Membrane Type Patents (Class 200/512)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120055773
    Abstract: A push switch includes a case having a recess portion, a first fixed contact placed in the recess portion, and a second fixed contact placed in the recess portion. Furthermore, the push switch includes a dome-shaped movable contact placed in the recess portion and having a center portion facing the first fixed contact with a space therebetween, a protective sheet for covering the recess portion, and a protrusion member fixed to the protective sheet by welding at a convex side of the center portion of the movable contact. The first fixed contact and the second fixed contact are provided at positions that are brought into contact with the movable contact when the movable contact is elastically reversed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke NAKAOKA, Masatsugu TAKEUCHI
  • Patent number: 8130207
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided for using dual side input devices for controlling an electronic device and applications running thereon. According to one technique, a user take some action with respect to an adjustable feature associated with the electronic device (e.g., zoom and/or skew an image on a display screen) by simulating (or actually) bending or twisting the electronic device. According to another technique, the user may cause a region of an image displayed on the front of the device to be magnified by touching the back of the device at a location that corresponds to the region. According to yet another technique, the user may cause a graphical item displayed on the front of the electronic device to be rotated by essentially simulating the grabbing of the item with two or more fingers on either side of the electronic device and rolling the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Mikko Antero Nurmi, Mika Antero Rautava
  • Publication number: 20120048706
    Abstract: A portable terminal includes a first substrate, a circuit pattern unit formed on an upper surface of the first substrate to configure a circuit, the circuit pattern unit having at least one dome contact portion, and a second substrate laminated on the circuit pattern unit and having at least one dome mounting groove to expose the dome contact portion, whereby a thickness of a printed circuit board used in an input device of the portable terminal can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jaejun JUNG, Sangjin LEE
  • Patent number: 8124886
    Abstract: The invention discloses a membrane circuit board including a substrate, a plurality of first signal pins and a second signal pin. The first signal pins and the second signal pin are disposed on the substrate. The substrate has a first edge. Each of the first signal pins has a first terminal, and the first terminal has a first width. The second signal pin has a second terminal, which is disposed between the first edge and the first terminal. The second terminal has a second width. The second width is larger than the first width. Accordingly, the membrane circuit board may have high error tolerance and better quality control efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Wen-Yu Tsai, Lei-Lung Tsai
  • Patent number: 8124903
    Abstract: An input device for constructing an inputting operation unit for various electronic apparatus and a method of manufacturing the input device are provided. The input device allows push-down inputting operation and position inputting operation using the same operating unit. The input device has a position input sensor provided under a key, and a base sheet having a movable contact joined to its bottom face depending on the location where the key is disposed, and a columnar section is disposed in a manner sandwiched between the position input sensor and the base sheet at the center of the movable contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Tatehata, Hiroshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8124894
    Abstract: An operating device is provided which includes a stacked structure of a contact terminal sheet including contact terminals, a flexible wiring member including a land folded part and land parts and wire parts, and a plate-like frame supporting the contact terminal sheet and the flexible wiring member. The plate-like frame is folded, forming an operation receiving part for a side surface disposed in a side surface of the device. The contact terminal sheet includes a contact terminal folded part, which is folded along and supported by the operation receiving part, and includes a contact terminal for a side surface, which corresponds to a side surface operation part, and a land folded part, which includes a land part connected to the contact terminal. An extension part, which is folded at a front end part of the operation receiving part, is provided in the contact terminal folded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichirou Yasui
  • Patent number: 8110765
    Abstract: An combined monolithic electroluminescent lamp and membrane switch is manufactured by continuous printing. Graphic indicia is imprinted on deformable substrate. An electroluminescent lamp is imprinted on the graphic indicia layer and a membrane switch is formed on the lamp. The monolithic switch has a layer for sensing switch actuation by means including resistance change, capacitance change, or magnetic field change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Oryon Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: M. Richard Marcus, Kenneth Burrows, Thomas L. Brown
  • Patent number: 8106324
    Abstract: A touch panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a third conductive layer, and a number of spacers is provided. The first substrate has an upper surface and a bottom surface opposite to the upper surface. The second substrate is parallel to the first substrate. The first conductive layer is disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate, while the second conductive layer is disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate. The third conductive layer is disposed on the second substrate and interposed between the second substrate and the second conductive layer. The spacers are interposed between the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer. The touch panel has functions of multi-touch, contact-touch and non-contact touch, and the touch panel can be operated by conductive objects or dielectric objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Wintek Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Chang Lai, Nai-Heng Chang
  • Publication number: 20120018288
    Abstract: A tamper resistant keypad includes one or more key assemblies having a resilient key member and a contact. The resilient key member is configured to flex when the key assembly is depressed to allow the contact to close a key press detection circuit on a circuit board to register a key press. A tamper detection switch assembly at least partially surrounds the resilient key member. The tamper detection switch assembly is configured to detect attempts to access the key assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Rollet, Yann Loisel
  • Patent number: 8098238
    Abstract: A handheld electronic apparatus comprises a touch keypad, a circuit board, a base and a support mechanism. The touch keypad is configured to receive a user's touch operation and comprises a plurality of icons. The circuit board is placed below the touch keypad and has a dome switch providing tactile feedback to the user when the user presses the touch keypad. The base is placed between the touch keypad and the circuit board and has a first opening through which the touch keypad can trigger the dome switch. The support mechanism is placed between the touch keypad and the base to support the touch keypad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chih Wei Tai, Chung Yuan Ou
  • Publication number: 20110303520
    Abstract: A switch comprising a first peripheral contact; a second peripheral contact; a third central fixed contact; a movable contact element which can be displaced and deformed elastically from a stable rest state comprising a peripheral zone capable of bearing simultaneously against the two first contacts in order to establish a first switching path, and a central section on which an actuating element acts, and which is capable of then bearing against the third contact to establish a second switching path, characterized in that the movable contact element occupies an initial raised rest position in which the peripheral zone does bears against either of the two first contacts, and in that the movable contact element occupies a final lowered switching position in which the peripheral zone bears simultaneously against the two first contacts to establish the first switching path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: COACTIVE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thierry Burnel, Laurent Kubat
  • Patent number: 8076602
    Abstract: A printed circuit board is provided for use in a keyboard assembly of a mobile device having a plurality of keys in a key layout. The printed circuit board has a plurality of contacts, such as dome switches, arranged in a contact layout. The contact layout is such that it can be used with a plurality of different key layouts, each actuating different combinations of contacts. Some keys in a particular key layout are overlying at least two of the plurality of contacts, and such keys actuate only one of the underlying contacts. As such, a common printed circuit board can be used for a plurality of complementary mobile device designs having different key layouts, thereby allowing a manufacturer to realize cost efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Paul Robert Chyc, Roman Peter Rak, Jason Griffin, Steven Fyke
  • Publication number: 20110297524
    Abstract: Multiple-pole single-throw dome switch assemblies for electronic devices and methods for creating the same are provided. For example, a switch assembly may include a deformable dome that may have a conductive inner surface. The switch assembly may also include three conductive pads, at least two of which may be positioned underneath the dome. When the dome is deformed, each one of the three conductive pads may be electrically coupled to the conductive inner surface of the dome. When the dome is not deformed, at least one of the three conductive pads may be electrically isolated from the conductive inner surface of the dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wing Kong Low, Thai Quoc La
  • Patent number: 8071897
    Abstract: A key structure used in a portable electronic device includes a resilient member forming a plurality of conducting films and a column, a dome member forming an arch portion and a peripheral portion, a circuit board forming a plurality of first terminals, second terminals and a third terminal. The dome member is mounted to the circuit board, the peripheral portion electronically connects to the second terminals, the resilient member covers the dome member, the conducting films conductively contact the first terminals. The resilient member is pressed to make the column resist against the arch portion, thereby the first terminals and the second terminals are both conductive, or the first terminals, the second terminals and the third terminal are all conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Yen-Nan Chiu
  • Patent number: 8071902
    Abstract: To prevent the local heating of an electronic apparatus chassis, there is provided a push button switch (10), which comprises a substrate (11) having a first contacting part (11a) and a second contacting part (11b) operable to be brought into electrical conduction with the first contacting part (11a), and a flexible electrically insulating sheet (13) covering the substrate (11) and having a click portion (13a) on the inside of which the first and second contacting parts are disposed to be brought into and out of electrical conduction therebetween in response to depression of the click portion. The electrically insulating sheet (13) includes a heat conducting layer (14) extending along the substrate (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yohei Ichikawa, Kiyoshi Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8063325
    Abstract: An exemplary keypad assembly includes: a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising a plurality of fixed contact points formed thereon, an elastic sheet disposed on the PCB, the elastic sheet comprising a base and many switches fixed on the base above the fixed contact points correspondingly; many key buttons, each key button comprising a main portion, and a pressing portion extending downward from the main portion; a light shielding sheet defining a plurality of through holes, the light shielding sheet integrally formed with the key buttons, the key buttons respectively passing through each of the through holes of the light shield sheet. The light shielding sheet with the key buttons is disposed above the elastic sheet, each pressing portion of each key button corresponding to each switch. The keypad assembly has a thin configuration due to a combination configuration of the light shielding sheet and the key buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fu-Hsin Sung, Yi-Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 8063329
    Abstract: A key mechanism (22) includes a key body (222), a resilient metal sheet (226), a circuit board (26). The circuit board (26) is placed between the key body (222) and the resilient metal sheet (226). The circuit board (26) includes a first surface (2622) facing the key body (222) and a second surface (2624) facing the resilient metal sheet (226). The first surface (2622) has a number of ground points connecting to the key body (222). The second surface (2624) has a switch unit corresponding to the resilient metal sheet (226).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Po-Hua Huang
  • Patent number: 8058577
    Abstract: The invention relates to a touch-sensitive surface (3) activation device (1) for a motorized mechanism used to open and close an opening such as an electric windscreen wiper, comprising a touch-sensitive surface which controls the opening and/or closing of at least one opening. The device comprises means for detecting (9) the charge applied to the touch-sensitive control surface and means (11) for inhibiting control of the opening and/or closing when the applied charge is outside an acceptable predefined charge range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: DAV
    Inventor: Jean Marc Tissot
  • Patent number: 8058573
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprises a main body, a front frame mounted on the main body, a transparent elastic press panel disposed between the main body and the front frame, a plurality of contacts beneath the elastic press panel, and a plurality of stop pieces disposed between the contacts respectively. The stop pieces divide the elastic press panel into portions corresponding to the contacts. Each portion of the elastic press panel can be pressed down independently for activating the corresponding contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gao-Hui Tang, Yong-Qing Zeng
  • Patent number: 8053692
    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: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Honda Mortor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Kawahira, Takahiro Ishii, Mikihito Kojima, Toyohiko Shindo, Naotaka Kumakiri, Masashi Yoshifuku, Takashi Furukawa, Nobuhiro Koyota, Tsutomu Terasaki
  • Publication number: 20110266128
    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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: SILICON LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Steve Gerber
  • Patent number: 8049127
    Abstract: A touch panel has an upper board having an upper conductive layer, a lower board having a lower conductive layer, a pair of upper electrodes along the periphery of the upper conductive layer and having an upper electrode lead, a pair of lower electrodes along the periphery of the lower conductive layer and having a lower electrode lead, and a slit formed at the upper and lower conductive layers. One of the upper electrodes is formed along a side of the upper conductive layer, and the other of the upper electrodes is formed in a substantially U shape surrounding a whole periphery excluding the upper electrode lead. One of the lower electrodes is formed in a direction orthogonal to the side of the upper conductive layer, and the other of the lower electrodes is formed in a substantially U shape surrounding a whole periphery excluding the lower electrode lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Yamaue, Kenji Inoue
  • Patent number: 8030586
    Abstract: An electronic switch may include a horizontal bottom plate, a top side of the plate may support at least two electrical contacts. A contactor may be positioned on the top side of the plate and may be elastically deformable to electrically link the at least two electrical contacts. A pushbutton may be positioned vertically above the contactor such that manual displacement of the pushbutton downward may provoke the elastic deformation of the contactor. A first elastic sheet may include a top film protecting the contactor. The top film may be fixed to the top side of the plate to secure the contactor vertically on the plate to form an opening so that the pushbutton may act directly on the contactor. A second elastic sheet may position the pushbutton horizontally relative to the contactor on a top side of which the top film may be fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: CoActive Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Villain, Michel Cour
  • Publication number: 20110227763
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide keyboards that utilize electrically-deformable material as an actuating mechanism to provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, the electrically-deformable material is utilized to impart, to a depressed key or keyboard element, a multi-vectored movement that produces a perceived acceleration of the key or keyboard element thus providing a user with haptic feedback which simulates a snapover movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: James William Schlosser, Cody George Peterson, Andrew Huska
  • Publication number: 20110226601
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure switch that utilizes a dome switch having a flange surrounding the dome. The flange is anchored to a substrate such that the dome portion is in contact with a contact pad on the substrate. A pressure medium applied through passageways in the substrate flexes the dome in an elastic manner so that the dome does not contact the contact pad. When the pressure medium falls below a predetermined threshold level, the dome expands and contacts the contact pad to complete a circuit that indicates that the pressure of the pressure medium has fallen below the threshold level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen William Blakely
  • Patent number: 8022327
    Abstract: Formation of an assemblage of electrically conductive components for a new electrosurgical pencil is disclosed, and assembly of those components in a method for automating the manufacture and combination of current carrying metal circuitry and operable switching components in “electrosurgical pencils” which supply current to an active terminal, for application of high frequency or high power electrical current to a surgical site, and control of such current through coaction of the elements of the switch. In manufacture, the design of the switch components allows start-to-finish automated assembly of the switch, in an industry which knows only partially automated assembly, and partial assembly by hand, to create an improved tool for surgical cutting, coagulation, and cauterizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Blomeyer
  • Patent number: 8017216
    Abstract: A member for a push button switch that has a small thickness, high durability, and excellent click feeling and can be manufactured at low cost. The member for the push button switch includes one or more key tops, a metal sheet including at least holes that correspond to positions of the key tops, and an elastic sheet that is provided on the metal sheet so as to be positioned on the same side as or opposite side to the key tops. The elastic sheet is fitted into the holes and comes in contact with the key tops at positions of the holes. The elastic sheet includes a urethane film or polycarbonate, and a silicone rubber, which are laminated in a thickness direction of the metal sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kato, Hideto Taneyama, Hitoshi Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20110214728
    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 thin 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: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Vijayen S. Veerasamy
  • Patent number: 8013262
    Abstract: Provided is a key sheet allowing reliable sliding operation input through accurate coordinate position detection and depressing operation input of satisfactory depression operability through clear click feel. Fixation layers are formed at positions under depressing operation portions, and there are no fixation layers in portions around the depressing operation portions but gaps are formed. With this construction, it is possible to suppress a depression operation load to a low level at a time of depressing input operation, and, when contact switches with click feel are depressed, the click feel can be easily transmitted. Further, a surface sheet has movable contact portions which enter the gaps at a time of sliding input operation and which are displaced so as to be capable of coming into contact with a sensor sheet. With this construction, it is possible to sense, in a stable manner, capacitance at an in-plane position of a sliding operation surface of the sensor sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Polymatech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Honmatsu, Yasunori Takeda, Yutaka Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8013264
    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 6, 2011
    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
  • Publication number: 20110209975
    Abstract: A keypad assembly is described herein in which the keypad assembly includes a substrate and a plurality of domes positioned on the substrate and configured to translate operator action into a corresponding input for a machine. The keypad assembly also includes a dome overlay positioned over the domes and the substrate in which the dome overlay can create a sealed environment for the substrate and the domes. A light guide that directs light in the keypad assembly and an interlocking component coupled to the light guide can also be part of the keypad assembly. In one arrangement, the interlocking component can selectively compress the dome overlay to assist in the creation of the sealed environment. In another arrangement, the interlocking component can compress the dome overlay by bending the dome overlay at an edge of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Research in Motion Limited
    Inventors: Chao Chen, Chen Xu
  • Patent number: 8008593
    Abstract: A switch comprises a key top to be pushed down; an operation knob pushed down by the key top to rotate around a pivot point, having a working portion; and a contact rubber switch pushed down by the working portion of the operation knob. The rubber switch is provided with a push-button portion having an upper surface pushed down by the working portion of the operation knob and an under surface formed with a movable contact; and a skirt portion extending obliquely downward from an edge of the push-button portion. The skirt portion has a thinner portion on the side of the pivot point of the operation knob and a thicker portion on the opposite side of the pivot point. The push-button portion has an upper surface inclined upward toward the side of the pivot point. The switch has advantages such as simple structure, reliable conduction, and excellent click feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Covac Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuji Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20110204146
    Abstract: Provided is a sheet switch suitable as a sensing mechanism to sense the removal of a subordinate device from a host device. Specifically, the sheet switch is provided with a contact electrode formed in a dome shape with a conductive metal, a counter electrode disposed facing the contact electrode, and a metal sheet made of metal that is disposed on the opposite side of the counter electrode from the side facing the contact electrode with insulating members interposed therebetween. The sheet switch becomes conductive when the contact electrode and the counter electrode touch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshio Tatai, Kazunori Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20110186413
    Abstract: A dome overlay structure for a mobile device keyboard includes a plurality of dome switches, a circuit board disposed beneath the plurality of dome switches with each dome switch electrically coupled to the circuit board, a main overlay disposed over the plurality of dome switches, and a first adhesive dab centrally interposed between the dome switch and the main overlay with a second adhesive dab surrounding the first adhesive dab. Each dome switch has a central portion and a non-central portion. The first adhesive dab can bond the central portion of the dome switch to the main overlay. The second adhesive dab is configured to form a gap between the second adhesive dab and the non-central portion of the dome switch in an unactuated configuration and configured to contact the non-central portion of the dome switch in an actuated configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Chao Chen
  • Publication number: 20110186414
    Abstract: A dome switch integrated touch window for a mobile terminal includes a lower substrate, a dome switch, a spacer sheet, and an upper substrate. A dome switch is disposed on a lower substrate to correspond to a contact terminal. The dome switch extends through a spacer sheet and an upper substrate disposed on the spacer sheet. The dome switch is covered by a design film. The dome switch includes an operation member having a resilient base disposed over the contact terminal and a resilient protrusion projecting from the resilient base, and a dome disposed between the operation member and the lower substrate. The operation member may have an upwardly concaved dome-shaped groove to receive the dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: PANTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki-Ung KIM, Sung-June PARK, Han-Su YANG, Choon-Shik LEE
  • Publication number: 20110163999
    Abstract: A touch control device includes a bracket, a first circuit board and a second circuit board electrically connected to each other, and a light guiding sheet. The first circuit board is disposed on the bracket, and the first circuit board has at least one light emitting element. The second circuit board is a flexible printed circuit (FPC), and has at least one trigger region aligned with the light emitting element. The light guiding sheet is attached to the second circuit board, for guiding light emitted by the light emitting element. The touch control device is disposed on a display device having a curve shape through the flexible second circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: AmTRAN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Yen Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 7964807
    Abstract: A pressure switch employs semiconductor silicon on insulator (SOI) technology and utilizes a first silicon wafer with a deflecting diaphragm having two metal contacts deposited thereon. Secured to the silicon wafer is a glass wafer having a central aperture defining a deflecting region. Positioned on the glass wafer is third metal contact positioned to receive the two contacts deposited on the silicon wafer when a predetermined pressure is applied. As predetermined pressure is applied, the contacts on the silicon wafer will touch the contact on the glass wafer and a connection will be made between the silicon wafer contacts to create a low impedance path between the two contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Joseph Van DeWeert
  • Patent number: 7964810
    Abstract: A contact element for the intermittent contacting of conductor tracks on a circuit board, in particular, for flexible touchpads, for example for flexible input devices in the automobile industry, is made from a metal foam. The metal foam may be at least partly infiltrated by an elastomeric material which can also be the material of construction of the touchpad. The contact element has a very reliable construction which is particularly suitable for high voltage application. A method for production of the contact element, touchpads/input devices with such contact pads and the use of the contact pads is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Abatek International AG
