Variable speed tactile switch
US5550339A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2239/078
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A low cost, highly sensitive tactile pointing device includes a planar substrate, an insulating spacer about a periphery of the substrate, and a planar cover. The cover in an active area carries an electrically conductive film designed to contact a conductive film carried upon an active area of the substrate. An insulating spacer and conductive dot are also located at some point within the active area to form a non-contacting rest area. Appropriate forces applied in a direction normal to the plane of the substrate or cover cause deflection, leading to contact between the cover and the substrate. The point of contact identifies intent, direction and magnitude.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.