A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad and a local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. The touch pad preferable includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from and surrounding...http://www.google.co.uk/patents/US7030513?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7030513 - Touch switch with integral control circuit
