Patent US3887848A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3887848A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and material for protecting microelectronics from high potential electricity
Assignee: Magic Dot Inc
•
Filing: 1972-08-14
•
Granted: 1975-06-03
•
Expires: 1992-08-14
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and material for protecting microelectronics against damage from high potential electricity is disclosed in the particular form of apparatus and material for protecting a touch actuated electronic switch including microelectronic circuitry and a touch portion accessible to the touch of a human coupled to an input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry, shown as a hybrid circuit. The protective apparatus and material includes the interrelationship of a protective spark gap to the remaining circuitry of the hybrid circuit and a touch portion coating. A schematic representative of the hybrid circuit is further shown.
Inventors
- 👤 Willis A Larson
- 👤 David E Colglazier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 10:03
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/94; H03K17/96; H02; H02H; H02H9/00; H02H9/04; H02H9/06; H05; H05F; H05F3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 83
Claim 1
Independent Claim
484 words
In a touch actuated electronic switch including microelectronic circuitry and including a touch portion, accessible to the touch of a human, coupled to an input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry, means for protecting the microelectronic circuitry from damage due to the application of high potential electricity to the touch portion, comprising in combination: a coating of electrically resistive material disposed upon the touch portion and forming an electrically unitary resistive film upon the touch portion, the resistive material including a top surface accessible to the touch of a human operator and a bottom surface secured to the touch portion, the coating presenting a distributed resistance through the resistive material from any point on the top surface to any point on the bottom surface of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch upon the application of high potential voltage to the top surface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the coating further presenting a resistance between any point on the top surface accessible to the touch of a human and the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry upon the application of a high potential voltage to the top surface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the material being of a hardness providing durability to withstand continual touching by humans; means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry; electrical resistance means arranged between the input conductor and the remainder of the microelectronic circuitry; protective conductor means having one end thereof arranged at a distance from the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry to define a protective spark gap between the one end and the input conductor of a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage across the electrical resistance means and of a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion within the microelectronic circuitry, the protective conductor electrically connected directly to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry, the entire protectIve conductor means spaced from any remaining conductive portion within the microelectronic circuitry by a distance providing a breakdown voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage of the protective spark gap to provide a favored and preferred path for any high potential electricity applied to the input conductor such that the applied electricity arcs across the protective spark gap and is conducted by the protective conductor means to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry to thus provide a conductive path for any current created by the electricity to the reference for the microelectronic circuitry without passing in any harmful way through the microelectronic circuitry.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
484 words
In a touch actuated electronic switch including microelectronic circuitry and including a touch portion, accessible to the touch of a human, coupled to an input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry, means for protecting the microelectronic circuitry from damage due to the application of high potential electricity to the touch portion, comprising in combination: a coating of electrically resistive material disposed upon the touch portion and forming an electrically unitary resistive film upon the touch portion, the resistive material including a top surface accessible to the touch of a human operator and a bottom surface secured to the touch portion, the coating presenting a distributed resistance through the resistive material from any point on the top surface to any point on the bottom surface of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch upon the application of high potential voltage to the top surface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the coating further presenting a resistance between any point on the top surface accessible to the touch of a human and the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry upon the application of a high potential voltage to the top surface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the material being of a hardness providing durability to withstand continual touching by humans; means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry; electrical resistance means arranged between the input conductor and the remainder of the microelectronic circuitry; protective conductor means having one end thereof arranged at a distance from the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry to define a protective spark gap between the one end and the input conductor of a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage across the electrical resistance means and of a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion within the microelectronic circuitry, the protective conductor electrically connected directly to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry, the entire protectIve conductor means spaced from any remaining conductive portion within the microelectronic circuitry by a distance providing a breakdown voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage of the protective spark gap to provide a favored and preferred path for any high potential electricity applied to the input conductor such that the applied electricity arcs across the protective spark gap and is conducted by the protective conductor means to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry to thus provide a conductive path for any current created by the electricity to the reference for the microelectronic circuitry without passing in any harmful way through the microelectronic circuitry.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
484 words
