Abstract: A system and method for sterilizing a surface on an input device is disclosed. A chamber is configured to enclose an input device such as a keyboard and is configured to be switched between an open and a closed state. A drive unit may be provided to switch the chamber between states. In an embodiment, the drive unit may include a motor. A sensor provides a signal to a controller when the chamber is the closed state and the controller actuates a UV light. In an embodiment, the controller actuates the drive unit and the UV light in response to a trigger. In an embodiment, the trigger may be provided from a change in state in a computer coupled to the input device.

Abstract: A photographic device that includes a main body, a lens barrel and a barrel-positioning mechanism, which is operably coupled to the lens barrel and the main body. The barrel positioning mechanism is capable of moving the lens barrel between a retracted position, in which the lens barrel is within the main body, and an extended position, in which the lens barrel projects out of the main body. In some embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism is a purely mechanical component that moves the lens barrel between the retracted position and the extended position in response to the lens barrel being pushed in a direction generally towards the main body. In other embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism includes an electrical motor that helps extend and retract the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the extension/retraction of the lens barrel is triggered by software.

Abstract: Architecture for managing clutch height in an optical navigational device such as a computer mouse. In one embodiment for a mouse, a feature can be molded into the bottom case that limits the clutch height by occluding the reflected light to the image sensor when the device is lifted from the tracking surface. Tracking is disabled when the clutch height threshold is exceeded, and re-enabled when the device is brought under the distance clutch height threshold. The device includes firmware controlled algorithm adjustments to one or more correlation parameters. When employing a D-shaped aperture, a threshold can be placed on the z-axis height tracking distance using dimensional characteristics of the shaped aperture, such as a knife-edge (the straight portion of the “D” shaped aperture), to impose a shadow across the image sensor. The aperture can be custom designed to occlude a portion of the emitted light from an LED.

Abstract: A system and method for sterilizing a surface on an input device is disclosed. A chamber is configured to enclose an input device such as a keyboard and is configured to be switched between an open and a closed state. A drive unit may be provided to switch the chamber between states. In an embodiment, the drive unit may include a motor. A sensor provides a signal to a controller when the chamber is the closed state and the controller actuates a UV light. In an embodiment, the controller actuates the drive unit and the UV light in response to a trigger. In an embodiment, the trigger may be provided from a change in state in a computer coupled to the input device.

Abstract: A washable switch that may be used in a keyboard is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing of the keyboard may include a key opening and a support layer may be mounted in the housing. Key silos may be mounted on the support layer and input keys with support legs may be mounted in the key silos. In an embodiment the key silos may comprise an internally lubricated resin. An actuation unit and a keyboard circuitry may be in communication and encapsulated in a first and second barrier layer so as to provide a keyboard that may be safely placed in a dishwasher. If the keyboard is configured for wireless use, a sealable power source compartment sealably coupled to the keyboard circuitry may be provided with a removable door so as to allow the user, in operation, to access and replace a power source. The keyboard may include an externally exposed connector that may be sealed with a plug that may be attached to the housing by a tether.

Abstract: A pointing device that can interface with a graphical user interface of a computer or other electronic device. The pointing device includes a body having an upper portion and an underside. Also included is a tracking assembly having at least one sensor to detect movement and output a control signal responsive to the detected movement. The pointing device further includes several customization features. The customization features include mechanical customization features and software customization features. At least some of the mechanical customization features are configured to be replaceable. Such replaceable customization features are releasably mechanically coupled to the pointing device body.

Abstract: A keyboard key has a key portion that forms a cantilevered beam pivotable about an axis. A switch is disposed relative to the cantilevered beam, such that rotation of the cantilever beam about the axis causes depression of the switch. The switch is offset from an applied force-receiving portion of the key portion. A touch sensitive key also includes a touch sensor detecting contact with the key portion of the key. The invention can be extended such that the key portion is formed of transparent or semi-transparent material. The invention can also be extended to include touch sensitive areas on any portion of an upper case of the computer keyboard.

Abstract: A photographic device that includes a main body, a lens barrel and a barrel-positioning mechanism, which is operably coupled to the lens barrel and the main body. The barrel positioning mechanism is capable of moving the lens barrel between a retracted position, in which the lens barrel is within the main body, and an extended position, in which the lens barrel projects out of the main body. In some embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism is a purely mechanical component that moves the lens barrel between the retracted position and the extended position in response to the lens barrel being pushed in a direction generally towards the main body. In other embodiments, the barrel positioning mechanism includes an electrical motor that helps extend and retract the lens barrel. In some embodiments, the extension/retraction of the lens barrel is triggered by software.

Abstract: A system and method for sterilizing a surface on an input device is disclosed. A chamber is configured to enclose an input device such as a keyboard and is configured to be switched between an open and a closed state. A drive unit may be provided to switch the chamber between states. In an embodiment, the drive unit may include a motor. A sensor provides a signal to a controller when the chamber is the closed state and the controller actuates a UV light. In an embodiment, the controller actuates the drive unit and the UV light in response to a trigger. In an embodiment, the trigger may be provided from a change in state in a computer coupled to the input device.

Abstract: A keyboard has a middle region that has upward longitudinal slopes rising to upper planes on both sides of the middle region. An alphanumeric section disposed in the keyboard housing generally in the middle region. The keyboard includes a first wing section and the second wing section in which each can be disposed at height of the keyboard housing at the upper plane. In one aspect, the alphanumeric section may be disposed below the height of the first and second wing section, and the alphanumeric section is laterally disposed between the first medial section and the second media section.

Abstract: Embodiments of a washable computer mouse are disclosed. In an embodiment, a water impermeable layer is sealably mounted to a housing so as to provide a water impermeable region and a water permeable region. Mouse circuitry, which includes a sensor and a light source and a responsive element, is positioned in the water impermeable region. A biased button is positioned in the water permeable region and is configured to engage the responsive element. In an embodiment, the mouse circuitry may be configured for wireless transmission of signals and may include a removable door that, in operation, sealably covers a replaceable power source. In an alternative embodiment, the housing may include an exposed connector and a plug that is configured to seal the connector may be attached to the housing by a tether.

Abstract: A washable switch that may be used in a keyboard is disclosed. In an embodiment, a housing of the keyboard may include a key opening and a support layer may be mounted in the housing. Key silos may be mounted on the support layer and input keys with support legs may be mounted in the key silos. In an embodiment the key silos may comprise an internally lubricated resin. An actuation unit and a keyboard circuitry may be in communication and encapsulated in a first and second barrier layer so as to provide a keyboard that may be safely placed in a dishwasher. If the keyboard is configured for wireless use, a sealable power source compartment sealably coupled to the keyboard circuitry may be provided with a removable door so as to allow the user, in operation, to access and replace a power source. The keyboard may include an externally exposed connector that may be sealed with a plug that may be attached to the housing by a tether.

Abstract: The subject of the current invention is an eight-functions-in-one truck tailgate extender. It consists of a load-carrying member positioned parallel to and proximate the upper edge of a truck tailgate with one or more telescoping assemblies connecting the load-carrying member to either the tailgate or to the truck body. Depending on the degree of extension of the telescoping assemblies, the load-carrying member may be resting on or near the top of the tailgate, or it may be extended at various lengths up to the full extension of the telescoping assemblies. A locking mechanism between the individual elements of the telescoping assemblies allows the load-carrying member to be affixed at varying distances away from the top of the tailgate. Further, the load-carrying member has a plurality of holes, or other suitable means along its length, to serve as tie-down points for various width loads. The load-carrying member can also be fitted with one or more horizontal, elongate members which serve as a bicycle rack.

Abstract: A multi-configuration, multi-purpose rack system which has at least 20 separate and useful configurations for carrying a very wide variety of objects on a vehicle. The rack system is economical to manufacture, easy to use, and may be disassembled into its component parts, stored in it's own folding platform and conveniently carried in the cargo area of a vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-configuration, multi-purpose rack system which has at least 20 separate and useful configurations for carrying a very wide variety of objects on a vehicle. The rack system is economical to manufacture, easy to use, and may be disassembled into its component parts, stored in it's own folding platform and conveniently carried in the cargo area of a vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary valve system mounted to an internal combustion engines and method of operating the system primarily comprises a rotary valve mounted within a valve sleeve, which is in turn mounted within a longitudinal bore extending through an intake and exhaust manifold. Controllers vary the rotational and axial position of the valve sleeve, which provides the capability of adjusting the amount of fuel mixture entering the combustion chambers of the engine and the timing of the intake of such mixture. The method of operation includes in taking fuel mixture into, and evacuating exhaust gas from, an internal combustion engine, wherein fuel mixture flows into the manifold, is directed across the valve sleeve, through the rotary valve, across the sleeve, and into a combustion chamber. After combustion of the fuel mixture, the exhaust gases are directed from the combustion chamber through the sleeve, through the rotary valve and into an exhaust chamber.