US3705424A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrical switching apparatus utilizing conductivity of the human skin
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-03-29
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Granted: 1972-12-05
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Expires: 1991-03-29
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus whereby selective closing of a plurality of electrical circuits may be accomplished by slight movement of a human body member, thereby establishing a conductive path through or along the surface of such member. In one embodiment, a plurality of circuit contacts are disposed in circumferential fashion around an annular opening into which an individual''s finger is receivable. A slight sidewise movement of the finger in a radial direction effects the closing of a particular one of a plurality of circuits depending on the direction in which the radial movement occurs. Since the individual''s hand remains essentially stationary, extremely rapid sequential switching is possible, as only a sidewise movement of one finger is required instead of a complete displacement of this member as in known arrangements. The invention is particularly adapted for use with keyboards, control panels or display devices of any nature where manual manipulation forms an essential part.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard P Harvey Jr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:48
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/94; H03K17/96; H03K17/9645; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S200/00; Y10S200/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
241 words
In a data processing system in which information as to the data so processed is presented on a display panel, and in which an operator manipulates a keyboard to generate data to be so processed, the combination of: a plurality of devices on said keyboard, said devices being of the type for enabling rapid electrical switching to be accomplished by means of a limited movement of one or more of an individual''s body members through or along which a conductive path is established, said devices comprising: an annular member of electrically conductive material adapted to have a body member centrally placed therewithin but out of contact therewith; and a plurality of electrical contacts spaced apart in circumferential fashion around the inner surface of said annular member but electrically insulated therefrom, whereby a radial movement in a particular direction of said body member from a central position within said annular member to engage both said annular member and one of said plurality of contacts will result in the establishment of an electrically conductive path through or along such body member, thus closing an electrical circuit which includes said annular member and said one contact, the particular contact thus engaged depending on the direction of radial movement undergone by said body member; and at least one foot switch actuatable by said operator, the data acquired from manipulation of said keyboard and/or from actuation of said foot switch being presented on said display panel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
241 words
In a data processing system in which information as to the data so processed is presented on a display panel, and in which an operator manipulates a keyboard to generate data to be so processed, the combination of: a plurality of devices on said keyboard, said devices being of the type for enabling rapid electrical switching to be accomplished by means of a limited movement of one or more of an individual''s body members through or along which a conductive path is established, said devices comprising: an annular member of electrically conductive material adapted to have a body member centrally placed therewithin but out of contact therewith; and a plurality of electrical contacts spaced apart in circumferential fashion around the inner surface of said annular member but electrically insulated therefrom, whereby a radial movement in a particular direction of said body member from a central position within said annular member to engage both said annular member and one of said plurality of contacts will result in the establishment of an electrically conductive path through or along such body member, thus closing an electrical circuit which includes said annular member and said one contact, the particular contact thus engaged depending on the direction of radial movement undergone by said body member; and at least one foot switch actuatable by said operator, the data acquired from manipulation of said keyboard and/or from actuation of said foot switch being presented on said display panel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The combination of claim 1 in which said foot switch comprises a planar pedal member pivoted at its center, and a plurality of contacts selectively closable by a tilting in a particular direction of said pedal member from a neutral position by the operator''s foot.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
156 words
In a data processing system in which information as to the data so processed is presented on a display panel, and in which an operator manipulates a keyboard to generate data to be so processed, the combination of: a plurality of devices on said keyboard, said devices being comprised of; an essentially planar member composed of insulating material and having a recess formed therein capable of receiving a human digit, and a plurality of spaced apart electrical contacts located in sad recess, said contacts being so disposed that any chosen two thereof are bridged by the entry of said digit into said recess with a particular positional orientation, such a bridging of said chosen two contacts establishing an electrical path therebetween through or along said digit; and at least one foot switch actuatable by said operator, The data acquired from manipulation of said keyboard and/or actuation of said foot switch being presented on said display panel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
156 words
In a data processing system in which information as to the data so processed is presented on a display panel, and in which an operator manipulates a keyboard to generate data to be so processed, the combination of: a plurality of devices on said keyboard, said devices being comprised of; an essentially planar member composed of insulating material and having a recess formed therein capable of receiving a human digit, and a plurality of spaced apart electrical contacts located in sad recess, said contacts being so disposed that any chosen two thereof are bridged by the entry of said digit into said recess with a particular positional orientation, such a bridging of said chosen two contacts establishing an electrical path therebetween through or along said digit; and at least one foot switch actuatable by said operator, The data acquired from manipulation of said keyboard and/or actuation of said foot switch being presented on said display panel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-12-05 | 1976-06-05 | 1976-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-05 | 1980-06-05 | 1980-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-05 | 1984-06-05 | 1984-12-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |