Abstract: Briefly, according to the invention, a compression seal between two surfaces is provided by a body portion (212) conforming between the two surfaces (110 and 130). A first (211) and second (311) rim are connected to a perimeter of the body portion (212). For providing a seal between the two surfaces when the two surfaces are compressed against each other, the second rim is connected to the first rim at an angle (216) between 0 and 180 degrees.

Abstract: A multi-step switch includes a resilient or resiliently mounted push button. In a first stage of the pressed-in state, the push button presses a contact surface against an at least partially resiliently constructed printed circuit board, which, on the upper side thereof, is provided with conductors. In a second stage of the pressed-in state of the switch, the push button and, in turn, the printed circuit board press with the aid of a resilient push element against additional conductors arranged underneath the printed circuit board. The multi-step switch is suitable for low switching capacities, particularly for use in hand-held control transmitters of remote controls.

Abstract: A control console (1) for use in sound recording, and/or effects such as dubbing, the console (1) having a plurality, say 100 of sound channels, the console comprising a touch sensitive channel selector (2) having as many touch sensitive elements (3) as there are selectable channels of the console (1), whereby to select a channel by touch on the selector (2).

Abstract: A device (301) having manually controlled keys (310), in particular for controlling actuator devices of a motor vehicle, particularly for electric window winders and/or electric door locks and/or electric rearview mirrors, comprising means (317, 305) operative to determine at least one electrical signal in dependence on the operation of at least one of these keys (310) and including a specific electronic unit (27) for processing this electric signal for the respective actuator device, in which the electronic unit (27) includes an integrated circuit (25) for treatment of the information signals relating to the operation of the actuator device, the integrated circuit (25) being connected to a printed circuit (305) which is common to means (317, 305) operable to determine at least one electric signal in dependence on the operation of at least one of the keys (310), and both the printed circuit (305) and the integrated circuit (25) are housed in integral portions (380, 320) of the frame (302) of the device (301).

Abstract: An optically transparent touch switch is described. The switch is of the type which comprises a pair of glass sheets, transparent electrodes formed on one side of each glass sheet in such a way that the transparent electrodes are facing each other, and a spacer provided between the paired glass sheets to establish a given gap therebetween. The spacer is made of a dispersion which comprises an adhesive resin, spherical fine particles of a transparent resin, and hard fine particles of glass fibers having substantially the same diameter as a size of the spherical fine particles.

Abstract: A remote commander wherein a user can confirm operation of an operation key after such operation has a touch panel operating section including a display device for displaying an image of a plurality of operation keys thereon and an operation detecting device for detecting, when one of the operation keys displayed on the display device is depressed, the thus depressed operation key. Upon such detection of the depressed operation key, the display device is controlled to display part or all of a display portion of the depressed operation key in a flickering condition for a predetermined period of time after completion of such depression of the operation key. An infrared ray command signal corresponding to such depressed operation key is sent out to a remote object appliance to operate the object appliance.

Abstract: An electronic housing structure including an enclosure for containing at least one electronic device having a plurality of user interface switches. The electronic housing structure further has a user interface pad attached to the enclosure near the user interface switches for operating said user interface switches. The user interface pad further seals the enclosure to completely seal and protect the electronic device. The enclosure and the user interface pad are composed of a waterproof, dust-proof and mud-proof material whereby said electronic device can be operated in an outdoor condition.

Abstract: First and second membranes carrying contacts located on opposing faces are separated by a third or spacer membrane having holes therein so that a circuit may be completed between the contacts when a force is applied to the first membrane. The first and second membranes and the peripheries of the holes define substantially enclosed switch regions. The first, second and third membrane layers are mechanically held together, without the use of adhesives, in the regions other than the switch regions. Spacer elements are provided between the spacer membrane and one of the first and second membranes. The spacer elements form air pockets such that air may flow between the switch region and the air pockets as the first membrane is depressed and then released. The arrangement provides two advantages. First, it reduces pressure buildup, such as would occur if the membranes were sealed together, when force is applied to the first layer.

Abstract: The switch includes a cap, a base portion, a dome retainer subassembly and a support portion. The base portion includes an upper surface and an actuator block. The cap and actuator block are located within a depression of the base portion formed by sides of the base upper surface. The dome retainer subassembly and the support portion are mounted in superposed abutting relation with respect to the cap and the base portion. Pressure on the cap causes at least one movable dome contact of the dome retainer subassembly to electrically engage corresponding first and second contacts located on the support portion facing surface.

Abstract: As a preferred embodiment, a computer keyboard dome sheet is illustrated in the figures showing a extruded sheet 30 with an elongated body 32 with parallel extruded ridges 44 corresponding to the keyboard rows 16a-16f. Apertures or cutouts are formed in the ridges 46 at desired intervals between the key positions to form individual ridge domes 48 having parallel front and rear walls 54 and 56 that are collapsible to bring a switch actuating keel 66, 92 into engagement with the switch structure to actuate an electrical switch to indicate that the key switch has been depressed.

Abstract: An audio-visual book includes a plurality of pages and a text portion on the plurality of pages. The text portion includes, on each of at least two of the pages, both a plurality of lines of text and a plurality of different predetermined graphic depictions related in concept to the subject matter of the text and interposed within the lines of text. A switching mechanism is disposed in predetermined relationship to the text portion and includes a plurality of individually actuable elements, each of the switches being associated with one of the graphic depictions. A digital sound generator, responsive to actuation of one of the switches, is provided for selectively effecting generation of a sound associated with the subject of the depiction associated with the one switch.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical transducer including a plurality of strips arranged in an array and maintained in a closely spaced relation by a plurality of spacers. An electrically conductive layer on portions of the strips and spacers distributes electrical signal within the transducer to cause adjacent portions of the strips to move together. The strips and spacers may be formed from a common dielectric layer using microelectronic fabrication techniques. Two transducers may be coupled at an angle offset from parallel for two-dimensional micropositioning. A photodetector and Fresnel lens may be combined with the micropositioner using the transducers for optical scanning microscopy.

Abstract: A push button key switch has an intermediate guide cylinder which is free to slide lengthwise inside a fixed guide cylinder and which at the same time holds the neck of a keytop while allowing it to slide freely lengthwise. The intermediate guide cylinder guides the keytop in its motion while the fixed guide cylinder guides the intermediate guide cylinder in its motion. Downward motion of the keytop causes the lower ends of the neck and the intermediate guide cylinder to collapse an elastic member which, in turn, then activates an electrical contact mechanism.

Abstract: An alphanumeric keyboard comprises a plurality of key operated switches and a cover frame which covers the switches and has bosses for receiving switch operating rams carried by key buttons having projections which receive the rams and which fit into the bosses. At least one compound key of the keyboard is associated with at least two switches and includes a compound key head which overlies at least two bosses. At least one of the rams of this compound key is so mounted on the compound key head that it can be adjusted relative to the compound key head parallel to the keying direction.

Abstract: A push button switch has a stem having a thin flange without requiring fabrication of synthetic material, thereby realizing a push button switch having good productivity and high reliability.

Abstract: Push-button device includes a plurality of movably disposed keys and an elastic switching pad having a plurality of domes. Each dome is disposed adjacent to and is engagable by one of the plurality of keys and a dome contact disposed on each dome. A conductor foil having a plurality of contacts is provided, each conductor foil contact being arranged for contacting one of the dome contacts when one of the keys is moved. A printed circuit board having upper and lower faces is arranged near the contact foil. A spacer member disposed between the upper face of the printed circuit board and the conductor foil defines an electrical component receiving space, and there is a plurality of electrical components located on the upper face in the electrical component receiving space.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive panel for outputting data corresponding to pressed positions on a touching plate included in the touch-sensitive panel and for sending the output data to a display device includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged on the touching plate, a plurality of second electrodes being opposed to the plurality of first electrodes and being capable of conducting to the plurality of first electrodes located at the pressed positions when the touching plate is pressed, a first connecting plate for connecting the plurality of first electrodes to the display device, a second connecting plate for connecting the plurality of second electrodes to the display device, an anisotropic electrically conductive bonding layer having a plurality of through holes and arranged on the first connecting plate, and a conductive layer including conductive particles, the conductive layer being laid between the plurality of first electrodes and the anisotropic electrically conductive bonding layer, the conductive particle

Abstract: A switch assembly comprising a housing, a rigid operating member mounted for movement relative to the housing and accessible to an operator, an electrical contact operable by movement of the operating member from a rest position to an operative position relative to the housing, a flexible seal between the operating member and the electrical contact and capable of transmitting operative movement of the operating member to the contact while preventing passage of moisture and other contaminants from the region of the operating member to the contact, and, a limit preventing movement of the operating member relative to the contact beyond the position at which the contact is operated. The switch can include further operating members and associated contacts and limits carried by the housing and if desired the assembly can incorporate a heater for heating the operating member region of the assembly.

Abstract: A keypad structure includes a stiff backing element and an elastomeric cover that have between them a first membrane on which is defined a shorting conductive layer, a second membrane on which is defined a main conductive layer, the second membrane on which the main conductive layer is defined as being adjacent the elastomeric cover rather than the stiff backing element as in the prior art. A third membrane provides spacing between the main and shorting conductive layers when the keypad is not compressed. An elastomeric interconnect can then be used to connect exposed contacts on the main conductive layer with other circuitry in an instrument utilizing the keypad.

Abstract: A key board switch capable of permitting all key switches to exhibit an N-key rollover function at a low cost while preventing an increase in thickness of the key board switch. For this purpose, a thin film diode is used for a contact of the key switch. The thin film diode may form at least one of the contacts of each of the key switches. Alternatively, the thin film diode may be connected in series to at least one of the contacts of each of the key switches. Alternatively, the thin film diode may be connected in series to at least one of the contacts of each of the key switches.

Abstract: A pushbutton and cover combination for operating an electronic switching device, such as a telephone or keypad. The cover defines a number of button receiving apertures extending therethrough. Each button comprises a body having a first part which provides a contact surface and a second part which is slidably received through an individual one of the apertures, so that the contact surface of the button is accessible from a first side of the cover. Latches on the second part of the button body are cooperable with the cover so that the button is held captive in the cover, with the second part of the body being operable to move slidably within the aperture, for engaging a flexible barrier layer and operating the electronic switching device on an underlying circuit board. The subassembly of the cover with the captive buttons is removable intact from the circuit board and flexible barrier layer of the electronic switching device.

Abstract: A key input device including a plurality of keytops, with an elastic member being disposed between each keytop and a printed circuit board so as to be supported at a lower end portion thereof by an upper surface of the printed circuit board and pushed upwardly to cause the keytop to be biased upwardly. An engaging portion, provided on a main body of each keytop, prevents the keytop from coming out of a hole accommodating the respective keytops. The depressing stroke of the respective keytops can be defined by an upper casing an the printed circuit board regardless of the state of elastic deformation of the elastic member. An insulating substrate may be provided on the printed circuit board, with printed electrodes being formed on an upper surface of the insulating substrate in an opposed relationship to the keytops in such a manner that, when one of the keytops is depressed, the printed electrodes are brought into contact with the contact electrodes corresponding to the depressed keytop.

Abstract: A collapsible keyboard for use with portable personal computers is disclosed. A first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a keyboard molded from a conductive, elastomeric material and a collapsible frame/circuit board substrate, the substrate having a plurality of electrical contacts to indicate to the computer when a key is pressed. As the keyboard is formed from an elastic material, it can be compressed into a first, closed position of minimum size to facilitate carrying the computer and to minimize the computer's size. In the keyboard's second, expanded position, each of the molded keys overlies a pair of contacts. When a key is pressed while the keyboard is in this second position, an electrical circuit is formed by the key and the contacts, indicating to the computer both that a key has been pressed and which key has been pressed.

Abstract: A push switch includes a support, a switching-element assembly arranged on the support, and an actuator assembly arranged on the switching-element assembly. The switching-element assembly includes first and second contacts vertically arranged, with the second contact being elastically movable toward the first contact and making contact with the first contact when depressed by the actuator assembly. The basic actuator assembly includes an airtight enclosure of an elastic film having a domed shape and a gas enclosed therein, so that the bottom surface of the airtight enclosure depresses the second contact by a depression force onto the top surface thereof.

Abstract: A detecting device for detecting the positions where strings are operated, and an electronic musical instrument using the detecting device, such as an electronic stringed instrument or an electronic keyboard instrument, wherein each of frets, with which conductive strings are brought into contact, is formed of a two-layer structure of a conductive member and a resistance member provided on the conductive member. Voltage pulses are sequentially applied to either the conductive strings or the conductive members of the frets and a voltage pulse is detected from a conductive member or a string, thus detecting a position in which a string is stopped against the fret.

Abstract: Disclosed is a keypad for use with compact and portable cellular telephone systems in which each key is backlit. A partially translucent overlay layer of flexible material includes a raised key. Under the key, in a preferred embodiment, is an actuation layer, which, during operation, is depressed downward by the key. Below the actuation layer, is a tactile feedback layer including a dome for each key, in which, after being depressed to a predetermined degree, the dome inverts causing a conductor located below the dome to short conductive traces on a substrate upon which the keypad is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the keys are backlit by a light source extending through the substrate upon which the keypad is mounted. The tactile feedback layer includes a structure for reducing pressure on the light source when the tactile layer is in the inverted condition, resulting in a thinner keypad with a brighter backlit key and a longer life light source.

Abstract: A protective mat for use with pressure-actuated switching devices having a moisture-resistant, isolated switching chamber protected by a puncture-resistant, protective layer which disperses forces applied to the mat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a keypad for use with compact and portable cellular telephone systems in which each key is backlit. A partially translucent overlay layer of flexible material includes a raised key. Under the key, in a preferred embodiment, is an actuation layer, which, during operation is depressed downward by the key. Below the actuation layer, is a tactile feedback layer including a dome for each key, in which, after being depressed to a predetermined degree, the dome inverts causing a conductor located below the dome to short conductive traces on a substrate upon which the keypad is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the keys are backlit by a light source extending through the substrate upon which the keypad is mounted. The tactile feedback layer includes a structure for reducing pressure on the light source when the tactile layer is in the inverted condition, resulting in a thinner keypad with a brighter backlit key and a longer life light source.

Abstract: A membrane switch comprises an upper flexible layers, separation layer and a lower conductive layer mounted on a support. The membrane switch is designed to absorb the noise created when a key is depressed and an operating block collides with the layers directly beneath it. By creating several holes in the one or more of the lower layers of the membrane switch, and optionally the support that geometrically surrounds the aperture of the separation layer, the colliding force of the operating block on the laminated membrane switch is dispersed and much of the noise is absorbed.

Abstract: Pivotal movement of a switch actuator drives a finger projecting from the actuator against a convexly bowed leaf spring, depressing an intermediate portion of the leaf spring to an unstable concave condition. The leaf spring resists the actuator movement, initially with an increasing force but changing to a decreasing force at a predictable point in actuator movement to provide tactile feedback at an operator affixed to the actuator. The leaf spring is a flat beam. The spring force and point of changeover can be readily and predictably varied during manufacture by selecting springs having different widths, thicknesses or other variable parameters. A modular block holds the spring in the bowed condition and is positioned relative to the actuator finger by a support plate. The actuator finger drives the spring against a conductive rubber block, compressing the block against spaced conductors on a printed circuit to complete the circuit.

Abstract: The two-stage rubber switch comprises a housing; an operating knob; two push bodies slidably supported by the housing; a contact wiring board having four mutually-opposing contact end portions arranged two by two under each push body; a rubber switch member interposed between the housing and the contact wiring board and having four conductive contact pieces arranged so as to be opposed to the four mutually-opposing contact end portions, respectively on the contact wiring board; and two-stage switching members in particular, such as semispherical rubber buckling portions formed together with the rubber switch member or elastically slidable push members. Further, it is preferable to use some semispherical rubber buckling portions of the rubber switch member as click feeling providing members.

Abstract: A conductive resilient pad for keyboards, such as computer keyboards, is disclosed. The pad is composed of EPDM blended with a copolymer of propylene oxide and allyl glycidyl ether and Ketjen Black. Each of the polymers is present in the amount of about 25 to about 75 parts and the Ketjen Black is present in an amount of about 1 to about 30 parts.

Abstract: Clustered push button switches are provided in a casing having an insulating mounting plate with openings therein for guiding push button shafts which carry U-shaped spring contactors having respective first and second contactor arms. Front and rear sheet metal conductors are mounted on front and rear sides of the plate and are formed with front and rear contact tabs extending into the openings and successively engageable by the first contactor arms. The front contact tabs are bent rearwardly from the front sheet metal conductors. The rear contact tabs are bent forwardly from the rear sheet metal conductors. Additional sheet metal conductors are mounted on one side of the plate and are formed with elongated additional contact tabs extending into the openings for constant sliding engagement by the second conductor arms. The additional contact tabs are bent from the additional conductors in a substantially rectangular relation thereto.

