Cursor movement control key and electronic computer keyboard for computers having a video display
US5278557A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20201
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A cursor movement control key and electronic keyboard for a computer having a video display incorporates a force-sensitive resistor having a junction resistance which varies inversely with pressure applied thereto. The external key cap engages an actuator which bears against the force-sensitive resistor. The actuator has a plurality of four pads which bear against respective electrode regions of the force-sensitive resistor. The pads are positioned at the 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree., and 270.degree. positions. The actuator mounts relative to a keyboard mounting plate. At least one of the actuator and mounting plate include opposed lateral projections which engage relative to the other of the actuator and mounting plate to both, a) retain the actuator to the mounting plate, and yet b) allow clearance for tilting movement of the actuator relative to the mounting plate. The force-sensitive resistor is comprised of a material which is predictably and consistently responsive to operator proportional force inputs between about 50 grams and 175 grams. The opposing electrode regions are connected with parallel resistances which cause the resulting resistance response to be more line…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.