A CONTINUOUS SWITCH EMPLOYING A PRESSURE-SENSITIVE ELEMENT

摘要

Method and apparatus of producing an activating signal by exerting pressure on a pressure-sensitive element. An electronic circuit is provided, in which the pressure-sensitive element is inserted, that has two modes, a default mode and a transitory mode. The circuit is normally kept in the default mode, in which it generates a primary activating signal, in the same manner and under the same conditions as a conventional pressure-sensitive switch, when an operator produces a primary pulse, having amplitude and duration not below predetermined thresholds, by applying pressure to the pressure-sensitive element. When the primary activating signal has been generated, or concurrently with its generation, the circuit is switched to the transitory mode, in which it generates secondary activating signals, in response to secondary pulses produced by pressures lower than the pressure that has produced the primary pulse. The electronic circuit is returned to its default mode, when no secondary pulses have been produced for a predetermined period of time.