    Inventors: Christoph Keist, Klaus Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7956770
    Abstract: Embodiments include a data input device and a portable electronic device including such a data input device. The data input device may include a key sensing mechanism and a solid material layer provided above the key sensing mechanism. The solid material layer may include a least one cavity that may go through the whole of the solid material layer. The cavity may include an electroactive polymer and two electrodes for providing a key that may be changed in shape based on an applied voltage. One embodiment may also allows the registering of inputs in the key sensing mechanism based on a user pressing down the electroactive polymer on the key sensing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Gunnar Klinghult, Mats Kleverman, Magnus Jendbro
  • Patent number: 7956303
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a protective covering. An electronics module and a pair of electrodes are disposed within the protective covering. The pair of electrodes is electrically connected to the electronics module. The electrodes are separated by a distance in an open position when unloaded and are configured to contact each other in a closed position when loaded. In one example, a plurality of resilient spacing structures is disposed between the electrodes. The electronics module is configured to obtain electrode position data by determining whether the electrodes are in the open or closed position. In one example, the electronics module is configured to remotely communicate the electrode position data. The electrodes and electronics module are embedded within the protective covering, which is integrally molded therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: ATEK Products Group
    Inventor: Daniel Pehrson
  • Publication number: 20110120848
    Abstract: A luminous keyboard includes plural keycaps, a membrane circuit board, at least one light-emitting element, and a lower cover. The plural keycaps, the membrane circuit board and the light-emitting element are supported on the lower cover. In addition, the lower cover of the luminous keyboard has a light-guiding function. Since an additional light guide plate is required, the luminous keyboard has simplified configuration and the overall thickness thereof is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Ming Su, Chun-Che Wu, Chun-Nan Su
  • Publication number: 20110120850
    Abstract: Electronic devices are provided with switch assembly input components that can have adhesives adhered to the side and/or bottom surfaces of support plates for retaining switches between the adhesives and the tops of the support plates. The switch assembly input components can include buttons with one or more absorption elements for receiving impact energy, reducing the impact energy, and transferring the reduced impact energy onto the switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Duckworth Mittleman, Tang Yew Tan, Erik L. Wang, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Philip Michael Hobson, Kenneth A. Jenks
  • Patent number: 7935904
    Abstract: Provided is a keypad assembly used as a data input unit in various electronic devices. The keypad assembly includes a main board having one or more metal domes formed at predetermined positions on the main board, and a keypad disposed on the main board to apply a pressure on the metal dome and to be used as a touchpad according to a mode selection, the keypad includes a keytop layer having one or more keytops on which corresponding alphanumeric characters are formed, a touchpad layer disposed under the keytop layer; and a base layer disposed under the touchpad layer, and having one or more protrusions protruding from its bottom surface at the positions corresponding to the metal dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Sung-Hoon Song
  • Publication number: 20110089011
    Abstract: A switch module including a light source element is provided that obtains slimming down and a sufficient click feeling and suitably irradiates a key portion, while suppressing manufacturing cost. A switch module is disposed to face a key portion. The switch module includes a transparent FPC board, a transparent conductive film, an electrode, a metal dome which is in contact with a part of the transparent conductive film and which is allowed to come into contact with the electrode by being deformed, and an LED. Light emitted from the LED and guided in a direction orthogonal to a thickness direction of the board in the transparent FPC board is reflected by a reflecting portion provided on the transparent FPC board, in a direction of the key portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: NIPPON MEKTRON, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki OZAKI
  • Publication number: 20110083951
    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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Muh Fong Chung, Choon Guan Ko, Yew Huat Chow
  • Patent number: 7923653
    Abstract: A key switch sheet has a pressure sensitive adhesive layer for holding a contact spring by adhering to an apex portion of a dome-shaped contact spring at a back surface of a base material sheet. A thickness of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer at a region to be made to adhere to the apex portion of the contact spring is thicker than a thickness of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer at a peripheral region and thicker than or equal to a thickness of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer at a region where the base material sheet is made to adhere to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Ohsumi