Switch Making Patents (Class 29/622)
  • Publication number: 20110266129
    Abstract: An electrical contact (1) according to the present invention comprises a core body (3) made from elastic material and having outer, inner and side surfaces, a metal mesh layer (5) extending the outer and side surfaces of the core body (3) and a bonding layer (7) covering the edge of the metal mesh layer (5) at the side surface of the core body (3). Since the metal mesh layer (5) is provided to the outer surface (contact surface) of the core body (3), the outer surface comes in contact with the other contact surface with a number of contact points. By providing the bonding layer (7), the edge (cut surface) of the metal mesh (5) is rarely exposed to air and the rusting which occurs easily at the edge can be prevented. And, the bonding layer (7) has a function for preventing the key top material from coming into around the outer surface of the electrical contact at the process for attaching the contact (1) to the key top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: COVAC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuji Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20110259717
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing high-capacitive RF MEMS switches are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a micro-electro-mechanical switch assembly including a substrate, an electrode disposed on a portion of the substrate, a dielectric layer disposed on at least a portion of the electrode, a metal layer disposed on at least a portion of the dielectric layer, and a flexible membrane having first and second ends supported at spaced locations on the substrate base, where the flexible membrane is configured to move from a default position to an actuated position in response to a preselected switching voltage applied between the flexible membrane and the electrode, and where, in the actuated position, the flexible membrane is in electrical contact with the metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Brandon W. PILLANS, Francis J. MORRIS, Mikel J. WHITE
  • Publication number: 20110253407
    Abstract: When testing or powering up a magnet in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, a switch (10) is provided that switches a winding (12) between resistive and superconductive modes. The switch (10) comprises a housing (26) that contains a winding (12) wound about a bobbin (14), and an internal coolant cavity (16) that contains coolant that cools the winding (12). A baffle (20) separates the internal coolant cavity (16) from an external coolant reservoir (18). The baffle has small apertures that permit influx of liquid coolant into the internal cavity (16) to cool the winding. At high temperatures, the coolant in the internal cavity (16) vaporizes causing the winding to further increase its temperature and resistance. Upon reduction of heat to the winding (12), the winding cools sufficiently to permit influx of liquid coolant, thereby restoring a superconductive mode of operation to the winding (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Alexander A. Akhmetov
  • Publication number: 20110241442
    Abstract: This is directed to a dome switch that includes a capacitive sensor. A dome switch can include a dome operative to deform to provide tactile feedback to a user. To provide an electrical instruction to the device, the region underneath the dome can define a free space separating conductive regions forming a capacitor. For example, a tip of the dome, a button placed between the dome and a circuit board, or a user's finger can form a first conductor of a capacitor, and a support structure for the dome can include a terminal forming a second conductor completing the capacitor. When the dome deflects, the distance between the conductors can change and provide a measurable capacitance variation, which the device can detect. To protect the dome switch from damage due to contaminants, the terminal can be integrated within a volume of the circuit board such that it is not exposed to the environment of the dome switch. In one implementation, the terminal may not be exposed to air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Mittleman, Nicholas Merz
  • Publication number: 20110242018
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a touch screen panel, a touch screen panel, and a display device, the method including performing a reinforcing process on whole surfaces of a glass substrate in preparation for forming a plurality of touch screen panels; cutting the reinforced glass substrate into unit cells; performing a healing process on an unreinforced cutting section of the glass substrate exposed after the cutting; and forming the touch screen panels in the unit cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Sung-Ku Kang, Byeong-Kyu Jeon
  • Publication number: 20110243497
    Abstract: An optical switch includes electro-optic crystal, and electrode unit including a plurality of electrodes arranged on the same plane in electro-optic crystal to extend in parallel to one another. A refractive index of a part of electro-optic crystal is changed by an electric field generated at electrode unit, thereby switching transmission and reflection of light incident on electro-optic crystal. Electro-optic crystal has an entrance surface through which light enters and an exit surface from which light exits. Electrode unit is located between the entrance surface and the exit surface. An angle ?x formed between a longitudinal direction of electrodes and at least one surface from among the entrance surface and the exit surface is set near an angle that satisfies the expression ?x=90°?Sin?1[cos(Tan(n))] in a wavelength of light to be modulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiko Ohta, Osamu Ishibashi, Fujio Okumura
  • Publication number: 20110234340
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contact arrangement (1) for a relay for switching high load currents. Furthermore, the invention relates to a relay (43) for switching high load currents having a contact arrangement (1). Finally, the invention relates to a method for assembling a relay. In order to be able to assemble the contact arrangement (1) in the relay in an at least partially automated manner, without additional retention devices being required for a cord (4), there is provision according to the invention for the cord (4) to be retained in an inherently stable manner owing to its shape as a self-supporting structure and for the method to have a method step in which the cord (4) is shaped to form a self-supporting structure with a bent shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Axel Schneider, Thomas Haehnel, Christian Maranke, Joerg Schultheiss, Albert Koetter
  • Publication number: 20110234536
    Abstract: In a touch screen substrate and a method of manufacturing the same, the touch screen substrate includes a base substrate, a light blocking pattern, a first sensing element and a first switching element. The light blocking pattern includes an inorganic layer formed on the base substrate and a light blocking layer formed on the inorganic layer, the light blocking layer transmitting an infrared light and absorbing a visible light. The first sensing element is formed on the light blocking pattern and senses the infrared light. The first switching element is electrically connected to the first sensing element. Thus, an undercut may be prevented from being formed at a lower portion of the light blocking pattern, and an adhesive strength between the light blocking pattern and the base substrate may be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Yun-Jong Yeo, Hong-Kee Chin
  • Publication number: 20110234362
    Abstract: A shape memory circuit breaker includes a shape memory substrate having first and second opposed substrate ends. The shape memory substrate is configured to transition from a strained conductive configuration to a fractured non-conductive configuration. An isolation housing is coupled with the shape memory substrate. The isolation housing includes first and second anchors coupled near the first and second substrate ends. A brace extends between the first and second anchors, and the brace statically positions the first and second anchors and the respective first and second substrate ends. The shape memory substrate is configured to transition from the strained conductive configuration to the fractured non-conductive configuration at or above a specified temperature range corresponding to a specified overload current range or voltage range, and the first substrate end fractures from the second substrate end at or above the specified temperature range resulting in an open circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Frederick B. Koehler, Ward D. Lyman, William D. Werries
  • Patent number: 8026784
    Abstract: This current invention is about a switching implement enabled to perform the remote-controlled switching of electric consumers, consisting of multiple electro-mechanical bistable switches, plus at least one actuating element allocated to the bistable switches such that it can selectively change the state of any of the bistable switches from one of its two states to the other and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hella KGAA
    Inventor: André Körner
  • 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: 8022324
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of manufacturing a keypad structure having a transparent keycap and a keypad structure having a transparent keycap. A metal pattern layer is formed on a transparent resin layer of a keycap component. Two print layers are formed on a transparent resin layer of an overprint component. Two print layers and the metal pattern layer are overlapped and have a level difference in height of the total thickness of the two transparent layers. Accordingly, the figure of the keypad seems to be floated and is felt to be three-dimensional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ichia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Chang-Li Liu
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110220471
    Abstract: A micromechanical component, e.g., a switch, includes a substrate having at least one recess, at least two electrically conductive contact surfaces provided in the region of the recess, and an actuator. The contact surfaces are able to be brought into contact with one another for electrical conduction with the aid of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Hubert Benzel, Christoph Schelling
  • Publication number: 20110220473
    Abstract: A switch has a first contact portion in which a plurality of conductive layers is stacked on an upper side of a first substrate, and a second contact portion in which a plurality of conductive layers is stacked on an upper side of a second substrate. Respective end faces of the conductive layers at the first contact portion are contacts of the first contact portion. Respective end faces of the conductive layers at the second contact portion are contacts of the second contact portion. Each contact of the first contact portion and each contact of the second contact portion are faced to each other so that the contacts come into contact with or separate from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshitake, Takahiro Masuda
  • Publication number: 20110216008
    Abstract: A multi-layer integral keypad (10) is provided with a plurality of key tops (20) each having a plastic layer (30) coupled to a display layer (21). A key top support layer (40) integrally couples a plurality of the key tops (20) to one another. A method for producing a multi-layer integral keypad (10) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Angell-Demmel North America Ltd.
    Inventors: Bryan Adams, Chad J. Mefford
  • Publication number: 20110217206
    Abstract: “Click-assembly” methods of assembling a sensor for sensing biologically-active molecules by measuring impedance changes, are disclosed, comprising supporting a bio-sensor on a carrier, the bio-sensor comprising an electronic component having at least one micro-electrode and at least one electrical contact, functionalizing the bio-sensor by physically or chemically coupling a bio-receptor molecule to each of the at least one micro-electrode, and subsequently assembling the bio-sensor with a micro-fluidic unit by means of a clamp which clamps the bio-sensor with the micro-fluidic unit, such that in use a fluid introduced into the micro-fluidic unit is able to contact the bio-receptor and is isolated from the electrical contact. The clamp may be a spring, and the method may avoid a requirement for sealing by chemical or thermal means and thereby avoid damaging the bio-receptor. Sensors which can be assembled according to such methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Romano HOOFMAN, Gerard REUVERS, Franciscus Petrus WIDDERSHOVEN, Evelyne GRIDELET, Marcus Henricus van KLEEF
  • Publication number: 20110214977
    Abstract: To prevent debris from entering the volume between a dome and contacts of a dome switch, a dome can include a channel providing a remote path through which air can be vented. In particular, the channel can extend from the dome to a location within an electronic device that is known to be or expected to be contaminant free (e.g., a region of the device that does not include any interfaces communicating with the device environment). The channel can be defined from components of the dome switch including, for example, as a channel bound by spacer walls between a flex circuit and a film layer. The channel can include an opening for venting the dome switch. In some embodiments, the dome switch can include a protective film applied over the opening in the channel. The protective film can be selected to allow air to flow through, but to prevent contaminants or particles from reaching the channel opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Hill, Stephen Zadesky, Erik Wang, Adam Mittleman
  • Publication number: 20110209976
    Abstract: A control panel is disclosed. The control panel includes an electrically conductive substrate having a front surface. A first dielectric layer is disposed on the front surface of the substrate. A first electrode layer is disposed on a front surface of the first dielectric layer, wherein the first dielectric layer electrically isolates the first electrode layer from the substrate. The first electrode layer is in electrical communication with a switch circuit adapted to detect a change in a capacitance of the first electrode layer. A substantially transparent film can be provided to cover the electrode. The front surface of the substrate is a decorative surface substantially visible through the first dielectric layer, the first electrode layer, and the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: James Frederick Krier, David Michael Whitton
  • Publication number: 20110209965
    Abstract: A magnet holder assembly for a clutch includes a magnet holder and first and second permanent magnets. The magnet holder includes a body portion, a first groove defined in the body portion, a second groove defined in the body portion adjacent to the first groove, and a flange extending from the body portion opposite the first groove and extending in a different direction than the first groove. The flange has a connection feature for securing the magnet holder to a rotatable component of the clutch. The first permanent magnet is radially retained by the first groove in the body portion, and the first permanent magnet has a beveled edge configured to mate with the first groove. The second permanent magnet is radially retained by the second groove, and the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have magnetic orientations arranged substantially opposite one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: HORTON, INC.
    Inventors: Brian T. Lawrence, Michael J. Bieber, John Philip Cinq-Mars
  • Publication number: 20110211284
    Abstract: A protective element is provided that is applicable to reflow soldering and ensuring good responsiveness of electric current interruption operation even in a case where a solder to be used has a liquid-phase point or a solid-phase point higher than a mounting temperature. The protective element includes an elastic member firmly adhered through a solder to second conductor layers and current-carrying electrode terminals formed on a prescribed substrate in such a manner to divide a current-carrying path in plural to form an electric current interruption portion. The solder has a liquid-phase point higher than a mounting temperature at which the protective element is mounted to a protection target device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: SONY CHEMICAL & INFORMATION DEVICE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Yoneda
  • Publication number: 20110209970
    Abstract: A switch and a relay include a contact with a smooth contacting surface. A side surface of a fixed contact faces a side surface of a movable contact. The fixed contact has an insulating layer and a base layer stacked on a fixed contact substrate, and a first conductive layer formed thereon through electrolytic plating. The side surface of the first conductive layer that faces the movable contact becomes the fixed contact (contacting surface). The movable contact has an insulating layer and a base layer stacked on the movable contact substrate, and a movable contact formed thereon through electrolytic plating. A side surface of a second conductive layer that faces the fixed contact becomes the movable contact (contacting surface). The fixed contact and the movable contact have surfaces that contact the side surfaces of the mold portion when growing the first and second conductive layers through electrolytic plating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Masuda, Naoki Yoshitake, Kenichi Hinuma, Junya Yamamoto, Takashi Fujisawa, Takeshi Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20110210808
    Abstract: Switches that are actuated through exposure to a magnetic field are described. Such switches include conductive portions that are electrically separate from one another when in an open switch configuration. A mobile element of a switch includes one or more anchoring members that are in electrical contact with one of the conductive portions. The mobile element also has a beam that is attached to the one or more anchoring members. The beam can be attached to the one or more anchoring members by flexures. In some cases, the beam includes a plurality of strips. The beam has an end portion that is configured to move toward the other conductive portion when exposed to an external force, such as a magnetic field. When the mobile element electrically contacts the other conductive portion of the substrate, an electrical pathway is established between the conductive portions, giving rise to a closed switch configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicants: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd., Institute of Microelectronics
    Inventors: Tang Min, Olivier Le Neel, Ravi Shankar
  • Patent number: 8006371
    Abstract: A method for temporarily connecting an actuator near a switch for remotely operating the switch. The method further contemplates using a portable remote switch operator for temporarily connecting an operator or a human, to engage a switch that does not place a human in danger when turning on a high voltage switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Finley Lee Ledbetter
  • Publication number: 20110203912
    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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventor: James J. NIU
  • Publication number: 20110193801
    Abstract: A touch screen panel includes a substrate having an electrode forming part, and a routing wire forming part, where the routing wire forming part is located at an area outside the electrode forming part. A plurality of first electrode connection patterns is located in the electrode forming part. A plurality of first routing wires and a plurality of second routing wires are both located in the routing wire forming part, and the routing wires are disposed on the same layer with the first electrode connection patterns. An insulation layer is formed on the substrate and over the first electrode connection patterns. The insulation layer has at least two contact holes that expose contact portions of each the plurality of first electrode connection patterns. A plurality of first serial electrodes are arranged in parallel in a first direction and are connected with the plurality of first routing wires, respectively. Each first serial electrode includes a plurality of first electrode elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Gangseob Jung, Heekwang Kang, Suchang An, Sangsoo Hwang
  • Publication number: 20110164387
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a switch cabinet connection and combination apparatus, wherein upper line-in/line-out terminals of a medium-voltage switch cabinet are connected to upper contact boxes via a conductor, and lower line-in/line-out terminals thereof are connected to lower contact boxes via the conductor, and remaining gaps to be insulated are filled with a solid insulating material. The present invention further discloses a method of manufacturing a switch cabinet connection and combination apparatus including the steps of: connecting upper line-in/line-out terminals of a medium-voltage switch cabinet via a conductor to upper contact boxes; connecting lower line-in/line-out terminals thereof via the conductor to lower contact boxes; and pouring a solid insulating material for molding. The present invention realizes high reliability, small volume, and no pollution of the medium-voltage switch cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Huaizhong Yan, Jie Yu
  • Publication number: 20110147186
    Abstract: A switch device includes a housing having a receiving portion; an operation member that receives a pressing operation; a plurality of fixed contact points provided in the receiving portion side by side at predetermined intervals; a plurality of movable contact points having contact point portions that come into sliding contact with the fixed contact points; and a snap action mechanism that drives the movable contact points when the operation member is pressed to a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshiharu MORI, Osamu HAGA, Syuji FUJIWARA
  • Publication number: 20110149361
    Abstract: A micro-mirror includes stiffer end sections for limiting curvature, and thin middle sections forming ground electrodes and a hinge. Spacers arc provided beneath the thin middle sections of the micro-mirror for supporting hot electrodes, which attract the ground electrodes for rotating the micro-mirror about a tilt axis. The spacers enable the gap between the hot electrode and the micro-mirror to be designed separately from the thickness of the micro-mirror, and the gap between the ends of the micro-mirror and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Abdul Jaleel K. Moidu
  • Patent number: 7963027
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a switch device having changeable distances involves uniformly arranging more than two throws on the same circumference and then fixing the throws onto corresponding circular carriers. Included further is fixing a number of throws on the inner cylinder surface of a flat cylinder plate body, and fixing the poles in cylinder shape on to the top of the carrier in a cap shape which can be worn on the tip of a single finger. One end of the lead wires is connected to respective throws and pole, the other end is connected to the pin of the interface of the controlled object by fixing or inserting in order to form the switch device. Distances between the throws and the poles are variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Li Du
  • Publication number: 20110142523
    Abstract: A key top member used in an input device includes a base sheet, a lower colored layer coated on the base sheet and coated with a transparent protecting layer thereon, an upper layer coated on the protecting layer, and a top layer coated on the upper layer. The top layer and the upper colored layer are pierced with open indicating an displaying symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: GUO-JUN BAI, YAN-DONG ZHU, YU-LUNG HO
  • Publication number: 20110139593
    Abstract: The invention describes an electrical switch comprising: at least two connection terminals (T1, T2),—a fixed electrical contact (3) electrically connected to one (T2) of the two connection terminals (T1, T2),—a pivoting and electrically conductive switching member (2), comprising at least one mobile electrical contact (4), suitable for oscillating between two preset positions, in one of which the mobile electrical contact (4) is in abutment against the fixed electrical contact (3),—a supporting fulcrum (1) for the pivoting switching member (2), the supporting fulcrum (1) being electrically conductive and electrically connected to the other of the two connection terminals (T1). The supporting fulcrum (1) further includes mechanical coupling means (5) suitable for constraining the pivoting switching member (2) to the supporting fulcrum (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: BTICINO S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Bertagna
  • Patent number: 7958623
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a current switch magnetic intensifier that is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact of the current switch. During termination of the communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with a stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. The intensifier is fitted proximate the stationary contact so that a pair of arc rails extend beyond the stationary contact such that a force of a magnetic field generated by the contactor magnetic intensified is directed in a common direction with a direction of reduced resistance of the pair of arc rails to ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Publication number: 20110133851
    Abstract: An electrostatic switch for high frequency and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electrostatic switch for high frequency in accordance with an embodiment includes: a first substrate module including a first substrate, an electrode part and a pair of CoPlanar Waveguides (CPWs), the electrode part being installed on the first substrate, the pair of CPWs being formed on either side of the electrode part and guiding an RF signal to travel; and a second substrate module being joined to the first substrate module, the second substrate module including a membrane and a bias line, the membrane being installed on a second substrate and bent by bias voltage supplied to the electrode part and being coupled to the pair of CPWs across an upper area of the electrode part in order to be short-circuited to the electrode part, the bias line being connected to the electrode part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Kwang-Jae SHIN
  • Publication number: 20110130721
    Abstract: Systems and methods for forming a configurable power supply uses a plurality of dual substrate MEMS switches to couple a plurality of power cells to provide a selectable, or variable, output voltage. The same circuit may output two different voltages to power two different circuits of the device, or may distribute the load evenly amongst the cells. Thus, the configurable power supply may extend the lifetime and improve the reliability of the device, or decrease its weight, size and cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventors: John S. Foster, Christopher S. Gudeman
  • Patent number: 7952040
    Abstract: An inhibitor switch for detecting a shift position of a select lever is provided with: a terminal block fixed in a transmission case of an automatic transmission; a contact plate provided in the terminal block; an operating portion configured to cooperatively move with the select lever and to move along the contact plate; a movable contact formed on the operating portion and configured to slide on the contact plate to form an electric circuit according to a contact position between the contact plate and the movable contact; at least one disconnecting portion formed in the contact plate and cut at a plurality of positions after the contact plate is provided in the terminal block for interrupting electrical conduction; and at least one set of a plurality of disconnecting holes for cutting the disconnecting portion and formed in the terminal block by primary molding. The disconnecting holes respectively correspond to the plurality of positions at which the disconnecting portion is cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignees: Asahi Denso Co., Ltd., JATCO Ltd.
    Inventors: Sousuke Nakano, Futoshi Shinmura, Nobufumi Yamane, Hiroki Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20110120845
    Abstract: Electrical component for low-voltage switching devices having an electrode comprised of a substantially rigid body with one or more slots and at least one flexible conductor with an end portion inserted into and joined to an associated slot by means of cold plastic deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: ABB S.p.A
    Inventors: Maurizio Curnis, Matteo Maura
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110120976
    Abstract: A pole part of a switchgear assembly having a vacuum interrupter chamber is provided. To ensure that heat is dissipated to the exterior for convection, a thermally conductive heat transmission element in the form of a cylindrical casing is provided between the vacuum interrupter chamber, a contact holder and an encapsulation casing. An inner surface of the heat transmission element rests on the vacuum interrupter chamber and the contact holder, and an outer surface of the heat transmission element rests on an inner surface of the encapsulation casing inner surface. The heat transmission element can be produced from a thermally conductive plastic using an injection-molding or molding-compound production process. The heat transmission element can be connected to the pole part through openings. The heat transmission element can be arranged before the encapsulation of with an encapsulation compound, and be cast in the encapsulation casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Dietmar GENTSCH
  • Publication number: 20110108401
    Abstract: A key switch structure is provided whose waterproofing property is improved without affecting a contact of a membrane sheet. The upper surfaces of the membrane sheet, the embossed part and the circumferential bend part of a back plate are formed on one and the same plane, and a thermal sheet is welded to those upper surfaces. The thermal sheet comprises a thermally meltable, adhesive sheet, which will be heated and pressed with heat rollers to be welded to the upper surfaces. The back plate has an air vent hole formed in its bottom portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Shigeru Yamada, Yasushi Takagi
  • Patent number: 7939993
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a micromechanical HF switching element, in which a freestanding movable element is situated above a metallic surface on a substrate in such way that it is drawn to the metallic surface, to which a dielectric layer is applied, by applying an electrical voltage between the metallic surface and the movable element. The present invention also relates to a method for producing micromechanical HF switching elements of this type, in which the dielectric layer is deposited on the metal surface. The present method is distinguished in that a piezoelectric AlN layer having a columnar, polycrystalline structure and a texture is deposited on the metallic surface as the dielectric layer. Significantly reduced charging of the dielectric material and increased long-term stability of the switching element are achieved by the present method and the HF switching element thus produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.
