US3811025A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Touch panel switch assembly
Assignee: Lockheed Electronics Co Inc
•
Filing: 1973-05-17
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Granted: 1974-05-14
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Expires: 1993-05-17
Abstract
Abstract A multi-layer touch panel switch assembly for particular application as a control panel for computers. The front panel is a smooth surface with no exposed switch handles. An operator depresses a selected area causing metallic surfaces to momentarily make contact, lighting a LED indicator located behind transparent areas in the panel. A silicone button having the desired flexibility and having excellent memory characteristics is used to transfer the pressure to close the electrical contacts. The front panel and switches may be inexpensively manufactured using printed circuit techniques and flow soldering operations.
Inventors
- 👤 R Bach
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 07:20
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/83
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A pressure sensitive switch assembly in combination with a control panel comprising: a. a printed circuit having a discontinuous grid pattern thereon; b. an apertured insulator having apertures positioned over said grid; c. an insulator having conductive areas on one side thereof, said areas being positioned over the aforementioned apertures; d. an apertured shroud having the apertures positioned over said conductive areas; e. flexible buttons located in the shroud apertures and in proximity with the other side of said second insulator contiguous to said conductive areas; and f. light emitting means mounted on said printed circuit and located adjacent said shroud aperture whereby depressing the control panel also depresses said button and causes a connection to be made across said grid, thereby energizing said light emitting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A pressure sensitive switch assembly in combination with a control panel comprising: a. a printed circuit having a discontinuous grid pattern thereon; b. an apertured insulator having apertures positioned over said grid; c. an insulator having conductive areas on one side thereof, said areas being positioned over the aforementioned apertures; d. an apertured shroud having the apertures positioned over said conductive areas; e. flexible buttons located in the shroud apertures and in proximity with the other side of said second insulator contiguous to said conductive areas; and f. light emitting means mounted on said printed circuit and located adjacent said shroud aperture whereby depressing the control panel also depresses said button and causes a connection to be made across said grid, thereby energizing said light emitting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A pressure switch assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the flexible button is made of an elastomer and having a channel therein spaced from its central axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A pressure switch assembly as defined in claim 2, and wherein the thickness of the button material remaining at the bottom of the channel is less than one-third the thickness of the material adjacent the channel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
A pressure actuated switch assembly as defined by claim 1, and wherein the control panel contains indicia and legends overlying said buttons to indicate to an operator computer inputs, functions and the like.
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) | 1977-05-13 | 1977-11-12 | 1978-05-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-13 | 1981-11-12 | 1982-05-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-13 | 1985-11-12 | 1986-05-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |