Kenneth Martin Twain

US Patent:

6606081, Aug 12, 2003

Filed:

Nov 22, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/721364

Inventors:

Denny Jaeger - Oakland CA 94611
Kenneth M. Twain - Oakland CA 92718

International Classification:

G09G 300

US Classification:

345111, 345108, 345619, 345651, 345678, 345764, 345738, 348594, 348595

Abstract:

The invention includes moveable magnetic devices, for use in conjunction with electronic displays associated with computers and electronic devices enable manual input devices and control devices to be joined to the display, whereby the electronic device may be controlled, inputs may be made thereto, and the electronic display may be altered in correspondence to these inputs. In one aspect, the invention includes a fader controller comprised of a longitudinally extending track having a portion thereof extending over an image area of an electronic display, and a fader cap joined to the track for longitudinal sliding translation therealong. A plurality of permanent magnets are spaced along the track, and the fader cap includes at least one electromagnet. Conductive rails extend longitudinally on the track, and the fader cap includes contacts that electrically engage the conductive rails. Some of the fader cap contacts are connected to the electromagnet(s), and at least one track interacts with one contact on the fader cap to detect the instantaneous position of the fader cap.

US Patent:

6642919, Nov 4, 2003

Filed:

Apr 18, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/551484

Inventors:

Denny Jaeger - Oakland CA
Kenneth M. Twain - Oakland CA

Assignee:

Intertactile Technologies Corporation - Oakland CA

International Classification:

G09G 500

US Classification:

345161, 345156, 345177, 345204, 345 12, 345 23, 345 31, 455 301, 455 24, 4554262

Abstract:

One or more controls producing control signals for electrical apparatus are disposed at the face of an electronic display screen which display graphics pertinent to the operation of the controls. Controls having a cap which is slidable along a track include a tongue in the track connecting with signal producing components at an off screen location thereby enabling use of a track of minimal bulk. Controls having slidable caps or turnable knobs and controls such as joysticks and switches snap engage at the face of the screen enabling easy replacement and movement to different locations on the screen. Control signals may be transmitted to an off screen location without use of conductors extending along the screen.

US Patent:

6670952, Dec 30, 2003

Filed:

Jan 14, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/043820

Inventors:

Denny Jaeger - Oakland CA
Kenneth M. Twain - Oakland CA

Assignee:

Intertact Corporation - Oakland CA

International Classification:

G09G 500

US Classification:

345179, 345156, 178 1905

Abstract:

A control device provides a variable control signal to electrical apparatus and has a control member, such as a stylus or a turnable or slidable member, that is manipulated to vary the signal. Photoelectric sensors detect and track movement of the control member. The control member is disposed at the face of an electronic image display screen which can display calibration marks, identifying labels, current setting and/or other graphics pertinent to operation of the control device. The display screen also operates as the light source for the photoelectric sensors.

US Patent:

6700567, Mar 2, 2004

Filed:

Aug 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/639298

Inventors:

Denny Jaeger - Oakland CA
Kenneth M. Twain - Oakland CA

Assignee:

Intertact Corporation - Oakland CA

International Classification:

G09G 500

US Classification:

345179, 178 1901

Abstract:

A powered touch screen input device is perpetually self-powered and free of any mechanical connection to the touch screen itself. The input device includes at least one photovoltaic cell supported thereon and disposed to receive light from the display screen associated with the touch screen device. The photovoltaic cell is connected to the electronic signaling circuit disposed within the input device. The input device comprises a stylus having a proximal tip connected to the electronic signaling circuit to generate or receive actinic radiation and interact with the touch screen device. A bezel extends about the barrel to enclose the photovoltaic cells and direct light from the display screen to the cells. Alternatively, RF energy may be transmitted to an antenna in the input device and rectified to drive the electronic signaling circuit.

US Patent:

8199114, Jun 12, 2012

Filed:

Sep 26, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/670610

Inventors:

Denny Jaeger - Oakland CA, US
Kenneth M. Twain - Oakland CA, US
John Ream - San Jose CA, US

International Classification:

G06F 3/041
G06F 3/033
G09G 5/00
G06K 11/06

US Classification:

345173, 345161, 345179, 345184, 178 1801, 178 1803, 178 1901

Abstract:

The invention provides mechanical devices to enhance the input process for touch screen devices. Fader tracks with or without fader caps, rotary and fixed knobs, and joysticks may be removably adhered to a touch screen and used to emulate their respective functions, using software interpretation of the touch detections provoked by the devices to carry out the emulations. The devices are inexpensive and simple, and the touch screen and associated software provide the function and feel of electromechanical controllers that are far more expensive and difficult to connect and maintain. The devices may be provided as components on a crack-and-peel sheet. For fixed knobs, the software application accepts initial inputs and determines the location on the touch screen, and also interprets the geometry of the input strokes as commands for selected controller emulations, such as joystick, fader, knob, or mouse. The invention also provides a touch sensor controller having a longitudinal web that incorporates touch sensor electrodes and conductors and emulates a fader controller. The invention further provides a flexible track controller mounted at the periphery of a touch screen and extendable thereover to emulate a fader controller.

US Patent:

20080238879, Oct 2, 2008

Filed:

Oct 18, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/975611

Inventors:

Denny Jaeger - Oakland CA, US
Kenneth M. Twain - Oakland CA, US
John Ream - San Jose CA, US

International Classification:

G06F 3/041

US Classification:

345173

Abstract:

The invention provides mechanical devices to enhance the input process for touch screen devices. Fader tracks with or without fader caps, rotary and fixed knobs, and joysticks may be removably adhered to a touch screen and used to emulate their respective functions, using software interpretation of the touch detections provoked by the devices to carry out the emulations. The devices are inexpensive and simple, and the touch screen and associated software provide the function and feel of electromechanical controllers that are far more expensive and difficult to connect and maintain. The devices may be provided as components on a crack-and-peel sheet. For fixed knobs, the software application accepts initial inputs and determines the location on the touch screen, and also interprets the geometry of the input strokes as commands for selected controller emulations, such as joystick, fader, knob, or mouse. The invention also provides a touch sensor controller having a longitudinal web that incorporates touch sensor electrodes and conductors and emulates a fader controller. The invention further provides a flexible track controller mounted at the periphery of a touch screen and extendable thereover to emulate a fader controller. The flexible track may be motor driven.

US Patent:

63269562, Dec 4, 2001

Filed:

Aug 24, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/139078

Inventors:

Denny Jaeger - Oakland CA
Kenneth M. Twain - Oakland CA

Assignee:

Intertactile Technologies Corporation - Oakland CA

International Classification:

G09G 500

US Classification:

345179

Abstract:

A control device provides a variable control signal to electrical apparatus and has a control member, such as a stylus or a turnable or slidable member, that is manipulated to vary the signal. Photoelectric sensors detect and track movement of the control member. The control member is disposed at the face of an electronic image display screen which can display calibration marks, identifying labels, current setting and/or other graphics pertinent to operation of the control device. The display screen also operates as the light source for the photoelectric sensors.

US Patent:

50180576, May 21, 1991

Filed:

Jan 17, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/466467

Inventors:

John D. Biggs - Danville CA
Kenneth M. Twain - Oakland CA

Assignee:

Lamp Technologies, Inc. - Danville CA

International Classification:

F21V 2300

US Classification:

362295

Abstract:

A light module adapted to provide light temporarily in a confined space comprises a generally oblong and relatively thin housing that retains a bulb for providing a source of light, a power source sufficient to activate the bulb, and an electrical control circuit. The circuit includes a touch sensitive sensor for closing a circuit between the bulb and the power source to turn on the bulb, and a timer for opening the circuit to automatically turn off the bulb after it has been on for a predetermined period of time. The circuit also contains elements for requiring the sensor to be touched twice within a limited time period in order to activate the bulb.