form of communication even over the spoken word for long communications.
STRUCTURAL AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Having a profile of only 1/10 of an inch, the joypad is an optimum mechanical structure to be wed with L. S. I. (Large Scale Integration) printed circuits boards since such boards stack most naturally as planes. In fact, the economics of P.C. manufacture and product testing suggest that 8" X 10" or 10" X 10" configurations are the most cost effective. The joypad, in conjunction with P.C. boards, allows the construction of a shallow, light weight housing in which a minimum of material is used. In addition, the joypad may readily be used to perform simple (up to 5) switching functions without modifications. Other switches may be employed with the device in one joypad using the same technology to perform coded digital switching or other complex switch functions thus further simplifying total package design.
The joypad is available in P. C. mount, edge card, or solderable flex circuit output configurations, lending itself to conventional assembly techniques.
Top or sub surfaces of the joypad may be silk-screened making the unit adaptable for the purposes of product distinction.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROPERTIES
The packaged joypad is hermetically sealed protecting it from damage by most common liquids and abrasives. Top surfaces besides standard vinyl or polyester materials may be specified; surface fabrics such as teflon leave the joypad immune to cigarets and matches. Mechanically the joypad is as impact resistent as the surface it is mounted on. The joypad substrate may be either flexible or rigid giving the designer the ability to mount on either flat or slighfly curved surfaces.
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