Abstract: A mechanism (10) for actuating an electric circuit is shown including a switch box (11) fastened to a housing (26) to which a cover (60) is movably mounted. The threaded stems (54) of four de-energizing momentary switches (52) extend through and are held to the front wall (32) of the housing (26). The cover (60) includes a sleeve extending rearwardly of its broad surface front wall (62) and slideably received in a tubular extension (46) of the housing (26). A flange (72) on the sleeve abuts with ledges (50) formed in the tubular extension (46) to prevent movement therebeyond. The cover (60) can be pushed against the bias of coil springs (74) arranged concentrically around the stems (54) such that any point of the broad surface front wall (62) can be moved in an actuation direction to slide the actuating pins (58) slideable in the stems (54) of one or more of the de-energizing switches (52) to de-energize the electric circuit.

Abstract: A conductor pattern surface of a plastically deformable substrate of a key switch device is insulated with a resist, and a switching circuit pattern is printed on the resist layer by using conductive ink. Carbon conductor ink is applied by printing on connectors and fixed contact patterns, and a mask is printed on the other portion. Mounting portions for mounting a guide supporting member are formed on the substrate by pressing the substrate from the lower surface thereof. An object of the invention is to integrate an electrical circuit pattern with a mounting portion of actuator structure so as to provide a key switch device which can reduce the thickness and the number of parts of a keyboard for a word processor, personal computer or any other device having a keyboard or keypad.

Abstract: A control key device includes a casing having a generally dome-shaped portion provided at an arbitrary part of the casing, the dome-shaped portion having a top surface and a hole provided at a central part of the dome-shaped portion, a substrate provided within the casing and having a plurality of electrical contacts, a resilient member provided on the substrate and having a plurality of bulges at positions corresponding to the electrical contacts of the substrate, each of the bulges having an electrically conductive portion which makes electrical contact with a corresponding one of the electrical contacts when the bulge is resiliently deformed, a contact pressing member provided on the resilient member and having a plurality of legs at positions corresponding to the bulges of the resilient member, and a key secured on the contact pressing member via the hole in the dome-shaped portion of the casing, the key having a home position and a tilted position.

Abstract: A control device and method of making the same are provided, the control device having a plurality of electrical switch units carried by a support, a bracket structure carried by the support and having a plurality openings passing therethrough and being respectively aligned with the switch units, a cover carried by the bracket structure and having a plurality of finger movable areas respectively covering the openings, and a plurality of plungers disposed in the openings, the plungers each having been initially integral and one-piece with the bracket structure and having been separated therefrom to freely float relative to the bracket structure between its respective movable area of the cover and its respective switch unit.

Abstract: A control key device having a contact member which comprises at least a first and second contact portion such that when an operating force is applied to the first contact portion the second contact portion is caused to touch the first contact portion so that predetermined electrical contact is established. The causing of the second contact portion touching the first contact portion results from an operating force elastically transforming the shape of the contact member. A tilting mechanism is provided by a guiding member of predetermined shape having a through hole. The tilting mechanism functions to tilt the contact member in response to an operating force applied to the contact member. The contact member has a key portion and a pad portion defining a home position and a tilted position.

Abstract: In order to be able to produce smaller units whenever needed from a keyboard that consists of an integral multiple key-guiding arrangement (3), a gummous mat (4) with resetting domes for keys (1) and a contact level (8), structural features are disclosed which particularly simplify a division of the multiple key-guiding arrangement (3). The structural features are such that the multiple key-guiding arrangement is divided into segments and the segments are interconnected with one another by connecting bars (17), and the connecting bars (17) can be divided by means of tools.

Abstract: There is provided an elastomeric switching device for use with electrical circuits, such as those on a printed circuit board. The elastomeric switching device comprises an elastomeric pad constructed from a plurality of parallel strips of conductive material between layers of non-conductive or insulating material together with a moveable conductive contact which is aligned with the elastomeric pad. The elastomeric pad is predisposed in contact with the circuits on the printed circuit board. The moveable conductive contact establishes electrical connections between the affected circuits via the conductive strips of the elastomeric pad. The proper alignment and orientation of the elastomeric pad and moveable conductive contact relative to the circuits is maintained by the structural and mechanical features of a housing.

