Abstract:
A membrane switch having a first flexible substrate segment with a pattern of conductive elements thereon at discrete coordinate locations and overlaying this substrate is a spacer layer having a plurality of apertures arranged on the same center-to-center spacing as the conductive elements on the spacer substrate. This spacer layer has the same general shape as the substrate but is of a smaller size so that when superposed on the substrate with the hole pattern aligned with the conductive elements, a border of the first substrate is exposed beyond the edges of the spacer member. Disposed atop the apertured spacer member is a further segment of flexible material also having a pattern of conductive elements at discrete coordinate locations corresponding to the coordinate locations of the conductive elements on the first substrate. When this further segment is superimposed upon the spacer layer, its conductive elements are aligned with the apertures in the spacer layer and face those on the first substrate. Again, the upper flexible layer has the same shape configuration as the bottom substrate and of the spacer member except that, again, the upper layer is of a lesser area than the other layers so that a border of the spacer layer extends outwardly beyond the edges of the uppermost layer. Completing the assembly is a sheet of flexible, non-conductive material on which is printed a pattern of desired graphic information. This graphics sheet has a pressure sensitive adhesive on its undersurface and when pressed against the exposed top layer, the adhesive serves to bond all three of the lower layers, one to the other to yield a generally impervious seal around the perimeter of the composite membrane switch assembly so as to preclude dust or moisture from entering the assembly.
Abstract:
Screen-printable conductor composition comprising (a) a conductive phase containing silver and base metal powders dispersed in a solution of (b) a multipolymer prepared by copolymerization of vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, and an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and a linear aromatic polyester resin dissolved in (c) volatile nonhydrocarbon solvent.
Abstract:
An electrical touch switch having a printed circuit baseboard with two circuit patterns electrically isolated and spaced a predetermined distance from one another has a contactor having a resiliently flexible substrate with a plurality of small contactor dots positioned randomly with respect to the circuit patterns, each contactor dot is sufficiently large to span across the spacing between the circuit patterns and depression of any one of these dots against the circuit patterns will provide continuity between the circuit patterns; the contactor substrate also has embedded structural fibers which span across the contactor dots.
Abstract:
The frequency capability of a planar multiple switch for entry of digital data is improved by forming an upper conductive planar member from fine conductive elements electrically joined, such as a screen or conductor pattern, together but with sufficient space between elements to substantially reduce capacitive coupling between the upper member and lower contact members. Further, multiple bit switch areas are formed adjacent single bit switch areas; and coded contact areas are formed on parallel lines by placing insulation on selected sections of lines and building up adjacent contact sections by additional conductor material.
Abstract:
An operator manipulating means for a programable electronically controlled sewing machine. The operator manipulating means provides an array of switch points, each related in a row, to discrete needle positions attainable by the electronically controlled sewing machine; and in a column, to the least feed increment attainable thereby. The switch array is fabricated using a pair of printed circuits, one of which must be flexible and each having spaced, parallel conductors, and arranged with respect to each other so that the conductors of one are substantially perpendicular to the conductors of the other and are in facing relationship. The printed circuits are separated in a first embodiment by a pair of insulating sheets, each having an array of apertures in spaced registry with each other and aligned in rows and columns with the conductors on the printed circuits. The pair of insulating sheets are separated by a flexible conducting sheets which may be used as a common conductor. Depression of a conductor on the flexible printed circuit through an aperture of an insulating sheet will establish a connection to the flexible conducting sheet, which conducting sheet will be deflected through the aperture in spaced registry to establish a connection with a conductor of the other printed circuit.
Abstract:
A membrane switch in which a membrane layer is supported in a spaced relation from at least one contact of one or more pairs of electrically conductive switch contacts. The contacts are mounted on an insulated substrate. The membrane surface adjacent the contacts has an electrically conductive bridging surface supported thereon such that depression of the membrane will bridge the contacts to complete a circuit. The membrane is mounted on the substrate and is held in a normally spaced relationship with the contacts by a plurality of projections formed on the membrane surface adjacent the substrate or one or more of the contact surfaces. The projections may be integrally formed by puncturing the membrane surface with a sharp object or projections may be formed by permanently deforming the membrane without rupturing the membrane itself. Additionally, the projections may be formed by applying individual spacer elements to the membrane surface.
Abstract:
A keyboard device utilizing a conductive plastic material layer which contacts circuit elements or pathways, the improvement of snapable plastic means raised on a pedestal through which it snaps through center to provide a feel of completion of circuit contact to the user.
Abstract:
An electromechanical switch that includes an electrically conductive sheet having a spring-like pattern of apertures therethrough, a printed circuit electrical conductor and an apertured insulating spacer therebetween for permitting the center portion of the pattern to make electrical contact therewith when the pattern is forced out of the plane of the conductive sheet by an actuatable plunger.
Abstract:
A switch for electrically connecting a first terminal with a plurality of other terminals. A contact movable into and out of electrical engagement with a plurality of base contacts is employed. The movable contact may comprise physically parallel wires affixed to a flexible plate, as well as wires which radiate radially outwardly from a point. The physically parallel wires may be inclined to the base contacts or the base contacts may be of different thicknesses to achieve sequential contacting of the base contacts by the movable contact. The base contacts may be any convenient shape, or in the form of concentric spirals or interspersed parallel segments or adjacent triangular-shaped segments.
Abstract:
A faceplate is provided with a plurality of openings therein, each representing a digit to be used in a keyboard; a metal switch plate is positioned immediately beneath the faceplate and includes a plurality of dome-shaped resilient deformable dimples forming keys therein, each registering with and extending into a different one of said openings. An insulating plate, with holes therein registering with the dimples, separates the switch plate from a contact board that includes a plurality of contact buttons, each registering with one of the holes in the insulating plate. The dimples may be depressed by the fingertip of an operator to ''''snap'''' into contact with a corresponding contact button and will ''''snap'''' back to their original position when fingertip pressure is released.