Patent · US Expired

Keyboard with keys for moving cursor

US6313762A · kind A · utility

20Cited by
15References
10Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 15, 2000
Grant dateNov 6, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 15, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01H2239/052
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

The present invention comprises a signal generator for sending an electrical signal from an expandable, flexible layer of material, the signal generator comprising an upper layer of flexible, resilient material and a lower layer of flexible, resilient material which between them define a cavity for enclosing an expandable material such as a cellular foam or gas, whereupon localized distortion of one of the layers of flexible material, effects a signal generation within the structure, which is transmissible through a proper circuit to an outside electrical device. A circuit may be arranged adjacent a plurality of said keys which senses when several of said keys are depressed in a skewed or sideways manner, so as to effect movement of a cursor or pointer on a monitor in communication with a processing unit and said keyboard.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.