Abstract: A computer keyboard with multiple rows of cantilevered keys which are flexibly attached to first common mounting strips. The keyboard also has multiple rows of cantilevered sub-members flexibly attached to second common mounting strips, with the sub-members being aligned beneath associated keys. The cantilevered sub-members are in sliding contact with their associated cantilevered keys and induce a tactile "break over" sensation as the associated cantilevered keys are depressed. Each sub-member is designed to actuate a switch contact as the cantilevered key is depressed, whereby the computer keyboard can be constructed without a dome sheet.

Abstract: A keyswitch assembly having a mechanism for controlling touch of a plurality of keys simultaneously. Each key is vertically movably supported on a holder member by a key support assembly. The key support assembly has first and second links intersecting with each other and pivotally connected together at the intersecting portion. A first end of the first link is pivotally connected to the key and a second end of the first link is slidably movable in a horizontal direction and is pivotally connected to the holder member. A first end of the second link is pivotally connected to the holder member, and a second end of the second link is slidably movable in the horizontal direction and is pivotally connected to the key. A biasing segment is connected to the second end of the first link for urging the same. The biasing force of the biasing segment is controllable by moving an operation plate which is connected to the biasing segment.

Abstract: A key switch of the invention includes a key top having a face on which various characters are displayed and a back face having an engaging portion, a guide support member having two hinge members and a holder plate. The holder plate is provided with support portions which are elastically moved when pushed down by the lower portion of the guide support member to pinch and support the lower portion, and further the engaging portions of the key top can also pinch and support the upper portion of the guide support member by pushing the upper portion. Accordingly, according to the key switch, the fabrication of the guide support member and the holder plate and the fabrication of the guide support member and the key top can be extremely easily performed, and the operating performance of the key top is improved.

Abstract: An improved key unit of a keyboard comprising a key top, a keyboard plate and a conductive film; the conductive film being mounted beneath the keyboard plate; the keyboard plate has a mounting base comprising a hollow cylinder mounted thereon and the key top being mounted on the mounting base through the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: A double-axis key switch has a key cap with a pair of key stems which slide into a housing to actuate a pair of switches. The key stems are slightly out of parallel so that the axes of the key stems meet in a direction of stroke relative to the key cap. However, the sleeves, into which the key stems insert, are parallel. When the key cap is pressed off-center, causing tilting of the key cap, one key stem advances ahead of the other. Because of the relative positions of the axes, binding forces increase in the leading key stem and decrease in the following stem. The asymmetry of the binding forces tends to correct the tilting of the key cap so that the key cap advances symmetrically and smoothly.

Abstract: A two-layer membrane switch particularly suited for application as a keyswitch in low-profile keyboard applications, such as keyboards for notebook or laptop type personal computers. When used as a keyswitch, the switch comprises a first conductor layer including a conductive ink patterned as an electrical contact on a polyester dielectric film around an opening through the film. A second conductor layer, also includes a conductive ink patterned as an electrical contact on a polyester dielectric film. With the electrical contact of the second conductor layer located under the corresponding opening in the first conductor layer, a moveable, conductive elastomer switch closure is used to establish electrical contact between the electrical contact of the first conductor layer and the electrical contact of the second conductor layer through the opening in the first conductor.

Abstract: A computer keyboard has multiple rows of cantilevered keys which are flexibly attached to common mounting strips. The rows of cantilevered keys are arranged to partially overlap adjacent rows such that the keys in one row actuate switch contacts aligned beneath mounting strips in the adjacent row. An interface between the switch contact membrane and a printed circuit board, and employing a portion of the dome sheet as supporting legs for the keyboard, are also described.

