Abstract: An improved surveillance system for recording and monitoring video information from a plurality of cameras (20) and data from a plurality of electronic cash registers (21). An intelligent controller (28) controls operation of the entire system. Data concerning all cash register transactions are stored in a memory (78) and video signals are displayed on a monitor (27) and/or recorded on a VCR (26). A keyboard (30) is provided so that the user can generate reports, and selectively vary parameters which will trigger alarm events. A novel entrance door mat (22) is provided having a pair of switch arrays (46, 47) separated by a dead zone (48) is provided and the state of the switches is periodically read by the CPU. Control logic (FIGS. 9, 10) executed by the CPU detects closures of the switches in the mat to determine when customers are passing into and out of the store, as well as maintaining a count of the net number of customers at the store at any given time.

Abstract: A sheet material for a pressure-sensitive detecting device has a corrugated and electrically conductive net having a multiplicity of corrugations on each side thereof and covered by an electrically insulating material. The net is embedded in an electrically insulating material, except for its corrugations which are exposed from the insulating film and the insulating material.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive conductive strip switch assembly having high reliability and sensitivity is disclosed, which comprises a strip-like pressure-sensitive conductive rubber based on silicone containing metal powder, a pair of strip-like plain woven metal wire cloths, and a rubber sheath consisting of heat resistant silicone rubber. In the manufacture of such a strip switch assembly both side ends of the conductive rubber are welded to the inner wall of the rubber sheath and only the outside of each of the wire cloths is edged into the inner wall of the rubber sheath while maintaining space portion between the conductive rubber and each of the wire cloths by blowing of air.

Abstract: An elastic strip with inside electrical contacts and trapezoidal geometry for the detection of the transit of vehicles includes a deformable body made of an elastomeric material with a central cavity for metal contact elements. About the central cavity are a pair of channels which operate through structural shape deformation during compression to minimize shear stress on the strip. The upper surface of the strip is provided with a protective longitudinal armor-like surface part, made of metal or other suitable material which comes in contact with the wheels of vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved membrane switch of the kind comprising a polymeric overlay, which is generally planar and containing designated switch areas thereon for manual operation by pressure. The switch is formed from several layers of conductive and nonconductive materials. Specifically, the switch includes a pair of electronic switch circuit leads disposed in noncontacting proximity. A substantially planar circuit completing layer formed to correspond with the pair of switch circuit leads is formed from conductive material and disposed and spaced array substantially parallel to the switch circuit leads. A nonconductive spacer is disposed, in one preferred embodiment, between the electric circuit and the circuit completing layer, with the spacer having a plurality of apertures therein of a selected density sufficient to provide a selected touch pressure.

Abstract: A non-water-tight touch pad for swimming competitions mounted partially submersed on the finishing wall of a swimming pool. The pad includes two plates located in front of each other. The front plate is perforated plastic material and is loosely inserted in a frame consisting of channel sections on the four sides and movable towards the metal back plate.Resting between the two plates, a plurality of parallel metal strips are mounted on the back metal plate but remain insulated from the back metal plate while connected to each other. A number of conductive springs shaped as seagull wings are welded on each parallel strip. These springs are mounted perpendicularly to the strips and act as spacers between the two plates and act as electric movable contacts between strips and the rear plate as soon as any pressure is applied on the front plate.

Abstract: An improved switch apparatus for monitor presence of the patient in a hospital or nursing home bed and responsible to distortion by the weight of the patient, the switch being formed of an elongated, thin rectangular base member of insulating, flexible material having an elongated generally rectangular cutout in it, a first and second plastic cover members encompassing the base member, the plastic cover members being sealed around the edges and the plastic cover members having conductive layers affixed to the opposed surfaces on either side of the base member and arranged so that the conductive layers are spaced apart from each other in the area of the cutout and held apart by the memory of the base and plastic covers and a cable having one conductor connected to the conductive layer on one cover member and another conductor connected to the conductive layer on the other cover member, the conductive surfaces contacting each other through the cutout in the base member when the switch apparatus is subject to be

Abstract: A method and means are provided for testing and refining bicycle riding skills by laying on the ground a narrow, long rubber track which, when traversed by a bicycle in a straight line at a maximum, safe speed, triggers a built-in buzzing mechanism which produces an audible signal. A scoring device, capable of being hand held, is attached to the track which provides the rider with an immediate numerical score based on skill versus speed.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard containing 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.

Abstract: A normally-open pressure actuatable switchmat comprising first and second electrically conductive members separated by non-conductive material having a failsafe safety switch is provided. When the switchmat is subjected to an actuation load, there is relative movement between the first and second electrically conductive members to complete an electrically conductive path therebetween. The safety switch comprises a bridging member which includes an electrically conductive spring which is held in a compressed state by frangible restraining element such that, when the switchmat is subjected to a predetermined minimum overload, the frangible restraining element is broken allowing the spring to relax thereby completing an electrically conductive path between the conductive members. This path is maintained after removal of the overload thereby allowing the switchmat to failsafe.

Abstract: A tape switch has a first insulating cover strip and a second insulating cover strip. A first conductive strip is bonded to the first cover strip and these combined strips have a corrugated wave form at mid-portion where joined. First and second spacer strips run parallel to each other and are mounted between the first and second cover strips. A second conductive strip is bonded to the second cover strip between the first and second spacer strips, whereby when the tape switch is pressed, contact is made between the first and second conductive strips. In a second embodiment the first cover strip has a formed central raised portion to give separation which eliminates need for additional parallel separator stays.

Abstract: A low voltage battery powered door mat alarm having an alarm buzzer circuit with mat circuit contact closure by the weight of the pet such as a cat walking across the mat to or from an animal pet door. This activates the buzzer to indicate generally that the pet is approaching the door to go out or has just returned through the pet door with the mat positioned just inside the door so the pet must pass over the mat to go out or come in through the door.

Abstract: A tactile array sensor comprises an array of substantially parallel row conductors disposed upon an alumina substrate. An array of substantially parallel column conductors overlies the array of row conductors and a layer of insulative material is disposed between the row conductors and the column conductors. A conductive rubber sheet overlies the column conductors. A multiplexing circuit addresses the row and column conductors and, when an object is in contact with an area of the conductive sheet, the circuit generates output signals indicative of all crossing points within the area, due to electrical contact being made between the row and column conductors via the conductive sheet.

Abstract: An input device for use in a display unit serving as a terminal of a computer has first and second insulating sheets and an insulating spacer sandwiched between the first and second sheets. The first sheet has first terminal leads on its both ends, while the second sheet has second terminal leads which extend in perpendicular relation to the first terminal leads. The upper surface is covered with a flexible, insulating, protective sheet. The spacer includes lattice-like conductors and consists of a material having cells of gas and elasticity and flexibility such as silicone foam. A fixed voltage is alternately applied across both ends of the first sheet and across both ends of the second sheet. When the protective sheet is depressed at a point P as by a depression pen, the position of the point is measured and represented by means of X- and Y-coordinates.

Abstract: A sensor switch comprising a printed circuit base board provided with a plurality of stationary contacts on a surface thereof and a flexible sheet member consisting of a rubber-like elastic material provided with a plurality of movable contact faces and protrusions and/or rail-like protrusions on one side and so piled on the printed circuit base board that each movable contact face is faced to the stationary contact respectively, in order to assure favorable operation touch, high reliability and easiness of practical equipment.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive element for use in a keyboard switch etc., comprising a conductive porous material which is rugged, an elastic insulator which bulges more than convex parts of the conductive porous material without covering the convex parts, and a conductive layer which opposes to the conductive porous material through the elastic insulator. When no pressure is applied, openings are formed between the convex parts of the conductive porous material and the conductive layer through the elastic insulator, whereby the pressure-sensitive element is in its nonconductive state. When a pressure is applied, the elastic insulator is deformed to bring the convex part of the conductive porous material into contact with the conductive layer, whereby the pressure-sensitive element is brought into its conductive state.

Abstract: An electric mat switch including a pair of outer wear layers, a pair of inner moisture barrier layers between the wear layers and a separator layer between the moisture barrier layers; all of which layers are substantially congruent and sealed together about their peripheral margins as by heat sealing, radio frequency welding or the like; and a pair of conductor layers each located between the separator layer and a respective barrier layer and spaced inwardly from the sealed margins; the separator layer being resiliently compressible and openly configured for flexure therethrough of the conductor layers into contact with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the presence of a patient in a hospital bed including an elongated, thin, generally rectangular base member of insulating flexible material, such as high-density polyethylene foam, having a generally rectangular cutout opening therein, a rectangular, thin, electrically conductive member affixed to each surface of the base, the base serving to normally maintain the conductive elements spaced apart from each other, a plastic cover cemented to the exterior surface of each of the conductive elements, the edges of the plastic cover being sealed around the full periphery of the device, a cable having two conductors, one conductor being attached to each of the conductive members, the device being generally about 4 inches wide and 34 inches long so that it may be positioned under a patient in a hospital bed, the weight of the patient serving to distort the device so that the conductive members are in contact, providing a closed signal, and the device being sufficiently rigid so that in the

Abstract: A not-watertight touch pad for swimming competitions mounted partially submersed on the finishing wall of a swimming pool. It includes two plates located in front of each other, the front one of which is somehow perforated and loosely inserted in a frame consisting of channel sections on the four sides and movable towards the insulated back plate. Resting between the two plates, many turns of parallel conductive strips are bonded onto the back plate, whereas some hundreds of conductive springs shaped as seagull wings are welded onto the central strips. These springs are mounted perpendicularly to the strips and are acting as spacers between the two plates and as electrical contacts between the strips as soon as any pressure is applied on the front plate.

Abstract: A swimmer arrival signal panel is provided for locating at an end of a swimming lane. The panel may be mounted at the end of a pool or on a bulkhead and forms a permanent installation in the pool. The panel comprises a panel of non-conductive material, the bottom of the panel adapted for mounting at one end of a swimming lane below water level in the swimming pool, the panel being free to move forward when contacted by a swimmer. A first adjustment provides a distance of travel within a predetermined range for the panel, a second adjustment establishes the position of the panel within the distance of travel where a contact is activated to signal a swimmer's arrival, and an adjustable spring to determine force required to move the panel.

Abstract: A membrane switch (10) is the subject matter of this patent application. The switch (10) includes first and second switch networks connected in parallel to effect a particular function. Spacer bridges (50, 52) are interposed in the first and second switch networks to preclude inadvertent engagement of contacts on lamina surfaces (14, 16, 28, 30). The bridges (50) of the first network are either adjacent or spaced from all bridges (52) of the second network in order to insure that the application of pressure to one of two external laminae (22, 24) will activate at least one of the switch networks.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprising a touch panel includes a flexible membrane having a series of parallel, electrically conductive strips formed thereon; and an opposed substrate layer having conductive strips thereon parallel and orthogonal to the membrane strips. A series of filament spacers, running parallel to the substrate layer strips, are positioned between the membrane and substrate layer to maintain the membrane strips and substrate strips in spaced-apart relation to each other. The filament spacers are secured to an associated boundary or frame. Finger or instrument pressure selectively applied to the membrane and directed toward the substrate, can establish contact between a chosen membrane strip and substrate strip to close the switch. The elastic deformation of the filament spacers enhances contact closure and contact life expectancy. The presence of insulative dust, which interferes with the current flow between the contacts, is eliminated.

Abstract: A switch array is defined by a pair of printed circuits separated by a nonconductive spacer which is provided with apertures which form cavities into which switch contacts on the circuits may be forced to produce switch closures. The spacer is contoured to define gas flow channels which communicate with the cavities whereby switch operation will not be impeded by gas trapped in the cavities.

Abstract: A treadle switch assembly is formed of elongated treadle switch members disposed parallel to one another in a pan or tray embedded or otherwise disposed on a roadway surface. These individual treadle switch members are held in place in dovetail fashion by elongated retaining bars which can be bolted in place and by cooperating undercut members formed or longitudinally affixed on the tray. Favorably, the treadle switch members are of trapezoidal cross section, and the retaining bars are of a complementary trapezoidal cross section. This arrangement facilitates removal of a single treadle switch member when the same becomes worn or defective, merely by removing a single one of the retaining bars, thereby obviating the need to replace the entire assembly.

