US5697493A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tactile feedback switch actuator
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1995-06-16
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Granted: 1997-12-16
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Expires: 2015-06-16
Abstract
Abstract A tactile feedback switch actuator for an associated force-actuated switch has a key cap linked to a collapsible dome by an optical fiber, all of which are light-transmittable. The actuator is operated by manually applying an actuating force to the key cap which exceeds the modulus of collapse of the dome. In response, the dome reversibly collapses in a tactile snapping action against the underlying light-transmittable switch panel having pressure-sensitive contacts embedded therein to change the operative state of the switch. When the actuating force is withdrawn, the collapsible dome elastically returns to its uncollapsed condition, while the switch remains in its newly-actuated operative state. The actuator and associated switch are structurally integrated and aligned so that light-emitting pixels in an underlying electroluminescent panel provide visual feedback of the operative state of the switch.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary M. Sach
- 👤 Francisco Palop
- 👤 William A. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 17:42
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/702; H01H13/703; H01H2211/00; H01H2211/026; H01H2211/028; H01H2215/00; H01H2215/004; H01H2215/006; H01H2215/022; H01H2217/00; H01H2217/018; H01H2219/00; H01H2219/002; H01H2219/018; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/07; H01H2223/00; H01H2223/034
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
A low-profile force-actuated switch having a tactile feedback actuator, said switch comprising: a displaceable light-transmittable key cap wherein said key cap is manually engageable to receive an actuating force from an operator; a reversibly collapsible light-transmittable convex member wherein said convex member has a reversible snap action upon collapse, thereby providing tactile feedback to the operator of a change in switch operative state; a light-transmittable linkage connecting said key cap and said convex member and providing for reversible collapse of said convex member upon sufficient displacement of said key cap, said light-transmittable linkage including an optical fiber; switch contacts including a first switch contact in pressure communication with said key cap and displaceable upon collapse of said convex member to engage a second switch contact and initiate one of at least two operative states wherein said switch contacts are touch panel switch contacts; and a light-emitting panel in light communication with said key cap across said linkage, said convex member, and said switch contacts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
A low-profile force-actuated switch having a tactile feedback actuator, said switch comprising: a displaceable light-transmittable key cap wherein said key cap is manually engageable to receive an actuating force from an operator; a reversibly collapsible light-transmittable convex member wherein said convex member has a reversible snap action upon collapse, thereby providing tactile feedback to the operator of a change in switch operative state; a light-transmittable linkage connecting said key cap and said convex member and providing for reversible collapse of said convex member upon sufficient displacement of said key cap, said light-transmittable linkage including an optical fiber; switch contacts including a first switch contact in pressure communication with said key cap and displaceable upon collapse of said convex member to engage a second switch contact and initiate one of at least two operative states wherein said switch contacts are touch panel switch contacts; and a light-emitting panel in light communication with said key cap across said linkage, said convex member, and said switch contacts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The switch as recited in claim 1 wherein said reversibly collapsible light-transmittable convex member has a modulus of collapse and said actuating force is substantially greater than said modulus of collapse of said convex member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The switch as recited in claim 1 wherein at least two of operative states comprises an on operative state and an off operative state.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The switch as recited in claim 1 wherein said light emitting panel is activatable in response to engagement of said first and second switch contacts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The switch as recited in claim 1 wherein said light-emitting panel has a pixel aligned with said linkage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The switch as recited in claim 5 wherein said light-emitting panel is integral with said touch panel in a unitary switch panel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The switch as recited in claim 6 wherein said first and second switch contacts are light-transmittable and said second switch contact is aligned with said convex member and said pixel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The switch as recited in claim 1 further comprising a bezel substantially stationary relative to said key cap, said bezel positioned to frame said key cap, thereby maintaining said key cap in light communication with said light-emitting panel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The switch as recited in claim 1 wherein said key cap and convex member are substantially transparent.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The switch as recited in claim 1 having a height of less than about 0.2 inches.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