Abstract: A multiple switch device comprises a base having at least two switch units and supports with pawls placed on the tips of the pawls, a push button having at least two push members and supports with pawls placed on the tips of the pawls, and a spring for returning the push button to its original position. The base and the push button are assembled together through a coupling between the pawls of the supports of the base and the pawls of the supports of the push button. The push button moves in a seesaw-like motion, the fulcrum of which is derived by the two adjacent supports. The push members and the supports are arranged so that the fulcrum position is situated in the same or inside position of the push members.

Abstract: An improved alphanumeric keyboard 10 is illustrated for use in lap top or notebook personal computers 12. The keyboard 10 has a plurality of full travel, self leveling keyswitches 14 for actuating printed circuit electrical contacts 22 and 26 when the keyswitch is depressed. The keyboard 10 includes an integral keyswitch structure 40 that has an integral keytop 42 and keytop support substructure 44 supported on a common integral base sheet 46. Each of the keytop support substructures 44 includes hinge members 50a50b, 50c and 50d that are positioned in a rectangular orientation about the keytop 42. Each hinge member has a rigid upper hinge panel 52 and a lower hinge panel 58 that are integrally interconnected to the keytop 42 and the base sheet 46 for maintaining the keytop in a parallelogram orientation as it is depressed to prevent the keytop from moving laterally or wobbling during depression. The hinge panels 52 and 58 are interconnected by resilient webs 54, 60 and 64.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a body having a number of depressions formed in the upper portion for collecting water, a-number of channels extend upward from the depression for slidably receiving buttons. A base is secured to bottom of the body and a casing is secured to bottom of the base. A number of conduits extend downward from the depression for communicating the depressions with the casing for allowing water collected in the depressions to flow into the casing so as to prevent water from flowing into the circuit board received between the body and the base.

Abstract: A two-way dual action electric switch assembly has an actuator that slides in housing from a neutral position to a first position to a second position and back to the neutral position in each direction. Travelling circuit boards are slideably disposed in the housing on either side of the actuator and a single elastomeric dome switch is disposed between the actuator and each travelling circuit board. A fixed circuit board is outboard of each travelling circuit board and a pair of second elastomeric dome switches are disposed between each travelling circuit board and its associated fixed outboard circuit board. The single elastomeric dome switches close electric circuitry of the travelling circuit boards in the first positions and the pairs of second elastomeric dome switches close electric circuitry of the fixed outboard circuit boards in the second positions.

Abstract: A control device and method of making the same are provided, the control device having a plurality of electrical switch units carried by a support, a bracket structure carried by the support and having a plurality openings passing therethrough and being respectively aligned with the switch units, a cover carried by the bracket structure and having a plurality of finger movable areas respectively covering the openings, and a plurality of plungers disposed in the openings, the plungers each having been initially integral and one-piece with the bracket structure and having been separated therefrom to freely float relative to the bracket structure between its respective movable area of the cover and its respective switch unit.

Abstract: A membrane switch including first and second substantially flexible electrical contacts and a first layer of dielectric material deposited between and on one surface of one of the first and second contacts, the first layer being deposited in a predetermined geometric pattern including a plurality of cells defined by cell walls, the cell walls being broken in predetermined positions about the perimeter of each cell so that during and after actuation of the switch, air within a cell between the first and second contacts can vent to one or more adjoining cells to enable activation and prevent a vacuum from forming between the first and second contacts thereby enabling the switch to break contact after being released.

Abstract: A push-button switch keytop includes a flexible resin film deformed in such a manner that the resin film bulges upwardly to form a curved portion that is filled with a molding resin while the resin film is being deformed. The molding resin is allowed to harden to form a keytop body, whereby the top side of the keytop body consisting of the molding resin is integrated with the resin film in a state in which the top side of the keytop body is covered by the resin film. The keytop is manufactured by clamping a resin film between upper and lower molds, charging a molten resin from a pin gate provided on the lower mold into a cavity provided in the lower mold, thereby deforming and urging the resin film upward by pressure and heat produced by the molten resin and causing the resin film to adhere to the inner surface of the upper mold, filling the cavities of the upper and lower molds with the molten resin and separating the upper and lower molds after the resin hardens.

Abstract: Disclosed is the backlit display and/or backlit keyboard display which have a controlled level of illumination at the surface thereof. Where such switch and/or display are illuminated by a light emitting diode, the present invention interposes an optical filter between the light emitting diode and the surface of the cover. The optical filter contains a pattern thereon having a variable density distribution of opaque material which in a preferred embodiment is densest in the area closest to the light emitting diode and decreases in density in areas away from the light emitting diode. In a preferred embodiment the optical filter is a "negative" of the illumination without a filter present. The result in both the switch and display embodiments is a substantially constant level of illumination across the surface of the cover. Further disclosed is at least one slot in translucent layers which may be incorporated in a switch or display which reduces "crosstalk" between switches and/or displays.

Abstract: A tilting member has a force bearing portion to which operating force is applied, and a supported surface. A supporting member has a supporting projection with which the supported surface of the tilting member may come in contact. When the operating force is applied to the tilting member, the tilting member tilts with respect to the supporting member. The supporting member supports the tilting member at a supporting point where the supporting projection of the supporting member is in contact with the supported surface of the tilting member, about which supporting point the tilting member tilts. The tilting of the tilting member, with respect to the supporting member, establishes a predetermined electrical contact.

Abstract: A computer a key switch device comprised of key cap, a key body plate and a rubber base plate, wherein the key body plate has a raised key body portion with a respective center hole and a pair of opposite pin holes and a pair of opposite retaining holes; the rubber base plate has a conical projection received within the raised key body portion, the conical projection having a horn-shaped bottom ring supported on a membrane, a top ring extended out of the center hole on the raised key body portion, a transverse division wall blocked between the top ring and the horn-shaped bottom ring, and a solid stub rod extended downwards from the transverse division wall at the center to trigger a circuit inside the membrane upon each down stroke of the key cap; the key cap has a plunger stopped against the top ring of the conical projection, two opposite bottom rods inserted into the pin holes on the raised key body portion, and two opposite hooks hooked in the retaining holes on the raised key body portion.

Abstract: A miniature keyboard assembly for generating code signals representative of selected characters and functions. The assembly including at least one but preferably, two glide keys, each coupled to a depressible keybutton for controlling the movement of its respective keybutton. In one embodiment, each keybutton base carries an electrically conductive layer and is slidable on a membrane panel having thereon a plurality of signal code generating switches. The keybutton being movable along orthogonal axes in response to movement of the glide key. Each keybutton extends upwardly through a longitudinal slot opening in a lateral slide support member and then through a fitted opening in an indicator panel. The indicator panel also includes an indicia marker which underlies a transparent keyboard panel and is visible therethrough.

Abstract: A switch assembly (100) includes a key area (104) and a light reception section (114) for receiving light from input lightpipe (106) and providing some of the light to key area (104). Switch assembly (100) further includes an output lightpipe (122) and an optical conversion section (116) for modifying the light which is received by output lightpipe (122) when key area (104) is activated.

Abstract: A keyswitch assembly having a mechanism for controlling touch of a plurality of keys simultaneously, Each key is vertically movably supported on a holder member by a key support assembly. The key support assembly has first and second links intersecting with each other and pivotally connected together at the intersecting portion. A first end of the first link is pivotally connected to the key and a second end of the first link is slidably movable in a horizontal direction and is pivotally connected to the holder member. A first end of the second link is pivotally connected to the holder member, and a second end of the second link is slidably movable in the horizontal direction and pivotally connected to the key, A biasing segment is connected to the second end of the first link for urging the same. The biasing force of the biasing segment is controllable by moving an operation plate which is connected to the biasing segment.

Abstract: In a remote control unit, a controller is coupled to first and second pluralities of keys for determining which of the keys is depressed at any given time. The first plurality of keys is coupled between a group of drive lines and a group of sense lines. The second plurality of keys is coupled between the sense lines and to an interrupt input port of the controller. A key pressed in the first plurality of keys causes a first kind of interrupt, and a key pressed in the second plurality of keys causes a second kind of interrupt. In response to one of the first and second interrupts, the controller interrogates the keyboard to determine which key is pressed.

