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 pointing device may be directly soldered to a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, a bottom substrate defines a sensing region with a plurality of interdigitated conductive trace regions. Each trace region includes interdigitated common and sense traces. At least one via passes through the bottom substrate for each trace. Each via supports a conductive path from one trace to at least one lead element. Each lead element is solderable to a printed circuit board. A flexible substrate is constructed from a heat resistant polymer. The flexible substrate has a resistive layer deposited on a bottom side. A raised pedestal is formed on the bottom substrate top face around at least a portion of the sensing region. The pedestal separates the interdigitated conductive traces from the flexible substrate resistive layer. A button on a keypad membrane may be used to depress the flexible substrate onto the trace region.

Abstract: A seat weight sensor for detecting the weight of a seat occupant. The weight sensor has a case mounted between a seat pan and a seat member. One or more strain gauge resistors are mounted in the case. The resistors generate an electrical signal in response to the case being stressed by the weight of the seat occupant. The electrical signal changes as a function of the weight of the occupant. A fastener passes through the seat member, the case, and the seat pan. The fastener secures the sensor between the seat pan and the seat member. The case is adapted to transfer to the strain gage resistor the weight of the occupant up to pre-determined level. The case prevents the strain gage from receiving weight beyond that of the pre-determined level such that the sensor is not damaged by an excessive load. The case also allows the weight sensor to be insensitive to off-axis forces that might otherwise contribute to inaccurate weight readings.

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: 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. Two or more current control devices are electrically coupled parallel to increase power handling.

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 circuit for measuring mechanical stress impressed on a printed circuit board includes a number of electrically conductive pads formed on at least one outer surface of the printed circuit board, and a resistive material applied in a pattern to the printed circuit board and defining a resistor between first and second ones of the number of electrically conductive pads. The resistive material exhibits an electrical resistance that varies as the resistive material is deformed so that the resistor exhibits an electrical resistance value that varies as a function of mechanical stress impressed on the printed circuit board sufficient to deform the resistive material defining the resistor. Any number of such resistors may be formed on or within the printed circuit board, and any such resistor may form part of an external resistor bridge network configured to monitor changes in its resistance value.

Abstract: A safety contact mat has an upper mat half and a lower mat half with respective mutually facing spaced apart conductive layers, which are to be brought into contact in order to close an electrical contact. At least one of the mat halves is formed by a flat coextrudate of a non-conductive elastomer, a conductive elastomer as the conductive layer, and of a conductive woven material enclosed between the elastomers.

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 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: The present invention provides an electromechanical switch arrangement, having at least one contact 7 that is movable relative to one or more other contacts 8, 9 within the switch, and further comprising a variably resistive material 20. The variably resistive material 20 being arranged such that as the contacts 7, 8, 9 move from an open condition to a closed condition, a force is applied to the variably resistive material 20 to provide a current flow path through the switch before the contacts 7, 8, 9 are in electrical contact.

Abstract: An electronic resistor user interface comprises flexible conductive materials and a flexible variably resistive element capable of exhibiting a change in electrical resistance on mechanical deformation and is characterised by textile-form electrodes(10,12) a textile form variably resistive element (14) and textile-form members (16) connective to external circuitry.

Abstract: The design of a thermistor maximizes the temperature sensitive effects of the semiconductive inks while minimizing or eliminating the force sensitive effects. The design provides for an integrated force and temperature sensor having reduced costs, improved sensitivity and reproducibility, and greater reliability. A thick film thermistor has (a) a pair of shaped electrical conductors deposited on a first support substrate; (b) a temperature sensitive ink layer deposited over the pair of electrical conductors so that the ink layer is coextensive with the pair of electrical conductors; and (c) a second support substrate bonded to the first support substrate.

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. 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 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 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 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: Mechanical testing prototype housings (102) and circuit boards (204, 206) are provided with strain sensors (110, 218, 810) that include piezoresistive material (306, 516, 808) the resistance of which changes in response to strain. The housings and circuit boards are useful for stress testing to evaluate the mechanical robustness of particular housing designs, and circuit board layouts. Circuit boards including the strain sensors can be used to evaluate candidate locations for placement of electrical test contact probe areas (524, 526, 602).

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: A multidirectional input device includes ring-shaped resistance element layer 18, first conductive layer 22 and second conductive layer 23 shaping in arcs corresponding to resistance element layer 18, and knob 14 having ring-shaped protruded section 14D. Resistance element layer 18 has at least a pair of electrodes and is formed on flexible insulating substrate 16. Protruded section 14D brings resistance element layer 18 into contact with first conductive layer 22 or second conductive layer 23 when the knob is tilted. When a given voltage is applied to the electrodes and the knob is tilted, resistance element layer 18 comes in contact with first conductive layer 22 or second conductive layer 23, so that an output signal of a high resolution concerning a tilt angle can be obtained. The output signal is supplied to a microprocessor and calculated, then an angle or a direction is detected and recognized.

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: It is an object to provide a push-button switch member (1), by utilizing light energy with out any loss for back-lightening on a display section, capable of realizing the back-lightening to the display section with even luminance while suppressing power consumption and having high visibility and thin thickness, the push-button switch member comprising a key-top portion (3) and a cover base member provided with the key top portion at a predetermined portion; thereof and adapted to be mounted to the circuit board (5), the key-top portion (3) being provided with a display section (2) displaying a switching function and an area emitter (4) integrally formed with the display section, wherein the area emitter member (4) is provided with a light emitting layer (13) disposed between a base electrode (14), and a transparent electrode (10) disposed so as to oppose to the base electrode (14) and the transparent electrode (10) arranged to be contacted to the display section (2) is formed of a transparent conductive polym

Abstract: In a multi-directional operation switch, an operating disk, upon being pressed at its upper side, tilts to depress a elastic pressing member, thus making hard rings of the driving member to press a resistor sheet sequentially. This operation allows resistor layers beneath the resistor sheet to directly contact annular electrically conductive layers facing the resistor layers in a desired sequence, respectively. The multi-directional operation switch has a reduced height and can produce a number of switching signals according to desired angular directions of switching operations.

Abstract: An input device includes a keytop, an elastic member, a movable electrode and a fixed electrode. The movable electrode is coupled to the elastic member above the fixed electrode. The electrodes are enclosed within a recess. A resistance of one of the fixed or movable electrodes changes when the electrodes are in contact based on a pressure exerted on the keytop.

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: 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: In a multiple-direction input device, when the operation body is tilted, a push portion having a substantially spherical shape at the bottom of a operation body pushes a resistor element and detects a tilting direction and a tilting angle of the operation body from a resistance at a pressing point. Thus, the input device may operate in multiple directions in entire directions of 360°. The device can detect the pressing point of the push portion pressing the resistor element in accordance with the tilting direction and the tilting angle. The multiple-direction input device using less number of parts is capable of continuously detecting the tilting directions and the tilting angles.

Abstract: A press-type varistor switch is disclosed. A center of an upper cover is formed with a round hole. A head of a silicide cap is embedded into the round hole. Opposite sides of the seat are formed with a metal guide pin. The head of the silicide cap protrudes from a round hole of the upper cover so that the silicide cap is enclosed between the upper cover and the seat. Each of the adjacent sides of the metal guide pins are extended with a carbon-film resistor; and the two carbon-film resistors are not in contact to one another. An interior of the head is installed with a conductive rubber. The conductive rubber is above the two carbon-film resistors. When a force is applied to the silicide cap, the two carbon-film resistors are in contact with the two metal guide pins partially or fully so that the impedance is adjustable.

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: An analog sensor depressible by a single human finger/thumb. Depressive force is applied to a dome-cap and to structuring capable of defining 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. The analog sensor is further taught in combination with additional sensors and tactile feedback structures, for example, sensors such as rotary potentiometers and the tactile feedback structure of an electric motor rotating an offset weight.

Abstract: An operating apparatus and a signal-output modulating method therefor allow analogous operations to be implemented by use of press-operational operation elements that have conventionally been used for digital operations. In the operating apparatus, detecting elements are provided, each of which is formed of a resistant material and a conductive material. The detecting elements individually output analog signals corresponding to press-operations performed on the operation elements. An output-level range of an analog signal outputted from the detecting element is divided by a level divider into multiple levels, and an analog-digital (A-D) converter performs conversion thereof to digital signals corresponding to the output levels. In addition, the output levels of the individual digital signals outputted from the A-D converter are shifted by a level corrector 17 according to a predetermined corresponding reference, and the digital signals are thereby output.

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: 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 multidirectional input device includes ring-shaped resistance element layer 18, first conductive layer 22 and second conductive layer 23 shaping in arcs corresponding to resistance element layer 18, and knob 14 having ring-shaped protruded section 14D. Resistance element layer 18 has at least a pair of electrodes and is formed on flexible insulating substrate 16. Protruded section 14D brings resistance element layer 18 into contact with first conductive layer 22 or second conductive layer 23 when the knob is tilted. When a given voltage is applied to the electrodes and the knob is tilted, resistance element layer 18 comes in contact with first conductive layer 22 or second conductive layer 23, so that an output signal of a high resolution concerning a tilt angle can be obtained. The output signal is supplied to a microprocessor and calculated, then an angle or a direction is detected and recognized.

Abstract: A multi-axis potentiometer according to this invention is capable of determining actuator movement along multiple axes. The potentiometer includes a hollow, semi-spherical shell lined internally with a resistive element. Electrical contacts are attached across from each other along the resistive element near an opening of the shell to supply a source voltage or current to the resistive element. A pair of sensors are arranged on the end of an armature to contact the resistive element. The sensors in the end of the armature are used to sense voltage or current levels at the points where they contact the resistive element. These voltage or current levels are used to determine spherical coordinates corresponding to the location of the contact point and to determine an angle of rotation of the armature relative to the resistive element. A slidable handle can further be provided to a stem of the armature. The slidable handle contains a sensor to contact a resistive element located on the stem of the armature.

Abstract: The invention concerns a force sensor (10) comprising a first electrode (22) and a second electrode (24) made of conductive material, which are arranged spaced from each other on a first insulating support (12). The invention is characterized in that a contact element (26) is conductive material is placed opposite the two electrodes and some distance therefrom, said contact element t(26) being pressed against said electrodes (22, 24) when a force is exerted on the pressure sensor (10) and at least one of the electrodes (22, 24) is coated with a pressure sensitive material layer (28, 30).

Abstract: In a pressure sensitive sensor, a conductive pattern including a contact portion is provided on a substrate. A pressure-sensitive variable resistor is disposed above the substrate. An adhesive layer is coated on at least one of a lower face of the pressure-sensitive variable resistor or an upper face of the substrate so that the pressure-sensitive variable resistor is separated from the substrate, and so that a space is formed between the contact portion and the lower face of the pressure-sensitive variable resistor.

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: Various techniques are provided for reducing the impact of tangential forces on touch location in a touch location device. For example, in one aspect, shunt connections are provided that impede lateral motion of the touch surface structure at the level of the touch plane, thereby reducing to insignificant magnitude reactions to tangential force passing through the sensing connections. In another aspect, sensing connections incorporate elastic means so adjusted as to turn that connection's reaction to tangential touch force perpendicular to its axis of sensitivity. In another aspect, sensing connections incorporate sensing means so adjusted as to turn that connection's axis of sensitivity perpendicular to its reaction to tangential force.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor for sensing the position of an attached object. The sensor uses a strain gage to detect the position of the object. The sensor includes a housing and a helical shaped actuator located in the housing. The actuator is attachable to the object. A strain gage is positioned in contact with the actuator. The actuator applies a strain to the strain gage as the actuator is moved. The strain gage generates an electrical signal that is proportional to the position of the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable alpha numeric keyboard device (2301) configured to input data items into a computer or similar processing device (2307). The keyboard device comprises a first electrically conductive fabric sheet, a second electrically conductive fabric sheet and an interface circuit configured to supply voltages to and receive outputs from said keyboard. In addition; the keyboard is configured to produce an output in response to a mechanical interaction and the interface circuit is arranged to respond to the mechanical interaction and to provide a data item to a computer or similar processing device.

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: A piezoresistor having a base substrate with a quantum well structure formed on the base substrate. The quantum well structure includes at least one quantum well layer bounded by barrier layers. The barrier layers are formed from a material having a larger bandgap than the at least one quantum well layer.

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.

Abstract: A pointing stick includes a substrate, an input pillar set vertically on the substrate, and at least one strain gauge for sensing pressure and producing pointing signals corresponding to the pressure. A portion of the strain gauge is set between the input pillar and the substrate. The strain gauge includes a first pressure resistor set on an upper surface of the substrate. A first electrode and a second electrode are electrically connected to the first pressure resistor. The first electrode and the second electrode form a loop to let current pass through the first pressure resistor. The first electrode and the second electrode are separated by a gap with a predetermined distance in a pressing direction, which is perpendicular to the surface of the substrate.

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: An acceleration change detection system, which in a preferred embodiment is used as an impact detection system, detects whether a deflection sensor is deflected. The magnitude and/or direction of the impact may be considered. The system may include one or more than one deflection sensor. The invention may have particular use in a system that determines whether to deploy an air bag in a vehicle. The system may employ an open or enclosed chassis. The deflection sensors may deflect against deflection structures, which may be in various shapes. The deflection sensors have an electrical parameter (such as resistance) that changes upon deflection of the deflection sensor. In certain embodiments, the deflection sensor is ordinarily held in place by a movement inhibitor, which may include, for example, a magnetic, spring, clip, or stiff substrate. A large impact may create a force great enough to overcome the magnetic or mechanical force of the movement inhibitor.

Abstract: A film pressure sensitive resistor comprises conductive particles such as carbon black, a binder such as polyester resin, and spherical elastic particles having an average particle diameter of 2 &mgr;m to 50 &mgr;m, and further has average surface roughness of 0.1 &mgr;m to 3 &mgr;m, a peak-to-peak concavo-convex period of 10 &mgr;m to 1000 &mgr;m, and an elastic modulus of 800 MPa to 8000 MPa so as to have reliable quality, and excellent environmental resistance, and durability to repeated use (depressing).

Abstract: An improved vehicle road sensor is provided for signalling the passage of a vehicle over a predetermined location on a roadway. The vehicle road sensor includes a membrane switch which includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a non-conductive substrate, a pair of electrically-conductive stripes upon the non-conductive substrate, an electrically non-conductive gap separating the electrically-conductive stripes, and an electrically-conductive lead connected to each electrically-conductive stripe. The second member includes an electrically-conductive strip which is superposed upon the electrically-conductive stripes on the first member. The second member is normally out of electrical contact with the electrically-conductive stripes on the first member.

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.