William Arthur Griffith

US Patent:

43697232, Jan 25, 1983

Filed:

Feb 25, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/238037

Inventors:

William C. Griffith - Fountain Inn SC
Charles E. Brocklehurst - Fountain Inn SC

Assignee:

Opelika Manufacturing Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

D05B 7104

US Classification:

112281

Abstract:

The pointed tip of a sewing machine needle is immersed in a liquid lubricant as it reaches the lower end of its downward stroke through the material being sewn, so as to coat the tip of the needle with a lubricant and reduce the friction and therefore the heat generated by the friction between the needle and the material being sewn.

US Patent:

44332173, Feb 21, 1984

Filed:

Aug 16, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/408328

Inventors:

William M. Griffith - Menlo Park CA

Assignee:

Koala Technologies Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H01H 1370
H01H 300
H01H 2500
A63F 706

US Classification:

200 5R

Abstract:

A hand controller for use in controlling the motion of a cursor on a video display comprises a spherical surface on which is mounted a flat plate. On the bottom of the flat plate is a unique electrical switch capable of indicating the direction in which the flat plate is rocked over the spherical surface. Attached to the bottom of the flat plate adjacent the spherical surface is a spring consisting of a substantially flat center portion and four spiralling arms extending from the periphery of said center portion to attach to the structure on which the spherical surface is mounted. When the flat plate is rocked over said spherical surface, the spring generates a restoring force which, upon removal of the rocking force, restores the flat plate to its nominal position. The spring makes possible rocking motion of the flat plate over the spherical surface without pinning the flat plate to a point on the spherical surface. In one embodiment, the controller is capable of moving the cursor in eight different directions.

US Patent:

44659083, Aug 14, 1984

Filed:

Aug 16, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/408326

Inventors:

William M. Griffith - Menlo Park CA
Gordon H. May - Cameron Park CA
David D. Thornburg - Los Altos CA

International Classification:

H01H 900
H01H 1300
H01H 2500

US Classification:

200 5R

Abstract:

A hand controller for use in controlling the motion of a cursor on a video display comprises a spherical surface on which is mounted a flat plate. On the bottom of the flat plate is a unique electrical switch capable of indicating the direction in which the flat plate is rocked over the spherical surface. Attached to the bottom of the flat plate adjacent the spherical surface is a spring consisting of a substantially flat center portion and four spiralling arms extending from the periphery of said center portion to attach to the structure on which the spherical surface is mounted. When the flat plate is rocked over said spherical surface, the spring generates a restoring force which, upon removal of the rocking force, restores the flat plate to its nominal position. The spring makes possible rocking motion of the flat plate over the spherical surface without pinning the flat plate to a point on the spherical surface. In one embodiment, the controller is capable of moving the cursor in eight different directions.