Abstract: This invention provides an omnidirectionally responsive cable switch (5) capable of snake-like or twisted wiring or layout and comprising a tubular outer cover (1) made of an insulating material and 2-4 separate conductive rubbers (3a-3d) fixed on the inner surface of the outer cover leaving an air gap (2) therebetween, the separate conductive rubbers being spaced apart from each other, and the outer cover being capable of being distorted together with the conductive rubbers so that the separate conductive rubbers may contact with each other when substantial compressive pressure is applied thereon at any point of the outer cover, thereby forming a switching contact therebetween. The air gap (2) may be substantially of a cross-shaped, Y-shaped, V-shaped, S-shaped, or arrow-head-shaped form. The omnidirectionally responsive cable switch may be further protected or guarded by a reinforcing member or material.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive sparkless switching device includes a layer of piezoresistive cellular polymer foam, at least two conductive layers, and an insulative spacer element having at least one opening. When pressure is applied to the device the piezoresistive foam disposes itself through the opening of the spacer element and makes electrical contact between the conductive layers. The resistance of the piezoresistive foam varies with the amount of pressure applied to provide an analog as well as on-off function. The device may also provide multiple switching, and shear detection capabilities.

Abstract: An electrical switch mat which includes an electrical contact, a support frame, and a plate member. The electrical contact is operable under pressure between a closed condition and an open condition and is maintained in either the opened or closed condition in the absence of pressure. The support frame defines a two-dimensional area and is formed with a protective housing to prevent excessive compression from being transmitted to the components of the electrical contact during activation. The plate member is sized to fit within the two-dimensional area of the support frame and is supported at its perimeter by the support frame. The plate member transmits activating compression to the electrical contact. The electrical contact can be a ribbon switch that may either run substantially continuously or be placed intermittently along the perimeter of the plate member.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a signal generator for sending an electrical signal from an expandable, flexible layer of material, the signal generator comprising an upper layer of flexible, resilient material and a lower layer of flexible, resilient material which between them define a cavity for enclosing an expandable material such as a cellular foam or gas, whereupon localized distortion of one of the layers of flexible material, effects a signal generation within the structure, which is transmissible through a proper circuit to an outside electrical device. A circuit may be arranged adjacent a plurality of said keys which senses when several of said keys are depressed in a skewed or sideways manner, so as to effect movement of a cursor or pointer on a monitor in communication with a processing unit and said keyboard.

Abstract: The invention concerns a closing-edge-type fuse with a safety strip (1) which comprises an electric switch device and consists of a plurality of contact elements (2, 2a) which are disposed in a row in a resilient tube (3). In the rest position, under the effect of resilient prestress, the contact elements (2, 2a) abut one another at contact points provided at the end face. Under the effect of an external force when the tube (3) is deformed, the contact elements (2, 2a) are moved apart breaking the contact. A resilient contact element bed (4, 4a), which is adapted to the shape of the contact elements (2, 2a) and accommodates each of the contact elements individually, is provided in the resilient tube (3).

Abstract: A pressure sensitive sparkless switching device includes a layer of piezoresistive cellular polymer foam, at least two conductive layers, and an insulative spacer element having at least one opening. When pressure is applied to the device the piezoresistive foam disposes itself through the opening of the spacer element and makes electrical contact between the conductive layers. The resistance of the piezoresistive foam varies with the amount of pressure applied to provide an analog as well as on-off function. The device may also provide multiple switching, and shear detection capabilities.

Abstract: In a mat switch, a plurality of switch regions for inputting the plurality of data are provided, each of the switch regions has a laminate structure which is formed by laminating an upper electrode sheet, a spacer, and a lower electrode sheet in the stated order; and a back board is provided below the lower electrode sheet in each of the switch regions. The backboards prevent the switch regions from being folded down.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive cable switch includes a pair of metallic conductors arranged in opposing relation to one another on the neutral axis for bending within the cross section of a rubber tube, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the tube. A pair of belt-shaped electrodes made of conductive rubber material or other conductive materials and embedding the metallic conductors therein, are disposed to oppose each other on the inner circumferential surface of the robe with respect to the neutral axis for bending. The electrodes extend in the longitudinal direction of the tube. Therefore, an erroneous operation of the cable switch at a part where the switch is bent is prevented, and furthermore the cable switch operates while coping with a wide range of load application angles.

Abstract: A low voltage switch pad that is placed outside an entrance door on a car seat or under a car floor mat, allowing a pet or person to activate a bell buzzer or a car warning device. This relates to providing a way for a pet to signal its owner eliminating long waiting periods at the door. It also provides a protection device when it is concealed on the seat of an automobile or under car floor mat. Other objects of the invention is to provide a multiple switch pad that is simple in design easy to build inexpensive to manufacture easy to use and is efficient in operation. These and other objects will become apparent upon the study of the following specifications.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive sparkless switching device includes a layer of piezoresistive cellular polymer foam, at least two conductive layers, and an insulative spacer element having at least one opening. When pressure is applied to the device the piezoresistive foam disposes itself through the opening of the spacer element and makes electrical contact between the conductive layers. The resistance of the piezoresistive foam varies with the amount of pressure applied to provide an analog as well as on-off function. The device may also provide multiple switching, and shear detection capabilities.

Abstract: An optical treadle of extended longevity is disclosed. The treadle is of unitary construction with an improved cross-sectional passageway shape that more effectively interrupts light when a vehicle tire passes thereover. A treadle assembly with permanently affixed light transmitting and light receiving means is also provided such that a failed assembly can be quickly replaced as a unit. Further, a roadway treadle assembly comprising a frame for installation in a roadway and an adapter plate for adapting a preexisting treadle frame are provided for mounting the treadle assembly across a surface portion of a roadway.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive switch has upper, middle and lower laminar elongated members, the middle member having an opening therethrough defining a cavity between the upper and lower members. A first array of substantially parallel, spaced-apart electrically conductive bands is fixed to a lower surface of the upper member and traverses the cavity. A second array of substantially parallel, spaced-apart electrically conductive bands is fixed to an upper surface of the lower member and traverses the cavity and the upper member bands, selected lower member bands being discretely connected to an electrical input lead and other lower member bands being discretely connected to an electrical output lead.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive switch mat capable of interconnection with other such switch mats on all sides to eliminate non-activation zones as disclosed. The switch mat has a main switch mat portion and an activation edge on all sides of the switch mat. The activation edge includes a connector retainer lip, an actuation platform and an end portion. When an actuation force is applied to the actuation platform, the switch mat is actuated. A bridge connector for connecting adjacent pressure sensitive switch mats to eliminate non-activation zones therebetween is disclosed. Additionally, a control circuit for the switch mat system that has an integrity monitoring system for providing reliable control of the switch mat system is disclosed.

Abstract: An intruder detecting device, which is to be installed in an integrated raised flooring system that includes a floor panel assembly and a plurality of pedestals for supporting the floor panel assembly on a base floor, has a housing, a restoring member, a switch unit and a piston. The housing includes a lower housing part and an upper housing part disposed coaxially and connected slidably and sealingly to the lower housing part so as to confine a sealed chamber therewith. The lower housing part is adapted to be disposed on one of the pedestals. The upper housing part is adapted to support the floor panel assembly thereon and is formed with an air hole and a hollow piston guide which opens downwardly and which is aligned axially with the air hole. The sealed chamber contains hydraulic fluid therein. The restoring member is disposed in the sealed chamber to bias the upper housing part away from the lower housing part.

Abstract: A switching pad or plate having electroinsulating flat bodies arranged essentially in parallel to one another, to which at least one current-conducting contact path is assigned which has disconnecting switches disposed in series and are actuated by pressure on one of the flat bodies. Contact pins are assigned to the disconnecting switches which contact pins subjected to spring force, rest against the contact path by a contact head. The contact pins are firmly connected at the end facing away from the contact head with one of the flat bodies and each contact pin is movably held in a guide which is formed by an insulating flat body.

Abstract: A switch joint provides pressure-sensitive continuity between a pair of pressure-sensitive electrical switching mats. The mats include an active switching area and an inactive edge. The switch joint is positioned between adjacent inactive edges of the mats. The switch joint includes a housing supporting a pressure-sensitive electrical ribbon switch. The housing further supports an activation member which overlies the inactive edges of the mats. The activation member is movable within the housing to activate the electrical ribbon switch upon pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: A vehicle crush detecting device consists of an electrically conducting tube with an electrically conducting rod concentrically positioned within the tube along with insulating means positioned at at least two points between the rod and the tube to insulate the rod from the tube. The electrically conducting tube is deformed during a vehicle crash by a force greater than a predetermined magnitude which causes the tube to contact the rod in response to the crush of a vehicle of a predetermined amount. The crush sensor is mounted in the crush zone of the vehicle and is used in conjunction with automobile passive restraint systems such as airbags.

Abstract: A membrane switch including first and second substantially flexible electrical contacts and a first layer of dielectric material deposited between and on one surface of one of the first and second contacts, the first layer being deposited in a predetermined geometric pattern including a plurality of cells defined by cell walls, the cell walls being broken in predetermined positions about the perimeter of each cell so that during and after actuation of the switch, air within a cell between the first and second contacts can vent to one or more adjoining cells to enable activation and prevent a vacuum from forming between the first and second contacts thereby enabling the switch to break contact after being released.

Abstract: An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device which can be actuated by the application of or the removal of pressure at substantially any point along a surface of the switching device. The illuminated, press-at-any point switching device includes a cover, an illuminating member, a switching assembly and a mounting surface. The cover holds the components of the device onto the mounting surface. The device may also include a separate signal indicia to indicate the operation of the device.

Abstract: A control console (1) for use in sound recording, and/or effects such as dubbing, the console (1) having a plurality, say 100 of sound channels, the console comprising a touch sensitive channel selector (2) having as many touch sensitive elements (3) as there are selectable channels of the console (1), whereby to select a channel by touch on the selector (2).

Abstract: A treadle switch assembly for installation in a roadway bed for use in sensing vehicular traffic flow thereover is disclosed. The assembly includes at least one elongated treadle constructed of a compressible, resilient material which contains a hollow passageway throughout its length. Also included is a photocell emitter and a photocell collector, which elements are connected to opposite ends of the treadle and inserted into opposite ends of the passageway. When the treadle is compressed by a vehicle tire, the passageway is mashed closed to interrupt the radiation beam from the emitter to the collector, whereby the collector generates a signal indicative of the passage of the vehicle tire thereover, which signal may be used to operate a suitable counter or signal device as desired.

Abstract: Wheel sensor treadleplates are provided in both wheel tracks of a car wash and the outermost depressed treadleplates send signals to a programmable controller which moves the spray head to a predetermined spacing from the vehicle side for optimum washing and safety as the spray head moves along both sides of the vehicle.

Abstract: A floor mat includes a housing for containing a power supply, speech module and speaker. A grid-like switching mechanism is closed upon a person stepping on the mat so as to provide an energizing current flow to the speech module. The speech module includes circuitry for recording and playing back a selected message. A slidable or releasable panel in the housing allows for selectable user access to the speech module. The housing precludes weather deterioration of the elements therein and cooperates with the switching mechanism so as to provide a user-selectable message to a person stepping on the mat. The mat/housing configuration allows alternative switching mechanisms to be used in connection with replaceable speech modules.

Abstract: A protective mat for use with pressure-actuated switching devices having a moisture-resistant, isolated switching chamber protected by a puncture-resistant, protective layer which disperses forces applied to the mat.

Abstract: An illuminated, press-at-any-point switching device which can be actuated by the application of or the removal of pressure at substantially any point along one surface of the switching device.

Abstract: A flexible, electrically conductive contact for a switch which is actuated upon force being applied thereto includes a first plurality of generally flexible fibers. One portion of the first plurality of fibers is constructed of an electrically nonconductive material. Another portion of the first plurality of fibers is constructed of an electrically conductive material. The flexible, electrically conductive contact further includes a second plurality of generally flexible fibers. One portion of the second plurality of fibers is constructed of an electrically nonconductive material. Another portion of the second plurality of fibers is constructed of an electrically conductive material. The second plurality of fibers is interwoven with the first plurality of fibers in the form of a sheet with the electrically conductive first plurality of fibers in engagement with the electrically conductive second plurality of fibers to form a flexible, electrically conductive sheet.

Abstract: A peak pressure sensor, for insertion between a body support pad or the like and an anatomical portion supported thereon, has a envelope, pliable electrically conductive sheets on opposite inner surfaces of the envelope, conductors for connecting each sheet to an alarm circuit, and a fluid pressurizing the envelope to a predetermined internal pressure so as to normally hold apart the conductive sheets. The sheets are movable into electrical contact by sufficient pressure applied locally to any relatively small portion of a sensing area on the exterior of the envelope, thereby to detect a peak pressure on the anatomical portion in excess of the internal envelope pressure.

Abstract: The movable electrode of the switching element consists of a flexible compressible contact-mesh comprising conducting and non-conducting wires. The conducting wires extend in the first direction of weaving and are arranged essentially straightlined in a plane. On the other hand, said non-conducting wires, which extend in the other direction of weaving, are bent around said conducting wires, thereby keeping said conducting wires at some distance from a flat electrode contacting said contact-mesh. When said contact-mesh is compressed said conducting wires are flexibly deformed, whereby the wave crests formed on said conducting wires are reaching the surfaces of said contact-mesh and are contacting there said flat electrode.

Abstract: A protective mat for use with pressure-actuated switching devices having a moisture-resistant, isolated switching chamber protected by a puncture-resistant, protective layer which disperses forces applied to the mat.

Abstract: A normally-closed electrical switch having a plurality of electrically conductive contacts normally arranged in overlapping electrical communication. A preferred embodiment of the present invention also comprises a pressure directing mechanism for directing and actuating pressure to specific portions of the electrically conductive elements. The normally-closed electrical switch of the present invention interrupts an electrical circuit in response to an applied pressure.

Abstract: The treadle assembly of the present invention comprises one or more lightweight flexible circuits completely sealed within an envelope of resilient elastomeric material. This treadle is thus more resistant to water, wear, road salt, and other environmental factors than conventional treadle assemblies.

Abstract: Layers of a thin, electrically insulating material are bonded together to form a switch. The bottom layer of the switch has electrically conductive areas aligned with openings through a second layer. A third layer has a pattern of spaced lines of an electrical conductor positioned over the openings in the second layer. Fluid pressure applied to the bottom layer causes flexing of the bottom layer toward the third layer to bring the electrically conductive areas into contact with the pattern of conductive lines on the third layer, thereby closing the switch. A vent chamber in the second layer is pneumatically coupled to the openings in the second layer so that when the switch is closed air in the openings in the second layer can be vented to the vent chamber. The switch can be used to sense changes in fluid pressure in a water system, for example.

Abstract: The invention is a fluid pressure switch which is particularly adapted for use on a water purifying system of the type wherein incoming water pressure and water pressure in a reservoir are used to activate conditioning electronics. In the preferred switch embodiment, a first flexible nonconducting layer of material is positioned over an orifice connected to a source of incoming water and over an orifice connected to a source of reservoir water. A flexible conducting material is positioned abutting the nonconducting layer over each of the orifices. A second layer of nonconductive material having conductive lines affixed thereto is laminated to the first nonconducting layer, such that fluid pressure deforms the conductive layer into electrical contact with the conductive lines.

Abstract: A high sensitivity door edge switch including an openwork or perforate spacer for extension along a door edge, flexible conductors on opposite sides of the spacer in spaced apart confronting relation through the spacer perforations, and a resiliently compressible deflection element in facing relation with the spacer, the deflection element being elastically deformable into the spacer perforations to flex the conductive elements into engagement with each other upon low unit pressure applied to the deflection element, even over a large extent.

Abstract: A carpet mat switch system is provided in which a person when stepping on a mat structure will electrically activate a lamp, burglar alarm, program talking clock or any other appliance connected thereto. A manual override is also provided to either turn off an actuating unit in the mat structure or manually operate a switch therein without stepping on the mat structure.

Abstract: An alarm system uses an area sensor having a piezoelectric film sensitive to changes in pressure. A piezoelectric film with electrodes deposited on opposite surfaces of the film converts changes in mechanical pressure to electrical signals. A signal processor detects the electrical signals and generates an output signal in response. The electrodes could comprise single metalized sheets deposited on each surface. Alternatively, an array or pattern of individually operative electrodes could be provided. An array or pattern of electrodes enables the signal processor to determine the location, motion, and direction of motion of a force generating pressure changes on the piezoelectric film. The alarm system may include a threshold detector sensitive to the magnitude of pressure changes so that an output signal will not be generated unless the pressure change is sufficiently great. This invention is suitable as a floor covering for detecting an intruder walking over its surface.

Abstract: A conductor comprising a first and second electric conducting element, each in the form of a flat plate, and at least a third electric conducting element also in the form of a flat plate. The first and second conducting elements are arranged with one surface contacting a surface on the third conducting element; and a spacer element formed from insulating material is placed between the mating surfacese of two of the aforementioned conducting elements, so as to at least partially shield the aforementioned surfaces.

Abstract: A conductor comprising a first elongated electric conducting element; a spacer element formed from insulating material and placed over the surface of the first conducting element, so as to shield all but given portions of the aforementioned surface; a second tubular electric conducting element placed over the outside of the aforementioned spacer element; a third tubular electric conducting element placed over the outside of the aforementioned second element; and a tubular insulating sheath placed over the outside of the aforementioned third conducting element.

Abstract: A conformal electrical sensor switch for determining the presence or absence of weight, such as a person in a bed, comprises flexible, parallel sensing strips positioned to make contact when pressure is applied. Sensing strip circuits are held apart by a separator strip until pressure is applied and thus closing a latch which provides signal output through snap connectors which are affixed to the sensing strips and which extend beyond the sealed flexible cover of the sensor switch. The flexible cover serves to secure the sensing strips and connectors in a facing relationship. The connectors are designed to permit easy attachment to a variety of signal processing/monitoring devices.

Abstract: A vehicle sensing device comprises an electrically insulating elongate carrier (1) with two electrical conductors (2,3) extending longitudinally of the carrier and spaced apart transversely of the carrier so that there is no direct contact between the conductors. A strip (14) of elastomeric material overlies both conductors and is in contact therewith in areas distributed along substantially the whole of their length. The strip (4) being such that in the absence of a given level of applied pressure the strip forms a barrier of high electrical resistance between the conductors, and that in the presence of applied pressure above the given level in any region of the strip, that region of the strip forms an electrically conductive path between the conductors. The carrier, conductors and strip are wholly encapsulated in a jacket of water-resistance and abrasion-resistance elastomeric material.

Abstract: There is provided a force sensitive device comprising a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer resiliently deformable to come into contact with the first conductive layer, a certain level of voltage being applied across the first and second conductive layers, a plurality of spacing members intervening between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and formed of an insulating material, and a resilient top layer of an insulating material overlaid on the second conductive layer and operative to cause the second conductive layer to come into contact with the first conductive layer under a force acting on a surface portion thereof, wherein the contact portion varies in area depending upon a position of the surface portion where the force acts so that the force sensitive device produces the signal having a voltage level which varies depending upon the position where the force acts.

Abstract: The mat switch consists of two oppositely located, mutually movable and electrically conductible contact surfaces (1, 2), separated by electrically-insulated spacers (3), elastically deformable in vertical direction with respect to the contact surfaces (1, 2) and defining contact windows (4) between them. In the area of the contact windows (4), on at least one of the contact surfaces (1, 2), there are contact bosses (5) projecting towards the opposite contact surface (1, 2), whereby the distance between the contact bosses (5) and the oppositely located contact surface (1, 2), respectively the opposite contact bosses, is not bigger than the range of spring of the spacers (3), when the mat switch is not under load. The contact bosses (5) can consist of bulges in a foil forming the contact surfaces (1, 2).

Abstract: A rugged pressure actuated cable switch especially suitable for use in road vehicle detection comprises a central elongate conductor; a flexible insulating element helically wound around central conductor; a flexible tubular body of electrically conductive plastics material surrounding the central conductor; two elongate conductors in electrical contact with the outer surface of the flexible tubular body, and an overall insulating sheath of a transverse cross-section of approximately semi-circular shape having a flat surface for supporting the cable switch on the ground. Each outer conductor is embedded in the sheath alongside the flexible electrically conductive tubular body at a position intermediate of the flat surface and the longitudinal axis of the central conductor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mat-type entrance lamp to be placed before the front door or gate to facilitate a person to unlock the door or gate in the dark. The lamp comprises a lamp base, a mat member and a switch platform. The lamp base has two through holes and a battery room for batteries to supply energy to the lamp. The mat member has two posts with bulbs to fit in the said through holes, and a recess with a contact projection and three rubber supports which are higher than the projection . The switch platform is sized to fit in the said recess and has a contact plate on the bottom side. The batteries, bulbs and contact plates are connected with cords in such way that when a person stands on the platform, they will make an electric circuit and the lamp will go on.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive elongate pressure-actuated electrical switch especially suitable for security purposes comprises a flexible tubular body of insulating material having air within its bore and incorporating at opposed locations around its periphery two sectoral portions of electrically conductive material. Two elongate conductors extend lengthwise in electrical contact with the conductive sectoral portion and two electric conductors extend lengthwise in contact with the conductive sectoral portion. The sectoral portions have a conductivity less than that of the conductors. An overall outer sheath surrounds the tubular body and conductors and has a flat surface which is suitable for supporting the switch on the ground and which is so positioned with respect to the sectoral portions that one conductive sectoral portion is at a position intermediate of the flat surface and the other conductive sectoral portion.

Abstract: A steering wheel structure having a plate switch on a pad portion thereof, wherein the plate switch comprises a plurality of tape-shaped switches arranged side by side and at least one terminal member having a plurality of terminals protrudingly spaced apart thereon. Either the upper surface or the lower surface of the terminal member is electrically conductive. Ends of the tape-shaped switches are respectively connected with the terminals. The tape-shaped switches respectively have a pair of electrodes spaced vis-a-vis.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard is comprised of first and second dielectric layers having circuit patterns including a plurality of first and second electrical contact pads disposed on opposing surfaces thereof. The layers are maintained together such that corresponding first and second electrical contact pads overlie one another forming switch sites. A spacer is disposed in a discontinuous pattern around the first contact pads, the spacer normally maintaining corresponding first and second contact pads spaced from each other, while permitting electrical engagement therebetween upon application of an actuation force to one of the layers at a switch site.

Abstract: An input device of the tablet type comprising opposed planar resistance bodies with a plurality of dot spacers interposed therebetween, plate-like insulating bodies made of soft and elastic material and provided respectively and integrally on the outsides of the planar resistance bodies, and a fixed plate for securing and supporting one of the plate-like insulating bodies, and characterized in that a plurality of cavities are formed in an abutment area between the one plate-like insulating body and the fixed plate by which each dot spacer portion can sink when a force is applied, whereby entry of information relating to the dot spacer portion also is allowed.

Abstract: A mat switch of high sensitivity including outer sheets which may be relatively stiff for wear resistance, an intermediate open work spacer sheet, conductive sheets interposed between the outer sheets on opposite sides of the spacer sheet for contacting on flexure through the space sheet, and a compressible deflection sheet interposed between one conductive sheet and the adjacent outer sheet, the deflection sheet being resiliently compressible for protrusion through the spacer sheet to contact the conductor sheets upon movement of the outer sheets in parallelism toward each other.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard containing a larger size key pad label and a smaller size key pad labels; a pair of laminate sheets carry confronting conductor electrodes, each of the conductor electrodes being shaped to exactly follow the corresponding key pad label; and spacer sheet disposed between the pair of laminate sheets for electrically separating the confronting conductor electrodes. The spacer sheet is provided with a plurality of openings formed at positions corresponding to each of the conductor electrodes. The openings corresponding to the larger size key pad labels are divided into at least two sections through the use of, for example, a bridge layer extending across the opening, thereby uniforming the key actuation condition.