Morse code key using a strain gauge

• US 6,822,584 B2
• Filed: 05/17/2001
• Issued: 11/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Scheib, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): WONG, ALBERT KANG
• Application Number:
  US09/859,874
• Publication Number:
  US 20020171565A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,286 Days
• Field of Search: 341/20, 341/22, 341/34, 178/110, 200/211
• US Class Current: 341/22
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/9625 using a force resistance transducer

Abstract

The inventive code key comprises a bendable element and a strain gauge connected to the bendable element. The strain gauge changes resistance when the bendable element is moved.

Claims

1. A method for operating a code key comprising:

providing a flexible element; and

providing a first strain gauge connected to a first surface of the flexible element, and a second strain gauge connected to a second surface that is opposite the first surface; and

moving the flexible element and thereby changing the resistance of at least one of the strain gauges.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

detecting a change in resistance in at least one of the strain gauges; and

forming a signal.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

forming an output signal from the signal;

providing the output signal to one of an antenna, a land line, and a light link, wherein the output signal includes data representative of movement of the bendable element.