Including Additional Actuator Patents (Class 200/517)
  • Patent number: 11419663
    Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument (1) is disclosed including a housing (2) comprising an elongate main body (3), extending in an axial direction and a grippable member (12). An implement (4) is fixed relative to and projecting from a forward region of the main body (3). A smoke evacuation passage (8) is defined within the main body (3) and extends from an inlet proximal to the implement (4). An electrical conductor (11) is housed within the housing (2) for supplying an electro-surgical current to the implement (4). The grippable member (12) is slidably connected to the main body (3) such that the axial position of the grippable member (12) relative to the main body (3) may be adjusted in use. Further there is provided a controllable smoke passage obstructor (25) for enabling adjustment of the throughput of the smoke passing through the interior of the housing (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventor: Gerard Brooke
  • Patent number: 11335521
    Abstract: An input apparatus includes a base member, an operating member provided so as to be vertically movable with respect to the base member, the operating member being to be pushed down, a circuit board fixed to the base member and provided under the operating member, a push switch provided on a lower surface of the circuit board, and a link mechanism including a rotational member disposed under the circuit board such that a rotation center shaft is rotatably held by the base member, the rotational member pushing the push switch upward by rotating in response to a push-down operation of the operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Toshio Imai
  • Patent number: 11264185
    Abstract: A restoration assembly of a button switch includes first and second sleeves, and a spring disposed between the two sleeves. A first outer diameter of the first sleeve is less than a second inner diameter of the second sleeve to make the second sleeve movably jacket outside the first sleeve. The jacketed first and second sleeves are disposed between a key cap and a base of the button switch. The spring has a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle section. A middle outer diameter of the middle section of the spring is larger than a first inner diameter of the first sleeve. During the spring being compressed along with the key cap being pressed downward, the middle section is squeezed to shrink and slide into the first sleeve through an end edge of the first sleeve, thereby producing a tactile feedback and/or a first sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: DARFON ELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventor: Sheng-Yun Yang
  • Patent number: 11152560
    Abstract: A contact sensor for the repeatable detection of small, high frequency mechanical vibrations in external systems is presented herein. The sensor includes a metal housing with an attachment device at one end and an output at the other end. Inside the metal housing is a core assembly that includes a piezo transducer assembly suspended or isolated between an actuator and a biasing device. The actuator may be in the form of a ceramic sphere that sits at least partially within a recess on the inside of the housing and is in physical contact with the piezo transducer assembly. The biasing device may be in the form of a spring that causes the piezo transducer assembly to be pressed against the actuator at a contestant and known amount of tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: CTRL Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Henry Roche, David Andrew Roche, Robert Matthew Roche
  • Patent number: 11011330
    Abstract: A keyboard device includes a membrane circuit board, a base plate and a key structure. The base plate is located under the membrane circuit board. The key structure includes a lever structure, a resilience element or an interference structure. While the keycap is depressed, the lever structure, the resilience element or the interference structure collides with a keycap of the key structure, the base plate or a connecting element of the key structure. Consequently, the operating sound is generated, and the operating feedback is provided to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Yi-Shu Lee, Lei-Lung Tsai
  • Patent number: 10946612
    Abstract: An integrated multilayer structure for use in sensing applications and a method of manufacture are presented. The multilayer structure includes at least one molded or cast plastic layer and a film layer on both first and second sides of said plastic layer. The film layer on the first side of said plastic layer is provided with reactance sensing electronics. The sensing electronics includes at least one sensing element and an electrical connection for connecting the sensing element to an associated control circuitry. The film layer on the second side of the plastic layer has a sensing area superimposed with the sensing element of the sensing electronics. The electrical distance between the film layer on the second side of the plastic layer and the sensing element are locally reduced by a physical feature at the position of the sensing area of the film layer to improve the associated sensing sensitivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: TACTOTEK OY
    Inventors: Vinski Bräysy, Anne Isohätälä, Jarmo Sääski, Tomi Simula
  • Patent number: 10760679
    Abstract: A shift-by-wire shifting control apparatus for a vehicle includes a housing, and a D-gear switch, an N-gear switch, and an R-gear switch installed in the housing. The D-gear switch corresponds to a drive gear, the N-gear switch corresponds to a neutral gear, and the R-gear switch corresponds to a reverse gear. A specific switch that is one of the D-gear switch, the N-gear switch, and the R-gear switch is movable from the first position to a third position between the first and second position by a first pressing force and is movable from the third position to the second positions by a second pressing force greater than the first pressing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, SL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Myung Lyul Na, Hee Soo Yang, Sam Hoon Park
  • Patent number: 10600589
    Abstract: A switch device capable of preventing an occurrence of contact noise and wobbling of a stabilizer member to a bearing is provided. The key switch includes the stabilizer member supported between a key top and a base plate. The stabilizer member includes a first shaft portion rotatably supported on the lower surface side of the key top and a second shaft portion, which has a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis of the first shaft portion and is rotatably supported by a bearing provided on the upper surface side of the base plate. The membrane sheet has at least a lower contact sheet having a cut-out shaped portion in a position corresponding to a position in which the second shaft portion is provided in a plane view and an upper contact sheet placed in an upper layer than the lower contact sheet to cover the cut-out shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
    Inventors: Masahiro Kitamura, Mitsuo Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 10229798
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for detecting manipulation on an object comprising an actuating switch (22) which has a snap-action disk (220) which can be switched between a first position and a second position, and an actuating element (21) which has a body (210) and an actuating stud (211), projecting from the body of the actuating element (21), for acting on the snap-action disk (220), wherein the actuating stud (211) has a first stiffness. According to the invention a contact element (213), arranged on the actuating stud (211), acts on the snap-action disk (220), wherein the contact element (213) has a second stiffness which is greater than the first stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International, GmbH
    Inventors: Mathias Kulik, Peter Golueke, Alexander Nentwig, Michael Nolte
  • Patent number: 9911559
    Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to magnetically aligned switching circuits. One disclosed example provides an electronic component comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, and a deformable host material arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal. Aligned magnetically within the host material is an ensemble of particles each comprising a ferromagnetic material, each particle having greater electrical conductivity than the host material. The ensemble of particles is configured to form at least one complete conduction path from the first terminal to the second terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: James David Holbery, Andrew L. Fassler
  • Patent number: 9742402
    Abstract: A keyboard with a distance detecting function includes a plurality of keyswitches, and each keyswitch includes a keycap, a base, a supporting component, a recovering component and a distance detecting unit. The base has a guide slot structure. The supporting component has a first end connecting to the keycap, and a second end movably assembled with the guide slot structure. The recovering component is disposed between the supporting component and the guide slot structure. The distance detecting unit is detachably disposed on the base, and adapted to detect a movement of the keycap relative to the base for determining whether the keyswitch is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Tsung-Fa Wang, Yen-Min Chang, Feng-Cheng Yang, Shih-Wei Kuo
  • Patent number: 9374481
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first storing part, a storage controlling part and a display controlling part. The storage controlling part stores, when a first remote operation device carries out an image output operation making the image processing apparatus process an output object image on a first process condition of the first remote operation device to create a first processed image and output the first processed image, the output object image in the first storing part with associating with the first process condition. The display controlling part processes, when a second remote operation device carries out a preview operation displaying the output object image stored in the first storing part, the output object image on a second process condition of the second remote operation device to create a second processed image and makes the second remote operation device display the second processed image on a displaying part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Ryuichi Nitta
  • Patent number: 9268442
    Abstract: According to aspects of the disclosure, an input device may include a first adjustment region, a second adjustment region, a connector region, a function region, and a display region. In one example, a user may access a particular function by providing a gesture to the function region. The user may then continue the gesture from the function region to the connector region for a predetermined length along the connector region. Once a particular function is accessed, a user may control the parameters or settings associated with that particular function via one or both of the first adjustment region and second adjustment region. For example, a user may provide a gesture to either the first or second adjustment region in order to modify parameters associated with the function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Kenneth Hobbs
  • Patent number: 9269510
    Abstract: Control apparatus for an electrical or electronic device. The apparatus includes a substrate having a surface with a selected contour. A cover lays over the surface of the substrate and conforms to the contour. A touch matrix is sandwiched between the substrate and the cover. At least one fashion button is mounted at the front surface of the cover. Manipulation of the fashion button is detected by the touch matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Keisey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Andrews
  • Patent number: 9257240
    Abstract: A key assembly which is configured to provide improved click feeling to a user and an electronic device having the same are provided. The key assembly includes a key body of elastic materials and contact projections, each of the contact projections which is protruded and formed from the key body and presses a switch device spaced apart from the key body by a gap providing a certain interval, wherein the key body is installed such that a contact surface of each of the contact projections is in contact with and pushed back by a certain distance by a pre-loading force of the switch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Seok Park, Joon-Seo Park, Kwang-Su Seo, Yong-Woo Jeon
  • Patent number: 9159509
    Abstract: Hybrid keypad apparatus are disclosed herein. An example dome sheet carrier apparatus disclosed herein includes a first carrier portion having a first plurality of domes and a second carrier portion adjacent the first carrier portion. The second carrier portion has a second plurality of domes different than the first plurality of domes, where each of the second plurality of domes has a conductive material adjacent an apex of the second plurality of domes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Paul John Kudrna, Dietmar Frank Wennemer
  • Patent number: 9123482
    Abstract: A contact slide unit is disclosed for a switching unit, in particular for a circuit breaker, having a contact slide, in which a switching piece can be guided, and a contact slide guide apparatus, in which the contact slide is guided. In at least one embodiment, a linear contact is provided between the contact slide and the contact slide guide apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Alexander Spies
  • Patent number: 9058941
    Abstract: Switch assemblies that mitigate stack up variations and methods of making the same are provided. The stack up variations are mitigated by embodiments that use a floating switch design. The floating switch design may eliminate height variations in the stack up by directly mounting an activation assembly to a support bracket. This ensures that the stack up height of the activation assembly and support bracket remain fixed, independent of a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) that may also be secured to the activation assembly. This way, regardless of the thickness of the flexible PCB and any height variations in solder used to secure the flexible PCB to the activation assembly, the stack up height of the activation assembly and support bracket remains fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Shayan Malek, Miguel C. Christophy, Andriy Pletenetskyy
  • Patent number: 9058944
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting system for an electric parking brake switch. The lighting system includes a panel in which an installation space and an operation space are formed at an upper portion thereof. In addition the system includes a switch that is installed in the installation space and is shaft coupled to perform pivotal motion. Furthermore, a prism is installed within the switch wherein one surface is exposed toward the operation space. The prism is configured to allow light which enters from underside bottom surface to pass therethrough and travel vertically upward after exiting from an upper surface, and to refract within thereof and then travel toward the operation space. Additionally, a light source is disposed at a lower end portion of the panel and is configured to emit light to the prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jung Hoon Woo
  • Patent number: 9012795
    Abstract: A low travel keyboard and methods of fabrication are described. The low-travel keyboard is suitable for a thin-profile computing device, such as a laptop computer, netbook computer, desktop computer, etc. The keyboard includes a key cap positioned over stacked elastomeric and metal domes. The quick force drop of the metal dome provides the crisp “snappy” feel for the user and the elastomeric dome provides the ability for longer travel than the metal dome alone. The metal dome also activates the switch circuitry of the membrane on printed circuit board. The stacking of the elastomeric metal domes takes advantage of the abrupt force drop in the metal dome buckling and applies it to the elastomeric dome force, making it possible to design a low-travel key while still maintaining or improving the tactile feeling of the key switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Niu
  • Patent number: 8952282
    Abstract: A push-on switch includes an insulating housing (1) defining a recess (10) at its top, a first fixed contact (21) and a second fixed contact (22) received at the bottom of the recess (10), a dome shaped movable contact (3) with the bottom end placed on the first fixed contact and the bottom face facing the second fixed contact, an actuator (4) over the movable contact, and a metal shell (6) shielding over the insulating housing. The actuator is made of an elastomer and includes a tubular periphery part (41), an operation part (43), a thin-walled part (42) inclining downwardly from the bottom of the operation part and connecting the operation part with the periphery part, a pressing part (431) downwardly protruding from the operation part and resisting on the top surface of the movable contact, and a retaining part (44) extending from the top of the periphery part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusho Nakase, Jian-Bo Zhou, Liang Sun
  • Publication number: 20150014140
    Abstract: A thin key structure includes a circuit module, a frame having has a retaining portion, an elastic member disposed on the circuit module and arranged in the frame, and a pressable module having a positioning sheet and a key. The positioning sheet has an assembling portion installed on the frame, a connecting portion, and an extending portion connecting there-between. The key has a key body fixed on the connecting portion and a stopping portion extended from the key body. The key body has a concaving portion aligning the extending portion. The stopping portion is movably arranged in the retaining portion. When non-center portion of the key body is pressed, part of the stopping portion, away from the pressed portion of the key body, abuts against the corresponding retaining potion for being a fulcrum, such that the pressed portion of the key body rotates to press the elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: ICHIA TECHNOLOGIES,INC.
    Inventor: CHANG -LI LIU
  • Publication number: 20150008114
    Abstract: A signal input module includes: a key body; a key base coupled to a lower portion of the key body, and having fixing portions of different heights at both sides thereof; a flexible printed circuit board disposed such that an upper surface thereof is covered by the key base, and having a dome portion on a rear surface thereof, the dome portion configured to generate a signal when pressed by the key base; and a light emitting portion formed on one surface of the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the fixing portion and the key base are connected to each other by a connection portion, wherein the connection portion is bent from one end of the key base, extends toward the fixing portion, wherein the connection portion is provided with a hole, and wherein the flexible printed circuit board is disposed to cross the hole. Under such configuration, the number of components can be reduced and the signal input module can have a slim configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yuntaek JUNG, Youngin KWON, Hanseok CHAE, Minho PARK
  • Publication number: 20140374231
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a keyboard device. The keyboard device includes a sheet, a membrane switch, an actuating component, and a protrusion keycap structure. The membrane switch is disposed on a side of the sheet. The actuating component is disposed on a side of the membrane switch far away from the sheet and is for pressing the membrane switch to actuate the membrane switch. The protrusion keycap structure is disposed on a side of the actuating component far away from the membrane switch and is for driving the actuating component to actuate the membrane switch upon being pressed. The protrusion keycap structure includes a mylar film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Wen-Chi Hsu, Cheng-Wen Shen
  • Publication number: 20140346025
    Abstract: A low travel switch assembly and systems and methods for using the same are disclosed. The low travel dome may include a domed surface having upper and lower portions, and a set of tuning members integrated within the domed surface between the upper and lower portions. The tuning members may be operative to control a force-displacement curve characteristic of the low travel dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Keith J. Hendren, Thomas W. Wilson, JR., John M. Brock, Craig C. Leong, James J. Niu, Satoshi Okuma, Shinsuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8872051
    Abstract: A control device for switches with silicone domes comprising actuator means (10) which act on silicone domes (13) associated with metallic means adapted to close and selectively open electric contacts of a printed circuit activators characterized in that between each actuator means (10) and the respective silicone dome (13) a metallic plate (11) is positioned which rests one side on the dome (13) and the other on the printed circuit (15) and upon which said actuator means act.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Bitron S.p.A.
    Inventors: Barile Marco, Rulfi Umberto, Ballatore Paolo, Tallone Fabio
  • Publication number: 20140262719
    Abstract: A key structure includes a bottom board having first holes, a membrane circuit board disposed on the bottom board and having second holes that are registered with the first holes, an elastic layer disposed on the membrane circuit board and having third holes that are registered with the second holes, a securing frame, and a key cap. The securing frame is disposed on the elastic layer and has securing members, each extending through a registered set of the third, second and first holes and having an abutting portion abutting against a bottom side of the bottom board to secure the elastic layer, the membrane circuit board, and the bottom board together and closing liquid-tightly the third, second, and first holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CHANGSHU SUNREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qing ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8836546
    Abstract: A keypad for a wireless device is disclosed. The keypad comprises one or more key stems, each key stem having an upper key stem surface. The keypad also comprises one or more keycaps configured to be mounted over the one or more key stems, each keycap having a lower keycap surface for bonding to the upper key stem surface of each key stem with adhesive. The upper key stem surface includes at least one depression and at least one groove along a perimeter of the upper key stem surface. The depression and groove can help reduce the risk of adhesive flow to undesirable areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 8809708
    Abstract: A process is provided for characterizing a tactile response of a first mechanical actuator (e.g., button) based on a back off distance. The first mechanical actuator may include a plunger, a dome-shaped flexible membrane, and an electrical contact, all aligned with each other so that a contact signal is generated when the flexible membrane touches the contact. The plunger can be moved a first distance towards the contact until the contact signal is generated at a contact point. Then the plunger can be backed off a second distance from the contact point. This second distance may be called the “back off distance”. The particular feel of the first mechanical actuator can then be correlated to a particular back off distance. This process can be repeated a number of times to classify a number of different “feels” for the first mechanical actuator based on a number of different back off distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Rappoport, Kevin Gibbs, Patrick Kessler, Derek W. Wright, Alex Chun Lap Yeung
  • Publication number: 20140224634
    Abstract: A thin key structure includes a supporting module, a circuit module disposed on the supporting module, a frame and a metal dome disposed on the circuit module, a pressable module, and a guiding portion. The supporting module has a supporting plate and a protrusion disposed on the supporting plate. The supporting plate has a plane defined therein, the plane defines a perpendicular central axis, and the protrusion is arranged on the central axis. The circuit module has a protruding segment formed by the protrusion. The metal dome is arranged in the frame, and has a contact portion arranged on the central axis. The guiding portion arranged on the central axis and is disposed between the contact portion and the pressable module. The metal dome is pressed by the guiding portion to move the contact portion along the central axis and selectively abuts the circuit module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ICHIA TECHNOLOGIES,INC.
    Inventors: CHANG-LI LIU, Yu-Chih Chang
  • Patent number: 8779308
    Abstract: A key switch device including a key top; a pair of link members connected to the key top and interlocked with each other to guide a vertical motion of the key top; a switch mechanism including a membrane sheet switch capable of opening and closing a contact section of an electrical circuit in accordance with the vertical motion of the key top; a flexible thin film sheet attached to the membrane sheet switch; and a housing attached to the thin film sheet, the housing adapted to connect the link members to the thin film sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Akihiko Takemae, Norio Endo, Shuji Nakamura, Tamotsu Koike, Takeshi Nishino
  • Publication number: 20140138234
    Abstract: A key switch device includes a key top; a link member that guides an elevating operation of the key top while being interlocking with the key top, the link member including a rotatable shaft and a sliding shaft that is connected to the key top; a membrane sheet that includes a contact that opens and closes in accordance with the elevating operation of the key top; a back plate; a housing that holds the rotatable shaft of the link member to the back plate; and a pushing unit that pushes the link member such that the sliding shaft moves away from the back plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Junichi Maruyama, Tamotsu Koike, Takeshi Nishino
  • Publication number: 20140048400
    Abstract: Switch assemblies that mitigate stack up variations and methods of making the same are provided. The stack up variations are mitigated by embodiments that use a floating switch design. The floating switch design may eliminate height variations in the stack up by directly mounting an activation assembly to a support bracket. This ensures that the stack up height of the activation assembly and support bracket remain fixed, independent of a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) that may also be secured to the activation assembly. This way, regardless of the thickness of the flexible PCB and any height variations in solder used to secure the flexible PCB to the activation assembly, the stack up height of the activation assembly and support bracket remains fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Shayan Malek, Miguel C. Christophy, Andriy Pletenetskyy
  • Publication number: 20140027259
    Abstract: A tip of a pair of arm portions that integrally extends from a fixed portion and both side portions of a front portion side of a key top are connected with each other in a coupling portion. When a downward pressing force is applied to a center of an operation surface of the key top, a bending moment using a connection portion of a substrate side as a fulcrum and a bending moment using the coupling portion of a tip side as a fulcrum act on the arm portion. The arm portion is deformed into a S-shape having bending deformation portions, and therefore the key top may be lowered in a nearly horizontal posture. The key top has a structure in which both side portions thereof are supported by the arm portions, thereby ensuring a small size and a large elevating stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Yuzura Kawana, Takashi Sasaki, Wataru Sato, Junichi Kurechi
  • Publication number: 20130292235
    Abstract: A manually operated switch assembly is disclosed. The switch assembly includes a housing, a switch mechanism, and an actuator assembly. The switch mechanism is housed within the housing and is configured to open or close a circuit upon actuation. The actuator assembly is shiftably supported by the housing and generally includes a depressible actuator and a stability element. The actuator presents an actuator length and serves to actuate the switch mechanism when depressed. The stability element is configured to ensure that the actuator moves substantially uniformly along the actuator length when the actuator is depressed such that actuation of the switch mechanism is facilitated regardless of where the actuator is depressed along the actuator length. The switch assembly may be waterproofed, and be formed, at least in part, by a curable liquid sealant supplied to the switch assembly from a single fluid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: NIDEC MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew R. Baum, James P. Meagher, Zhen Li, Charles V. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8507819
    Abstract: A flashlight is described holding at least one battery and an illumination source. A circuit interruption and completion device is provided forming a complete circuit between the illumination source and the battery, when the device is in a closed mode. The device comprises a switch which is manually actuated between at least a first position which causes the device to enter the closed mode and a second position. A switch holding structure comprises a member with means for making an electrical connection associated with the member; and at least one conductive spring is attached to the member to make electrical contact with the means for making an electrical connection with the battery. The switch controls multiple functions of the flashlight including a strobe and a momentary mode. A pushbutton switch may control the multiple functions by multiple pushes on the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell B. Steinicke, Kevin E. Collier, Bruce K. Bangerter, Greg W. Koch
  • Patent number: 8497444
    Abstract: An electronic system including an electronic circuit, an actuation device, a spacer and a protection device. The electronic circuit has a surface on which at least two first conductive tracks are arranged. The actuation device includes at least one first bearing element. The spacer is interposed between the electronic circuit and the actuation device and includes at least one opening at least partially receiving the bearing element. The protection device is interposed between the electronic circuit and the spacer and includes at least one second conductive track having ends respectively connected to first conductive portions of first deformable regions of the protection device. Each first portion is capable of contacting one of the first conductive tracks of the electronic circuit to electrically supply the second track under the effect of a deformation of first regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Ingenico France
    Inventors: Alain Eck, Eric Bonnet, Eric Dubois
  • Patent number: 8492669
    Abstract: A key device includes a plate body, a positioning seat having a through hole, a circuit unit mounted on the plate body, a keycap disposed above the circuit unit, and an elastic member disposed between the circuit unit and the keycap. The circuit unit includes a multi-layered structure, and a resilient tongue provided on one layer of the multi-layered structure and having a free end proximate to the through hole. A support rod is connected to and supports the keycap on the substrate, and has a lower end extending through the through hole. The free end of the resilient tongue extends beneath and abuts against the lower end of the support rod, and pushes upwardly the lower end of the support rod to abut against an edge confining the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignees: Silitek Electronic (Guangshou), Co., Ltd., Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Ming-Fu Yen
  • Patent number: 8481874
    Abstract: Provided is a key switch structure wherein a membrane sheet (7) having a movable contact point (7e) and a stationary contact point (7d) is provided between a housing (5), which supports a key top (1) so as to allow the key top to be pushed downward and a base plate (8). The movable contact point (7e) is brought into contact with the stationary contact point (7d) by a downward push to the key top (1), so that a switch is closed. In the key switch structure, the inside of a device's main body is completely shielded from outside air, and water is completely prevented from entering the inside of the device's main body. A plate (6) provided with a plurality of attachment holes (6g) corresponding to fixing pins (5f) of the housing (5) is provided on the membrane sheet (7), so that the fixing pins (5f) are secured in the attachment holes (6g) of the plate (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Takagi
  • Publication number: 20130146435
    Abstract: A key structure of a keyboard includes a base plate, a keycap, and an elastic body sandwiched between the base plate and the keycap. The elastic body has a neck portion. One end of the neck portion is provided with a bowl-shaped support toward the base plate, and the other end of the neck portion extends toward the keycap to form a flange. The outer peripheral dimension of the flange is larger than that of the outer peripheral dimension of the neck portion. With the flange being sandwiched between the keycap and the neck portion, the flange can exert an even force to the neck portion even through the keycap is subjected to an uneven external force, thereby preventing the neck portion from inclining or swaying. Thus, the convenience in using the keyboard and the stability during its operation can be improved greatly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Ching-Cheng TSAI
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8420965
    Abstract: A process is provided for characterizing a tactile response of a first mechanical actuator (e.g., button) based on a back off distance. The first mechanical actuator may include a plunger, a dome-shaped flexible membrane, and an electrical contact, all aligned with each other so that a contact signal is generated when the flexible membrane touches the contact. The plunger can be moved a first distance towards the contact until the contact signal is generated at a contact point. Then the plunger can be backed off a second distance from the contact point. This second distance may be called the “back off distance”. The particular feel of the first mechanical actuator can then be correlated to a particular back off distance. This process can be repeated a number of times to classify a number of different “feels” for the first mechanical actuator based on a number of different back off distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Rappoport, Kevin Gibbs, Patrick Kessler, Derek W. Wright, Alex Chun Lap Yeung
  • Patent number: 8399783
    Abstract: A multi-directional switch device includes: an operation member; an actuator which is applied with an operation force from the operation member; a plurality of rubber contacts which is pressed down by the actuator; and a plurality of fixed contacts to or from which the rubber contacts are respectively movable close or away, wherein the multi-directional switch device performs a switching operation in such a manner that a combination of a pair of two rubber contacts is selected from the plurality of rubber contacts in response to an operation direction, and both of the two rubber contacts are pressed down so as to respectively come into contact with the corresponding fixed contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Konno, Mikio Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8367950
    Abstract: The key module for the mobile device includes a key top 6; a base plate 2 on which a fixed-side contact 7 is disposed; a dome 4 that is disposed on the fixed-side contact 7; a dome sheet 5 that covers the dome 4; an LED module 3 disposed on the base plate 2; and a light guide plate 1 that is disposed on the dome sheet 5. Such a configuration causes light emitted by the LED module 3 propagates within the light guide plate, and exits the light from an exit surface of the light guide plate on the key top 6 side. The light guide plate 1 is formed by inkjet printing a dot pattern in white ink onto a surface of a base material formed from a thermosetting polyurethane elastomer sheet, which surface is opposite to the exit surface of the light guide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Mektron, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Ozaki, Takahisa Akatsuka, Toshihiro Yanagimori, Hiroaki Takada
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20130021087
    Abstract: A device includes a flexible polymer membrane with compliant electrodes attached thereto. The membrane is suspended in a frame. A handle, which is displaceable in respect to the frame, is connected to the membrane. A displacement of the handle causes the electrodes on the membrane to be deformed, thereby changing their area and resistance. The change of area or resistance is measured by a capacitive or resistive sensing circuit and is used to measure the deformation and therefore the displacement of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: OPTOTUNE AG
    Inventors: Samuel Rosset, Christoph Romer, Damian Maria Schneider, David A.R. Niederer, Manuel Aschwanden
  • Publication number: 20120325635
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant keypad is described. The keypad includes a keycap for actuation by a user. An actuator includes a first end that is coupled to the keycap. A frame having an aperture is adapted to receive the actuator such that the second end of the actuator is captured by the frame. The actuator is prevented from being removed from the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Voli, Frank Gong
  • Publication number: 20120318656
    Abstract: A membrane circuit board and a luminous keyboard with such a membrane circuit board are provided. The membrane circuit board includes an upper wiring board and a lower wiring board. The upper wiring board has a first film layer and a first circuit pattern formed on a bottom surface of the first film layer. The lower wiring board has a second film layer, a second circuit pattern and a light reflective element arranged between the second film layer and the second circuit pattern. The first circuit pattern has a plurality of upper contact. The second circuit pattern has a plurality of lower contacts corresponding to respective upper contacts. The upper contacts and the corresponding lower contacts are collectively defined as a plurality of membrane switches. Moreover, a refractive index of the light reflective element is lower than a refractive index of the second film layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Chung-Yuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20120312672
    Abstract: A push button assembly for use in an electronic device includes a plate, a circuit board, an elongated button and an elastic element. The plate is arranged within the electronic device. The circuit board is fixed to the plate. The circuit board includes a switch. The elastic element is fixed to the plate. The elastic element includes an elongated depressible portion arranged between the circuit board and the button. The depressible portion extends along a lengthwise direction of the button and is deformable by depression of elongated button. The disclosure also provides an electronic device having the push button assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: KUN-CHIH HSIEH, HONG-GUO ZHOU, JIAN-QIANG ZHAO, CHAO-CHAO FENG, XIAO-BO LOU