Method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches
US7255622B2 · kind B2 · utility
42Cited by
1References
44Claims
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Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 27, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49156
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the steps of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together form a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then used with a precisely positioned indexing system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.