Touch switching system

Abstract

The described embodiment of the present invention provides a very low pressure electrical switch for use in brightness control of lamps. The electrical switch includes a flexible membrane on which printed leads are interlaced in a regular fashion. Portions of the interlaced electrical leads are exposed. The membrane is fastened to the surface of a rigid surface. In the area under the exposed conductor, a fixed conductor is formed. The membrane is fastened to the surface of the rigid surface so that a very small spacing is maintained between the exposed conductors and the fixed conductor. Because of this small spacing, a very light touch is required to cause the exposed conductors to be shorted to the fixed conductor. A microprocessor then determines which leads of the membranes are shorted together and causes the light to dim appropriately. The lighting system also contains a delay off feature in which the microprocessor causes a discernible dimming to occur when the delay off feature switch is pressed but which does not shut off the lamp until a fixed period of time has passed, thereby allowing the operator to leave the room completely before the lamp is shut off.