Mechanical Force Patents (Class 307/119)
  • Patent number: 11915580
    Abstract: A wireless control device may include a housing, a yoke, an antenna, a communication circuit, and a control circuit. The yoke may be electrically conductive and be configured to mount the wireless control device to an electrical wallbox. The antenna may be configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. The antenna may be a slot antenna. The communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive the radio-frequency signals via the antenna, and the control circuit may be responsive to the communication circuit (e.g., the signals received via the communication circuit). The control device may also include a conductive component that is attached to a front surface of the housing. For example, the conductive component may be electrically connected to the yoke via a single electrical connection (e.g., a screw). Further, the conductive component may be parallel with the antenna and configured to be capacitively coupled to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William T. Shivell, Amy E. Yanek
  • Patent number: 11916344
    Abstract: A cable assembly comprises a cable, a holding member and a contact. The holding member holds the cable. The contact is located above the holding member in an upper-lower direction. The cable comprises a conductive wire. The conductive wire has a fixed portion. The holding member has a predetermined surface. The contact has a facing surface. The facing surface is in contact with the predetermined surface in the upper-lower direction or faces the predetermined surface with a distance formed therebetween in the upper-lower direction. The fixed portion is fixed and connected to the predetermined surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Kentaro Toda
  • Patent number: 11662499
    Abstract: A foreign object detecting device includes: an input unit to which a detection signal is inputted from a sheet-type pressure sensor; a sensor information processing unit configured to, based on the detection signal, generate sensor information indicating an area in a detection area of the pressure sensor to which a pressure is being applied; and a judgement unit configured to compare the sensor information and basic layout information indicating a predetermined area in the detection area to which a pressure is applied, to thereby judge whether a foreign object is present in the detection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Noguchi
  • Patent number: 11522324
    Abstract: A dual direction connector interface includes a housing having first and second sides transverse to each other, and first and second dielectric bodies carried in the first and second sides, respectively, which have first and second bores formed therethrough, respectively. A conducting pin is carried within the housing. The conducting pin has a head and a shank. The first and second conductive bodies are carried on the head of the conducting pin and have first and second passages, respectively, formed therein for receiving a center conductor of a coaxial cable. The first and second passages are registered with the first and second bores, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Inventor: Kang Lin
  • Patent number: 11467654
    Abstract: A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) is described for providing system management bus (SMB) isolation, along with memory sub-systems which include such a PMIC and methods of operating such devices. In one embodiment, a PMIC comprises a voltage supply input, power management circuitry, and elements of a SMB. The SMB elements can include an SMB input, an SMB hot swap controller coupled to the SMB input, one or more SMBs, and one or more SMB outputs. When integrated with a memory sub-system, one SMB output can be connected to a memory controller and another SMB output to a microcontroller. During different power states (e.g., normal or low power states), certain outputs can be isolated in order to manage communications on the SMB during the different power states of the memory sub-system using the PMIC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew D. Rowley
  • Patent number: 11098849
    Abstract: Power tools with conductive couplings used with active injury mitigation technology are disclosed. Conductive couplings are particularly relevant to table saws, hand-held circular saws, track saws, miter saws, and band saws with active injury mitigation technology. Conductive couplings provide a mechanism through which an electrical signal can be coupled or imparted to a blade, and then monitored for changes indicative of human contact with the blade. An exemplary conductive coupling includes a brush that establishes an electrical connection with a moving part of a power tool, and the brush maintains contact with the moving part of the power tool during at least 40 hours of cumulative time when the motor is spinning the arbor and blade without an interruption in the electrical connection sufficient to trigger the reaction system. A conductive coupling may be two-sided compliant. A conductive coupling may connect to a motor shaft to minimize electrical noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: SawStop Holding LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, John P. Nenadic, Louis R. Slamka
  • Patent number: 10882653
    Abstract: A packaging machine that may include a protective cover and a token fastening capsule arranged on the protective cover. The protective cover may include a receptacle that is configured for receiving a token. The receptacle may have a first contact surface. The fastening capsule may include a cap for covering an opening of the receptacle and that includes a second contact surface. The first contact surface and the second contact surface may be in contact with each other when the cap covers the opening of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the receptacle and/or the cap is provided with a knurl, the knurl being provided on the first or the second contact surface. Further, a method of fastening a token on a protective cover is presented wherein the receptacle may be cold welded to the cap in view of the structure provided above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Hubert Schaub, Manuel Wölfle, Nadine Reichart, Alexander Wanner
  • Patent number: 10629392
    Abstract: Disclosed is a underwater high-sensitivity button switch. The underwater high-sensitivity button switch includes an upper cover, a lower cover and a hollow block; the upper cover and the lower cover are made of an elastic material; the hollow block is made of a rigid material; two ends of a through hole of the hollow block are respectively sealed by the upper cover and the lower cover; a mounting block is held in the through hole of the hollow block; the mounting block is provided with a bridge-cutoff block; the bridge-cutoff block is made of a conductive material; two unconnected lug bosses are arranged on the bridge-cutoff block; the two lug bosses are respectively connected with a conducting wire; a button fixing seat is held in the through hole of the hollow block; the button fixing seat is provided with a button cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Divevolk (Zhuhai) Intelligence Tech Co,, Ltd
    Inventors: Jingsong Liu, Songdong Liu
  • Patent number: 10596666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling system for use at a spindle apparatus of a machine tool, comprising an energy transmission unit with a transmitter coil unit for the contact-free transmission of electrical energy to a receiver coil unit of a tool interface unit with an electrical load and a tool interface portion for accommodation in a tool support of a work spindle of the spindle apparatus, and a coupling interface unit having an interface body element attachable to the spindle apparatus and a second coupling element which is configured to be coupled to a first coupling element of the energy transmission unit by means of a releasable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: SAUER GMBH
    Inventors: Gaston Schwenk, Jens Ketelaer
  • Patent number: 10497521
    Abstract: A roller electric contact comprises a roller comprising a shaft and a plurality of conductive discs electrically separated by an insulating material. The shaft extends through a rotational axis of the roller. A housing comprises slots in which the shaft of the roller is positioned, the slots configured to direct a non-rotational movement of the roller. A plurality of leaf springs are disposed in the housing. The leaf springs comprise an electrically conductive material. The plurality of conductive discs are spaced on the roller so that at least one of the conductive discs contact each of the plurality of leaf springs. A plurality of conductive wires extend from the roller electric contact, each of the plurality of conductive wires making electrical contact with one of the leaf springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Fowler
  • Patent number: 10312607
    Abstract: A polarity-inverting telecommunication tap includes a backplate having an input port, an output port, and terminal posts. The input and output ports communicate a signal having a signal polarity. The tap also includes a faceplate having a tap port and having sockets corresponding and complemental to the terminal posts. The tap port communicates a tap signal having a tap signal polarity. The tap further includes an adapter plate disposed between the backplate and faceplate. The adapter plate has an electrical circuit which inverts the tap signal polarity with respect to the signal polarity, so that downstream CATV devices may operate with an intended polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: PCT International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Wilson, Kang Lin
  • Patent number: 10158237
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery, a battery management system (BMS), a charge switch, a discharge switch, and a tilt sensor. The BMS monitors voltage and current states of the battery and control charge and discharge operations of the battery. The charge and discharge switches operate based on control signals from the BMS. The BMS measures a variation in tilt angle of the battery pack or a load based on tilt information sensed by the tilt sensor, and turns off the discharge switch when the tilt angle variation is equal to or less than a first critical value for a preset time period. The load may be an electric vehicle or another type of load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Youngdong Seo, Seotaek Oh
  • Patent number: 10131012
    Abstract: A collision sensing system includes an outer housing with a ball roller mounted thereto, a piston, a lower housing, and an electro/mechanical switch assembly having a contact ring. The piston includes a helical groove on its exterior and a tongue extending from a lower end thereof. The ball roller is positioned within the helical groove of the piston. The lower housing has a semi-spherical portion and a groove aligned with the piston tongue. A contact pin assembly extends through the piston and includes a contact pin positioned to contact the contact ring. The collision sensing system is configured such that deflection of a welding torch mounted to the lower housing misaligns the tongue and groove, slides the helical groove along the ball roller, thereby lifting the piston and breaking contact between the contact pin and contact ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Arben Cenko
  • Patent number: 10068719
    Abstract: Safety mat for safeguarding an electrically driven installation, comprising a sensor, a rigid supporting body and an evaluation unit. The supporting body has a top side, a rear side and first and second side faces, adjoining the top and rear sides. The sensor has an active surface covering the top side of the supporting body. The rear side has an opening for contacting an evaluation unit arranged in the interior of the supporting body that is configured to provide an output signal depending on the actuation of the sensor. The first side face has a first cavity and the second side face has a second cavity. The rear side has a first and a second cable guide. The first cable guide connects the opening to the first cavity and the second cable guide connects the opening to the second cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: PILZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Hampe, Joachim Rink, Matthias Kuczera
  • Patent number: 10060761
    Abstract: Safety mat for safeguarding a technical installation, comprising a sensor, a rigid supporting body and an evaluation unit. The sensor has an active sensor area and a flexible connection region for contacting the sensor area. The flexible connection region is formed at a border of the active sensor area. The supporting body has a base with a top side and a side face which adjoins the said top side. The evaluation unit is arranged in the interior of the supporting body below the active sensor area and is configured to generate an output signal depending on the actuation of the active sensor area. The active sensor area covers the top side of the base of the supporting body completely, and the connection region of the sensor is folded around the side face through 180° and guided into the interior of the supporting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: PILZ GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Kuczera, Onedin Ibrocevic
  • Patent number: 9983757
    Abstract: An inductive touch sensor comprises an inductors disposed in or on a deformable substrate. When a force is applied to the deformable substrate the physical shape of the inductor will change and thereby change its inductance value. The change in the inductance value can be detected and used to indicate actuation of an associated touch key of the inductive touch sensor. A plurality of inductive touch sensors may be used to form a touch panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stephen B. Porter, Dan Termer
  • Patent number: 9974145
    Abstract: A system and method provide fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method provides daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Subramanian Muthu, Robert Hick, Jaiganesh Balasubramanian, John Elzie
  • Patent number: 9871600
    Abstract: There is provided a wireless switch including: an energy harvesting unit generating a first signal and a second signal when a first button is pressed and when the first button is released, respectively; a measuring unit measuring a period of time from a time at which the first signal is generated to a time at which the second signal is generated; and a wireless signal transmitting unit transmitting a control signal depending on the period of time measured by the measuring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In Wha Jeong, Jong Heum Park, Hugh Kim
  • Patent number: 9553442
    Abstract: A power control device includes an electric power switch and a control unit. The control unit is mounted on an electric device, determines whether the electric device is disposed at a normal use position or an abnormal inclined position, and determines whether the electric device is at a normal use state and is disposed at the normal use position. The control unit controls the electric power switch to provide electric power to the electric device when the electric device is at the normal use state, and to stop providing the electric power to the electric device when the electric device is at the abnormal inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Tien-Ming Chou
  • Patent number: 9353921
    Abstract: A luminaire is disclosed that allows a transfer from ambient light to task light through physical manipulation by the user. The luminaire comprises OLED light sources for generating an ambient light effect and LED light sources for generating a task light effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Mathew Lee Bembridge, George Francis Watson, Oscar Enrique Pena, Stefano Luigi Marzano
  • Patent number: 9240110
    Abstract: A haptic footswitch treadle for use in microsurgical systems is disclosed. The haptic footswitch treadle includes a haptic surface coupled to a pivotable treadle base and configured to convey vibratory haptic feedback to a surgeon. The haptic footswitch includes a positional sensor coupled to the treadle base and suspension elements and actuators positioned between the haptic surface and the treadle base. The actuators are configured to move the suspension elements and the haptic surface based on command signals generated by haptic software applications in response to data from the positional sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeremy R. Roth
  • Patent number: 9149238
    Abstract: A foot-activated controller that communicates with at least one medical device is disclosed. This controller may incorporate a number of features. Multiple displays may be positioned on the controller for depicting the functionality of its various actuators. “Tapping” or partially depressing an actuator may cause an output that is representative of its functionality to be generated on its corresponding controller display, while fully depressing an actuator may initiate execution of its assigned function. The function assigned to each of the various actuators may be programmed by an external computer that may communicate with the controller over an appropriate communication link and via a communication port on the controller. Different audible feedbacks may be assigned to the various actuators, for instance to provide an audible indication of the function being executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: LIEBEL-FLARSHEIM COMPANY LLC
    Inventor: Marvin C. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9119700
    Abstract: Graphical user interface system and method for displaying and controlling a surgical device, such as a device used in phacoemulsfication procedures. A graphical user interface is displayed on a display screen and includes one or more representations of operating parameters, such as aspiration rate, vacuum, and power that are used to control the surgical device. A parameter is adjusted by moving a portion of a representation from a first location on the display screen to a second location on the display screen to change the operating parameter and control the surgical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Mikhail Boukhny
  • Patent number: 9013070
    Abstract: The present application describes an apparatus (1) for sectioning an electric energy flow in one or more conductors (15) of an electric energy generating plant (100), comprising a pneumatic circuit (4) that feeds a plurality of pneumatic remote switches (5), and a control unit (2) that controls such a pneumatic circuit (4); the pneumatic remote switches (5) intercept conductors (15) of an electric energy generating plant (100) and are able to interrupt the passage of current both for automatic safety intervention and for manual or automatic controlled intervention; it also describes an electric energy generating plant (100) comprising a plurality of electrical generators (6) connected in series and the aforementioned sectioning apparatus (1), the pneumatic remote switches (5) of which intercept at least one conductor (15) of such a plurality of electrical generators (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Energy Global Green Solutions S.p.A.
    Inventors: Renzo Oldani, Claudio Nolli
  • Publication number: 20140232204
    Abstract: A switch control module for an electric device is provided. The switch control module includes a substrate and at least one strain gage. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface, wherein at least one operating area is formed on the first surface. The at least one strain gage is attached on the second surface of the substrate and aligned with the at least one operating area. In response to an external force exerted on the at least one operating area of the substrate, the at least one strain gage is subjected to deformation. According to an amount of the deformation, a control signal is generated to control operations of the electric device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: I-Shen Lin
  • Patent number: 8791603
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a two lead electronic switch adapted to replace a mechanical switch are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolf S. Landmann
  • Fan
    Patent number: 8760011
    Abstract: A fan includes a housing, a cable, a number of blades received in and mounted to the housing, a motor driving the blades to operate and receiving electric energy by the cable, and a switch mounted on a bottom of the housing and connected with the cable. When the fan presses the switch, the cable and the switch form a closed circuit. When the fan releases pressure from the switch, the closed circuit is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: An-Gang Liang, Zheng-Heng Sun
  • Publication number: 20140008999
    Abstract: Pressure sensing systems comprising bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and pressure-sensitive switches containing bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys. The bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are capable of repeated deformation upon application of pressure, and change their electrical resistivity upon deformation, thereby enabling measurement of the change in resistivity and consequently, measuring the deformation and amount of pressure applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher D. Prest, Matthew S. Scott, Stephen P. Zadesky, Dermot J. Stratton, Joseph C. Poole, Theodore A. Waniuk
  • Publication number: 20130307350
    Abstract: A utilities control system with a DC powered control system located within a building or room and having in combination an occupant activation device, a seismic sensor and a wireless transmitter; a wireless receiver in combination with a utilities shut-off device, and whereby upon either a change in status of the occupant activation device or the sensing of a seismic event by the seismic sensor, a signal is transmitted from the wireless transmitter to the wireless receiver such that the utilities shut-off device is activated to stop delivery of utilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Everett Ogden
  • Publication number: 20130278080
    Abstract: A touch panel includes a transparent dielectric substrate having a generally rectangular shape, a first conductive film formed on a first surface of the dielectric substrate, a second conductive film formed on a second surface of the dielectric substrate, four electrodes formed at four respective corners of the first conductive film, four current detecting units coupled to the four electrodes, respectively, and an alternating-current power supply configured to apply alternating-current voltage between the first conductive film and the second conductive film, wherein the alternating-current power supply is electrically coupled to the first conductive film through the four current detecting units and the four electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventor: Yutaka Ueno
  • Publication number: 20130169067
    Abstract: An electronic device for predicting or anticipating a user's operational desires. The electronic device is ready to perform the anticipated function without input from the user by using sensors to sense environmental attributes. The sensors can include an ambient light sensor, a force sensor, a temperature sensor, an ambient noise sensor, and a motion sensor. The electronic device also includes a control mechanism for switching between modes for the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Apple Inc.