Abstract: A spacerless switch circuit for use in multiple switch keyboards includes a first base member having a front surface and a second base member having a front surface in touching relationship against the front surface of the first base member. A plurality of first and second conductor traces are respectively deposited on the front surfaces of the first and second base members. An insulative layer is deposited over regions of either or both of the first and second conductor traces to insulate the conductor traces from each other when the front surfaces of the two base members are touching one another. One or more first switch contacts are deposited on the first base member and one or more facing second switch contacts are deposited on the second base member to define one or more on/off switches.

Abstract: The present invention provides low cost electrical switch assemblies. The switch assembly comprises an array of resiliently flexible metallic conductors arranged in predetermined circuit pathways on a dielectric carrier panel. A plurality of apertures or cavities are provided at predetermined locations in the carrier panel. The switch contacts comprise a pair of generally L-shaped fingers which are integral extensions of the flexible conductors. The fingers extend cantilevered from opposite edge surfaces of the carrier panel defining an associated aperture or cavity, to beyond the geometric center of the said associated aperture or cavity, with the free ends of the fingers terminating adjacent one another.

Abstract: A seat switch assembly (11) which includes a ribbon switch (22) over which a corrugated actuating member (24) is laid, the assembly being imbedded within the bottom cushion (14) of the seat. The corrugations of the actuating member engage the ribbon switch at a plurality of spaced points and insure that the switch will be actuated by the weight of an operator applied at essentially any point on the bottom cushion.

Abstract: An improved capacitive keyboard uses a standard printed circuit board provided in various locations with spaced conductor pairs. A conductive disc with a flat insulated lower surface is aligned above each conductor pair. All of the discs are suspended above the printed circuit board within apertures of a web of polymer foam material and held in position by a sheet of adhesive covered plastic that covers and adheres to the entire upper surface of the web and each of the discs.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for illuminating a plurality of stairs when in use involves a transformer to provide a reduced A. C. voltage; at least one light in proximity to the stairs to illuminate the stairs when at least a portion of the reduced A. C. voltage is supplied to the light and an electrical circuit including the light is formed; a rectifier to convert the reduced A. C. voltage to a D. C. voltage; a plurality of pressure sensitive switches associated with the rectifier and the treads of the stairs; physical pressure on the tread or treads acting to close at least one of the switches; and a relay in association with the pressure sensitive switches and light, and adapted to form the electrical circuit including the light in response to the closing of at least one of the pressure sensitive switches.

Abstract: A membrane switch assembly having an apertured air permeable spacer positioned between a pair of printed circuits. Air may diffuse through the permeable material into and out of the regions which define individual switch cavities during operation.

Abstract: An electrically non-conductive separator having a hole formed therethrough is interposed between a pair of switch contacts having a modulus of elasticity. A cover of electrically non-conductive flexible material covers the switch contacts. Electrically conductive leads are electrically connected to, and extend from, the switch contacts. The positions of the switch contacts relative to each other are determined by differences in pressure and control the operation of an electrical circuit electrically connected to the leads to operate a circuit to perform a function.

Abstract: A pressure operated electrical switch and an alarm system for use in hospitals and nursing homes is constructed such that a force is applied to a pressure plate therein. Once the load is reduced below a predetermined value the pressure plate will move under spring influence to close/open a microswitch or electrical contact means. The normal force applied to the pressure plate is the load on the leg of the hospital bed when occupied. If the bed occupant gets out of the bed the load on the pressure plate is reduced below a predetermined value, and the consequent movement of the pressure plate opens/closes the switch means to actuate the alarm.

Abstract: A pressure operated electrical switch and an alarm system for use in hospitals and nursing homes is constructed such that a force is applied to the upper surface of a leaf spring therein. Once the load is reduced below a predetermined value the leaf spring will move to close/open a microswitch or electrical contact means. The normal force applied to the leaf spring is the load on the leg of the hospital bed when occupied. If the bed occupant gets out of the bed the load on the leaf spring is reduced below a predetermined value and the consequent movement of the leaf spring opens/closes the switch means to actuate the alarm.

Abstract: A "membrane"-type keyboard includes a resilient foam layer having an array of holes therein with the layer being sandwiched between first and second flexible membranes having electrical conductors thereon which are arranged to complete a circuit associated with a hole when the first and second membranes are moved toward each other. Embodiments including dome-shaped areas in the first flexible membranes provide for "tactile feedback" and additional foam layers enhance the operating characteristics of the embodiments. The method generally entails determining the operating parameters of a desired keyboard and simply changing the relative density and/or thicknesses of various layers and flexible membranes in the keyboard to obtain radically variable paremeters, as for example, the location of the "makepoint" of the switch at various positions between the start and end of "key travel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an area actuated switch which can be used, by way of example, in a keyboard for a calculator, learning aid or the like. An area actuated switch array is formed using two insulating sheets which overlie one another such that one side of each sheet faces one another. Sets of spaced conductors formed on each of the facing sides also overlie one another, and selected ones of said conductors traverse the periphery of the keyboard. A plurality of raised, insulating spacer points are positioned on the facing sides and are in registration and contact with each other. An insulating substrate is formed over the conductors traversing the periphery and this insulating substrate has substantially the same thickness as the spacer points such that the spacer points and the insulating substrate prevent the spaced conductors from making electrical contact. An adhesive coating is applied to the spacer points and the insulating substrate to bond these two parts together.

Abstract: An entrapment prevention device for ensuring that people or obstacles do not become trapped in the path of automatic doors, windows and the like features an elongate sensor which can be fitted along an edge of an opening or of a closure member adapted to close the opening.The sensor features a pair 11 of electrically conductive bands 13 and 14 which are held spaced apart and facing each other by insulating strips 17 with the pair of bands being wound in helical form round a core 12 to form an elongate structure. A series of transverse slots are provided in the surface of the radially outer band 14 so that the remaining web portions 15 can be easily deflected by light contact pressure to electrically contact the radially inner band 14. This electrical contact is sensed by a monitoring circuit 24 which energizes a relay 26 to stop or reverse the automatic drive. The pair of bands 11 is surrounded by an outer helically wound resilient cushion 18 and is enclosed in a continuous outer sleeve 19.

Abstract: An alarm device including an alarm switch mounted on the structure of a building that carries walking surfaces such as a floor joist. A switch is actuated upon structural deflection associated with imposition of predetermined amount of weight at the area of the switch as when a person is walking thereon. The deflection of the structure causes relative movement between an electrical contact and an electrically conductive taut wire to energize a circuit which can give an alarm or other indication.

Abstract: A sealable wafer switch which is normally closed in relaxed position but which opens when squeezed. A lower stiff plate. A first curved conductive member mounted on the lower plate with the curvature extending in the upward direction. An insulating plate mounted on the lower curved plate the insulating plate having a central aperture. A second curved contact member mounted on the insulating plate and having its curvature extending in the downward direction with axis perpendicular to the other curved member. The first and second conductive members being in contact through the aperture when they are in relaxed position. An upper stiff plate mounted on the second curved contact member whereby when the upper and lower stiff plates are squeezed together the contact is broken.

Abstract: Self adhering tape switch or ribbon switch assembly is provided including a tape switch strip. A layer of deformable material bonds to the underside of said tape switch. A layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to the underside of the deformable material layer. A removable strip of paper adheres to the underside of the pressure sensitive adhesive. It is notched to permit coiling.

Abstract: An elongate switch construction including an elongate base and an elongate flexible working member having a concave inner face and disposed longitudinally of the base with its concavity facing toward the base, an elongate rib or tongue projecting internally of the working member into the hollow thereof toward and terminating short of the base, and a pair of elongate contacts respectively carried by the base and tongue in spaced relation with each other and displaceable into contacting engagement upon deflection of the working member.

Abstract: A composite top membrane designed for use with membrane-type switch arrays which is substantially smooth and ripple free. The composite membrane comprises:(1) a layer of plastic foam which is coated on each side with a pressure sensitive adhesive;(2) a decorative cover layer formed from plastic and having graphic indicia on one or both surfaces and which is adhesively affixed to one side of the aforementioned layer of plastic foam; and(3) a sheet of plastic having a significant memory property having its first surface adhesively affixed to the other side of the foam layer and a pattern of conductive metallization on its second surface.The layer of foam material provides a flat, resilient interface between the decorative cover layer and the relatively convoluted surface of the flexible printed circuit top membrane. As such, the decorative layer remains flat and free from optical irregularities which would detract from its aesthetic impression.

Abstract: An alarm system embodied in a treadle pad is biased open and can be closed by the application of pressure on the pad or by the removal of weight from it in another mode. Closing of the alarm switch relays an electrical signal through a control unit to actuate a d.c. powered audible or visual signal. The device has many practical applications and features simplicity and economy.

Abstract: A membrane switch includes a substrate having a plurality of first conductors formed thereon and a flexible membrane having a plurality of second conductors formed thereon. A spacer is positioned between the substrate and membrane and there are openings in the spacer in register with aligned first and second conductors. To isolate the switch membrane, there is a pressure reduction membrane overlying and in contact with the exterior of the switch membrane and an isolation membrane positioned on top of the pressure reduction membrane. Areas of the pressure reduction membrane in register with the spacer openings are formed to reduce the required force thereupon to effect movement of the switch membrane.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive device is proposed which includes an electrically conducting element in the form of a loop, a screen arranged outwardly of the loop, and a resiliently compressible, non-conducting material between the screen and element, the arrangement being such that, on the application of a loading to the screen, the electrical inductance of the loop is changed, such change being sensed by a reactance-dependent detecting circuit (DET) connected therewith.

Abstract: A system for detecting changes in load on terrain and actuating an alarm in response thereto including a fluid system, a pressure-sensitive device in the fluid system having a first pressure signal output responsive to a load on a terrain, a second pressure signal output generating device responsive to said first pressure signal output, an alarm and a pressure-sensitive switch connected to said alarm, said switch being responsive to the second pressure signal output to actuate the alarm.

Abstract: A pressure switch wherein a resiliently yieldable intermediate open layer is sandwiched between flexible conductive layers, all of which is enclosed between flexible outer layers, so that in the unstressed or relatively unstressed condition the contact layers are spaced apart by the intermediate layer, while flexure or other sufficient stressing of the assembly effects contact of the contact layers through the open intermediate layer.

Abstract: A flexible touch switch in which indicia and conductive contact portions are both formed on the undersurface of a flexible overlay that is transparent with respect to the indicia.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly and a keyboard switch are presented in which the keyboard switch is a layer of flexible insulating material with circuit configurations thereon and an array of flat topped protrusions which serve as key switches to effect a snap action contact with tactile feedback between a conductive element on the key switch and another conductive element. Preferably, the areas between the protrusions on the insulating layer are securely clamped relative to a backing or stiffening board, and the protruding key switches are operated by hinged key actuators which make off center contact with the protrusion.

Abstract: A resilient insulative layer of a plastic foam material is sandwiched between a dimpled carbon powder loaded plastic sheet and a resilient carbon powder loaded plastic foam pad. The dimples extend part way through holes provided therefor in the insulative layer. This sandwich assembly being placed under a bed mattress serves as a mattress-switch indicating electrically by contact between the sheet and the pad the presence of an occupant in the bed or his absence by lack of such contact. The characteristic time of the pad material for returning to its original shape is substantially longer than the corresponding return time of the insulative layer. Reliable operation is obtained for a wide range of occupant weights regardless of the weight(s) of the previous occupants.

Abstract: A switch assembly includes an array of switches arranged on a substrate having a conductive pattern on a surface thereof defining a plurality of switch contacts. An apertured spacer is disposed adjacent the surface with an aperture being positioned in opposed relationship to each switch contact. A multi-conductive contact material is disposed to provide switch closure when forced through an aperture in the separator into engagement with a switch contact at a large number of separate conductive engagement regions. In one arrangement the multi-conductive contact material is a fine mesh woven wire screen stretched taut adjacent the separator while in another arrangement it is a uniaxially conducting material having a high density of parallel, spaced conductors extending perpendicular to the surface.