Honeywell G.m.b.h.

Key Tronic Corporation

Patrick L Ohm

Mark W Fagan

Walter M Weiland

Larry F Norte

Michael A Disch

Charles L Fauble

A cursor control device includes a single key cursor control which utilizes pressure sensitive resistors for controlling cursor movement. Pressure sensitive resistors are arrayed so as to provide an output corresponding to the magnitude and direction of an applied input pressure. Input pressure is transmitted to these resistors by a means for actuating these devices. The means for actuating can include a single key which incorporates functionality of both up, down, left and right cursor control keys and pointing devices to produce horizontal, vertical, diagonal and curvilinear cursor movement. Cursor control device offers mechanically simple, low cost construction, and can be incorporated onto many keyboard constructions. Cursor control device can be positioned on keyboards in many locations as best suits individual applications. Cursor control device can also be incorporated into other devices which require cursor control such as electronic mice.

Single station cursor device suitable for keyboards

A momentary contact switch suitable for use in an electrical keyboard has cylindrical projections projecting from a baseplate with axial bores into which projections of the keys fit and by which are guided and retained. A resilient boot interposed between each key and the baseplate and surrounding the cylindrical projections bears against the underside of the key to keep its switch unclosed except when force is applied to an actuation surface of the key. A movable contact internal to the boot is transported by actuation of the key to make electrical contact with a fixed contact adjacent the cylindrical projection. In a preferred embodiment the fixed and movable contacts both have the shape of a ring and encircle the cylindrical projection. The movable contact in the preferred embodiment further is formed on a resilient surface of the boot.

Momentary 'on' switch suitable for keyboards

Growing community of inventors

El Paso, TX, United States of America

Patrick L Ohm