Wheel sensing treadle matrix switch assembly for roadways
First Claim
1. A wheel sensing treadle matrix switch assembly for roadway use in obtaining traffic data, comprising:
- a membrane strip having a top non-conductive membrane and a bottom non-conductive membrane, said membranes being generally parallel, spaced apart, and of extended length;
a plurality of switches positioned along the length of said membranes, each of said switches including two conductive contacts, said contacts in a first switch state being apart and electrically open and in a second switch state being together and electrically closed, one of said contacts being formed respectively on each said membrane, said contacts being generally parallel and opposed to each other in said first state;
a plurality of electrical contact leads connected respectively to each of said switch contacts and formed on the surface of the associated membrane;
a rigid base connected to said membrane strip for holding said switches in a fixed position;
a resilient cover, said membrane switch being positioned between said cover and said base,compression of said treadle by passage of a wheel axle thereover causing said switches to close locally in a lengthwise pattern corresponding to size and distribution of wheels on said axle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A wheel sensing treadle of high sensitivity includes a thin membrane strip having a top non-conductive membrane and a bottom non-conductive membrane, the membranes being generally parallel, spaced apart, and of extended length. A large number of switches are closely positioned along the length of the membranes. Each switch includes two thin conductive contacts formed respectively on each membrane by printing with conductive ink. A similarly-printed electrical lead connects respectively to each the switch contacts. The membrane strip is sandwiched between a rigid base and a resilient cover to form a treadle of extended length. The switch contact leads are connected in an X Y matrix, each switch having one contact connected to an X line and the other contact of the switch connected to a Y line of the matrix whereby each switch in the treadle has a unique X, Y address and can be rapidly an repetitively scanned by a computer.
33 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A wheel sensing treadle matrix switch assembly for roadway use in obtaining traffic data, comprising:
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a membrane strip having a top non-conductive membrane and a bottom non-conductive membrane, said membranes being generally parallel, spaced apart, and of extended length; a plurality of switches positioned along the length of said membranes, each of said switches including two conductive contacts, said contacts in a first switch state being apart and electrically open and in a second switch state being together and electrically closed, one of said contacts being formed respectively on each said membrane, said contacts being generally parallel and opposed to each other in said first state; a plurality of electrical contact leads connected respectively to each of said switch contacts and formed on the surface of the associated membrane; a rigid base connected to said membrane strip for holding said switches in a fixed position; a resilient cover, said membrane switch being positioned between said cover and said base, compression of said treadle by passage of a wheel axle thereover causing said switches to close locally in a lengthwise pattern corresponding to size and distribution of wheels on said axle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification