Switch Making Patents (Class 29/622)
  • Patent number: 8739390
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fabrication methods useful for creating MEMS via microcontact printing by using small organic molecule release layers. The disclose method enables transfer of a continuous metal film onto a discontinuous platform to form a variable capacitor array. The variable capacitor array can produce mechanical motion under the application of a voltage. The methods disclosed herein eliminate masking and other traditional MEMS fabrication methodology. The methods disclosed herein can be used to form a substantially transparent MEMS having a PDMS layer interposed between an electrode and a graphene diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Vladimir Bulovic, Corinne Evelyn Packard, Jennifer Jong-Hua Yu, Apoorva Murarka, LeeAnn Kim
  • Publication number: 20140145978
    Abstract: A touch device capable of identifying touch conflict has at least one function button mounted on a touch panel of the touch device and at least one auxiliary button mounted around the at least one function button. The at least one function button and the at least one auxiliary button are touch-activated. When users simultaneously or sequentially touch the at least one function button and the at least one auxiliary button, the touch device determines that a touch conflict occurs and determines whether to execute a function originally defined by the at least one function button or to execute another function according to the touch conflict.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ELAN MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chi-Fang HSU
  • Publication number: 20140138219
    Abstract: A method of producing an electrical switch which includes a rolling ball movable within a housing thereof to bridge and contact an array of pin terminals includes the steps of forming the pin terminals by using a punching process, wherein one or more smooth burr-free surfaces are formed on each of the pin terminals; and assembling the pin terminals, the housing and the rolling ball by spacing apart the pin terminals along a polygonal line and by arranging the smooth burr-free surfaces of the pin terminals to face toward each other substantially along diagonal lines such that the rolling ball contacts only the smooth burr-free surfaces when bridging the pin terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Tien-Ming CHOU
  • Publication number: 20140139445
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a touch sensing device and a method for fabricating the same. The touch sensing device comprises a touch panel and a flexible printed circuit board, wherein the touch panel comprises a first bonding mark and the flexible printed circuit board has a bonding surface bonded to the touch panel and has a non-bonding surface. The flexible printed circuit board comprises a second bonding mark disposed on the non-bonding surface. The second bonding mark and the first bonding mark have a relationship of contraposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: JIADONG CHEN, Pingping Huang, Jianxing Luo, Yau-Chen Jiang
  • 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: 20140139765
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a switch cell and manufacturing method thereof, a display substrate, and a display device and the manufacturing method thereof, the driving power required by the switch cell can be reduced. The switch cell for converting a 2D image to be displayed by a display substrate into a 3D image comprises: a switch substrate; and at least one metal electrode provided on the switch substrate, wherein the position of the metal electrode is configured to be correspond to at least a portion of one corresponding black matrix of at least one black matrix provided on a display substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Boe Technology Group Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Xing YAO
  • Publication number: 20140138357
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power distribution switchgear circuit breaker applicable especially to medium or high voltage distribution board switchgears. The power distribution switchgear circuit breaker comprises at least one breaking element in the form of vacuum chamber or SF6 pole, which is provided with electric terminals, to which there are non-permanently connected the ends of contact arms, made in the form of a metal tube. The circuit breaker according to the invention is characterized in that the metal tube of the contact arms has all cross-sections perpendicular to the axis of the tube without any discontinuities along the whole length of the tube and it is located in an insulating casing which is provided with cooling elements which are located on the outer surface of the casing and which form an integral part with the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Krysztof Kasza, Lukasz Malinowski, Gianluca Cortinovis
  • Publication number: 20140133127
    Abstract: An apparatus (such as a keyboard) has a plurality of keycaps and a corresponding light guide film disposed on the underside of those keycaps. The light guide film has a periphery, and at least portions of that periphery are thicker than in an interior portion of the light guide film. So configured, more light can be made available for backlighting purposes in the thicker portions than at the thinner portions. These teachings include determining the various (different) thicknesses to employ for the light guide film based upon desired backlighting of one or more of the plurality of keycaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Xiaofeng LI, Chao CHEN, Li HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140131188
