Alps Electric (usa) Inc.

Barry Mullins

A membrane key switch includes a single resiliently deformable dielectric membrane with flaps cut therein which is formed in a housing such that the end of each flap covers a portion of the membrane. Conductive traces of the membrane are positioned so that downward flexing of the flap, caused by actuation of the switch, establishes electrical contact between a contact region on the flap end and a contact region on an uncut portion of the membrane.

Membrane switch with movable and fixed flap contacts mounted on a common

In a capacitive-type switch having two capacitive levels, a relatively thin blade of a desired dielectric material is interposed between two capacitive plates by downward actuation of a push-button switch so that the plates become separated by the blade. When the push button is released, the blade is removed from between the two capacitive plates and a high capacitance level is once again achieved.

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Claremont, CA, United States of America

Barry Mullins