Abstract: Pressure sensitive resistor elements are provided which serve as an on-off switching device and comprise an anisotropically electroconductive sheet which is formed of an insulating rubbery elastomer as a matrix within which many electroconductive fibers are dispersed and oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the sheet, an electrode provided on each surface of the sheet, and an insulating layer interposed between at least one of the electrodes and the sheet. The resistor elements can remain insulating in the absence of a compressive force between the electrodes and contribute to electric conduction in the presence of the compressive force.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive multiple resistor element is proposed whereby two or more variations of resistance can be obtained simultaneously by applying a single compressive force. It comprises an anisotropically electroconductive composite sheet exhibiting varied resistance between its opposite surface as a result of the compressive force applied thereto, a set of electrodes provided on one surface of the composite sheet, another set of electrodes provided on the other surface, and a means for applying the compressive force to the composite sheet through the electrodes. The anisotropically electroconductive composite sheet is formed of an electrically insulating rubbery elastomer as the matrix within which many electroconductive fibers are dispersed and oriented in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the sheet.

Abstract: A novel and improved rod-shaped interconnector having a structure of an electrically conductive material and an electrically insulating material, at least one of them being flexible, arranged alternatively in strata, which is provided with electrically insulating coating layers on the lateral surfaces having no direct contribution to electric conduction. The interconnectors are safe from the defective phenomenon of surface leakage especially in a highly humid atmosphere.

Abstract: Anisotropically pressure-sensitive electroconductive composite sheets are provided which have a very low electric conductive resistance in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the sheet when compressed with an adequate pressure in the direction but a high insulating resistance in all directions within the plane of the sheet. The composite sheets are constructed so that electrically conductive fibers are uniformly dispersed in the matrix of an electrically insulating substance, the average length of the fibers ranging from 20 to 80% of the thickness of the sheet, and are aligned in the direction substantially perpendicular to the plane. They are useful as a switching material in various miniaturized electronic circuits.

Abstract: The pressure-sensitive resistor comprising an electroconductive elastomer, in which an electroconductive particulate material is dispersed, two electrodes placed on the opposing surfaces of the elastomer, a means for providing a compressive force between the electrodes and a means for adjusting the compressive force, works on a novel principle that the elastomer composite exhibits a positive coefficient in the curve of compression vs. resistance relationship when the compressive force is varied in a region exceeding an inversion point at which the resistance of the elastomer as measured in the direction of compression is minimal. The coefficient in this positive region is smaller than in the ordinary negative region, so that the variable resistance of the resistor can be controlled very delicately together with the decreased contribution of the uncontrollable contact resistance.

Abstract: An improved pressure-sensitive resistance element is provided which is composed of an electrically non-conductive matrix of a rubbery elastomer and electrically conductive particles dispersed therethrough to have a gradient of distribution from one side to the other of the matrix. Such resistance elements can be manufactured by preliminarily mixing a fluid silicone rubber composition with the conductive particles to be uniformly dispersed therein and subsequently subjecting the mixture to curing to form a rubbery elastomer while, concurrently, the particles are naturally or by force allowed to settle to form the gradient of distribution within the matrix.The resistance elements are superior in easily obtaining the desired resistivity in a wide range by adjusting pressure applied thereto as well as a long service life, compared to products of the kind hitherto known.

Abstract: The novel and improved interconnector for making electric connection between the terminal points of electronic circuit units comprises at least one continuum of an electrically insulating material, preferably a silicone rubber, and a plurality of contacts of an electrically conductive material, preferably a carbon-filled silicone rubber, the contacts being discrete from each other, spaced apart and protruding on the lateral surface of the continuum. When two continua are provided, the contacts are sandwiched between them. Various other modifications of the construction are proposed. The interconnectors have the advantage of dimensional accuracy and reliability in electric connection as well as easy in manufacture.