Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Edward W Wanatowicz

John K McVey

Dennis G Boma

A method of making a plastic terminal connector having a metal terminal set embedded therein in which the conductive contact members of the terminal set are electrically isolated from each other prior to the injection molding process. There is included a three-plated mold base which is formed from a lower movable mold plate, an intermediate mold plate, and an upper stationary mold plate. The upper mold plate includes a plurality of punches which extend through the spring-biased intermediate mold plate so as to cut connecting ties of the metal terminal set so as to form a plurality of individual electrically isolated conductive contact members when the mold is closed. The cutting operation is performed prior to the injection molding process as an integral part of loading the metal terminal set into the lower mold plate and securing the terminal set within the mold between the lower and intermediate mold plates when the mold is closed.

Method of insert molding with web placed in the mold

A key cap and switch are provided for an electronic keyboard apparatus such as an electronic typewriter, a computer, or other data input apparatus. A torque rod is provided which is mounted pivotally directly on the switch and interconnects by sliding and pivoting connection with opposite ends of the key top, and thus to prevent tipping of the key top if an off center depressing force is applied thereto. Since the torque rod is mounted on the switch and interconnects with the key top it can be preassembled with these parts and need not be assembled with the switch mounting panel or any other fixed parts of the apparatus.

Keyswitch configuration with torque rod holder

A capacitive keyswitch is formed by a flat, horizontal capacitor plate that is covered by a dielectric layer on a printed circuit board and a moveable capacitor plate that is secured to the printed circuit board by a pair of tabs and is hinged so that it projects upwardly at an acute angle with respect to the horizontal printed circuit board. The plastic plunger for actuating the switch is formed with an integrally molded cantilever overtravel arm, which preferably is formed as a segment of the circumference of a circle. The arm has an integral transversely projecting cylindrical rod at its end which contacts the moveable capacitor plate during actuation of the keyswitch.

Capacitive keyswitch with overtravel plunger mechanism

A keyswitch for a keyboard is disclosed that has a support assembly which holds a saturable magnetic core and drive and sense line wires for the core. A plunger and magnet assembly that is depressible relative to the housing of the switch allows a permanent magnet to be moved away from the core when the plunger is depressed so the core can come out of magnetic saturation, thereby allowing signals from the drive line to be coupled to the sense line. The support assembly is formed of a two-piece construction that utilizes two identical molded plastic parts whereby the core and drive and sense line wires can be easily inserted into and removed from the support assembly.

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Elk Grove Village, IL, United States of America

Edward W Wanatowicz