US3789167A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-output level keyboard switch assembly with improved operator and contact structure
Assignee: LUCAS DURALITH AKT Corp
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Filing: 1972-12-20
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Granted: 1974-01-29
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Expires: 1992-12-20
Abstract
Abstract A structure which includes a circuit board having a conductive pattern thereon and supporting a resilient conductive layer by way of an insulator layer having a plurality of windows therethrough in alignment with portions of the conductive pattern, the resilient layer divided into at least two sections held electrically apart by pins coupled to a frame member in which the board and layers are packaged.
Inventors
- 👤 R Seeger
- 👤 J Coulter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:31
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H2207/00; H01H2207/012; H01H2209/00; H01H2209/068; H01H2209/078; H01H2223/00; H01H2223/034; H01H2229/00; H01H2229/024; H01H2229/026; H01H2229/044; H01H2239/00; H01H2239/044
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
In a keyboard or the like which includes an insulator board having circuit pathways thereon, insulator means having a plurality of windows therethrough in alignment with selected portions of said pathways, a resilient electrically conductive layer means positioned on said insulator and divided into at least two segments that are spaced apart and electrically isolated from each other and lie in part in substantially the same plane, each of said segments covering at least one of said windows of said insulator layer, first means for positioning and holding said segments in electrical isolation from each other, second means for applying force to push portions of said segments through said windows they overlie in order to make contact with said pathways, third means for providing electrical input signals to generate output signals represent of a force applied to said segments, a plurality of electrical signal output pins coupled to different ones of said pathways and in which the third means comprises electrical signal input pins, a different one of which is electrically coupled to each of said segments.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
In a keyboard or the like which includes an insulator board having circuit pathways thereon, insulator means having a plurality of windows therethrough in alignment with selected portions of said pathways, a resilient electrically conductive layer means positioned on said insulator and divided into at least two segments that are spaced apart and electrically isolated from each other and lie in part in substantially the same plane, each of said segments covering at least one of said windows of said insulator layer, first means for positioning and holding said segments in electrical isolation from each other, second means for applying force to push portions of said segments through said windows they overlie in order to make contact with said pathways, third means for providing electrical input signals to generate output signals represent of a force applied to said segments, a plurality of electrical signal output pins coupled to different ones of said pathways and in which the third means comprises electrical signal input pins, a different one of which is electrically coupled to each of said segments.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
In a keyboard as called for in claim 1 in which said first means comprises a frame which has a plurality of rods extending therefrom, at least two of said rods extending through each of said segments to locate said segments with respect to each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
In a keyboard according to claim 2 in which said rods extend through each of said layers and board to make a sandwich thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
In a keyboard according to claim 3 in which said frame is formed with a plurality of divider members defining windows in at least partial alignment with said windows of said insulator layer and in which said second means comprises an indicia layer of insulator material positioned between said frame and said segments, said indicia layer having a plurality of markings thereon which may be seen through said windows in said frame.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
122 words
In a keyboard or the like comprising electrical conductive layer means divided into at least two segments electrically isolated from each other, a plurality of electrical pathways isolated from each other, means for retaining said segments electrically isolated from each other, insulator means for maintaining said segments electrically isolated from said electrical pathways and having windows in alignment to permit selected portions of said electrical pathways to make electrical contact with each of said segments, means for relatively moving said segments and said pathways with respect to each other in order for selected segments to make electrical contact with selected pathways through said windows, and first electrical signal pins, a different one of which is electrically coupled to each of said segments.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
122 words
In a keyboard or the like comprising electrical conductive layer means divided into at least two segments electrically isolated from each other, a plurality of electrical pathways isolated from each other, means for retaining said segments electrically isolated from each other, insulator means for maintaining said segments electrically isolated from said electrical pathways and having windows in alignment to permit selected portions of said electrical pathways to make electrical contact with each of said segments, means for relatively moving said segments and said pathways with respect to each other in order for selected segments to make electrical contact with selected pathways through said windows, and first electrical signal pins, a different one of which is electrically coupled to each of said segments.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
In a keyboard according to claim 5 in which second electrical signal pins are coupled to different ones of said pathways.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-28 | 1977-07-30 | 1978-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-28 | 1981-07-30 | 1982-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-28 | 1985-07-30 | 1986-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |