Hand controller

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Filing Information

  • Patent Number: US4465908
  • Application Number: US6408326
  • Filing date: 08/16/1982
  • Issue date: 08/14/1984
  • Predicted expiration date: 08/16/2002
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  • U.S. Classifications: 200/5R  · 200/5A  ·
  • International Classifications: H01H 900 ·
  • International Classifications: 2005 R;5 A;6 A;17 R;153 K;159 B;292 ·
9 Claims, No Drawings


Abstract

A hand controller for use in controlling the motion of a cursor on a video display comprises a spherical surface on which is mounted a flat plate. On the bottom of the flat plate is a unique electrical switch capable of indicating the direction in which the flat plate is rocked over the spherical surface. Attached to the bottom of the flat plate adjacent the spherical surface is a spring consisting of a substantially flat center portion and four spiralling arms extending from the periphery of said center portion to attach to the structure on which the spherical surface is mounted. When the flat plate is rocked over said spherical surface, the spring generates a restoring force which, upon removal of the rocking force, restores the flat plate to its nominal position. The spring makes possible rocking motion of the flat plate over the spherical surface without pinning the flat plate to a point on the spherical surface. In one embodiment, the controller is capable of moving the cursor in eight different directions.

References Cited

U.S. Patent Documents

Document NumberAssigneesInventorsIssue/Pub Date
US2471841 SELLS HARRY G Sells May 1949
US3005055 BELL TELEPHONE LABOR INC Mattke Oct 1961
US3223792 NAVIONICS INC Strother, Jr. Dec 1965
US3392247 EATON YALE & TOWNE Check Jul 1968
US4246452 Mattel, Inc. Chandler Jan 1981
US4297542 SHUMWAY ANTHONY G Shumway Oct 1981
US4301337 EVENTOFF FRANKLIN NEAL Eventoff Nov 1981
US4319099 Atari, Inc. Asher Mar 1982
US4322587 Rogers Corporation Burns et al. Mar 1982
US4349708 Atari, Inc. Asher Sep 1982

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Independent Claims | See all claims (9)

  1. 1. A hand-operable controller comprisinga spherical surface mounted on a base;a flat plate mounted above said spherical surface and adapted to be rocked by an operator's hand in a slip-proof manner over said spherical surface;spaced switch means extending between said spherical surface and said plate actuatable to produce signals for indicating the direction of rocking movement of said plate with respect to said spherical surface; anda flat spring means extending between said spherical surface and said flat plate and deflectable upon plate movement for restoring said flat plate to its nominal position in the absence of a disturbing rocking force applied to said flat plate.