Integrated Pointing Device; E.g., Trackball, Joystick, Etc. Patents (Class 361/679.18)
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Patent number: 10379634Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a touchpad module; a cover including a touch operation portion configured to cover a face of the touchpad module and a button opening formed along a horizontal side portion of the touch operation portion; an operation button arranged in the button opening; and a base member, arranged on an opposite side of the cover with respect to the touchpad module and the operation button, configured to support the touchpad module and the operation button, an end portion of the base member on the touchpad module side being arranged closer to the operation button than a central portion in a vertical side direction of the touchpad module when viewed from a thickness direction of the touchpad module.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Fujitsu Client Computing LimitedInventors: Ryu Komatsu, Takashi Abe
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Patent number: 9124793Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a shell and an image capturing assembly configured to capture images. The shell includes a front surface, a rear surface facing away from the front surface, and a top surface. The top surface is connected substantially perpendicularly between the front surface and the rear surface. The top surface defines a cutout. The cutout runs through both the front surface and the rear surface. The image capturing assembly is pivotably received in the cutout and is configured to capture images.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yi-Zhong Sheu
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Patent number: 9025318Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a stylus having a retractable connector for use with a computing device. According to one embodiment, the stylus includes an outer housing and a connector configured to attach to a port on the computing device so as to maintain the stylus in a fixed position adjacent to the computing device. Furthermore, the connector is capable of extending from the housing of the stylus into a first position and also retracting into the stylus housing into a second position.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Britt C Ashcraft, Eric Chen, Michael Delpier, Dustin L Hoffman
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Patent number: 8988352Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a mouse includes a main body, a pop-up mechanism received in the main body, and a cap. The shell defines a first through hole. The cap is fixed to the pop-up mechanism and received in the first through hole. The cap can be lifted up to protrude or be retracted in the body of the mouse via an external force, the lifting up and the retraction of the cap cause the shape of the hand gripping the mouse to change, preventing fatigue in the hand.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hua-Yong Wang, Ji-Bing Guo
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Patent number: 8982549Abstract: A flash drive protection structure includes a decoration cover and a protective cover. The decoration cover that is made by elastic materials includes a cover block and a receiving space spacedly. The cover block has a cover hole facing the receiving space, and a connecting post is formed inside the receiving space. The protective cover has a first and a second surface, and the protective cover is disposed in the receiving space of the decoration cover through the first surface, while the second surface is exposed outside the decoration cover. The protective cover has a connecting hole at the first surface to connect the connecting post of the decoration cover. Also, the protective cover has a receiving trough toward the cover block, and one end of the flash drive is plugged into the receiving trough, while the other end is plugged into the cover hole of the cover block.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Inventor: Steven Yang
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Patent number: 8976120Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a housing with a front frame; a moveable touch-screen display framed by the front frame of the housing, the moveable touch-screen display including a touch-sensitive input surface overlying a display device, the front frame including corners curved outwardly away from the surface of the touchscreen display; a mechanical switch disposed between a back surface of the touchscreen display and a base of the housing; and operational components including a processor within the housing and connected to the touchscreen display. The touchscreen display moves or pivots relative to the housing about a pivot axis in response to application of sufficient force on the touchscreen. This movement or pivoting results in the actuation of the single mechanical switch and the pivot axis depending on the location of application of the force.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventor: Jason Griffin
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Patent number: 8861187Abstract: A computer system and an attached input unit are provided for a user to input data. A computer system may comprise a linking member, a display housing, and an input unit. The linking member may have a first hinge and a second hinge. The display housing may be pivotally attached to the first hinge of the linking member. The input unit may be attached to the second hinge of the linking member.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Tomoyuki Takahashi
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Patent number: 8854800Abstract: A portable computer includes a main body casing including an upper plate and an opening formed on the upper plate; a cover pad which may be coupled to the upper plate and covers the opening, the cover pad having a plate surface and a rear surface; and a touch-pad coupled to the rear surface of the cover pad through the opening, thus protecting the touch-pad and enabling the touch-pad to sense a coordinate touched on the plate surface and generate a position data of a pointer.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Young-shin Song
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Patent number: 8823638Abstract: An optical navigation module comprising a rigid flange having a top surface. An optical navigation unit can be coupled to the top surface of the rigid flange with an electrical connection electrically coupled to the optical navigation unit. An alignment flange can be coupled to the rigid flange with the alignment feature including one or more alignment features. The alignment feature can be a hole adapted to receive an alignment pin to hold and align the optical navigation module.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventor: Chao Chen
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Patent number: 8811024Abstract: A detachable touch structure is applied to a portable electronic device. The detachable touch structure includes a flexible board, a flexible touch panel, a control module, and a linkage element. The flexible touch panel is superimposedly disposed on the flexible board. The control module is connected with the flexible board, and electrically connected with the flexible touch panel; the control module includes two single path sliding slots. The linkage element includes two positioning levers; the linkage element having one end connected with the flexible board and the other end movably connected with each of the single path sliding slot via each of the positioning levers respectively connected with. The two positioning levers move along different paths with respect to the two single path sliding slots to allow the detachable touch structure to be in a tablet form or a mouse form.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Wistron CorporationInventor: Ren-Jing Wei
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Publication number: 20140211396Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a click pad, and a supporter. The click pad includes a first end configured to be bent toward an inside of the housing to push a switch, and a second end opposite the first end. The first supporter is configured to support the click pad from the inside of the housing as a supporting point of bending of the click pad when the first end of the click pad is pushed. The first supporter is movable along a direction from the second end to the first end of the click pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Toshikazu Shiroishi
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Patent number: 8766918Abstract: A system is described for predictive text entry. Initially, the items that may be entered by the user are displayed. The user can navigate through these items and enter one of them to a text string (130). A predictive text entry algorithm is used, which depending on the previously entered item, determines items, which are likely to be entered next. A plurality of these items (140), for example two or three, is displayed. The user can then select any one of these items without navigating through the displayed items.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Dzmitry Viktorovich Aliakseyeu, Igor Berezhnyy
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Patent number: 8699224Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer peripheral device. The computer peripheral device includes a housing whereon an opening is formed, and a fixing module installed inside the opening in a reversible manner. The fixing module includes a base installed inside the opening, a locking head passing through the locking plate and fixed on the base at one end. The locking head includes a latching part for inserting into a slot on a casing of a portable computer when the base turns to a first position relative to the housing so that the latching part protrudes outside the housing. When the locking plate is pressed down so as to separate the latching part from the locking plate and the locking head rotates relative to the locking plate, the latching part cannot separate from the slot. The fixing module further includes a resilient component for pushing the locking plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Wistron CorporationInventors: Yen-Chang Lai, Jia-Hung Lee
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Patent number: 8693179Abstract: A detachable touch structure for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The detachable touch structure comprises a flexible board, a flexible touch panel, a control module, and a linkage element; the flexible touch panel is superimposedly disposed on the flexible board; the control module is connected with the flexible board and electrically connected with the flexible touch panel, and the control module comprises two sliding slot structures each comprising a first sliding slot and a second sliding slot communicated with each other; the linkage element comprises two positioning levers, the linkage element has one end pivotally connected with the flexible board and the other end movably connected with each one of the sliding slot structures via each one of the positioning levers respectively. When two ends of the flexible board are bended by force, the detachable touch structure can be in a tablet form or a mouse form.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Wistron CorporationInventor: Ren-Jing Wei
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Patent number: 8692770Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Masahiro Itoh
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Patent number: 8614667Abstract: An ergonomic apparatus for generating data signals that may be indicative of alphanumeric characters for use with an electronic device or system such as a computer or electric typewriter, for example. The apparatus may be configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and use one or two hands to generate the data signals. The apparatus may include a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user's hand. Each dome may be capable of movement in a plurality of directions extending radially from a home position to generate the data signal or a portion of the data signal. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Blue Orb, Inc.Inventor: Peter J. McAlindon
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Patent number: 8537116Abstract: An exemplary computer mouse includes a main body and a remote control. The main body includes a receiving cavity for receiving the remote control. The receiving cavity has two opposite sidewalls. Each of the two opposite sidewalls defines a first recess, a second recess, and a third recess. The first recess is located between the second recess and the third recess and is separated from the second recess and the third recess. The remote control includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. Each of the first and second sidewalls of the remote control includes a first protruding post and a second protruding post. Each of the first protruding posts is latched in the corresponding second recess or the corresponding third recess to fix the remote control in the receiving cavity. Each of the second protruding posts slides in the corresponding first recess to make the remote control rotatable.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Xin Yang
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Patent number: 8471809Abstract: An operation body having a pointing function with respect to information includes a chassis having a reflection face, a circuit charging an inner second battery when receiving an electrical power from outside through a terminal exposed from the chassis, and a circuit transmitting switch information to outside cordlessly. On the other hand, an information-input device includes a chassis supporting a keyboard, and an optical system that transmits a light to an operation body operated on the chassis and receives a reflected light of the light. The chassis supporting the keyboard has a recess housing the operation body. The operation portion may be housed in the recess. The second battery is charged when the operation body is housed. And a light emitting of the optical system is stopped when the operation body is housed.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu Component LimitedInventors: Fujio Seki, Hiroyuki Murano, Heiichi Sugino, Takeshi Kasai
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Patent number: 8456437Abstract: A touch pad module assembly structure includes a housing, a touch pad module and a metal bracket. The housing includes a generally rectangular opening. The touch pad module is assembled into the opening. The touch pad module includes a support member and a circuit board. An edge of the support member has a through hole and a pair of resilient members. An opposite edge of the support member has a connection member secured to a surrounding surface of the opening. The circuit board is disposed over the support member and includes a switch aligned with the through hole. The metal bracket is secured to a surrounding edge of the opening to be in to contact with the switch and expose the connection member.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.Inventors: Tsung-Ju Chiang, Hsiu-Pen Lin
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Patent number: 8373977Abstract: A movable touch module and an electronic device using the same are provided. The movable touch module is disposed at a main body. The movable touch module includes a movable element, a touch unit, a plurality of elastic elements, at least four movement sensing elements, and at least two rotation sensing elements. The movable element is disposed at the main body and is movable relative to the main body on a plane. The touch unit is fastened to movable element. The elastic elements are fastened to the main body and are against the periphery of the movable element. The movement sensing elements are fastened to the main body and are located around the movable element. The rotation sensing elements are fastened to the main body.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignees: Protek (Shanghai) Limited, Pegatron CorporationInventors: Jun-Hua Shao, Kuo Hou, Wei Guo, Shih-Wei Hung, Cheng-Jun Liu
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Patent number: 8284543Abstract: A structure of a keyboard is combinable with an electronic device, and includes a keyboard body and a frame. The frame is of a U-shape having two limbs that has end portions slidably fit in elongate slots defined in two side walls of the keyboard body to be movable along the slots and rotatable with respect thereto. When the keyboard body and the frame are assembled together, the keyboard structure defines in a top thereof a receptacle for receiving and retaining the electronic device. The keyboard body includes a signal output structure engageable with a signal transmission interface of the electronic device. When combined together for operation, the electronic device is movable with the frame to expose keys of the keyboard. The electronic device is detachable from the keyboard structure for independent operation thereby reducing the overall size for easy carrying.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Unication Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsung-Han Wang
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Patent number: 8274407Abstract: A compact electric device for coding and selecting characters, symbols and/or multiple choices, includes a matrix carrying a plurality of contact or proximity sensors (1,2,3,4,5,5,7,8), an activation member (10) of sensors and a single selection key (22). This key is operated by the user for bringing in turn the activation member at least partially in coincidence with at least a first and a second of the sensors, for transmitting a selectively different coded signal for each respective different sensor. The matrix comprises a first group of sensors (1,2,3), having function of selection of respective matrix fields, and a second group of sensors (4,5,6,7,8), having function of selection of characters associated to each matrix field. The sensors are distributed on the matrix according to modular zones, having a central zone (0) and radial sector zones (A, B, C, D).Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Matrix Projects LLCInventor: Pierluigi Dell'Orto
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Patent number: 8184095Abstract: A control device includes a housing, a control module having a movable member mounted in the housing and movable by the user and having a magnet located on each of the two distal ends thereof, and a circuit module that includes a microprocessor, a rotation sensor module electrically connected to the microprocessor and adapted for sensing rotation of the movable member or a sleeve on the movable member and producing a respective control signal, and a magnetic sensor module electrically connected to the microprocessor and adapted for sensing the strength of the magnetic field emitted by each magnet indicative of the direction and amount of a linear displacement of the movable member and producing a respective control signal. Subject to non-contact sensing design, the control device avoids any mechanical fatigue or contact failure.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Inventors: Tian-Fu Pan, Chung-Yueh Nien, Shiau-Chung Kao
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Patent number: 8139347Abstract: A touch pad module assembly structure includes a housing and a touch module. The housing includes a generally rectangular concave area, which includes a bottom surface, two housing edges, a step, a position pin and a convex member. The step is disposed closer to one of the two housing edges than the other thereof. The position pin is disposed on an inner surface of the one of the two housing edges. The convex member is disposed closer to the other of the two housing edges. The touch module includes a support member, which includes a position member and a hook member. The position member is disposed at an edge of the support member and includes a position hole to be engaged with the position pin. The hook member is disposed at an opposite edge of the support member and coupled with the other of the two housing edges.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.Inventors: Tsung-Ju Chiang, Hsiu-Pen Lin
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Patent number: 8139346Abstract: The invention discloses an electronic apparatus comprising a casing with an input device. The input device comprises a circuit board, a first input module, a fixing module and a second input module. The first input module is disposed on the circuit board and comprises a first fixing portion. The fixing module comprises a first opening, a first accommodating space and a plurality of second fixing portions. The fixing module is disposed on the circuit board. The first input module is disposed in the first accommodating space and protrudes from the first opening. Those second fixing portions are against the first fixing portion to fix the first input module. The second input module is disposed on the fixing module and comprises a second opening. The first input module is exposed from the second opening. Furthermore, the fixing module comprises a second accommodating space for accommodating electronic components on the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: ASUSTek Computer Inc.Inventors: Mei Jui Lin, Shen Yuan Lee
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Patent number: 8054616Abstract: A keyboard set includes a keyboard unit, and a micro projector. The keyboard unit has a first housing, a video signal port and a first lock structure. The video signal port and the first lock structure are disposed in the first housing. The micro projector has a second housing, a signal line, and a second lock structure. The signal line is connected to the video signal port of the keyboard unit. The second lock structure is disposed on the second housing, and capable of combining with the first lock structure, for the micro projector to be fixed to the keyboard unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Coretronic CorporationInventors: Nan-Jiun Yin, Ming-Lung Tsai
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Patent number: 8026896Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus including a main body having a display unit on a surface and a protruding holding unit. The holding unit includes a pointing device and switches that are operated by a same hand holding the holding unit. The pointing device includes one of a stick type pointing device and a trackball type pointing device that performs pointing operations including moving a cursor displayed on the display unit. The switches are for setting or canceling instructions given by the pointing device with click operations. The holding unit is also configured to be folded toward a side of the main body. When it is folded, an electric power supply is automatically turned off or put in a standby state and when the holding unit is unfolded to its original position, the electric power supply is a turned on or put in an operating state.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Makoto Kukita
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Patent number: 7965282Abstract: An operation device for a vehicle is provided that enables switching over of a plurality of operation menu display screens and switching over of a plurality of function display screens for in-vehicle equipment displayed on a monitor by tilting of an operating knob (30) in eight directions, pivoting of the operating knob (30) around its axis, and operation of a main switch (31) and a sub switch (32) provided on the operating knob (30). In this process, since the operating knob (30) is not pivoted around its axis without limit but it is restricted so that pivoting is possible only in a predetermined angle range, it is not necessary to change the grip on the operating knob (30) when pivoting the operating knob (30), the burden on the wrist is lessened, and the operability is improved. Moreover, since the main switch (31) and the sub switch (32) are provided on the operating knob (20), they can be operated without detaching the hand from the operating knob (30), thus further improving the operability.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hajime Yamada
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Patent number: 7948475Abstract: A key control apparatus for a portable terminal including a first housing with first and second display units and a second housing with first and second key input units is provided. The key control apparatus includes a first key input unit, a second key input unit and a control unit. The first key input unit includes a plurality of touch-sensitive touch keys for implementing given functions, one or more mechanical keys, and a plurality of sensors for sensing the touching of the touch keys and implementing a scroll function. The second key input unit includes a plurality of mechanical keys for implementing given functions or functions corresponding to the keys arranged on the first key input unit. The control unit controls the apparatus so that when a touch key in the first key input unit is touched, a function given to the touch key is implemented.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seng-Tai Lee, Seok-Hyo Park
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Patent number: 7948741Abstract: A portable computer includes a main body having a top surface, a keyboard, a touchpad, an ejector assembly, and a latching assembly. A receiving recess and a receiving hole are defined in the top surface. The receiving hole is positioned between the receiving recess and the keyboard and communicates with the receiving recess to form a connecting portion. The touchpad is detachably received in the receiving recess and includes a touchpad body and an engaging member with an engaging portion protruding from the touchpad body adjacent to the keyboard. The ejector assembly includes at least one elastic member. One end of the elastic member is fixed to a side of the receiving recess, and the other end abuts the touchpad body. The latching assembly includes a first restricting member connected to the connecting portion and a second restricting member fixed to the receiving hole and exposed from the receiving hole.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Gang-Tao Fan
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Patent number: 7929282Abstract: A keyboard is provided. The keyboard includes a main body, a numerical keypad, and a touchpad. A receiving space is defined on the main body for receiving the numerical keypad and the touchpad. The numerical keypad is pivotally attached to a first sidewall of the receiving space, and the touchpad is pivotally attached to a second sidewall of the receiving space.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xin Yang, Wei Wu
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Patent number: 7920125Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface, a pointing device having a flat input surface and located in the housing with the input surface on the inner surface of the housing, an operation area provided in a position on the outer surface of the housing corresponding to at least a part of the pointing device, and a display section which illuminates at least a part of an outline of the operation area and displays a position of the operation area.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Akira Imamura
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Patent number: 7880731Abstract: An electronic device includes a base, a touchpad and a touchpad cover apparatus for covering an operating surface of the touchpad. The touchpad is fastened to a bottom plate of the base. An opening is defined in the shell for revealing the operating surface of the touchpad. The touchpad cover apparatus includes a rail guide extending from a bottom surface of the shell and a touchpad cover. A pair of parallel guiding channels is defined in the rail guide. The touchpad cover is slidably inserted between the pair of parallel guiding channels, being slidable between a first position such that the operating surface of the touchpad is revealed through the opening of the shell, and a second position such that an operating surface of the touchpad is covered by the touchpad cover.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co. Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Peng Wang, Wen-Haw Tseng, Shih-Fang Wong
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System and method for connecting information handling system with a unified keyboard and mouse cable
Patent number: 7804680Abstract: A portable information handling system keyboard cable integrates keyboard and point stick conductors in a common membrane to communicate user inputs from a keyboard and point stick to processing components. The cable terminates at a motherboard end with a ZIF connector to connect with processing components at the motherboard and terminates at keyboard end with a connector for keyboard and point stick conductors. In one embodiment, the keyboard and point stick conductors terminate in a common connector having conductive pads arranged in a V shape to connect with conductors extending from a keyboard membrane. In alternative embodiments, the point stick conductors extend out from the common membrane to align with point stick conductors extending from a keyboard assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Kevin Mundt, Ron Langerhans, James R. Utz -
Patent number: 7719826Abstract: Integrated access cover arrangements for use in a portable computing devices, where the portable computing devices include a processor and are configured to house a user accessible component are presented including: a base configured to be coupled to the portable computing device; an integrated access cover housing a keyboard, the integrated access cover being slidingly connected with the base and configured to be disposed in at least a closed position and an open position with respect to the base, the user accessible component being hidden from a user when the integrated access cover is disposed in the closed position, the user accessible component being accessible by the user when the integrated access cover is disposed in the open position. In some embodiments, arrangements further include: a drive mechanism for translating the integrated access cover. Advantages include the ability to utilize lower profile configurations while maintaining functionality.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Ray Ling Chang, Dennis Yarak
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Patent number: 7671837Abstract: Scrolling input arrangements are presented including: a flexible membrane; a number of capacitive sensors mechanically integrated with the flexible membrane, the capacitive sensors radially disposed with respect to a first axis that is perpendicular with respect to the flexible membrane; an integrated circuit mechanically coupled with the flexible membrane and electronically coupled with the capacitive sensors, the integrated circuit configured to process a number of electronic signals from the capacitive sensors to provide a scrolling function; and a connection region on the flexible membrane for electronically coupling the scrolling input arrangement with an electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Larry Forsblad, Steve Hotelling, Brian Lynch, Benjamin Lyon, Jan Moolsintong, Doug Weber, Steve Zadesky