Patent ID: 6239786
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A device for controlling movement of an object that is electrically responsive to the device, comprising:a) a shaft having a longitudinal length oriented along a first axis and having a top surface that is generally perpendicular to the first axis;b) a flexible cap disposed over the top surface, the cap having a conductive layer attached to the cap between the cap and the top surface;c) a base having an end of the shaft fixedly mounted thereon;d) a horizontal sensor, mounted on the shaft, for sensing a generally horizontal oriented force that is applied to the shaft in a direction that is oriented generally perpendicular to the first axis; ande) a vertical sensor, mounted on the top surface of the shaft, for sensing a generally vertical oriented force that is applied to the shaft generally in a direction that is oriented along the first axis, the vertical sensor including:e1) a first and second electrically conductive pads that are electrically isolated from each other such that a sufficient vertical force applied to the cap will cause the conductive layer to deform and contact both the first and second pads to make electrical contact therebetween; ande2) an electrically insulative spacer that is shaped to position the first and second pads away from the conductive layer.