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US 10,262,817 B2Granted
Keypad with replaceable key labels
AssigneeDynagen Technologies, Inc.
InventorsPaul Wareham, Richard Robert Coulson, Wesley Warren Manning, Sean Nutter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A key able to accept a label for a keypad used in controlling electrically operated devices, wherein the key structure accepts and secures an interchangeable label, and which forms an impermeable barrier to the electrical contacts of a programmable circuit board.
Claims17
A programmable control panel for combustion engines or electrical equipment, comprising:
- a circuit board having a plurality of tactile switch elements, wherein each tactile switch element is programmable to carry out a respective function upon actuation, and is configured to return to a respective original position upon release;
- a keypad having a membrane and a plurality of keys integral with the membrane, wherein each key has a respective main piece on one side of the membrane and a respective switch actuating piece on an opposite side of the membrane, wherein for each key, the switch actuating piece contacts and actuates a respective one of the tactile switch elements upon depression of the key and each key returns to a non-depressed shape upon release of the key, and whereby actuation of the tactile switch elements by the keys and/or release of the tactile switch elements from the keys provides feedback to the operator via the keys;
- and
- a plurality of replaceable and interchangeable label components, the label components removably mountable to the main pieces of keys to convey the function of the underlying tactile switch of each respective key to an operator.
1 more element
A method of using a programmable control panel for combustion engines or electrical equipment, comprising:
- a. programming a tactile switch element of a circuit board to carry out a function upon actuation;
- b. removably mounting a label that is indicative of the function to a main piece of a key of a keypad;
- c. depressing the key to actuate the tactile switch element with a switch actuating piece of the key;
- d. releasing the key to allow the key to return to a non-depressed shape and to allow the tactile switch element to return to an original position;
- e. removing the label from the main piece of the key;
- f. programming the tactile switch element to carry out another function upon actuation;
- and
- g. removably mounting another label indicative of the other function to the main piece of the key;
- whereby actuation of the tactile switch elements by the key and/or return of the tactile switch element to the original position provides feedback to an operator via the key.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.