386 results about "Finger operation" patented technology

According to the invention, a finger-operated switch for activating and operating an ultrasonic surgical handpiece is provided. The power output of the surgical handpiece is responsive and proportional to the pressure applied to the finger-operated switch. The finger-operated switch includes, but not limited to, force sensitive resistors whose resistance is proportional to the force applied by the finger of the human operator of the surgical handpiece, force sensitive capacitors whose capacitance is proportional to the pressure, deflection or compression of the insulation layer between two electrodes or is proportional to the spacing between the two conductive layers, strain gauges mounted underneath or integral to the housing of the surgical handpiece such that the pressure applied thereto results in an output change in the strain gauges, magnets or ferromagnets encased or embedded in an elastomer with a sensor inside the surgical handpiece that detects the field strength of the magnet and monitors changes relative to the force applied to the handpiece housing, and piezo film or piezo ceramic whose charge or voltage is proportional to the force applied.

A digital information appliance comprises a housing having a display disposed on a first surface for displaying information to a user of the digital information appliance and an input device disposed on a second surface opposed to the first surface for imputing information. The input device is oriented with respect to the display so as to be operable by the fingers of the user's hand for input of information while holding the housing so the display is viewable.

A steering mechanism may comprise an actuation system for one-fingered operation by a user, the system configured to move at least a distal portion of the medical device such that 360 degree articulation is achievable, and a housing coupled to the system, the housing having proximal and distal ends. The system may comprise a first lever rotatable about a first axis, the first lever coupled to a first cam and configured to move the first cam from a first position to a second position when rotated about the first axis to deflect the distal portion; and a second lever rotatable about a second axis, the second lever coupled to a second cam and configured to move the second cam from a first position to a second position when rotated about the second axis to deflect the distal portion, wherein the first lever is coupled to the second lever.

A mobile terminal includes a housing, a first user interface located on a first face of the housing, a second user interface located on a second face of the housing different from the first face, and a controller within the housing and coupled to the first and second user interfaces. The second user interface includes a touch sensor configured to be used in tandem with the first user interface. The second user interface is positioned on the housing relative to the first user interface such that, when the mobile terminal is held in the user's hand, the first user interface is operable by a thumb and the second user interface is operable by a finger of the same hand. The first user interface is configured to receive a first user input, and the second user interface is configured to receive a second user input. The controller is configured to detect a combination of the received first and second user inputs, and is configured to perform a mobile terminal function associated with the detected combination responsive to detection of the combination. Related user interfaces and methods of operation are also discussed.

A miniature touchpad disposed underneath the surface of a single key cap that is disposed in a keyboard, wherein the key cap touchpad provides proximity sensing through the material of the key cap to the key cap surface, wherein a user moves a finger across the key cap surface in order to manipulate a cursor on a display screen, scroll through items in a list, navigate through web pages, or other functions typically associated with a full-function touchpad.

A firearm accessory that includes a body that is demountably attached to a firearm, the body containing: a camera; a microphone; a memory chip; a micro-controller operable to record a user's firearm activity into the memory chip as captured by the camera and the microphone; and, a trigger-switch mechanism demountably attached to a firearm-handle operable by a user's finger to turn the contents of the body on but not off. The body disposed on a firearm further includes a plurality of electronic components operable to: record audio, video, location, time, and date, at the time of usage of a firearm; and transmit the recorded a record audio, video, location, time, and date, outside of the body through a wire, a portable memory card, or wirelessly in realtime.

A pointing device to operate a portable electronic device using a finger is disclosed. The pointing device comprises a light emitting means for illuminating a subject; a hole through which light from the light emitting means is transmitted; an image-acquisition area for taking an image of the subject from the transmitted light; an image-formation means for forming an image by focusing the light reflected from the image-acquisition area; a conversion means for converting the image formed by the image-formation means into an electric signal; and an operation means for detecting the change of the image and calculating the amount of the change using the electric signal output from the conversion means. The subject is preferably the surface of a finger, a lattice, or any perceivable pattern. The pointing device can be embodied on portable electronic devices such as cellular phones and PDAs because it is small in size.

An example capacitive switch apparatus comprises a capacitive switch sensor providing a capacitive switch signal, a capacitive reference sensor providing a capacitive reference signal, and an electronic circuit, receiving the switch and reference signals and detecting switch activation by comparing the switch signal level with a threshold level. The threshold level is adjusted as a function of the reference signal level. The reference signal is obtained, for example during periods of operator proximity to the reference sensor. For a finger-operated switch, the reference signal is obtained when a finger is proximate the reference sensor.

A controller characterized with a function for adjusting the controller to provide an optimal operational feel to a player comprises a main body configured to be held by the player performing a game, a plurality of operational keys arranged on the main body, a pair of analog stick means arranged on the main body, a switch arranged in contact with the plurality of operational keys and a plurality of adjustment parts for adjusting key stroke of the plurality of operational keys. The plurality of operational keys is configured to be operated by a finger of the player. The plurality of plurality of operational keys, the switch and the plurality of adjustment parts are configured to be adjusted by the player holding the controller so as to achieve an optimal operational feel, according to the player's preferences and game characteristics.

Childproof packaging (10) for a product such as matches or pharmaceutical tablets includes a sleeve (12) and a container (14) for the product within the sleeve. The package includes two pairs of latches, (20-38-42, 22-40-44) with each latch of a pair oppositely located on the package. A user must use both hands simultaneously, with a respective hand operating a respective pair of latches, to hold the latches in an unlatched condition and also simultaneously to apply pressure to the container (14) to slide it outwardly relatively to the sleeve (12). Such a two-handed, five finger operation to open the package (10) requires a dexterity that is easy for adults but very difficult for children. Each latch may be a spring arm (42, 44) mounted tab or button (38, 40) which seats in an aperture (20, 22) in the sleeve (12).

The invention discloses a method and system for a mobile terminal to achieve a navigation key function based on fingerprint identification. The method and system comprises the following steps that a fingerprint touch identification area is arranged on the reverse side of the mobile terminal; when fingerprint touch operation in the fingerprint touch identification area is detected, whether the fingerprint touch operation is sliding operation or click operation is judged; corresponding functional processing is carried out according to the operation mode. According to the method and system for the mobile terminal to achieve the navigation key function based on the fingerprint identification, the fingerprint touch identification area is arranged on the reverse side of the mobile terminal, so that the functions of previous-next page turning, left-right switching and the like on web pages and electronic books are achieved through finger operation on the reverse side of the mobile terminal. Therefore, a user can operate a large-screen mobile phone with one hand when using the large-screen mobile phone and the user can use the mobile phone conveniently.

Disclosed are systems, methods, and devices for interfacing with a wearable heads-up display via a finger-operable input device. The wearable heads-up display may include a display element for receiving and displaying display information received from a processor, and may also include a wearable frame structure supporting the display element and having a projection extending away from the display element. The projection may be configured to secure the heads-up display to a user's body in a manner such that the display element is disposed within a field of view of the user. A finger-operable input device secured to the wearable frame structure is configured to sense at least one of a position and movement of a finger along a planar direction relative to a surface of the input device, and to provide corresponding input information to the processor.

Described are methods and apparatus for promoting and attaining effective hand hygiene based on the employment of a class of packaging which provides timely access to and convenient use of hand sanitizing fluids for hand rubbing. A specific and novel type of package representative of this class found to be particularly useful in facilitating this method is a small, flat, disposable, twin chambered, multi-dose, self-sealing polymer packet designed to be pocket carried by the user. Through simple and direct finger manipulation a measured dose of hand sanitizing fluid is drawn on to the hand in a controlled and wasteless manner from a metering chamber opened for dispersal through a tear in the packet wall. The self-sealing packet reserves and preserves the remaining fluid for future uses and permits the packet to be immediately returned to a pocket without any closure manipulation. Rubbing the hands to distribute the fluid achieves an effective degree of hand sanitation by substantially reducing the presence of hand-borne pathogens. Distribution of the packets is encouraged by the use of lottery and gaming techniques that heighten the opportunity of using a hand sanitizing fluid for proper hand hygiene.

A rounded keypad device capable of being operated with only one finger comprises the invention. The keypad device includes a keypad having keys, which are positioned within a movement radius of the finger of an operator and have the English letters required for forming desired words or numbers or functions to be executed. The keys are arranged in a high using-frequency key section involving first set keys among the keys of the keypad, the first keys being assigned to English letters and functions that are relatively frequently used when inputting letters and function executing instructions. The first keys being positioned in a round configuration which is defined around the eye's focal point on the keypad and in a minimum movement radius of the finger of the operator, along a first virtual circle. The keypad also includes a second low-using frequency key section comprising remaining second set of keys among the keys of the keypad, the second keys being assigned to English letters and functions that are relatively infrequently used when inputting letters and function executing instructions. The second set of keys is arranged in a rounded configuration concentric with the rounded configuration of the first set of keys and having a radius larger than the minimum movement radius. Various mode and function switches are also provided and the geometric configurations can be used with a variety of keypads and for inputting a variety of devices.

In a preferred form, a keyboard has a single row of eight multi-position keys or groups of key elements with the letters arranged in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration. The eight keys or key element groups correspond to the eight fingers used when touch typing; each finger operates one key, and that key contains all the letters that the finger normally accesses when touch typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard. With this design, no finger has to move to a different key or key element group while typing. In certain forms, when depressed at different locations on its key face, each key either moves straight down, or down while tilting slightly about one of a plurality of axes. Three-position keys have two tilt axes and six-position keys have five tilt axes. The switches utilize contacts located on the bottom of the switches which may be conductive or nonconductive.

An ultrasonic surgical instrument having a handle with a finger actuator, and more particularly, an ultrasonic surgical device adapted to be held by a surgeon and fingers-operated with precise movements while opening and closing an ultrasonic instrument while meeting the ergonomic requirements of the surgeon with regard to comfort and imparting the surgeon with an enhanced dextral control for easy maneuverability of the instrument. The instrument incorporates a thimble-shaped lever at the distal end of the handle for actuating the clamp arm of the ultrasonic surgical instrument, and votator structure for selective rotation of the surgical device whereby the ergonomic thimble-shaped lever and pencil grip provide the physician with an improved degree of control, greater comfort in manipulating the instrument, and the ability to perform blunt dissections.

The present invention comprises a portable measuring vessel with a removably attached digital measuring device. The digital measuring device includes one or more load cells, one or more processors, an input unit, and an output unit. Preferably the input unit is one or more finger-actuatable switches and the output unit is a visual display, such as an LCD. The processor is connected to the input, output, load cell and power source, thereby making a convenient, portable and easily used product.

A cartridge holder is shown which comprises a back portion which has at an inner surface a plurality of cartridge gripping parts by which one sides of cartridges are gripped, a pair of lid portions which are pivotally connected to opposed sides of the back portion through respective major hinge portions; catching and caught portions which are provided at free ends of the lid portions and lock the lid portions when the lid portions are pivoted toward their closed position; and a plurality of extra hinge portions which are defined by the back portion. By roundly flexing the back portion at the major hinge portions, the cartridge gripping parts, that is, the cartridges gripped by these cartridge gripping parts are opened like a fan. Thus, upper ends of the cartridges are separated thereby facilitating handling of the upper ends of the cartridges by the fingers of a user. In order to prevent a swell-out phenomenon of the back portion which would occur when the back portion is roundly flexed, there is provided a swell-out phenomenon suppressing means. In order to prevent removal of the cartridges from the cartridge gripping parts which would occur when vibration and shock are applied thereto under conveying of the holder, there is provided a cartridge retaining rib.

The finger-operated input device connectable to a digital device is disclosed. The aforesaid input device comprises (a) a sensing pad being responsive to displacement of the finger substantially parallel to the pad in a reach range thereof and transmitting electrical signals in response thereto; and (b) an analyzing unit arranged to receive said electrical signals and calculate a data defining trajectory of the finger and transmit the data to the digital device; The sensing pad comprises at least three sensors perceptive to motion of the finger relative to the sensors.

The invention relates to an intelligent man-machine interface device for integrating and substituting the existing a plurality of peripheral equipments of computer such as key-board, mouses, writing pads, sketching board, game peripherals, MIDI keyboard, etc., especially discloses a concept, principle and implementing method of made-to-order layout intelligent man-machine interface device. The man-machine interface device uses the LCD display operations interface to percept the finger movement in a contact or non-contact manner, interpret into corresponding control signals, and load in the computer main unit from interfaces, thereby completing the operations to the operating system or corresponding software. The man-machine interface device is preset with a plurality of man-machine interface layouts, users can use the operations element provided by the system to set up special purpose man-machine interface layouts according to their preference and requirements, or can use the special purpose setting layout provided for software. Users can switch from the man-machine interface layouts. The man-machine interface device adopts a multi-point triggering technique, can recognize single finger complicated operations, multiple finger operations and both hands simultaneous operation.

A computer apparatus includes a computer processing unit including a processor device for operating upon data and providing data for display. The apparatus further includes a handheld input / output display unit. The display unit includes a housing sized to be grasped by a user's hand. A computer display is located within the housing at a position to allow the user to view the computer display through an eyepiece. A display driver is used for presenting data from the processing unit on the computer display. Navigational input tools are integrated with the computer display in the housing and operatively connected to provide user input to the processing unit. The navigational input tools are positioned for operation by one or more fingers of the user's grasping hand. The computer processing unit may be integrated within the housing of the handheld input / output display unit. The navigational input tools may include a mouse having a force actuated pointer and at least one button, e.g., a single button mouse or a two button mouse, or may include a three button interface.

An animal reward dispensing apparatus for attaching to an animal trainer's forearm, the apparatus having a dispensing tube defined about a longitudinal axis, the dispensing tube having at least a first and second attaching straps for attaching the dispensing tube to the animal trainer's forearm. The dispensing tube also having a first and second spaced apart ends defining an interior cavity, and a spring located inside the interior cavity of the dispensing tube and positioned between the first and second ends of the dispensing tube. A variably sized animal rewards receptacle is defined in the interior cavity of the dispensing tube between a free end of the spring and the second end of the dispensing tube, and a finger operated dispensing mechanism is located adjacent the second end of the dispensing tube having a closed position to contain an amount of animal rewards within the variable animal reward receptacle, and an open position to facilitate the extraction and dispensing of at least one animal reward from the dispensing tube and into the trainer's hand.

An adjustable clip for gripping a tarp or the like. There are first and second jaw portions having first ends that are joined by a hinge and second ends that are spread apart to form a receiving area. A finger-operated screw or threaded knob is mounted to the jaw portions at a location between the first and second ends, so that the jaw portions are urged together in response to tightening of the screw or knob. The hinge may be a live hinge for resiliently biasing the jaw portions apart, and the jaw portions and live hinge may be formed as a unitarily molded structure. An attachment portion extends from the hinge and has at least one opening for receiving a rope or other cord therein. The jaw portions are provided with surface contouring for securely gripping the sheet material of the tarp while minimizing damage thereto. The grip force of the assembly can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the threaded knob or screw as desired.

In a preferred form, a keyboard has a single row of eight multi-position keys with the letters arranged in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration. The eight keys correspond to the eight fingers used when touch typing; each finger operates one key, and that key contains all the letters that the finger normally accesses when touch typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard. With this design, no finger has to move to a different key while typing. When depressed at different locations on its key face, each key either moves straight down, or down while tilting slightly about one of a plurality of axes. Three-position keys have two tilt axes and six-position keys have five tilt axes. The switches utilize contacts located on the bottom of the switches which may be conductive or nonconductive.

A protection device for medical needles connected to a portion of tube comprises: a protection casing (20) arranged to enclose and cover the needle after use, it being initially applied in a position to the rear of the point (11) of the needle; a front end (25) facing the point of the needle, to be rested against a foreign body (D3) for reaction in extracting the needle from the patient's body; means (30) for securing the device to the tube (15); and thrust means (21, 22) which when operated by the operator's finger (D1, D2) increase the distance between the securing means (30) and said front end (25) in order to cause the needle (10) to move towards the protection casing (20) until it lies inside the interior of this latter (20). During the extraction of the needle (10) from the patient's body (P), the device (1) is rigidly secured to the tube (15) in proximity to the needle (10), and the operator, by operating on the device, is able to direct the needle (10) as he wishes, to achieve its correct extraction.