Abstract:
A multi-contact tactile sensor including an elastically deformable interaction layer and a supporting layer, a lower surface of the interaction layer including an array of strip conductors and an upper surface of the supporting layer including an array of strip conductors that are not parallel to the array of strip conductors on the interaction layer. The interaction layer and the supporting layer are separated by a first series of rigid insulating spacers. A second series of conducting spacers is in contact with at least one of the two arrays of strip conductors. The impedance and dimensions of the spacers of the second series are determined to prevent contact at rest and enable local contact during deformation of the interaction layer between the spacers of the second series and the array of strip conductors of the layer opposite the spacers. A controller can control one such sensor, a multi-contact tactile screen can include one such sensor, and a keyboard including a set of discrete keys can be formed by one such sensor.
Abstract:
A pressure responsive, variable resistance, analog switch has first and second conductors interleaved in spaced-apart relationship and disposed on a base member. An insulative spacer ring is positioned around and rises above the first and second conductors. A resilient cover sheet is attached to the top of the insulative spacer ring in spaced relationship over the conductors to define an enclosure between the resilient cover sheet and the base member. A pressure sensitive resistive conductor composition is disposed on the resilient cover sheet or on the conductors in the enclosure to interconnect a resistance between the first and second conductors when the resilient cover sheet is depressed against the conductors. The amount of resistance so interconnected varies inversely to the amount of pressure exerted.
Abstract:
A circuit board or sheet of homogeneous material having one or more circuit elements adhering to a surface thereof, said sheet providing a low through resistance path between each circuit element and opposed and aligned contacts positioned in surface contact with the opposite side of the sheet while providing a high isolation resistance between out of alignment contacts positioned on the opposite side of the sheet and between contacts positioned on the same side of the sheet positioned an isolation distance from said circuit elements. The circuit board with a circuit pattern is shown in various applications, such as keyboard or watch.
Abstract:
A pressure transducer device particularly useful in an electronic musical instrument includes a flexible base folded to define upper and lower flexible base portions, a donut-shaped first spacer between the upper and lower base portions and a resiliently deformable diaphragm attached about its periphery to the upper flexible base portion with a second donut-shaped spacer therebetween. A center region of the diaphragm laterally spaced from the second spacer is adhesively attached to a central region of the upper flexible base portion so that the upper flexible base portion moves inwardly and outwardly in response to the movement of the diaphragm. A pair of conductors are disposed on the folded flexible base member to face one another. A pressure responsive composition disposed over the conductors provides a contact resistance across the pair of conductors which varies inversely with the amount of pressure force exerted against the diaphragm. The upper flexible base portion may be attached between the first and second spacers about its entire periphery or at a small hinge region with the upper base portion being a flap movable about the hinge region in the region surrounded by the first spacer.
Abstract:
A key signal entering device for thin electronic apparatus comprises paired electrodes provided on an insulating substrate, an anisotropically electroconductive sheet disposed on said electrodes and a layer of an electroconductive material disposed thereon. A key signal is generated by selectively pressing said device from above to modify the electroconductive area in the thickness direction of said anisotropically electroconductive sheet thereby electrically connecting said electrodes with said electroconductive layer. An alternative device comprises an anisotropically electroconductive sheet sandwiched between flexible sheets having electrodes arranged in mutually facing relationship, wherein a key signal is generated by pressing said flexible film to render said anisotropically electroconductive sheet conductive thereby electrically connecting electrodes on said flexible sheets.
Abstract:
An electrical connector in sheet form or the like which has a low through resistance in a volume between opposing surface contacts on opposite sides or surfaces of the sheet and provides a substantially higher isolation resistance in all volumes thereof between a contact on the surface of the sheet which is at a distance greater than the thickness of the sheet from any of the first of the above mentioned contacts.
Abstract:
A tactile switch plate for a keyboard comprises a non-conductive member sandwiched between a pair of conductors, the member having a planar body portion provided with a plurality of outwardly deformed carrier portions corresponding in number and spacing to the number and spacing of the keys of the keyboard. Each of the carrier portions is resiliently flexible for movement toward the plane of the body and each carrier portion carries a preferably elastomeric switching member that is adapted to bridge the conductors and establish an electrical circuit between the conductors. The plate and switching members preferably are produced by a molding process and the elastomeric switching members are cured by heat generated by an electrical current.
Abstract:
A first resistor layer is formed on the lower surface of a base in film form, and at the same time, a second resistor layer in which particles of different particle diameters are dispersed is formed and layered on the lower surface of the first resistor layer, and thus, a pressure sensitive conductive sheet is formed. In this configuration, the second resistor layer in uneven form makes contact with the fixed contacts in accordance with a pressing force so that electrical connection is made via the second resistor layer and the first resistor layer, and therefore, a thin panel switch with little fluctuation in the resistance value resulting from repeated operation where a stable resistance value can be gained can be realized.
Abstract:
A conductive elastomeric ink is described comprised of very fine nickel particles admixed in a silicone binder. The ink has utility in elastomeric switch control devices, printed circuits and the like.