Abstract: An extensible and compressible keyboard for application in computer, calculator, typewriter, and other similar applications where storage space is a premium. The keyboard provides adjustable spacing between the keys whereby a compact storage unit is expanded to a full-size, full function, and normally spaced standard keyboard or, as importantly, to a size which best fits the fingers of an individual user.

Abstract: An extensible and compressible keyboard for application in computer, calculator, typewriter, and other similar applications where storage space is a premium. The keyboard provides adjustable spacing between the keys whereby a compact storage unit is expanded to a full-size, full function, and normally spaced standard keyboard or, as importantly, to a size which best fits the fingers of an individual user.

Abstract: A method for preventing the accidental activation of controls both electrical and mechanical such as switches, buttons, levers, triggers, etc. This consists of requiring the user to activate the control two or more times within a predesignated time period (usually very short) before the control will perform its control function. The method can be used for safety purposes such as preventing firearm triggers from being tripped accidentally and turning machines on by mistake. Or it can be used for convenience such as with a lamp that will only turn on or off when a physical object such as a hand is placed near it twice or more within a short time span. It is ideal, as mentioned above, for making proximity switches more practical because they no longer can be triggered accidentally with ease as is possible in their present forms. One electrical means of performing this method is shown and described in this patent application, but many means can be used.