Patents Assigned to DuraSwitch, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5867082
    Abstract: A switch has a carrier sheet with electrodes formed on an internal side thereof to form switch contacts. An armature is held in slidable contact with the internal side of the carrier and the electrodes by a magnet disposed on the external surface of the carrier. The magnet is carried in a knob mounted on the external side of the membrane carrier for rotary, linear or complex motion. When a user manipulates the knob the magnet drags the armature either into or out of shorting relation with the electrodes. A magnetic detent gear can be incorporated to provide tactile feedback. A pushbutton version of the switch can be made with a pivotable armature normally held spaced from electrodes on the substrate by a magnet. A membrane and spacer may be added to protect and seal the electrodes and armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: DuraSwitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Van Zeeland