Importance

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Abstract

A manually operable touch pad for generating steering signals and enable signals for manipulating an image on a CRT display or for controlling the operation of plural motors whereby the image or object being driven can be positioned using appropriate hand/eye coordination. The touch pad comprises a box-like mounting base supporting a rectangular printed circuit board on which are mounted four opto-switches centered on the respective edges thereof. The printed circuit board also supports other circuit components and the necessary interconnecting conductors. Overlaying the base in covering relation with respect to the printed circuit board is a molded plastic top having a center post which depends downwardly from the underside thereof, passing through an apertrue in the printed circuit card and adaptive to be secured to the center of the base by a flexible coupling. Depending downwardly from the underside of the cover are four opaque projections positioned to selectively interrupt the passage of light energy in the four opto-switches. By manipulating the top member, it can be rocked in such a way that the trigger tabs can appropriately actuate the opto-switches and thereby produce the desired control signals.

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First Claim