    Abstract: The invention provides a touch sensor including first and second layers and a first welding layer. The first and second layers are laminated together. The first welding layer is provided between the first and second layers and welding the first and second layers together at least partially. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a touch sensor. The method includes laminating a first and second layers together, at least one layer of the first and second layers being a plastic layer, and welding the one layer at least partially to the other layer of the first and second layers by melting and then solidifying a portion of the one layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: HOSIDEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi ISODA, Hitoshi AO
  • Publication number: 20140131180
    Abstract: An appliance control knob assembly includes an encoder with a rotatable shaft. A control knob is connected to the shaft and is mounted on a protuberance that extends into the control knob and provides a bearing mounting surface. The control knob has a hub portion rotationally supported by a bearing mounted within the protuberance, and which engages the rotatable encoder shaft. The encoder is mounted such that prior to attachment of the hub portion with the encoder shaft, the encoder is allowed a degree of movement to come into alignment with the hub portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark David WILLIAMSON, Chris H. HILL
  • Publication number: 20140131181
    Abstract: A keypad comprises a keypad frame and a metal spacer disposed on a backside thereof. At least one metal fret having a plurality of metal standoffs is disposed amongst the corresponding keycaps. These metal standoffs connect to the metal spacer (for example, via laser welding). The keypad frame can include a plurality of registration components and the metal spacer can include corresponding registration component-receiving openings disposed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Chao CHEN, Xiaofeng LI, Li HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140124347
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a touch panel, a touch electrode structure, and a manufacturing method thereof. The touch electrode structure comprises a plurality of first-axis sensing lines and at least one first laser etching line. The plurality of first-axis sensing lines are formed by laser etching a first conducting layer, wherein each first-axis sensing line at least has a first output pin. The first laser etching line is formed around the corresponding first output pin by laser etching the first conducting layer. Thus, the present disclosure can reduce overall production time by using a simplified manufacturing process in a laser etching process to form an improved touch electrode structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Yau-Chen Jiang
  • Publication number: 20140124351
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a capacitive touch panel has steps of providing a substrate, delimiting at least one preset zone on the substrate, forming multiple first-axis sensing units and multiple second-axis sensing units on one of the surfaces of the substrate, forming at least one set of connection circuit and at least one die pad on the other surface of the substrate, forming multiple first conductive vias through the substrate with at least one of the first conductive vias located within the preset zone for the second-axis sensing units to be mutually connected by the first conductive vias to form multiple second-axis sensing lines, and bonding a controller with an LQFP (Low Profile Quad) package or a TQFP (Thin Quad Flat) package on the at least one die pad within the preset zone to ensure enough space available to form the at least one first conductive via on the bottom of the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: ELAN MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nan-Jung LIU, Chia-Jui HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140125882
    Abstract: A touch panel includes an insulating layer, a first axis electrode, and a second axis electrode. The insulating layer has first holes and second holes. The first axis electrode include first upper conductive units disposed on an upper side of the insulating layer and first lower conductive units disposed on a lower side of the insulating layer. Each first hole partially exposes the corresponding first lower conductive unit. The first upper conductive units are electrically connected to the first lower conductive units via the first holes. The second axis electrode includes second upper conductive units disposed on the upper side of the insulating layer and second lower conductive units disposed on the lower side of the insulating layer. Each the second holes partially exposes the corresponding second lower conductive unit. The second upper conductive units are electrically connected to the second lower conductive units via the second holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: TPK Touch Solutions (Xiamen) Inc.
    Inventors: Yau-Chen Jiang, Defa Wu, Jianbin Yan
  • Publication number: 20140124352
    Abstract: A touch device is provided. The touch device includes a decorative layer formed on at least one side of a sensing electrode layer and disposed for corresponding to the sensing electrode layer to constitute a vacant space, a signal-conveying trace disposed on the decoration layer, an insulating layer formed to fill the vacant space, and a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer and bridging over the sensing electrode layer and the decorative layer through the buffer function of the insulating layer for electrically connecting the sensing electrode layer with the signal-conveying trace. Further, a method for fabricating the touch device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: TPK Touch Solutions (Xiamen) Inc.
