Remote transmitter and method

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for remotely contacting a controller.
In particular, the present invention provides a remote transmitter that can withstand the rigors of day-to-day activity without falsely contacting or activating a controller such as a telephone dialing system.
More particularly, the invention provides a remote transmitter having a switch that is actuatable through a user's tactile sensation and easily operable by the elderly and the very young.
In a first aspect, the present invention provides a remote transmitter for use with a controller, such as a telephone base unit.
The remote transmitter comprises a housing and a signal transmitter coupled to the housing and a sliding element for activating the signal transmitter.
The sliding element which moves to a signal on position and activates the signal transmitter when said element is moved away from the center of the housing.
The housing may have a linear path and the sliding element may translate along the path between a signal off position and the signal on position.
The sliding element may also include a lip for engaging a plurality of notches along said linear path of the housing.
Typically a user input is connected to the sliding element, and the input extends a sufficient distance from the housing to allow the user to locate and manipulate the user input through tactile sensing.
When the user manipulates the input or the sliding element, the signal transmitter sends a transmission, typically a digitally coded signal, to a telephone and causes the dialing of a selected telephone number.
The user input of the present invention may comprise of a variety of different types of inputs so long as they provide an easily graspable object for the user.
Typical examples of a user input include a flexible cord, a firm rod device, or perhaps even the housing molded to provide a contoured, ergonomic fit with the user's hand.
Generally, the input is moved away from the center of the device to activate the signal transmitter