Abstract: A movable operation unit is movable on a two-dimensional operation surface of a main body. The two-dimensional operation surface is defined by an X-axis and a Y-axis perpendicular to each other. A Y-axis movable portion is rotatable around a rotation axis. The Y-axis movable portion is movable in the Y-axis direction when rotating around the rotation axis. The rotation axis extends in the X-axis direction relative to the main body. The Y-axis movable portion includes a sliding rail portion on which the movable operation unit is slidable in the X-axis direction. The movable operation unit is operable to slide in the X axial direction and move in the Y axial direction accompanied with rotation of the Y-axis movable portion around the rotation axis to performs a parallel shift in the two dimensional direction while regularly and constantly maintaining a posture of the movable operation unit.

Abstract: An input apparatus using multidimensional electrodes to define key functions and the encoding method thereof is peculiarized by utilizing N-dimensional electrodes to define the individual key functions, where N is a positive integer number greater than two. The keyboard scan process according to the present invention is to perform the scan on the coordinate electrodes one by one and save the scan codes for making a synthetic determination, so as to identify the key being pressed. The keyboard encoder IC using the keyboard scan process of the present invention is advantageous to the pin number reduction and cost descent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matrix switching device (1) having a plurality of contact devices positioned in selected crosspoints between rows and columns, with each contact device including at least one movable contact element (2a). The device further includes a plurality of row-related, reciprocatingly movable first rods (3), a plurality of column-related reciprocatingly movable second rods (4, 4'), a plurality of electrically insulating balls (2h, 2g) of which each is allotted a selected crosspoint and is movable in response to movement of one or both of the rods (3, 4). A thin module unit is obtained since the movable contact element is comprised of a contact spring mounted on a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A galvanic switch for electrically making or breaking one cross-point among a plurality of cross-points in a three-dimensional switching matrix. The switch includes electrical contact lines, first links which extend perpendicular to the contact lines, and second links which extend perpendicular to both the contact lines and the first links. At each cross-point, there is located a contact element in the form of a spherical element for making and breaking the electric contact respectively. The contact elements either make or break the cross-point depending on whether the coupling element is conductive or non-conductive, and are maneuvered by maneuvering elements.

Abstract: A matrix crosspoint switching device makes, breaks, or switches contact between a plurality of first conductor pairs and a plurality of second conductor pairs. The device includes a connection block which includes a plurality of cavities containing crosspoints of the pluralities of conductor pairs. Pairs of conductive and nonconductive roller elements are also contained in the cavities for selectively making, breaking, or switching contacts between the conductor pair crosspoints.

Abstract: An input device for providing X and Y coordinate analog input values and an associated function selection to a computer. There is a support plate and a multiposition function selection switch having an output indicating the position thereof. There is also selector apparatus carried by the support plate and operably connected for moving the function selection switch between its positions. There are coordinate generators for generating X and Y coordinate analog values at outputs thereof and activator apparatus carried in combination with the selector apparatus and operably connected to the coordinate generators for changing the X and Y analog values being output. The selector apparatus may comprise an annular member disposed parallel to the plane of the support plate with the activator apparatus disposed within the annular member. The function selection switch is a rotatable switch and the annular member is rotatable about a perpendicular axis to move the function selection switch between its positions.