Abstract:
An autoclavable electrical switch assembly for use with a medical device (11) having electrical functions comprising a flexible substrate formed of an insulating material. First and second surfaces (32, 33) have outer margins. A first conductive structure (37), adherent to the first surface, forms a pattern surrounding an area of the surface and a contact (46) is disposed within the area. A second conductive structure (38), adherent to the second surface, forms a ground plate and at least one feedthrough device (48) forms a connection between the contact and the ground plate. A snap dome (67) of a conductive material overlies the contact and engages the pattern surrounding the area. A flexible cover (86) is disposed over the first and second surfaces for forming a hermetic seal between the outer margins so that the dome is hermetically sealed. The cover and the seal are capable of withstanding repeated autoclaving.
Abstract:
A method is provided for manufacturing an electronically functional structural component adapted to integrate a plurality of electronic functions into a laminate cover, layer, and/or laminate component, for protecting, supporting, and/or forming a complete electronic device (such as a multimedia device). The method includes laminating a plurality of structural and/or protective layers interspersed with electronically functional layers or electronic components in communication with the multimedia device to form a supportive and electronically functional layer, cover, protective layer, and/or electronic device. Thus, the manufacturing methods provided allow for the cost-effective addition of thin and lightweight functional, protective, and/or decorative layers to a multimedia device or other electronic device at a sales location or other customization location.
Abstract:
A switch matrix keyboard (18) comprising a waterproof portion which includes a sheet of printed key tips (20) mounted on a cover support member (22) overlying an indicia sheet (26) identifying the key tips (24), first and second switch-matrix electrical conductors (32 and 40) separated by an insulator sheet (34) mounted on a printed circuit board (30), a plurality of light-emitting diodes (62) mounted in the printed circuit board (30) for selectively lighting one of the key tips (24) when operated, a plurality of I.C. circuit elements (50) secured to the lower surface (48) of the printed circuit board (30) and connected to the electrical conductors (32) forming an electrical circuit associated with the operation of the keyboard (18) and a key operated switching mechanism (72) extending through the keyboard (18) to sense light emitted from elements (78) mounted in the lower surface (48) of the printed circuit board (30) for controlling the operating mode of the keyboard (18).