US 6,982,696 B1
Moving magnet actuator for providing haptic feedback
Erik J. Shahoian, San Ramon, Calif. (US)
Assigned to Immersion Corporation, San Jose, Calif. (US)
Filed on Jun. 30, 2000, as Appl. No. 9/608,130.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/142155, filed on Jul. 01, 1999.
Int. Cl. G09G 5/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 345—156 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A computer input device comprising an actuator, which comprises: a core member, having a central projection; a coil wrapped around said central projection; a magnet positioned so as to provide a gap between said core member and said magnet and operable to move in a degree of freedom relative to said core member; and an elastic material disposed in said gap and configured to limit a range of motion of said magnet in said degree of freedom, wherein; said core member comprises a first curved surface; said magnet comprises a second curved surface; and said elastic material is disposed in a gap formed between said first curved surface and said second curved surface.