Finger actuated electronic control apparatus
Patent 4654647 Issued on March 31, 1987. Estimated Expiration Date: 
September 24, 2004. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
September 24, 2004. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 2532228 3319884 3335240 3633724 3838148 Keyboards Universally mounted, pivoted key actuctor and associated switch assembly Cursor find system for the display of a word processing system CRT cursor scan control circuits Miniaturized calculator keyboard switch assembly having universally pivoted key actuators InventorApplicationNo. 06/653527 filed on 09/24/1984US Classes:345/160, Cursor key200/18, Plural switch200/5A, With independent operators345/157Cursor mark position control deviceExaminersPrimary: Scott, J. R.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassG06F 3/033 (20060101)AbstractA finger operable electronic control apparatus includes a finger pad actuator mounted to a base so as to be movable in several directions. The position of the finger pad is sensed and utilized in the generation of electrical control signals. These control signals are used to control movement of a cursor or other image on an electronic display screen, as well as for other purposes. In one specific form, the base is generally horizontal and the finger pad is mounted by trapezoidal mounts for movement in first and second mutually perpendicular directions. In addition, the base is mounted to a supporting structure for movement in a direction which results in corresponding movement of the supported finger pad in the third direction. Movement of the finger pad in the first, second and third directions, as well as the rate of movement, may be sensed and utilized to generate electrical control signals. Also, the finger pad may be movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the base, to provide an additional control signal. The finger pad tilts as it is moved in the first and second directions to facilitate its engagement by a user's finger. | |
