Abstract: In some embodiments, a stylus device includes two switch mechanisms, one disposed at the stylus tip portion and the other disposed at the stylus end portion. The stylus device also includes a wireless transceiver that allows the stylus device to communicate back to an electronic host device (e.g., an electronic tablet) in response to a user contacting the surface of a host device with the stylus tip portion or the stylus end portion. This enables, for example, a wide range of dual stylus device functions for electronic tablet applications. For example, the stylus device can be used to write and/or draw with the stylus tip portion and then can be flipped to the stylus end portion to erase as a user would generally do with a conventional pencil on paper. In another example, the stylus device can include a marker color tip on the stylus tip portion and a color blender on the stylus end portion.

Abstract: A method can include receiving a signal representing a first touch event and receiving a signal representing a first end portion of a stylus device being activated. Based on receiving the signal representing the first touch event and based on receiving the signal representing the first end portion of the stylus device being activated, a signal can be sent such that a graphical user interface (GUI) is modified according to a first functionality. A signal representing a second touch event and a signal representing a second end portion of the stylus device being activated can also be received. Based on receiving the signal representing the second touch event and based on receiving the signal representing the second end portion of the stylus device being activated, a signal can be sent such that the GUI is modified according to a second functionality.

Abstract: An input device including a scroll wheel assembly for moving an image in multiple directions on a display screen. The scroll wheel assembly may include a finger-engagable control member that may be endlessly rotated about a rotation axis and a tilt sensor containing a tilt contact member coplanar with the finger-engagable control member and oriented in a substantially vertical, downward orientation such that pivoting of the finger-engagable control member may move the tilt contact member laterally to contact laterally disposed contact switches. In another example, the finger-engagable control member contains a flexible blade at an underside for biasing the scroll wheel assembly to an upright position.

Abstract: A relatively small amount of programmable or reprogrammable logic (pro-Logic) is included in a mostly-ASIC device so that such re/programmable logic can be used as a substitute for, or for bypassing a fault-infected ASIC block (if any) either permanently or at times when the fault-infected ASIC block is about to perform a fault-infected operation (bug-infected operation). The substitution or bypass does not have to be a permanent one that is in effect at all times for the entirety of the fault-infected ASIC block. Instead affected outputs of the faulty ASIC block can be disabled from working just at the time they would otherwise initiate or propagate an error. Such fault-infected operations of the temporarily deactivated ASIC block(s) may be substituted for by appropriately programmed pro-Logic at the appropriate times.

Abstract: More ASIC functionality is crammed into a chip (or chip set) than can probably or definitely be operative at one time when the chip is packaged and inserted into a broader circuit. The excessive ASIC functionality is chosen to cope with different market development probabilities in a host of different market spaces (e.g., in different countries where different interoperability standards are chosen) and a subset of the excessive ASIC functionality is programmably activated in each market space after manufacture. Customer behavior can be fickle. If market trends evolve towards demand for functionality #2 instead of an originally, more expected, functionality #1, the mass produced of the crammed chip (or chip set) is not out of necessarily out of luck. If the mass produced had enough foresight to cram in functionality #2 as well as functionality #1, the producer can programmably activate #2, and deactivate #1 as market demand suddenly shifts in a given market space.

Abstract: An axle of a scroll wheel for a mouse or other type of computer input device is held in a first part of a carriage. The first carriage part is joined to a second part of the carriage by a flexure. When a force is applied to one side of the scroll wheel, the first part of the carriage moves in one direction relative to the second part so as to engage a first switch. When a force is applied to the other side of the scroll wheel, the first part of the carriage moves in the opposite direction to engage a second switch. The carriage is connected to a base. When sufficient force is applied to the scroll wheel in the proper direction, at least a portion of the carriage moves and engages a third switch. The carriage includes a tang or other flexible member to bias the carriage against pivotal movement.

Abstract: A computer input device having a housing and a finger-engagable scrolling device. A portion of the scrolling device is endlessly rotatable about a first axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scrolling device is pivotally movable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The finger-engagable scrolling device may contain rotation sensor within a scroll wheel assembly. The finger-engagable scrolling device may also contain lateral arms extending laterally from the finger-engabable scrolling device.

Abstract: A computer input device having a housing and a finger-engagable scrolling device. A portion of the scrolling device is endlessly rotatable about a first axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scrolling device is pivotally movable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The portion of the scrolling device may further be depressed to activate a switch.

Abstract: A computer input device having a housing and a finger-engagable scrolling device. A portion of the scrolling device is endlessly rotatable about a first axis to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scrolling device is pivotally movable relative to the housing about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The first axis and the second axis may lie in a common plane or otherwise be close to one another to provide a large range of possible angular motion. A sensor is preferably positioned within the finger-engagable scrolling device for rotational movement of the rotational portion of the finger-engagable scrolling device. A pivot sensor may be provided on the second axis or laterally disposed from the scrolling device. A cover with an aperture may be provided over the scrolling device to help prevent dust and other contaminates from entering the housing through the opening for the scrolling device.

Abstract: A single-piece component rotatably supports a scroll wheel and includes an integral follower arm extending into a well within which the scroll wheel rotates. Formed on a circumferential surface of the scroll wheel are regularly spaced detents or other structures forming regularly spaced regions of alternating height. Located on an end of the follower arm is a follower which moves in and out of the detents as the scroll wheel rotates, with the arm biasing the follower against movement out of the detents. The carriage may also include pivots for relative movement of the carriage and scroll wheel assembly with respect to a housing, and a tab for actuating a switch.

Abstract: A sideplate for a heat exchanger has a double-folded flange on both sides of an elongate web portion. The sideplate has braze cladding on one side only, to prevent discoloration problems during brazing.