Abstract: A transform is used to transform raw sensor data from the time domain to the frequency or sequency domain. The transformed data falls into several signal bins. The transformed data in at least one of the signal bins is analyzed to determine whether a touch event or release event has occurred.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor includes fluid sensing electrodes, reference electrodes, and a controller. The reference electrodes compensate for temperature fluctuations about the fluid electrodes. The controller determines fluid level based on the response of the fluid electrodes to the presence of the fluid in proximity thereto.

Abstract: A transform is used to transform raw sensor data from the time domain to the frequency or sequency domain. The transformed data falls into several signal bins. The transformed data in at least one of the signal bins is analyzed to determine whether a touch event or release event has occurred.

Abstract: A magnetic encoder knob system includes a knob associated with a first side of a substrate and a magnetic encoder associated with a second side of the substrate. First and second magnets are disposed in or on the knob such that magnetic flux lines extending between the first and second magnets pass through the encoder so that the encoder responds to rotation of the magnetic flux lines in response to rotation of the knob.

Abstract: A transform is used to transform raw sensor data from the time domain to the frequency or sequency domain. The transformed data falls into several signal bins. The transformed data in at least one of the signal bins is analyzed to determine whether a touch event or release event has occurred.

Abstract: A touch sensor is associated with a housing that is adapted for attachment to the outer perimeter of a fluid conduit. The housing can be attached to the fluid conduit such that the touch sensor can detect the presence of fluid within the fluid conduit. The output of the touch sensor can be used by an indicator or processor.

Abstract: A transform is used to transform raw sensor data from the time domain to the frequency or sequency domain. The transformed data falls into several signal bins. The transformed data in at least one of the signal bins is analyzed to determine whether a touch event or release event has occurred.

Abstract: A user interface panel includes a touch sensor having one or more sensing electrodes and a user interface substrate disposed on a circuit carrier substrate. The user interface substrate includes a touch surface comprising a conductive material. A gap separates a portion of the conductive material overlying one of the sensing electrodes from surrounding portions of the conductive material.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.

Abstract: A transform is used to transform raw capacitive sensor data from the time domain to the frequency or sequency domain. The transformed data falls into several signal bins. The transformed data in at least one of the signal bins is analyzed to determine whether a touch event or release event has occurred.

Abstract: A touch sensor is associated with a housing that is adapted for attachment to the outer perimeter of a fluid conduit. The housing can be attached to the fluid conduit such that the touch sensor can detect the presence of fluid within the fluid conduit. The output of the touch sensor can be used by an indicator or processor.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus emulating a mechanical switch includes a field effect sensor and an electric field stimulator mechanically associated with the field effect sensor. A field generation signal applied to the field effect sensor causes an electric field to be generated thereabout. The electric field stimulator can be moved between first and second positions with respect to the field effect sensor. When moved into proximity with the field effect sensor, the electric field stimulator disturbs the electric field. A detection circuit coupled to the field effect sensor detects and responds to the disturbance to the electric field.

Abstract: Embodiments of a modular knob system include a modular knob shell, bearing componentry, and detent componentry. A specific knob shell embodiment may accommodate various different detent mechanisms so that a single knob shell can be used with numerous switching mechanisms. The knob system also may include electronic, magnetic or other sensors.

Abstract: A therapeutic support device includes a bladder having one or more independently inflatable compartments, each including a plurality of inflatable cells. When inflated, each inflatable cell forms a contact node that may support a user or another object disposed thereon. The inflatable compartments can be alternately inflated and deflated such that contact pressure can be applied to and relieved from corresponding portions of the user's body in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A user interface includes a touch surface substrate, a graphic layer, a touch sensor disposed on a circuit carrier associated with the rear side of the touch surface substrate, and a light source associated with the rear side of the circuit carrier. The circuit carrier defines an aperture through which light emanating from the light source can pass. This light also passes through the graphic layer and is visible at the front side of the touch surface substrate.

Abstract: A touch panel includes first and second sets of electrodes separated by a dielectric and oriented so that the electrodes of the first set intersect with the electrodes of the second set without touching. Each of the electrodes can be made of a plurality of individual conductors shorted together. The conductors can be provided in the form of flat cable or clockspring material.

Abstract: A therapeutic device that reduces localized subcutaneous pressure while allowing capillary flow in a medical setting is disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a modular knob system are disclosed. The modular knob system includes a modular knob shell, bearing componentry, and detent componentry. The knob system also may include electronic, magnetic, or other sensors.

Abstract: An interconnect apparatus for interconnecting electrical components includes a body and a spring element retained by and extending from the body. The apparatus is configured so that a portion thereof may be captured between first and second substrates and to connect electrical circuits lying in different planes.