Originally Published MPMN October 2001

Schurter Licenses Duraswitch Technology

A German manufacturer has licensed technology from Duraswitch Industries Inc. (Mesa, AZ; www.duraswitch.com) to expand its portfolio of piezoelectric, mechanical, and membrane switches. With a product line that includes switches, keypads, circuit-protection devices, and connectors, Schurter GmbH (Endingen, Germany; www. schurter.de) has secured the rights to manufacture and distribute PushGate, thiNcoder rotary, and other Duraswitch products worldwide for a period of two years. PushGate switches combine the tactile qualities of discrete switches with the thin profile of membrane units. ThiNcoder products, on the other hand, allow design engineers to integrate rotary and push-button switches on the same thin package.

According to Duraswitch CEO Terry Dunlap, these switches have many applications in the medical industry. "Our switches are perfect for medical devices. They provide a crisp feel when activated, even when gloves are worn, and can be sealed to increase sterility." Other benefits include a design that allows surface mounting on flexible circuits, eliminating the need for soldering and wire harnesses. Duraswitch is a technical research and design firm that specializes in testing and engineering new technologies.

Zachary Turke

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