US3699293A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Key switch for chatterless switching
Assignee: International Standard Electric Corp
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Filing: 1970-07-31
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Granted: 1972-10-17
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Expires: 1990-07-31
Abstract
Abstract A normally open key switch for chatterless switching. The switching element is a silicone rubber part containing granular silver-plated, copper particles which normally lies in a loose relationship over a pair of separate contact plates. A compression member applies a deforming force to the switching element when the switch is actuated, causing a great decrease in effective resistivity of the switching element. The compression member is independently resiliently linked to the actuating button, permitting some button overtravel and thereby isolating the switching element from the full actuating force applied to the button.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter Portugall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:13
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01C; H01C10/00; H01C10/10; H01C10/106; H01H; H01H1/00; H01H1/02; H01H1/021; H01H1/029; H01H1/12; H01H1/36; H01H1/40; H01H1/403
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
A key switch for chatterless switching, comprising: a pair of stationary contact parts; a switching element including a body of elastic material containing a fill of electrically conductive particles, said switching element being arranged to normally lie relatively loosely over at least portions of both of said stationary contact parts, thereby to provide only relatively small electrical conductivity between said stationary contact parts through said switching element; first operating means including a first mechanical member and a first resilient member, said first mechanical member being arranged to move against the restoring force of said first resilient member in response to an externally applied operating force; a second mechanical member disposed adjacent said switching element and arranged to depress said switching element against at least portions of both of said stationary contact parts in response to a second force; means including a second resilient member connected between said first and second mechanical members whereby said second force is generated and transmitted from movement of said first mechanical member through said resilient member so that said second force is substantially only the restoring force of said second resilient member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
A key switch for chatterless switching, comprising: a pair of stationary contact parts; a switching element including a body of elastic material containing a fill of electrically conductive particles, said switching element being arranged to normally lie relatively loosely over at least portions of both of said stationary contact parts, thereby to provide only relatively small electrical conductivity between said stationary contact parts through said switching element; first operating means including a first mechanical member and a first resilient member, said first mechanical member being arranged to move against the restoring force of said first resilient member in response to an externally applied operating force; a second mechanical member disposed adjacent said switching element and arranged to depress said switching element against at least portions of both of said stationary contact parts in response to a second force; means including a second resilient member connected between said first and second mechanical members whereby said second force is generated and transmitted from movement of said first mechanical member through said resilient member so that said second force is substantially only the restoring force of said second resilient member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said elastic material comprises an elastic silicone material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said electrically conductive particles are silver-plated copper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 in which said electrically conductive particles range in size substantially between 10 and 100 microns in diameter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said switching element consists of a body of silicone elastic material filled with silver-plated copper particles in the range of 10 to 100 microns in diameter and in which the proportion of said particles is between 76 and 84 parts by weight to one part of said silicone material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 including restraining means cooperating with said first resilient member for determining the initial position of said first mechanical member in the absence of said externally applied operating force.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 further defined in that said second resilient member applies substantially no depressing force against said second mechanical member when said first mechanical member is in said initial position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 further defined in that said second resilient member applies only negligible depressing force against said second mechanical member when said first mechanical member is in said initial position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
66 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 further defined in that said first and second mechanical members are spaced such that movement of said first mechanical member produces said second force substantially only as a function of the restoring force of said second resilient member and substantially independent of the restoring force of said first resilient member over a predetermined amount of movement of said first mechanical member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus according to claim 9 in which said switch is substantially in the shape of a circular cylinder, said first and second mechanical members are placed to move substantially translationally along the axis of said cylinder, and said first and second resilient members are helical springs having their axes along said cylinder axis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-17 | 1976-04-17 | 1976-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-17 | 1980-04-17 | 1980-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-17 | 1984-04-17 | 1984-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |