Abstract: A flat input device and/or display is incorporated into a computer keyboard. The flat input device is multi-functional and may be used to realize a virtual keypad/mouse. The virtual keypad/mouse is a touch-sensitive device that in one mode of operation functions as a numeric keypad and in another mode of operation functions as a mouse, i.e., a pointing device for positioning a cursor. In still another mode of operation, the device may operate as a digitizer. The virtual keypad/mouse may be connected to the computer by a cable in addition to the conventional keyboard cable. A flat panel display may be used in lieu of or in addition to a conventional computer monitor, for viewing documents, for videoconferencing, collaborative work, etc.

Abstract: A storage device such as a CD, DVD or other optical disk drive is incorporated into the keyboard housing in what would normally be the numeric keypad area. The drive may be of a flip-top variety or may be of a type having a mechanized insertion drawer. A headphone output jack is provided such that a user may pop a CD or other recording into the drive and listen to it through headphones. A touch-screen LCD display may be provided in the numeric keypad area and may function as a control panel for the drive, providing volume controls, scanning controls, etc. When the drive is not in use, the touch-screen LCD display may be used to realize a virtual keypad, therefore making more effective use of what would normally be the numeric keypad area without sacrificing the functionality of a numeric keypad. The drive may be connected to the computer through a standard input port in the same manner as an external CD ROM drive.

Abstract: A game player is incorporated into a computer keyboard. Circuitry is provided for reading game code from a record-bearing medium. The medium may be a CD, DVD or other optical disk, in which case a CD, DVD or other optical disk drive is provided. The medium may be a game cartridge, in which case a game cartridge socket is provided. The game player may be connected to the computer display through a separate cable in addition to the normal keyboard cable, either directly using a Y-type connector or through a video input port of the computer.

Abstract: An improved blind unit or shade having no pull cord for raising and lowering the blind members of the blind unit. The lower rail is movable upwardly from the lowermost position thereof when an upwardly directed force is applied to cord structure coupled with the blind members and the lower rail. When the lower rail moves progressively upwardly or downwardly with reference to the head rail above the blind members, the lower rail supports a progressively greater or lesser number of blind members. A variable, upwardly directed force is applied to the cord structure with the force being substantially equivalent at all times to the combined weights of the lower rail and the blind members supported on the lower rail when the lower rail is above its lowermost operative position. The force applying means, in one embodiment includes at least one conical member coupled to a constant force spring. In another embodiment, the force applying means includes a variable force leaf spring.

Abstract: An assembly for steam heating or cooking given food products, particularly hot dogs and buns, is disclosed herein along with its method of operation. The assembly includes a housing having at least one internal cooking chamber, a chamber inlet door a vertically lower chamber outlet door and a downhill ramp extending between the two doors within the chamber. The ramp serves to support one or more food supporting trays successively placed in the chamber while the latter is maintained at a preset temperature by introducing steam therein in a controlled fashion. All of the trays within the chamber move down the ramp one at a time, toward the exit door and are removed from the chamber, again one at a time, in the order in which they were placed therein. This assures that one tray does not remain in the chamber too long while another is taken out too soon.