Abstract: A computer input device uses a standard mouse design and includes at least one thumb wheel or roller to provide three-dimensional cursor positioning. Left and right rollers, for use by left- and right-handed users, protrude from left and right sides of a standard mouse. The left and right rollers are axially mounted on left and right drive shafts that extend axially through left and right encoder wheels, respectively. Each encoder wheel forms part of a transducer for producing signals indicating movement or rotation of the wheel. These signals can be used for calculating cursor movement or for various other purposes in computer software applications. Alternatively, the rollers are coupled to switches or a single roller protrudes from the top of the mouse.

Abstract: An ergonomic pointing device is disclosed and described. Specific criteria, for example height, length, curvature, and relative positions of device elements, such as keys and a high point, define a configuration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. These criteria work together to provide an ergonomic pointing device which supports a user's hand plane while allowing the hand to rest in a biomechanically neutral position, while maintaining the accuracy with which the pointing device may be controlled and actuated.

Abstract: A keypad structure includes a stiff backing element and an elastomeric cover that have between them a first membrane on which is defined a shorting conductive layer, a second membrane on which is defined a main conductive layer, the second membrane on which the main conductive layer is defined as being adjacent the elastomeric cover rather than the stiff backing element as in the prior art. A third membrane provides spacing between the main and shorting conductive layers when the keypad is not compressed. An elastomeric interconnect can then be used to connect exposed contacts on the main conductive layer with other circuitry in an instrument utilizing the keypad.