US 6,982,617 B2
Dual output magnetically coupled pushbutton switch
Robert J. Brilon, Scottsdale, Ariz. (US); and Anthony J. Van Zeeland, Mesa, Ariz. (US)
Assigned to Duraswitch Industries, Inc., Mesa, Ariz. (US)
Filed on Nov. 24, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/721,025.
Prior Publication US 2005/0110601 A1, May 26, 2005
Int. Cl. H01H 9/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 335—205 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An improved armature, for use with a magnetically coupled pushbutton switch of the type at least having a magnetic coupler layer and a substrate layer, the armature comprising:
an electrically conductive magnetic material having a top surface and a bottom surface;
a crown that raises above the top surface, the crown being closest to a heel end of the armature and farthest from a toe end of the armature; and
at least one protuberance that is closer to the heel end than to the toe end such that when the armature is in a rest position within the magnetically coupled pushbutton switch, there is a gap between the magnetic coupler layer and the heel end of the armature.