Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Multiple controlled elements
Patent
1989-04-24
1990-01-30
Herrmann, Allan D.
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Multiple controlled elements
273148B, 340706, 340710, G05G 902, G09G 100
Patent
active
048965545
ABSTRACT:
A multifunction human digit control includes a rotating cylinder journalled in a movable bar slidable in a groove in a deflectable support track. Rotation of the cylinder by a thumb or finger generates a first motion signal and movement of either or both of the bar and the cylinder by tactile movement, generates a second motion signal, representing, for example, X-axis and Y-axis positions, respectively, of a cursor on a computer screen. Various types of motion detectors or encoders are disclosed to detect the various movements of the bar and cylinder. The mechanism also permits actuation of a switch or other motion detector in a Z-axis by deflection of any one of the bar, the cylinder or portions of the support track with respect to a support structure. In a preferred embodiment, the overall control has its digit-operated tactile surfaces exposed in an aperture contained in a device casing, such as an opening in a computer keyboard or in an instrument housing or control panel.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3823616 (1974-07-01), Houseman et al.
patent: 3838211 (1974-09-01), Joannou
patent: 4506336 (1985-03-01), Hird
patent: 4670743 (1987-06-01), Zemko
patent: 4692756 (1987-09-01), Clark
patent: 4712101 (1987-12-01), Culver
patent: 4724715 (1988-02-01), Culver
patent: 4799049 (1989-01-01), Avila
patent: 4823634 (1989-04-01), Culver
N. Leon "Thumbwheel Positional Control Unit" IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 21, No. 7, pp. 3024-3027, Dec. 1978.
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