Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical device that can be used to help maintain a connection between an electrical tail and an electronic device such as a touch sensor screen. The mechanical device deflects upon installation over the tail and the electronic device so that pressure caused by spring action helps maintain the connection. The mechanical device also includes a cutout region designed so that the tail can freely pass through the mechanical device.

Abstract: Electrode pattern disposed on a conductive surface is disclosed. The electrode pattern includes a plurality of conductive segments. The conductive segments are located along the edges of two or more concentric parallel polygons. Each edge of each polygon has one or more middle segments disposed between two end segments. For each edge of each polygon the middle segments are equal in length, and the segments are equally spaced. A touch sensor is disclosed that includes such an electrode pattern.

Abstract: A field linearization pattern and a touch sensor incorporating same are disclosed. The touch sensor includes a polygonal field linearization pattern disposed around a touch sensitive area. The field linearization pattern includes a first side and a second side that intersect at a first corner. The field linearization pattern further includes an inner row and an outer row of discrete conductive segments. The inner row includes a conductive corner segment at the first corner. The conductive corner segment extends along a portion of the first and second sides of the linearization pattern. The touch sensor further includes electronics configured to detect a location of an input touch applied to the touch sensitive area by generating an electrical current in the linearization pattern. A current flowing from the first side to the second side of the linearization pattern is substantially confined within the linearization pattern.

Abstract: A pattern for linearizing an electric field and a touch sensor incorporating same are disclosed. The touch sensor includes an electrically resistive film that covers a touch sensitive area. The touch sensor further includes two or more substantially parallel polygonal rows of electrically conductive segments disposed on the resistive film and surrounding the touch sensitive area. Each edge of each row has one or more middle electrically conductive segments disposed between two end electrically conductive segments. Gaps separate adjacent conductive segments in a row. A middle conductive segment in a row fully overlaps a middle conductive segment in an adjacent row. The overlap defines a full overlap region. The touch sensor further includes a discrete electrically insulative segment disposed in the resistive film in the full overlap region. The insulative segment increases the electrical resistance between the two middle conductive segments.

Abstract: A load cell comprises a member for receiving forces applied by the load, and a plurality of force sensing elements supported by the member and arranged with respect, to each other to independently sense differently directed components of the applied forces. The member is disposed, e.g., in a horizontal plane for receiving the load forces, and the force sensing elements are strain gages. One of the strain gages is arranged to sense a component of the forces applied in a vertical direction relative to the plane, and a second strain gage is arranged to sense a component of the forces applied in a horizontal direction relative to the plane. Among other advantages, the load cell is highly versatile can be used to measure loading forces applied in virtually any direction.