Patents Assigned to Electrotextiles Company Limited
  • Patent number: 7161084
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a detector constructed from electrically conducting fabric and configured to present a varying electrical characteristic in response to a mechanical interaction. The detector comprises a first conducting layer (401) which is displaced from a second conducting layer (402) such that conduction between the layers results when the layers are mechanically forced together. In addition, the first of the layers has a plurality of lengths of conductive yarn and a plurality of lengths of non-conductive yarn machined therein, such that at least one length of conductive yarn is electrically isolated from another of the lengths of conductive yarn and the conducting yarns in the first of the layers are electrically grouped to define a plurality of identifiable rows. Each identifiable row has a respective electrical conductor; and define specific regions of the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Electrotextiles Company Limited
    Inventor: David L Sandbach
  • Patent number: 6947031
    Abstract: Data processing apparatus (101 and 102) configured to receive signals from an input sensor (106) arranged to duplicate or replace operations of a keyboard, in which the signals correspond to positions of mechanical interactions with the sensor (106). The apparatus comprises processing means (1202) configured to process data derived from the input sensor including positional data corresponding to the position of a mechanical interaction with said input sensor (106) and a second data type corresponding to the absence of a mechanical interaction with said input sensor. The processing means (1202) is configured to generate data representing a first character in response to processing an item of data of said second type followed by positional data corresponding to a first position, and to generate data representing a different second character in response to processing positional data corresponding to a different second position followed by an item of data of said second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Electrotextiles Company Limited
    Inventors: David Lee Sandbach, Christopher Chapman
  • Patent number: 6861961
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable alpha numeric keyboard device (2301) configured to input data items into a computer or similar processing device (2307). The keyboard device comprises a first electrically conductive fabric sheet, a second electrically conductive fabric sheet and an interface circuit configured to supply voltages to and receive outputs from said keyboard. In addition; the keyboard is configured to produce an output in response to a mechanical interaction and the interface circuit is arranged to respond to the mechanical interaction and to provide a data item to a computer or similar processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Electrotextiles Company Limited
    Inventors: David Lee Sandbach, Christopher Chapman
  • Patent number: 6758615
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer keyboard having a key sensing device that provides two levels of sensing by generating electrical signals depending on the force applied on the keys. The different levels of key sensing can be used to provide different functions, for instance, in a software application. This key sensing functionality can be provided on all or only some of the keys of the keyboard. For example, the different pressure levels applied on the key can be used to control cursor movement or scrolling and to produce pressure-based shifting between lower case and upper case. A method of providing pressure sensitive key functionalities for a keyboard comprises producing a signal by applying a pressure to a key which is configured to produce different signals in response to different pressure levels applied to the key. A user interface response is generated based on the signal produced by the pressure applied to the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignees: Logitech Europe S.A., Electrotextiles Company Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Monney, Jean-Marc Flueckiger, Denis Pavillard, David Lee Sandbach
  • Patent number: 6639162
    Abstract: A tactile feedback simulating fabrication for use with an input device provides flexible mouldings (801) locatable above detection positions. Flexible mouldings (801) provide tactile feedback simulating a key-press. Each of the mouldings (801) defines a top portion (802) and a flexible side wall (803). A flexible fabric layer (804) is attached to the flexible mouldings thereby significantly enhancing the durability of these mouldings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Electrotextiles Company Limited
    Inventors: David Lee Sandbach, Christopher Chapman, Stuart Mark Walkington, John Burkitt, Andrew Deakin
  • Patent number: 6585162
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a data input device suitable for inputting data to electronic processing means. The data input device is configured to produce an output in response to a mechanical interaction and may be reconfigured into two operational configurations. In a first flexible configuration the device may be bent or flexed about a first axis, and in a second rigid configuration the data input device is substantially rigid such that bending or flexing of the device about the first axis is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Electrotextiles Company Limited
    Inventors: David Lee Sandbach, Christopher Chapman, Stuart Mark Walkington
  • Publication number: 20020126100
    Abstract: A position detector is constructed from fabric having electrically conductive elements incorporated therein. It includes at least a first electrically conductive plane and a second electrically conductive plane, each conductive plane having at least two respectively associated electrical connections attached thereto. An electric potential is applied across at least one of the planes to determine the position of a mechanical interaction. A second electrical property is also determined to identify additional properties of the mechanical interactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: ELECTROTEXTILES COMPANY LIMITED.
    Inventor: David L. Sandbach
  • Patent number: 6333736
    Abstract: The position of a mechanical interaction in a sensor constructed from fabric is detected. A substantially constant electric current is established through elements of the fabric. A first electrical potential developed in a first plane is measured in response to such current. A second electrical potential developed in a second plane is also measured in response to the current. Then the measurements are processed to identify a position of the mechanical interaction. A calibration circuit is connected to provide an alternative route for current flow through the first plane and through the second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Electrotextiles Company Limited
    Inventor: David L. Sandbach
  • Publication number: 20010043200
    Abstract: A position detector is constructed from fabric and has electrically conductive elements. The detector is configured to produce electrical outputs in response to mechanical interactions, and is divided into several regions. Each of the regions includes a first conducting plane and a second conducting plane configured such that, in use, a mechanical interaction results in conducting planes of at least one of said regions being brought closer together. A potential is applied across at least one of said planes to determine the position of said mechanical interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: ELECTROTEXTILES COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: David L. Sandbach