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US5309172A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Computer data and command entry device

Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-07-29
•
Granted: 1994-05-03
•
Expires: 2011-07-29
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Abstract

Abstract A multiple speed computer control device for use in providing touch commands from a user, comprising a roller ball and a roller assembly supporting the roller ball, wherein the roller assembly responds to pressure applied to the roller ball so as to produce a control signal. The invention further provides a method of controlling the speed of movement of a cursor on a display screen, comprising the steps of providing a control element, moving the control element to a first predetermined position corresponding to a first speed of movement of the cursor and moving the cursor at the first speed of movement in response to moving the control element to the first predetermined position. In another embodiment of the invention, an adjustable computer control device is provided, comprising a keyboard, a rotatable housing positioned in the keyboard, and a control positioned in the housing.

Inventors

  • 👤 Charles S. Fox

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-04 16:43
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/0202; G06F3/021; G06F3/0213; G06F3/03; G06F3/033; G06F3/0354; G06F3/03549

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim 85 words
A multiple speed cursor control device for use in providing touch commands from a user, comprising: a roller ball; a roller assembly supporting said roller ball, wherein said roller assembly responds to pressure applied to said roller ball so as to move in a vertical direction and produce a control signal; a computer to receive said control signal; and a display connected to said computer for displaying a movable cursor, wherein said control signal controls the speed of movement of said cursor on said display.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 85 words
A multiple speed cursor control device for use in providing touch commands from a user, comprising: a roller ball; a roller assembly supporting said roller ball, wherein said roller assembly responds to pressure applied to said roller ball so as to move in a vertical direction and produce a control signal; a computer to receive said control signal; and a display connected to said computer for displaying a movable cursor, wherein said control signal controls the speed of movement of said cursor on said display.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 27 words
The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 1, comprising a first switch for generating said control signal so that said cursor moves at a first speed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 27 words
The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 2, comprising a second switch for generating said control signal so that said cursor moves at a second speed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 26 words
The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 1, wherein said roller assembly comprises a first spring and a first protrusion attached to said first spring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 22 words
The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 4, wherein said roller assembly comprises a second protrusion attached to said first spring.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 31 words
The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 4, comprising a first space which engages said first protrusion upon movement of said roller assembly a first distance along said vertical direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 31 words
The multiple speed cursor control device of claim 6, comprising a second space which engages said first protrusion upon movement of said roller assembly a second distance along said vertical direction.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1997-05-02 1997-11-01 1998-05-03 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2001-05-02 2001-11-01 2002-05-03 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2005-05-02 2005-11-01 2006-05-03 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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