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Computer command and pointing device with multi-axis engagement assembly

  • US 5,268,675 A
  • Filed: 10/30/1992
  • Issued: 12/07/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/23/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A computer system using a command apparatus for entering commands into a computer, the system comprising:

  • a command apparatus housing;

    a pointing device within said apparatus housing;

    a selectively releasable mechanical engagement assembly fixed to said apparatus housing to mechanically couple said apparatus housing to the computer and release said apparatus housing from the computer;

    a pair of spaced apart opposing side walls defining a recess in the computer;

    a pair of flanges extending from said side walls, said flanges being adapted to mechanically retain the apparatus within said recess to mechanically couple the apparatus to the computer;

    an electrical connection port within said recess to permit coupling of electrical signals between the computer and the apparatus when the apparatus is mechanically retained within said recess, said port comprising a flat surface made of electrically insulative material and a plurality of electrically conductive surfaces disposed on said flat surface in a single plane to make electrical contact with the apparatus; and

    an electrical engagement assembly on the apparatus allowing the connection of electrical signals between the computer and the apparatus when said mechanical engagement assembly is mechanically coupled to the computer, said electrical engagement assembly providing electrical contact with said conductive surfaces in said single plane, whereby the apparatus may be mechanically and electrically coupled to the computer from a plurality of angles to permit said electrical signals to be coupled between the apparatus and the computer without the need for external electrical cables therebetween.

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