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:
Oct. 24, 2000
Filed:
May. 26, 1999
Robert H Martter, Erie, PA (US);
Craig C Sundberg, Erie, PA (US);
Richard N Giardina, Erie, PA (US);
William P Laneve, Erie, PA (US);
G James Deutschlander, Erie, PA (US);
Ferro Corporation, Cleveland, OH (US);
Abstract
A touch control panel for use in controlling an electrical device such as a washer, dryer, stove, microwave or related piece of electrical equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the touch control panel comprises an outer panel formed of flexible aluminum. The outer panel includes an outer and an inner surface. The inner surface of the aluminum panel includes a first circuit formed along at least a portion of the surface. The control panel also includes an inner support panel comprising a porcelain enamel metal substrate. The porcelain enamel metal substrate affords a highly durable and rigid degree of support to the control panel. The support panel has an inner surface which is spaced from and disposed substantially parallel to the inner surface of the outer panel. The inner surface of the metal substrate has formed along at least a portion thereof a second circuit. Upon application of tactile pressure upon the outer surface of the outer panel, the first circuit contacts the second circuit. Upon release of the tactile pressure, the first circuit disengages contact with the circuit.