Abstract: A flat panel X-Y matrix display has gas discharge switches which are disposed in capacitive series contact with associated electroluminescent cells. The gas discharge switches are selectively ionized to continuously energize and light the EL cells until the switches are turned off. The switches thus provide an active energization matrix for the cells.

Abstract: An electroluminescent display panel has a glass substrate which supports a matrix of electrodes and phosphor pixels. The matrix and a molecular sieve are vacuum sealed against the substrate within a compliant back cap made of laminated layers of aluminum and polyethylene.

Abstract: An electroluminescent D.C. display panel has a transparent substrate, transparent anodes, a metal oxide interlayer, an electroluminescent powder phosphor, and cathodes formed in stacked relation on the substrate. The metal oxide interlayer allows the panel to be formed relatively quickly at substantially reduced forming currents.

Abstract: A capacitive or a membrane switch is provided with a coil spring which has a conical base and a top cylindrical portion. The spring biases a switch key to its rest position. When the key is pressed, the conical base is compressed to provide an exponentially increasing counter-force and to actuate the switch at a predetermined actuation point. After the switch is actuated, the key continues to move and compresses the cylindrical portion of the spring to provide a linearly increasing counter-force which indicates overtravel operation of the switch.

Abstract: A capacitive switch employs a conical conducting spring disposed within a switch housing in spaced relation to an underlying capacitive plate which is covered by a dielectric layer. The bottom coil of the spring engages slots of the housing so that the spring is held above the capacitive plate. A substantially zero capacitance is defined when the switch is in its rest state with the spring biasing a switch pushbutton upwardly. When the pushbutton is pressed, the spring is compressed against the underlying capacitive plate. The compressed coils of the spring define a predefined capacitance which indicates the depressed condition of the switch.

Abstract: An improved capacitive keyboard includes a plurality of switch keys that each define a minimum capacitance when in a fully extended rest state and a maximum capacitance when pressed. Each switch key has a plunger mechanism that compresses a capacitive spring when the key is pressed and releases the spring when the key is released. Each capacitive spring is affixed in operational orientation over an associated capacitive pad by soldering areas of the base coil of the spring to adjacent plated holes in a supporting printed circuit board. In operation, molten solder is applied at the underside of the printed circuit board and passes up through the plated holes by capillary action to contact the base coil of the spring. The hardened solder holds the spring in its operational position on the printed circuit board and conductively contacts the spring with an output terminal of the board.

Abstract: A gaseous display panel having a base plate and a face plate is disclosed. A plurality of groups of cathode segments are disposed on the base plate, and a plurality of anodes are disposed on the face plate. Each anode has a plurality of electrically conductive web portions extending across at least one of the cathode segments, the anodes, including the web portions, being deposited onto the face plate simultaneously with the application of a conductive layer used to outline the anode.

Abstract: An inertia switch including a cone-shaped inertia mass element movable from a stable condition wherein it supports a movable switch plunger in a position for maintaining a pair of switch blades in an open condition, into a collapsed condition in response to an impact bringing about an abrupt change in movement. In the collapsed condition the inertia mass will be out of its plunger supporting position allowing the same to activate the switch by permitting the switch blades to close.