The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 30, 1999
Filed:
Nov. 06, 1997
Ulrich Brueggemann, Heustreu, DE;
Gerhard Hochgesang, Bad Neustadt, DE;
Wolfgang Kuechler, Ostheim, DE;
Klaus Schmoeger, Bad Neustadt, DE;
Preh-Werke Gmbh & Co. KG, Bad Neustadt/Saale, DE;
Abstract
A control unit (1) for switching and controlling functions (6) of household appliances has a continuous control surface (2) with operational areas (3) and a printed film (5). Several piezosensors (4) are arranged on a back of a plate forming the control surface (2), connected firmly and rigidly to the plate. The piezosensors (4) can be located in a film packet (9), for example, through which the piezosensors (4) are electrically connected to a processor (12). Through an offset arrangement of the piezosensors (4) in a matrix pattern direct illumination or back lighting of the printed film (5) can be achieved, thereby improving an operator's visual recognition while permitting accurate recognition of a function by the processor (12). An input filter (15) prevents operator error due to unintentional actuation of the control unit.