    Inventors: Yuh-Wen Lee, Ho-Hsun Chi, Lichun Yang, Huilin Ye, Fanzhong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8715438
    Abstract: A computing device includes a touchpad having a plurality of internal diaphragms that allow the touchpad to sense downward force inputs. The diaphragms are evenly glued about their circumferential edge portions to an internal flat surface by way of a gimbal press. The gimbal press can include a force delivery component coupled to an upper plate having an internal depression, a lower plate having a ball bearing that accepts force from the upper plate via the internal depression, a flexible ring member, and a compliant annular component. Both plates have a plurality of interlocking features with grooves extending therethrough that accept the flexible ring member. Force is evenly distributed to the diaphragm via a gimbal effect at the ball bearing, and the flexible ring member centers the upper and lower plates with respect to each other while permitting some relative tilt and rotation between the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Kessler
  • Publication number: 20140115878
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method of manufacturing a touch screen panel including forming sensing electrodes for touch sensing on a substrate; forming metal patterns for electrical connection of the sensing electrodes on the sensing electrodes; forming a first protective layer including any one of silicon nitride (SiN) and silicon oxide (SiO) on the metal patterns; and forming a second protective layer including the other of the silicon nitride (SiN) and the silicon oxide (SiO) on the first protective layer is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140118274
    Abstract: A touch screen device and a method for constricting the touch screen device are provided. In some aspects, the touch screen device includes a transparent substrate. The touch screen device includes a first masking layer applied to an outer perimeter of an inner surface of the transparent substrate. The touch screen device includes a transparent conductor for a touch sensor applied to at least a portion of the first masking layer and a portion of the inner surface of the transparent substrate. The touch screen device includes a second masking layer applied to at least a portion of the transparent conductor on an inner surface of the first masking layer. The portion of the transparent conductor is arranged between the first masking layer and the second masking layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventor: GOOGLE INC.
  • Publication number: 20140118302
    Abstract: A touch sensing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a window having an uneven thickness, and a capacitive touch panel disposed under the window and having alternating electrode lines comprising a plurality of electrodes in parallel. At least one of an electrode size and an electrode gap of the electrode lines is formed according to the thickness of the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joongdae PARK, Hoon-Do HEO
  • Publication number: 20140118822
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a parallax barrier, a manufacturing method thereof and a display system, the parallax barrier including: a first substrate and a second substrate cell-assembled; a peripheral cavity wall, used to form a closed cavity; a transparent hydrophilic fluid and an opaque hydrophobic fluid, filled in the closed cavity; a first electrode and a second electrode; a hydrophobic-hydrophilic switching layer, on the second electrode; and barrier walls, disposed on the hydrophobic-hydrophilic switching layer parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other, wherein at least a part of each barrier wall is transparent, and when not being powered on, a thickness of the hydrophobic fluid is not larger than a height of the barrier wall, and when being powered on, a highest place of each accumulation region of the hydrophobic fluid is not higher than a highest place of the corresponding barrier wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: KUN WU, YANBING WU
  • Publication number: 20140118634
    Abstract: In one aspect, a touch panel comprising a substrate and a first conductive patterned portion that is formed on the substrate is provided. The first conductive patterned portion may include: a first direction conductive portion that is formed on the substrate, the first direction conductive portion including a plurality of first body members, a first intermediate member formed between the first body members, and a first connection member which is electrically connected to the first body members; and a second direction conductive portion that is formed on the substrate and is insulated from the first direction conductive portion, the first intermediate member including a plurality of second body members and a second connection member which is electrically connected to the second body members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Ku Kang, Mi-Ae Park
  • Publication number: 20140111708
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin film sensor, capacitive touch panel having the sensor and preparation method thereof and terminal product. The thin film sensor of the present invention has only one optically conductive substrate. Specifically, only one optically transparent substrate is used, a sensing electrode layer and a driving electrode layer are coated on the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate, respectively, which helps to reduce the thickness of the thin film sensor on one hand, thus contributes to the development of light and thin of a touch panel and touch electronics; on the other hand, the material selection and the preparation process are simple, the selection of two substrates is not necessary to prepare two optically conductive thin film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: SHENZHEN O-FILM TECH CO, LTD.
