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Abstract

Improved methods for using a dome-cap sensor wherein an injection molded dome-cap is combined with an analog active element which is positioned to contact conductive elements of an electronic circuit. The dome-cap is variably depressible for transferring force of varying intensity into the active element to provide variable conductivity connecting the proximal conductive elements. The electronic circuit reads the active element as being in any one of at least three or more readable states dependent upon amount of pressure applied to the active element. Relief of depressive force allows the dome-cap to return to a raised position and one which can indicate the sensor as electrically deactivated. Also disclosed is an improved analog sensing circuit including a user manipulable variable-conductance sensor, the improvement including the variable-conductance sensor being an injection molded dome-cap with an analog material and variably depressible to variably compress the material; the analog material, at least when compressed, is contacting two proximal circuit elements, wherein the degree of compression determines the degree of conductivity between the two proximal circuits.