Abstract:
Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
Abstract:
Flux fountain techniques are described. In one or more implementations, an apparatus includes a cover configured to be disposed over at least a portion of a display device of a computing device that is configured as a tablet and a connection portion attached to the cover using a flexible hinge. The connection portion is configured to be physically coupled to the computing device using a magnetic coupling device. The magnetic coupling device includes a first magnet that is disposed in the connection portion such that a magnetic field is aligned along an axis and second and third magnets are disposed in the connection portion at opposing sides of the first magnet from each other. The second and third magnets have respective magnetic fields that are aligned along a respective axis that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic field of the first magnet.
Abstract:
A device kickstand is described. In at least some implementations, a kickstand is rotatably attached to a mobile computing device. The kickstand can be rotated to various positions to provide support for different orientations of the computing device. In at least some implementations, hinges are employed to attach a kickstand to a mobile computing device. One example hinge utilizes preset hinge stops that enable the kickstand to be placed at different preset positions. Another example hinge exerts pressure on an edge of the kickstand, providing stability and vibration dampening to the kickstand.
Abstract:
Flexible hinge and removable attachment techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a flexible hinge is configured to communicatively and physically couple an input device to a computing device and may implement functionality such as a support layer and minimum bend radius. The input device may also include functionality to promote a secure physical connection between the input device and the computing device. One example of this includes use of one or more protrusions that are configured to be removed from respective cavities of the computing device along a particular axis but mechanically bind along other axes. Other techniques include use of a laminate structure to form a connection portion of the input device.
Abstract:
Input device adhesive techniques are described. A pressure sensitive key includes a sensor substrate having one or more conductors, a spacer layer, and a flexible contact layer. The spacer layer is disposed proximal to the sensor substrate and has at least one opening. The flexible contact layer is spaced apart from the sensor substrate by the spacer layer and configured to flex through the opening in response to an applied pressure to initiate an input. The flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer such that at first edge, the flexible contact layer is secured to the spacer layer at an approximate midpoint of the first edge and is not secured to the spacer along another portion of the first edge and at a second edge, the flexible contact layer is not secured to the spacer layer along an approximate midpoint of the second edge.
Abstract:
An apparatus including: a substrate; a keypad including a plurality of distinct rigid elongate keys wherein each elongate key includes: a first end portion supported by the substrate and a second end portion separated by a dimension of the elongate key from the first end portion, and suspended from the substrate in free space by the elongate key; and a plurality of switches, wherein each switch detects travelling towards the substrate of the second end portion of a respective one of the plurality of elongate keys in response to user actuation of the second end portion.
Abstract:
A switch, especially for use in the interior of a vehicle, which is to be embedded at least in part in or on a support that is covered, at least in the area of the switch, with a preferably flexible surface material on the surface thereof. The switch is disposed in an opening of the surface material while including a first zone located substantially in the support and a second push button used for triggering a function. The push button is embodied so as to cover at least some areas of the opening in the surface material and be non-positively and/or positively connected thereto. Also disclosed are a method for assembling such a switch as well as uses thereof as a window control and similar.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of the present invention comprise a signal generator for sending an electrical signal from an expandable, flexible layer of material, the signal generator comprising an upper layer of flexible, resilient material and a lower layer of flexible, resilient material which between them define a cavity for enclosing an expandable material such as a cellular foam or gas, whereupon localized distortion of one of the layers of flexible material, effects a signal generation within the structure, which is transmissible through a proper circuit to an outside electrical device. A circuit may be arranged adjacent a plurality of said keys which senses when several of said keys are depressed in a skewed or sideways manner, so as to effect movement of a cursor or pointer on a monitor in communication with a processing unit and said keyboard.
Abstract:
A press detection sensor contains a base member having predetermined length and width and also having a predetermined shape, a first conductor having predetermined length and being arranged on the base member, and a second conductor that is arranged on the base member with the second conductor being faced to the first conductor. The press detection sensor also contains a conductive contact body that is arranged between the first conductor and the second conductor. The conductive contact body connects the first and second conductors electrically in response to an external force. The press detection sensor further contains a covering member that includes the contact body on the inside thereof. The covering member covers a top of the base member which includes the first and second conductors. The covering member contains at least one of flexibility and elasticity.
Abstract:
A control part for causing transmission of a remote control signal from a transmission part according to a resistance of a pressure-sensitive conductive contact part causes periodic transmission of a repetition signal, when the resistance of the pressure-sensitive conductive contact part is kept constant. Thus, when an operating body is continuously held down with a constant force and the resistance of the pressure-sensitive conductive contact part is kept constant, the control part causes periodic transmission of the repetition signal having a smaller number of pulses, at predetermined intervals. With such an operation, a remote control transmitter capable of reducing power consumption is provided.