Patent ID: 6157026
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: G01D,H03K

Abstract:
An optical switch comprising:a housing,two push buttons each extending into the interior of said housing from the exterior thereof and each having a body portion disposed within said housing for movement through each of a plurality of positions,stationary light shields fixedly disposed in spaced apart relation within said housing, each of said shields having a plurality of apertures,first and second light emitting means fixedly disposed within said housing between said shields, said first of said light emitting means being in optical alignment with said apertures of one of said shields, said second of said light responsive means being in optical alignment with said apertures of another of said shields,first and second light responsive means fixedly disposed in spaced apart relation within said housing with said shields and said first and second light emitting means being disposed therebetween, said first of said light responsive means being in optical alignment with said apertures of said one of said shields, said second of said light responsive means being in optical alignment with said apertures of said another of said shields,a first shutter associated with said body portion of one of said push buttons, said first shutter being responsive to movement thereof to open and close predetermined of said apertures of said one of said shields, anda second shutter associated with said body portion of the other of said push buttons, said second shutter being responsive to movement thereof to open and close predetermined of said apertures of said another of said shields.