Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-27
2001-04-17
Hjerpe, Richard (Department: 2774)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S164000, C345S173000, C345S174000, C345S184000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06219035
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an apparatus panel, and in particular to a panel for an apparatus which is used in an environment wherein the panel may be subject to fluid or moisture entering into the panel.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Swedish Patent 504 758 describes a transparent apparatus panel suitable for placement on e.g. a screen. The panel is composed of multiple layers or plates. A mechanical control means is arranged in the panel for setting parameters or the like. The control means passes through the outer panel plate to act on opposite contact means inside the panel. The opening through the outer plate is sealed to keep fluid or moisture from entering into the panel and affecting settings.
One problem with this apparatus panel is the ever present risk of leakage, even though seals are arranged around the openings. Mechanical damage and ear could still lead to the intrusion of moisture or fluid.
Another problem is that the panel, as a result of the openings, has a fixed geometry. This necessitates manufacturing a number of different panel types (with different constellations of mechanical setting means) to accommodate different applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus panel which is able to be used in an environment wherein fluid or moisture is present. A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus panel which can be manufactured in a single, generic format and which can be modified to adapt to different applications.
These objects are achieved in accordance with the principles of the present invention in an apparatus panel adapted for placement at least partially in front of a screen or a display, or over a printed surface, having at least two stacked, transparent panel plates, a mechanical user interface in the form of at least one mechanically operated regulating arrangement and a corresponding contact arrangement, wherein the regulating arrangement and the contact arrangement are physically separated from each other by one of the panel plates, and are capable of sensing each other's relative positions without touching (i.e., without physical contact between the regulating arrangement and the contact arrangement. By virtue of being able to sense each other's relative positions without physical contact, the setting of the mechanical user interface, by means of the regulating arrangement, can be sensed by the contact arrangement.
By making the panel with an unperforated plate and a regulating arrangement and contact arrangement capable of sensing each other's respective positions without touching, the risk of leakage can be completely avoided. This design also makes it possible to place more (transparent) contact arrangement in the panel and to position detachable regulating arrangement over the contact arrangement as is appropriate at any given moment.
Touch-free actuation can be achieved by capacitive, magnetic, optical or acoustical transmission through the unperforated plate.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4233593 (1980-11-01), Bigelow
patent: 5859631 (1999-01-01), Bergman et al.
patent: 5977955 (1999-11-01), Jaeger
patent: 0 725 482 (1996-01-01), None
patent: 0 782 091 (1996-11-01), None
Hjerpe Richard
Lesperance Jean
Schiff & Hardin & Waite
Siemens Elema AB
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