Patent US3681723A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3681723A
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Magnetic membrane switch
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1971-12-09
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Granted: 1972-08-01
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Expires: 1991-12-09
Abstract
Abstract A magnetic membrane switch includes two opposed sheets of material which are magnetized in such a way that they repel each other. At least one of these sheets is flexible. The sheets are supported so that there is a predetermined spacing between them. The opposed faces of the sheets are provided with a thin metallic pattern. Portions of the metallic pattern can be made to contact one another by pressing on localized sections of the flexible sheet. The resulting contact achieves a switching operation. By placing an alpha-numeric code on one of the sheets, the switch can be utilized as a keyboard.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederick Martin Goll
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 18:02
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/78; H01H13/785; H01H13/702; H01H36/00; H01H36/0073; H01H13/703; H01H2201/00; H01H2201/022; H01H2201/03; H01H2209/00; H01H2209/002; H01H2209/024; H01H2209/03; H01H2209/046; H01H2209/052; H01H2209/068; H01H2209/074; H01H2217/00; H01H2217/018; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/036; H01H2221/04; H01H2227/00; H01H2227/002; H01H2227/006; H01H2227/018; H01H2229/00; H01H2229/012; H01H2229/044
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
A switch which comprises: a flexible sheet of dielectric material having magnetized portions; another sheet of dielectric material opposite the first sheet having magnetized portions, the magnetization being such that the magnetized portions of the opposed sheets repel one another; means for holding the sheets in a desired spaced relationship such that exerting a localized force on the flexible sheet results in a portion of the flexible sheet contacting an opposed portion of the other sheet; and a conductive switching pattern formed on the surfaces of each sheet which face one another, whereby upon the exertion of the localized force a particular portion of one of the sheets contacts the opposed portion to effect a switching action.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
A switch which comprises: a flexible sheet of dielectric material having magnetized portions; another sheet of dielectric material opposite the first sheet having magnetized portions, the magnetization being such that the magnetized portions of the opposed sheets repel one another; means for holding the sheets in a desired spaced relationship such that exerting a localized force on the flexible sheet results in a portion of the flexible sheet contacting an opposed portion of the other sheet; and a conductive switching pattern formed on the surfaces of each sheet which face one another, whereby upon the exertion of the localized force a particular portion of one of the sheets contacts the opposed portion to effect a switching action.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein the sheets are formed of a polymeric substance impregnated with magnetic particles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The switch of claim 2 wherein the magnetic sheets are provided with integral projections extending from their facing surfaces and underlying the metallic pattern, the ridges being positioned to provide for positive electrical contacts when an associated area of the switch is flexed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The sWitch of claim 1 wherein one of the sheets is labeled with an alpha-numeric code on the side opposite that bearing the metallic pattern, whereby the switch can be utilized as a keyboard.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The switch of claim 4 wherein the portions of the sheet bearing the alpha-numeric symbols are raised projections.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein the thin metallic pattern is formed of composite, vapor-deposited layers of titanium and gold.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The switch of claim 6 wherein the metallic pattern includes layers of palladium and copper between the titanium and gold.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein the flexible sheet has a maximum thickness of 0.100 inch and the spacing between the opposed surfaces of the metallic pattern is less than 0.005 inch.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The switch of claim 1 wherein an insulating sheet is interposed between the magnetized dielectric sheets, the insulating sheet having openings therein at positions which correspond to desired contact points of the switch.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
106 words
A switch which comprises: first and second opposed flexible sheets of dielectric material having various portions thereof permanently magnetized, such that the opposed sheets repel one another; means to hold the magnetized sheets in a desired spaced relationship such that a portion of the first sheet can be made to contact an opposed portion of the second sheet by exerting a localized force on the first sheet; and a thin metallic switching pattern formed on the surfaces of each sheet which face one another, whereby when a particular portion of one of the sheEts is contacted with the opposed portion a desired switching arrangement is achieved.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
106 words
A switch which comprises: first and second opposed flexible sheets of dielectric material having various portions thereof permanently magnetized, such that the opposed sheets repel one another; means to hold the magnetized sheets in a desired spaced relationship such that a portion of the first sheet can be made to contact an opposed portion of the second sheet by exerting a localized force on the first sheet; and a thin metallic switching pattern formed on the surfaces of each sheet which face one another, whereby when a particular portion of one of the sheEts is contacted with the opposed portion a desired switching arrangement is achieved.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of connecting conductors, which comprises: magnetizing at least one magnetic portion of a first sheet of dielectric material, said portion being connected to at least one conductor; magnetizing at least one magnetic portion of a second sheet of dielectric material, said portion being connected to at least one other conductor, at least one of the sheets being flexible; supporting said sheets in a spaced relationship so that said magnetic portions are opposite to, spaced from, and repel each other; and exerting a localized force on at least one sheet that is flexible to engage the conductors and thereby interconnect the conductors connected thereto.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of connecting conductors, which comprises: magnetizing at least one magnetic portion of a first sheet of dielectric material, said portion being connected to at least one conductor; magnetizing at least one magnetic portion of a second sheet of dielectric material, said portion being connected to at least one other conductor, at least one of the sheets being flexible; supporting said sheets in a spaced relationship so that said magnetic portions are opposite to, spaced from, and repel each other; and exerting a localized force on at least one sheet that is flexible to engage the conductors and thereby interconnect the conductors connected thereto.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3383487A
Cited
US3617660A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-01 | 1976-01-31 | 1976-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-01 | 1980-01-31 | 1980-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-01 | 1984-01-31 | 1984-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |