Abstract: A tamper switch actuator is used in combination with a circuit board held between two outer structural members. The tamper switch actuator includes a suspended displacement member moveable to a conducting position after a given amount of compression of a compressing member. The compressing member cooperates with an outer protecting sleeve and is positioned within and moveable in the axial direction of the sleeve. The tamper switch actuator separates the outer protecting sleeve from the displacement member. With this arrangement the electrical conducting surface of the displacement member can quickly respond to separation of the casing to produce a non-conducting condition or tamper indicating conditions while remaining protected within the outer protecting sleeve.

Abstract: A wearable garment incorporates a manual interconnect device, so that a user wearing the garment can operate the interconnect device by coupling a connector, which is in turn coupled to a power source or external electronic device. Through a releasable locking action by the user, the connector is electrically coupled to the interconnect device, which is coupled to a fabric circuit integrated in the garment, such that operation of a locking action activates related ancillary equipment such as power supplies or electronic devices.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprises a dielectric substrate and a deformable contact member overlying the dielectric substrate for contacting an electrical conductor on the dielectric substrate when deformed. The contact member is electrically connected to another electrical conductor on the dielectric substrate, and may have plural contact fingers. A mounting may be provided for mounting the switch using a fastener, a tie member or an adhesive member.

Abstract: A thin keyboard structure comprises a substrate, a flexible circuit and a keycap. The substrate comprises a base, a first portion with a first end, and a second portion with a second end. At least one of the first portion and the second portion protrudes from the base at an included angle. The first end is aligned with the second end and separated from the second end by some distance. The flexible circuit comprises a first contact fixed on the first end and a second contact fixed on the second end. The keycap having at least one connecting device is fixed on the portion that protrudes from the base.

Abstract: A switching device for use on flexible material includes a core member configured to be secured to and extend outwardly from a flexible material, a switch supported by the core member, and a cover. The switch is configured to be operably connected to an electrical device. The resistance required to activate the switch beyond that provided by the user's fingers is provided solely by the core member, the switch, the cover, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The pressure sensitive sensor includes a sheet base, an application-side and a receiving-side electrode provided on the sheet base and conducting coatings provided on the electrodes. The conductive electrodes have pressure-sensitive conductive ink containing conductive carbon black. Resistance between the application-side electrode and the receiving-side electrode changes by a contact area between the conductive coatings on the electrodes. The pressure-sensitive conductive ink has an enhanced strength as a resin and an enhanced effect of dispersion of the conductive carbon black by adding 30 to 70 parts by weight of silicon dioxide to 100 parts by weight of silicone elastomer component as a binder. The pressure-sensitive sensor has output stability and linearity at temperatures in a wide range from ?40° C. to 85° C.

Abstract: A flexible data input device including a first textile layer and a second textile layer, which are arranged spaced apart from each other by a spacer. The spacer includes apertures delimiting the active zones of the data input device. The two textile layers are electroconductive in the active zones and a material with pressure-variable resistance is applied in the active zones, at least on one of the textile layers.

Abstract: There is provided herein a sensor for use in connection with an electronic patient monitor, wherein the sensor preferably uses a linearly configured resistive ladder with spaced-apart resistors as a means of determining at least approximately a location of the patient on the sensor as well as an approximate length of the sensor which is compressed by the patient. By continuously determining both of these quantities over time it is possible to track the patient's movement and determine to what extent the patient needs to be manually turned and/or the extent to which a next-scheduled turn can be skipped.

Abstract: A switch assembly movable between a closed position and open position includes a multilayer circuit. The multilayer circuit includes a first layer having a first conductive material disposed thereon, a second layer having a second conductive material disposed thereon, and a third layer disposed between the first the second layer, the third layer having an opening therein to permit contact between said first conductive material and said second conductive material when the switch assembly is in the closed position. An actuator such as a rubber dome enables a customer to provide a force to move the switch assembly between closed and open positions. The actuator also meets tactile feel requirements for customer actuated switch applications.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention an apparatus is provided for remotely controlling a digital processing system, comprising a housing, a scrolling detector, a cursor positioning detector, and a transmitter. The housing has a wall having an outer scrolling surface over which a finger of a person's hand is movable in a scrolling movement. The scrolling detector is located within the housing. The scrolling detector detects the scrolling movement remotely through the wall and generates a scrolling signal. The cursor positioning detector is secured to the housing and is actuable by the hand to generate a position signal. The transmitter transmits the scrolling signal and the position signal to the digital processing system.

