Touch switch with integral control circuit
US6713897B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/96077
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad and a local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. The touch pad preferable includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from and surrounding the first electrode. The control circuit is preferably in integrated circuit form. A signal is provided to the touch pad to generate an electric field thereabout. Introduction of a stimulus near the touch pad disturbs the electric field. The control circuit detects the electric field disturbance in and generates a control signal in response.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.