Electricity: circuit makers and breakers – Liquid contact – Time delay
Patent
1984-01-20
1985-06-25
Shepperd, John W.
Electricity: circuit makers and breakers
Liquid contact
Time delay
200159A, 200340, H01H 1354
Patent
active
045256136
ABSTRACT:
An improved switch assembly is disclosed, having particular application as part of a key in a computer keyboard. The switch includes a housing including a base, having electrical contacts secured above the base of the switch housing. A generally flat and deformable electrically conductive spring having a central area with outwardly extending spiral arms is disposed above the electrical contacts. A keystem is slidably mounted for longitudinal movement within the housing above the flat spiral spring. A user activates the switch by depressing a key cap mounted to the keystem, which deforms the spiral spring downward and forcing a portion of the spring against the electrical contact, thereby completing the circuit. The keystem includes outwardly extending tapered cam nubs. A "hairpin" cam spring is provided which in an inactive state rests in an oversize slot below the outwardly extending keystem cam. The depression of the key cap forces the tapered cam to spread the cam spring. Further depression presents a narrowing of the cam shape such that the cam spring "snaps" upwardly upon encountering the narrower shape. The upward snapping motion of the cam spring provides a positive tactile feel and audible click to the user.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3742157 (1973-06-01), Leposavic
patent: 3773997 (1973-11-01), Evans et al.
patent: 3819882 (1974-06-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 3928736 (1975-12-01), Drage
patent: 3969595 (1976-07-01), Johnson
patent: 4027122 (1977-05-01), Bevacqua
patent: 4145589 (1979-03-01), Albrechtsen
patent: 4409448 (1983-10-01), Matsui et al.
Apple Computer Inc.
Shepperd John W.
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