Abstract: The pressure sensitive sensor includes a sheet base, an application-side and a receiving-side electrode provided on the sheet base and conducting coatings provided on the electrodes. The conductive electrodes have pressure-sensitive conductive ink containing conductive carbon black. Resistance between the application-side electrode and the receiving-side electrode changes by a contact area between the conductive coatings on the electrodes. The pressure-sensitive conductive ink has an enhanced strength as a resin and an enhanced effect of dispersion of the conductive carbon black by adding 30 to 70 parts by weight of silicon dioxide to 100 parts by weight of silicone elastomer component as a binder. The pressure-sensitive sensor has output stability and linearity at temperatures in a wide range from −40° C. to 85° C.

Abstract: In an elastic sheet member of the present invention, a silicon rubber sheet is supported by a fixed member. A wire group functioning as contacts is disposed at either one of the silicon rubber sheet or the fixed member. In other words, electrical continuity paths, which were conventionally provided at a printed circuit board, are basically provided at the elastic sheet member which is formed of a non-conductive material. In accordance with the present invention, there is no need for the printed circuit board to cover a range at which all rubber contacts are disposed, as in conventional art. Accordingly, the printed circuit board can be made compact, space required for placement thereof can be reduced, and degrees of freedom in design are increased.

Abstract: An electric, motorized toothbrush includes a switch that has an “automatic” position. The “automatic” mode provides for intermittent motorized operation, which is dependent upon application of an external force. Various embodiments allow for the force to be exerted either on the toothbrush handle, such as when it is gripped by the user, or on the brush head itself—e.g., when the brush head contacts the user's teeth. A substantially hollow housing allows for placement of battery, motor, gears, and linkages to facilitate motorized movement of the brush head.

Abstract: In a push-button switch member provided with a movable contact composed of a metal member 7 constituting a contact surface to an opposing electrode 4, a number of holes 6 are formed to the contact surface in the height direction thereof, and the holes 6 are filled up with a filler 8 formed of a flexible resin.

Abstract: Printed circuit board (1, 2, 3) comprising at least a first layer (13) on which a first stationary contact terminal (18) is formed and one or more second layers (9, 22) being spaced apart from the first layer (13) by at least one intermediate layer (10, 11, 12) is shown, whereby at least a portion (5) of said one or more second layers (11, 12) extend into a recess (26) formed by at least a discontinuity of the intermediate layers (10, 11, 12). The portion in the printed circuit board is flexible and has a second terminal (6). Which can be brought into contact with the first stationary terminal (20).

Abstract: One embodiment in accordance with the present invention includes a “plug-in” button module for a personal digital assistant (PDA). Specifically, the “plug-in” button module includes a button frame module having a membrane layer (e.g., thermo-plastic urethane or thermo-plastic elastomer) molded over it. The plug-in module can be snapped into the PDA over its button array. In this manner, the plug-in button module provides a seal for the buttons of the PDA that restricts dirt, grim, and other foreign particles from getting underneath them. Furthermore, since the plug-in button module is modular, it can be manufactured separately from the rest of the PDA in a wide variety of ways. For example, the membrane layer of the plug-in button module can be fabricated with different shapes, colors, hardnesses, decorations, textures, and opacities. In this manner, a user is able to personalize their PDA by snapping in a particular plug-in button module.

Abstract: A multi-directional switch includes a conductive member with a central contact portion and four side contact portions. A push key can be actuated to press a selected one of four interconnected, conductive, resilient plate portions of an annular peripheral plate or a conductive, resilient plate portion of a central plate against a corresponding one of the central contact portion and the side contact portions. Upon release of the push key, the resilient plate portions of the central plate and the peripheral plate can return the push key to a normal position.

Abstract: To obtain a comfortable feeling of click at the time of depression operation and to provide a depression switch and a multidirectional input device with excellent operability.

Abstract: A switching apparatus and electro-mechanical latching system includes an elastomeric button with independently movable electrically conducting spring plates mounted to the button. The button includes a plurality of elastomeric posts extending from an inboard surface thereof for retaining the spring plate to the button. A leadframe is disposed in the base and includes electrical tracks for communicating with a vehicle computer. Each spring plate includes a plurality of cantilever springs. When the button is depressed, the cantilever springs of the spring plates come in contact with electrical tracks to complete a circuit. The completion of the circuit causes a signal to be sent to a vehicle computer, which signals a motor to release the automotive vehicle door latch.

Abstract: A pressure activated electrically conductive polymeric matrix material that is doped with particulate filler material. Electrical conductivity is pressure activated with a change in electrical resistance; specifically, with no pressure applied, the material is at a high resistance and with pressure the resistance is materially lower. Conductive fillers may be spherical or powder substrate, such as glass, graphite, etc., having plated thereon a metal coating which is electrically conductive and which is more thermally conductive than the substrate. The polymeric matrix materials may include polyurethane, silicone, and many other synthetic or natural rubbers.

Abstract: A switch suitable for use in garments is provided. The switch comprises an arrangement of at least two electrically conductive contact portions provided in the form of textile fastener components. The textile fastener components may be stud fastener components mounted on fabric portions and normally separated by resilient biasing means such as compressible foam material. The application of a sufficient force causes the compressible foam material to yield allowing the textile fastener components to contact each other physically and therefore electrically. Removal of the applied force allows the foam material to return to its shape prior to yielding and therefore separate stud fastener components. The switch utilizes components often found in clothing allowing the switch to be incorporated into garments using machinery and workforce skills widespread within the garment manufacturing industry.

Abstract: A switching apparatus and electromechanical latching system includes an elastomeric button with independently movable electrically conducting spring plates mounted to the button. The button includes a button cap including a relatively high durometer material and button walls including a relatively low durometer button material, such that the button walls collapse and the button cap generally maintains its shape when pressure is applied to the button cap. Each spring plate includes a plurality of cantilever springs. When the button is depressed, the cantilever springs of the spring plates come in contact with electrical tracks to complete a circuit. The completion of the circuit causes a signal to be sent to a vehicle computer, which signals a motor to release the automotive vehicle door latch.

Abstract: A technique for making acicular, branched, conductive dendrites, and a technique for using the dendrites to form a conductive compressible pad-on-pad connector are provided. To form the dendrites, a substrate is provided on which dendrites are grown, preferably on a metal film. The dendrites are then removed from the substrate, preferably by etching metal from the substrate. The so formed dendrites are incorporated into a compressible dielectric material, which then forms a compressible pad-on-pad connector between two conducting elements, such as connector pads on electrical devices, e.g. an I/C chip mounted on a substrate, such as a chip carrier.

Abstract: A control member of the capacitive type for controlling at least one functional member in particular of a motor vehicle, the control member including a rigid support structure, at least one capacitive touch-sensitive detection cell located on or close to one of the faces of the support structure, and at least one control operating zone located on or close to the other face of the support structure in registration with the capacitive touch-sensitive detection cell, wherein the control operating zone includes an elastically deformable part.

Abstract: An input device includes a keytop, an elastic member, a movable electrode and a fixed electrode. The movable electrode is coupled to the elastic member above the fixed electrode. The electrodes are enclosed within a recess. A resistance of one of the fixed or movable electrodes changes when the electrodes are in contact based on a pressure exerted on the keytop.

Abstract: Safety edge switch (1) for power-driven equipment or power-driven doors, sliding equipment and so forth of vehicles, with a hollow profile made of an elastomeric material and having a mounting profile (2) and a shell part (3), in which hollow profile there is an internal body (4), the internal body part (4) and the shell part (3) having electrically conductive zones that, upon mutual contact, initiate a switching pulse that can be led to an interpretation unit. The mounting profile (2) is made electrically conductive and is electrically conductively connected to the internal body part (4) or the shell part (3).

Abstract: The tactile sensor has at least two conductive workpieces which bear on one another at a bearing area, at least one workpiece of which is produced from elastomer, with the result that it is possible to measure a contact resistance between the workpieces, which contact resistance is dependent at least on a pressure on the bearing area. At least one of the conductive workpieces comprises a conductive closed cell foam.

Abstract: An improved pushbutton switch includes an elastic element located in a body. The elastic element is made of metal and bent to form an action which has an inner diameter and two free ends to form respectively two support arms. The support arms are located in the body. When the elastic element is subject to an external pressing force, the inner diameter of the action section contracts slightly and the support arms are pressed downwards to connect two terminals of the pushbutton switch to establish electric connection to deliver signal output. When the external pressing force is released from a press element, the inherent elastic force of the elastic element pushes the press element back to its original location.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly has an electrical switching device that can be used, for example, for activating a horn or any other electrically run devices. The electrical switching device includes first and second electrical contact elements. At least one of the first and second contact elements can be formed of an electrically conductive synthetic material and a metal conductor at least partially embedded therein. The synthetic material forms a contact surface. The steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel base, an airbag module having a housing displaceable relative to the steering wheel base. The first contact element can be arranged on the base, and the second contact element can be arranged on either the base or the displaceable member. The housing can comprise a carrier for housing a gas generator and an airbag, and a cover connected to the carrier for covering the carrier. The second contact element can be arranged either on the base or on the carrier and/or the cover.

Abstract: A pedestrian push button assembly for activating a signal generator to generate a signal at a street crosswalk. The pedestrian push button assembly has a rigid frame having a piezoelectric material of a solid state switch positioned across a central aperture, and an elastic sealing ring positioned in a groove surrounding the piezoelectric material. A button is secured to the rigid frame such that (1) a seal contact portion of the button sealably rests against the elastic sealing ring, (2) a very small space separates an abutment surface of the button and a stopper surface of the rigid frame, and (3) an elastic pressure portion of the button contacts the piezoelectric material. When operated, the elastic sealing ring is sufficiently biased to urge the elastic pressure portion against the piezoelectric material to generate a signal pulse.

Abstract: A switching apparatus and electromechanical latching system includes an elastomeric button with independently movable electrically conducting spring plates mounted to the button. The button includes a button cap including a relatively high durometer material and button walls including a relatively low durometer button material, such that the button walls collapse and the button cap generally maintains its shape when pressure is applied to the button cap. Each spring plate includes a plurality of cantilever springs. When the button is depressed, the cantilever springs of the spring plates come in contact with electrical tracks to complete a circuit. The completion of the circuit causes a signal to be sent to a vehicle computer, which signals a motor to release the automotive vehicle door latch.

Abstract: An improved press switch for channeling signal transmission or output includes a body, two terminal element mounted on the body, a first elastic element located in the body, a press element disposed in the body above the first elastic element, and a face panel for covering the body at the front side thereof. When the press element subjects to an external pressing force, a second elastic element will be driven to press the first elastic element which in turn makes contact with the two terminals for establishing an electrical link to output electric characteristics desired. When the external pressing force is released from the press element, the innate elastic force of the first and second elastic element will push the press element to its original position.

Abstract: A remote controller, methods of use and manufacture thereof, for controlling electronic devices or host devices, the controller including a housing, electronic circuitry, power source and structuring for communicating with the electronic device to be controlled. A plurality of finger depressible buttons are exposed and interfacing with sensors associated with the circuitry. The buttons are for user selection of communication information sent to the host. At least one sensor is a pressure-sensitive analog sensor structured for varying electrical conductance through at least three readable states dependent upon user selected varying depressive pressure levels applied to the associated button. The circuitry reads the states of the analog sensor and information representing the state or value of the sensor is communicated to the host. A user can select any of a plurality of selectable pressure levels associated with analog sensor.

Abstract: A light emitter at an umbrella head portion comprises a combining seat, an elastic switch, an light emitting element, a circuit board, a battery, and an elastic lampshade. The lower end of the combining seat is connected to the top of the main rib. The upper end of the combining seat is installed with a receiving chamber which receives the battery and the circuit board for providing power and a control circuit. A light emitting element is mounted above the circuit board, and at the outer ring of the elastic lampshade and the protruding ring at the outer periphery of the combining seat. As the elastic lampshade is pressed, the lampshade moves downwards so that the elastic switch of the lampshade transfers a current signal to the circuit board for actuating the control circuit to light up the light emitting element. If the elastic lampshade is further pressed, the light emitting element will be turned off.

Abstract: A switch suitable for use in garments is provided. The switch comprises an arrangement of at least two electrically conductive contact portions provided in the form of textile fastener components. The textile fastener components may be stud fastener components mounted on fabric portions and normally separated by resilient biasing means such as compressible foam material. The application of a sufficient force causes the compressible foam material to yield allowing the textile fastener components to contact each other physically and therefore electrically. Removal of the applied force allows the foam material to return to its shape prior to yielding and therefore separate stud fastener components. The switch utilises components often found in clothing allowing the switch to be incorporated into garments using machinery and workforce skills widespread within the garment manufacturing industry.

Abstract: A technique for making acicular, branched, conductive dendrites, and a technique for using the dendrites to form a conductive compressible pad-on-pad connector are provided. To form the dendrites, a substrate is provided on which dendrites are grown, preferably on a metal film. The dendrites are then removed from the substrate, preferably by etching metal from the substrate. The so formed dendrites are incorporated into a compressible dielectric material, which then forms a compressible pad-on-pad connector between two conducting elements, such as connector pads on electrical devices, e.g. an I/C chip mounted on a substrate, such as a chip carrier.

Abstract: In order to provide a cord switch which can securely catch the ON/OFF operations, can cancel an erroneous operation by preventing the contact between electrodes caused by bending of the cord switch, and have a positive sensibility for the pressurization in all directions and a high reliability, at least two wire electrodes are spirally arranged along the inner surface of an insulator which is hollowed in the cross section and comprises a restorative rubber or plastic material in the longitudinal direction in a situation where the wire electrodes are not electrically contacted each other, and the wire electrodes are fixed to the hollowed insulator in a state where the wire electrodes are projected from the insulator.

Abstract: A remote controller for controlling a host device, the controller including a housing, an electrical power source within the housing, electronic circuitry within the housing connected to the power source and including a radiation emitter to emit signals from the housing, a plurality of finger depressible buttons exposed on the housing and interfacing with sensors electrically associated with the circuitry. The buttons are for user selection of signals emitted for controlling a host device. At least some of the sensors are utilized only as momentary-On only On/Off sensors. At least one sensor(s) is a pressure-sensitive analog sensor structured for varying electrical conductance through at least three readable states or values. The readable states are dependant upon depressive pressure applied to the sensor(s) through finger depressible button(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a card reading device for communicating with a portable data medium (2) such as a credit card or smart card. The reader included at least one first electrical contact (44) that cooperates with at least one second electrical contact (24) of the portable data medium through a connector (3). The connector (3) comprises a sheet (31) having at least one area forming a first conducting element (34) disposed so as to cooperate with each of the first and second contacts (24, 44) of the portable data medium and reader. The device comprises a first applicator for applying a compressing force to the contacts (24, 44) in order to press the first conducting element (34) against each of the first and second contacts (24, 44) and for discontinuing the application of the force in order to move the first conducting element (34) away from the contacts (24, 44). The first conducting element (34) comprises an electrically conductive mass made of elastomer.

Abstract: A socket for automatically switching circuitry comprises an insulating housing, first contact, second contact, transmission component, and slave switch. The insulating housing has an opening for allowing the plug to insert into this opening. The first contact fixed on an inner side of the housing mechanically and electrically connects with a first electrode of the plug. The second contact with flexibility fixed in the housing mechanically and electrically connects with a second electrode of the plug and responds to the insertion of the plug to generate a deflection. A transmission component touching with the second contact transmits the deflection as a shifting displacement. The slave switch is separated from the second contact by touching with the transmission component at an opposite side to the second contact. When the plug inserts into the socket, the slave switch automatically switches the circuitry on or off by responding to the shifting displacement of the transmission component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device having a switch which is particularly, but not exclusively, suited or use in making a connection between a portable appliance having an antenna, such as a radiotelephone, and a connection device, such as a device mounted in a motor vehicle and connected to the antenna of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A noise suppression standby switch for an instrument cable that connects a musical instrument, such as an electric guitar, to an amplifier system. Also, a method to suppress noise while changing a musical instrument that is connected to the amplifier system. The instrument cable has a ground conductor to ground the musical instrument through the amplifier system and a signal wire to carry an electrical signal from the musical instrument to the amplifier system. The method includes electrically disconnecting the signal wire from the musical instrument, and electrically connecting the signal wire or the input of the amplifier system to ground. The invention includes a switch, such as a double-pole single-throw switch, for disconnecting the signal wire from the musical instrument or from the amplifier system; and connecting the signal wire or the input of the amplifier system to ground.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector, which includes a hollow metal casing, an insulator set, and an electrically conductive signal terminal mounted within the casing and insulated from the casing by the insulator set, wherein when a matching coaxial cable connector is installed, the signal terminal is set into a first form for external signal transmission; when the matching coaxial cable connector is disconnected, the signal terminal is set into a second form for internal signal transmission.

Abstract: A pressure activated switching device includes an electrically insulative standoff positioned between two conductive layers. The standoff is preferably a polymeric or rubber foam configured in the form of contoured shapes having interdigitated lateral projections. Optionally, the switching device can include a piezoresistive material positioned between a conductive layer and the standoff. The pressure activated switching device can be used, for example, in a safety sensing edge system for a movable door.

Abstract: A coaxial jack with an internal switch mechanism and a shielded signal conductor includes a cylindrical shell having an axial opening, and an elongate signal conductor supported coaxially inside the shell, and surrounded by a shield that includes an access window positioned so that a portion of the signal conductor is accessible. A back end of an elongate resilient switch contact is fixed by a switch contact support at a back portion of the shell on one side of the shell axis. The switch contact extends inside the shell toward the front opening at a certain inclination and has a free end located on a side of the shell axis opposite the one side. The switch contact is configured and positioned to make an electrical connection with the signal conductor, via the access window in the shield, in the absence of a mating plug. An elongate actuator is supported on the inner periphery of the shell and has an engaging part that protrudes into a defined plug travel path inside the shell.

Abstract: A collapsible shipping and storage container includes a collapsible exterior frame which supports a durable heavy-duty flexible bag within the confines of the frame. The bag has an open top through which parts may be tossed to fill the interior of the bag and an opening is provided in a wall of the bag for providing side access to the interior of the bag so that personnel can remove parts from the bag as they are needed. A closure is provided for that opening which can be opened from the top of the bag downward so that the bag may be accessed at progressively lower locations on the bag as the bag is emptied. When erected, the container frame is a sturdy structure so that a plurality of containers can be stacked. The frame is also collapsible so that when the associated bag is empty, the container can be collapsed and stacked with other similarly collapsed containers so that several collapsed containers can occupy the same space as a single erect container.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a shunt contact for short circuit interconnection of terminals in a housing, where during insertion of the terminal in the housing, the short circuit contact is biased away from the terminal by engagement of a housing locking lance thereagainst so that damage to the shunt contact is minimized, in particular reduced rubbing of the gold plated contact surface and reduced risk of buckling due to abutment of the contact mating end with the shunt during insertion.

Abstract: A resilient, curved switch terminal is elastically flexed when deflected by a connector pin inserted into a coaxial connector. The switch terminal is sufficiently long to provide a broad range of resiliency that accommodates plug pins of various dimensional tolerances. The switch terminal contacts a fixed terminal in a normally closed contact position. A connector pin in a mating connector opens the normally closed contact while making a new contact through the connector pin. The terminals are long enough to prevent solder flux from flowing to contacting portions. Solder flux residue is avoided on contacting portions and a more reliable contact is obtained. The portion of the switch terminal that contacts the plug pin is slanted to prevent accumulation of any contaminants such as dust or plating residue that enters the coaxial connector. The slanted contact portion also facilitates assembly of the coaxial connector switch.

Abstract: A network interface device is disclosed that connects a plug of a telephone test equipment to the telephone lines of the central office of a telephone service supplier, while at the same time disconnects customer's telephone lines from the telephone lines of the central office. Conversely, when the plug of the telephone test equipment is removed, the customer's telephone lines are reconnected to the telephone lines of the central office. The connection/disconnection is accomplished simultaneously by the insertion of the plug of the telephone test equipment into the cavity of a jack of the network interface device.

Abstract: A connecting device connecting a car antenna to the internal circuit of a portable telephone directly without going through a reed or a printed circuit board (PCB) trace. The connecting device is disposed in proximity to the antenna of the portable telephone. The car antenna is coupled to a connector which is to be disposed in a receiving portion formed in proximity to the antenna of the portable telephone. The connecting device includes a circuit board on which an internal circuit is mounted disposed in the portable telephone; a switch element which is electrically connected to the internal circuit and is mounted on the circuit board; and a connecting member mounted on the circuit board. The connecting member can electrically connect the switch element to the connector of the car antenna when the connector is received in the receiving portion and can electrically connect the switch element to the antenna of the portable telephone when the connector is not received in the receiving portion.