Abstract: An electronic fitness device is provided, the electronic fitness device including an enclosure having a cover, a motor positioned within the enclosure, a circuit board, a variable resistor positioned on the circuit board, the variable resistor comprising a first trace, a second trace, and a semiconductive film disposed over the first trace and the second trace, and control circuitry coupled to at least the motor and the circuit board. The cover is positioned to press the semiconductive film against the first trace and the second trace in response to a pressure applied to the cover, and the control circuitry is configured to actuate the motor in response to a change in the resistance between the first trace and the second trace resulting from the pressure applied to the cover. Also provided are a method of monitoring abdominal muscle position, and control circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for attaching tactile sensors to a curved surface, comprising a sensor fixing unit configured to have at least part of one surface curved and to have a plurality of sensor insertion grooves, crossing each other, formed in the one surface in a matrix form; tactile sensor units formed in a matrix form, inserted into the respective sensor insertion grooves, and configured to detect external force; sealing units configured to seal the respective sensor insertion grooves; and a support unit configured to come in contact with one face of the sealing units or the sensor fixing units and to support the sensor fixing units. Accordingly, the tactile sensors can be easily attached to a curved surface, and mass production is possible.

Abstract: A bend-detecting (bending) sensor is provided, including a flexible substrate, at least a pair of electrode patterns spaced apart from each other provided on the flexible substrate, and a paste layer containing conductive particles. The paste layer is coated onto the flexible substrate where the electrode patterns are formed, such that when the flexible substrate is bent, the density of the conductive particles between the electrode patterns changes and an electric resistance between the electrode patterns also changes, thereby sensing deformation of the flexible substrate, and eventually, a target to which the flexible display element or the flexible substrate is attached. When the bending sensor is applied to the flexible display device, the electrode patterns and the paste layer may be formed on the flexible substrate which is to form the flexible display element, thus forming a bending sensing structure with a thickness of the flexible display element or less.

Abstract: A micro-heater according to example embodiments may include a metal line formed on a substrate. A deforming portion may be integrally formed as part of the metal line. A support may be positioned between the metal line and the substrate. The support may secure the metal line to the substrate while spacing the metal line apart from the substrate. When the metal line is expanded or compressed by the heating or cooling that occurs during the operation of the micro-heater, the deforming portion of the metal line may deform so as to help absorb the resulting tensile stress. As a result, the amount of tensile stress experienced by the metal line may be decreased. Accordingly, the possibility of breakage of the metal line may be reduced or prevented.

Abstract: A position sensor cord includes a hollow insulator formed of a restorable rubber or a restorable plastic, and two linear resistive members. Each of the two linear resistive members includes a linear insulator and a conductive layer provided around a circumference of the linear insulator. The conductive layer is formed of a conductive rubber or a conductive plastic. The two linear resistive members are arranged in no electrical contact with each other and along an inner surface of the hollow insulator. One of the two linear resistive members may be replaced with one linear conductive member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric control device for an automobile, that comprises a touch-surface sensor using pressure-sensitive resistors and to be assembled with a holder (3) having a recessed or protruding three-dimensional surface, characterized in that the touch-surface (1) of the sensor is shaped so that, at the assembled state, a portion of at least the shaped touch-surfaces (1) meet each other while conforming to the shape of said three-dimensional surface (4) in order to define an essentially continuous touch-surface (1).

Abstract: An electrical membrane switch that is actuated by applying a force against a layer of a variable resistance material that overlies and is in direct contact with switch poles that are applied to and supported by a substrate. A gap is provided between the switch poles, and the layer extends across the gap. The substrate can be a circuit board with electrical traces formed thereon to convey electrical current to the switch poles. As a sufficient force is applied to the surface of the layer of the variable resistance material, its resistance changes from a relatively high value, in which the switch is in a non-conducting state, to a relatively low value, in which the switch is in a conductive state. A protective sheet can optionally be included over the variable resistance layer and can include graphics/text to indicate the position of each switch in an array and its function.

Abstract: A multidirectional input member according to the present invention includes a base plate on which a looped sensor that includes a plurality of groups of non-contacting electrodes configured in a loop is formed and an operation plate locating opposite to the base plate. The operation plate has a first loop-shaped protrusion that is located at a plane opposite to the base plate, that is protruded toward the base plate side, that is opposite to the looped sensor, and that is configured with a resistant rubber member. The first protrusion has a configuration in which its sectional area of a plane parallel to the base plate is tapered in the direction from the operation plate side toward the base plate side.

Abstract: The device has a first substrate on which an electrical resistive element is mounted, and a second substrate on which a contact electrode is mounted. The contact electrode is disposed opposite the resistive element at an electrically insulating distance. It can be brought into electrical contact with the resistive element by pressing the substrates together. The device is provided with electrical or electronic circuitry for detecting the location of the compression point. At least one of the substrates is equipped with a flat leaf spring of spring-grade sheet metal attached flush thereto, which leaf covers the compression zone of the substrates.

Abstract: A manually operable position sensor is shown, for providing control signals to an electronic device, such as an audio player. A fabric ribbon (101) has a length substantially longer than its width with insulating yarns and electrically conducting yarns included therein. The conducting yarns define three conductive tracks (103, 104, 105) running the length of the fabric. The conductive tracks are configured to interface with an electronic device at a first end. At a second end, an active region of the fabric forms part of a sensor assembly that is receptive to a manually applied pressure.

Abstract: A varistor includes a ceramic base body having a surface. The varistor also includes an insulating layer on at least a portion of the surface of the ceramic base body. The insulating layer includes a base glass and filler. The filler includes 3Al2O32SiO2.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the position of the mechanical interaction is disclosed. A first fabric conducting layer (601) has electrically conducting fibers, electrically conducting tracks (602, 603) and terminals (604) connectable to a circuit. A second fabric layer (605) has conducting fibers and insulating fibers. A third separating layer (608) is constructed from an insulator with openings to allow conduction to occur. A forth fabric conducting layer (609) also has electrically conducting fibers, electrically conducting tracks (610, 611) and terminals connectable to a circuit. The second fabric (605) is a knitted fabric having a substantially smooth back (606) and an irregular front (607). The knitted fabric is positioned such that the irregular surface is in contact with the first conducting layer and the smooth surface is in contact with the separating layer (608).

Abstract: The invention concerns a touch-sensitive surface (15) electrical control device comprising at least two adjacent active zones (3, 5, 7) for controlling in each active zone (3, 5, 7) a specific electrical function and a coating (13) provided on the touch-sensitive surface (15) and having surface ribs (9) for delimiting said active control zones (3, 5, 7). The invention is characterized in that the lower surface (18) of a rib (9) separating two adjacent active zones is shaped like a tensioned vault (20) between posts (17) which are solely supported outside the active zones of the touch-sensitive surface (15).

Abstract: A tactile sensor for curved surfaces applicable to objects with multi-dimensional curvature and a small radius of curvature and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The tactile sensor for curved surfaces includes a lower pattern including a plurality of lower polymer film layers spaced at specified intervals in a lower direction, lower metal layers disposed on the lower polymer film layers, and a number of lower resistors disposed on the lower metal layers, an upper pattern including a plurality of upper polymer film layers spaced at specified intervals in a direction perpendicular to the lower direction, upper metal layers disposed on the upper polymer film layers, and a number of upper resistors disposed below the upper metal layers to be electrically connected to the lower resistors, and a lower polymer layer and an upper polymer layer to bond the lower pattern and the upper pattern to each other.

Abstract: A foil-type switching element comprises a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance from each other by means of a spacer, which comprises one opening (18) defining an active area. An elongate resistive layer (20) is provided on the second carrier foil within the active area while elongate 5 shunt means (22) are arranged on the first miler foil within the active area and facing the resistive layer (20). The form of the opening (18) in the spacer is such that the active area generally tapers in the longitudinal direction of the elongate resistive layer (20), so that when pressure is applied on the switching element, the shunt means (22) shunt a portion of the resistive layer (20) that 10 progressively increases with pressure, from the broad end of the spacer opening (18) towards its narrow end.

Abstract: The body pressure distribution sensor sheet includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a plurality of pressure-sensitive regions interposing between the first sheet and the second sheet. The pressure-sensitive regions are arranged in two directions, i.e., a lengthwise direction and a transverse direction to form a matrix. A first opening, a second opening, and a cut line are formed in an area between a pair of pressure-sensitive regions and adjacent to each other in a first oblique direction. The shape of the first opening is defined by a plurality of borders including a border and a border. The border extends from one end of the cut line in the transverse direction, and the border extends from the one end of the cut line in the lengthwise direction. The shape of the second opening is defined by a plurality of borders including a border and a border.

Abstract: A small inexpensive two terminal variable resistance assembly that conveniently changes its resistance when a force of an actuator is applied. It can be made for power applications as well as in miniature dimension versions in values from milli-ohms to meg-ohms. This variable resistor increases its power handling capacity during a decrease in its ohmic value, contrary to present three terminal potentiometers or reostats. It does this by a rolling action that increases or decreases two resistive surface areas in parallel. It could also be used as a variable capacitor.

Abstract: A varistor includes a ceramic base body having a surface. The varistor also includes an insulating layer on at least a portion of the surface of the ceramic base body. The insulating layer includes a base glass and filler. The filler includes 3Al2O32SiO2.

Abstract: A variable resistance device comprises a resistive member having a resistive resilient material. A first conductor is configured to be electrically coupled with the resistive member at a first contact location over a first contact area. A second conductor is configured to be electrically coupled with the resistance member at a second contact location over a second contact area. The first contact location and second contact location are spaced from one another by a distance. The resistance between the first conductor at the first contact location and the second conductor at the second contact location is equal to the sum of a straight resistance component and a parallel path resistance component. At least one of the first location, the second location, the first contact area, and the second contact area is changed to produce a change in resistance between the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: A force sensing resistor (FSR) includes a substrate having separated electrically conductive traces and another substrate having a resistive layer in which the substrates are subjected to a biasing force such that the substrates contact one another with the resistive layer electrically connecting the traces with a resistance inversely dependent on the biasing force. Upon an external force applied towards a substrate, the substrates contact one another with a total force which is the sum of the forces with the resistive layer electrically connecting the traces with a resistance inversely dependent on the total force. An FSR output which is a function of the resistance is measured. Whether a change in magnitude of the FSR output during a time interval is greater than a threshold is determined. A touch applied on the FSR is detected during the time interval if the change is greater than the threshold.

Abstract: The invention provides a strain gauge which includes a fabric base and at least one conductive yarn. In addition, the fabric base is weaved with a plurality of non-conductive yarns, and the fabric base thereon defines a sensing direction. Moreover, each of the conductive yarn is gimped by a textile process with one of the non-conductive yarns and is woven through the fabric base along the sensing direction. Furthermore, the at least one conductive yarn is capable of being applied by an electric power; when an external force acts on the fabric base, the geometrical property of the at least one conductive yarn alters so that a change of an electric property associated with the applied electric power is sensed to indicate an elongation of said strain gauge applied by the external force along the sensing direction.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to light sources that have variable and adjustable luminous intensities. According to certain preferred embodiments of the invention, devices are provided that generally comprise (1) a conductive elastomeric material that is located between a first and second conductive surface; (2) a power source operably connected to the first conductive surface; and (3) a light source operably connected to the second conductive surface. In such embodiments, the conductive elastomeric material comprises an electrical resistance that decreases when the material is compressed or contacts a greater surface area of the first or second conductive surface. By modulating the compression state of the elastomeric material (and, therefore, the ohmic resistance thereof), the amount of electrical power transmitted from the power source to the light source is controlled, which in turn affects the luminous intensity of the light emitted therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for a deflectable resistor. The deflectable resistor has a first layer of conductive material and a second layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate, said first layer of conductive material having a resistance that changes predictably. The change of resistance of the first layer of conductive material reflects an amount of deflection of the respective layer. A dielectric is placed over the first and second layers of conductive material. A third layer of conductive material is placed thereon. The dielectric material electrically insulates the first and second layers from the third layer.

Abstract: The cost and complexity of an electronic pressure sensitive transducer are decreased by constructing such a transducer directly on a printed circuit board containing support electronics. Conductive traces are formed on the printed circuit board to define a contact area. A flexible substrate having an inner surface is positioned over the contact area. An adhesive spacer, substantially surrounding the contact area, attaches the flexible substrate to the printed circuit board. At least one resistive layer is deposited on the flexible substrate inner surface. In use, the resistive layer contacts at least two conductive traces in response to pressure applied to the flexible substrate to produce an electrical signal indicative of applied pressure.

Abstract: A method of providing a variable resistance from a resistive member including a resistive resilient material comprises electrically coupling a first conductor with the resistive member at a first contact location over a first contact area; and electrically coupling a second conductor with the resistive member at a movable second contact location over a second contact area. The second contact location is movable relative to the resistive member to change the second contact location between the second conductor and the resistive member, the first contact location and the movable second contact location being spaced from one another by a distance.

Abstract: An architectural preset rotary and preset slide control device comprising an N-mode latch mechanically coupled to a switch having a pole and a plurality of receiving terminals. The device further comprises a variable control component that is electrically coupled to the switch such that when the latch is activated into one of the N modes, the switch pole is caused to be electrically coupled to one of the receiving terminals allowing electrical energy at the pole to be routed through the switch to one of the receiving terminals. The variable control component controls the amount of electrical energy that is routed through the switch. The device has a modular design in that the switch, latch, variable control component and other parts of the device are single piece parts that facilitate the assembly of the device during its manufacture.

Abstract: A switching element provided with a foil construction includes a first supporting foil and a second supporting foil that are kept at a distance from one another via a spacer. The spacer has a recess in at least one active area of the switching element. A contact arrangement includes at least two electrodes and is arranged in the active area of the switching element so that an electrical current between the electrodes is established when both foil layers are pressed together. A structure made of an electrically nonconducting material is placed inside the active area of the switching element and prevents the electrodes from coming into contact in the area of the structure.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity pressure conduction sensor is presented. The present invention includes a pair of locally resilient conductive layers and a locally resilient pressure conduction composite disposed between and contacting both conductive layers. Alternate embodiments include at least three locally resilient conductive layers and at least two locally resilient pressure conduction composites, each having a critical percolation threshold. Each composite is disposed between and contacting two conductive layers in a multi-layer fashion. Other embodiments include a locally resilient pressure conduction composite, a flexible substrate completely surrounding the composite so as to seal it therein, and a pair of electrical leads contacting the composite and terminating outside of the flexible substrate. Pressure conduction composites are composed of a plurality of conductive particles electrically isolated within a non-conductive matrix.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive sensor includes two base films opposite to each other, a pair of electrodes provided on the two base films, and first and second pressure-sensitive resistors provided by two layers on the electrodes to form a predetermined gap therebetween. Further, a contact state between the first and second pressure-sensitive resistors is changed in accordance with a pressure applied to at least one of the base films, and a resistance between the electrodes is changed in accordance with the contact state between the pressure-sensitive resistors. In addition, each of the pressure-sensitive resistors is constructed with a binder resin having an elasticity modulus in a range between 10 and 1000 Mpa, and electrical conductive particles each of which is coated with a polymer. Accordingly, the pressure-sensitive sensor including the pressure-sensitive resistors can accurately detect a pressure in a range between 1 and 20 kPa.

Abstract: A foil-type switching element comprises a first carrier foil having a first electrode arrangement applied thereon and a second carrier foil having a second electrode arrangement applied thereon, said first and second carrier foils being arranged at a certain distance by means of a spacer in such a way that said first and second electrodes face each other in an active area of said switching element. At least said second electrode arrangement comprises a resistive layer which faces said first electrode arrangement. In response to a pressure acting on said switching element said first and second electrode arrangements are pressed together, the shape and/or the size of a mechanical contact surface between said first and second electrode arrangements being given by a mechanical response function depending on the amount of pressure applied. According to the invention, said resistive layer has a shape such that an electrical response function of said sensor is decoupled from said mechanical response function.

Abstract: A key has a varying response depending on the manner of depression. The key comprises at least a base and a switching element arranged curved relative to one another. Between the switching element and the base is a contact area where the switching element touches the base. When the switching element is depressed towards the base, the edge of the contact area between the switching element and the base moves along the surface of the base. The response of the switch is determined by observing the location of the edge of said contact area relative to the base.

Abstract: A current control device is described wherein a pressure conduction composite is compressed and decompressed to alter its conductivity and thereby current conduction through the device. The pressure conduction composite is composed of a nonconductive matrix, a conductive filler, and an additive. The invention consists of electrodes, a nonconducting isolator, and pressure plates contacting the composite. Electrically activated actuators apply a force onto pressures plates. Each actuator is a piezoelectric, piezoceramic, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, or piezo-controlled pneumatic element, capable of extending and/or contracting thereby altering pressure and consequently resistivity within the composite.

Abstract: The cost and complexity of an electronic pressure sensitive transducer are decreased by constructing such a transducer directly on a printed circuit board containing support electronics. Conductive traces are formed on the printed circuit board to define a contact area. A flexible substrate having an inner surface is positioned over the contact area. An adhesive spacer, substantially surrounding the contact area, attaches the flexible substrate to the printed circuit board. At least one resistive layer is deposited on the flexible substrate inner surface. In use, the resistive layer contacts at least two conductive traces in response to pressure applied to the flexible substrate to produce an electrical signal indicative of applied pressure.

Abstract: A current control device is described wherein a pressure conduction composite is compressed and decompressed to alter its conductivity and thereby current conduction through the device. The pressure conduction composite is composed of a nonconductive matrix, a conductive filler, and an additive. The invention consists of electrodes and pressure plates contacting the composite. Electrically activated actuators apply a force onto pressures plates. Actuators are composed of a piezoelectric, piezoceramic, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, and shape memory alloy materials, capable of extending and/or contracting thereby altering pressure and consequently resistivity within the composite. In an alternate embodiment, two or more current control devices are electrically coupled parallel to increase power handling.

Abstract: A current control device is described wherein a pressure conduction composite is compressed and decompressed to alter its conductivity and thereby current conduction through the device. The pressure conduction composite is composed of a nonconductive matrix, a conductive filler, and an additive. The invention consists of electrodes, a nonconducting isolator, and pressure plates contacting the composite. Electrically activated actuators apply a force onto pressures plates. Actuators are composed of a piezoelectric, piezoceramic, electrostrictive, magnetostrictive, and shape memory alloy materials, capable of extending and/or contracting thereby altering pressure and consequently resistivity within the composite. In an alternate embodiment, two or more current control devices are electrically coupled parallel to increase power handling.

Abstract: In a garment 10, 12 incorporating an electronic device such as a radio 16, a variable of the device, such as volume, is varied by the use of two cords 22, 24, the electrical resistance of each cord decreasing in accordance with an increase in tension applied to the cord; pulling one cord increases the volume of the radio and pulling the other cord decreases the volume. The stronger the pull, the faster the change in volume. The ends of the cords lie outside the garment and carry toggles 26, 28 for easy operation by a gloved hand. Alternatively the ends of the cord outside the garment may be connected to opposite ends of a manual grip 48.

Abstract: A description is given of a passenger detector comprising a flexible support of insulating material, at least two electrode structures placed on said insulating substrate at a certain distance from each other, and a layer of semiconducting material placed above said electrode structures in an active zone of the detector. In conformity with the invention, said layer of semiconducting material has an internal resistance that varies with a deformation of said layer and said layer of semiconducting material is placed in intimate contact with said electrode structures.

Abstract: A multidirectional control switch of the present invention is used in a variety of electronic apparatuses including a portable telephone and a personal digital assistant. A first switch contact of this switch outputs a first signal continuously varying as a top surface of a substantially disc-shaped operating member undergoes a sliding press along a locus substantially in arc form. With a stronger press, a second switch contact outputs a second signal. The multidirectional control switch has a simple structure and can be reduced in size because these two switch contacts are integrally formed, eliminating the need to combine discrete elements.

Abstract: A conductive structure is used in electric variable resistance devices to provide changes in electrical resistance with movement and changes in pressure, the variable resistance device comprising externally connectable electrodes (10) bridged by an element (14) containing polymer and particles of metal, alloy or reduced metal oxide, said element (14) having a first level of conductance when quiescent and being convertible to a second level of conductance by change of stress applied by stretching or compression or electric field, the device further comprising by means (18) to stress the element (14) over a cross-sectional area proportional to the level of conductance required.

Abstract: A button control for use in game controllers is arranged such that when the button is pressed down, the angle and magnitude of the force of each depression will determine the amount of contact between the conducting jell and the resistor strip or the conducting tracks located on the printed circuit board and thereby determine the magnitude of the output signals so as to gain greater game control. Further, when said resistor strip is made a cut-open, discontinuous structure, then when the conducting jell begins to press on the resistor strip, the resistance changes from infinite resistance to maximum resistance to facilitate reading of button control status.

Abstract: A touch screen assembly for contact input systems, with the touch screen including a base substrate with an electrically resistive coating thereon. An array of reticulated spaced raised projections are formed on the inner surface, with the raised projections consisting of a developed/cured photoresist. In its formation, the photoresist is applied as an adherent layer with a release-film backing, with the layer being applied onto a heated substrate. Thereafter, a laminate is formed by passing the photoresist layer beneath a heated pneumatically actuated nip roll to cause the photoresist layer to flow, thereby forming a layer of uniform thickness. Thereafter, the laminate is masked, exposed to incident radiation, and developed so as to provide a reticulated pattern of adherent raised projections. A flexible plastic film having a resistive coating thereon is thereafter mounted on the substrate in superimposed relationship to the raised projections.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating electrical heating devices employing positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor as heating elements which includes: assembling the heating devices with PTC thermistor heating elements preselected according to electrical resistance, applying pressure across the interface between the PTC heating elements and the radiator plates of the heating devices during their assembly, and exposing the heating devices for extended periods of time to both ambient and operational temperatures. The method of fabrication further includes continuously monitoring the electrical resistance of the heating devices and holding their electrical resistance stable by adjusting the pressure applied across the interface between the PTC heating elements and the radiator plates.

Abstract: In a glass keyboard comprising a keyboard surface (4) made from a flexible thin glass pane (2) and at least one carrier material pane (6), each pane being provided with an electroconductive layer (8,10) on the faces facing each other, wherein the opposing electroconductive layers (8,10) are kept at a distance to each other with the aid of a spacer (12), and wherein the electroconductive layers (8,10) touch each other when pressure is applied to the flexible thin glass layer (2) at the essentially localized place of pressure application, it is provided that the flexible thin glass pane (2) is made from a drawn thin glass film.

Abstract: An analog sensor depressible by a single human finger/thumb. Depressive force is applied to a dome-cap and to analog materials for varying an analog output of the sensor responsive to varying force applied by a single finger or thumb. Depressive force causes the dome-cap to bow downward passing through a user discernable threshold, causing a snap-through tactile sensation. In some embodiments the dome-cap is metallic.

Abstract: A seating detecting device is comprised of a first cushion having an insert wire embedded therein, a second cushion placed on the first cushion, a surface sheet placed on the second cushion, a suspension wire fixed to the surface sheet and arranged between the surface sheet and the second cushion, and a pressure detecting device provided between an upper surface of the first cushion and a lower surface of the second cushion and having a plurality of through-holes for the suspension wire being fixed by the insert wire therethrough thereby to fix the surface sheet to the first and second cushions.

Abstract: A position sensor (101) is arranged to detect the position of a mechanical interaction. such as the application of manual pressure. A first fabric layer (201) has electrically conductive fibers machined therein to provide a first conductive outer layer allowing conduction in all directions along the layer. A second fabric layer (202) has electrically conductive fibers machined therein to provide a second conductive outer layer allowing conduction in all directions along the layer. A central layer (203) is disposed between the first outer layer (201) and the second outer layer (202). The central layer (203) includes conductive elements. A first insulating separating element (204) is disposed between the first conductive outer layer and the conducting elements. A second insulating separating element (205) is disposed between the second conductive outer layer and the conducting elements.

Abstract: A position sensor is arranged to detect the position of a mechanical interaction, such as the application of manual pressure. A first fabric layer has electrically conductive fibers machined therein to provide a first conductive outer layer allowing conduction in all directions along the layer. A second fabric layer has electrically conductive fibers machined therein to provide a second conductive outer layer allowing conduction in all directions along the layer. A central layer is disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The central layer includes conductive elements. A first insulating separating element is disposed between the first conductive outer layer and the conducting elements. A second insulating separating element is disposed between the second conductive outer layer and the conducting elements. The conducting elements provide a conductive path between the first conducting outer layer and the second conducting outer layer at the position of a mechanical interaction.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive direction devices are provided which may facilitate assembly and provide higher tolerance for variation in alignment of components while still providing for pressure sensitive direction detection. The devices of the present invention may be particularly advantageous when integrated into devices, such as cellular radiotelephones, to provide a user interface to facilitate user navigation through increasingly complex menu structures. In various embodiments, the present invention may detect pressure in addition to two and, preferably, at least four directions. In particular embodiments, the devices of the present invention provides a switching device having a plurality of trace grid areas located, for example, on a printed circuit board and actuated responsive to pressure applied by a user through a poly-dome layer where increase pressure results in contact with a greater number of the traces in respective grids.

Abstract: A touch screen assembly for contact input systems, with the touch screen including a base substrate with an electrically resistive coating thereon. An array of reticulated spaced raised projections are formed on the inner surface, with the raised projections consisting of a developed/cured photoresist. In its formation, the photoresist is applied as an adherent layer with a release-film backing, with the layer being applied onto a heated substrate. Thereafter, a laminate is formed by passing the photoresist layer beneath a heated pneumatically actuated nip roll to cause the photoresist layer to flow, thereby forming a layer of uniform thickness. Thereafter, the laminate is masked, exposed to incident radiation, and developed so as to provide a reticulated pattern of adherent raised projections. A flexible plastic film having a resistive coating thereon is thereafter mounted on the substrate in superimposed relationship to the raised projections.

Abstract: A first resistive element and a second resistive element are serially connected to each other, and a contact element having a lower resistivity than the first resistive element elastically contacts the first resistive element. The resistance between both ends of the first resistive element varies with the contact area between the first resistive element and the contact element. When a predetermined voltage is applied to the first and the second resistive elements, an output voltage, which corresponds to the resistance ratio of the first resistive element to the second resistive element, is obtained from a conductive pattern. When the resistance ratio of the first resistive element to the second resistive element is set in the range of 1 to 3, the linearity is improved and a wide variation range of the output voltage is obtained.