Electromechanical input means for a portable electronic device comprise first and second layers of conductive or resistive material. The second layer overlaps the first layer at least partly so that the overlapping parts of the first and second layers together are responsive to touching or pressing to produce an electric input signal to the portable electronic device. There is a dielectric support layer for the first and second layers. At least a part of the dielectric support layer for the first layer continues past the first layer and is bent back to act as the dielectric support layer for the second layer.

A sensing edge for causing a closing door to open by actuating a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes an elongate outer sheath compressible upon application of external pressure. A sensor is positioned within the elongate outer sheath for sensing the application of force to the sheath. Upon force being applied to the sheath, the sensor actuates a device for controlling the door. The sheath includes an aperture extending through one of the end surfaces. Electrical conductors that are in electrical communication with the sensor extend through the aperture, outwardly from the one end surface beyond the side surface of the door and into the internal area of a track to which the door is mounted. The sensor includes a flexible hood which extends outwardly from one end surface of the sheath and into the track area. The hood has second and third apertures extending therethrough. An installer of the sensing edge can place the conductors through either one of the second and third apertures and therefore allow for the electrical conductors to be positioned proximate either the first or second side surface of the door such that the sensing edge is bilateral.

A power door sensing strip incorporates a pair of electrical conductors positioned in a sealed plastic tube and supported in a molded foam block so that external forces result in contact between the conductors. Reliable operation is afforded by the absence of internal supports between the conductors. Further, short circuits caused by moisture and contaminants entering the foam through breaks in an outer jacket are eliminated. Trimmable tails and electrical connections on the ends of the strip enable the strip to be used with doors of varying widths and for non-handed installation.

A fastening device for securing a sensing edge to a door edge. The fastening device includes a mounting plate having a first surface for being attached to the door edge and a second surface for attachment of the sensing edge. The sensing edge detects objects in proximity to the door edge and includes an elongate sheath compressible upon application of external pressure and a switch for actuating an electrical device upon compression of the sheath. A pair of male and female members are interconnected between the mounting plate and the sheath to releasably secure the sensing edge to the mounting plate and to thereby allow the sensing edge to be releasably secured to the door edge.

A redundant sensing edge for a door causes a closing door to open by actuating a device upon force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes a flexible air-impervious elongate outer sheath which is compressible upon application of external pressure. A substantially sealed air-impervious first chamber is positioned within the elongate sheath. A pressure-sensitive switch is in fluid communication with the first chamber for sensing pressure change within the chamber, such that upon application of external pressure to the sheath, the pressure switch is actuated. A second chamber is positioned within the sheath proximate the first chamber. A switch is positioned within the second chamber and includes a first generally cylindrical layer of resiliently compressible material, a first generally cylindrical layer of electrically conductive material, a generally cylindrical layer of non-conductive material, a second generally cylindrical layer of electrically conductive material, a second generally cylindrical layer of resiliently compressible material and a generally cylindrical support member layered in the recited order. Upon application of external pressure to the sheath, a portion of at least one of the first and second layers of electrically conductive material deflects into an opening in the layer of non-conductive material and makes electrical contact between the first and second layers of electrically conductive material to thereby actuate the device.