White Electronic Designs Corporation

White Electronics Designs Corporation

Wayne Parkinson

Joel Keith Parkinson

An input system is delineated comprising an array of touch regions. At least one touch region is aligned with a sensing structure. The sensing structure comprises a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.

Switch arrays and systems employing the same to enhance system reliability

A switch is delineated comprising a first conductive region; a second conductive region aligned with the first conductive region, the second conductive region including a first conductive pattern forming a first switch terminal and a second conductive pattern forming a second switch terminal, the first conductive pattern separated by a space from the second conductive pattern; and a third conductive region between the first conductive region and the second conductive region, the third conductive region electrically coupling the first switch terminal to the second switch terminal to provide a first indication when the switch is open and a second indication when the switch is closed. Also delineated is a control panel including a plurality of such switches, as well as an appliance including such a control panel.

Switches and systems employing the same to enhance switch reliability and control

A switch comprising one or more keys mounted on a mat is disclosed. Each of the one or more keys includes a top section, a bottom section and an undercut region formed between the top section, the bottom section and the mat. Each of the one or more keys having a conductive surface mounted on an underside of the one or more keys. The switch also includes a substrate having one or more switch circuits corresponding to each of the one or more keys. Each of the one or more keys is mounted over each of the switch circuits and wherein when each of the keys is depressed the conductive surface contacts the switch circuit and completes the circuit. The switch further includes a bezel having one or more openings corresponding to the one or more keys. Each of the one or more keys is mounted through the one or more openings such that the top section of each of the one or more keys is on a top surface of the bezel and the bezel is in the undercut region.

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Phoenix, AZ, United States of America

Wayne Parkinson