Patent ID: 6087600
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A keypad for input of commands for an elevator control system, comprising a contact membrane including a plurality of aligned contact pairs; means for providing tactile feedback to a user upon actuation of said contacts; a casing for said contact membrane and said tactile feedback providing means; and a plurality of activating keys integrated in a key module removably located on a top of said casing, wherein said contact membrane comprises a flexible air-tight chamber having upper and lower surfaces normally separated by a gas cushion within the air-tight chamber, a first contact of each of the contact pairs located on the upper surface and extending within the air-tight chamber and a second contact of each of the contact pairs being located on the lower surface and extending within the air-tight chamber in a spaced relation to the first contact, the gas cushion being compressible by an application of a force to an exterior of the contact membrane at the location of a chosen aligned contact pair of the content pairs to allow the contacts of the chosen contact pair to come into electrical contact, the contacts of the chosen contact pair separating and returning to the spaced relation upon removal of the force, said means for providing tactile feedback comprising a tactile feedback mat having a plurality of switching plungers located upon said contact membrane in alignment with said contact pairs.