194 words
A low-profile force-actuated switch having a tactile feedback actuator for a touch panel, said switch comprising: a displaceable light-transmittable key cap; a reversibly collapsible light-transmittable convex member, the application of actuating force to said reversibly collapsible member collapsing said reversibly collapsible member and applying said actuating force through said reversibly collapsible member to said switch; a light-transmittable linkage connecting said key cap and said convex member and providing for reversible collapse of said convex member upon sufficient displacement of said key cap, said light-transmittable linkage including an optical fiber; a bezel substantially stationary relative to said key cap, said bezel having a top surface, said bezel positioned to frame said keycap and thereby maintaining said key cap in position, the top surface of said bezel being contoured to provide tactile identification of switch function type; switch contacts including a first switch contact in pressure communicate with said key cap and displaceable upon collapse of said convex member to engage a second switch contact and initiate one of at lest two operative states; and a light emitting panel in light communication with said key cap across said linkage, said convex member, and said switch contacts.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
194 words
A low-profile force-actuated switch having a tactile feedback actuator for a touch panel, said switch comprising: a displaceable light-transmittable key cap; a reversibly collapsible light-transmittable convex member, the application of actuating force to said reversibly collapsible member collapsing said reversibly collapsible member and applying said actuating force through said reversibly collapsible member to said switch; a light-transmittable linkage connecting said key cap and said convex member and providing for reversible collapse of said convex member upon sufficient displacement of said key cap, said light-transmittable linkage including an optical fiber; a bezel substantially stationary relative to said key cap, said bezel having a top surface, said bezel positioned to frame said keycap and thereby maintaining said key cap in position, the top surface of said bezel being contoured to provide tactile identification of switch function type; switch contacts including a first switch contact in pressure communicate with said key cap and displaceable upon collapse of said convex member to engage a second switch contact and initiate one of at lest two operative states; and a light emitting panel in light communication with said key cap across said linkage, said convex member, and said switch contacts.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
A force-actuated switch having a tactile feedback actuator as recited in claim 11 wherein the top surface of said bezel is contoured to provide tactile identification of switch function type.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
160 words
A low-profile force-actuated switch having a tactile feedback actuator for a touch panel, said switch comprising: a displaceable light-transmittable key cap; a reversibly collapsible light-transmittable convex member; a light transmittable linkage connecting said key cap and said convex member and providing for reversible collapse of said convex member upon sufficient displacement of said key cap, said light-transmittable linkage including an optical fiber; a bezel substantially stationary relative to said key cap, said bezel positions to frame said keycap and thereby maintaining said key cap in position, the top surface of said bezel being contoured to provide tactile identification of switch function type; switch contacts including a first switch contact in pressure communication with said key cap and displaceable upon collapse of said concave member to engage a second switch contact and initiate one of at least two operative states; and a light-emitting panel in light communication with said key cap across said linkage, said convex member, and said switch contacts.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
160 words
A low-profile force-actuated switch having a tactile feedback actuator for a touch panel, said switch comprising: a displaceable light-transmittable key cap; a reversibly collapsible light-transmittable convex member; a light transmittable linkage connecting said key cap and said convex member and providing for reversible collapse of said convex member upon sufficient displacement of said key cap, said light-transmittable linkage including an optical fiber; a bezel substantially stationary relative to said key cap, said bezel positions to frame said keycap and thereby maintaining said key cap in position, the top surface of said bezel being contoured to provide tactile identification of switch function type; switch contacts including a first switch contact in pressure communication with said key cap and displaceable upon collapse of said concave member to engage a second switch contact and initiate one of at least two operative states; and a light-emitting panel in light communication with said key cap across said linkage, said convex member, and said switch contacts.
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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) | 2000-12-15 | 2001-06-16 | 2001-12-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-12-15 | 2005-06-16 | 2005-12-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-12-15 | 2009-06-16 | 2009-12-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |