The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 30, 1985
Filed:
Nov. 14, 1983
James M Lentz, Knoxville, TN (US);
North American Philips Corporation, New York, NY (US);
Abstract
A hand controller for use with a home electronic video game produces electrical control signals in response to manipulation of a control stick extending through an aperture in the controller housing. The control stick is attached to an actuator stem which forms part of a multi-position switch assembly within the housing. The switch assembly includes a helical coil spring which is attached at one end to an interior surface of the housing and is arranged to concentrically receive the actuator stem so as to support the actuator stem and control stick in an upright non-actuated position. Displacement of the control stick and actuator stem causes the helical spring to contact one or more of a plurality of electrical contact pads disposed generally concentrically around the spring. This causes appropriate control signal to be produced for application to the video game. The contact pads are shaped and positioned to create favored positions for the control stick which enhance the sense of control provided by the controller.