Thales

Jean-Louis Bigand

Michael Manceau

Sylvain Hourlier

Marie Brisse

Michaël Manceau

A data-input device comprises a designator able to point to a position on a screen of a computer system to which the device is intended to be connected and a body intended to be fixed to a workstation, the body comprising a support zone intended to support the hand of an operator as he manipulates the designator. The device further comprises a knob arranged in such a way that it can be manipulated by the fingers of the operator, his hand remaining supported on the support zone. The knob is configured to allow at least two distinct data selections of which one is a choice of values in a series and one is a binary acquisition in relation to the chosen value.

Ergonomics of a data-input device

The securing of a data input device of a computer system including a screen, the device including a touch-sensitive surface allowing an object displayed on the screen to be designated, and a switch operable by pressing the touch-sensitive surface, the operation of the switch allowing a designated object to be selected. The device furthermore includes means for measuring a force applied to the touch-sensitive surface and intended to operate the switch. The measurement means are independent from the switch.

Securing a data input device

A data input device comprises a body intended to be fixed onto a workstation, a part that is rotationally mobile in relation to the body, a set of sensors delivering information on the relative position of the mobile part in relation to the body and means for braking the rotational movements of the mobile part in relation to the body. The braking means comprise a friction ring encircling the mobile part, the ring being split and extending mainly in a plane at right angles to an axis of symmetry of the mobile part, an annular spring extending in the plane and radially compressing the friction ring against the mobile part and means for adjusting the length of the annular spring.

Data input device and associated braking means

An aerodynamic measurement probe intended to measure a local angle of attack of an airstream flowing along the fuselage of an aircraft, comprises a support and a shaft that is able to rotate about a longitudinal axis with respect to the support. The support and the shaft are configured to form between one another a plurality of successive chicanes about the longitudinal axis. Each chicane makes it possible to transport liquid that has penetrated into the chicane: along a first path, under the effect of gravity, towards an evacuation circuit associated with the chicane and formed in the support, and along a second path, and counter to the effect of gravity, towards a successive chicane or towards the shaft. The evacuation circuit of each of the chicanes makes it possible to evacuate liquid out of the support under the effect of gravity moving away from the shaft.

Aerodynamic measurement probe with evacuation of penetrated liquid by gravity

A trackball that is used notably for pointing at objects on a screen of a computer system comprises a body that is intended to be fixed to a workstation, a sphere that is rotatable with respect to the body, a set of sensors that provide information relating to the relative position of the sphere with respect to the body, and braking means for braking the rotational movements of the sphere with respect to the body. The braking means comprise a friction ring that encircles the sphere. The ring extends mainly in a plane perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the sphere. The ring is free to move translationally in the plane in which the ring extends.

Trackball brake

A pushbutton switch comprises a plunger, which provokes, under the action of pressure by a user, the depression of an upper dome positioned above switching means, any depression of the upper dome necessarily provoking the depression of the switching means, the crest of the upper dome and the switching means having a down position, a first electric contact being produced between a primary contact and a secondary contact of the upper dome forming a first electric circuit when the crest of the upper dome is in the down position, and a second electric contact being produced between a primary contact and a secondary contact of the switching means forming a second electric circuit when the switching means are in the down position.

Compact double-contact secured pushbutton switch

The invention relates to optical encoders providing binary logic signals representing increments of relative position of two elements of the encoder, the two elements being mobile with respect to one another. The encoder includes at least one pair formed of a luminous emitter and of a luminous detector which are secured to the fixed element, the emitter producing a luminous radiation that the detector can detect, and at least one mark secured to the movable element, during the motion of the movable element with respect to the fixed element, the mark being able to place itself in the path of the luminous radiation so as to be detected by the detector. The encoder further includes a plane printed circuit, secured to the fixed element and on which the pair of emitter and detector is arranged.

Incremental optical encoder

A keypad includes at least one push-button switch and a key to operate the switch along a translational axis. The geometric dispersions of the keypad are accounted for, to the lengthening of the travel of the key and to the enhancement of the tactile sensation when the key is pressed to operate the switch. The keypad includes a plunger, interposed between the key and the switch, of which a stiffness along the translational axis increases continuously with an increase in the compression of the plunger. A slight stiffness at the beginning of compression allows a long travel of the key, while a greater stiffness at the end of compression gives a good tactile sensation with an assured contact even when there are off-center pressures on the key.

Keypad with long key travel and improved touch feeling

The invention relates to a data input device produced by means of a switch operated by a stem. A return spring enables the stem to return to a stable position. According to the invention, the device comprises a circular element that can be displaced roughly perpendicularly to the displacement of the stem, a cam attached to the stem, and elastic means holding the circular element pressed against the cam, the cam comprising a slope, a high point and a counter-slope on which the circular element bears in succession when the stem is operated from its stable position to a position in which the switch is operated.

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Vendome, France

Jean-Louis Bigand