Peter Jonathan Crawford

US Patent:

6724366, Apr 20, 2004

Filed:

Apr 3, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/825107

Inventors:

Peter James Crawford - Chapel Hill NC 27514

International Classification:

G09G 508

US Classification:

345157, 345156, D14405

Abstract:

Various x-y input devices are disclosed that are adapted to allow a user to hold and operate the input device with a stress-reducing, open grip posture with the thumb pointing forward and on top of the device. One preferred embodiment discloses an input device for a computer comprising an x-y input sensor (such as a touchpad) positioned perpendicular to the thumb such that the user provides input with the thumb tip by using pivotal movement of the thumb. Various stress-reducing zero force touch switches are disclosed including zero force touch switches that can be adjusted to accommodate variations in user finger length. The mode of x-y cursor control can be altered through the use of x-y input sensor perimeter inputs. One preferred embodiment discloses a thumb actuated scroll select touch switch that alters the response to actuation of the finger actuated zero force touch switches from mouse button input to scroll wheel input. A unique fin-shaped feature of one preferred embodiment stabilizes the device within the relaxed hand and adapts the device to fit a range of user hand sizes.

US Patent:

RE40324, May 20, 2008

Filed:

Apr 20, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/409542

Inventors:

Peter James Crawford - Chapel Hill NC, US

Assignee:

Dhol New Ventures, LLC - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

G09G 5/08

US Classification:

345157, 345173, 345156, D14405, D14412, D14418, 348601, 348734, 463 37

Abstract:

Various x-y input devices are disclosed that are adapted to allow a user to hold and operate the input device with a stress-reducing, open grip posture with the thumb pointing forward and on top of the device. One preferred embodiment discloses an input device for a computer comprising an x-y input sensor (such as a touchpad) positioned perpendicular to the thumb such that the user provides input with the thumb tip by using pivotal movement of the thumb. Various stress-reducing zero force touch switches are disclosed including zero force touch switches that can be adjusted to accommodate variations in user finger length. The mode of x-y cursor control can be altered through the use of x-y input sensor perimeter inputs. One preferred embodiment discloses a thumb actuated scroll select touch switch that alters the response to actuation of the finger actuated zero force touch switches from mouse button input to scroll wheel input. A unique fin-shaped feature of one preferred embodiment stabilizes the device within the relaxed hand and adapts the device to fit a range of user hand sizes.

US Patent:

8069803, Dec 6, 2011

Filed:

Aug 25, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/547461

Inventors:

Peter James Crawford - Chapel Hill NC, US

International Classification:

B63H 25/00
A44B 1/04
A44B 11/25
A44B 17/00
F16G 11/00
B63H 25/10
B63H 25/04
B63H 25/34

US Classification:

114172, 114144 R, 114170, 24132 R, 24133

Abstract:

An improved tiller restraining device is provided for attachment to the underside of a boat's tiller to selectively control the position of the tiller and rudder. The device features a specialized mechanical clutch that grips or releases a control rope, which runs through the clutch and is secured across the cockpit. The device is operated with one hand by moving an integrated clutch lever upward to release the rope and allow free tiller movement, or downward to engage the rope and restrict tiller movement. Inside the device, a spring acts on the lever to pinch and bind the rope against the openings where the rope passes through the clutch housing. The spring and lever are aligned so they toggle, enabling the clutch to remain either engaged or disengaged with no additional controls.