Abstract: A keyless entry touch pad system for a vehicle includes a substrate with a plurality of touch zones disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the opposite surface. An inner electrode of each pattern is aligned with one of the touch zones. Each pattern is electrically coupled to an integrated control circuit, which outputs a signal to and energizes the electrodes of the pattern such that electric fields emanates therefrom. The electrode patterns may be capacitively coupled to the integrated control circuit. When the electric field of the inner electrode is disturbed by a stimulus proximate the corresponding touch zone, the component is activated. Upon activation of the components in a predetermined sequence, a controller causes the vehicle door to unlock. A method of unlocking a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stand-off having a flange and a projecting portion extending from the flange is integrated with a first substrate, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB), by forming a hole in the PCB, inserting the projecting portion of the stand-off through the hole, and attaching a second substrate to the first substrate with the flange therebetween. The flange can be at least partially received by a relief formed in one of the substrates or in an aperture in an adhesive layer between the two substrates. The stand-off can be further secured to the PCB using one or more of adhesives, interference fit techniques, snap-assembly features, and other applicable techniques. Alternatively, the stand-off can be attached to a substrate using a sliding snap feature or sliding interference fit. An attachable component can be attached to the projecting portion of the stand-off.

Abstract: A low impedance sensor includes thin conductive electrodes on a dielectric substrate and detects proximity of a target metal object or structure moving along defined path such as a track. The sensor includes a first conductive electrode pad having a closed, continuous geometric form and a second conductive electrode surrounding the first electrode and spaced from the first electrode by a channel of non-conductive dielectric. The first and second electrodes are optionally disposed on the same surface of the substrate. An integrated control circuit is located on the substrate proximate the first and second electrodes, and is electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A haptic feedback system includes movable and static portions coupled by one or more magnetic fields that serve to retard movement of the movable portion with respect to the static portion so as to provide haptic feedback when the movable portion is moved relative to the static portion. A magnet associated with one of the movable and static portions reacts with structure associated with the other of the movable and static portions so as to provide haptic feedback when the movable portion is moved with respect to the static portion.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes multiple point light sources housed in a reflector housing. The reflector housing diffuses the light produced by the point light sources to emulate a linear light source. Power supplies are provided to energize the light sources, to control heat generation and energy usage, and to provide thermal protection.

Abstract: A touch sensor is physically integrated with a light emitting device to provide a switching device with built-in backlighting. In some embodiments, the touch sensor and the light emitting device share electrical components.

Abstract: A touch sensor is associated with a housing that is adapted for attachment to the outer perimeter of a fluid conduit. The housing can be attached to the fluid conduit such that the touch sensor can detect the presence of fluid within the fluid conduit. The output of the touch sensor can be used by an indicator or processor.

Abstract: A touch sensor interfaces with a control system or controlled device using two wires. The output of the touch sensor controls an output switch.

Abstract: An intelligent shelving system uses touch sensors to operate power-operated, adjustable shelves. Touch sensors also are used as limit switches to control shelf motion, to monitor the encroachment of shelved items on shelves, to detect spills, and to control other related devices and functions, such as shelf lighting. Display units are provided to provide information relating to objects stored in the shelving system and to the operation of the shelving system.

Abstract: A switch panel includes one or more touch responsive switch devices and an integrated decorative fascia. Both the switch devices and decoration are applied to the same substrate, eliminating the need for a separate user interface panel. Each switch device can include one or more electrodes and a circuit for inducing an electric field about the electrode(s) and responding to disturbances to the electric field.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad, an electric field generated about the touch pad and also having a preferably integrated and local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. The touch switch apparatus also having at least one of an input circuit portion for providing input signals to a decision circuit, swamping capacitance, active blocking devices, peak detector circuits, and a dual connection output latch circuit portion.

Abstract: A panel, such as a component carrier or substrate, is provided with one or more penetrations. A light source associated with a surface of the panel and the corresponding end of each penetration provides light to the interior of the penetration, which guides the light to the other end of the penetration and corresponding surface of the panel. The penetration can be coated with a reflective material to improve its performance as a light guide. Alternatively or additionally, the penetration can be filled with a refractive material. A diffuser can be provided to diffuse light exiting the penetration. The light sources provides light to selected penetrations on demand such that the penetrations function as displays or elements of a display.

Abstract: A touch sensor is physically integrated with a light emitting device to provide a switching device with built-in backlighting. In some embodiments, the touch sensor and the light emitting device share electrical components.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad and a local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. The touch pad preferable includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from and surrounding the first electrode. The control circuit is preferably in integrated circuit form. A signal is provided to the touch pad to generate an electric field thereabout. Introduction of a stimulus near the touch pad disturbs the electric field. The control circuit detects the electric field disturbance in and generates a control signal in response.

Abstract: A control circuit receives inputs from first and second field effect sensors. The control circuit produces a control output only if the second field effect sensor senses proximity or touch more than a predetermined time after the first field effect sensor senses proximity or touch.

Abstract: A field effect sensor interfaces with a power supply and detection circuit using two wires. The detection circuit can determine which of several parallel-connected field affect sensors is or is not activated at any given time.

Abstract: A field effect sensor is adapted for use in sensing level of fluids and powders. The sensor uses elongated, parallel electrodes disposed on or within the side wall of a tank. The longitudinal axes of the electrodes are parallel to the surface of fluid or powder contained in the tank.

Abstract: A control system interface integrates an electronic switching or sensing mechanism with an existing or custom-fabricated, functional or decorative equipment panel. The electronic switching or sensing mechanism is located on the rear surface of the equipment panel and a corresponding touch surface is defined on the front surface of the equipment panel. The electronic switching or sensing mechanism is responsive to a stimulus in the proximity of the touch surface, and it provides a control signal to a control system when it senses such a stimulus.

Abstract: Touch switches are integrated with thermoformable, injection molded, and other substrates to yield integrated touch switch/control panel assemblies. The ensuant assemblies can include ridges, depressions, anchors, overlaps, rivets and bezels or other housings. They can have any combination of flat and curved surfaces. Further, such assemblies can be incorporated into components of other assemblies, such as automobiles.