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US 2009/0023116 A1Published application
Braille module with compressible pin arrays
OwnerKeith N. Shawinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A refreshable tactile reader apparatus for Braille text and graphics, utilizing a plurality of compressible tactile pins that can absorb strong downward forces. Such strong forces transmitted through tactile pins can damage pin actuation mechanisms. The physical enclosure of the reader provides open channels that allow the apparatus to be more easily cleaned than prior art enablements.
Claims18
A Braille reader apparatus comprising:
- an upper deck having a plurality of first apertures therethrough;
- a lower deck having a plurality of second apertures therethrough;
- a plurality of Braille pins axially engaged with both sets of apertures for translation therein thereby enabling a Braille reading;
- each said pin positionable between an extended state extending an upper portion of the pin above a top surface of the upper deck, and a retracted state wherein the upper portion of the pin is concealed below the top surface;
- and a plurality of compressible elements, each of the compressible elements positioned between, and engaged with, the upper and lower portions of one of the pins;
- whereby for any one said pin, the upper portion of the pin is able to translate toward the lower portion of the pin while the lower portion of the pin remains stationary.
3 more elements
A Braille reader apparatus comprising:
- an upper deck having a plurality of first apertures therethrough;
- a lower deck having a plurality of second apertures therethrough;
- a plurality of Braille pins axially engaged with the apertures for translation therein;
- and a plurality of compressible elements, each one of the compressible elements positioned between, and engaged with, an upper and a lower portions of each one of the pins.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.