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Tactile sensor apparatus and methods

  • US 6,529,122 B1
  • Filed: 02/15/2000
  • Issued: 03/04/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A tactile sensor comprising:

  • a first conductive foam elastomer layer having a bottom surface and a top surface;

    a second conductive foam elastomer layer having a bottom surface and a top surface, said top surface of said second conductive foam elastomer layer bearing on said bottom surface of said first conductive foam elastomer layer at a bearing area;

    a first electrode in contact with said top surface of said first conductive foam elastomer layer;

    a second electrode in contact with said bottom surface of said second conductive foam elastomer layer;

    wherein each of said first and second conductive foam elastomer layers have variable surface resistance dependent on pressure placed thereon and wherein it is possible to measure a contact resistance between said first and second conductive foam elastomer layers, said contact resistance being dependent on at least a pressure placed on said bearing area; and

    wherein both conductive foam elastomer layers are shaped to correspond to a two-dimensional area, said area being part of a configurable flexible keyboard to provide an input interface to a computer or other device, said configurable flexible keyboard being flexible due to a flexing nature of said first and second conductive foam elastomer layers.

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