Device with movable buttons or switches and tactile identifier
AssigneeGyrus ACMI, Inc. d/b/a Olympus Surgical Technologies America
InventorsTheodore C. Blus, Kester Julian Batchelor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present teachings provide for a device with a membrane and an underlying switch, an underlying switch actuator, or both that has a unique tactile pattern that is felt through the membrane when the membrane is aligned with the switch, switch actuator, or both, corresponding to the electrical state of the device. The membrane, the switch, the switch actuator or a combination thereof can be repositioned from a first position to a second position so that a different tactile feel is present through the membrane corresponding to a second electrical state.
Claims1
A device comprising:
- a) At least a first functional state and a second functional state;
- b) a selector assembly that moves between at least a first position and a second position, the selector assembly comprising:
- i. one or more circuit boards with two or more electronic switches;
- ii. one or more switch actuators;
- iii. a shuttle in communication with the one or more circuit boards, the one or more switch actuators, or both to move between at least the first position and the second position;
- and
- c) a membrane in communication with the one or more actuators;
- wherein the selector assembly in the first position is configured to provide a first functional element in the first functional state, and in the second position is configured to provide a second functional element in the second functional state;
- wherein each of the one or more switch actuators includes one or more identifiers, so that at least a first identifier is configured to be read through a contact portion of the membrane when the selector assembly is in the first position, and at least a second identifier is configured to be read through the contact portion of the membrane when the selector assembly is in the second position;
- and
- wherein the first functional element is activated when the one or more switch actuators with the at least first identifier is depressed, actuating a first switch of the two or more electronic switches, and the second functional element is activated when the one or more switch actuators with the at least second identifier is depressed, actuating a second switch of the two or more electronic switches.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.