Abstract: An exercise keyboard including a substantially vertical keyboard array of keypads arranged for typing alphanumeric letters by pushing of keypads of the array so as to type one the letter per the push of one of the keypads. Each keypad is padded so as to accommodate the pushing of the keypads by striking or kicking of the keypads by a user. The array is mounted in, and advantageously to, a supporting frame and sized for the striking or kicking of the key pads by a user while standing. The keyboard is adapted for communication with a computer.

Abstract: A device and method for operating and controlling a cursor by a foot. The foot-operated input control device includes a first pedal for controlling a cursor along an x-axis and a second pedal for controlling a cursor along a y-axis. The first pedal is supported by a first base and further connected to a first motion detector which determines an angular motion of the first pedal. The second pedal is supported by a second base and further connected to a second motion detector which determines an angular motion of a second pedal. The angular motion of the first and second pedals are combined together and translated into the direction and velocity of motion of the cursor on a screen.

Abstract: A foot operated mouse for controlling a computer, providing similar functions as a conventional hand operated mouse. The novel foot operated mouse has a base which rests on a horizontal pad or surface, and a separate platform for supporting the foot. A ball for generating positional signals based upon an x-and-y coordinate grid is fixed to the base. The foot platform is attached to the ball and can wobble, or simultaneously rotate and incline, thereon. Switch operators corresponding to conventional finger operated control buttons of a conventional hand operated mouse are provided. Preferably, these switch operators are hinged to the foot platform, and incline when depressed. In an alternative embodiment, the foot platform and switch operators are integral. In the latter embodiment, switch operation results from contact of the platform with the base. Preferably, the upper surface of the platform is inclined, thereby establishing a toe position and a heel position.

Abstract: A device for inputting information to a remote computer. The device includes a housing having a base for resting in a support surface and an oppositely facing platform of a size and shape for receiving and supporting the foot of a user. The device further includes sensing means for sensing movement of the foot and for producing motion information indicative of the movement for the computer. The device further includes a switch and a switch actuation surface, the surface facing away from the support surface for engagement with the foot when the foot is supported by the platform.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a thermal transfer type line recording apparatus is implemented with only two drive motors in driving three essential members of the recorder i.e., platen, ink sheet, and thermal head. While a first drive motor is exclusively assigned to the platen, a second drive motor is shared by the ink sheet, which is fed in one direction only, and the thermal head, which is released from the platen without any intermediary actions concerning the sequence. The second drive motor feeds the ink sheet while in rotation in one direction and drives the thermal head while in rotation in the other direction, each through a one-way clutch.