U.S. Patent number: 4,595,070
Filed: Jun. 27, 1984
Issued: Jun. 17, 1986
Inventor: Richard P. Hodges
While others were busy building better mice, inventor Richard Hodges designed a rather curious mouse accessory. In 1986, Hodges was issued a patent for a device that would support a mouse "above a working surface on a cushion of air or other gaseous fluid." Why did Hodge think his device was needed? According to the patent:
"A major drawback to the current use of a computer mouse has been the fatigue associated with the precise movement required of the mouse. Extended use of a computer mouse while performing highly detailed work can produce operator tensions and associated fatigue, together with a reduction in operator performance."
Image taken from U.S. Patent 4,595,070 - Digitized by Google
Computer mouse evolution: Patent designs from the 1970s and 1980s
by Bill Detwiler | June 18, 2010, 10:43am PDT | Image 22 of 31
Cursor Control Support Device - Mouse Air-glide Platform
Cursor Control Support Device - Mouse Air-glide Platform - Image 22 of 31
Related Galleries
About Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is Head Technology Editor of TechRepublic. Previously, he worked as a Support Tech and IT Manager in the social research and energy industries.
No messages found
No messages found
0
Votes
RE: X-Y Position Indicator For A Display System (Computer mouse evolution: Patent designs from the 1970s and 1980s)
0
Votes
RE: X-Y Position Indicator For A Display System (Computer mouse evolution: Patent designs from the 1970s and 1980s)
Log in to display your contacts' posts.
Once logged in, adding contacts is simple. Just mouse over any member's photo or click any member's name then click the "Follow" button. You can easily manage your contacts within your account contacts page.