In a touch actuated electronic switch including microelectronic circuitry and including a touch portion, accessible to the touch of a human, coupled to an input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry, means for protecting the microelectronic circuitry from damage due to the application of high potential electricity to the touch portion, comprising in combination: a coating of electrically resistive material disposed upon the touch portion and forming an electrically unitary resistive film upon the touch portion, the resistive material including a top surface accessible to the touch of a human operator and a bottom surface secured to the touch portion, the coating presenting a distributed resistance through the resistive material from any point on the top surface to any point on the bottom surface of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch upon the application of high potential voltage to the top surface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the coating further presenting a resistance between any point on the top surface accessible to the touch of a human and the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry upon the application of a high potential voltage to the top surface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the material being of a hardness providing durability to withstand continual touching by humans; means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry; electrical resistance means arranged between the input conductor and the remainder of the microelectronic circuitry; protective conductor means having one end thereof arranged at a distance from the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry to define a protective spark gap between the one end and the input conductor of a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage across the electrical resistance means and of a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion within the microelectronic circuitry, the protective conductor electrically connected directly to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry, the entire protectIve conductor means spaced from any remaining conductive portion within the microelectronic circuitry by a distance providing a breakdown voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage of the protective spark gap to provide a favored and preferred path for any high potential electricity applied to the input conductor such that the applied electricity arcs across the protective spark gap and is conducted by the protective conductor means to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry to thus provide a conductive path for any current created by the electricity to the reference for the microelectronic circuitry without passing in any harmful way through the microelectronic circuitry.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
484 words
In a touch actuated electronic switch including microelectronic circuitry and including a touch portion, accessible to the touch of a human, coupled to an input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry, means for protecting the microelectronic circuitry from damage due to the application of high potential electricity to the touch portion, comprising in combination: a coating of electrically resistive material disposed upon the touch portion and forming an electrically unitary resistive film upon the touch portion, the resistive material including a top surface accessible to the touch of a human operator and a bottom surface secured to the touch portion, the coating presenting a distributed resistance through the resistive material from any point on the top surface to any point on the bottom surface of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch upon the application of high potential voltage to the top surface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the coating further presenting a resistance between any point on the top surface accessible to the touch of a human and the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry upon the application of a high potential voltage to the top surface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the material being of a hardness providing durability to withstand continual touching by humans; means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry; electrical resistance means arranged between the input conductor and the remainder of the microelectronic circuitry; protective conductor means having one end thereof arranged at a distance from the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry to define a protective spark gap between the one end and the input conductor of a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage across the electrical resistance means and of a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion within the microelectronic circuitry, the protective conductor electrically connected directly to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry, the entire protectIve conductor means spaced from any remaining conductive portion within the microelectronic circuitry by a distance providing a breakdown voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage of the protective spark gap to provide a favored and preferred path for any high potential electricity applied to the input conductor such that the applied electricity arcs across the protective spark gap and is conducted by the protective conductor means to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry to thus provide a conductive path for any current created by the electricity to the reference for the microelectronic circuitry without passing in any harmful way through the microelectronic circuitry.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the protective spark gap is defined between a generally pointed portion of the protective conductor and the input conductor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
134 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 2, wherein the microelectronic circuitry is affixed to a substrate having opposed major faces including first face and a second face spaced from the first face by the thickness of the substrate, wherein the input is a pad on the first face of the substrate, wherein the protective spark gap is of a dimension to provide a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage through the thickness of the substrate between the input conductor and any remaining conductive portion of microelectronic circuitry on the second face of the substrate; and wherein the protective spark gap is of a dimension to provide a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion of electricity on the first side of the substrate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 3, wherein a non conductive masking material is provided defining a generally centrally located aperture therein, the masking material preventing the touch of a human from access to the edges of the resistive material while the aperture therein provides access of the human to that portion of the resistive material disposed generally centrally upon the touch surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 4, wherein the resistive material provides a durability and wear-resistant hardness sufficient to allow the coating a life commensurate with the expected life of the touch actuated electronic switch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 5 wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 5 wherein the resistive material comprises a component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials applied to the touch portion as a cohesive film to form an electrically unitary resistive film.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 6, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around the edge of the touch portion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 8, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
43 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 5, wherein the resistive material comprises a first component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials dispersed in a binder arranged to cohesively bind the first component into a unitary electrically resistive film.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 10, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around the edge of the touch portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
38 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 11, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
132 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the microelectronic circuitry is affixed to a substrate having opposed major faces including first face and a second face spaced from the first face by the thickness of the substrate, wherein the input is a pad on the first face of the substrate, wherein the protective spark gap is of a dimension to provide a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage through the thickness of the substrate between the input conductor and any remaining conductive portion of microelectronic circuitry on the second face of the substrate; and wherein the protective spark tap is of a dimension to provide a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion on the first side of the substrate.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 13, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around the edge of the touch portion.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