  • Patent number: 8465473
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical footswitch with a movable shroud. The footswitch is capable of controlling different kinds of surgical instruments and is adaptable by moving the shroud to meet the convenience and safety requirements of each kind of surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Christopher Horvath
  • Publication number: 20130147284
    Abstract: Disclosed is a switch module located within a steering wheel of a vehicle that includes an input switch module, a feedback module, and a controller. The input switch module allows a driver to conduct a variety of switching operations by, for example, pressing the left, right, front, or back of the steering wheel, or by making a leftward or rightward torsional motion or a leftward or rightward diagonal motion with respect to the steering wheel. The switch module controller receives inputs from the input switch module that correlate to these switching operations, and outputs a signal to a vehicle device such as, for example, a head up display, and also to a feedback module, which provides a feedback response to the driver confirming the switching operation. The present invention allows the driver to control vehicle devices and systems while maintaining contact with the steering wheel, thereby improving vehicle safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Joo Young Chun
  • Patent number: 8432067
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are disclosed for eliminating the power consumption of external electrical power adapters plugged into sources of power but detached from electrical devices they are intended to serve. The apparatus comprises a power-accessing plug, a power supply circuit, a first connector, and a second connector. The power-accessing plug is electrically connected to an external source of electrical power. The power supply circuit comprises circuitry to convert the external electrical source power into an electrical form useful for consumption by an electrical device. The first connector comprises a switch and is electrically connected to the plug and the power supply circuit. The switch (1) has an open position when the apparatus is not electrically and physically attached to an electrically powered device and (2) has a closed position when the apparatus is electrically and physically attached to the electrical device whereby current is able to flow through the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: John Joseph Eikum
  • Publication number: 20120319503
    Abstract: A power conservation circuit for a hand-held motion-sensing device and a method for conserving power on such devices are provided. The present disclosure provides for sensing the movement of device by a sensor and outputting a sense signal in response to the movement, processing the sense signal output of the sensor by a processing circuit, selectively enabling and disabling power to the processing circuit (404) by a power management circuit and providing a signal by a motion detect circuit to the power management circuit for enabling power to the processing circuit based on the sense signal from the sensor. The motion detect circuit differentiates the sense signal from the sensor and provides a power enable signal to the power management circuit if the differentiated sense signal exceeds a signal threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald Douglas Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120300375
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a clamshell electronic device including an upper cap, a bottom lid, a first battery, a second battery, a sensing device and a control device. When the clamshell electronic device is under a working state, the first battery provides a system operating voltage to the clamshell electronic device, and the first battery provides a system operating voltage to the clamshell electronic device. When the clamshell electronic device is under a first state, the second battery provides a booting voltage to the clamshell electronic device, and the sensing device produces a first trigger signal according to the upper cap flipped up from the bottom lid. The control device is coupled to the sensing device, and enables the system operating voltage to be provided to the clamshell electronic device according to the first trigger signal, such that the clamshell electronic device enters the working state from the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: WISTRON CORP.
    Inventor: Ta-Wei HSU
  • Patent number: 8238110
    Abstract: The invention concerns an anti-interference advice for a housing (1) including at least two electrically conductive terminals (32, 33) distinctly positioned on an electronic card (30) and connected to processing means, a protective circuit (45) positioned relative to the two electrically conductive terminals (32, 33) in such a manner as to close the electrical circuit during the normal utilization position of the housing (1), the protective circuit (45), including means adapted for opening the electrical circuit closed in response to a deterioration in the protective circuit (45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ingenico France
    Inventors: Eric Bonnet, Gary Didier, Lilian Vassy
  • Publication number: 20120187776
    Abstract: An electronics device (“ED”) includes a housing, a buttons electrical circuit block, at least one user operable button in operable communication with the buttons electrical circuit block, a microcontroller block, and a first-time-on (FTO) electrical circuit block, disposed within the housing. The FTO electrical circuit block includes an activation node and a signal reception contact, and is configured: (i) to place the ED into a deep power conservation mode (“DPCM”) upon either the direct application of an electrical signal to the activation node by an ED or a deactivation signal received at the signal reception contact; (ii) to terminate the DPCM and place the ED into a normal operating mode upon receiving a predetermined user triggered signal from the at least one user operable button; and (ii) to generate the deactivation signal received at the signal reception contact in response to an external command signal received by the microcontroller block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: LifeScan, Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich KRAFT, Rossano Massari
  • Patent number: 8198757
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power saving method and apparatus for powering a lower voltage device from a higher voltage power source. The apparatus includes a switch having an input coupled to an output of the higher voltage power source. The apparatus further includes a high-to-low voltage converter having an input coupled to an output of the switch. The apparatus also includes a power plug having an input coupled to an output of the high-to-low voltage power converter, and an output configured to receive a power socket of the low voltage device. Finally, the apparatus includes a switch actuator coupled to the power plug and the switch. When the power plug is operatively engaged within the power socket of the lower voltage device, the switch actuator closes the switch. When the power plug is operatively disengaged from the power plug, the switch actuator opens the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard S Brink, Michael R Curry, Donald R Fearn, Raymond A Richetta, Timothy J Schmerbeck, Dereje G Yilma
  • Patent number: 8113823
    Abstract: A damper mechanism for a gas-fired appliance is disclosed. The damper mechanism is mechanically operated in response to changes in pressure within a portion of the appliance. Changes in gas pressure operate to displace a diaphragm, thereby moving a linkage attached to a flue damper, such that the damper can be moved between open and closed positions. An interim damper control activation arm can pivot in response to movement of the linkage to actuate electrical switches, which act to close a magnetic pilot valve when the damper is in a partially-opened or partially-closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Field Controls, LLC
    Inventor: Steven E. Guzorek
  • Patent number: 8098029
    Abstract: A load control device for controlling an amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source, the load control device comprising a semiconductor switch operable to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the load, the semiconductor switch having a control input for controlling the semiconductor switch between a non-conductive state and a conductive state; a controller operatively coupled to the control input of the semiconductor switch for controlling the semiconductor switch between the non-conductive state and the conductive state; a touch sensitive front surface; a touch sensitive device responsive to a point actuation on the touch sensitive front surface, the point actuation characterized by a position and a force, the touch sensitive device comprising a resistive divider and an output operatively coupled to the controller for providing a control signal to the controller; and a capacitor coupled to the output of the touch sensitive device for stabilizing the c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Newman, Jr., Jeremy Nearhoof, Gregory Altonen, Daniel F. Carmen
  • Patent number: 8053994
    Abstract: An intelligent wall switch comprises an extend operation panel including sensor areas with a first conducting film; a glass on the back sides of the sensor areas including second conducting films; a first circuit board including a backlight LED and an infrared emitter and connected to a flexible cable connected to the second conducting film; a frame on a back side of the glass; a controller system including a second circuit board having an AC-DC power module, relays, AC output connectors, an AC input connector all on a back side thereof, and having a flat cable connector, an infrared receiver, and multiple indicating LEDs all on a front side thereof; a connecting piece and a housing being used to receive the AC-DC power module, the connecting piece being disposed on a back side of the frame, the AC-DC power module being connected to the cable by the flat cable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventors: Yuan-Sheng Liu, Yen-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 8048551
    Abstract: Disclosed is a battery safety device having a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a pressure-sensitive conducting film interposed between both metal plates and adapted to exhibit electrical conductivity when a predetermined pressure or higher is applied. The first and second metal plates are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery, respectively. The safety device connected to a battery prevents the battery from being damaged or at least from igniting or exploding, even when an external impact caused by pressure, a nail, or a nipper or an external pressure is applied to the battery, by conducting the current of the battery to the safety device and discharging the battery before the battery is damaged by the external impact or external pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong Ju Cho, Sung Kyun Chang, Min Chul Jang, Jae Hyun Lee, Joon Hwan Lee, Soo Hyun Ha
  • Patent number: 8040080
    Abstract: A user interface for a lighting control has a touch sensitive front surface; a four-wire resistive touch pad responsive to a point actuation on the front surface, the touch pad having a longitudinal resistive element for providing a first control signal representative of the position of the point actuation along the longitudinal axis, and a lateral resistive element for providing a second control signal representative of the position of the point actuation along the lateral axis; a controller receiving the first and second control signals; a first capacitor coupled between the lateral resistive element and a circuit common that charges and discharges through the longitudinal resistive element of the resistive touch pad to stabilize the first control signal; and first, second, and third switches controlled by the controller to provide a DC supply voltage to the resistive elements and to couple a respective resistive element to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Newman, Jr., Jeremy Nearhoof, Gregory Altonen, Daniel F. Carmen
  • Patent number: 8035623
    Abstract: An electronic circuit including a microchip for use as an intelligent user interface also comprises touch sensor technology that differentiates between proximity and physical contact events to activate and control various loads including light bulbs, products with radio frequency circuitry or electric motors. An input to the microchip is connected to a switch or sensing structure that does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The electronic circuit controls various functions in response to user actions including automatic delayed shut-off functions, find-in-the-dark indicator and power source level/product state indications. The microchip allows the user to select specific functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Azoteq (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventor: Frederick Johannes Bruwer
  • Patent number: 7989989
    Abstract: A start-up circuit having a micro crush capacitor that is operatable with a small pressure. The crush capacitor may be connected to a silicon controlled rectifier or similar device. Applying the pressure to the crush capacitor may turn on the SCR which may in turn activate a sensor. The circuit may be fabricated on a flexible substrate which together may be regarded as a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit may be held down on a back plate with a form plate clamping the circuit at its perimeter edge. The flexible circuit may be held firm with the plates for component insertion and/or circuit testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa M. Lust, Daniel W. Youngner
  • Publication number: 20110095623
    Abstract: A battery pack protection circuit includes: a sensing unit for sensing a variation in an angle of orientation; a charge/discharge control unit for outputting a stop control signal for interrupting charge and discharge operations of a battery cell, if the angle of orientation is greater than or equal to a reference angle of orientation; and a charge/discharge switch for stopping the charge and discharge operations of the battery cell in response to the stop control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Whan-Seok Doh, Sang-Won Lee
  • Patent number: 7932643
    Abstract: A lighting control system comprises a plurality of toggle switches, a plurality of pushbuttons, a plurality of timer circuits, a plurality of relays, and a plurality of photocells to control a first plurality of lights, a second plurality of lights, a third plurality of lights and a fourth plurality of lights. The toggle switches and pushbuttons either control the lights directly or activate the timers to control the lights. The relays may be energized to switch on the lights. The photocells may be used to control the lights that are located in an outside setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: John A. Tann
  • Patent number: 7786624
    Abstract: A power control device prevents unauthorized and unwanted use of electrical devices by locking the plug of the electrical device in the power control device, when the current flowing through the power control device is stopped. The device includes a switch, moveable between on and off conditions by moving a slide lock or bolt, typically by rotating a key in a locking structure. When the slide lock has moved into contact with the switch, such that it is in an off-condition and current is not flowing through the power control device, the slide lock has also locked the plug in the power control device. The electrical device is temporarily inoperable and can not resume normal operation until the power control device is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Norman C. Haas
  • Patent number: 7755221
    Abstract: An exemplary electronic device includes a power module having an anode and a cathode; an audio module having an audio signal terminal and a ground terminal; an audio socket having an audio signal terminal and a ground terminal; a first relay-switch; a second relay-switch; and a power adapter having an audio plug, wherein the audio terminal of the audio socket is selectively connected to the anode of the power module and the audio signal terminal of the audio module via the first relay-switch, the ground terminal of the audio socket is selectively connected to the cathode of the power module and the ground terminal of the audio module via the second relay-switch, the audio terminal and the ground terminal of the audio socket are connected to the anode and cathode of the power module when the audio plug is plugged into the audio socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Chun Liu, Xiao-Lin Gan, Yu-Kuang Ho