Patents by Inventor Gerry G. Birdwell

Gerry G. Birdwell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4906117
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a reconfigurable keyboard which is customized by providing a curved baseplate carrying switches which are key actuated whereby all keys have substantially the same curvature and are interchangeable. The keyboard arrangement is substantially that of a standard typewriter with a plurality of spaces on either side of and over the standard typewriter keyboard in an x-y matrix arrangement. Each key position is provided with either a key cover which is utilized when the key position is not to be used or with a standard key cap which operates the switch at the key position associated therewith and which stands up higher than a key cover, the latter sitting at essentially the same level as the keyboard housing. A key can be of an enlarged type to span two or more key positions either on the same row or different rows. Each of the key locations is capable of providing an output signal which is determined by a software operation in a selective manner or by prearranged program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerry G. Birdwell