Abstract: A computer input device, comprising a pistol grip handle and having the functionality of a conventional computer mouse. In the preferred mode, the invention is hand-held and comprises a pistol grip with front and rear edges, left and right edges, and a top end and butt end. A thumb-operated control is located upon at least one side of the grip, in a position suitable to allow the user's thumb to engage same easily when the pistol grip is normally held. A plurality of buttons to emulate functions of conventional computer mouse buttons, such as a first button on an upper portion of the grip front edge, and a second button at a lower position upon the front edge. A third button may be included at a lower position, and each button allows the user to depress the same in a trigger-like fashion. Moreover, the device provides a latching function to allow a user to perform click and drag type functions. Such generates a continuous signal, as if a button were being depressed and held in position.

Abstract: A compact, inexpensive self-regulating heater for heating a surface to a prescribed temperature. A first embodiment comprises a PTC ceramic heating element which is conductively bonded directly to heavy copper (or brass) electrodes, which conduct both heat and electricity with low resistance and present a smooth, extended heat transfer surface. At least one of the electrodes (on at least one side of the PTC element) is configured for maximum surface area in contact with the article being heated. The preferred methods of manufacture of this invention result in the electrodes being prestressed in tension while the ceramic element is prestressed in compression at room temperature. Upon heating, during use, these stresses tend to disappear as the electrodes expand.