Abstract: A computer key includes a socket member which confines a receiving space therein and which has a top wall that is provided with a through hole, a resilient biasing member which is disposed inside the receiving space of the socket member, and a support member which has an upright tubular portion and a flange portion that projects radially outward from an intermediate part of the tubular portion and that is in sliding contact with an inner wall surface of the socket member. The support member is provided inside the receiving space of the socket member such that the tubular portion extends through the through hole of the socket member. The tubular portion has a bottom end which rests on top of the biasing member. The biasing member urges the support member upward to a normal unpressed key condition. A push button is secured on top of the support member.

Abstract: A control board for a dental apparatus contains a control panel (1) having a plurality of key surfaces (2) for the actuation of sensor devices (3) that respond to a force or a change in force. The sensor devices (3), facing toward the operating side, are covered by a thin front plate (4a) of transparent material. The front plate (4a) is provided with an all around, lateral edge (5) that is an integral component part of the front plate (4a) and thus forms a frame (4) that is closed at the front side and surrounds the control panel. At least the front plate (4a) and, preferably, the entire frame (4) is composed of glass.

Abstract: A keypad (10) comprises a membrane having a plurality of switch actuating portions (41). The keypad (10) further comprises key portions (44) corresponding to said switch actuating portions (41) and located on an opposite side of the membrane to said switch actuating portions (41) and a plurality of switch elements (18) located beneath said switch actuating portions (41) of the membrane. The membrane extends across the keypad (10) and provides a water resistant barrier between the switch elements (18) and the key portions (44) of the membrane. Removable buttons (40) are provided for the keypad (10) and are attached to the key portions (44) of the membrane, whereby pressing of the buttons (40) causes flexing of the membrane and actuation of the switch elements (18) by the switch actuating portion of the membrane.

Abstract: A computer keyboard has multiple rows of cantilevered keys which are flexibly attached to common mounting strips. The rows of cantilevered keys are arranged to partially overlap adjacent rows such that the keys in one row actuate switch contacts aligned beneath mounting strips in the adjacent row. An interface between the switch contact membrane and a printed circuit board, and employing a portion of the dome sheet as supporting legs for the keyboard, are also described.

Abstract: An improved alphanumeric keyboard 10 is illustrated for use in lap top or notebook personal computers 12. The keyboard 10 has a plurality of full travel, self leveling keyswitches 14 for actuating printed circuit electrical contacts 22 and 26 when the keyswitch is depressed. The keyboard 10 includes an integral keyswitch structure 40 that has an integral keytop and keytop support substructure 44 supported on a common integral base sheet 46. Each of the keytop support substructures 44 includes hinge members 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d that are positioned in a rectangular orientation about the keytop 42. Each hinge member has a rigid upper hinge panel 52 and a lower hinge panel 58 that are integrally interconnected to the keytop 42 and the base sheet 46 for maintaining the keytop in a parallelogram orientation as it is depressed to prevent the keytop from moving laterally or wobbling during depression.

Abstract: In FIG. 1, an electrical circuit on a circuit board 9 can be controlled by operation of switches 2B, 3B, 4B. These are operated by removing portions of the board 9, effected by the snapping off of respective corresponding cover member portions 2A, 3A and 4A.When used as a thermal log this control can respectively activate, deactivate and display the thermal data but avoid any tampering.

Abstract: A keyboard for electronic equipment screens off RF radiation by using a conductive housing (2), preferably made of extruded aluminum, which is closed off at its two ends by conductive end pieces (25) and which is closed off underneath by a conductive base plate (30). Key switches (9) extend through openings in a conductive frame (15) that is mounted inside the housing (2), which itself has openings (5, 6) for passage of the key switches (9). The elements are configured to reduce the level of any RF radiation that escapes from inside the keyboard. Among other advantages, this reduction of escaping RF radiation prevents illicit detection and decoding of information which is being entered via the keyboard.

Abstract: A circuit unit is used in an electronic instrument having a key-pad arrangement, such as a portable telephone, and comprises a printed circuit board, a flexible switch circuit sheet attached to the printed circuit board and having a plurality of switch pads arranged thereon, and at least one circuit pattern formed in the flexible switch circuit sheet so as to construct a switch circuit together with the switch pads. The circuit pattern includes a plurality of line sections extended between the switch pads, and a plurality of terminals provided along a peripheral edge of the flexible switch circuit sheet for establishing an electrical connection between the printed circuit board and the flexible switch circuit sheet.

Abstract: A switch assembly including a base member and at least one pair of conductors provided on the base member which are to be electrically connected. An outer baffle extends over the base member and the conductors and is comprised of a conical wall having a key formed at the apex thereof and an outward flaring pad at the bottom thereof for engagement with the base member, the outer baffle including a recess beneath the key opening toward the base member. An inner baffle is dimensioned to be positioned within the outer baffle and includes a conical wall having a plug at the apex thereof and a pad formed at the bottom thereof. The plug is dimensioned to be received within the recess of the outer baffle such that the conical walls of the outer baffle and the inner baffle are symmetrical about a common axis. The pad on the inner baffle is spaced a predetermined distance above the base. A conductive element is provided on the inner baffle to electrically connect the conductors when the outer baffle collapses.

Abstract: A portable ink-jet printer and sheet feeder which can be battery powered. The printer may be manually fed paper for operation independent of the sheet feeder. The printer and sheet feeder are mounted on a base and locked at 90 degrees to one another. They may then be rotated into two operating modes in which automatic sheet feeding occurs, one of which provides a straight paper feed path for relatively stiff print media and/or printing relatively dense graphics. A paper output system includes a pair of wings and a deflector which place various arches in the paper as it emerges from the printer to maintain it over the previously printed sheet to permit it to dry. The printer may be configured by driving a print carriage having an arrow thereon to different positions adjacent a menu. When the arrow is opposite a desired configuration option, the option is selected by pressing a button.

Abstract: A wall controller for controlling the speed of rotation of a ceiling fan and the intensity of light of a lighting fixture, which includes a junction box covered with a slotted mounting plate to hold a control circuit assembly, a cover plate connected to the mounting plate to hold a switch control slide assembly therebetween, the control circuit assembly is consisted of two switches moved by two control slides of the switch control slide assembly to control the operation of the lighting fixture and the ceiling fan respectively.

Abstract: There is disclosed a housing for a thin, flat display screen such as a liquid crystal display. The housing is formed of components comprising a front housing section having a front panel with an opening for exposing the screen of a flat screen device placed within the housing and a rear cover therefor which includes a hinged attachment to the front housing section which is recessed and inaccessible from the exterior of the closed housing. The assembly of front housing section and rear cover is secured with tangs carried on the lower rear edges of these components. The housing is adapted to be mounted in the chair arm of a passenger seat of commercial airliners, and includes a mounting bracket permitting it to be stowed within the chair arm when not in use. In this application it is essential that the housing have an outer covering of impact absorbing material to protect passengers from injury upon impact against the housing. It is also important that the housing be tamper and intrusion proof.

Abstract: A computer keyboard has multiple rows of cantilevered keys which are flexibly attached to common mounting strips. The rows of cantilevered keys are arranged to partially overlap adjacent rows such that the keys in one row actuate switch contacts aligned beneath mounting strips in the adjacent row. Each cantilevered key has an elongated member extending between a common mounting strip and a key cap, whereby the elongated members are wider at the point of attachment to the common mounting strips than at a point adjacent to the key cap.

Abstract: A detector assembly (20) detects motion by utilizing a plurality of motion detectors (22-28), each detector having a first finger (40) and a second finger (42 ). First finger (40 ) has a signal line (36) on the inner surface (32) and second finger (42) has a ground line (38) disposed on another portion of inner surface (32). Spacer (46) keeps fingers (40) and (42) out of physical contact in the normal position so that there is an open circuit between signal line (36) and ground line (38). When a moving object (50) strikes first finger (40), first finger (40) is deflected downward so that first finger (40) and second finger (42) make physical contact at contact point (48), thereby establishing a closed circuit between signal line (36) and ground line (38). In this fashion a detection pulse is generated. The substrate (30) of detector assembly (20 ) is made of a resilient, flexible material such as a synthetic resin, for enhanced sensitivity.

Abstract: A keypad is comprised of a supporting frame, a plurality of snap action domes, and a plurality of pushbuttons each overlying a dome, all of the above being integrated and formed of a single piece of elastomeric material, the pushbuttons each being surrounded by a thin piece of the material buttressing the pushbutton upwardly, each of the thin pieces of material and an associated portion of the pushbutton forming a dome. The thin pieces of material extend from and are continuous with the frame. Each conducting button is disposed below a corresponding dome and is located such that when a pushbutton is pushed downwardly, its associated dome collapses, moving an associated button downwardly.

Abstract: A push switch is capable of performing a first switching operation and subsequently a second switching operation when a pressing force is applied to the switch. The push switch includes (a) an insulating membrane having at least one dome with at least a portion thereof overlaid by or serving as an inner conductor and at least a portion of its outer periphery overlaid by or serving as an outer conductor, (b) an insulating substrate having thereupon an inner pole contact disposed at a position opposing to the inner conductor and an outer pole contact disposed at a position opposing to the outer conductor, respectively, and (c) a spacer placed between the insulating membrane and the insulating substrate for spacing the conductor apart from the pole contacts during the time when no pressing force is applied to the switch.

Abstract: A keyboard switch has a deformable membrane which, when deformed, enables electrical contact between a pair of contacts. A key stem is urged away from the deformable membrane by an elastic body. When the key stem is displaced sufficiently, the elastic body imparts a click feel. The key stem, when displaced a sufficient amount, deforms the deformable membrane to make the electrical contact.

Abstract: A computer keyboard employs a single monoblock structure to both support the keys and to define the aesthetic enclosure. The monoblock has multiple key supports into which key bodies are slidably mounted. The keyboard includes a switch membrane disposed on top of the monoblock and a dome sheet positioned on top of the switch membrane beneath the key bodies. The dome sheet has multiple resilient domes with openings formed therein to provide access for the key bodies to corresponding key supports. The domes support the key bodies and provide the "spring-like" feel during operation of the computer keys. The switch membrane has annular switch contacts positioned about the monoblock key supports beneath the domes. As one of the key bodies is depressed, the associated dome buckles and actuates the annular switch contact. The computer keyboard is low cost due to having only one structural component and is quiet due to the position of the rubber or elastomer dome sheet beneath the key bodies.

Abstract: A direction control key assembly comprises a base on which a cover is mounted to provide an interior space for receipt of a circuit board therein which has at least four switch units thereon respectively designating a specific direction. A button member is supported on the cover by a ball joint and has four pins depending therefrom respectively corresponding to the switch units such that when the button member is rotated with respect to the ball joint to allow one of the pins to engage and thus close the corresponding one of the switch units. A direction signal associated with the closed switch is thus generated.

Abstract: In a push-button switch with a display device for opening and closing an electric circuit by pressing an operating button, a touch panel is disposed on the top side of the operating button. First a second switch device which relies upon the touch panel is operated using the operating button, and then a first switch device which relies upon pressing of the operating button is operated, thereby preventing erroneous operation.

Abstract: A keyboard has keys arranged in parallel columns with all of the keys in a respective column projecting from a front plate the same distance. The keys of a first column are arranged to project a smaller distance from the front plate than the keys of an adjacent second column.

Abstract: A snap-acting positioning device comprising an enclosure, including a spring member having a plurality of sine-shaped bow sections disposed equidistantly in a circular pattern to take a disc shape and stressed to cause the spring member to take a substantially dome-shaped configuration and the sine-shaped bow sections to store a predetermined amount of energy. The spring member is made of flexible material and is adapted to co-act with an activating member to define a snap-acting function. The snap-acting device is capable for employment in snap-acting valves, snap-fasteners, linear positioning devices, vibration and shock reduction hardware and spring suspensions for rotating machinery.