Touch sensitive switching apparatus
First Claim
1. A touch responsive apparatus for use in controlling an electrical load, the apparatus comprising:
- conductive housing means having a first housing end and a second housing end, wherein the first housing end includes a first touch contact surface and stop means;
a conductive longitudinal member having a longitudinal axis disposed within the conductive housing means and a first member end having a second touch contact surface and a stop surface;
insulation means for substantially electrically insulating the conductive longitudinal member from the conductive housing means, the insulation means interposed between and engaging the stop surface and the stop means;
fastening means connected to the conductive longitudinal member to secure the first member end against the insulation means; and
circuit means electrically connected to the conductive housing means and the conductive longitudinal member, the circuit means responsive to substantially non-infinite resistance connected between the first contact surface and the second contact surface to selectively control operation of the electrical load.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A touch sensitive switching apparatus for controlling the operation of an electrical load is disclosed. The apparatus includes a programmable controller and a touch sensor assembly. The controller is connected to the electrical load and is programmable to provide a repeatable sequence to operate the load wherein each step of the sequence is initiated by touching two contact surfaces of the touch sensor assembly. The controller can also be configured to duplicate a momentary switch wherein the load is energized as long as the contact surfaces of the touch sensor assembly are connected. The touch sensor assembly can be mounted in a wall panel. The assembly includes a conductive housing with a conductive rod positioned therein. A first fastener secures the rod within the housing, while a second fastener secures the assembly to the wall panel.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A touch responsive apparatus for use in controlling an electrical load, the apparatus comprising:
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conductive housing means having a first housing end and a second housing end, wherein the first housing end includes a first touch contact surface and stop means; a conductive longitudinal member having a longitudinal axis disposed within the conductive housing means and a first member end having a second touch contact surface and a stop surface; insulation means for substantially electrically insulating the conductive longitudinal member from the conductive housing means, the insulation means interposed between and engaging the stop surface and the stop means; fastening means connected to the conductive longitudinal member to secure the first member end against the insulation means; and circuit means electrically connected to the conductive housing means and the conductive longitudinal member, the circuit means responsive to substantially non-infinite resistance connected between the first contact surface and the second contact surface to selectively control operation of the electrical load. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A touch responsive apparatus for use in controlling an electrical load, the apparatus mounted within an aperture of a panel, the apparatus comprising:
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a conductive housing having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion having an inner flange, an outer flange and a first touch contact surface, the conductive housing disposed within the aperture wherein the outer flange engages an outer surface of the panel; a conductive threaded rod disposed within the conductive housing, the threaded rod having a second touch contact surface and a stop surface; insulation means for substantially electrically insulating the conductive threaded rod from the conductive housing, the insulation means interposed between the inner flange and the stop surface; a fastening nut connected to the threaded rod to secure the stop surface against the insulation means; fastening means connected to the second housing end to secure the outer flange against the outer surface of the panel; and circuit means electrically connected to the conductive housing and the threaded rod, the circuit means responsive to substantially non-infinite resistance connected between the first contact surface and the second contact surface to selectively control operation of the electrical load. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification