US3694606A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elastic diaphragm switch actuator
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1971-06-29
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Granted: 1972-09-26
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Expires: 1991-06-29
Abstract
Abstract An elastic diaphragm switch actuator molded from a soft rubberlike material to apply the actuating force to the elastic diaphragm. The actuator has shoulder portions which engage a stop plate to prevent the application of excessive force to the diaphragm member.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard H Harris
- 👤 Louis H Sedaris
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 18:26
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/02; H01H13/12; H01H13/14; B; B41; B41J; B41J5/00; B41J5/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
In an elastic diaphragm switch assembly having a flexible insulating film carrying bonded conductors engageable with other conductors upon deformation of said film, operating means comprising, a. An actuator spring member movable between a cocked position and actuated position, b. A single piece actuator, molded from a soft rubber-like material, mounted on said spring, said actuator having a peripheral shoulder portion and a projecting central columnar portion, and c. A stop plate intermediate said spring and said flexible film, said stop plate having apertures located in positions to allow the projection of said columnar portion therethrough to deform said flexible film when said shoulder is in abutting relationship with said stop plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
In an elastic diaphragm switch assembly having a flexible insulating film carrying bonded conductors engageable with other conductors upon deformation of said film, operating means comprising, a. An actuator spring member movable between a cocked position and actuated position, b. A single piece actuator, molded from a soft rubber-like material, mounted on said spring, said actuator having a peripheral shoulder portion and a projecting central columnar portion, and c. A stop plate intermediate said spring and said flexible film, said stop plate having apertures located in positions to allow the projection of said columnar portion therethrough to deform said flexible film when said shoulder is in abutting relationship with said stop plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said shoulder portion has a relatively higher spring rate than said central portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the cross sectional area of said shoulder portion is greater than the cross sectional area of said central portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 3 wherein said actuator has a hardness of approximately 60 Du.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 3 wherein the extremity of said columnar portion of spherical in shape.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-26 | 1976-03-27 | 1976-09-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-26 | 1980-03-27 | 1980-09-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-26 | 1984-03-27 | 1984-09-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |