The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 03, 2009
Filed:
Apr. 11, 2007
Kevin Franklin Casey, Cary, NC (US);
Mark Cameron Cassada, Hillsborough, NC (US);
Frederic Michael Kozak, Raleigh, NC (US);
Kevin Craig Redmon, Durham, NC (US);
Kevin Franklin Casey, Cary, NC (US);
Mark Cameron Cassada, Hillsborough, NC (US);
Frederic Michael Kozak, Raleigh, NC (US);
Kevin Craig Redmon, Durham, NC (US);
Cisco Technology, Inc., San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for providing a switch that includes multiple parts, and is arranged to function after extended periods of being in a depressed state are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-part switch includes a first contact, a second contact, and a plate. The first contact is electrically coupled to a first lead on a circuit board, and a second contact is electrically coupled to a second lead on the circuit board. The plate includes an electrically conductive area that contacts the first contact and the second contact to allow a signal to flow from the first contact to the second contact through the plate. In contacting the first contact and the second contact, the plate applies a compressive force to the first contact and to the second contact.