Flexible Input Patents (Class 708/138)
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Patent number: 9465449Abstract: A pointing device is attached to a keyboard assembly. The pointing device includes an operation post; a sensor substrate that converts force applied to the operation post into an analog electric signal; a logic substrate that is attached to a rear surface of the keyboard assembly and generates a digital signal to move a cursor from the electric signal; and a cable that connects the sensor substrate and the logic substrate to each other. It is possible to reduce the area of a portion protruding to a lower side from the rear surface of the keyboard assembly in the vicinity of the operation post and to lower the height of the portion by separating the sensor substrate and the logic substrate from each other. Since the cable is separated from a motherboard, it is possible to reduce noise entering the cable which transmits an analog signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) PTE. LTD.Inventors: Fumio Tamura, Takahide Wada
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Patent number: 9374899Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly includes a first printed circuit board that includes first circuit traces formed of copper. A second printed circuit board includes second circuit traces that are formed of nickel/gold plated copper and terminations that are soldered to the first circuit traces. An electrical component contacts the second circuit traces.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Bracamontes Daniel, Irving Morales Rodriquez, Anel Ortiz Gonzalez, Gil Rene Sosa Cano, Jurgen Christian Hagedorn Millard
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Patent number: 9146620Abstract: Input device assembly techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an input device includes a key assembly including a plurality of keys that are usable to initiate respective inputs for a computing device, a connection portion configured to be removably connected to the computing device physically and communicatively to communicate signals generated by the plurality of keys to the computing device, a flexible hinge that physically connects the connection portion to the key assembly, and an outer layer that is configured to cover the plurality of keys of the key assembly, form an outer surface of the flexible hinge, and is secured to the connection portion such that the outer layer wraps around at least two sides of the connection portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: David Otto Whitt, III, Matthew David Mickelson, Joel Lawrence Pelley, Christopher Harry Stoumbos, Timothy C. Shaw
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Publication number: 20120331023Abstract: Disclosed in one example is a method for providing an interactive exhibit to a user. The method may include creating plotting instructions for an interactive exhibit based on an exhibit description and a value of a user adjustable visual element, the exhibit description comprising a mathematical function, and a description of a relationship between the user adjustable visual element and a parameter of the mathematical function. The method may also include causing the interactive exhibit to be displayed based on the plotting instructions, the interactive exhibit including the user adjustable visual element. In some examples, the method may also include determining that a user input corresponds to a change in the value of the user adjustable visual element and updating the displayed interactive exhibit based on the new value of the user adjustable visual element, the mathematical function and the relationship between the user adjustable visual element and the parameter of the mathematical function.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: Inkling Systems, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Eliezer Golden, Kenneth Lorenz Knowles
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Publication number: 20040000048Abstract: An improved method of computer keyboard assembly that separates keyboard components into two groups. One group of components becomes a detachable module, while the other group stays as the base module. Depending on applications, the detachable module can be further broken into more sub-modules. Keyboards manufactured following the method proposed by present invention are modular in nature, and are conducive to reducing the costs for keyboard services and exchanges, costs for curing future environmental hazards and costs for fitting suitable user keycaps for swapping among different languages and computer applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventor: Lee Hong Wu
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Patent number: 6172666Abstract: An equipment operation panel capable of being readily mounted on an outer surface of an equipment and facilitating connection thereof to a control unit in the equipment. A first flexible circuit board is formed on a front surface thereof with contacts of switches and a contact of a variable resistor and provided thereon with light emitting diodes. The first flexible circuit board includes a lead-out section from which a connection wire pattern is led out. A spacer layer is laminated on the circuit board. A second flexible circuit board is laminated on the spacer layer and provided thereon with contacts of switches and a movable-side electrode of the variable resistor. A cover sheet member is laminated on the second flexible circuit board. Thus, the equipment operation panel is constructed into a laminate structure and mounted on an outer surface of a casing of the equipment through an adhesive layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1997Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Toyotomi Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michitaka Okura
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Patent number: 6052071Abstract: The present invention comprises a signal generator for sending an electrical signal from an expandable, flexible layer of material, the signal generator comprising an upper layer of flexible, resilient material and a lower layer of flexible, resilient material which between them define a cavity for enclosing an expandable material such as a cellular foam or gas, whereupon localized distortion of one of the layers of flexible material, effects a signal generation within the structure, which is transmissible through a proper circuit to an outside electrical device. A circuit may be arranged adjacent a plurality of said keys which senses when several of said keys are depressed in a skewed or sideways manner, so as to effect movement of a cursor or pointer on a monitor in communication with a processing unit and said keyboard.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Inventors: Robert J. Crowley, Donald N. Halgren
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Patent number: 4652689Abstract: A novel catalytic composite, a method of making the composite, and use of the composite is disclosed. The novel catalyst comprises a nonacidic zeolite bound within a support matrix. Additionally, the catalyst comprises catalytically effective amounts of a Group VIII metal component. There is also present within the catalyst sufficient surface-deposited alkali metal to provide a surface-deposited alkali metal index of at least 10. The catalytic composite has utility for the conversion of hydrocarbons and, in particular, has specific utility as a dehydrocyclization catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1986Date of Patent: March 24, 1987Assignee: UOP Inc.Inventors: Susan L. Lambert, Randy J. Lawson, Russell W. Johnson, Tery L. Barr