US3909625A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Touch actuated electronic switch
Assignee: Magic Dot Inc
•
Filing: 1973-07-30
•
Granted: 1975-09-30
•
Expires: 1993-07-30
Abstract
Abstract A touch actuated electronic switch is disclosed including at least one surface, accessible to the touch of a human, interconnected with differential sensing circuitry, in this application dual input logic circuitry. In the preferred embodiment where the interconnection between the logic circuit and the surfaces is desired to include long wires, a twisted pair of wires is used if increased noise immunity or noise protection is desired. The twisted pair is interconnected at one end with one wire electrically connected to the touch surface and the other substantially equal length wire being unconnected or connected to a second touch surface. Both wires are connected at their other ends to the dual inputs to the logic circuitry. A common mode alternating voltage signal is then provided through input circuitry to the logic circuitry, and the output of the logic circuitry is interconnected to an integrator, in the preferred embodiment a capacitor. The integrator is, in turn in the preferred embodiment, connected to an additional amplifier. The output terminals of the additional amplifier, in the preferred embodiment, act as an electrical switch with the electrical impedance across the output terminals in a first state assuming a high impedance, electrical open circuit, or ''''OFF'''' switch condition and in the second state assuming a low impedance, electrical short circuit, or ''''ON'''' switch condition to thereby approximate the two states of a conventional mechanical electrical switch, the condition assumed by the second amplifier being dependent upon whether or not an operator has touched a touch surface.
Inventors
- 👤 David E Colglazier
- 👤 Willis A Larson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 06:12
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/94; H03K17/96; H03K17/962
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A touch actuated electronic switch, comprising in combination: logic means including first signal input means and second signal input means for receiving signals to be compared and including signal output means for providing an output signal related to the differences in the input signal received; at least one touch surface; means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means; means for receiving an alternating voltage signal; means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means to provide a substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and the second signal input means of the logic means; integrating means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the output means of the logic means and the integrating means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
A touch actuated electronic switch, comprising in combination: logic means including first signal input means and second signal input means for receiving signals to be compared and including signal output means for providing an output signal related to the differences in the input signal received; at least one touch surface; means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means; means for receiving an alternating voltage signal; means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means to provide a substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and the second signal input means of the logic means; integrating means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the output means of the logic means and the integrating means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, including impedance means connected as a shunting element between the input means of the logic means to provide increased noise suppression and sensitivity control.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
51 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, including amplifier means including signal input means for receiving a signal to be amplified and signal output means for providing an amplified signal output; and means for providing an electrical connection between the integrating means and the input means of the amplifier means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
78 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means includes first impedance means connected to the first signal input means and second impedance means connected to the second signal input means with the first and the second impedances having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 4, wherein the impedance means comprise resistors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
133 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means comprises: first impedance means and second impedance means with the first impedance means and the second impedance means having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means; an electrical junction point; means for electrically connecting the first impedance means between the junction point and the first input means of the logic means; means for electrically connecting the second impedance means between the junction point and the second input means of the logic means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the junction point and the means for receiving the alternating voltage signal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 6 wherein the first impedance means and the second impedance means comprise resistors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the logic means comprises an exclusive OR logic circuit.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 8, wherein the logic means comprises MOS semiconductor devices to thereby provide a significant threshold for the switch.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
95 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 8, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first end connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second signal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
95 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first end connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second signal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
78 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 11, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means includes first impedance means connected to the first signal input means and second impedance means connected to the second signal input means with the first and the second impedances having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 12, wherein the impedance means comprise resistors.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
133 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 11, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means comprises: first impedance means and second impedance means with the first impedance means and the second impedance means having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means; an electrical junction point; means for electrically connecting the first impedance means between the junction point and the first input means of the logic means; means for electrically connecting the second impedance means between the junction point and the second input means of the logic means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the junction point and the means for receiving the alternating voltage signal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 11, including impedance means connected as a shunting element between the input means of the logic means to provide increased noise suppression and sensitivity control.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 15, wherein the logic means comprises MOS semiconductor devices to thereby provide a significant threshold for the switch.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 11, wherein the means for receiving an alternating voltage signal comprises means for receiving an alternating voltage signal at powEr frequencies.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the logic means comprises MOS semiconductor devices to thereby provide a significant threshold for the switch.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 18, including impedance means connected as a shunting element between the input means of the logic means to provide increased noise suppression and sensitivity control.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
78 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 18, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means includes first impedance means connected to the first signal input means and second impedance means connected to the second signal input means with the first and the second impedances having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 18, wherein the means for receiving an alternating voltage signal comprises means for receiving an alternating voltage signal at power frequencies.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 18, wherein the logic means comprises an exclusive OR logic circuit.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
94 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 22, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input to the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first end connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second signal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
133 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 23, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means comprises: first impedance means and second impedance means with the first impedance means and the second impedance means having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means; an electrical junction point; means for electrically connecting the first impedance means between the junction point and the first input means of the logic means; means for electrically connecting the second impedance means between the junction point and the second input means of the logic means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the junction point and the means for receiving the alternating voltage signal.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 24, wherein the first impedance means and the second impedance means comprise resistors.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
95 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 18, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first end connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second signal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 26, wherein the means for receiving an alternating voltage signal comprises means for receiving an alternating voltage signal at power frequencies.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 1, wherein the means for receiving an alternating voltage signal comprises means for receiving an alternating voltage signal at power frequencies.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
95 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 28, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first enD connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second signal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 29, wherein the logic means comprises MOS semiconductor devices to thereby provide a significant threshold for the switch.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 30, wherein the logic means comprises an exclusive OR logic circuit.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
32 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 30, including impedance means connected as a shunting element between the input means of the logic means to provide increased noise suppression and sensitivity control.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
133 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 28, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means comprises: first impedance means and second impedance means with the first impedance means and the second impedance means having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means; an electrical junction point; means for electrically connecting the first impedance means between the junction point and the first input means of the logic means; means for electrically connecting the second impedance means between the junction point and the second input means of the logic means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the junction point and the means for receiving the alternating voltage signal.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
95 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 33, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first end connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second signal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
113 words
A touch actuated electronic switch, comprising in combination: exclusive OR logic means including first signal input means and second signal input means for receiving signals to be compared and including signal output means for providing an output signal related to the differences in the input signal received; at least one touch surface; means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means; means for receiving an alternating voltage signal; and means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means to provide a substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and the second signal input means of the logic means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
113 words
A touch actuated electronic switch, comprising in combination: exclusive OR logic means including first signal input means and second signal input means for receiving signals to be compared and including signal output means for providing an output signal related to the differences in the input signal received; at least one touch surface; means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means; means for receiving an alternating voltage signal; and means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means to provide a substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and the second signal input means of the logic means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
30 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 35, including: integrating means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the output means of the logic means and the integrating means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
40 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 36, wherein the integrating means includes a capacitor and wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the output means of the logic means and the integrating means includes unidirectional conduction means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
78 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 36, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means includes first impedance means connected to the first signal input means and second impedance means connected to the second signal input means with the first and the second impedances having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 38, wherein the impedance means comprise resistors.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
133 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 36, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means comprises: first impedance means and second impedance means with the first impedance means and the second impedance means having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means, an electrical junction point; means for electrically connecting the first impedance means between the junction point and the first input means of the logic means; means for electrically connecting the second impedance means between the junction point and the second input means of the logic means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the junction point and the means for receiving the alternating voltage signal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
95 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 36, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first end connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second signal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 36, wherein the means for receiving an alternating voltage signal comprises means for receiving an alternating voltage signal at power frequencies.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
25 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 36, wherein the logic means comprises MOS semiconductor devices to thereby provide a significant threshold for the switch.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
95 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 35, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first end connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second signal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 44, wherein the means for receiving an alternating voltage signal comprises means for receiving an alternating voltage signal at power frequencies.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
78 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 44, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means includes first impedance means connected to the first signal input means and second impedance means connected to the second signal input means with the first and the second impedances having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
14 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 46, wherein the impedance means comprise resistors.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
133 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 44, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means comprises: first impedance means and second impedance means with the first impedance means and the second impedance means having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means; an electrical junction point; means for electrically connecting the first impedance means between the junction point and the first input means of the logic means; means for electrically connecting the second impedance means between the junction point and the second input means of the logic means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the junction point and the means for receiving the alternating voltage signal.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 48, whErein the means for receiving an alternating voltage signal comprises means for receiving an alternating voltage signal at power frequencies.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 44, wherein the logic means comprises MOS semiconductor devices to thereby provide a significant threshold for the switch.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
37 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 44, including: integrating means including a capacitor; and means for providing an electrical connection between the output means of the logic means and the integrating means including unidirectional conduction means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 35, wherein the logic means comprises MOS semiconductor devices to thereby provide a significant threshold for the switch.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
37 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 52, including: integrating means including a capacitor; and means for providing an electrical connection between the output means of the logic means and the integrating means including unidirectional conduction means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
78 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 53, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means includes first impedance means connected to the first signal input means and second impedance means connected to the second signal input means with the first and the second impedances having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 54, wherein the impedance means comprise resistors.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 52, wherein the means for receiving an alternating voltage signal comprises means for receiving an alternating voltage signal at power frequencies.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
95 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 56, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first end connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second signal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
133 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 52, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means comprises: first impedance means and second impedance means with the first impedance means and the second impedance means having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means; an electrical junction point; means for electrically connecting the first impedance means between the junction point and the first input means of the logic means; means for electrically connecting the second impedance means between the junction point and the second input means of the logic means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the junction point and the means for receiving the alternating voltage signal.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 58, wherein the first impedance means and the second impedance means comprise resistors.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 58, wherein the means for receiving an alternating voltage signal comprises means for receiving an alternating voltage signal at power frequencies.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
95 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 58, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first end connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second siGnal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
28 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 35, wherein the means for receiving an alternating voltage signal comprises means for receiving an alternating voltage signal at power frequencies.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
37 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 62, including: integrating means including a capacitor; and means for providing an electrical connection between the output means of the logic means and the integrating means including unidirectional conduction means.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
95 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 63, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the touch surface and an input means of the logic means comprises a twisted pair of wires with the twisted pair having a first end and a second end and with one wire of the first end connected to the first signal input means of the logic means and the second wire of the first end connected to the second signal input means of the logic means for better providing noise immunity and remote actuation for the switch.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
133 words
The touch actuated electronic switch of claim 62, wherein the means for providing an electrical connection between the receiving means and the logic means comprises: first impedance means and second impedance means with the first impedance means and the second impedance means having values which are balanced to provide the substantially balanced alternating voltage signal to the first and second signal input means of the logic means; an electrical junction point; means for electrically connecting the first impedance means between the junction point and the first input means of the logic means; means for electrically connecting the second impedance means between the junction point and the second input means of the logic means; and means for providing an electrical connection between the junction point and the means for receiving the alternating voltage signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-09-29 | 1979-03-31 | 1979-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-29 | 1983-03-31 | 1983-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-29 | 1987-03-31 | 1987-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |