Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Multiple circuit control – Combined pivoted and reciprocating contact
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-03
2001-05-22
Scott, J. R. (Department: 2832)
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Multiple circuit control
Combined pivoted and reciprocating contact
C200S00100B, C200S0060BA, C200S0110TC, C200S568000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236002
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a rotary switch and, more particularly, to a rotary switch that can create multiple sets of circuit signals by using a rotary dial that has a plurality of multiple sets of contacts that engage with other associated contacts on a circuit board.
A mouse and a plurality of function keys are provided on a computer keyboard to improve user operativity. Typically, twenty-four function keys are provided on a conventional keyboard. By providing a plurality of function keys, a user can enter a variety of software commands by pressing a single function key. However, a plurality of function keys occupy a considerable amount of space on a computer keyboard. Thus, a problem arises concerning how to provide more function keys without expanding the size of the keyboard.
A conventional function key is designed for a single group mode, that is, a user has to further select a specified program in a sub-routine after entering a window by pressing a function key. Such a process insufficiently enhances the keyboard operativity.
In order to avoid an increase in production cost and prevent expansion of keyboard size, efforts have been made to group function keys in a rotary switch, as shown in FIG.
1
. In the rotary switch of
FIG. 1
, however, a signal is transmitted by a single step rotation that potentially may cause a repetitive or erroneous instruction that will lead to undesirable results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of this invention is to group a plurality of function keys in a two-stage controllable rotary switch, wherein multiple sets of contact protrusions extend radially in a predetermined pattern on a contact plate to communicate with a contact member array on a circuit board so as to produce multiple sets of circuit signals. The circuit signals are only transmitted to a host computer by depressing an operation shaft so as to avoid repetitive or erroneous instruction. As the function keys are integrated in a rotary switch on a group basis, the operativity is enhanced without expanding the keyboard volume.
Another object of this invention is to provide a contact member array on a planar circuit board that comprises a plurality of resilient, linear members. The resilient, linear members have a portion projecting transversely of the plane of the circuit board. The portion projecting from the circuit board is arranged so as to form at least one contact point that communicates with one of the contact protrusions. Additional features of this invention will become apparent from the ensuing descriptions of this invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4133990 (1979-01-01), Wanner et al.
patent: 4539444 (1985-09-01), Senoh
patent: 4758693 (1988-07-01), Hoffman
patent: 5008498 (1991-04-01), Yamazaki
patent: 5010214 (1991-04-01), Yamaxaki
patent: 5315077 (1994-05-01), Simon et al.
patent: 5436413 (1995-07-01), Katakami
patent: 5847335 (1998-12-01), Sugahara et al.
patent: 5952628 (1999-09-01), Sato et al.
Bacon & Thomas PLLC
Scott J. R.
Shin Jiuh Corp.
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