An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

External infusion device with remote programming, bolus estimator and/or vibration alarm capabilities

A haptic feedback planar touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor of the computer based on a location of user contact on the touch surface. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user contacting the touch surface. The touch input device can be a touchpad separate from the computer's display screen, or can be a touch screen. Output haptic sensations on the touch input device can include pulses, vibrations, and spatial textures. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.

Haptic feedback for touchpads and other touch control

A haptic feedback touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that provides position information to a computer based on a location of user contact. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position information, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user. The actuator can move the touchpad laterally, or a separate surface member can be actuated. A flat E-core actuator, piezoelectric actuator, or other types of actuators can be used to provide forces. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.

Haptic interface for laptop computers and other portable devices

A man-machine interface is disclosed which provides force and texture information to sensing body parts. The interface is comprised of a force actuating device that produces a force which is transmitted to a force applying device. The force applying device applies the generated force to a pressure sensing body part. A force sensor on the force applying device measures the actual force applied to the pressure sensing body part, while angle sensors measure the angles of relevant joint body parts. A computing device uses the joint body part position information to determine a desired force value to be applied to the pressure sensing body part. The computing device combines the joint body part position information with the force sensor information to calculate the force command which is sent to the force actuating device. In this manner, the computing device may control the actual force applied to a pressure sensing body part to a desired force which depends upon the positions of related joint body parts. In addition, the interface is comprised of a displacement actuating device which produces a displacement which is transmitted to a displacement applying device (e.g., a texture simulator). The displacement applying device applies the generated displacement to a pressure sensing body part. The force applying device and displacement applying device may be combined to simultaneously provide force and displacement information to a pressure sensing body part.

Force feedback and texture simulating interface device

A haptic device having a plurality of operational modes, including a first operational mode and a second operational mode is provided. The first operational mode is associated with a frequency range. The second operational mode is associated with a frequency range that is different from the frequency range of the first operational mode. A controller is coupled to the haptic device, and is configured to send the haptic device a plurality of control schemes. Each control scheme is uniquely associated with an operational mode from the plurality of operational modes. Another embodiment provides a method that includes providing power to a haptic device configured to cause the haptic device to provide a haptic sensation above a pre-determined sensation threshold. A voltage pulse that is configured to change the haptic sensation output by the haptic device by a pre-determined amount within a pre-determined time period is also applied to the haptic device.

System and method for controlling haptic devices having multiple operational modes

An alerting device for a paging receiver for generating vibration motion in the paging receiver housing. The alerting means comprises an electric motor, an eccentric weight, and a linking means. The electric motor is activated in response to an alert signal for rotating a driving shaft. The driving shaft is coupled to the eccentric weight by the linking means for rotating the eccentric weight. The linking means includes a driving means and a receiving means such that rotary motion is transmitted from the shaft to the eccentric weight while preventing transmission of vibration motion from the eccentric weight to the shaft. The eccentric weight is mechanically attached to the housing for transmitting the vibration motion directly to the housing without passing the vibration motion through the electric motor.

Vibrator alert device for a communication receiver

An improved housing arrangement is disclosed for a small, hand-held battery powered portable device which includes an associated battery compartment with integral battery door accessible from the side of the housing. The battery door and compartment are intercoupled by a non-destructive, breakaway hinge device which permits separation therebetween when the door is pivoted outwardly from the top beyond a set predetermined limit. It may be reattached simply and conveniently by a press fit. A latch mechanism is included integral with the surface of the battery door which may be operated by hand without special tools to latch and unlatch the door.

Housing arrangement with breakaway battery access door

An improved stackable integrated chip carrierassembly is disclosed which is especially suited for use in printed circuit board with dense configuration of components in limited areas of surface. The chip carrier assembly is mounted on an associated circuit board and allows the vertical stacking of active components in chip form, integral therein. The interconnections of the associated integrated circuit chips are accomplished without soldering which lends itself for easy disassembly when it becomes necessary to remove or replace an internal chip. The chip carrier assembly has an adaptable design allowing single or vertically stacked utilization of the module-like package. To achieve the necessary electrical isolation property, a ceramic cap is placed at the upper most position relative to the integrated module assembled package. This design has relatively few parts and allows smaller diameter wire to be used to achieve the required integrated circuit chip to package electrical bonding connections, when such is required.

Non-hermetically sealed stackable chip carrier package

A structure for supporting a portable electric device and for making electrical connections thereto for energizing the device and connecting the same to external apparatus. The structure shown is particularly adapted to support a portable radio for use in a vehicle, and for automatically connecting the radio to an electric current supply and/or an antenna, and/or to other external apparatus. The structure can also be used to lock the radio into the frame, protecting it against unauthorized removal. The supporting structure includes a housing for receiving the electric device, which is slidably mounted in a frame, with movement of the housing causing movement of connectors thereon into operative engagement with electrical connectors on the device. The frame may include a cam engaged by the actuator of a connector, to move the connector as the housing slides within the frame. The structure for supporting a portable radio may include first and second connectors moving in sequence as the housing with the radio therein slides within the frame, with the first connector making electrical connections to the radio and also accurately positioning the radio within the housing, and the second connector then moving to make connection with the radio.

Supporting and connecting structure for electric device

An apparatus (58) for effecting a vibrating motion, comprising a housing (62 and 66), an electromagnetic device (76 and 78) attached to the housing for effecting an alternating electromagnetic field, a magnetic device (90 and 92) coupled to the electromagnetic field for alternatively moving in a first and a second direction (9-9) in response to the electromagnetic field, and a structure (2) attached to the magnetic device and the housing (62 and 66) for turning modes in other than the first and second direction (9-9), the structure (2) comprising a diaphragm (2) having at least one spring (50, 52, 54, or 56) integrally positioned thereon.

George J. Selinko

Papers

Vibrator alert device for a communication receiver

Housing arrangement with breakaway battery access door

Non-hermetically sealed stackable chip carrier package

Supporting and connecting structure for electric device

Electromagnetic resonant vibrator