Abstract: A flexible, capacitive strip for use in a non-contact obstacle detection system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the strip includes an elongated body for flexible mounting to a panel along a bottom surface of the elongated body. A first elongated planar conductor is contained within an upper section of the elongated body, and a longitudinal cavity is formed through a central portion of the elongated body, the longitudinal cavity being disposed between the planar conductor and the bottom surface. The first elongated planar conductor forms a first electrode of a sensing capacitor and the longitudinal cavity defines a portion of a dielectric material of the sensing capacitor.

Abstract: A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.

Abstract: The present invention is a sensing edge for causing a closing door to open by actuating a device upon application of force to the sensing edge. The sensing edge, adjacent to a leading edge surface of the door and compressible upon application of external pressure, includes an elongate outer sheath with a first wall. The first wall and an inner wall, having a first aperture, define a first cavity. A top wall, having a plurality of top wall apertures, extends generally parallel to and is spaced from and secured to the inner wall, defining a second cavity. A sensor is positioned within the first cavity for detecting an external force applied to the sheath. At least one electrical conductor is in electrical communication with the sensor, extending through the first aperture, along the second cavity, and through any one of the top wall apertures for connection with the control device.

Abstract: A method for making a pressure actuated switching device includes applying a conductive coating to the release surface of a transfer substrate to form a conductive electrode film. The conductive film is brought into contact with a surface of a first substrate under conditions of heat and pressure sufficient to cause the conductive film to transfer from the release surface of the transfer substrate to the first surface of the first substrate. The first substrate is then positioned in juxtaposition with a second substrate having a conductive layer film of the first substrate. Also provided herein is a method for spring loading a terminal plug to the pressure actuated switching device.

Abstract: A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.

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: A seamless elongate pressure actuated switch includes a seamless tubular sheath fabricated from a resiliently flexible polymeric resin, and two separate and spaced apart conductive coatings disposed lengthwise along the inside surface of the tubular sheath. The sheath is deformable in response to pressure applied thereto to move the conductive coatings into contact with each other. The conductive coatings are the only means of conducting electricity lengthwise along the inside of the sheath. The thickness of the coatings ranges from about 0.00001 inches to about 0.01 inches. The elongated pressure actuated switch can be made by coating the inside wall of the tubular sheath with a conductive coating and then dividing the conductive coating into two spaced apart portions, or by coextrusion of the spaced apart conductive coatings with the sheath material.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive sensor is provided with a tube member having a hollow portion defined by an inner wall and made of flexible material, a first belt-like electrode disposed on an upper side of the tube member in the tube member and a second belt-like electrode disposed on a lower side of the hollow portion in the tube member so as to oppose the first belt-like electrode. When the pressure-sensitive sensor is pressed, the first belt-like electrode and the second belt-like electrode are capable of contacting each other so as to ensure conductivity. Further the pressure-sensitive sensor has a contact adjusting portion provided on an inner wall of the tube member and for adjusting a contact between the first belt-like electrode and the second belt-like electrode. Additionally, a connector capable of being combined with such a pressure-sensitive sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A simple and cheap opening and closing motion control device is provided for avoiding pinching of an object by a window glass with high accuracy. The device includes a flexible weather strip arranged along a contact portion of a window frame, the contact portion being touched by the window glass when it is closed, a linear electrostatic-capacity detecting sensor embedded in the weather strip, for detecting an electrostatic capacity in the circumference of the sensor, a control micro-computer for judging whether or not the object is pinched by the closing motion of the window glass, on the basis of the detection of the sensor, and a motor drive circuit for allowing a motor to either stop or open the window glass when the micro-computer judges that the object is on the point of being pinched.

Abstract: There is provided a tactile sensor that is a status sensor that move between inactive and active states. The tactile sensor can cover a large area and can be in the form of long strips. Its construction allows it to cover surfaces that are flat or curved or that include bends. In an exemplary application, these tactile sensors may be used as vehicle bumpers or in other applications where contact with an object, surface or the like needs to be detected. Activation of the sensor, typically coupled to a control system that controls motion of the vehicle, may cause the vehicle to shut off, typically ceasing motion, within a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A pressure actuated switching device for free hanging from a horizontal support, such as a drape sensor, includes an outer electrically non-conductive cover having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a bottom edge portion. A plurality of weep holes are disposed along the bottom edge for drainage of moisture which may condense in the interior of the device. The device also includes a first electrically conductive coating deposited on the interior surface of the cover sheet, an interior sheet having at least a first surface with a second electrically conductive coating deposited thereon, and an electrically non-conductive spacer disposed between the first electrically conductive coating and the second electrically conductive coating. The non-conductive spacer preferably possesses a plurality of zig-zag shaped ribs. The pressure actuated switching device includes a sensitizing bracket to laterally direct forces applied to its side, and tolerates extreme conditions of moisture, heat and cold.

Abstract: A safety edge switch for a motorized door includes a longitudinally extending base, a resiliently deformable material, an electrode array of a plurality of spaced apart conductive segments, and an array of bridging members. The switch is normally in the closed configuration. Contact with an object in the path of the moving door causes one or more bridging members to break contact with the corresponding electrode segments, thereby forming an open circuit and sending a signal to the door control system to stop or reverse the movement of the door.

Abstract: A device for detection of trapping in a power-operated closing element with a switching element, which is arranged along a first closing edge within an elastic hollow section. The hollow section includes a central area extending longitudinally, in which an active area of the switching element is arranged, and at least one side area extending longitudinally, in which a non-active edge area of the switching element is arranged. The side area has a higher deformability on the side of the hollow section facing the first closing edge than on the central area. The device has a force transmitter extending longitudinally, which transmits a trapping force from the side facing away from the first closing edge to the side area of the hollow section.

Abstract: A pressure activated switching device includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer spaced apart from the first conductive layer so as to define a planar space therebetween, and a standoff layer of electrically insulative material positioned between the first and second conductive layers. The standoff layer includes at least one opening for permitting movement therethrough of one or the other of said first and second conductive layers for the purpose of making electrical contact between them. The opening is defined by an interior edge of the standoff which laterally circumscribes an interior space, the opening including at least one linear, finger-like projection extending laterally from the interior edge into the interior space. 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 pinch sensing arrangement for a motor vehicle power liftgate mounted to the body of the motor vehicle and driven by a drive mechanism between an open position and a closed position. The pinch sensing arrangement includes a mounting track, a sensor and a control module. The mounting track is attached to the liftgate. The sensor is attached to the mounting track and elongated along at least one of the lateral sides of the liftgate. The sensor is operative for generating an electrical signal when compressed. The control module is in electrical communication with the sensor and is adapted to control the drive mechanism to articulate the liftgate to the open position upon receiving the electrical signal.

Abstract: An anti-trapping device is described for a power-operated closing element (4) with a switching element (32) which is arranged along a first closing edge (22) within an elastic hollow section (10), and a power transmitter (16), which abuts against a side area (28) of the hollow section (10) extending longitudinally, so that a trapping force (F) is transmitted to the side area (28) of the hollow section (10). The hollow section comprises a central area (26) extending longitudinally, in which an active area (34) of the switching element (32) is arranged, whereas a non-active edge area of the switching element (32) is arranged in the side area (28). The side area (28) is more deformable on the side of the hollow section facing away from the first closing edge (22) than the central area (26).

Abstract: In a switching element, in particular a pressure-wave switch for safeguarding jamming points in the case of operable gates, doors or the like, having at least one pressure chamber which is provided at least partially with a diaphragm (4), it being possible to connect an exciter contact element (5) for making contact with a consumer contact element (6) via the diaphragm (4), it is to be possible for the exciter contact element (5) and/or the consumer contact element (6) to be moved out of a contact plane (E) in order to make common contact.

Abstract: A linear switch having 360 degree circumferential activation is provided. The switch includes first and second resilient strips separated by an actuator that defines two separate longitudinal channels. A pair of conductive strips, separated by perforated foam, extend the entire length of each channel. An external force applied anywhere along the exterior length or perimeter of the switch will activate it.