Abstract: A microwave powered gas laser apparatus contains a gas medium, and a device for exciting the gas medium to a high energy state by a plurality of microwaves. Directions of vibrations of electric fields of the microwaves are different from each other. There may be provided a device for making the microwaves into standing waves respectively, and a device for exposing the gas medium to antinodes of electric fields of the standing waves.

Abstract: A pen-type computer input device is used to move a cursor on the display of a computer system or enter data such as of figures, letters, numerals, or the like into a computer system. The pen-type computer input device includes a shank, a ball rotatably supported on the tip end of the shank, a pair of rotatable members rotatable about X and Y axes extending perpendicularly to each other and held in rolling contact with the ball, and a rotation detector for detecting the direction in which the rotatable members rotate and the distance by which the rotatable members move. Since the rotation of the ball is directly transmitted to the rotatable members and the distance by which the rotatable members move is detected, the pen-type computer input device is small in size and can easily be handled.

Abstract: A pen-type input device for computers includes a ball rotatably supported by an end of a pen-like elongate handle and rotatable in response to the movement of the pen-type input device for causing one or both of first and second rotating detection members to rotate about their own axes extending perpendicular to one another, and a pattern on each respective rotating detecting member having a series of alternating light-reflecting portions and light-absorbing portions for receiving light projected from a light-emitting device and for reflecting light back to a light-sensitive device which in turn sends an electric detection signal to a detecting circuit of a circuit board. The direction of rotation and the amount of movement of each respective rotating member is detected by the detecting circuit and the detected data are sent to a computer whereby a curve corresponding to the movement of the ball is created on a display surface of the computer.

Abstract: A pen-type computer input device is used to move a cursor on the display of a computer system or enter data such as of figures, letters, numerals, or the like into a computer system. The pen-type computer input device includes a shank, a pen nib disposed on the tip end of the shank, and a sensor disposed in the shank, for detecting the directions in which and the distances by which the pen nib moves in two perpendicular directions in a plane, in response to movement of the pen nib, and for producing an output signal representative of the directions and distances. Since the sensor can detect the distance by which the pen nib moves without any mechanical motion transmitting mechanism incorporated in the pen nib, the pen-type computer input device may be small in size and can be handled with ease.

Abstract: A pen-type computer input device is used to move a cursor on the display of a computer system or enter data such as of figures, letters, numerals, or the like into a computer system. The pen-type computer input device includes a shank, a ball rotatably supported on the tip end of the shank, the ball having a plurality of identifiable regions on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a circuit including a sensor unit for detecting the identifiable regions in response to rotation of the ball, and for detecting the directions in which the ball rotates and the distances by which the ball moves two perpendicular directions in a plane, and producing an output signal representative of the directions and distances. Since the sensor unit can detect the distance by which the pen-type computer input device moves without any mechanical motion transmitting mechanism incorporated in the shank, the pen-type computer input device may be small in size and can be handled with ease.