Abstract: A strain-gauge transducer (5) comprising a substrate (10) provided with strain gauges and pressure members (11, 12) which deform the substrate (10) via transfer elements (1a, 4a) which transmit an applied force (F). The transfer elements comprise bars (1a, 1b, 4a, 4b) molded from an elastomer in a common molding operation. A material (2a, 3a) having a higher compressibility than the bars may be interposed between the bars. This material may form elastic stops (54a) provided to preclude breakage of the substrate. This results in a transducer whose sensitivity is linear for small loads and which is very insusceptible to overloading. The transducer can be used for the construction of scales or touch tablets.

Abstract: A device for generating multi-directional commands, comprising at least one plate provided with strain gauges (R.sub.1 -R.sub.4) (R.sub.5 -R.sub.8) which detect the multi-directional deformations incurred by the plate under the influence of a force F exerted on a surface of the plate. One of the extremities of the plate cooperates with a support and the plate bears, by way of its other surface, on a fulcrum at the other extremity. The fulcrum may be formed by the head of a microswitch, the extremity of the plate being linked to the support. The microswitch is capable of controlling operations for the activation of the device and/or the validation of the electric signals from the strain gauges. The orientation of the force F with respect to the axis of the fulcrum enables the issue of multi-directional commands. The device has a shape ergonomically adapted to handling by means of a single hand.

Abstract: A strain-gauge transducer comprises a strain gauge enclosed between pressure members which deform the strain gauge, the strain gauge comprising a plate-shaped substrate provided with strain-detection elements. At least one spring having a flexibility larger than that of the substrate is arranged between the strain gauge and at least one of the pressure members, said substrate and said spring being in contact with one another so as to be jointly subjected to deformations. The spring may be a blade spring, a helical spring, or a cylindrical buffer spring. The excursions of the pressure members can be limited by means of stops. In the case of a blade spring the contact between the substrate and the spring can be controlled by giving the substrate a toothed shape or by providing it with contact elements.

Abstract: A photoelectric detection structure of the present invention comprises a photosensitive layer deposited on a substrate consisting of a material transparent to radiation of visible light and of the near infrared light. The substrate has a refractive index for this radiation in the order of 2 with the substrate comprising on its surface incident to the radiation a structure to reduce the reflection of the radiation on that surface.