Abstract: An input system is delineated comprising an array of touch regions. At least one touch region is aligned with a sensing structure. The sensing structure comprises a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.

Abstract: A switch is delineated comprising a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.

Abstract: An input system is delineated comprising an array of touch regions. At least one touch region is aligned with a sensing structure. The sensing structure comprises a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.

Abstract: A switch is delineated comprising a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.

Abstract: A switch comprising one or more keys mounted on a mat is disclosed. Each of the one or more keys includes a top section, a bottom section and an undercut region formed between the top section, the bottom section and the mat. Each of the one or more keys having a conductive surface mounted on an underside of the one or more keys. The switch also includes a substrate having one or more switch circuits corresponding to each of the one or more keys. Each of the one or more keys is mounted over each of the switch circuits and wherein when each of the keys is depressed the conductive surface contacts the switch circuit and completes the circuit. The switch further includes a bezel having one or more openings corresponding to the one or more keys. Each of the one or more keys is mounted through the one or more openings such that the top section of each of the one or more keys is on a top surface of the bezel and the bezel is in the undercut region.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water purification system for home usage is flushed periodically automatically by actuation of a non-related apparatus. In one embodiment, the reverse osmosis cartridge is mounted directly in the cold water line to a sink, such that water passes through the cold water inlet through the contaminated water outlet to the cold water faucet to the sink, flushing contaminants out of the cartridge through the faucet when the faucet is opened. In another embodiment, flushing is actuated by a solenoid-operated valve electrically connected to a garbage disposal switch.