Pneumatic clicker for computer input device
OwnerThor M. Andersoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An accessory for a computer includes two pneumatically activated flexible bulbs, hermetically connected by flexible tubing. One of the bulbs is attached to a switch on an input device for the computer, while the other bulb is remote from the input device. Compression of the remote bulb results in a flow of air to the other bulb, thus activating the switch. The resultant remote activation of the switch permits the user to operate the input device while avoiding repetitive movements causing injury to the user's hand.
Claims20
A computer accessory for mechanically operating a switch on a computer input device, the computer accessory including:
- a first pneumatic bulb;
- a pneumatic information channel connected at a first end to the first pneumatic bulb;
- and
- a second pneumatic bulb connected at a second end of the pneumatic channel to receive air from the first pneumatic bulb, the second pneumatic bulb being mountable on the input device so as to activate the switch in response to compression of the first pneumatic bulb.
A computer accessory as in recited in 1, wherein the first and second pneumatic bulbs are formed of rubber.
An apparatus for use with a computer, comprising:
- an input device having a a mechanically activatable switch for inputting information to the computer;
- a first pneumatic bulb;
- a pneumatic information channel connected at a first end to the first pneumatic bulb;
- and
- a second pneumatic bulb connected at a second end of the pneumatic channel to receive air from the first pneumatic bulb, the second pneumatic bulb detachably mounted on the input device so as to activate the mechanically activatable switch in response to compression of the first pneumatic bulb.
A device for a user to mechanically operate a switch on a computer input device, the device including:
- a first pneumatic bulb, compressible by the user;
- a pneumatic channel connected at a first end to the first pneumatic bulb;
- and
- a second pneumatic bulb connected at a second end of the pneumatic channel in pneumatic communication with the first pneumatic bulb, the second pneumatic bulb being attachable to the input device and being expandable in response to compression of the first pneumatic bulb;
- whereby expansion of the second pneumatic bulb results in mechanical operation of the switch when the device is attached to the computer input device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.