Title: Key input means having a switching element made of a light emitting diode

Abstract: A light emitting diode has a metal casing connected to the cathode electrode thereof to protect the light emitting diode from the ambient conditions. Detector circuitry is provided for detecting touch operation by an operator to the metal casing of the light emitting diode. A driver is responsive to the output of the detector circuitry for enabling the light emitting diode when the touch operation is effected to the metal casing of the light emitting diode.

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Inventors: Satoh, Masaharu (Minoo, JA)

Application Number: 726557
Filing Date: 1976-09-27
Publication_date: 1978-05-30
Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha (Osaka, JA)
Primary Class(es): 341/34 257/678, 307/116, 345/170
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3581124	May, 1971	Flores et al.	340/365.
3683370	Aug, 1972	Nagano et al.	340/365.
3732389	May, 1973	Kaelin et al.	200/313.
3737670	Jun, 1973	Larson	200/DIG.
3772685	Nov, 1973	Masi	340/365.
3879618	Apr, 1975	Larson	340/365.
3971013	Jul, 1976	Challoner et al.	340/365.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Caldwell, Sr. John W.
Assistant Examiner: Groody, James J.
Attorney: Birch, Stewart, Kolasch & Birch