Keypad assembly using a lead screw assembly for moving a curved member
US6038127A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/18656
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for moving a member between a retracted position and an extended position includes a housing, a movement mechanism, a linear lead screw, a first carriage, and a second carriage. The housing has a curved path between the retracted position and the extended position. The lead screw has a longitudinal axis and threads. The movement mechanism is coupled to the lead screw to rotate the lead screw about the longitudinal axis. The first carriage has a connecting structure and a bore with threads that mate with the threads of the lead screw to move the carriage linearly along the longitudinal axis of the lead screw when the lead screw rotates. The second carriage is coupled to the member and has a connecting structure. The connecting structure of the second carriage operatively couples with the connecting structure of the first carriage to permit lateral and rotational displacement such that the member is moved through the curved path between the retracted position and the extended position as the first carriage moves linearly along the longitudinal axis of the lead screw.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.