US Patent 7638719 Operating element

An operating element having an operating surface, particularly in a vehicle, for actuating an adjusting device which is in operative connection with a component to be adjusted. The operating surface is constructed as a pressure-sensitive surface. Thus, as a function of the position and/or of the pressure intensity of a pressure exerted on the operating surface, a corresponding adjusting signal can be generated by which the component to be adjusted can be positioned by means of the adjusting device.