Resistance varying sensor using electrically conductive coated materials
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A sensor comprising:
- a loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments having an electrically conductive coating; and
at least two electrodes in electrical communication with said fiber filaments, wherein the loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments has an electrical resistance which changes when it is compressed,wherein the loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments comprises fiberfill.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In accordance with one embodiment, a sensor includes a fibrous region contacting at least two electrodes. The fibrous region has an electrically conductive coating. The fibrous region has a resistance and when the fibrous region is compressed, the resistance changes. In another embodiment, a method of making a pressure responsive sensor includes providing a compressible material, applying a conductive coating to the compressible material to provide a coated compressible material having a resistance, and placing the coated compressible material in contact with at least two electrodes, wherein when the compressible material is compressed, the resistance changes.
69 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A sensor comprising:
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a loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments having an electrically conductive coating; and at least two electrodes in electrical communication with said fiber filaments, wherein the loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments has an electrical resistance which changes when it is compressed, wherein the loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments comprises fiberfill. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17)
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12. A sensor comprising:
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a loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments having an electrically conductive coating; at least two electrodes in electrical communication with said fiber filaments, wherein the loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments has an electrical resistance which changes when it is compressed; and a resilient non-conductive region partially surrounding said loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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16. A sensor comprising:
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a loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments having an electrically conductive coating; and at least two electrodes in electrical communication with said fiber filaments, wherein the loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments has an electrical resistance which changes when it is compressed, wherein said loose assemblage of individual fiber filaments is at least partially protected by a moisture-resistant covering.
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18. A sensor comprising:
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a compressible material with an electrically conductive coated surface, wherein the electrically conductive coating on said surface penetrates only a small depth of said material; at least two electrodes in electrical communication with said surface, said surface having an electrical resistance between said at least two electrodes, wherein compression of said compressible material causes the electrical resistance to increase; and a button retaining said compressible material and selected to provide a predetermined relationship between an applied compressive force and the amount of compression of said compressible material.
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19. A sensor comprising:
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a compressible material with an electrically conductive coated surface, wherein the electrically conductive coating on said surface penetrates only a small depth of said material; at least two electrodes in electrical communication with said surface, said surface having an electrical resistance between said at least two electrodes, wherein compression of said compressible material causes the electrical resistance to increase; a button, wherein when a compressive force is applied to the button, the button compresses the compressible material; an illumination source turned on and off by operation of said button; and a light guide guiding light from said illumination source.
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20. A sensor comprising:
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a compressible material with an electrically conductive coated surface, wherein the electrically conductive coating on said surface penetrates only a small depth of said material; and at least two electrodes in electrical communication with said surface, said surface having an electrical resistance between said at least two electrodes, wherein compression of said compressible material causes the electrical resistance to increase, wherein said compressible material is at least partially covered by a moisture-resistant material.
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Specification