Novel rotary switch chosen for medical duties

Duraswitch licensee GGI International has won a new project for patient monitoring equipment used in hospitals.

Duraswitch licensee GGI International has won a new project for patient monitoring equipment used in hospitals.

The new panel incorporates Thincoder rotary switch technology as well as other components and shielding technologies.

Currently in the prototype stage, the panel is expected to go into full production within the next few months.

The customer is an established manufacturer of medical ventilators for adults, children and newborns.

"Using Thincoder, we were able to redesign this panel and eliminate tedious pushbutton arrow keys used for a scroll up/down menu".

"Traditional rotary switch technologies would have required extra assembly time and additional total panel thickness; the Thincoder was the logical solution for us to integrate into this complex interface assembly", said Peter Graham, Co-President of GGI.

"GGI, a manufacturer of innovative custom interface assemblies, is Duraswitch's 2004 licensee of the year and this is a great example of their innovative approach in finding solutions for their customers", said Tim Kuhn, Duraswitch Vice President Business Development.

"A rotary switch is a far better interface in this situation, but medical manufacturers often stick with pushbuttons in order to maintain the sealability of the panel".

"Because Thincoder is a sealed rotary switch, we are seeing many OEMs convert to it for medical applications".

Duraswitch Thincoder is a thin, noninvasive rotary switch with a package depth below the overlay of less than 0.085in.

The technology eliminates secondary processes and is easily integrated on a flex circuit with other Duraswitch technologies such as the PushGate pushbutton and MagnaMouse multidirectional control, as well as traditional technologies such as dome and membrane switches.

With low component costs and decreased assembly time, the Thincoder is a cost effective solution for OEMs.

"This represents a new customer for GGI, and new user of Duraswitch technology".

"GGI's in-depth knowledge of the advantages of Duraswitch technologies, and success in providing innovative solutions for their customers has made GGI one of our premier licensees", Kuhn continued.

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