Key Tronic Corporation

Ronald G Stokes

Theodore D Clark

A cursor movement control key and electronic keyboard for a computer having a video display incorporates a force-sensitive resistor having a junction resistance which varies inversely with pressure applied thereto. The external key cap engages an actuator which bears against the force-sensitive resistor. The actuator has a plurality of four pads which bear against respective electrode regions of the force-sensitive resistor. The pads are positioned at the 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree., and 270.degree. positions. The actuator mounts relative to a keyboard mounting plate. At least one of the actuator and mounting plate include opposed lateral projections which engage relative to the other of the actuator and mounting plate to both, a) retain the actuator to the mounting plate, and yet b) allow clearance for tilting movement of the actuator relative to the mounting plate. The force-sensitive resistor is comprised of a material which is predictably and consistently responsive to operator proportional force inputs between about 50 grams and 175 grams. The opposing electrode regions are connected with parallel resistances which cause the resulting resistance response to be more linear for operator force inputs below some preset value selected somewhere between about 50 and 175 grams.

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Spokane, WA, United States of America

Ronald G Stokes