Patent ID: 6717571
Filing Date: 2004-04-06
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A cursor mechanism with encoding function, comprising:a) a key member having: i) a key member top; ii) a key member bottom; iii) an encoder rod having a free end, the encoder rod protruding from a center of the key member bottom; and iv) at least one cursor rod protruding from the key member bottom and being annularly spaced from the encoder rod; b) an encoder having an encoder input transmission member, the encoder input transmission member having a first end connected to the encoder; c) at least one signal generating member positioned below the at least one cursor rod; and d) a universal joint adjoining the free end of the encoder rod and a second end of the encoder input transmission member, wherein the at least one signal generating member produces a first signal when engaged by the at least one cursor rod when the key member is tilted and the encoder produces a second signal when the key member is turned.