United Technologies Automotive Inc.

Derrek E Braun

Daniel T Lau

Harold Moy

A pressure sensitive signal generator assembly includes a piezoelectric subassembly, a flexible electroluminescent panel and a transparent cover element so arranged that the cover element is in force-transmitting relation with the piezoelectric subassembly and the electroluminescent panel is interposed therebetween. The piezoelectric subassembly includes a substantially planar, rigid yet manually flexible, substrate member; one or typically several, discrete piezoelectric elements, preferably crystals; and electrical conductors connected to the opposite surfaces of respective piezoelectric elements for developing a voltage therebetween in response to deformation of the piezoelectric element. An applique sheet, interposed between the cover and the electroluminescent panel contains indicia for identifying the respective piezoelectric elements. The cover element may be an integral portion of a plastic housing in which the signal generator assembly is housed. The various members of the signal generator assembly are maintained in sealed, force-transmitting relation by potting compound within the housing.

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Royal Oak, MI, United States of America

Derrek E Braun