Abstract: Lighting strips and signs are produced using a flexible, clear and transparent substrate that is a good dielectric, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Flexible metallic power bus traces are formed on at least one surface of the substrate, extending along opposite edges of the strip, or to define the shape of alphanumeric letters or graphic designs on a sign. Conductive traces electrically coupled to the flexible power bus traces are electrically connected to a plurality of light emitting devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The flexible, clear and transparent lighting strips or signs can then be mounted or hung on a window or in a display case and provide decorative lighting and illumination without obscuring objects, since light is transmitted through the substrate. The light emitted by the light sources can be white or selected to be of one or more other colors for enhanced visual and decorative effect.

Abstract: An electrical membrane switch that is actuated by applying a force against a layer of a variable resistance material that overlies and is in direct contact with switch poles that are applied to and supported by a substrate. A gap is provided between the switch poles, and the layer extends across the gap. The substrate can be a circuit board with electrical traces formed thereon to convey electrical current to the switch poles. As a sufficient force is applied to the surface of the layer of the variable resistance material, its resistance changes from a relatively high value, in which the switch is in a non-conducting state, to a relatively low value, in which the switch is in a conductive state. A protective sheet can optionally be included over the variable resistance layer and can include graphics/text to indicate the position of each switch in an array and its function.

Abstract: An electrical membrane switch that is actuated by applying a force against a layer of a variable resistance material that overlies and is in direct contact with switch poles that are applied to and supported by a substrate. A gap is provided between the switch poles, and the layer extends across the gap. The substrate can be a circuit board with electrical traces formed thereon to convey electrical current to the switch poles. As a sufficient force is applied to the surface of the layer of the variable resistance material, its resistance changes from a relatively high value, in which the switch is in a non-conducting state, to a relatively low value, in which the switch is in a conductive state. A protective sheet can optionally be included over the variable resistance layer and can include graphics/text to indicate the position of each switch in an array and its function.