Abstract: Detent systems for rotary actuators that utilize one or more sets of magnets that have either attractive or repulsive characteristics. A biasing magnetic element may be positioned to repel a floating movable magnet. The repelled movable magnetic element is forced into contact with a serrated detenting ring via the repulsive force between magnets of common pole. As the detenting ring is rotated relative to the biasing magnet, the “floating” magnetic element is forced closer to the biasing magnet. The repulsive force drives the floating magnetic element into the next recess detent causing the rotational component to snap to the next detented position. The magnetic element rolls about its longitudinal axis as the magnetic element moves from one detent location to the next, which results in rolling friction that tends to cause significantly lower surface wear and increased life.

Abstract: A force sensing multi-axis gimbaled device includes a multi-axis movement assembly having an outer pivot plate having an opening, a middle pivot plate having an opening, the middle pivot plate pivotally received within the opening in the outer pivot plate, and an inner pivot plate that is pivotally received within the opening in the middle pivot plate. A biasing assembly is in communication with the multi-axis movement assembly, which is configured to impose a first force on the multi-axis movement assembly when the multi-axis movement assembly is pivoted about a first axis. The biasing assembly is configured to impose a second force on the multi-axis movement assembly when the multi-axis movement assembly is pivoted about a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis, and the biasing assembly configured to impose a third force on the multi-axis movement assembly when the multi-axis movement assembly is pivoted about a third axis.

Abstract: A haptic feedback device can include a surface magnet and a first electromagnet sufficient to cause the physical movement of the surface magnet along a first axis. One or more individually addressable pin driver circuits may be communicably coupled to the electromagnet. The individually addressable pin driver circuit is selectively switchable into a number of operating modes that includes a current sourcing mode, a current sinking mode, and an impulse mode. A controller is communicably coupled to each of the pin driver circuits via a digital bus. The controller selects an operating mode and one or more parameters for each of the individually addressable pin driver circuits.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a switch assembly including a lens having a hollow interior, a display at least partially received within the hollow interior of the lens, an actuator moveably engageable by the lens, and an elastomeric switch activatable by the actuator in response to movement of the lens. The elastomeric switch may include a circuit assembly, a sealing switch layer disposed over the circuit assembly, and an elastomeric switch member formed within the sealing switch layer that is actuatable by the movement of the lens for engagement with the circuit assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a switch assembly including a lens having a hollow interior, a display at least partially received within the hollow interior of the lens, an actuator moveably engageable by the lens, and an elastomeric switch activatable by the actuator in response to movement of the lens. The elastomeric switch may include a circuit assembly, a sealing switch layer disposed over the circuit assembly, and an elastomeric switch member formed within the sealing switch layer that is actuatable by the movement of the lens for engagement with the circuit assembly.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly is provided. The keyboard assembly includes a keyboard having at least one input key assembly positioned within the housing and an infection controllable apparatus attached thereto.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly is provided. The keyboard assembly includes a keyboard having at least one input key assembly positioned within the housing and an infection controllable apparatus attached thereto.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly is provided. The keyboard assembly includes a keyboard having at least one input key assembly positioned within the housing and an infection controllable apparatus attached thereto.

Abstract: A key assembly including a key support structure, a switch, a base, and a moveable key. A light source, such as an LED, is mounted to the base to provide illumination for backlighting a translucent region disposed in the moveable key. In operation, when pressure is exerted against the moveable key, the moveable key axially translates to operate the switch. When the moveable key is in its at-rest position, light from the light source will be efficiently and uniformly dispersed through the key assembly to backlight the translucent region based on the location of said light source.

Abstract: Simultaneous multisurface diffusion printing of indicia into the top and front surfaces of the assembled keys (39) of a keyboard (41) is disclosed. The bottom (29) of a fixture (23) supports a plurality of spring-loaded pedestals (37) for the keys (39) to be imprinted. A locator plate (27) maintains the keys (39) in a fixed position and functions as a heat shield. Positioned above the locator plate (27) is a sheet of transfer paper (61) having an array of reverse image indicia (63) which are located at positions in alignment with the top and front surfaces of the keys (39) to be imprinted. U-shaped incisions (65) allow the portion of the indicia to be imprinted on the front surface of a key to be bent away from the plane of the transfer sheet. Positioned above the locator plate (27) is a printing plate (73) having different shape protrusions (75a and 75b) to impinge on at least the two surfaces of the keys ( 39) to be imprinted.

Abstract: A keyboard including an elastomer dome keypad (15) and rocker mounted keys (25) positioned to acutate the domes (17) of the keypad (15) is disclosed. The rocker action keys (25) include outwardly extending flanges (29) that include apertures (49, 51) positioned to receive protrusions (33) that extend downwardly along the edge of the bezel apertures (23) in which each key (25) is to be positioned. The bezel (21) is positioned such that each key aperture (23) and, thus, each key (25) overlies the dome (17) of the elastomer dome keypad (15) that the key (25) is to actuate. The dome contacting region of the keys (25) is a pair of curved webs (53, 55). The curved webs apply a broad steady orthogonal force to the top of the underlying dome causing the dome to collapse in an even, positive manner even though the keys follow an arcuate path of travel.

Abstract: A combination keyboard including a first set of switches closed by depressing discrete keys (b 21) and a second set of switches closed by depressing selected areas (69) of a flexible overlay (49) is disclosed. The first set of switches includes a printed wire board (pwb) (23) having switch terminals (31) on one surface. Overlying the switch terminals are switch closing elements, which may take the form of caged metal domes (29). Overlying the closing elements are the discrete keys (21). The second set of switches also includes a pwb (41) having switch terminals (51) on one surface and overlying switch closing elements, which may also take the form of caged metal domes (59). The flexible overlay (49) is positioned atop the switch closing elements. Further, the pwb and flexible overlay include aligned apertures (57, 71) through which the discrete keys (21) pass. Thus, both the discrete keys (21) and the flexible overlay (49) lie in substantially the same actuation plane.