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Beijing Borqs Software Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng Liao
  • Publication number: 20120327024
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to large-area transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same. The ?dc/?opt ratio of such thim films may be improved via stable chemical doping and/or alloying of CNT-based films. The doping and/or alloying may be implemented in a large area coating system, e.g., on glass and/or other substrates. In certain example embodiments, a CNT film may be deposited and then doped via chemical functionalization and/or alloyed with silver and/or palladium. Both p-type and n-type dopants may be used in different embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments, silver and/or other nanowires may be provided, e.g., to further decrease sheet resistance. Certain example embodiments may provide coatings that approach, meet, or exceed 90% visible transmission and 90 ohms/square target metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. VEERASAMY
  • Publication number: 20120292170
    Abstract: A touch panel having an operation area and a periphery area surrounding the operation area is provided. The touch panel includes a substrate, a touch element, a complex non-conductive layer, and a light shielding layer. The touch element is disposed on the substrate and located in the operation area. The complex non-conductive layer is disposed on the substrate and at least located within the periphery area, and formed by stacking of a plurality of non-conductive layers and any two adjacent non-conductive layers are made of different materials. The light shielding layer is disposed on the substrate and located at the periphery area, wherein the non-conductive layers are located at a side of the light shielding layer adjacent to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicants: WINTEK CORPORATION, DONGGUAN MASSTOP LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Wei Yin, Shin-Chieh Huang, Ming-Kung Wu, Ping-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 8314352
    Abstract: A two-level pressure sensitive keyboard includes at least one key and a membrane switch circuit module. The membrane switch circuit module includes a first contact, a second contact, a first spacing layer for separating the first contact from the second contact, a third contact, a fourth contact, and a second spacing layer for separating the third contact from the fourth contact. The thickness of the second spacing layer is greater than that of the first spacing layer. When the key is depressed in response to the first pressure, the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected with each other to generate a first sensing signal. When the key is depressed in response to the second pressure, the first contact and the second contact are electrically connected with each other and the third contact and fourth contact are electrically connected with each other to generate a second sensing signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Primax Electronics, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bin-Hui Huang, Chien-Ming Yang
  • Publication number: 20120285810
    Abstract: An electrode and an isolation layer of a touch device are the same color, so that a user of the touch device perceives a good visual effect without having to employ expensive optical adhesive and decorative films in the touch device. The front bezel design used in conventional touch devices can thus be abandoned. Further, simpler fabrication, higher yield rate, and lower cost are also achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ETURBOTOUCH TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Kuei-Ching Wang, Yu-Heng Hsieh, Ta-Hu Lin, Tung-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20120285812
    Abstract: Provided is a dome-shaped spring for placing on a substrate having stationary contacts, and a circumferential edge of the dome-shaped spring is continuously in contact with the stationary contacts. At least a part of a neutral plane has a shape defined by an even function of at least eighth-order. Angle ? of the neutral plane of the dome-shaped spring to the substrate at a second inflection point that exists at a second-positioned inflection point from the circumferential edge, angle ? of the neutral plane to the substrate at a first inflection point, and angle ? of the neutral plane at the circumferential edge of the dome-shaped spring to the substrate satisfy following inequalities of ? ? and ? ?.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chikara SEKIGUCHI, Shigenori Inamoto, Masahiko Aranai
  • Publication number: 20120285811
    Abstract: There is provided a key switch structure including: a plate shaped key top; a link mechanism supporting the key top such that the key top can be depressed; a membrane sheet comprising a contact point portion; a back plate supporting the link mechanism and adhered to the membrane sheet; a plurality of holder members insert molded onto the back plate and supporting the link mechanism; and a resilient member provided between the key top and the membrane sheet, the resilient member being compressed by depressing of the key top and pressing the contact point portion to make a continuity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: OKI ELECTRIC INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshimi CHIBA, Hiromi EBISAWA
  • Patent number: 8310839
    Abstract: A capacitive touch switch having a printed circuit board and a capacitive electrode connected to the circuit board is disclosed. The printed circuit board is transparent and is interposed between a planar light guide provided with a light source and a non-conductive transparent cover, the electrode being icon-shaped and supported by the printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Ettore Arione, Giuseppe Arena, Roberto Lazzarotto
  • Patent number: 8304675
    Abstract: A matrix touch panel has an upper panel, a separation layer, an insulation layer and a lower panel. The lower panel has a plurality of first transparent electrodes on a bottom intersected by a plurality of second transparent electrodes on the upper panel. A plurality of wires and leading lines are formed on a border of the upper and lower panels. One terminal of each wire is connected to one end of the corresponding first or second transparent electrode, and the other terminal is connected with a corresponding leading line. One end of the first and second transparent electrode corresponding to the wires has an inner lead and an outer lead. The outer lead is electrically connected with the wires. An area defined between the inner lead and the outer lead varies to generate different impedance to balance the impedance difference among the wires with different lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Minlead Ltd.
    Inventor: Jane Hsu
  • Publication number: 20120262412
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes one or more meshes of conductive material. Each of the meshes includes a plurality of conductive lines. A first one of the conductive lines has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is wider than the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: David Brent Guard, Esat Yilmaz, Tsung-Ching Wu
  • Patent number: 8288672
    Abstract: In one form, a keypad includes a substrate and a flexible membrane disposed above a top surface of the substrate. The substrate has the top surface, a first conductor below the top surface, an insulator layer separating the first conductor from the top surface, and a second conductor disposed in proximity to the first conductor and to the top surface and coupled to a voltage terminal. The flexible membrane is disposed above the top surface of the substrate and has a third conductor forming a key. The third conductor is movable relative to the top surface. In another form, a keypad system includes such a keypad and a capacitive sensing circuit coupled to the first conductor for sensing a change in capacitance between the first conductor and the voltage terminal when the third conductor moves relative to the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Gerber
  • Publication number: 20120255848
    Abstract: A touch panel that is used by being superposed on a display panel, the touch panel including: a first electrode substrate including a first substrate and a first conductive film that is formed on the first substrate, the first conductive film including plural conductive areas that are divided into three or more areas along a longitudinal direction and divided into three or more areas along a lateral direction; and a second electrode substrate including a second substrate and a second conductive film that is formed on the second substrate, the second conductive film being opposed to the first conductive film, wherein each of boundary lines of the plural conductive areas forms a predetermined angle with respect to an alignment direction of pixels of the display panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Sekizawa, Koichi Kondoh
  • Publication number: 20120247937
    Abstract: A touch panel (input device) includes a flexible transparent base; a transparent electrode formed on a first surface of the transparent base; a decorative layer formed on a second surface of the transparent base, the second surface being opposite the first surface; and a transparent panel (glass panel) bonded to the second surface of the transparent base, with an optical clear adhesive layer interposed therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji SAITO, Kiyoshi KOBAYASHI
  • Patent number: 8274358
    Abstract: A multidirectional input member according to the present invention includes a base plate on which a looped sensor that includes a plurality of groups of non-contacting electrodes configured in a loop is formed and an operation plate locating opposite to the base plate. The operation plate has a first loop-shaped protrusion that is located at a plane opposite to the base plate, that is protruded toward the base plate side, that is opposite to the looped sensor, and that is configured with a resistant rubber member. The first protrusion has a configuration in which its sectional area of a plane parallel to the base plate is tapered in the direction from the operation plate side toward the base plate side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ando, Brian St. Jacques, David Moe
  • Publication number: 20120238845
    Abstract: An electronic device includes an upper layer made of a non-conductive material; a lower layer made of a non-conductive material, wherein at least one of the upper layer and the lower layer is made of a resilient material having a sufficient elasticity such that it will return to an original shape after being deformed, wherein the upper layer comprises an upper conductor and the lower layer comprises a lower conductor and a space is provided between the upper conductor and the lower conductor such that the upper conductor and the lower conductor are not in contact until a force is applied to deform at least one of the upper layer and the lower layer. A sensor device for human body testing connected with the lower conductor, or the lower conductor is configured to function as part of a sensor device for human body testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Chang-Ming Yang
  • Patent number: 8263889
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a manipulating apparatus (mobile terminal) including a chassis provided with a manipulating portion (directional manipulating portion) with which an input manipulation is carried out. The manipulating portion includes: a key top exposed to an outside of the chassis through an opening portion, which the chassis has, and a key main body having a base portion on which the key top is formed within the chassis; a circuit board in which a detecting portion (switches) is disposed in a position corresponding to the key top; and a flat plate-shaped elastic body (elastic body) interposed between the key main body and the detecting portion; in which the elastic body is provided integrally with the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Takahashi, Hiroaki Masuda
  • Patent number: 8259456
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an inductive electrical sensor assembly includes a hollow housing structure defining an open space within the housing structure and a circuit board mounted in the open space. The circuit board includes an inductive sense area. A flexible metal domed spring structure is mounted over the inductive sensor area. A stem portion extends from a actuator area of the housing structure and having a distal end disposed adjacent to or in contact with the spring structure. The domed spring structure is adapted to be flexed toward the inductive sensor area by force exerted by the stem portion when a user exerts force on the actuator area, the flexing of the domed spring structure resulting in a change of inductance of the inductive sensor area which may be sensed to indicate an actuator push.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Balboa Water Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Rosenau, Charles J. Heiden
  • Patent number: 8258417
    Abstract: A thin, film-form seating switch able to detect whether an occupant sits on the seat or not, wherein, with a spacer (5) in-between, a film-form substrate (3) is disposed on one surface of the spacer and a film-form member (7) on the other surface, a first conductor (13) equipped with a first terminal (9) and a first electrode (11A) conductive with this and a second conductor (19) equipped with a second terminal (15) and a second electrode (17A) conductive with this are fixed to one surface of the film-form substrate, and a third conductor (21A) for letting the first electrode conduct with the second electrode when an occupant is seated is fixed to the film-form member (7). The above arrangement solves a conventional problem that it is troublesome to connect the connection terminals of wires or the like provided on a wiring harness or the like to respective terminals that are separately provided on a film-form substrate and a film-form member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kawahira, Takahiro Ishii, Mikihito Kojima, Toyohiko Shindo, Naotaka Kumakiri, Masashi Yoshifuku, Takashi Furukawa, Nobuhiro Koyota, Tsutomu Terasaki
  • Patent number: 8253052
    Abstract: A keyboard dome stiffener assembly includes a circuit board having a plurality of dome pads that each defines a venting aperture, a dome sheet disposed over the circuit board, and a stiffener disposed beneath the circuit board that defines a plurality of cutouts corresponding to each venting aperture. The dome pads correspond to a key of an associated keyboard to be assembled with the keyboard dome stiffener assembly. The dome sheet forms an air space associated with each dome pad that is in fluid communication with the corresponding venting aperture. The cutouts of the stiffener provide an air cavity between the circuit board and the stiffener. Each air cavity is in fluid communication with an air space, and when one of the keyboard keys is depressed, some of the air in the air space travels between the air space of the keyboard to the corresponding air cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Chao Chen
  • Publication number: 20120211343
    Abstract: An input device includes a printed circuit board for outputting a signal, a supporting base fixed on the printed circuit board, a metal dome switch installed on the printed circuit board, and a cap pivoted to the supporting base. A protrusion is formed on an end of the cap for contacting against the printed circuit board when the cap is not pressed down. The cap pivots relative to the supporting base when the cap is pressed down. An actuator is further formed on the cap and disposed on a side of the metal dome switch. The actuator of the cap presses down the metal dome switch to actuate the metal dome switch when the cap is pressed down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang, Chun-Chien Chen, Shun-De Bai, San-Pao Kao
  • Patent number: 8240874
    Abstract: A multi-mode portable illumination device includes a switch structure featuring a substantially planar member and a mechanical switch which requires a relatively small amount of force and a short stroke distance to actuate. The mechanical switch is attached to a member which contains circuit(s) adding additional functionality to the multi-mode portable illumination device. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal multi-mode portable illumination device which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 8242398
    Abstract: A switch unit (40) is mountable to a distal end of a handpiece of an electrically-activatable surgical tool, such as an ultrasonically-vibratable surgical tool. The switch unit (40) has a generally bullet-shaped outer form with an axial bore (42) through which a waveguide of the tool extends. A resiliently deformable band (1) extends around the switch unit (40) above a polygonal-section contact zone (2), such that fingertip pressure on the band (1) may locally depress the band (1) towards a flat area (12) of the contact zone (2). Switch contacts (11) are mounted to an inner surface of the band (1) opposite a plated circuit (10) located on each flat area (12) so as to form a plurality of switches. A switch to activate the tool is thus easily accessible to a user's fingertip in any orientation of the handpiece in the user's hand. The switch contacts (11) may each comprise a body having an electrical resistance dependent on a pressure exerted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: SRA Developments Limited
    Inventors: Michael John Radley Young, Stephen Michael Radley Young
  • Publication number: 20120193208
    Abstract: A dome switch device enables electric contact by pressing of a central region or even any other region of a dome sheet formed to extend in a longitudinal direction with the same result regarding the amount of electrical contact. The dome switch device preferably includes a dome sheet extending along a longitudinal direction and having conductivity and a contact module provided on a substrate such that a plurality of both-pole (two-pole) contact portions are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction of the dome sheet, in which the contact module, when being pressed regardless of where along the dome sheet is pressed, whether being pressed on a central region thereof or any other region other than the central region, electrically contacts the dome sheet with a high quality electrical contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyong-Su SHIN, Joon-Ho PARK
  • Patent number: 8207949
    Abstract: A highly durable touch panel is provided. A touch panel according to the present invention includes a deformable flexible panel, and a transparent electrode film containing In2O3 as a primary component and containing Ti is exposed to a surface of a lower electrode film of a display device. Since such a transparent electrode film has a high abrasion resistance as compared to a conventional one (such as, an ITO thin film), the transparent electrode film is neither clouded nor cracked even if the lower electrode film is repeatedly pressed. Therefore, the touch panel according to the present invention is highly durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirohisa Takahashi, Satoru Takasawa, Isao Sugiura, Atsushi Ota, Satoru Ishibashi, Haruhiko Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120145525
    Abstract: A printed wiring board has a first switch contact pattern, a second switch contact pattern, and a cutting portion that cuts a plating bar formed thereon. A metal dome is arranged to be in contact with the first switch contact pattern and allows the first switch contact pattern and the second switch contact pattern to be conductive by being deformed. A first sheet attached to the printed wiring board via an adhesive has a first opening portion formed in a region where the metal dome is arranged and a second opening portion formed in the region where a cutting portion is formed. A second sheet is attached to the first sheet via the adhesive to cover the first opening portion and the second opening portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8193465
    Abstract: An electronic device which includes a resilient piece, base plate and electronic source. The upper conductor is located on the resilient piece; the base plate is connected to the resilient piece, with a space between the two. The lower conductor is located on the base plate, and there is a crevice between the lower conductor and the upper conductor. The electronic source electrically connected to the upper conductor and the lower conductor. The sensor device is located on the base plate. Utilizing this structure, the electronic device can, based on the user's needs, perform testing of the subject's physiological status or test a specific site that is pressed, be used as assist for medical equipment, exercise equipment or communications facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventors: Chang Ming Yang, Tzu Lin Yang, Ching Wen Yang, Hao Yang
  • Patent number: 8188399
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention provides a keypad assembly comprising a keypad, a light guide sheet, a dome sheet, and a board. The keypad comprises at least one protrusion and at least one rib. The light guide sheet has openings that are smaller than a first portion of the at least one protrusion. The dome sheet and the board have openings that are larger than a first portion of the at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion is compressible such that the first portion of the at least one protrusion is extendable through the openings in the light guide sheet, the dome sheet and the board. The at least one rib physically contacts at least a portion of the light guide sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Muh Fong Chung, Choon Guan Ko, Yew Huat Chow
  • Patent number: 8183478
    Abstract: The present application provides a key assembly for use in an electronic device. The key assembly comprises a plurality of dome switches and one or more single-piece keycaps. Each keycap has a plurality of key portions separated by deforming portions. The key assembly further comprises a plurality of actuators for activating the dome switches. Each actuator has a stem portion and an enlarged rigid blocking portion. The key assembly also comprises one or more rigid blocking members disposed between the blocking portion of the actuators and the keycaps and in close proximity to the blocking portion of the actuators. The blocking members form a barrier to limit a rotational movement of the actuators away from the dome switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Ramon Lamers, Timothy Kyowski
  • Publication number: 20120118720
    Abstract: A switch includes an insulative case with fixed electrodes and a movable electrode therein. The case includes a first surface configured to contact with a circuit board and a second surface configured to oppose to the circuit board via a gap. The movable electrode moves between a first position for placing the fixed electrodes in a conductive state and a second position for placing the fixed electrodes in a nonconductive state. Each of the fixed electrodes includes a contact terminal which contacts with the movable electrode and an external connecting terminal exposed on the second surface and soldered to a land of a wiring terminal on the circuit board. The external connecting terminal includes a first portion opposed to the land and a second portion connected to the first portion that has an area larger than an area of the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Hidetake Kikuchi, Takashi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8169622
    Abstract: An optical sensor (10) for fitting to a washing machine or dishwasher is proposed, comprising: a housing (16), an arrangement, which is housed in the housing, of optical components, the optical components comprising a controllable light emitter (26) and a first and a second light receiver (28, 30), and an electronic analysis and control unit (36) which is connected to the light emitter (26) and the two light receivers (28, 30), the first light receiver (28) being arranged at the end of a first light measurement path (54) which starts at the light emitter (26) and runs on a portion outside the housing (16), and the second light receiver (30) being arranged at the end of a second light measurement path (56) which starts at the light emitter (26), and when the sensor is fitted to the machine as specified, the first light measurement path running on a portion through a washing space (14) of the machine, and is the second light measurement path running completely outside this washing space, the analysis and contro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: emz-Hanauer GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Andreas Reith, Martin Brabec, Johann Schenkl
  • Publication number: 20120097514
    Abstract: A touch screen panel includes a substrate, a first touch electrode layer including first touch electrodes formed to be divided on regions defined as a pad part, a routing part, and a channel bridge part on the substrate, a soluble insulator layer including soluble insulators formed so as to expose portions of the first touch electrodes, and a second touch electrode layer formed on the soluble insulator layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Sunju KU, Heunglyul Cho
  • Patent number: 8153920
    Abstract: A touch panel roll and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The method includes providing a first structure roll and a second structure roll. A manufacturing method of the first structure roll includes forming an opening in a first flexible substrate, wherein conductive lines respectively connected with electrodes extend to the opening. A manufacturing method of the second structure roll includes forming conductive lines respectively connected with electrodes and independent conductive lines corresponding to the conductive lines in the first structure roll on a second flexible substrate, wherein one end of each conductive line in the second structure roll is located at a position corresponding to the opening. The method further includes laminating the first structure roll and the second structure roll by a roll-to-roll process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Bao-Shun Yau, Chih-Chiang Lu
  • Patent number: 8148657
    Abstract: A key for intermittently electrically contacting at least two conductors located on a circuit board with an electrically conducting contact element includes at least one base that is disposed on the circuit board and a key which encompasses the contact element and is movable relative to the circuit board and the base. The key is connected to the base by at least one movable membrane. The base and the membrane are made of an insulating elastic material. The key additionally includes at least one soldering leg of which the first end is positively inserted in to the base while the second end, the soldering zone, is used for fastening the key to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Abatek International AG
    Inventor: Christoph Keist
  • Publication number: 20120061226
    Abstract: A switch device includes: a circuit board provided with a fixed contact; a deformable contact arranged above the circuit board, and configured to deform and come into contact with the fixed contact in response to pressure from above; a switch holding sheet covering a surface of the circuit board provided with the deformable contact, and configured to retain the deformable contact on the circuit board; a light-guide sheet placed over the switch holding sheet, and allowing light to pass through its inside; a light-emitting diode configured to cause the light to fall incident and enter the inside of the light-guide sheet; and a protrusion forming a gap between the switch holding sheet and the light-guide sheet in a position corresponding to the deformable contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi EDO, Akimi YAMASAKI, Tomosada INADA
  • Patent number: 8134473
    Abstract: A sheet switch (142) has a bottom layer (144) and a top layer (160). First and second conductors (148, 162) located on the bottom layer (144) form two separate conductive paths, with a voltage potential applied to the conductors (148, 162). The top layer (160) includes a ground conductor (172). Spacers (178) are positioned between the top and bottom layers (160, 144). When forces are externally applied, the spacers (178) collapse and the ground conductor (172) contacts the first and second conductors (148, 162), and establishes a conductive path therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: CHG Hospital Beds Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Roussy