Michael A Muller

US Patent:

43160662, Feb 16, 1982

Filed:

Nov 28, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/211428

Inventors:

Michael Muller - Newport Beach CA
Reed A. Palmer - Irvine CA
Harry R. Marker - Costa Mesa CA

Assignee:

International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation - New York NY

International Classification:

H01H 520
H01H 1338

US Classification:

200670

Abstract:

A key switch for data-entry keyboards and the like, the switch having a housing supporting a snap-action spring with a movable contact positioned adjacent a fixed contact on the housing. An actuator leaf spring is anchored at one end to the housing, and has a free end which is movable to drive the snap-action spring between first and second bi-stable positions to operate the switch. A keystem is slidably supported in the housing, and has a portion in contact with the actuator spring so depression of the keystem displaces the actuator spring to drive the snap-action spring.

US Patent:

44182570, Nov 29, 1983

Filed:

Nov 23, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/323550

Inventors:

Michael Muller - Newport Beach CA
Gary C. Butts - Huntington Beach CA

Assignee:

The Keyboard Company - Garden Grove CA

International Classification:

H01H 312
H01H 1352

US Classification:

200159B

Abstract:

An improved switch assembly is disclosed having particular application as part of a key in a computer keyboard. The switch includes first and second pairs of spaced apart electrical contacts, the first pair extending above the second. A conductive and resilient diaphragm is disposed over both pairs of contacts physically contacting only the first. A deformable generally bell shaped actuator member is disposed over the diaphragm, the walls of the actuator member being tapered in thickness so as to buckle upon the application of a known vertical force. Actuator means are provided to deform the actuator member in response to the activation of the switch by a user, thereby forcing the diaphragm to physically contact the second electrical contact completing a circuit.

US Patent:

43717608, Feb 1, 1983

Filed:

Mar 5, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/240926

Inventors:

Michael Muller - Newport Beach CA

Assignee:

Apple Computer, Inc. - Cupertino CA

International Classification:

H01H 1370

US Classification:

200 5A

Abstract:

A device which provides a plurality of actuator members, for effecting switch closure in a sandwich keyboard formed with a printed circuit board having many electrical conductive paths thereon, with the actuator members being integrally formed with a connecting bus. The device is provided with a number of bendable fingers for making contact with any desired conductive path lying beneath the fingers thereby permitting the device to serve as a "jumper connector" without adding wire jumpers to the back of the printed circuit board. The actuator member is constructed to have self cleaning contact surfaces. A plurality of such actuators is preferably formed of a single strip of thin sheet metal.

US Patent:

43419348, Jul 27, 1982

Filed:

Nov 21, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/208672

Inventors:

Michael Muller - Newport Beach CA

Assignee:

The Keyboard Company - Garden Grove CA

International Classification:

H01H 312

US Classification:

200159A

Abstract:

A resilient metallic actuator and contact, for use with keyboard switches, designed to provide a specific tactile effect to the keyboard operator. The preferred actuator is a double member actuator. The first member provides a resting spring bias to the key. The second member provides a significant increase in the spring bias force slightly prior to the switch making contact. In one embodiment the actuator activates a dome like over center contact to close the switch. In an alternate embodiment the second actuator member is configured to perform the function of a contact member.

US Patent:

41174380, Sep 26, 1978

Filed:

Apr 13, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/786983

Inventors:

Kirk J. Kim - Corona del Mar CA
Michael Muller - Newport Beach CA

Assignee:

Datanetics Corporation - Fountain Valley CA

International Classification:

H01F 2104
G08C 100

US Classification:

336 75

Abstract:

Inductive sensing keyswitch includes a printed circuit transformer and sheet of material having hinged metal flaps formed therein and each flap is resiliently biased against both printed circuit coils of the transformer for eddy-current shorting of both coils wherein keys on the keyboard have key stems passing through the printed circuit board between the printed coils and the flap hinges to provide a mechanical advantage for moving the flaps away from the printed circuit coils a greater distance than the short stroke movement of the key.