Abstract: An auxiliary isometric computer pointing device for attachment to a P/S-2 mouse port connector along the right-hand side of the IBM ThinkPad laptop computer includes a TrackPoint IV pointing assembly, a mating electrical connector, a manually operated momentary switch, all enclosed in a compact, self-aligning enclosure. When provided with a suitable mouse driver, the laptop computer equipped with the auxiliary pointing device permits 3-D manipulation and alternative scrolling operations, independent of normal cursor positioning. The auxiliary pointing device derives operating power via the P/S-2 connector and provides a standard mouse output signal.

Abstract: A writing pad for use with a computer includes a number of sheets each having a flexure sensor affixed thereto. Circuitry connected to the sensors determines whether the sheets are lifted and removed from the pad, whereby the particular sheet currently in use may be identified. The flexure sensor system can be used in various configurations such as: a one or multiple-part checkbook systems with recognition of check writing environment, as a children's book to add sound to identified pages, as an answer sheet for testing or voting, in a clipboard configuration or to assist a speaker during a slide-show presentation. The flexure sensors include resistive structures such as carbon based goo, transducers, conductive inks, strain gauges, patterned dissolved graphite, embossed sensors or other pressure/flexure sensors or equivalents thereof.

Abstract: An integrated manual control input device is provided for use in a computer system having a graphical user interface. The device comprises a pointing actuator mounted to a computer keyboard between preselected ones of the keys for engagement by a user's index finger. The pointing actuator includes a coil in the form of a cylinder that, when carrying a current, produces a magnetic field to drive a ferromagnetic slug to provide tactile feedback to a user of the control input device.

Abstract: A computer pointing device on a single, small printed wiring board includes all electronics necessary for providing a standard mouse-type output signal. The pointing device uses a balanced bridge strain gauge isometric sensor having a manipulation lever for user input. The computer pointing device includes a receiving space for accepting one of a large-size strain gauge sensor and a small-size strain gauge sensor, depending upon the specific application. The computer pointing device includes internal power regulation and has input for up to two momentary switches and two of the pointing devices can be daisy chained with a single, composite output signal. The small-size strain gauge sensor permits use of the pointing device in ultra thin keyboard applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding keyboard of at least two sections, each having an opening therein which is open on the facing ends thereof, and a multilayer sheet for making the electrical connections upon actuation of the keys, the multilayer sheet having substantial stiffness in the flat, planar direction and limited flexibility perpendicular to the planar direction which allows bending about a curvature, the multilayer sheet being fixed in only one of the sections, whereby when the sections are in the open, unfolded position, the multilayer sheet is straightened into a flat, planar shape and registered with the keys of the other sections, and when in the closed, folded position is curved in the perpendicular, cylindrical direction between the sections and slid from the registered position in the other section towards the open facing end thereof. Additionally, the multilayer sheet is cut along any keys which protrude beyond the folding axis so as to allow the cylindrical curving thereof.