Abstract: A compact electronic keyboard having full-size keys but with a reduced width such as for use with pocket computers. The keyboard has the standard alphanumeric keys arranged in the standard “QWERTY” pattern but without the standard modifier keys normally positioned at opposite sides of the alphanumeric keys. The function of such modifier keys are incorporated into some of the alphanumeric keys, or modifiable character keys, the function of which is controlled by means of separate portions of a split, thumb-operable spacebar below the lower row of alphanumeric keys. Such portions are the space key and the special key. The space key incorporates the standard shift function and can control the function of the modifiable character keys by simultaneous pressing of the space key and the desired modifiable character key.

Abstract: A compact electronic keyboard having full-size keys arranged in the standard QWERTY or DVORAK pattern but with a reduced width of the keyboard due to the elimination of the standard modifier keys normally positioned at opposite sides of the alphanumeric keys. The function of such modifier keys are incorporated into some of the alphanumeric keys, or modifiable character keys, the function of which is controlled by means of separate portions of a split, thumb-operable spacebar below the lower row of alphanumeric keys. Such portions are the space key and the special key. The space key incorporates the standard shift function and can control the function of the modifiable character keys by simultaneous pressing of the space key and the desired modifiable character key. The special key can control the function of the modifiable character keys in a similar manner, but which can remain activated for a preset period of time such that simultaneous pressing of a modifiable character key is not necessary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for automatically deploying to an operative position a keyboard where the width of the keyboard has been reduced. The invention is applicable to keyboards of portable computing devices of the type commonly incorporating a processor, a display and a keyboard system. The apparatus has a first and a second keyboard section, propelling device for driving the keyboard sections from the storage position to the operative position, latching apparatus for retaining the second keyboard section in operative position, and signaling apparatus for communicating signals from the first keyboard section to the processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for reducing the width of a keyboard, such as a keyboard of a portable computing device, for folding the keyboard from a first width of the keyboard in operative position to a second width of the keyboard in a storage position. The keyboard has a plurality of keyboard sections each having a plurality of keys, where the operative position of the keyboard has the sections disposed in a line. The keyboard folds such that the keyboard sections are vertically adjacent to each other. The keys of the keyboard sections are compressed for storage to take up their travel and thereby conserve storage volume as well as storage width. Multiple implementations are disclosed, including keyboards that fold such that the keys of one section are in contact with the keys of another section, and keyboards that fold such that the keys are not in contact with keys of another section.

Abstract: A keyboard for use with a computer has an array of keys including a space key and modifiable keys with apparatus for detecting when keys are pressed and generating a key code corresponding to keys that are pressed, a buffer capable of holding the key code of a key, a state register having three states including a state indicating when the first key code of a word is in the buffer. The keyboard also has apparatus for comparing a key code in the buffer to a second key code and for generating a modified key code when a match is found, and apparatus for sending the key code to the host computer, the key code sent being the modified key code when the first key code of a word is in the buffer and the key code in the buffer matches the second key code of the word.

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.