| 释义 |
Possum, n.2|ˈpɒsəm|
Also possum.
[f. the initial letters of patient operated selector mechanism, after possum n.1]
A proprietary name for any of various electronic devices, operated in different ways, which enable disabled persons to operate or control domestic fittings, machines, or other equipment.
1961New Scientist 8 June 561/1 The basis of the device, which is known as ‘Possum’, is that a small steady suck or blow can operate a sensitive switch which, in turn, operates a rotary switch connected to a grid. The grid sets out letters, numbers and punctuation symbols. 1961Trade Marks Jrnl. 12 July 918/1 Possum... All goods included in class 10 [i.e. surgical, medical, dental and veterinary instruments and apparatus, including artificial limbs, eyes, and teeth]. Reginald George Maling,..Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire; merchant. 1972Daily Tel. 31 Oct. 18 Electronic devices with which severely disabled people can operate typewriters and other machines by mouth, finger or toe, possums..enable the handicapped to lead useful lives. 1974Listener 25 Apr. 525/3 The Possum machine with which, by sucking and blowing into a tube, she can type, telephone, open the front door..or buzz for help. 1976Responaut Autumn 13/2 My window on the world, apart from my eyes, is 15 inches by 7, the size of the tilting mirror attached to my respirator. Reflected through this I can see my two Possum indicators revealing the 21 electrical devices I am able to control. |