    Inventors: Zhizheng Cheng, Kai Meng, Genchu Tang
  • Publication number: 20140111914
    Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of systems and methods for providing internal and external components for portable computing devices having a thin profile. More particularly, the present application describes internal components configured to fit within a relatively thin outer enclosure, wherein the internal components comprise at least one external interface, such as, for example, a track pad interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: William F. Leggett, David M. Rockford, Gavin J. Reid, Matthew P. Casebolt, Changsoo Jang
  • Publication number: 20140110231
    Abstract: Slide input component assemblies of an electronic device and methods for making the same are provided. In some embodiments, a slide input component assembly may include a slide button subassembly that may have a knob, a base, a retention mechanism that may couple the knob to the base, and a shell part that may be provided about at least a portion of the base. The slide input component assembly may also include a slide switch subassembly that may have a switch that may be configured to move along a switch path when the slide button subassembly moves along a button path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Elvis M. Kibiti, Luen-Chiou Lin, Sean S. Corbin, Shih-Ning Kao, Stephen R. McClure
  • Publication number: 20140104221
    Abstract: A capacitive touch panel includes elongated drive electrodes arranged next to one another and elongated sense electrodes arranged next to one another across the elongated drive electrodes. One or more of the elongated drive electrodes defines a notch along an edge of a drive electrode, where the notch is positioned between adjacent sense electrodes. In some embodiments, the drive electrode also defines a generally opposing notch on an opposing edge of the drive electrode. Additionally, one or more of the elongated sense electrodes can define an elongated aperture, and a second notch can be defined along the edge of the drive electrode proximate to the elongated aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140104120
    Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, and a printed circuit board (PCB) carried by the housing and having opposing upper and lower portions. The device may also include at least one wireless transceiver carried by the portable housing, and a satellite positioning signal receiver carried by the portable housing. An antenna assembly may be carried adjacent the upper portion of the PCB. The antenna assembly may include a horizontal conductor extending along the upper portion of the PCB in spaced relation therefrom. The horizontal conductor may be coupled to the satellite positioning receiver. The antenna assembly may also include a loop conductor extending from the horizontal conductor toward the lower portion of the PCB and in spaced relation from the PCB. The loop conductor may be coupled to the wireless transceiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: BLACKBERRY LIMITED
    Inventor: MEIDE QIU
  • Publication number: 20140104746
    Abstract: An article of manufacture having an in-molded capacitive switch and method of making the same are shown and described. In one disclosed method, a conductive ink sensing zone is printed on a film. The film is formed to a desired shape and put in an injection mold. A molten plastic material is introduced into the injection mold to form a rigid structure that retains the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: T-Ink, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald H. Haag
  • Patent number: 8695211
    Abstract: In a push-button switch manufacturing method, a key-top end of a pressing element is inserted into a lower-mold recess. A reinforcing plate is placed in the lower mold so that the pressing element extends through a plate through hole of the reinforcing plate. An upper mold and the lower mold are moved toward each other so as to insert the other end of the pressing element into an upper-mold recess for the pressing element, which is provided in a lower surface of the upper mold. A liquid silicone rubber, which contains a component that does not adhere to the upper and lower molds but adheres to the pressing element, is introduced into a cavity, the upper and lower molds are opened to remove a molded product in which an intermediate portion in an axial direction of the pressing element is supported in the plate through hole by the silicone rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunta Hyuga, Norio Suzuki, Keiichi Fukuda, Haruaki Miyamura
  • Publication number: 20140097073
    Abstract: A switch includes a case, fixed electrodes, a movable electrode and a pressing member. The fixed electrodes and the movable electrode are arranged inside the recess. The pressing member is arranged so as to cover at least a part of the recess, and displaces the movable electrode from the second position to the first position by a pressing force from the outside. The pressing member includes a first bent part and a second bent part, and a deforming part disposed therebetween. The deforming part is opposed to the movable electrode with a gap in a state where the movable electrode is in the second position. The deforming part is configured to be flexibly deformed toward the outside of the case in a state where the movable electrode is in the first position in which the fixed electrodes are in a conductive state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hidetake KIKUCHI
  • Publication number: 20140097072
    Abstract: A keyboard applicable to a portable electronic device includes a flexible circuit board, a plurality of keys, a flexible frame, a first support plate, and a second support plate. The flexible circuit board has a first and a second surface. The plurality of keys is disposed on the first surface. The flexible frame is disposed on the first surface and has a plurality of through holes for keys to pass through. The first support plate is disposed on the second surface, and a part of the periphery of the first support plate is connected to the flexible frame. The second support plate is disposed on the second surface and adjacent to the first support plate, and a part of the periphery of the second support plate is connected to the flexible frame. Additionally, also provided is a method for assembling a keyboard and a portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Ying WENG
  • Publication number: 20140091062
    Abstract: A roll for rotating a movable contact of a rotary switch, and a method of mounting a switch are provided. The roll includes a first slot going along the diameter of the roll and open from the top of the roll for receiving the movable contact for contacting with a stationary contact of the rotary switch, and a second slot arranged perpendicular to the first slot for receiving teeth of an upper roll to be mounted together with the roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ABB OY
    Inventors: Oskari UITTO, Aki Suutarinen, Rainer Kolmonen
  • Publication number: 20140090969
    Abstract: A stationary contact for a rotary switch is provided. The stationary contact includes a connection portion for connecting to a conductor and a first portion being a contact portion for connecting the stationary contact to a rotary contact. The stationary contact also includes a second portion being a support portion for supporting the stationary contact to a switch body. The contact portion and support portion extend in the same angle from the connection portion. A method of mounting a rotary switch is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ABB Oy
    Inventors: Oskari UITTO, Aki Suutarinen, Rainer Kolmonen
  • Publication number: 20140085550
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for forming a touch device is disclosed. A substrate having a viewing region is provided. A plurality of first sensing electrodes are spaced apart from each other on the substrate corresponding to the viewing region. An insulating layer is formed on the plurality of first sensing electrodes. A plurality of second sensing electrodes are transfer-printed onto the insulating layer, wherein the plurality of second sensing electrodes are spaced apart from each other, and wherein the plurality of first sensing electrodes are in a staggered arrangement with the plurality of second sensing electrodes and insulated from the plurality of second sensing electrodes by the insulating layer. A touch device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: TPK Touch Systems (Xiamen) Inc.
    Inventors: Heng-Yao Chang, Chen-Hsin Chang, Mengh-Sueh Wu, Che-L Wu, Lixian Chen
  • Patent number: 8677609
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method for producing a circuit-breaker pole part by molding an external insulating sleeve with insulation material, mounting a vacuum interrupter insert inside the insulating sleeve, electrically connecting the vacuum interrupter insert with an upper electrical terminal and a lower electrical terminal arranged in the wall section of the insulating sleeve The method also includes molding the external insulating sleeve, wherein only the upper electrical terminal is embedded in the insulation material, coating the vacuum interrupter insert with an extra layer made of insulation material for thermo extension compensation, mounting the coated vacuum interrupter insert by screwing on a threaded bolt onto the upper electrical terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Wenkai Shang
  • Publication number: 20140076699
    Abstract: Miniaturized devices such as MEMS switches (10) have encapsulating enclosures (100). The enclosure (100) and the remainder of the switch (10) are fabricated on a concurrent basis by depositing layers of an electrically-conductive material, such as copper, on a substrate (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John E. Rogers, Michael R. Weatherspoon
  • Publication number: 20140081160
    Abstract: A flexible multi-point pulse sensing device is a kind of pulse detection device using capacitive sensor array. Characterized by simple structure, flexible material, high sensitivity, stability and precision, it makes possible to be applied to and coordinated with watch-type medical device, which can achieve convenient detection and monitoring of physiological parameters such as pulse rate and pressure at any time or place. It enables remote health monitoring a daily pulse changes without going to hospital every day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Jiannan Xiang
  • Patent number: 8671556
    Abstract: A remote racking tool can have a drive assembly, remote control assembly, and radio remote pendant station. The remote racking can enable operators to install or remove circuit breakers in switchgear or equipment rooms while outside of an arc flash zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Finley Lee Ledbetter
  • Publication number: 20140069795
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a sensing arrangement. The arrangement comprises a plurality of layers laminated together. The layers include sequentially a first layer of electrode, a second layer for insulation, a third layer made principally of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and a fourth layer of electrode. The third layer is provided with an array of micro-structures configured in the form of hemispheres, with convex surface of the hemispheric micro-structures oriented towards the insulation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Hai Zhong ZHANG, Qing Yuan TANG, Yan Cheong CHAN
  • Publication number: 20140069794
    Abstract: This is directed to systems and methods for providing inputs to an electronic device with a button assembly. In some embodiments, a button assembly may include a button having distinguishable regions, limbs, and a set of switches positioned adjacent the button, where at least one of the switches is activated when one of the regions is actuated. In some embodiments, a button assembly may span a support member of a housing, and may be at least partially secured in an opening of the housing by bracket. In these embodiments, the button assembly may be operative to rotate about an axis in response to a user interaction event to activate a switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wey-Jiun Lin, Jiping Wu
  • Publication number: 20140071356
    Abstract: Touch screen structures may have a capacitive touch sensor made up of a polarizer film or analyzer. Disclosed herein is a method of producing a capacitive touch sensor using a roll-to-roll handling system comprising: printing, by a first flexoplate and a first ink, a first pattern on a first side of a polarizer film. A second pattern is printed by a second flexoplate and a second ink on the second side of the film. The film is cured and the first and the second pattern are plated and assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: UNIPIXEL DISPLAYS, INC.
    Inventor: Robert J. Petcavich
  • Publication number: 20140069782
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing input component assemblies with anti-rotational buttons in electronic devices are provided. The input component assembly includes a switch, a button positioned over the switch, where the button is operative to close at least one circuit of the switch when the button is depressed towards the switch, and at least one pin positioned underneath the button, where the at least one pin is operative to engage with a surface to assist in preventing rotation of the button, when the button is depressed towards the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Anna-Katrina Shedletsky, Colin M. Ely, Phillip Michael Hobson
  • Publication number: 20140069789
    Abstract: Cylindrical switch assemblies and methods of making the same are provided. Cylindrical switch assemblies can mitigate false presses by using switch assembly designs with vertically or near vertically mounted activation elements positioned around a perimeter of a button. The activation elements (e.g., switches) of the switch assemblies may be fixed to a vertical sidewall of a bracket and positioned such that a portion of the activation elements extend beneath the button. When the button is actuated by a user, the button activates the activation elements. Positioning multiple activation elements around the perimeter of the button ensures that the user can press anywhere on the button and still activate the activation elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Dhaval N. Shah, Jared Mitchell Kole, Michael B. Wittenberg
  • Publication number: 20140069791
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of assembling a folio case. The method comprises molding a set of molded key caps over a flexible fabric layer to form a fabric key cap layer, where the key caps do not pass through the flexible fabric layer. The method further comprises affixing a first portion of the flexible key cap layer opposite the set of molded key caps to an interior portion of a housing, and affixing an intermediate layer between the interior portion of the housing and a second portion of the fabric key cap layer corresponding to the set of molded key caps opposite the first portion. The method further comprises attaching a first portion of a holder to the first portion of the flexible key cap layer configured to receive a computing device, wherein a second portion of the holder is not fixedly attached to the flexible key cap layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Pai-Cheng Chu, Tzu-Pin Lin, Chih-Wei Chen, Richard Milhe
  • Publication number: 20140069785
    Abstract: Processes for manufacturing touch sensors with one or more guard traces to reduce the effect of moisture damage are provided. One example process can include forming one or more guard traces between an edge of the touch sensor and the metal traces that route the drive and sense lines to bond pads. The one or more guard traces can be uncoupled from the drive lines and sense lines to protect the inner metal traces from moisture damage. In some examples, ends of the one or more guard traces can be coupled to ground by copper. In other examples, ends of the one or more guard traces can be coupled to ground by indium tin oxide or the one or more guard traces can be coupled to ground by a strip of indium tin oxide. In yet other examples, the guard trace can be floating (e.g., not coupled to ground).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Siddharth MOHAPATRA, Sunggu KANG, John Z. ZHONG
  • Publication number: 20140065880
    Abstract: The present invention provides a component such as an IMS that can quickly and easily be connected to a wide variety of different plug-type connectors. A modular system is taught in which a shield of the IMS is provided as an interchangeable part. Each different shield in this system is adapted to directly connect to a specific unique plug or harness of a target vehicle. Since the shields are all easily interchangeable, a wide variety of unique electrical connectors can be provided without the expense and engineering of the original component that would otherwise be required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Micah Jones, David Lee Durant, Dale Baldauf
  • Publication number: 20140059843
    Abstract: A nano-electro-mechanical switch includes an input electrode, a body electrode, an insulating layer, an actuator electrode, an output electrode, and a cantilever beam adapted to flex in response to an actuation voltage applied between the body electrode and the actuator electrode. The cantilever beam includes the input electrode, the body electrode and the insulating layer, the latter separating the body electrode from the input electrode, the cantilever beam being configured such that, upon flexion of the cantilever beam, the input electrode comes in contact with the output electrode at a single mechanical contact point at the level of an end of the cantilever beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michel Despont, Ute Drechsler, Daniel Grogg, Christoph Hagleitner, Yu Pu
  • Publication number: 20140062906
    Abstract: Disclosed are touch screens and methods of manufacturing the same. The touch screen may include a substrate, a first electrode extending in a first direction on the substrate, an interlayer insulating layer disposed on the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction. The interlayer insulating layer may have quantum dots that induce a change of a capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode by a visible light incident on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Rae-Man PARK
  • Patent number: 8661662
    Abstract: A method of making a touch-responsive capacitive device includes providing a transparent substrate and forming anisotropically conductive first and second electrodes extending in corresponding first and second orthogonal length directions over the substrate. Anisotropically conductive first and second electrodes each with electrically connected micro-wires are formed on opposing sides of the transparent substrate. The anisotropically conductive first and second electrodes extend in corresponding first and second length directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Ronald Steven Cok
  • Publication number: 20140054145
    Abstract: A touch device including a touch panel is provided. The touch panel includes a substrate having a touching surface and a bonding surface opposite to the touching surface, and further having a viewable area and a non-viewable area surrounding the viewable area. A colorful decoration layer is disposed on the bonding surface of the substrate and at the non-viewable area. The colorful decoration layer has a gradient side adjacent to the viewable area. A planarization layer completely covers the gradient side of the colorful decoration layer and the bonding surface of the substrate. A touch sensing layer is disposed on the planarization layer and extended from the viewable area to the non-viewable area. Further, a method for fabricating a touch device is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: TPK Touch Solutions (XIAMEN) Inc.
    Inventors: Ho-Hsun Chi, Tsung-Ke Chiu, Huilin Ye, Jing Yu
  • Publication number: 20140054149
    Abstract: The present invention provides a touch panel. The touch panel includes first sensing lines extending in a first direction, second sensing lines extending in a second direction and intersecting with the first sensing lines, an insulating pad disposed at each intersection between the first sensing lines and the second sensing lines for isolating the first sensing lines and the second sensing lines. A direction of an external force exerted in the insulating pad is non-perpendicular to the edge of said insulating pad on the same horizontal plane. The present invention also provides a manufacturing method of the touch panel. The design of the insulating pad can disperse the external impact force caused by air knife, washing and so on, and preventing the cut-off of the insulating pad, thereby improving the yield of the touch panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ray-Star Technology (Xiamen) Inc.
    Inventors: Chan-Hao Tseng, Hsien-Jung Li, Cheng-Chung Chiang