Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Tapistron International, Inc.

Stratos Product Development Group, Inc.

Sean E Gorman

Mark William Casebolt

Gary Rensberger

Steven Nabil Bathiche

Stiven Kerestegian

David L Davis

Milton R Sigelmann

Michael J Black

Richard A Dolf

John M Havard

Power management is provided in a user operated data input device utilizing proximity sensing and switching between three or more power states. Switching between the power states occurs based upon the presence or absence of input activity, and an operation instrumentality (e.g., a hand) in close proximity to or contact with the device. Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out be detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a 'scoop' capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. In an optical surface tracking cursor control device embodiment, switching to and from a BEACON state, which provides a reduced flash rate of a surface illuminating light source, is carried out based upon a detected presence or absence of a trackable surface.

Data input device power management including beacon state

Power management is provided in a user operated data input device utilizing proximity sensing and switching between three or more power states. Switching between the power states occurs based upon the presence or absence of input activity, and an operation instrumentality (e.g., a hand) in close proximity to or contact with the device. Capacitive proximity sensing is carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a &ldquo;scoop&rdquo; capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane. In an optical surface tracking cursor control device embodiment, switching to and from a BEACON state, which provides a reduced flash rate of a surface illuminating light source, is carried out based upon a detected presence or absence of a trackable surface.

Power management is provided in a user operated data input device utilizing proximity sensing and switching between three or more power states. Capacitive proximity sensing may be carried out by detecting a relative change in the capacitance of a &ldquo;scoop&rdquo; capacitor formed by a conductor and a surrounding ground plane, wherein charge is transferred between the &ldquo;scoop&rdquo; capacitor and a relatively large &ldquo;bucket&rdquo; capacitor, a voltage of the bucket capacitor is applied to an input threshold switch, and a number of cycles of charge transfer required to reach the state transition is determined. Switching between the power states occurs based upon the presence or absence of input activity, and an operation instrumentality (e.g., a hand) in close proximity to or contact with the device. In an optical surface tracking cursor control device embodiment, switching to and from a BEACON state, which provides a reduced flash rate of a surface illuminating light source, is carried out based upon a detected presence or absence of a trackable surface.

Input device with two input signal generating means having a power state where one input means is powered down and the other input means is cycled between a powered up state and a powered down state

Scroll wheel region for an electronic input device

An apparatus for tufting yarn in a backing comprising a yarn applicator for penetrating the backing and implanting the yarn therein and an electric motor for supplying a predetermined length of the yarn to the yarn applicator. The electric motor is operable to selectively advance the predetermined length of yarn to the yarn applicator, and alternatively, hold the yarn or retract the yarn from the applicator. Desirably, the electric motor is a stepper motor, and more desirably, the apparatus comprises a plurality of stepper motors for selectively feeding yarns to a row of reciprocable hollow tufting needles for producing a patterned tufted product. According to one aspect, the tufting apparatus composes a modular supply system and a corresponding modular control system. Pattern information and timing signals are sent to modular yarn control units by a remote process control computer system. According to another aspect, an apparatus for tufting yarn in a backing is provided wherein a flexible yarn supply tube extends from the outlet of a stationary manifold to the inlet of a reciprocable needle mount for a hollow tufting needle, so that during reciprocation of the needle, yarn does not move relative to a yarn feed path due to the reciprocation of the needle. This allows for yarn to be fed to the needle during the entire needle reciprocation cycle. A yarn movement monitoring apparatus, a yarn movement managing apparatus, a needle assembly for tufting yarn in a backing, and a knife assembly for mounting to a frame and cutting yarn implanted into a backing by a hollow needle are also encompassed.

Apparatus and method for producing patterned tufted goods

A tool for extracting an electronic module from a socket for the electronic module. The socket has first and second retaining projections formed thereon which engage first and second retaining holes in the module to allow movement of the module only in a first direction relative to the socket. The tool basically comprises: (a) a main body portion; (b) a pair of extraction detents extending from the main body portion; and (c) first and second channel portions. The channel portions are arranged to receive outer peripheral edge portions of the module. When the extraction tool is displaced towards the socket with the module edge portions received within the channel portions, the channel portions guide the tool into an extraction position in which extraction projections on the extraction detents are adjacent to the retaining holes. By rotating the tool and module in the first direction, the retaining projections no longer engage the retaining holes and the extraction projections enter the retaining holes. The extraction projections thus engage the retaining holes to allow the module to be removed from the socket.

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Seattle, WA, United States of America

Sean E Gorman