Patent · US Expired

Metallic keys

US6462294B2 · kind B2 · utility

80Cited by
25References
50Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 20, 2001
Grant dateOct 8, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 20, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49105
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method of forming including the steps of depositing an electroless metallic layer on an upper surface of a substrate; removing the metallic layer form selected portions to expose the substrate, the exposed portions of the substrate defining the image of an indicia; depositing a second metallic layer on the remaining portions of the first metallic layer by electrolysis; and coupling a lower surface of the substrate to an element for actuating a switch. A device for tactile actuation by a user, having an element, for activating a switch, coupled to a body supporting a metallic layer for tactile actuation by a user, wherein the metallic layer extends over an upper surface of the body and wherein at least one aperture extends through the metallic layer to said upper surface thereby defining at least one visible indicia.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.