Patent ID: 6291568
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: G05G,H01C

Abstract:
A polymer composition which is elastically deformable from a quiescent state and comprises at least one electrically conductive filler selected from the group consisting of powder-form metallic elements and alloys, electrically conductive oxides of said elements and alloys, and mixtures thereof, mixed with a non-conductive elastomer, wherein the volumetric ratio of filler to elastomer within the composition being at least 0.1:1, the filler being mixed with the elastomer in a controlled manner whereby the filler is dispersed within and encapsulated by the elastomer and remains structurally intact, and the voids present in the starting conductive filler powder become infilled with elastomer during mixing, and particles of conductive filler become set in close proximity during curing of the elastomer, the nature and concentration of the filler being such that the electrical resistivity of the composition is variable in response to compression or extension forces and decreases from a given value in the quiescent state towards a value substantially equal to that of the conductor bridges of the filler when subjected to either compression or extension forces, the composition further comprising a modifier which, on release of said forces, accelerates the elastic return of the composition to its quiescent state.