Abstract: Membrane switches have at least one trace with two leads, such that its integrity can be tested during deployment of the switch.

Abstract: Membrane switches have at least one trace with two leads, such that its integrity can be tested during deployment of the switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch mat which includes an electrical contact, a support frame, and a plate member. The electrical contact is operable under pressure between a closed condition and an open condition and is maintained in either the opened or closed condition in the absence of pressure. The support frame defines a two-dimensional area and is formed with a protective housing to prevent excessive compression from being transmitted to the components of the electrical contact during activation. The plate member is sized to fit within the two-dimensional area of the support frame and is supported at its perimeter by the support frame. The plate member transmits activating compression to the electrical contact. The electrical contact can be a ribbon switch that may either run substantially continuously or be placed intermittently along the perimeter of the plate member.

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: 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.