Abstract: A small-sized text input device is attachable to and removable from a game controller. The text input device can be sized and configured to fit between grip portions of the game controller, and can be attachable to the game controller with a separate attachment bracket. Different brackets can be used to attach the text input device to different types of game controllers. A game player holding the game controller can access the text keys of the text input device with his or her thumbs, and by making only minor (or no) adjustment to the position of his or her hands on the grip portions.

Abstract: A text input device for attachment to a game controller includes a small-sized housing, upper and lower faces, a plurality of text entry keys disposed on the upper face, and an attachment interface disposed on the lower face. A bracket for attaching the text input device to a game controller includes an arm portion having first and second ends. An attachment plate is fixed to the first end and has at least one engaging member protruding therefrom and engaging the attachment interface of the text input device. The bracket further includes at least one retaining member protruding from the second end in a position such that, when the attachment plate is coupled to a first part of a game controller and the retaining member is in contact with a second part of the game controller, a force is applied to a face of the retaining member by the second part of the game controller so as to maintain the coupling of the attachment plate to the game controller first part.

Abstract: A storage container intended for placement into standard water bottle holders often found on bicycles. The container has a door, which can be rotated open on a hinge. This can be done without removing the container from the water bottle holder. The container has a retention feature for keeping the door closed. The container provides the user with a storage space for such articles including, but not limited to sunglasses, personal identification, emergency information, money, credit cards, patch kits, tools, writing tools, computers, cell phones, food and first aid kits. The container's shape properly orients the container in the water bottle holder and prevents the container from rotating axially in the water bottle holder or from falling out under vibration. The container may be locked closed and may also be locked to the bottle holder. The container's shape is such that it can stand vertically or horizontally, opened or closed on a flat surface, such as the ground or a tabletop.

Abstract: A text input device for attachment to a game controller includes a small-sized housing, upper and lower faces, a plurality of text entry keys disposed on the upper face, and an attachment interface disposed on the lower face. A bracket for attaching the text input device to a game controller includes an arm portion having first and second ends. An attachment plate is fixed to the first end and has at least one engaging member protruding therefrom and engaging the attachment interface of the text input device. The bracket further includes at least one retaining member protruding from the second end in a position such that, when the attachment plate is coupled to a first part of a game controller and the retaining member is in contact with a second part of the game controller, a force is applied to a face of the retaining member by the second part of the game controller so as to maintain the coupling of the attachment plate to the game controller first part.

Abstract: A small-sized text input device is attachable to and removable from a game controller. The text input device can be sized and configured to fit between grip portions of the game controller, and can be attachable to the game controller with a separate attachment bracket. Different brackets can be used to attach the text input device to different types of game controllers. A game player holding the game controller can access the text keys of the text input device with his or her thumbs, and by making only minor (or no) adjustment to the position of his or her hands on the grip portions.

Abstract: A haptic feedback joystick provides input signals for controlling computer programs in response to a pivotal displacement of a joystick control handle about a plurality of orthogonal axes. Haptic feedback force effects are applied to the joystick control handle about “X” and “Y” axes in response to haptic feedback command signals generated by the computer program. The control handle is mounted on a control handle shaft that is pivotally coupled to a full-gimbal assembly driven by two electric motors to produce the haptic feedback force. The full-gimbal assembly includes an upper and lower gimbal operatively coupled to a corresponding electric motor. One side of each gimbal includes a support shaft mounted in a corresponding bearing a frame, while the opposite sides of each gimbal include two drive pins that couple with a sector gear. Each sector gear is rotatably mounted on the frame and is coupled to the drive shaft of a different one of the electric motors.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for spiral binding a stack of papers (24) together as a unit. The apparatus includes a punch (12) for punching a plurality of holes (23) along one edge of the stack of papers and a spiral binding unit (14) for feeding a spiral coil (36) into the holes. The spiral binding unit (14) includes an aperture (44) through which a coil is inserted between a shoe (74) and a rotatably mounted roller (72). As the coil (36) is inserted, the shoe (74) pushes the coil into contact with the roller (72). As the roller (72) rotates, the coil (36) is guided through a series of slots (86) which cause the coil to spiral into the holes in the stack of paper. The punch (12) includes a ramp (186) that presses a series of punch pins (188) through the stack of papers. The ramp (186) includes a plurality of steps (222) that incline upwardly on either side of a center step (224). The punch first punches holes in the center of the stack of papers and then punches holes outward from either side of the center.

Abstract: An environmentally sealed electronic test instrument having a three-part case enclosing an electronic testing circuit of conventional design. The three parts are open-ended top and bottom parts, and an end part covering the open ends of the top and bottom parts. The top and bottom parts have adjoining sidewalls between which is positioned a first resilient seal. Respective inwardly extending flanges are formed at the open ends of the top and bottom parts. The flanges are received by a second, U-shaped seal that is, in turn, received by a U-shaped channel formed along a marginal edge of the end plate. A pair of fingers integrally formed in the second gasket project into the U-shaped channel and are positioned between the first seal and top part of the case. The side marginal edge of the bottom part of the case are recessed within the sidewall of the top part of the case to enclose the first gasket.

Abstract: A pivotable trackball-type computer command pointing device for entering commands into a computer has a housing and a ball retained within the housing for generating electrical signals translatable into commands for the computer. A coupling assembly removably attaches to the computer, preferably the keyboard. A knuckle joint assembly pivotally connects the housing to the coupling assembly and includes a pivot blade pivotally received in an elongated recess of a hinge pocket plate to define an axis of rotation within the housing about which the housing is rotatable. Opposing button members each carry actuation teeth which engage a corresponding row of teeth formed in a coupling frame held stationary with respect to the computer by the coupling assembly. When the button members are moved together, the actuation teeth disengage the rows of teeth to permit the housing to be selectively angularly oriented by the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the contact pressure of a thermal printhead against a platen roller. In response to the receipt of a control signal, a spring mechanism is activated to apply a torque against an arm attached to a shaft. Rotation of the shaft first brings the printhead into contact with a thermal medium which passes between the printhead and the platen roller. After the printhead contacts the thermal medium, further force applied through the spring selectively increases the torque which, in turn, increases the pressure of the printhead against the thermal medium. The pressure is adjustable as a function of the thermal medium, print speed, user darkness preference and other variables.