Patents by Inventor Elmer J. Hankes

Elmer J. Hankes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5774383
    Abstract: A portable computer with at least one reduced-key keypad for one-handed operation is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the portable computer includes two data display screens for displaying data from two programs running simultaneously. It also includes two keypads, both of which are capable of entering the full range of alphanumeric characters and software control commands. An alternate embodiment may be modified to provide universal communication capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Elmer J. Hankes
  • Patent number: 5583497
    Abstract: A data entry terminal for one-handed use, the terminal having a limited number of keys, all of which may be reached by a single hand of the user from a home position that does not require the keyboard operator to reposition their hand when moving from one key to another. The keyboard preferably includes a heel rest on which the heel of the hand may be pivotably positioned for comfortable, reliable positioning while operating the keyboard, requiring a minimum amount of eye contact with the keyboard, permitting the keyboard operator to maintain eye contact with the source of data being entered into the computer or other data gathering device. The terminal is preferably bent in two places, with a row of keys on each of the two resulting generally upwardly angled surfaces and three rows of keys on the flat intermediate surface connecting the two angled surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Elmer J. Hankes
  • Patent number: 5388061
    Abstract: A portable computer with at least one reduced-key keypad for one-handed operation is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the portable computer includes two data display screens for displaying data from two programs running simultaneously. It also includes two keypads, both of which are capable of entering the full range of alphanumeric characters and software control commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: Elmer J. Hankes
  • Patent number: D269281
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Inventor: Elmer J. Hankes
  • Patent number: D345965
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Elmer J. Hankes
  • Patent number: D357464
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Elmer J. Hankes