Abstract: A resistive touch screen includes: a cover plate; conductive traces formed on the cover plate; a carbon resistance layer printed on the cover plate between the conductive traces, wherein the conductive traces are electrically connected to the carbon resistance layer to form an inductive resistive layer, and a resistance value can be changed by external pressure to achieve touch control.

Abstract: A control device is configured to control one or more electrical loads in a load control system. The control device is a wall-mounted device such as dimmer switch, a remote control device, or a retrofit remote control device. The control device includes a gesture-based user interface for applying advanced control over the one or more electrical loads. The types of control includes absolute and relative control, intensity and color control, preset, zone, or operational mode selection, etc. Feedback is provided on the control device regarding a status of the one or more electrical loads or the control device.

Abstract: Handheld controllers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the controller includes a main body and a sensor assembly at least partially disposed in the main body. The sensor assembly can include a control surface (e.g., a button) configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger. A sensor portion can be disposed between the control surface and a rear member. The sensor portion can comprise a foam layer, a backing layer and a sensor layer between the foam layer and the backing layer. The foam layer can be compressed toward the control surface to minimize an air gap between the sensor layer and the control surface.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device is provided, which includes a body and a key layout. The body has a base surface. The key layout is disposed on the base surface of the body and includes a plurality of keys. The key layout is a QWERTY key layout and the keys are adapted for users to press with their left or right thumb while holding the body in single hand or both hands. Each key has a curved surface protruded from the base surface and each curved surface has an inflection point. A distance between two inflection points of the curved surfaces of any two adjacent keys is greater than a distance between two figure centers of the orthogonal projections on the base surface of the curved surfaces of the two adjacent keys.

Abstract: A capacitive touch switch having a printed circuit board and a capacitive electrode connected to the circuit board is disclosed. The printed circuit board is transparent and is interposed between a planar light guide provided with a light source and a non-conductive transparent cover, the electrode being icon-shaped and supported by the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electronic key includes a case having therein an internal space; a circuit board including a transmit portion for transmitting a radio wave, a control portion for outputting a control signal for instructing the transmit portion to send the radio wave and an internal switch for instructing the control portion to output the control signal; a waterproof cover for protecting the circuit board; an external switch configured to be bent when being pressed by a user; and a flexible sheet arranged between the waterproof cover and a surface of the circuit board on which the internal switch is arranged. The circuit board, the flexible sheet, the waterproof cover and the external switch are arranged in series in the internal space. The internal switch receives a press-force by the user from the external switch via the waterproof cover and the flexible sheet.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an inductive electrical sensor assembly includes a hollow housing structure defining an open space within the housing structure and a circuit board mounted in the open space. The circuit board includes an inductive sense area. A flexible metal domed spring structure is mounted over the inductive sensor area. A stem portion extends from a actuator area of the housing structure and having a distal end disposed adjacent to or in contact with the spring structure. The domed spring structure is adapted to be flexed toward the inductive sensor area by force exerted by the stem portion when a user exerts force on the actuator area, the flexing of the domed spring structure resulting in a change of inductance of the inductive sensor area which may be sensed to indicate an actuator push.

Abstract: A sealed dome switch assembly is provided to allow air to flow between the interior and the exterior of the dome switch during the collapse and recovery of the resilient dome shell. The sealed dome switch assembly comprises at least one vent leading between the interior space and the exterior space of the sealed dome switch, wherein the vent is covered by a membrane that is permeable to air and resilient to liquid (e.g. water) and small particles (e.g. dirt). A vent may also be used to network the interiors of a plurality of sealed dome switches to at least one exterior entranceway that is covered by the membrane.

Abstract: A key for intermittently electrically contacting at least two conductors located on a circuit board with an electrically conducting contact element includes at least one base that is disposed on the circuit board and a key which encompasses the contact element and is movable relative to the circuit board and the base. The key is connected to the base by at least one movable membrane. The base and the membrane are made of an insulating elastic material. The key additionally includes at least one soldering leg of which the first end is positively inserted in to the base while the second end, the soldering zone, is used for fastening the key to the circuit board.

Abstract: A member for a push button switch that has a small thickness, high durability, and excellent click feeling and can be manufactured at low cost. The member for the push button switch includes one or more key tops, a metal sheet including at least holes that correspond to positions of the key tops, and an elastic sheet that is provided on the metal sheet so as to be positioned on the same side as or opposite side to the key tops. The elastic sheet is fitted into the holes and comes in contact with the key tops at positions of the holes. The elastic sheet includes a urethane film or polycarbonate, and a silicone rubber, which are laminated in a thickness direction of the metal sheet.

Abstract: A silicone rubber composition having such selective adhesiveness that shows high adhesion to an organic material than to a molding die is bonded to a sheet of the organic material and is vulcanized and cured in the mold. Thus, an elastomer keypad of double-layer structure is produced in which an organic material layer, which can be easily subjected to coating, bonding with an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive, or the like, has been united and bonded as a surface layer to the rubber. Keytops are bonded to the elastomer keypad to produce a covering member for push-button switches. A polyurethane elastomer sheet is preferably used as the organic material.

Abstract: An input device includes: a first substrate; a flexible second substrate arranged to be opposite the first substrate; a first electrode for depression position detection provided on the surface of the first substrate opposite the second substrate or on the side of the first substrate opposite to the second substrate; a second electrode for depression position detection provided on the second substrate; an insulating liquid material filled between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a region dividing member dividing a region where the insulating liquid material is filled between the first substrate and the second substrate into small sections with a gap through which the insulating liquid material flows.

Abstract: “A film-type switching element includes a first carrier film, a second carrier film and a spacer that separates the carrier films a certain distance apart from one another, where the spacer includes a spacer film, which is arranged between and attached to the first and second carrier films, and whose thickness corresponds to the distance between the carrier films, the spacer has an opening therein, which extends between the first and second carrier films and defines the active zone of the film-type switching element, in which the first and second carrier films may be resiliently brought together in response to compressive force acting on the film-type switching element, where a contact arrangement having at least a first and a second electrode is arranged in the active zone on at least one of the first and second carrier films in such a way that an electric contact is established between the first and second electrodes when the first and second carrier films are brought together, the spacer including a frame

Abstract: Mobile phones are in a trend of having thinner configuration due to emphasis on the design. Thus, in order to meet this demand, the present invention aims to thin the key sheet portion as much as possible. A thin key sheet and a thin key unit incorporating the thin key sheet are configured by providing on its surface a key top 2 made of a metal or a resin with indications such as letters, symbols, graphics or the like indicating the functions of keys are formed on the front surface or the back surface thereof, and switch elements 4 for turning ON/OFF of an electric circuit by the pressing of the key top, together with a printed circuit board 5 on which a circuit pattern involved therewith is formed; and by adhering and fixing the key top 2 and the printed circuit board 5 together via a cushion gasket 3 having appropriate elasticity and a filler layer 14 disposed between the key top and the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The contactor comprises a fixed contact plate (14), a moveable contact plate (16) and means for retaining the two contact plates (14, 16). The moveable contact plate (16) is resiliently deformable between a position remote from the fixed contact plate (14) and a position in contact with the fixed contact plate (14). The retaining means comprise an adhesive insulating sheet (18) which is interposed between the two contact plates (14, 16), which sheet (18) adheres along the two opposing faces thereof to each of the two contact plates (14, 16).

Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source comprises a touch sensitive device having a touch sensitive front surface responsive to a point actuation. The front surface is adapted to be provided in an opening of a faceplate such that the front surface of the touch sensitive actuator extends through the opening at a distance equal to or greater than the depth of the faceplate. According to the present invention, the operational area of the front surface is maximized to substantially the entire area of the front surface. Further, a minimum magnitude of a force of each of the point actuations is substantially equal at each of the respective positions on the front surface of the touch sensitive actuator, such that the front surface provides a substantially uniform force profile.

Abstract: A transparent conductive film comprising a polymer film and a transparent conductive layer provided thereon, especially a transparent conductive film improved in durability and mechanical and electrical properties, a process for the preparation thereof, and a touch panel provided with the transparent conductive film, as well as transparent conductive plate and the process for the preparation thereof. The transparent conductive film comprising a polymer film, an undercoat layer and a transparent conductive layer which are superposed in this order, and the undercoat layer contains a compound having at least one selected from an amino group and a phosphoric acid group.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a protective covering. An electronics module and a pair of electrodes are disposed within the protective covering. The pair of electrodes is electrically connected to the electronics module. The electrodes are separated by a distance in an open position when unloaded and are configured to contact each other in a closed position when loaded. In one example, a plurality of resilient spacing structures is disposed between the electrodes. The electronics module is configured to obtain electrode position data by determining whether the electrodes are in the open or closed position. In one example, the electronics module is configured to remotely communicate the electrode position data. The electrodes and electronics module are embedded within the protective covering, which is integrally molded therearound.

Abstract: The invention discloses a membrane switch circuit and a keyswitch using such membrane switch circuit. The keyswitch comprises a deformable member, which is disposed on the membrane switch circuit. The membrane switch circuit according to the invention comprises a membrane circuit, an adhering layer, and an insulating layer. The membrane circuit thereon comprises a switch. The adhering layer is formed on the membrane circuit and surrounds the switch. The adhering layer comprises at least one gap. The insulating layer is formed on the adhering layer. The insulating layer has a hole in which the switch is exposed. A bottom of the deformable member is adhered to the insulating layer. In particular, the at least one gap covered by the bottom of the deformable member is utilized as at least one vent.

Abstract: An input system is delineated comprising an array of touch regions. At least one touch region is aligned with a sensing structure. The sensing structure comprises a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.

Abstract: A switch is delineated comprising a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an EL metal dome keypad which comprises a plurality of domes which are disposed at positions corresponding to fixed contact terminals of a printed circuit board and are brought into contact with or separated from the fixed contact terminals by means of elastic deformation; a base tape which is laminated on the printed circuit board, has a plurality of holes formed at positions corresponding to the domes, and is used to mount the domes to the printed circuit board by inserting and holding the domes into the formed holes; double-sided adhesive tape which is laminated in the base tape and the domes inserted into and held to the holes formed in the base tape, and used to attach and hold the base tape and the dome thereon; and an EL sheet which is attached and laminated on the double-sided adhesive tape.

Abstract: Organic light emitting devices are disclosed that use a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) structure to enable a pixel and pixel array wherein each pixel contains a MEMS and an OLED element. A MEMS structure is used for switching the OLED element. These OLED/MEMS pixels can be fabricated on flex circuit, silicon, as well as other inorganic materials. They can be fabricated in a large array for developing a 2-dimensional display application and each pixel can be addressed through conventional matrix scanning addressing scheme. The ability of fabricating these OLED/MEMS pixels on flexible organic substrates as well as other rigid substrates enables wider selection of substrate materials for use with different applications.

Abstract: A push-button switch member which utilizes light energy without any loss for back-lighting on a display section and which realizes the back-lightening to the display section with an even luminance while suppressing power consumption and having high visibility and thin thickness. The push-button switch member includes a key-top portion and a cover base member which is provided at a predetermined portion of the key-top portion and which is adapted to be mounted to the circuit board. The key-top portion includes a display section for displaying a switching function and an area emitter which is integrally formed with the display section. The area emitter member is provided with a light emitting layer disposed between a base electrode and a transparent electrode, which is disposed so as to oppose the base electrode. The transparent electrode is arranged to be contacted to the display section and is formed of a transparent conductive polymer.

Abstract: A multiposition microswitch that includes a cavity, a mobile portion made of a deformable material extending above the cavity, at least three conductive tracks extending on the cavity bottom, and a contact pad on the lower surface of the mobile part. The mobile part is capable of deforming, under the action of a stressing mechanism, from an idle position where the contact pad is distant from the conductive tracks to an on position from among several distinct on positions. The contact pad electrically connects, in each distinct on position, at least two of the at least three conductive tracks, at least one of the conductive tracks connected to the contact pad in each distinct on position being different from the conductive tracks connected to the contact pad in the other distinct on positions.

Abstract: Organic light emitting devices are disclosed that use a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) structure to enable a pixel and pixel array wherein each pixel contains a MEMS and an OLED element. A MEMS structure is used for switching the OLED element. These OLED/MEMS pixels can be fabricated on flex circuit, silicon, as well as other inorganic materials. They can be fabricated in a large array for developing a 2-dimensional display application and each pixel can be addressed through conventional matrix scanning addressing scheme. The ability of fabricating these OLED/MEMS pixels on flexible organic substrates as well as other rigid substrates enables wider selection of substrate materials for use with different applications.

Abstract: Low reflective, flexible, transparent, laminates having a sheet of flexible plastic substrate, a conductive outer layer on one side of the sheet, and an anti-reflective stack of at least one pair of oxide layers on at least one of the sides of the sheet, adapted for use as touch panel membrane electrodes in screen interface displays. A preferred laminate includes a flexible, polyethylene terephthalate sheet substrate having on one side a outer conductive surface of indium tin oxide and on one or both sides an anti-reflective stack of oxide layers, e.g., a stack of a layer of silicon dioxide and a layer of indium tin oxide. Preferred laminates have at least 90% transmission and less than 2% reflection of visible light in the range of 460 to 700 nm and are especially useful as touch panel electrodes, e.g., on computer display screens.

Abstract: A vehicle interior component for use with a vehicle having a vehicle system includes a substrate and a flexible cover covering a portion of the substrate. The cover includes a cover material and electronic circuitry integrated with the cover material and adapted to communicate with the vehicle system. Moreover, the cover material and the electronic circuitry cooperate to define at least one control switch for controlling operation of the vehicle system.

Abstract: A keypad for a portable telephone and manufacturing method thereof is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of printing characters on a transparent, planar film; pre-forming the planar film through a pressing process such that the planar film has a predetermined shape including a plurality of depressions; punching slits in the pressed planar film around the depressions; filling liquid silicone rubber into the depressions of the pressed planar film; forming a keypad by pressing the silicon rubber in a metal mold so as to fabricate an integrated keypad in which keys are interconnected; and trimming an outer periphery of the formed keypad according to a predetermined keypad shape.

Abstract: A technique for building touch-sensitive panels which permits construction of large, low-cost electronic whiteboards with improved feel. The electronic whiteboards are of the resistive membrane type, in which a touch on a flexible membrane causes the membrane to come into contact with a surface and that in turn changes the resistances across the membrane and the surface, permitting determination of the location of the touch. A gap between the flexible membrane and the surface is maintained primarily by the use of relatively large spacing structures located between the membrane and the surface, instead of by tension on the membrane. The use of large spacing structures permits the surface to be made using relatively irregular and therefore low-cost material. The spacing structures are backed by an elastic layer, which permits the spacing structures to yield to a touch on the screen.

Abstract: A key pad with rigid resin key top, preventing key top detachment or dislocation, and allowing to omit key detachment prevention means such as collar and to simplify the structure, and adhering to a silicone rubber key pad 1,7 with silicone base adhesive 15, 20, by preparing urethane base adhesion substrate layer 3, 9 on a back 2, 8 of a key top made of rigid resin.

Abstract: A key top element capable of being manufactured while permitting a design of a display section thereof to be readily modified and corrected, accommodating a variety of data for design formation, and capable of exhibiting increased design properties. The key top element includes a printed sheet constituted by a substrate sheet member, an on-demand printed layer and a white- or silver-colored layer, as well as transparent key top members fixedly bonded to the printed sheet. The on-demand printed layer is printed in the form of a symbol or the like on the substrate sheet member using an on-demand printing machine. A push button switch element is also disclosed which includes such a key top element and a light-permeable rubber cover base bonded to the key top element.

Abstract: A pressure actuated switching apparatus includes first and second conductive layers and a plurality of discrete spaced apart dots between the first and second conductive layers. The dots serve as a standoff for separating the conductive layers and are fabricated from an insulative, elastomeric polymer foam which can collapse under the application of compressive force applied to the apparatus to allow contact between the conductive layers with minimized dead space. Alternatively, the standoff can include strips of electrically insulative elastomeric polymer foam.

Abstract: A sheet-shaped switch including a first insulating sheet having a plurality of fixed electrodes formed on an upper surface thereof, a second insulating sheet having movable electrodes which are formed on a lower surface thereof such that the movable electrodes are opposed to the fixed electrodes, and an insulating spacer sandwiched between the upper surface of the first insulating sheet and the lower surface of the second insulating sheet, the insulating spacer defining through-holes which are aligned with the fixed electrodes and the movable electrodes such that each fixed electrode is able to contact an associated movable electrode through one of the through-holes. Protrusions in the form of elongated ridges are disposed between the first insulating sheet and the insulating spacer and/or between the second insulating sheet and the insulating spacer, and are formed around the through holes within 5 mm of the through holes.

Abstract: A sheet-like pressure sensitive switch is disclosed. A spacer 2 of an insulating material is interposed between a first film 1 of an insulating material which is provided with a first electrode 1a and a second film 3 of an insulating material which is provided with a second electrode 3a. The spacer 2 has a number of openings 2a, through which the first electrode 1a and the second electrode 3a oppose each other with an air gap therebetween. A first lead wire 4a and a second lead wire 4b are connected to the first electrode 1a and the second electrode 3a, respectively. In a pressure sensitive switch according to a first embodiment, the first and the second film 1, 3 are formed of polyethylene naphthalate films. In a pressure sensitive switch according to a second embodiment, the second film 3 is formed of polyethylene terephthalate film while the first film 1 is formed of polyethylene naphthalate film.

Abstract: A magnetically enhanced membrane switch operator is constructed with a rigid ferromagnetic base plate. This base plate is spaced from a rigid ferromagnetic cover plate, which has an opening through it. A resilient flexible membrane sheet is suspended between the base plate and the cover plate, and is located in close proximity to the cover plate. The sheet carries a circular magnetic disk which, in the rest condition operation of the switch operator, is adhered by magnetic attraction to the cover plate. To operate the switch, sufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the cover plate, along with the force required to distort the resilient membrane sheet, is used to move the sheet toward the base plate. When the membrane sheet is moved into close proximity to the base plate, magnetic attraction between the base plate and the magnet facilitates closure of the switch at the end of its travel.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a type of light permeable metal plated rubber key, comprising mainly a rubber key that is made of silicone rubber, or a key with a hardened head (hardness: SHORE D45 or higher); on top of the key is printed with light permeable ink, and processed with a metal plating to form a light permeable metal plated key; so designed to replace rubber keys, and keys with adhered rubber and silicone rubber, to reduce production costs, simplify production process, upgrade product added value and product reliability.

Abstract: The keypad is made of a) a formed plastic shell; b) graphics and background printed on the interior surface of the formed plastic shell; and c) a plastic filling the hollow cavity or cavities of the formed plastic shell. The formed plastic shell of the keypad is a polycarbonate and the plastic filling the hollow cavities is a thermoplastic resin or an elastomer. Additionally, the background printed on the interior surface of the formed plastic shell is made with a flexible ink and the keypad has a wear resistance test score in a Norman tester of greater than 40 cycles before the ink on the keypad fails on abrasion testing.

Abstract: A sheet type key top of a push button switch which is disposed over a switch contact used for the input portion of a portable electric appliance or a machine control portion or the like, and through which the underlying switch is depressed to turn it on or off. A film on key tops is formed with a multi layered elastic film (4), and a display portion printed layer (3) is completely covered with the protective layer (4). Then, thermoplastic fine powder (5) capable of heat fusing is added to the display portion print layer (3) and/or to the protective layer (4), thereby the film and the display portion are integrally united by heat fusing a thermoplastic substance constituting key tops and the thermoplastic fine powder through heat generated during molding process. Further, stress intercepting zones of concave or convex shapes are disposed at distances between adjacent keys to prevent error activation.

Abstract: An EL sheet diaphragm including a diffusion type EL sheet having a diaphragm portion exhibiting a dome shape and a flange supporting portion disposed about the outer circumference of the diffusion type EL sheet. The diffusion type EL sheet including a transparent film having an upper surface and a lower surface, a transparent electrode layer formed on the lower surface of the transparent film, a light emitting layer formed on the transparent electrode, a dielectric layer formed on the light emitting layer, a rear electrode layer formed on the dielectric layer, and an insulating layer formed on the rear electrode layer. The diffusion type EL sheet emits light from the diaphragm portion of the upper surface of the transparent film. The diffusion type EL sheet bows outwardly in an at-rest state such that the upper surface of the transparent film exhibits a convex shape, and bows inwardly when depressed for operation such that the upper surface of the transparent film exhibits a concave shape.

Abstract: A key base plate mounting a membrane sheet with a contact thereon is fixed to a keyboard substrate through a screw. A peripheral edge portion of the key base plate fixed to the keyboard substrate is opposed to a packing fixed to the keyboard substrate. An upper surface of the membrane sheet and the key base plate are covered with an oilproof sheet. A peripheral edge of this sheet is supported between the peripheral edge portion of the key base plate and the packing fixed to the keyboard substrate. When the screw is fastened, the oilproof sheet is pressed with strong force between the peripheral edge portion of the key base plate and the packing fixed to the keyboard substrate.

Abstract: An autoclavable electrical switch assembly for use with a medical device having electrical functions comprising a flexible substrate formed of an insulating material and having a first and second surfaces, and having outer margins, first conductive means adherent to the first surface and forming a pattern surrounding an area of the surface and a contact disposed within the area, second conductive means adherent to the second surface and forming a ground plane and at least one, feedthrough means forming a connection between the contact on the first surface and the ground plane on the second surface, a snap dome of a conductive material overlies the contact and engages the pattern surrounding the area, flexible cover means disposed over the first and second surfaces and means for forming a hermetic seal between the outer margins so that the dome is hermetically sealed, said cover means and said hermetic seal being capable of withstanding repeated autoclaving.

Abstract: A rubber dome switch assembly has a first contamination resistant sheet which overlies a circuit board upon which are switch footprints. The first sheet is apertured to expose the switch footprints and a second contamination resistant sheet overlies the first sheet and has switch closure pads on the underside thereof, each of which is adapted to bear against the corresponding switch footprint to close the switch. A third sheet is adapted to overlie the second sheet and has switch buttons formed thereon each adapted to bear against the second sheet to force the closure pad into contact with the corresponding switch footprint. A faceplate member overlies the third sheet. Pins are provided for aligning the several sheets, all of which are separable from each other, and bolts or spring clips are provided for clamping and holding the several elements together.

Abstract: A contact sensor apparatus with improved sensitivity is provided. A frame defining a surface upon which contact detection is desired has two electrically conductive sheets held in spaced parallel relationship by a plurality of electrically non-conductive insulating spacers attached to the face thereof. A contact force distributor is sandwiched between the outside electrically conductive sheet and a graphics layer. Contact forces on the graphics layer, that are in alignment with the spacers, are redistributed to areas between adjacent spacers by the contact distributor.

Abstract: A push button switch comprises a housing having an opening at the top and provided with a fixed contact member at the inner bottom, a stem supported to be vertically movable in and with respect to the housing, and an elastic member being capable of buckling and having one end attached to near a lower end of the stem and the other end attached to near the inner bottom of the housing, the elastic member being positioned in the housing to extend diagonally and urging the stem upward by its own resilient force. A high degree of reliability is ensured with the simple structure and a good click feeling is provided.

Abstract: A push button switch and methods for manufacturing the same result in increased manufacturing efficiency and increased design freedom. The push button switch includes a key top, a dome section and a leg section which are integrally formed from a silicone rubber material. The key top includes a colored section formed by penetrating the coloring dye of a dye impregnated ink below the upper surface of the key top. The push button switches are formed into a rubber cover configuration by charging a mold for forming a plurality of the push button switches with a silicone rubber material. The dye impregnated ink is then applied onto the surface of each of the key tops by either a wet printing process or a sublimation transfer technique, and is subjected to a heat treatment which causes the dye to penetrate into each of the key tops.

Abstract: An optically transparent touch switch is described. The switch is of the type which comprises a pair of glass sheets, transparent electrodes formed on one side of each glass sheet in such a way that the transparent electrodes are facing each other, and a spacer provided between the paired glass sheets to establish a given gap therebetween. The spacer is made of a dispersion which comprises an adhesive resin, spherical fine particles of a transparent resin, and hard fine particles of glass fibers having substantially the same diameter as a size of the spherical fine particles.

Abstract: A membrane switch (10) having a top membrane (12) with a lower conductive surface (16), a bottom membrane (14) with an upper conductive surface (18), and a dielectric intermediate circuit spacer (20) disposed therebetween. The intermediate circuit spacer includes a central aperture (24) and defines upper and lower surfaces (28 and 32). First y-axis electrodes (26) are formed on the upper surface of the intermediate circuit spacer, and second x-axis (30) electrodes are formed on the lower surface of the intermediate circuit spacer. Conductive adhesive (58, 64) is applied between the intermediate circuit spacer and the top and bottom membranes to secure the intermediate spacer in place with the x- and y-axis electrodes in electrical contact with the top and bottom membranes, respectively.

Abstract: Fine particles, of predetermined composition and sized to be within a predetermined size range, are deposited on, and thereafter adhere in random distribution to, one of two adjacent surfaces, serving to keep the surfaces uniformly spaced apart except when an external force causes them to make local contact. The particles are conveniently applied in the form of a spray of a suspension of particles and a fluid carrier material, preferably water with alumina particles, or an aqueous solution of a chloride salt of an alkaline earth metal such as calcium, potassium or sodium when small glass beads are used as the particles. Brown alumina particles (approximately 96% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3) in the size range 3-50 microns, so utilized, are found well suited as parallel surface spacers in optically transparent touch sensitive overlay (TSO) panels.

Abstract: Organic light emitting devices are disclosed that use a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) structure to enable a pixel and pixel array wherein each pixel contains a MEMS and an OLED element. A MEMS structure is used for switching the OLED element. These OLED/MEMS pixels can be fabricated on flex circuit, silicon, as well as other inorganic materials. They can be fabricated in a large array for developing a 2-dimensional display application and each pixel can be addressed through conventional matrix scanning addressing scheme. The ability of fabricating these OLED/MEMS pixels on flexible organic substrates as well as other rigid substrates enables wider selection of substrate materials for use with different applications.