Abstract: A touchpad (50) having multiple regions that may be linked to various commands or functions within a graphical user interface (GUI). Preferably, a cursor control region (54), a scroll control region (56), and a pan control region (58) are defined on the touchpad. Movement of a contact point in the cursor control region causes movement of a cursor in the GUI. Movement of a contact point in the scroll control region or the pan control region causes scrolling or panning, respectively, of the workspace in the GUI. The multiple regions may be mapped onto a single touchpad member (80) or each region identified with a separate touchpad member.

Abstract: A pivotable trackball-type computer command pointing device for entering commands into a computer has a housing and a ball retained within the housing for generating electrical signals translatable into commands for the computer. A coupling assembly removably attaches to the computer, preferably the keyboard. A knuckle joint assembly pivotally connects the housing to the coupling assembly and includes a pivot blade pivotally received in an elongated recess of a hinge pocket plate to define an axis of rotation within the housing about which the housing is rotatable. Opposing button members each carry actuation teeth which engage a corresponding row of teeth formed in a coupling frame held stationary with respect to the computer by the coupling assembly. When the button members are moved together, the actuation teeth disengage the rows of teeth to permit the housing to be selectively angularly oriented by the user.

Abstract: 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.