Magnetically coupled input device
US6501458B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20012
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for transmitting a signal corresponding to a rotation of a spherical body. The apparatus includes a housing having an aperture, and a substantially spherical body having a first portion disposed within the housing so as to have a portion of the body disposed within the aperture, the spherical body operable to rotate within the housing. A first and second permanent magnets are disposed within the spherical body, and are operable to emit a magnetic field. A first magnetic sensing device is disposed within the housing, the first magnetic sensing device being operable to detect the magnetic fields and to generate a first output signal as a function of the strength of the magnetic fields. The first output signal is transmitted via a first conductive path coupled with the sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.