Abstract: A keyboard encoding device which directly develops a digital, valid and reliable output signal without electronic encoding circuitry. The preferred device has a plurality of juxtaposed, flexible conductive strands or wires each having a number of axially spaced impact zones which are either insulated or conductive; corresponding zones on the separate wires are aligned to cooperatively define a series of spaced impact zone sets each made of a unique pattern of conductive and insulated zones. An electrically conductive, rubber-like resilient pad having a series of ridge-like elongated members respectively aligned with corresponding impact zone sets is oriented for shifting of the members into momentary contact with the associated zone sets, whereby electrical contact is made between the ridge members and the conductive impact zones of the set. This directly generates a momentary unique, digitalized output signal. The device is particularly suited for use in impact-type keyboards.

Abstract: An extremely low cost, high speed, full stroke keyboard is disclosed which provides momentary impulse operation. N-key rollover protection and standard tactile feedback. The keyboard includes a plurality of depressible keys mounted on respective upright synthetic resin flaps designed to collapse upon key depression and engage and move an underlying, resilient, U-shaped shifting member; the member in turn engages and shifts another U-shaped resilient element which supports one or more upstanding encoding posts. When the U-shaped element reaches a cocked position it is disengaged from the shifting member and allowed to snap back toward the original rest position thereof independently of subsequent return movement of the key and shifting member. The snap back motion is sensed and a corresponding key output signal developed.

Abstract: A moldable, impulse operation synthetic resin keyboard, and a method of fabricating the same, are provided wherein the keyboard achieves essentially standard, tactile feel and feedback, mechanical N-key rollover protection and precise, reliable output. The keyboard includes a synthetic resin base plate having a plurality of elongated, cantilever mounted flippers, along with a plurality of elongated, laterally spaced, inwardly and opposedly extending, pivotal, key-supporting arms. Upon depression of a key, the associated flipper is deformed until a release point is reached, whereupon the flipper is disengaged, allowing the flipper to quickly return to its rest position. A keyboard output is developed as the flipper, during overtravel thereof past its rest position, strikes a signal-generating assembly.

Abstract: A moldable, impulse operation synthetic resin keyboard, and a method of fabricating the same, are provided wherein the keyboard achieves essentially standard, tactile feed and feedback, mechanical N-key rollover protection and precise, reliable output. The keyboard includes a synthetic resin base plate having a plurality of elongated, cantilever mounted flippers, along with a plurality of elongated, laterally spaced, inwardly and opposedly extending, pivotal, key-supporting arms. Upon depression of a key, the associated flipper is deformed until a release point is reached, whereupon the flipper is disengaged, allowing the flipper to quickly return to its rest position. A keyboard output is developed as the flipper, during overtravel thereof past its rest position, strikes a signal-generating assembly.