Patent ID: 6069552
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: G06F,H01H

Abstract:
An electrical switch, comprising:a carrier having a part of a set of electrodes formed on at least one side thereof, the electrodes being arranged to produce different outputs when contacted in different locations;a coupler layer adjacent said one side of the carrier;a spacer separating the carrier and coupler and defining at least one cavity therein between the carrier and coupler; anda conductive armature disposed in said cavity and having a rim, one of the coupler and armature being a magnet and the other being made of magnetic material such that the magnetic attraction between the coupler and armature normally holds at least the rim of the armature on the coupler in an open position, wherein the entire armature is spaced from the carrier, the armature being movable to a closed position, wherein a first portion of the rim contacts the electrodes and a second portion of the rim remains in contact with the coupler, the armature being arranged such that any portion of the rim can act as said first portion and any portion of the rim can act as said second portion, depending on the location of an actuating force on the armature.