Richard W Lerch

US Patent:

6584678, Jul 1, 2003

Filed:

Apr 17, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/836638

Inventors:

Lester E. Burgess - Swarthmore PA 19081
Richard Lerch - Media PA 19063

International Classification:

H01H 1100

US Classification:

29622, 29831, 29846, 200 86 R, 200 6143, 427305

Abstract:

A method for making a pressure actuated switching device includes applying a conductive coating to the release surface of a transfer substrate to form a conductive electrode film. The conductive film is brought into contact with a surface of a first substrate under conditions of heat and pressure sufficient to cause the conductive film to transfer from the release surface of the transfer substrate to the first surface of the first substrate. The first substrate is then positioned in juxtaposition with a second substrate having a conductive layer film of the first substrate. Also provided herein is a method for spring loading a terminal plug to the pressure actuated switching device.

US Patent:

6689970, Feb 10, 2004

Filed:

Aug 26, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/227963

Inventors:

Lester E. Burgess - Swarthmore PA 19081
Richard Lerch - Media PA 19063

International Classification:

H01H 315

US Classification:

200 6143, 200 86 R

Abstract:

A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.

US Patent:

6917002, Jul 12, 2005

Filed:

Jan 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/756039

Inventors:

Lester E. Burgess - Swarthmore PA, US
Richard Lerch - Media PA, US

International Classification:

H01H035/24

US Classification:

200 6125, 200 6143

Abstract:

A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.

US Patent:

7102089, Sep 5, 2006

Filed:

Jan 17, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/760655

Inventors:

Lester E. Burgess - Swarthmore PA, US
Richard Lerch - Media PA, US

International Classification:

H01H 3/16

US Classification:

200 6143

Abstract:

A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.

US Patent:

7342190, Mar 11, 2008

Filed:

Aug 31, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/513887

Inventors:

Lester E. Burgess - Swarthmore PA, US
Richard Lerch - Media PA, US

International Classification:

H01H 3/16

US Classification:

200 6143, 200 6125

Abstract:

A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.

US Patent:

20040140045, Jul 22, 2004

Filed:

Jan 6, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/752449

Inventors:

Lester Burgess - Swarthmore PA, US
Richard Lerch - Media PA, US

International Classification:

B32B031/00

US Classification:

156/182000, 156/110100

Abstract:

A pressure actuated switching device is made by applying at least a first layer of fluid conductive polymeric coating material to a surface of a sheet of green rubber material. The conductive polymeric coating is solidified to form an electrode, and the sheet of green rubber material is vulcanized. Two strips of green rubber may be simultaneously processed and then joined such that the respective layers of conductive coating are in spaced apart opposing relationship. The conductive polymeric coating may optionally be formulated with green rubber. Optionally, a blowing agent may be included in the conductive coating formulation so as to provide a cellular polymeric foam piezoresistive material from which the electrode is constructed. The green rubber sheets may be processed by a continuous rotary method or by a linear method using a clamping press having opening and closing dies for heating and joining the strips of green rubber.

US Patent:

6437263, Aug 20, 2002

Filed:

Oct 11, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/975421

Inventors:

Lester E. Burgess - Swarthmore PA 19081
Gary Kovac - Sewikley PA 15143
Richard Lerch - Media PA 19063
Shawn Martin - Harrisburg PA 17112

International Classification:

H01H 316

US Classification:

200 6143, 200 6173

Abstract:

A pressure actuated switching device for free hanging from a horizontal support, such as a drape sensor, includes an outer electrically non-conductive cover having an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a bottom edge portion. A plurality of weep holes are disposed along the bottom edge for drainage of moisture which may condense in the interior of the device. The device also includes a first electrically conductive coating deposited on the interior surface of the cover sheet, an interior sheet having at least a first surface with a second electrically conductive coating deposited thereon, and an electrically non-conductive spacer disposed between the first electrically conductive coating and the second electrically conductive coating. The non-conductive spacer preferably possesses a plurality of zig-zag shaped ribs. The pressure actuated switching device includes a sensitizing bracket to laterally direct forces applied to its side, and tolerates extreme conditions of moisture, heat and cold.