63 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 13, wherein a non-conductive masking material is provided defining a generally centrally located aperture therein, the masking material preventing the touch of a human from access to the edges of the resistive material while the aperture therein provides access of the human to that portion of the resistive material disposed generally centrally upon the touch surface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 13, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 13, wherein the resistive material provides a durability and wear-resistant hardness sufficient to allow the coating a life commensurate with the expected life of the touch actuated electronic switch.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 17, wherein the resistive material comprises a component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials applied to the touch portion as a cohesive film to form an electrically unitary resistive film.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
38 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 18, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
44 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 17, wherein the resistive material comprises a first component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials dispersed in a binder and arranged to cohesively bind the first component into a unitary electrically resistive film.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
38 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 20 wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
41 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 13, wherein the resistive material comprises a component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials applied to the touch portion as a cohesive film to form an electrically unitary resistive film.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 22, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
43 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 13, wherein the resistive material comprises a first component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials dispersed in a binder arranged to cohesiVely bind the first component into a unitary electrically resistive film.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
38 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 24 wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the resistive material provides a durability and wear-resistant hardness sufficient to allow the coating a life commensurate with the expected life of the touch actuated electronic switch.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
41 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the resistive material comprises a component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials applied to the touch portion as a cohesive film to form an electrically unitary resistive film.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 27, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around the edge of the touch portion.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
44 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the resistive material comprises a first component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials dispersed in a binder and arranged to cohesively bind the first component into a unitary electrically resistive film.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 29, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around the edge of the touch portion.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
63 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein a non-conductive masking material is provided defining a generally centrally located aperture therein, the masking material preventing the touch of a human from access to the edges of the resistive material while the aperture therein provides access of the human to that portion of the resistive material disposed generally centrally upon the touch surface.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around the edge of the touch portion.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
268 words
In microelectronic circuitry including a portion unshielded from the touch of a human with the microelectronic circuitry including an input conductor coupling the touch portion to the remainder of the microelectronic circuitry, means for protecting the microelectronic circuitry from damage due to the application of hich potential electricity to the touch portion, comprising in combination: means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry; electrical resistance means arranged between the input conductor and the remainder of the microelectronic circuitry; protective conductor means having one end thereof arranged at a distance from the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry to define a protective spark gap between the one end and the input conductor of a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion within the microelectronic circuitry, the protective conductor electrically connected directly to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry, the entire protective conductor means spaced from any remaining conductive portions within the microelectronic circuitry by a distance providing a breakdown voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage of the protective spark gap to provide a favored and preferred path for any high potential electricity applied to the input conductor such that the applied electricity arcs across the protective spark gap and is conducted by the protective cOnductor means to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry to thus provide a conductive path for any current created by the electricity to the reference for the microelectronic circuitry without passing in any harmful way through the microelectronic circuitry.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
268 words
In microelectronic circuitry including a portion unshielded from the touch of a human with the microelectronic circuitry including an input conductor coupling the touch portion to the remainder of the microelectronic circuitry, means for protecting the microelectronic circuitry from damage due to the application of hich potential electricity to the touch portion, comprising in combination: means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry; electrical resistance means arranged between the input conductor and the remainder of the microelectronic circuitry; protective conductor means having one end thereof arranged at a distance from the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry to define a protective spark gap between the one end and the input conductor of a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion within the microelectronic circuitry, the protective conductor electrically connected directly to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry, the entire protective conductor means spaced from any remaining conductive portions within the microelectronic circuitry by a distance providing a breakdown voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage of the protective spark gap to provide a favored and preferred path for any high potential electricity applied to the input conductor such that the applied electricity arcs across the protective spark gap and is conducted by the protective cOnductor means to the means for providing a connection to a reference for the microelectronic circuitry to thus provide a conductive path for any current created by the electricity to the reference for the microelectronic circuitry without passing in any harmful way through the microelectronic circuitry.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
The protective apparatus of claim 34, wherein the protective spark gap is defined between a generally pointed portion of the protective conductor and the input conductor.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
130 words
The protective apparatus of claim 35, wherein the microelectronic circuitry is affixed to a substrate having opposed major faces including first face and a second face spaced from the first face by the thickness of the substrate, wherein the input is a pad on the first face of the substrate, wherein the protective spark gap is of a dimension to provide a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage through the thickness of the substrate between the input conductor and any remaining conductive portion of microelectronic circuitry on the second face of the substrate; and wherein the protective spark gap is of a dimension to provide a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion on the first side of the substrate.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
39 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 36, within the spark gap is substantially 5 to 10,000ths of an inch in dimension and wherein the remaining conductive portions are spaced substantially 20,000ths of an inch from the protective conductor.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
39 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 35, within the spark gap is substantially 5 to 10,000ths of an inch in dimension and wherein the remaining conductive portions are spaced substantially 20,000ths of an inch from the protective conductor.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
40 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 34, within the spark gap is substantially five to ten thousandths of an inch in dimension and wherein the remaining conductive portions are spaced substantially 20,000ths of an inch from the protective conductor.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The protective apparatus of claim 39, wherein the protective spark gap is defined between a generally pointed portion of the protective conductor and the input conductor.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
130 words
The protective apparatus of claim 40, wherein the microelectronic circuitry is affixed to a substrate having opposed major faces including first face and a second face spaced from the first face by the thickness of the substrate, wherein the input is a pad on the first face of the substrate, wherein the protective spark gap is of a dimension to provide a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage through the thickness of the substrate between the input conductor and any remaining conductive portion of microelectronic circuitry on the second face of the substrate; and wherein the protective spark gap is of a dimension to provide a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion on the first side of the substrate.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
130 words
The protective apparatus of claim 34, wherein the microelectronic circuitry is affixed to a substrate having opposed major faces including first face and a second face spaced from the first face by the thickness of the substrate, wherein the input is a pad on the first face of the substrate, wherein the protective spark gap is of a dimension to provide a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage through the thickness of the substrate between the input conductor and any remaining conductive portion of microelectronic circuitry on the second face of the substrate; and wherein the protective spark gap is of a dimension to provide a breakdown voltage less than the breakdown voltage from the input conductor to any remaining conductive portion on the first side of the substrate.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
41 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 42, within the spark gap is substantially five to ten thousandths of an inch in dimension and wherein the remaining cOnductive portions are spaced substantially twenty thousandths of an inch from the protective conductor.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
26 words
The protective apparatus of claim 43, wherein the protective spark gap is defined between a generally pointed portion of the protective conductor and the input conductor.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
26 words
The protective apparatus of claim 43, wherein the protective spark gap is defined between a generally pointed portion of the protective conductor and the input conductor.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
245 words
In a touch actuated electronic switch including a touch portion and microelectronic circuitry including an input conductor coupled with the touch portion, means for protecting the microelectronic circuitry from damage due to the application of high potential electricity to the touch portion, comprising: a coating of electrically resistive material disposed upon the touch portion and forming an electrically unitary resistive film upon the touch portion, the resistive material including a top surface accessible to the touch of a human operator and a bottom surface secured to the touch portion, the coating presenting a distributed resistivity through the resistive material from any point on the top surface to any point on the bottom surface of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch upon the application of high potential voltage to the top surface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the coating further presenting a resistivity between any point on the top surface accessible to the touch of a human the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry upon the application of a high potential voltage to the top suface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the material being of a hardness providing durability to withstand continual touching by humans.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
245 words
In a touch actuated electronic switch including a touch portion and microelectronic circuitry including an input conductor coupled with the touch portion, means for protecting the microelectronic circuitry from damage due to the application of high potential electricity to the touch portion, comprising: a coating of electrically resistive material disposed upon the touch portion and forming an electrically unitary resistive film upon the touch portion, the resistive material including a top surface accessible to the touch of a human operator and a bottom surface secured to the touch portion, the coating presenting a distributed resistivity through the resistive material from any point on the top surface to any point on the bottom surface of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch upon the application of high potential voltage to the top surface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the coating further presenting a resistivity between any point on the top surface accessible to the touch of a human the input conductor to the microelectronic circuitry associated with the touch actuated electronic switch of a value sufficient to define a current of an amount less damaging to the microelectronic circuitry upon the application of a high potential voltage to the top suface of the coating accessible to the touch of a human, the material being of a hardness providing durability to withstand continual touching by humans.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
65 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 46, wherein a non conductive masking material is provided defining a generally centrally located aperture therein, the masking material preventing the touch of a human from access to the edges of the resistive material while the aperture therein provides access of the human to that portion of the resistive material disposed generally centrally upon the touch portion.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
