Force and torque converter for use in a computer input device

An apparatus for providing an electronic signal in response to at least one of an applied force and an applied torque, the apparatus comprising:

• a base;
• a movable member that provides movement relative to the base in response to the at least one of the applied force and the applied torque;
• a controlling mechanism having
• a plurality of resilient mechanisms, connected to the base and co-acting with the movable member, that provide at least one of a restoring force and a restoring torque to the movable member in response to the at least one of the applied force and the applied torque, and
• a restraining member, disposed within the movable member, that is free of contact with the movable member when the movable member is disposed in a first position, and contacts the movable member to restrain the movement of the movable member relative to the base when the movable member is moved from the first position to a second position in response to the at least one of the applied force and the applied torque;
• and
• a detection circuit that detects the movement of the movable member relative to the base, and provides the electronic signal.