Abstract: A fluid valve includes a sleeve having inlet and outlet ports and a stem movable within the sleeve. The stem has inlet and outlet port means with the outlet port means being movable into register with the sleeve outlet port. A fixed seal member is positioned on the sleeve, out of the path of flow through the stem to the sleeve, with the stem outlet port being closed by the seal member when the valve is in a closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a membrane switch of the type having a flexible membrane, a substrate, first and second conductors formed on the membrane and substrate and spacing means disposed between the first and second conductors. The spacing means is applied to either the membrane or substrate in a uniform pattern of individual spacer areas. The spacer areas are applied in liquid form which is cured or allowed to dry. The pattern of spacer areas can be applied without regard to the location of the conductors. The size, spacing and thickness of the spacer areas allow contact between aligned first and second conductors when the exterior of the membrane is subjected to pressure. Thus the same pattern of spacer areas can be used with any arrangement of conductors.

Abstract: A membrane switch has a substrate and a plurality of first conductors formed on the substrate. A flexible membrane having a plurality of second conductors formed thereon is positioned relative to the substrate by a spacer which may be adhesively secured to both membrane and substrate. There are openings in the spacer in register with aligned first and second conductors. The membrane is caused to move toward the substrate through an opening to cause contact between the aligned first and second conductors in response to pressure upon the exterior of the membrane. There are vent passage means interconnecting the spacer openings, which vent passage means may be open to the atmosphere.