45 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 47, wherein the resistive material comprises a first component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials dispersed in a binder and arranged to cohesively bind the first component into a unitary electrically resistive film.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
33 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 48, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around an edge of the touch portion.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
37 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 49, wherein the resistive material provides a durability and wear-resistant hardness sufficient to allow the coating a life commensurate with the expected life of the touch actuated electronic switch.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
39 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 50, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
33 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 51, wherein the resistive material is of a resistance sufficiently high in value to define a current below the destructive amount tolerable by the microelectronics.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
23 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 51, wherein the resistive material is applied to form a pattern of useful switch indicia.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
23 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 47 wherein the resistive material is applied to form a pattern of useful switch indicia.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
33 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 47 wherein the resistive material is of a resistance sufficiently high in value to define a current below the destructive amount tolerable by the microelectronics.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
33 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 47, wherein the resisitive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around an edge of the touch portion.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
39 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 47, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
33 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 57, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around an edge of the touch portion.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
45 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 46, wherein the resistive material comprises a first component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials dispersed in a binder and arranged to cohesively bind the first component into a unitary electrically resistive film.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 59, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around an edge of the touch portion.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
65 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 59, wherein a non conductive masking material is provided defining a generally centrally located aperture therein, the masking material preventing the touch of a human from access to the edges of the resistive material while the aperture therein provides access of the human to that portion of the resistive material disposed generally centrally upon the touch portion.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
23 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 59 wherein the resistive material is applied to form a pattern of useful switch indicia.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
39 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 59, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
23 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 46, wherein the resistive material is applied to form a pattern of useful switch indicia.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
33 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 46, wherein the resistive material is of a resistance sufficiently high in value to define a current below the destructive amount tolerable by the microelectronics.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
37 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 46, wherein the resistive material provides a durability and wear-resistant hardness sufficient to allow the coating a life commensurate with the expected life of the touch actuated electronic switch.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
33 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 46, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around an edge of the touch portion.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
39 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 46, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
42 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 47, wherein the resistive material comprises a component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semiconductive materials applied to the touch portion as a cohesive film to form an electrically unitary resistive film.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
33 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 69, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around an edge of the touch portion.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
37 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 70, wherein the resistive material provides a durability and wear-resistAnt hardness sufficient to allow the coating a life commensurate with the expected life of the touch actuated electronic switch.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
39 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 71, wherein the resistive material is disposed in an encapsulating relationship upon the touch portion and provides a sealing coating to the touch actuated electronic switch for isolation against humid environments.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 72, wherein resistive material is of a resistance sufficiently high in value to define a current below the destructive amount tolerable by the microelectronics.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
23 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 73, wherein the resistive material is applied to form a pattern of useful switch indicia.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
42 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 46, wherein the resistive material comprises a component selected from the group consisting of conductive and semi-conductive materials applied to the touch portion as a cohesive film to form an electrically unitary resistive film.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
33 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 75, wherein the resistive coating is coupled to the input conductor by material of the resistive coating extended around an edge of the touch portion.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
65 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 75, wherein a non conductive masking material is provided defining a generally centrally located aperture therein, the masking material preventing the touch of a human from access to the edges of the resistive material while the aperture therein provides access of the human to that portion of the resistive material disposed generally centrally upon the touch portion.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
23 words
The touch actuated electronic switch means of claim 75, wherein the resistive material is applied to form a pattern of useful switch indicia.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3676742A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-06-02 | 1978-12-02 | 1979-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-02 | 1982-12-02 | 1983-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-02 | 1986-12-02 | 1987-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |