Abstract: Disclosed is an input device comprising (a) a base support, having a periphery and a plurality of apertures formed therein to define a circumscribed or circumscribing input pad configured to displace under the applied force; (b) a plurality of isolated beam segments, defined by the plurality of apertures, and operable to receive resultant forces distributed to the isolated beam segments by the displacement of the input pad; (c) at least two sensors, disposed along each isolated beam segment, and configured to measure the forces transmitted from the input pad to the periphery and to output a signal corresponding to the applied force. One or more processing means operable with the plurality of sensors may be utilized to receive the signal and to determine at least one of a location and/or magnitude of the applied force acting on the input pad.

Abstract: An input device comprising a base support, having a periphery and a plurality of apertures formed therein to define a circumscribed or circumscribing input pad configured to displace under the applied force; a plurality of isolated beam segments, defined by the plurality of apertures, and operable to receive resultant forces distributed to the isolated beam segments by the displacement of the input pad; at least two sensors, disposed along each isolated beam segment, and configured to measure the forces transmitted from the input pad to the periphery and to output a signal corresponding to the applied force. One or more processing means operable with the plurality of sensors may be utilized to receive the signal and to determine at least one of a location and/or magnitude of the applied force acting on the input pad.

Abstract: A force-based input device responsive to an applied force to determine a location and/or magnitude of the applied force. The input device comprises a fixed frame and a base support, having an input member configured to receive the applied force and to displace relative to said fixed frame in response to the applied force. The input device is modular in the sense that it comprises a separate module or structure that relates the fixed frame and base support components to one another, as well as constraining these in all directions. The constraining module further comprises a sensing component (such as an isolated beam structure) defined therein by one or more configurations formed in the constraining module. One or more sensors are provided that are operable with the sensing component of the constraining module, which sensors are located in a region of high stress strategically provided by the various configurations of the module.

Abstract: A knock-down floor lamp that is shipped prewired and unassembled in a package, and then can be readily assembled by the ultimate consumer with simple tools and without twisting of the electrical prewiring. First and second elongated tubular turnings are provided, the first turning having a socket formed at a first end thereof, and the second turning being releasably connectable to a lamp base at a first end thereof. A tray is disposed between the turnings, and they are connected together, sandwiching the tray therebetween, with structure that does not require rotational movement of one turning with respect to the other. Preferably a first plate having three screw threaded rods extending therefrom is attached to the first turning and passes through bores in the tray and in a second plate attached to the second turning, nuts being disposed on the end of the threaded rods to hold the turnings in place.