Electromechanical keyboard independently operated switch mechanism with improved conductive resilient actuating means

Claim 1

A manually operated code switch for converting digital information into a desired pulse code comprising: a housing; a plurality of keys on one face of the housing, each having a digital designation; a conductive shaft secured tO each key and extending into the housing; at least one conductive spring contact secured to each key, said contacts on each key connecting to its adjoining shaft; a flat conductive board mounted within said housing and parallel to the face thereof; a conductive resilient means coupled between each spring contact and said conductive board for connecting all of the spring contacts to a common terminal and for returning all the keys to their unactuated position after being manually depressed; an insulator circuit board positioned under all the keys and having conductors secured to one face for electrical connection to said spring contacts; and a plurality of conductive segments on the circuit board arranged in a coded pattern around each shaft, each of said segments connected to a conductive strip on the board which is available for use by a utilization circuit.