Wiping elastomeric switch
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
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Oct 19, 1999
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Jul 17, 1998
filing date -
Jul 17, 1998
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
An elastomeric switch is provided having self cleanings contacts. The switch includes a substrate and a switch actuator configured for reciprocating motion along an axis generally perpendicular to a surface of the substrate. A first switch contact, including a contact surface generally perpendicular to the actuator axis of motion is, carried by the switch actuator. A second switch contact is cantilevered from the surface of the substrate. Reciprocation of the actuator in a first direction toward the substrate acts to force the first contact against the distal end of the second contact. The two contacts are deflected together as result of further reciprocation of the actuator in the first direction. As the contacts are deflected, the distal end of the second contact is scraped across the contact surface of the first contact, thereby removing contaminants and other debris from the contact surface of the first contact. As the contacts are deflected, the second contact is mechanically biases against the first contact to eliminate contact bounce.
First Claim
Other Claims data not available