US5442377A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Continuous loop mouse
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1994-05-03
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Granted: 1995-08-15
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Expires: 2014-05-03
Abstract
Abstract A continuous loop multi-axis pointing position control device is provided permitting continuous rotation about an X-axis to provide generation of a first motion signal and a continuous rotation about a Y-axis to provide generation of a second motion signal to enable directional control of a cursor or pointing device on a computer screen and to substitute for track ball, joystick and mouse control devices.
Inventors
- 👤 David G. Rowe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 16:18
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/0362; G06F3/0304; G06F3/0312
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A position control device comprising: a plurality of spheres, an annular housing for supporting said spheres and holding said spheres in adjacent annular array said housing having a window therein permitting a user to apply a generally lateral force on at least one of said spheres for communication of said force to said plurality of spheres to accomplish lateral movement of said plurality of spheres and said window permitting a user to apply a rotational force to at least one of said spheres to accomplish rotational movement of said sphere, means for detecting lateral movement of said plurality of spheres, means for detecting rotational movement of at least one of said plurality of spheres, and means responsive to said detected lateral and rotational sphere movement for generating a signal to effect repositioning of a computer cursor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A position control device comprising: a plurality of spheres, an annular housing for supporting said spheres and holding said spheres in adjacent annular array said housing having a window therein permitting a user to apply a generally lateral force on at least one of said spheres for communication of said force to said plurality of spheres to accomplish lateral movement of said plurality of spheres and said window permitting a user to apply a rotational force to at least one of said spheres to accomplish rotational movement of said sphere, means for detecting lateral movement of said plurality of spheres, means for detecting rotational movement of at least one of said plurality of spheres, and means responsive to said detected lateral and rotational sphere movement for generating a signal to effect repositioning of a computer cursor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rotational movement detecting means is a counter for quantifying the rotation of at least one of said sphere.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lateral movement detecting means is a counter for quantifying the lateral movement of said plurality of spheres.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means responsive to said detected movement generates an electronic signal to accomplish repositioning of a computer cursor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-08-14 | 1999-02-13 | 1999-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-08-14 | 2003-02-13 | 2003-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-08-14 | 2007-02-13 | 2007-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |