Patent ID: 6271834
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A manual control input device for use in a keyboard, comprising:a pointing actuator mounted to the keyboard between preselected ones of the keys for manipulation by a user's finger, said pointing actuator being depressible by said user's finger to perform a click function; andtactile feedback means integrated with said pointing actuator for producing tactile feedback to said user's finger indicating performance of said click function,wherein said tactile feedback means comprises:a manipulation lever having a bore running therethrough, mounted upon said pointing actuator;a ferromagnetic slug disposed within the bore of said manipulation lever;a coil disposed about said manipulation lever, said coil being actuated upon performance of said click function to drive said ferromagnetic slug up said bore to provide said tactile feedback; anda cap mounted to the top of said manipulation lever for engagement with said user's finger and against which said ferromagnetic slug impacts when driven up said bore to provide said tactile feedback.