Abstract:
A keyboard switch assembly includes a thin, flexible, glass top layer forming a membrane. Disposed on an inner surface of the glass membrane is a first conductive layer forming an electrode. Disposed beneath the first conductive layer is an insulating layer or spacer having an aperture therein that defines a switch contact area. Beneath the spacer a rigid portion of the keyboard switch assembly is provided. The rigid portion of the keyboard switch assembly includes a rigid substrate with a conductive coating formed thereon to provide a second conductive layer or electrode disposed beneath the spacer. A flexible polymer layer may further be disposed between the rigid substrate and the second conductive layer to reduce point contact degradation in the keyboard switch assembly. Decorative paint layers may be formed on the inner surface of the glass membrane between the glass membrane and the first conductive layer. Alternatively, where the layers forming the keyboard switch assembly are transparent, a decorative paint layer may be disposed on an outer surface of the rigid substrate.
Abstract:
A keyboard has first and second nested planar members with depressions formed thereon. The upper member is transparent. The lower member may be color coded and carry replaceable key indicia in the depressions.The laminated overlay nested planar members are disposed adjacent to a conventional elastomeric diaphragm switch assembly having an upper layer of shaped protrusions abutting the lower most inner surfaces of the second or lower member depressions. Frame structure of variable form assists in retaining the laminated overlay members in fixed relationship to the elastomeric diaphragm switch assembly.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a current connection and/or cut-off device comprising a pair of permanent contacts (3, 4), at least one of the contacts (3, 4) of the pair being movable. At least one permanent contact (3, 4) of the pair comprises a main part (3.1, 4.1) having a free end and a terminal protection part (3.2, 4.2) secured to the free end of the main part (3.1, 4.1), and comes into mechanical and electrical contact with the other permanent contact (4, 3) of the pair only during an opening or closing manoeuvre of the pair. Said terminal protection part (3.2, 4.2) is made from a unique transition metal having a melting temperature that is strictly higher than that of the main part (3.1, 4.1) to which it is secured, or an oxide or a carbide of such a metal, or a zinc oxide. The invention is particularly applicable to high-voltage or medium-voltage circuit breakers.
Abstract:
Provided is a contact device in which all of three movable contacts can be securely brought into contact with fixed contacts. The contact device includes a fixed terminal 37 that has a fixed contact 35, a movable terminal 28 that moves toward and away from the fixed terminal 37 and has three movable contacts 31a, 31b, and 31c that are brought into contact with the fixed contact 35, and a pressing spring 33 that presses the movable terminal 28 and brings the movable contacts 31a, 31b, and 31c into contact with the fixed contacts 35 at a predetermined pressing force. The point of application of the pressing spring 33 is located in a triangle formed by internal tangents of the three movable contacts.
Abstract:
A keyboard (10) is described including a rigid base member (12) with a pattern of depressions (14) in it, electrical circuitry (16) on a flexible support carried by the base member, and a plurality of domes (24) covering the circuitry. The electrical circuitry defines a plurality of open switches (17) in registry with the pattern of depressions in the base. The pattern of domes is in registry with the open switches. The underside of each dome includes a conductive surface which will complete a connection across a switch when the dome is depressed, whereby the switch circuitry is deflected downwardly into a depression in the base member.