Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Kennard E Nielsen

Carl J Ledbetter

Hugh E McLoone

Jan Hippen

John Michael Lutian

I-Chiang Sun

R Thomas Gibbons, Ii

Allen M Han

Matthew G Pedersen

R Thomas Gibbons

A mouse or other hand-held computer pointing and/or input device is equipped with one or more elastomeric dome switches. Downward force upon the elastomeric dome switch causes a hollow portion to collapse and bring an electrically conductive surface into contact with open conductive leads, thereby closing an electrical connection. In alternate embodiments, a membrane switch and/or a noise producing device can be added.

Computer mouse with elastomeric dome switch

A keypad includes a light emitting source, a light detector and waveguide assembly adapted to receive light from the light emitting source and having a plurality of waveguide branches adapted to conduct light to the light detector. A plurality of user actuated keys is provided. Each key includes a moveable engaging member disposed proximate a waveguide branch to engage the waveguide branch as a function of key operation.

Keypad having optical waveguides

A lever keyswitch for use primarily in electronic devices such as keyboards, mice, gaming devices, and the like includes a button portion secured to a base portion with a lever assembly that permits the button portion to move substantially linearly within its housing. Preferably, the lever assembly includes an elongate, resilient, U-shaped, lever extending from a base portion and an elongate, resilient, offset member extending from the center of the U-shaped lever to a button portion, which is encircled by the U-shaped lever. The lever and offset member work together to define a synthetic four-bar linkage, thereby allowing the button portion to move essentially linearly. More preferably, several keyswitches are integrally molded to a common base portion, forming a monolithic structure that may be quickly and easily manufactured and installed in the electronic device.

Lever keyswitch

Portion of a keyboard

Keyboard

An ergonomic keyboard includes a top case having a plurality of key planes that are non-parallel with one another. A plurality of keyswitch bases are positioned within respective ones of the plurality of key planes and are formed with the top case as a single, continuous piece of material.

Keyboard having integrally molded keyswitch base

Growing community of inventors

Redmond, WA, United States of America

Kennard E Nielsen