Variable resistor utilizing an elastomeric actuator
US5376913A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01C10/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A variable resistor (102) for varying a resistance between first and second terminals (145, 150) includes a substrate (200) having formed thereon a resistor network (205) for providing the resistance, wherein the resistor network (205) is electrically coupled between the first and second terminals (145, 150). The variable resistor (102) further includes an elastomeric actuator (300) having opposing upper and lower surfaces (310, 305), wherein the lower surface (305) is conductive. The lower surface (305) electrically couples the first terminal (145) to successive portions of the resistor network (205) as an increasing force is applied to the upper surface (310) of the elastomeric actuator (300), in response to which the resistance between the first and second terminals (145, 150) varies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.