Abstract: A device for generating electrical current in the presence of ambient heat includes an intermediate layer having a predetermined electronegativity value interposed between a first outer layer and a second outer layer, in which the first outer layer has an electronegative value less than the intermediate layer, and the second outer layer has an electronegative value less than the first outer layer. The intermediate layer includes a first binder combination and a second binder combination. The first binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a first electronegative material. The second binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a second electronegative material. The first and second binder combinations have a predetermined electronegative value that is greater than said first and second outer layers. A method of making and a method of activating the device for the generation of electricity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for generating electrical current in the presence of ambient heat includes an intermediate layer having a predetermined electronegativity value interposed between a first outer layer and a second outer layer, in which the first outer layer has an electronegative value less than the intermediate layer, and the second outer layer has an electronegative value less than the first outer layer. The intermediate layer includes a first binder combination and a second binder combination. The first binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a first electronegative material. The second binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a second electrogneative material. The first and second binder combinations have a predetermined electronegative value that is greater than said first and second outer layers. A method of making and a method of activating the device for the generation of electricity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for generating electrical current in the presence of ambient heat includes an intermediate layer having a predetermined electronegativity value interposed between a first outer layer and a second outer layer, in which the first outer layer has an electronegative value less than the intermediate layer, and the second outer layer has an electronegative value less than the first outer layer. The intermediate layer includes a first binder combination and a second binder combination. The first binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a first electronegative material. The second binder combination contains a polymeric binder and a second electronegative material. The first and second binder combinations have a predetermined electronegative value that is greater than said first and second outer layers. A method of making and a method of activating the device for the generation of electricity are also disclosed.

Abstract: The temperature adjustable coating and medium and method for providing an electrically-resistant temperature-adjustable article and structure. The coating provides a continuous electrically-conductive electrically-resistive path for the application of electrical current to the coating. The electrically-resistant temperature-adjustable article consists of a surface on which a high-temperature conductive-resistive coating is bound. The surface temperature of the article along the path is thereby adjustable between ambient and 2000.degree. F. in response to electric current applied to it without oxidization destroying the electrical conductivity of the medium in temperatures above 600.degree. F. The medium possesses the high-temperature conductive-resistive quality of the coating while maintaining a clay consistency capable of being formed into various shapes without a substrate.

Abstract: A fluorescent illuminating apparatus includes a translucent housing with a chamber within which a fluorescent medium is supported. The fluorescent medium and housing may be part of an ordinary fluorescent lightbulb. The housing has electrical connections configured to provide an electrical potential across the chamber. An inductive structure is fixed sufficiently proximate to the housing to induce fluorescence in the fluorescent medium when an electric current is passed through the inductive structure while an electric potential is applied across the electrical connections of the housing. It is believed that the inductive structure induces fluorescence by means of an electromagnetic field interaction with either the fluorescent medium, or the ultraviolet-emitting gaseous material, such as mercury, typically contained in a fluorescent lightbulb, or both.

Abstract: The temperature adjustable coating and medium and method for providing an electrically-resistant temperature-adjustable article and structure. The coating provides a continuous electrically-conductive electrically-resistive path for the application of electrical current to the coating. The electrically-resistant temperature-adjustable article consists of a surface on which a high-temperature conductive-resistive coating is bound. The surface temperature of the article along the path is thereby adjustable between ambient and 2000.degree. F. in response to electric current applied to it without oxidization destroying the electrical conductivity of the medium in temperatures above 600.degree. F. The medium possesses the high-temperature conductive-resistive quality of the coating while maintaining a clay consistency capable of being formed into various shapes without a substrate.

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

Abstract: The temperature adjustable coating and medium and method for providing an electrically-resistant temperature-adjustable article and structure. The coating provides a continuous electrically-conductive electrically-resistive path for the application of electrical current to the coating. The electrically-resistant temperature-adjustable article consists of a surface on which a high-temperature conductive-resistive coating is bound. The surface temperature of the article along the path is thereby adjustable between ambient and 2000.degree. F. in response to electric current applied to it without oxidization destroying the electrical conductivity of the medium in temperatures above 600.degree. F. The medium possesses the high-temperature conductive-resistive quality of the coating while maintaining a clay consistency capable of being formed into various shapes without a substrate.

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

Abstract: An electrical resistance heating element includes a pair of spaced apart electrical conductors, and a strip of resistive material disposed between the conductors and extending along their lengths. A strip of heat-sensitive, electrically conductive material is also disposed between the conductors and also extends along their lengths. The strips of resistive material and heat-sensitive, electrically conductive material together provide an electrical path between the conductors widthwise along their lengths. The heat-sensitive strip interrupts an electrical path between the conductors and widthwise through the resistive material strip only over portions of the resistive material strip which attain a predetermined temperature.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: Ordinary inexpensive magnetic recording tape is used to create a novel resistance element which may be made pressure sensitive to perform a number of tasks involving robot finger control intrusion alarm systems, and portable weighing scales. A pressure insensitive resistance element is also used as an efficient, inexpensive heating tape element, or to make precision resistors having little bulk, and resistive networks which may be customized by a user.

Abstract: Ordinary inexpensive magnetic recording tape is used to create a novel resistance element which may be made pressure sensitive to perform a number of tasks involving robot finger control intrusion alarm systems, and portable weighing scales. A pressure insensitive resistance element is also used as an efficient, inexpensive heating tape element, or to make precision resistors having little bulk, and resistive networks which may be customized by a user.

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 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.