PHOENIX, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- InPlay Technologies' Duraswitch licensee, Memtron Input Components, a principal control panel supplier for the medical industry, is leading the way in marketing the benefits of the Duraswitch MagnaMouse(TM) as a cost-effective alternative to rotary switches for medical device controls.
"A common issue with portable devices in the medical industry is broken or bent shafts on rotors. Because the rotary knob sticks out from the surface of the control panel, it is easily bumped during normal transportation and handling of portable devices," said David Hildner, national sales manager, Input Components for Memtron. "MagnaMouse offers the same functional output as a rotary switch but without the shaft which can break off."
As a rotary replacement, the user moves his finger in a circular motion on the flat or embossed overlay. MagnaMouse functions by using an armature, held in place by a magnet in the resting position, and released when pressure is applied. The armature returns to the magnet when released.
"The success of the iPod has helped end-users become familiar with using a flat-panel, circular wheel control to dial up and down on an electronic device," added Tim Kuhn, vice president business development, InPlay Technologies. "Memtron's knowledge of the Duraswitch technologies enables them to offer this cost-effective, ergonomic alternative for their medical OEM customers."
In addition to solving problems associated with lost or broken knob controls, eliminating the typical rotary switch knob saves cost and space. MagnaMouse is thin (less than 0.080") and can be mounted on a flex circuit.
"The added benefit for the medical industry is that MagnaMouse is completely sealed, making it easy to clean the control panel without damaging the switches," added Hildner.
An extremely durable technology, MagnaMouse works with rubber or hard keycap overlays and basic flat-panel polyester overlays. MagnaMouse is easily integrated with PushGate or other pushbutton technologies into a sealed, thin panel, eliminating secondary assembly processes.
Duraswitch technologies are available exclusively through licensed manufacturers. For a list of Duraswitch licensees, visit http://www.duraswitch.com/licensees/licensees.asp.
About Memtron
Memtron Input Components, a unit of the Interface Technologies Group of Esterline Corporation, specializes in the design and manufacture of membrane switches, passive and active PC board-backed switches, elastomeric keypads, and touch screen integrated panels. Memtron engineers leverage 30 years of interface expertise and technology development to implement fast-turn prototypes and designs for low-cost manufacturing. A Memtron device can be found in virtually any application imaginable -- from hospital surgical rooms and restaurants to manufacturing plant floors and oil rigs. Headquartered in Frankenmuth, Mich., Memtron is one of Duraswitch's top licensees, winning 'Licensee of the Year' in 2001. For more information, visit http://www.memtron.com/.
About InPlay Technologies
InPlay Technologies markets and licenses proprietary emerging technologies through two divisions: FinePoint and Duraswitch. FinePoint Innovations is a developer of pen computing products for tablet PCs and computer peripherals. FinePoint's digital solution is the computing pen and digitizer for a major computer OEM's award-winning line of convertible notebooks. The company was founded to commercialize its internally developed Duraswitch electronic switch technologies and has executed license agreements with switch manufacturers and OEMs worldwide. Today, Duraswitch patented technologies are in the controls of a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. InPlay Technologies is focused on further commercialization of these technologies and leveraging its licensing model with additional, innovative technologies. Visit http://www.inplaytechnologies.com/ for more information.
