US Patent 6930259 Encoder

The present invention relates to an electromechanical roller-key assembly of simple and robust construction. The assembly may be integrated in electronic equipment and generate digital control signals in response to an instantaneous change in angular position of a user-operated roller. The roller-key assembly according to the present invention is suitable for being manufactured with very small outer dimensions and with fewer and simpler mechanical parts compared to prior art roller-key assemblies, thereby making the roller-key assembly suitable for a simplified and automated factory assembly.