Abstract: A contact-sensitive display screen panel of a craft unit is protected by a pivotable lid. The lid is rotatably supported by lid pivot attachments that enable the lid to be pivoted between closed and open positions, and to be stably locked as a support member in its fully extended attitude. Lid pin elements extend from opposite ends of a lid pin support element and engage left side and right side hinge assemblies. Each lid pin element has a tab element translatable along the underside of the lid. Each lid pin element is biased by a compression spring into engagement with a capturing slot in an interior bore of a post of a hinge arm element of a respective one of hinge assemblies. To rotate the lid from its open position, to its fully extended position, the craftsperson translate the tab elements against the biasing of compression springs, so that the lid pin element becomes unlocked from a slot in the interior bore of the hinge arm element of a respective hinge assembly.

Abstract: A portable, hand held, electronic calculator assembly has a retractable cover slidably mounted to a calculator. The calculator has a front with a keypad and display, and a back. The cover has an inner surface and an exposed outer surface. The cover is movable relative to the calculator between a first position where the cover inner surface is juxtaposed to the calculator front, thereby protecting the keypad and display, and a second position where the cover inner surface is juxtaposed to the calculator back.

Abstract: A modular casing for a remote control comprises a keyboard having keys thereon for selecting a predetermined function or channel selected from a group of keyboards having different layouts or shapes of keys and adapted to mate with a circuit board having switches thereon corresponding to the keys; an upper housing member having ports for receiving corresponding keys of the keyboard which extend outwardly at least partially through the ports when coupled thereto which is selected from a group of upper housing members having different layouts of ports for different layouts or shapes of keys and with or without an overlay panel; a panel section with grooves; and a lower housing member. The upper member is slidingly received in the grooves of the panel section to form a unitary cover which is secured to the lower housing member by screws or snap-fit interaction.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic telecommunications device is provided with a grip and protective casing made of elastomeric material for covering the back face and side walls of the device. The casing is provided with finger recesses on its exterior surface to permit the operator to reliably hold and even operate the device with one hand. The casing is constructed so as to be readily applied and even removed, as desired, by the operator himself. The manner by which the casing is supported on the device enables the casing material to avoid having to cover over any area of the front, operational face of the device, where such features as the ear piece, mouthpiece and push buttons are located.

Abstract: Cash drawer system for a point-of-sale terminal having a housing, a latchable drawer, and a mechanism for forcing the drawer outward. The drawer slides on a pair of slides positioned beneath the drawer, and the drawer is latchable to the slides by latches located in the front of the drawer. Orienting features of the slide and drawer cooperate to orient the drawer for latching during drawer insertion. The drawer is also laterally movable on the slides, which prevents jamming, binding and racking of the drawer if the slides are in a non-parallel position. A central portion of the drawer may be lower than the edges to provide increased media space below a cash till.

Abstract: A sheet counting machine including a sheet depositing portion into which sheets are deposited, an endless belt for taking out sheets deposited in the sheet depositing portion one by one and feeding them to the inside, a counter for counting the number of sheets fed from the endless belt, a stacker for stacking sheets counted by the sheet counter, an operating portion operated by the operator and a display for displaying various kinds of information, the sheet counting machine further including a first lid member capable of being opened and closed and a second lid member capable of being opened and closed, the operating portion and the display being formed on an inner surface of the first lid member so that the operating portion and the display are not exposed to an outside when the first lid member is closed, the sheet depositing portion being formed so as to be located below the operating portion and the display when the first lid means is closed, the stacker being formed on an inner surface of the second li

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated circuit card comprising a card support (130) which has a cavity (101) in which a vignette (200) is fixed, which vignette (200) comprises a circuit support (20, 40) and a circuit (10) arranged on a lower surface of the circuit support facing towards the interior of the cavity (101), the circuit (10) being positioned opposite a portion of a bottom (100) of the cavity (101). The bottom (100) has at least two weakenings (104) situated on either side of a bridge-portion (103) of the bottom.

Abstract: A hand-held portable data collection terminal is encased by an elongate housing of generally rectangular outline. The housing includes upper and lower housing shells which are assembled into a water tight housing. The upper housing shell may support on an upper surface a display and a keyboard with typically alpha-numeric keys. The area taken up by the display and keyboard defines an overall width of the data terminal which may exceed the width of a readily hand fitting grip. The terminal consequently includes in its lower housing shell a grip-conforming inwardly displaced lower wall bounded by inwardly converging angled sidewalls. The inwardly displaced region at the bottom of the housing is spanned by a resilient strap disposed longitudinally across the grip-conforming portion. A user may insert a hand into a space defined between the strap and the inwardly displaced surface.

Abstract: A housing for electronic apparatus, including an enclosure for housing power supply and amplifier circuits that are common to a number of different functional devices. A replaceable, hinged, modular front panel is provided and carries a control circuit on its inner face and switches, indicators, and control knobs on its outer face. Several front panels can be provided having different control circuits for connection with the power and amplifier circuits in the enclosure to thereby change the function of the device or the types of outputs and control functions that it can provide. The front panel is pivotable relative to the enclosure to permit quick and easy access to the interior of the enclosure for inspection and servicing, as well as ready accessibility to the control circuit that is mounted on the control panel. A metallic channel extends from the back panel to the control panel to provide a shielded wireway for input conductors connected with the control circuit.

Abstract: A computer functional card connecting apparatus comprised of a base having two parallel channel frames at two opposite ends thereof at right angles, wherein the base has a step block longitudinally disposed at the top with pin holes formed thereon, an elongated groove longitudinally disposed on the bottom with vertical contact pins made thereon for connecting to a mother board, transverse contact pins on an inner side for electrically connecting a computer functional card that has been inserted in between the two parallel channel frames, and a circuit board set between the step block and the bottom groove for electrically connecting said transverse contact pins, the vertical contact pins and the pin holes.

Abstract: A battery operated terminal apparatus having a battery a first notch cut in one side, and a housing. The battery is inserted through an insertion slot formed in the housing. A locking lever is arranged in the interior of the housing. The lock is rotatably supported and has a locking portion projecting into the notch cut out of battery. The battery inserted through the insertion slot is locked by the locking lever. A safety mechanism is disposed near the locking lever to fix the locking lever in a predetermined position when the battery is further into the receiving means, the safety mechanism released and the battery is discharged from the housing.

Abstract: The computer includes a computer housing, a cover and a hinge. The hinge overlies the top face of the housing and has three flaps defining a pair of spaced hinged axes, the edge flaps being secured to the rear face of the housing and the proximal edge of the cover, respectively. The cover is pivoted between positions covering the display screen and control elements closing the computer and an open position. In one open position, the cover is pivoted into opposition into the rear face of the housing and latched in that position whereby the cover serves as the base of a stand for the housing with the intermediate flap of the hinge serving as a generally upright support leg supporting and elevating the upper edge of the housing, whereby the display screen and controls lie in a plane inclined to the horizontal.

Abstract: A roller-type bill counter comprising a counter body having, at the front thereof, an upper bill inlet opening and a lower bill outlet opening, and a frictional plate disposed within said counter body and adapted to frictionally contact with and lead each bill to be counted from said upper bill inlet opening to said lower bill outlet opening. In accordance with the present invention, the bill counter comprises a shield plate mounted on the upper portion of the lower bill outlet opening, in order to prevent the generated dust and stench from being discharged through the lower bill outlet opening. A plurality of apertures perforated through the frictional plate. A fan mounted on the bottom of the counter body in order to suck the dust and stench through said apertures of the frictional plate. An air-permeable fabric filter pocket separately mounted, at the upper end, on the discharging end of said fan and adapted to collect the dust therein.

Abstract: A computer portfolio includes two side panels of soft material secured along a fold line for folding between an open position and a closed position in which the panels are face to face to form an enclosure. One of the side panels has a rigid base plate secured in a pocket between inner and outer layers of the panel, and mounting brackets project from the base plate through the inner layer. A lap-top computer is releasably secured to the mounting brackets.

Abstract: A flat and foldable electronic appliance which comprises a generally rectangular first flat casing having a pocket defined therein for accommodating a card for expansion of functions; a generally rectangular second flat casing similar in shape to the first flat casing and having a plurality of operating keys; a bridge member including at least two hinge joints for pivotably connecting the first and second flat casings together, one of the first and second flat casing being pivotable between folded and unfolded positions relative to the other of the first and second flat casings; and a generally cylindrical battery chamber provided on a portion of the bridge means other than the hinge joints.

Abstract: A hand-held portable data entry terminal is encased by an elongate housing of substantially rectangular dimensions. The housing includes upper and lower housing shells which are assembled into a water tight housing. The upper housing shell supports on an upper surface a display and a keyboard with typically alphanumberic keys. The area taken up by the display and keyboard defines an overall width of the data terminal which may exceed the width of a readily hand fitting grip. The terminal consequently includes in a central portion of its lower housing shell a grip conforming portion of an inwardly displaced lower wall bounded by inwardly converging angled sidewalls. The depression in the center portion of the housing adjacent opposite end portions is spanned by a resilient strap disposed longitudinally across the grip conforming portion. A user may insert a hand into a space defined between the strap and the inwardly displaced surface.

Abstract: A front panel assembly for an electronic instrument having a one-piece key pad with a plurality of protuberances thereon. The protuberances are formed in groups according to function and all protuberances in a group are positioned in proximity to each other. Each group of protuberances has a header protruberance defining the function of the group. Each protrusion, except the header protuberances has a corresponding electrical switching member connectably attached thereto. Each protuberance, except the header protrusions, functions as a key. When a key protuberance is pressed, the corresponding electrical switching member is pressed into operative engagement with a corresponding circuit on the circuit board. An alternate embodiment allows one group of keys to be replaced with a rotary dial without remaking the key pad.

Abstract: A soft case which encloses a portable device such as a hand held computer has a top cover portion which overlies a large screen at the front or top of the computer. This cover portion has a flat, soft foam pad which engages against the glass screen to cushion the screen and spread the force of any impact against the closed case at the screen. Further, there may be included in the screen cover a rigid member captured within the injection molded foam and spanning across the screen, providing further protection against impact to the screen.

Abstract: A folding electronic device comprises a body and a cover member, rear walls of which are rotatably coupled with each other by hinges. When the cover member is closed, the rear wall of the cover member is positioned rearwardly beyond the rear wall of the body while the lower end of the rear wall of the cover member is positioned downwardly beyond the upper end of the rear wall of the body. A clearance defined between the rear walls of the body and the cover member is blocked by a closing member which is provided in the body. A spring is mounted on the closing member to rearwardly urge the same. Due to the urging force of the spring, the closing member is in contact with the rear wall of the cover member when the cover member is closed and when the same is opened by 180.degree., as well as when the same is being opened/closed.

Abstract: A relatively low profile cash handling device or register for mounting on a support structure such as a table having a recess in its upper surface. The cash register includes an upper body portion on which the operation keys, the display portion and the printer are located and a lower drawer housing being located beneath and integral with the upper body portion, for covering and protecting both sides of the drawer and accommodating the drawer slidably movable therein, with the lower drawer housing including a lower section having a smaller width dimension relative to the front of the cash handling device than the width dimension of the upper body portion, and the lower drawer housing having an outwardly extending flange portion for contacting and being supported by the upper surface of the table so that the lower secetion and the drawer resides in the recess when mounted thereon. The upper body portion is integrally formed together with the lower drawer housing portion by means of synthetic resin.

Abstract: In a exemplary computerized FM Data Transceiver terminal, an antenna may extend longitudinally from one end and a battery drawer at an opposite (lower) end may receive a detachable bar code scanner module or the like for mechanized data input. In such computer terminals which are hand-held for relatively long time periods, e.g., during inventory data collection, use of the terminal is particularly facilitated by indenting the underside of the terminal intermediate its ends to form a hand grip configuration and by providing a strap spanning the indentation such that the fingers of one hand can be inserted between the hand grip and strap in a quick smooth motion without requiring as a separate motion the lifting of the strap to accommodate the fingers. These features coact to provide for an outstandingly comfortable and secure gripping of the terminal during use.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a hardened data terminal having a heavy cover with a small, essentially sealed, internal cavity housing electronic components; a sealed visual data display; and a keyboard mounted on a base member, which base member transmits most of the force from the punching of the keys directly to the surface upon which the terminal is placed, by virtue of a free edge of the base, in proximity to the keyboard, which directly contacts the surface upon which the terminal rests. The balance of such force is transmitted to the surface by the cover which is a relatively heavy single-piece casing and which has a relatively large area contacting the surface. The terminal housing may be assembled using only adhesives and as few as two screws.

Abstract: A see-through calculator or memory device comprises a transparent base, a see-through printed circuit board and a transparent switch panel. Liquid is housed in a cavity in the base, formed by welding to the base a panel above a recess in the base.

Abstract: Electronic equipment includes a keyboard portion arranged on an electronic equipment body, for inputting data, a solar cell, arranged on the electronic equipment body, for supplying power, a cover for protecting the solar cell, and a display portion arranged on the cover.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for manually counting pills or similar objects. Pills in excess of a required number are deposited in a counting area which has the general shape of an equilateral triangle and is defined by walls which surround all but a small open peripheral range of the area. The excess pills are separated from the required number on the counting area, and the user tilts the apparatus to cause the excess to slide out of the area through the open peripheral range while retaining the required number in the counting area. The user then tilts the apparatus to cause the required number of pills to slide out of the area through the open peripheral range.

Abstract: An apparatus for permitting the viewing of a large number of entries permitted on a sheet leaving a calculating machine includes an elongate bar having a longitudinal track, a support plate having a lower end fitted in the track and an elongate fastening device connected to the elongate bar and extending transverse to the length of elongate bar. The track supports the support plate fitted therein at an angle of between 35 and 70 degrees with respect to the horizontal and has a length greater than a width of the support plate so that the position of the support plate along the track may be adjusted. The support plate includes flanges for laterally guiding longitudinal edges of the sheet supported therein. The elongate bar may be secured to the calculating machine by the fastening device at a position where the sheet leaving the calculating machine may be supported and guided by the guide plate fitted in the elongate bar.

Abstract: A shockproof protective sheath for television remote controls, which comprises a hollow container and holder element, embodied in shockproof material, that substantially matches and hugs the external profile of the appliance it encompasses and is provided with at least two openings, one of which affording access to the push buttons, the other allowing passage of the control pulses.

Abstract: A hand-held calculator for use in conducting classroom demonstrations of the operation thereof, including use of the operation instruction key means. The calculator comprises a frame, a keyboard section, data processing means and a display section and where both the keyboard and display sections are transparent to permit images thereof to be projected on a screen for teaching purposes.

Abstract: A counter employs a barrel for rotatably mounting high order counter wheels and a shaft integrally extending from the barrel for mounting the lowest order counter wheel. The barrel forms a groove in which the transfer pinion assembly is located. The walls of the groove are engageable by the pinion assembly to limit skewing of the pinion assembly components. The transfer pinions are configured to prevent axial jamming displacement against the counter wheels. The lowest order wheel is snapped onto the shaft and secured in position by means of a semi-flexible mounting hub and cooperative shaft detents. The counter forms an efficient internal light path for illumination of the counter.

Abstract: An electronic instrument comprises a printed circuit substrate on which electrical parts are actually mounted, a frame placed on the front side of the printed circuit substrate and having openings at least at positions corresponding to the electrical parts, a front sheet disposed at a position opposed to the printed circuit substrate with the frame interposed therebetween and provided with an adhesion margin on the peripheral portion thereof, a back sheet disposed on the back side of the printed circuit substrate and provided with an adhesion margin on the peripheral portion thereof, and an adhesive agent applied to the adhesion margins of the front sheet and the back sheet to cause the printed circuit substrate and the frame to be sandwiched between the front sheet and the back sheet.

Abstract: An electronic printer calculator containing rolls of paper outside and inside the calculator and a printer for printing out data on either of the rolls of paper. The paper rolls can be set inside and outside the calculator main body, respectively. A passage for leading the roll paper set outside the calculator main body to the printer is separate from that for leading the roll paper set inside the calculator main body to the printer.

Abstract: A card-type processing device such as an IC card is comprised of an electronic circuit element mounted on a circuit board and a housing which encloses them both inside. The part of the housing which actually encloses the circuit board and the circuit element is rigid but the remaining parts are made flexible such that an internal stress caused by external force is absorbed by the flexible parts and the circuit element is not damaged by the propagating stress.

Abstract: Apparatus including a calculator that can also function as a horn button is provided for a motor vehicle. The apparatus is mounted on the center of the steering wheel and its downward depression actuates the horn circuit of the vehicle in the same manner as does a conventional horn button. At other times, the keys associated with the calculator portion of the provided apparatus may be operated to perform whatever calculations the operator may desire during periods of time in which the operator's attention is not required for the operation of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a cabinet, and a lens provided in the cabinet, a transparent keyboard provided on the lens, so that images of things such as letters below the electronic apparatus are magnified and can be seen from the obverse side of said electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A cash register cover which is designed to enclose and operate a modern cash register and to simulate an ornate, antique cash register. The cash register cover of this invention is characterized by an interdigitating front panel, side panels and rear panel which rest on the cash box of the enclosed cash register. The cover incorporates a keyboard panel fitted with the keyboard of the enclosed cash register for operating the enclosed cash register and further includes an indication cover that closes the front panel, side panel and rear panel perimeter by means of cooperating mount screws and brackets for easy assembling and disassembling of the cash register cover. In a preferred embodiment, components of the cash register cover are fabricated of a moldable plastic material and the front panel, side panels and rear panel are provided with external decorative ornamentation which simulates the elaborate scroll-work and decoration of antique mechanical cash registers.

Abstract: A counter employs a barrel for rotatably mounting high order counter wheels and a shaft integrally extending from the barrel for mounting the lowest order counter wheel. The barrel forms a groove in which the transfer pinion assembly is located. The walls of the groove are engageable by the pinion assembly to limit skewing of the pinion assembly components. The lowest order wheel is snapped onto the shaft and secured in position by means of a semi-flexible mounting hub and cooperative shaft detents.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprising a plurality of assembly elements and a heat-sensitive adhesive synthetic resin film tape inserted between the plurality of assembly elements and the heat adhesive synthetic resin tape to integrally bond the elements together into a composite structure which is thin in size and sufficiently elastic to resist bending and twisting.

Abstract: A protective keyboard enclosure assembly consisting of an upper section that mounts over a lower section and conforms to the size and shape of an electronic keyboard it houses and shields. The upper section allows a keyboard operator to push keys through a transparent, flexible, durable membrane which is readily interchangeable. The keyboard enclosure assembly protects this very sensitive electronic keyboard from any kind of harmful elements and potentially dirty hands and fingers of an operator all of which especially prevail in an industrial or manufacturing plant.

Abstract: A cash register cover which is designed to enclose and operate a modern cash register and to simulate an ornate, antique mechanical cash register. The cash register cover of this invention is characterized by an interdigitating front panel, side panels and rear panel which rest on the cash box of the enclosed cash register. The cover incorporates a keyboard panel fitted with the keyboard of the enclosed cash register for operating the enclosed cash register and further includes an indication cover that closes the front panel, side panel and rear panel perimeter by means of cooperating mount screws and brackets for easy assembling and disassembling of the cash register cover. In a preferred embodiment, components of the cash register cover are fabricated of a moldable plastic material and the front panel, side panels and rear panel are provided with external decorative ornamentation which simulates the elaborate scroll-work and decoration of antique mechanical cash registers.

Abstract: This invention provides a ruggedized calculator having shock-absorbant layers around a relatively unbreakable hard plastic case. Flotation cells enable this unit to float and various seals render it dust-proof and water-tight. Power can be selectively supplied from a solar unit or rechargeable batteries. The keypads are large so they can be manipulated with gloves on and membrane switches prevent dirt, dust, and moisture from reaching the electronics package.

Abstract: A unital casing structure of a portable electronic appliance such as a handheld or desktop calculator, comprising at least two panel sections having a straight boundary line therebetween and integrally coupled together across the boundary line whereby the panel sections are foldable with respect to each other about an axis extending along the boundary line between the panel sections so that the two panel sections are coupled together in a face-to-face relationship. The casing structure may further comprise an intermediate panel section bridging the two panel sections, the intermediate panel section being angularly movable with respect to the two panel sections about two axes parallel with and spaced apart across the boundary line between the panel section and being foldable with respect to each of the two panel sections about each of the two axes.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a calculator comprises steps of selecting a desired instruction card, associating/attaching the instruction card to the calculator, and manipulating the special function keys according to the instructions. A set of auxiliary cards, having manipulation instructions, formula/equations, and manipulation principles printed thereon, can be attached to the calculator for achieving the method of manipulation.

Abstract: A modular electronic demand register for an electric meter is enclosed in an insulating housing into which substantially all components are installable by drop-in, snap-together methods. A display is dropped into the housing and metallic contact pads thereof are interconnected with corresponding metallic contact pads on a printed circuit board using a resilient contact strip of a type having parallel longitudinal resilient conductors insulated from each other by an insulating resilient matrix. The as-formed contact strip is slightly longer than the distance between the two sets of metallic contact pads which it interconnects, whereby, when the printed circuit board is tightened in place, the contact strip is compressed slightly to provide a stable, resiliently urged fit. Guide surfaces on the electronic demand register cooperate with surfaces on the remainder of the electric meter to guide the electronic demand register into its operational position and to lock it in place.

Abstract: A postage meter stepper motor module for use in a postage meter of the type having a base supporting a rotatable main shaft to which a printhead is mounted. The main shaft has a number of value rods mounted to it. The outer ends of the value rods are coupled to the printhead so movement of the value rods parallel to the main shaft axis changes the chosen value print character at the printhead. The stepper motor module includes a stepper motor frame mounted to the base at a chosen position relative to the main shaft. A stepper motor is mounted to the stepper motor frame. A yoke couples the stepper motor to a chosen axial position along one of the value rods through a coupler ring. The coupler ring and yoke allow the value rod to rotate freely about the main shaft while maintaining the axial position determined by the stepper motor. The stepper motor and yoke are coupled by a rack and pinion arrangement to translate the rotary motion of the stepper motor to the linear motion of the yoke.

Abstract: A shaft assembly, including a main shaft, is used with a postage meter of the type including a base supporting the main shaft. A printhead is mounted to the outer end of the main shaft so the main shaft and printhead rotate together. The main shaft has a flat surface against which a number of elongate value rods are mounted parallel to the main shaft axis. The outer ends of the value rods are coupled to the printhead to operate the printing elements of the printhead. The inner ends of the value rods are connected to stepper motor drives, mounted to the base, to move the value rods axially. Bearings, mounted to the main shaft, radially position the main shaft relative to the base. At least one of the bearings is fixed to a chosen axial position along the main shaft so that such bearing, when mounted to the base, also axially positions the main shaft relative to the base.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a postage meter containing a conductive barrier shield specifically designed to permit maximum protection for the component circuit board against static electricity, moisture and other contaminants.

Abstract: A cover assembly for use with a postage meter includes an upper cover having a display opening and a keypad opening formed in one side. The upper cover is secured to a lower cover to provide a housing or enclosure for the meter. A display assembly, including a character display, and a keypad are both mounted to the inner surface of the upper cover. Portions of the keypad extend through the keypad opening while the character display is visible through the display opening. A support plate is mounted to the underside of the upper cover and is shaped to generally conform to the shape of the contents beneath the cover. The support plate is configured to press against the keypad and display assembly so to secure them in place. A battery, used to power the meter when removed from the meter base, is also supported between the support plate and the upper cover.

Abstract: A modular universal postage meter includes a base to which stepper motor modules and a drive shaft assembly are mounted to predetermined positions relative to the base. The drive shaft has a bifurcated printhead, including a secure value module and a field service accessible and removable dater/slogan module, mounted to its outer end. The stepper motors are coupled to the value module of the printhead through a number of value rods mounted to and parallel with the shaft assembly. The value rods can move parallel to the axis of the main shaft. Rings surround the shaft engage respective value rods and are themselves axially positioned by yokes coupled to the stepper motors. Since the stepper motor modules are registered to the base, they can be moved and replaced with minimal adjustments and realignment since the shaft assembly is likewise registered to a predetermined position relative to the base. Thus the base acts as a reference for the stepper motor modules, the shaft assembly and the printhead.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cashbox for a cash register, with a money drawer mounted in a cash case so as to be slidable in a moving-in and a moving-out direction, a sliding drive for the money drawer with spring means which act on the money drawer, are stressed when the latter moves in, and supply the force for moving the money drawer when it has moved in and also a lid operationally connected with the money drawer which lid swings open when the latter is moved out and swings shut when it moves in.

Abstract: To permit small, closely depressible keys, such as found on telephones and hand-held calculators, to be used by users having long fingernails, the keys are located adjacent a slot in the frame of the apparatus, or adjacent the upper edge of the apparatus. Thus, the pad of the finger contacts the top of the key and the fingernail fits into the slot or fits over the edge of the frame. Hence, the pads of the fingers depress the keys in the same manner when one is wearing long fingernails as used by those having short fingernails.