ITW ActiveMetal switches (photo) have been introduced to this firm’s ActiveTouch line of switch products. The patented pushbutton switch employs a low-voltage subminiature transducer, which generates megahertz frequency vibration to the pushbutton a thousand times per second and detects the decay (or ringdown) of that vibration. When the button surface is touched by a bare finger or gloved hand, the ultrasonic vibration is dampened and the transducer detects the change within milliseconds. Firmware built into the printed circuit board of the transducer includes the capability to identify and predict problems, such as foreign material interference within the switch area, and adapts to the change. One of the first applications is a standard QWERTY keyboard for use in sterile environments . — ITW ActiveTouch, Buffalo Grove, Ill.