Abstract: A membrane panel keyboard is presented having magnetic material in one contact element and magnetic field generating means to achieve self-retention or key closure retention when a key is actuated.

Abstract: A case shift and lock input mechanism comprising a pair of independently depressable shift keylevers and a depressable shift lock keylever are assembled in a keyboard for actuating a single shift control switch used to condition a printer for printing upper case characters when the switch is actuated. A pivotal bail member is interposed between the switch and each shift keylever for engageably actuating the switch in response to depression of either shift keylever. The shift lock keylever directly actuates the switch when it is depressed to a lock position. A latch device comprising a latch member pivotally mounted on the switch operates to releasably hold the shift lock keylever in the lock position to keep the switch closed for continual typing of upper case characters. The shift lock keylever is released from the lock position through the bail member by subsequent depression of either shift keylever. Each shift keylever actuates the switch independent of the shift lock keylever.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel shift lock actuation mechanism useful, for example, in keyboard apparatus wherein a key stem supporting a key is shaped to mate with apertures in the keyboard supporting arrangements or as individual switches and as such contains oppositely disposed, inwardly deformable, flanged members for captivating the key stem within the key apertures and further includes a shift lock cam operably associated with a single turn C-shaped torsion spring member, one end of the C-shaped spring engaging key stem while the opposite end of the C-shaped spring is captivated by the cam, effective upon movement of the key stem to move the cam into one or the other of two positions effective to lock the key stem in a desired position so as to block or unblock light from light emitter-receptor apparatus indicating the position of the key.

Abstract: A secretarial shift mechanism which includes two shift keyswitches and one shift lock keyswitch is disclosed. The two shift keyswitches have T-shaped actuating bars secured to their plungers. The shift lock and release keyswitch has a generally C-shaped wire spring retainer placed around its housing which is utilized to secure a hook on a latching finger on a ledge that is formed on the plunger of the shift lock keyswitch. The latching finger is secured to an elongated torsion bar which has a pair of arms at the ends of the bar that are bent toward the two shift keyswitches. The torsion bar is held at its ends against the frame that holds the keyswitches of the keyboard by clamping caps that project from the shift keyswitches and have grooves in them that receive the torsion bar therein. When the shift lock keyswitch is depressed, a hook on the latching finger that is secured at the torsion bar engages a ledge on the plunger of the shift lock keyswitch and holds it down.

Abstract: A switch actuator and position-locking means for module keyboard assemblies such as are used in data-processing machines and the like, utilizing key operable electric switches. The switch actuator is of the type normally associated with what is commonly called a "shift key" or "spacer bar," wherein the finger-engaging portion of the actuator is of a size greater than a single switch module, with the switch adapted to be mechanically locked in operative position and released by successive actuation of a related switch module.