Keyswitch-integrated pointing assembly
July 27, 2010. 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 ReferencesMiniaturized calculator keyboard switch assembly having universally pivoted key actuators Jumper touch sensor current switching device Pressure-sensitive resistors Switch apparatus Cursor control Electronic pressure sensitive transducer apparatus Joystick operated multiple position switch Electrical thick-film, free-standing, self-supporting structure, and method of its manufacture, particularly for sensors used with internal combustion engines Joystick-type controller Force transducer InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 557546 filed on 07/24/1990US Classes:345/174, Including impedance detection200/5R, Multiple switch200/517, Including additional actuator338/99, Surfaces pressed together (e.g., compressible type)345/168Including keyboardExaminersPrimary: Weldon, UlyssesAssistant: Saras, Steven Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesG06F 003/14H01C 010/10 H01H 009/00 H01H 001/10 A AbstractA keyswitch-integrated pointing assembly in which a plurality of substantially planar force sensing elements are disposed on a planar surface adjacent a keyswitch on a keyboard. The keyswitch includes a plunger which extends downwardly from a key cap for actuating a switch at the lower end of vertical key cap travel. The key cap engages an indexing surface when fully depressed which transmits force applied to the key cap to the force sensing elements. The force sensing elements are sandwiched between a pair of opposing plates thereby biasing the elements into a substantially linear operating region when no force is applied to the key cap.Other References
Field of SearchPush button actuatorCompressible elastomer Specific dome shape Pressure equalizing means Including auxiliary dome/disc type spring Compression spring (e.g., push force) Having roller contact Axially compressed coil spring One end of spring is carried by actuator Discrete and identical geometric shaped interlocking slider means Multiple switch With multidirectional selector means Plunger type Spring-biased Flexible, self-biasing Universally pivoted handle Leaf spring contacts By regulating key force or movement (e.g., key dip or stroke) Including cushioning means (e.g., yieldable surface) Key-board having multiple-character, multiple-movement keys Pressure sensitive actuation Plural Contact lifts element from core Surfaces pressed together (e.g., compressible type) | |
