Membrane switch
First Claim
1. A membrane switch comprising a static layer having at least one static layer electrically conductive member, a flexible membrane layer disposed adjacent to such static layer and having at least one membrane layer electrically conductive member positioned for engagement with said electrically conductive member of said static layer, said flexible membrane layer being moveable with respect to said static layer to assume a closed position with said at least one static layer electrically conductive member in electrical contact with said at least one said membrane layer conductive member and an open position wherein said electrically conductive members are not in electrical contact and, a membrane switch transmitter assembly integrated into said membrane switch for transmitting signals responsive to said switch being in said closed position and a membrane switch receiver for receiving said signals from said transmitter without requiring a physical connection between said transmitted assembly and said receiver.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a membrane switch which has a static layer and a flexible membrane layer disposed adjacent to each other with one or more pairs of aligned electrical poles such that the switch may assume an electrically closed position and an electrically open position. A transmitter is integrally provided within the switch, preferably in the static layer and transmits signals responsive to closing of the switch or keystrokes applied thereto. A receiver receives the signals and in cooperation with the microprocessor delivers responsive output to an electronic circuit or system. Direct physical connections between the switch and the circuit or systems are not required.
17 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A membrane switch comprising
a static layer having at least one static layer electrically conductive member, a flexible membrane layer disposed adjacent to such static layer and having at least one membrane layer electrically conductive member positioned for engagement with said electrically conductive member of said static layer, said flexible membrane layer being moveable with respect to said static layer to assume a closed position with said at least one static layer electrically conductive member in electrical contact with said at least one said membrane layer conductive member and an open position wherein said electrically conductive members are not in electrical contact and, a membrane switch transmitter assembly integrated into said membrane switch for transmitting signals responsive to said switch being in said closed position and a membrane switch receiver for receiving said signals from said transmitter without requiring a physical connection between said transmitted assembly and said receiver.
Specification