    Inventors: Thomas Lisec, Christoph Huth
  • Publication number: 20110094092
    Abstract: A method for coupling a keyboard base board with a keyboard base seat includes (a) a keyboard base board being formed with a plurality of through holes; (b) a mold being formed with a keyboard base board space and a keyboard base seat cavity corresponding to a keyboard base seat; (c) the keyboard base board being placed on the mold, and the mold being closed for injection molding; (d) a plastic material being poured from a concave trough through the through hole into the keyboard base seat cavity, the through hole of the keyboard base board and the keyboard base seat cavity being filled up with the plastic material; and (e) the mold being opened to take out the keyboard base board integrated with the keyboard base seat after cooling. The keyboard base board is formed integrally with the keyboard base seat for saving the working procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Hui-Hu Liang
  • Publication number: 20110096038
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave (SAW) touch panel with improved touching precision is provided. By forming a matte surface that diffuses a back wave generated by the edge of the SAW touch panel due to discontinuity, the touching precision of the SAW touch panel is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: EGALAX_EMPIA TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: SHANG-TAI YEH
  • Publication number: 20110095973
    Abstract: An iterferometric modulator array is integrated with collapsible cavity MEMS electrical switches. The electrical switches may have similar physical geometry as the display elements. The switches may form row or column select functions for the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence Chui
  • Patent number: 7928751
    Abstract: A Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) interconnection pin is fabricated on a sacrificial layer, which is formed on a conductive layer and a substrate. The MEMS interconnection pin has a pin base attached to a frame that has direct contact to the conductive layer. The sacrificial layer is then removed, at least partially, to detach the MEMS interconnection pin from the substrate. In one embodiment, the MEMS interconnection pin has a pin base, two springs extending out from two different surfaces of the pin base, and a tip portion attached to each spring. The tip portions include one or more contact tips to make contact to conductive subjects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: WinMEMS Technologies Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tseng-Yang Hsu
  • Publication number: 20110083319
    Abstract: Nanotube ESD protective devices and corresponding nonvolatile and volatile nanotube switches. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit for protecting a protected circuit is coupled to an input pad. The ESD circuit includes a nanotube switch electrically having a control. The switch is coupled to the protected circuit and to a discharge path. The nanotube switch is controllable, in response to electrical stimulation of the control, between a de-activated state and an activated state. The activated state creates a current path so that a signal on the input pad flows to the discharge path to cause the signal at the input pad to remain within a predefined operable range for the protected circuit. The nanotube switch, the input pad, and the protected circuit may be on a semiconductor chip. The nanotube switch may be on a chip carrier. The deactivated and activated states may be volatile or non-volatile depending on the embodiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Nantero, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude L. Bertin, Brent M. Segal, Thomas Rueckes, Jonathan W. Ward
  • Patent number: 7924123
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay has a solenoid formed from a wound coil, a movable contact-point block having a movable iron core, an insulation holder integrated with the upper end portion of the movable iron core and a movable contact piece which is biased toward and supported by the insulation holder through a contact pressing spring, and a fixed iron core fitted in a through hole in a yoke. A restoring spring is inserted into an axial hole of the solenoid. The movable iron core of the movable contact-point block is slidably inserted into the axial hole of the solenoid from thereabove. The fixed iron core is inserted into the axial hole from therebelow. The movable iron core is adapted to be slid into the axial hole based on the magnetization force and the demagnetization of the coil to move the movable contact-point block back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Yano, Masayuki Noda, Hiroshi Ono, Hiroyuki Fujita
  • Publication number: 20110079497
    Abstract: A keypad illumination apparatus having a key plate member, a flexible light guide film, a reflective layer, a plurality of metal domes, a light source and a substrate. The key plate member may have a plurality of keys formed thereon. The flexible light guide film is configured to transmit light from the light source and has a plurality of plunging structures and apertures to accommodate the plurality of metal domes, which may be configured to actuate a plurality of electrical switches on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Fook Chuin Ng, Choon Guan Ko, Felix Cheang, Boon Keat Tan
  • Publication number: 20110072646
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed microelectromechanical system (MEMS) package includes a MEMS switch having a movable portion and a stationary portion with an electrical contact thereon. A glass lid is anodically bonded to the MEMS switch to form a sealed cavity over the movable portion of the MEMS switch. The glass lid includes a contact aperture to allow access to the electrical contact on the stationary portion of the MEMS switch. A family of body-implantable hermetically-sealed MEMS packages are provided according to certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rogier Receveur, Cornel Marxer
  • Publication number: 20110073567
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a vacuum switch which can achieve a reduction of an electric loss and an improvement of a heat transmission performance by preventing an air gap portion from being generated between an electrode and a conductor rod and preventing the electrode and the conductor rod from generating any positional displacement. An electrode for a switch in accordance with the invention is provided with the conductor rod, a contact point electrode inserted to the conductor rod, and a coupling plate fixing both the elements to an outer side in a diametrical direction of the conductor rod and the contact point electrode, thereby fixing both the elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Miki YAMAZAKI, Kenji Tsuchiya, Ayumu Morita, Masato Kobayashi, Shuichi Kikukawa, Shigeru Kikuchi