Abstract: A pedal board for musical instruments. Pedal mounting, guide, and electrical switch mechanisms are provided in a pedal board for an electronic organ. Each pedal is mounted by a cylindrical pin attached to the back end of the pedal and to the base of the pedal board by an interference fit. A similar, guide pin is attached to the front end of the pedal by an interference fit. The guide pin fits loosely in an aperture which limits lateral movement of the pin and, thence, of the pedal itself. The lower end of the guide pin actuates an elastomeric electric switch when the pedal is pressed down. The elastomeric electric switch is mounted on a printed circuit board, and includes a chamber having a bell-shaped wall attached to a support strip by weakened edges and enclosed at the bottom by a diaphragm carrying a conductive element. The conductive element shorts contacts on the printed circuit board when the chamber is compressed by the guide pin. Pedal board tension and resiliency is provided by the mounting pin.

Abstract: Conductive pads are disposed in a housing which consists of a degassed, non-compressible, electrically insulating fluid. One of the pads is mounted on the underside of a push-button, and the push-button is surrounded by a flexible membrane which closes one end of the housing. When the push-button is pressed, the fluid between the conductive pads is displaced, and the membrane stretches sufficiently to accommodate the displaced fluid.

Abstract: A rocker switch, particularly for selecting voices in an electronic organ. A translucent tab is pivotally mounted at its center on a printed circuit board such that when the tab is pressed at either end, it actuates a respective elastomeric electric switch also mounted on the printed circuit board. A lamp is releasably mounted on the printed circuit board through an aperture in the back thereof by a twist-lock mechanism. A petal-like reflector and shield is disposed behind the tab for reflecting light from the lamp through the tab while blocking stray light and minimizing heat buildup. Elastomeric electric switches are positioned on the circuit board by pins and held in place by the pressure of the petal-like reflector, which is attached to the circuit board by plastic rivets. The tabs snap onto pivot points integrally formed as part of a rocker bar that includes the petal-like reflector.

Abstract: A membrane has strips of membrane material attached at their first end to an upper surface of the lower membrane layer. The strips stay flush with the upper surface when the electrically conductive material is patterned thereon such that material is contiguous along the strips and the upper surface. Adjacent the first end of the strips is a hole cut through the lower membrane layer. After the material is patterned and the hole is cut, the second end of the strip is peeled from the upper and rounded through the hole with the strip being folded back over itself. The second end of the strip may then extend externally of the membrane switch for connection to a switchable device.

Abstract: A key guide apparatus for an electronic musical instrument, having a plurality of keyboard switches, such as an electronic organ. Keyboard switches utilizing a movable contact are contained in a flexible member and stationary contacts are disposed on a switch base plate which is attached to a lower surface of a keyboard frame in a cantilevered manner. An integrally formed key guide having a plurality of key guide pieces and a retaining member is attached to the keyboard frame such that the retaining member is in contact with the switch base plate to prevent the base plate from deflecting, which would result in time delay after depression of the keys.

Abstract: In a keyboard for typewriters, printers or the like, where a contact bearing film is disposed underneath the keys, there is provided for achieving a cost-efficient arrangement, while avoiding the use of separate restoring springs, that the contact bearing film (10) has U-shaped cut-outs (11) in the area of the keys (1), the film tongues (12) are bent by 180.degree. and are acted upon by the key tappet (3) of the keys (1), the contacts (14, 15) formed between the base of the film, the underside of the film tongue (12), and the film tongue (12) act at the same time as a restoring spring.

Abstract: An electrical switch system, which is comprised of a relatively long electrical conductor or conductors disposed on a flexible resilient film having, at or near one end, an electrical connector or separable, electrical connectors, and at or near the other end, an electrical switch or switches. Also disclosed is the method of manufacture of such extension electrical switch system. The invention is particularly useful in providing switches at more convenient locations for manual operation, such as being able to control the output of a computer keyboard from a nearby, more convenient location, say, by the hand, when it is also operating a mouse as if a key on the keyboard had been depressed. The switches used are those commonly referred to as touch-type switches, membrane switches or film switches.

Abstract: Pivotal movement of a switch actuator drives a finger projecting from the actuator against a convexly bowed leaf spring, depressing an intermediate portion of the leaf spring to an unstable concave condition. The leaf spring resists the actuator movement, initially with an increasing force but changing to a decreasing force at a predictable point in actuator movement to provide tactile feedback at an operator affixed to the actuator. The leaf spring is a flat beam. The spring foce and point of changeover can be readily and predictably varied during manufacture by selecting springs having different widths, thicknesses or other variable parameters. A modular block holds the spring in the bowed condition and is positioned relative to the actuator finger by a support plate. The actuator finger drives the spring against a conductive rubber block, compressing the block against spaced conductors on a printed circuit to complete the circuit.

Abstract: A flat and foldable electronic appliance which comprises a generally rectangular first flat casing having a pocket defined therein for accommodating a card for expansion of functions; a generally rectangular second flat casing similar in shape to the first flat casing and having a plurality of operating keys; a bridge member including at least two hinge joints for pivotably connecting the first and second flat casings together, one of the first and second flat casing being pivotable between folded and unfolded positions relative to the other of the first and second flat casings; and a generally cylindrical battery chamber provided on a portion of the bridge means other than the hinge joints.

Abstract: A golf game comprises a base which is formed as a ramp covered with a carpet to simulate the green of a golf course. A ball is tethered by means of cord to the control stick of a joystick controller. A "pull-to-close" switch is incorporated in the cord so that data on the position of the control stick when the cord is taut can be fed to a computer in order to calculate the trajectory and distance of a drive. Putting practice can be obtained by use of a free ball which is putted into a hole formed in the base and provided with a microswitch which closes when the ball enters the hole. A computer program for game play or practice is described.

Abstract: The contact-type keyboard comprises a plurality of keys which are movable from a rest position to an operative position and which each have a sleeve capable of being accommodated in a tube provided on the upper part of a dome portion of elastomeric material. Each dome portion projects from a mat and, below the tube, comprises an internal circular ring provided with a movable conductive portion for short-circuiting a corresponding fixed conductor of a printed circuit which in turn is carried by a stop plate of insulating material. Each sleeve is of such a length as to pass internally by way of an upper opening through the dome portion, to engage a through hole in the plate to project downwardly beyond the plate and comprises a seat capable of accommodating a corresponding pin of a support frame structure so as to guide the respective key from the rest position to the operative position and vice-versa.

Abstract: A membrane key switch includes a single resiliently deformable dielectric membrane with flaps cut therein which is formed in a housing such that the end of each flap covers a portion of the membrane. Conductive traces of the membrane are positioned so that downward flexing of the flap, caused by actuation of the switch, establishes electrical contact between a contact region on the flap end and a contact region on an uncut portion of the membrane.

Abstract: A front panel assembly for an electronic instrument having a one-piece key pad with a plurality of protuberances thereon. The protuberances are formed in groups according to function and all protuberances in a group are positioned in proximity to each other. Each group of protuberances has a header protruberance defining the function of the group. Each protrusion, except the header protuberances has a corresponding electrical switching member connectably attached thereto. Each protuberance, except the header protrusions, functions as a key. When a key protuberance is pressed, the corresponding electrical switching member is pressed into operative engagement with a corresponding circuit on the circuit board. An alternate embodiment allows one group of keys to be replaced with a rotary dial without remaking the key pad.

Abstract: A back-lit push button array which permits close spacing of the buttons while preventing light leaks between the buttons. The buttons are individually keyed into the outer shell of a housing to provide lateral support while permitting axial movement, and interleaving laterally extending features are formed on juxtaposed sidewalls of the buttons within the housing to prevent interbutton light leaks. This permits the buttons to be spaced very closedly, and there is no limitation on the size of the symbols or legends other than the dimensions of the button face itself.

Abstract: A multistage pushbutton device used to drive a push switch has a base, a first and second stage pushbutton members and drive members to drive the push switch. The first and second stage pushbutton members have first and second elastic arms respectively connected with the base at the one end thereof and a pushbutton is respectively provided on the other end of the arm. An elastic second arm is longer than said first arm and is placed at the position behind the first arm where it does not overlap the first arm in the back and forth direction and at least the part of said second arm overlaps at least the part of said first pushbutton in the back and forth direction.

Abstract: A membrane switch comprises a pair of flexible sheets connected together with the respective inner surfaces thereof provided with contacts and terminals respectively connected to the contacts facing each other and spaced apart by a spacer, and an output flat cable held between the pair of flexible sheets with the leader lines thereof in electrical contact respectively with the terminals. One of the contacts is formed on the inner surface of one of the pair of flexible sheets by evaporation and etching. The rest of the contacts are formed on the inner surface of the other flexible sheet by evaporation and etching. A connecting film is formed over the periphery of the inner surface of at least one of the pair of flexible sheets.

Abstract: A keyboard for large scale inexpensive production comprises a housing having a front frame and a base part which are connectable with one another by latch elements to support a printed circuit board in a floating manner. The printed circuit board carries the keys of the keyboard. The printed circuit board is assembled to the front frame with relatively great accuracy via several aligning elements.