Patent US5430266A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5430266A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control panel with sealed switch keypad
Assignee: A Dec Inc
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Filing: 1994-08-29
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Granted: 1995-07-04
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Expires: 2014-08-29
Abstract
Abstract The front panel of a control panel is provided with a recess for receiving a keypad. The recess is larger than the keypad to define a channel between the edges of the keypad and the sides of the recess. A sealant fills the channel to provide a smooth transition between the front panel and the keypad that protects the edges of the keypad and prevents the entry of moisture and debris into the channel. The control panel can be assembled by fixing the keypad within the recess, placing a temporary barrier over the top surface of the channel, and introducing the sealant into the channel. The sealant can be introduced through one or more ports in either the front panel or the temporary barrier. The temporary barrier is removed when the sealant hardens within the channel.
Inventors
- 👤 George K. Austin, Jr.
- 👤 Robert E. Holden
- 👤 II Ronald A. Rolleston
- 👤 Robert L. Sickler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:59
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H2223/00; H01H2223/002; H01H2223/01; H01H2223/014; H01H2223/022; H01H2229/00; H01H2229/062; H01H2239/00; H01H2239/034; H01H2300/00; H01H2300/014
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A control panel comprising: a front panel having a recess and a peripheral part that surrounds the recess; a keypad positioned within the recess, the keypad having a front surface and being smaller than the recess to define a channel between the keypad and the peripheral part; and sealant filling the channel to define a boundary surface of the sealant that is substantially coplanar with the front surface, thereby to form a smooth transition between the front surface and the peripheral part.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
A control panel comprising: a front panel having a recess and a peripheral part that surrounds the recess; a keypad positioned within the recess, the keypad having a front surface and being smaller than the recess to define a channel between the keypad and the peripheral part; and sealant filling the channel to define a boundary surface of the sealant that is substantially coplanar with the front surface, thereby to form a smooth transition between the front surface and the peripheral part.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The control panel of claim 1 in which the front panel is provided with a back side and with at least one port extending between the channel and the back side of the front panel to allow the introduction of the sealant into the channel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The control panel of claim 2 in which the sealant is epoxy.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
93 words
A control panel comprising: a keypad having a front surface and at least one switch formed on the front surface; a front panel having a recess for receiving the keypad, the recess being larger than the keypad to define a channel around the keypad; and sealant filling the channel to form a smooth transition between the front panel and the keypad, the front panel having a back and at least one port extending from the channel to the back of the front panel to allow the sealant to be introduced into the channel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
93 words
A control panel comprising: a keypad having a front surface and at least one switch formed on the front surface; a front panel having a recess for receiving the keypad, the recess being larger than the keypad to define a channel around the keypad; and sealant filling the channel to form a smooth transition between the front panel and the keypad, the front panel having a back and at least one port extending from the channel to the back of the front panel to allow the sealant to be introduced into the channel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The control panel of claim 4 in which the switch is a membrane switch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The control panel of claim 4 in which the keypad has a thickness and in which the recess has a depth that is greater than or approximately equal to the thickness of the keypad.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The control panel of claim 4 in which the keypad has a thickness and in which the channel has a width that is greater than or approximately equal to the thickness of the keypad.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The control panel of claim 4 in which the sealant is epoxy.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The control panel of claim 4 in which the sealant provides a barrier to prevent the entry of moisture and debris into the channel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The control panel of claim 4 in which the sealant forms a smooth transition surface from the front panel to the keypad.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of making a control panel having a keypad attached to a front panel, comprising the steps of: forming a recess in the front panel, said recess being larger than the keypad; placing the keypad within the recess to define a channel around said keypad; introducing a liquid sealant into the channel; and hardening the sealant.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
57 words
A method of making a control panel having a keypad attached to a front panel, comprising the steps of: forming a recess in the front panel, said recess being larger than the keypad; placing the keypad within the recess to define a channel around said keypad; introducing a liquid sealant into the channel; and hardening the sealant.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 11 in which the sealant is introduced into the channel through a port extending from the channel through the front panel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of: covering the channel with a temporary barrier prior to introducing the sealant into the channel; and removing the temporary barrier after hardening the sealant.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 13 in which the sealant is introduced into the channel through at least one port extending from the channel through the front panel.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 13 in which the sealant is introduced into the channel through at least one port in the temporary barrier.
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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) | 1998-07-03 | 1999-01-02 | 1999-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-07-03 | 2003-01-02 | 2003-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-07-03 | 2007-01-02 | 2007-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |