Abstract: A computer keyboard template system which utilizes a tray device capable of being disposed in juxtaposition to the keyboard keys of a computer input terminal. The tray device is comprised of a base section capable of being disposed on the input terminal housing and a tray which is adjustably positionable with respect to the base. The tray is designed to receive a number of keyboard templates such that any one keyboard template may be selected and located in the forwardmost position on the stack of templates within the tray and in a position to be adjacent to the function keys of the computer input terminal. Thus, and in a preferred embodiment, the selected template is located adjacent to a row of keys, such as the upper row of function keys, on the keyboard of the computer. In this way, the user of the system will be able to quickly and easily select the proper keys for selected operations in accordance with the instructions on the template.

Abstract: A see-through calculator or memory device comprises a transparent base, a see-through printed circuit board and a transparent switch panel. Liquid is housed in a cavity in the base, formed by welding to the base a panel above a recess in the base.

Abstract: Electronic equipment includes a keyboard portion arranged on an electronic equipment body, for inputting data, a solar cell, arranged on the electronic equipment body, for supplying power, a cover for protecting the solar cell, and a display portion arranged on the cover.

Abstract: The module has a top (4) which is inclined with respect to an opposite bottom surface (4a) and bears display means (8) and data insertion means (9). The top (4) comprises a removable panel rotatable through 180.degree. with respect to the casing, which in turn can be rotated through 180.degree. so that the display means (8) and insertion means (9) are always disposed in the correct direction as regards the user.

Abstract: A keyboard comprises a base plate carrying contact circuits and provided with a plurality of holes, and a key holding frame integrally provided with key housings for receiving keys, vertically flexible posts for determining the lateral position of the base plate relative to the key holding frame, horizontally flexible posts for determining the lateral position of the base plate relative to the key holding frame in cooperation with the vertically flexible posts, fixed posts for determining the longitudinal position of the base plate relative to the key holding frame, and hooks for determining the vertical position of the base plate relative to the key holding fame and to hold the base plate firmly on the key holding frame.

Abstract: An electronic terminal device is fabricated so as to be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled by use of housing parts and internal parts having snap-type fasteners. Separate fasteners such as screws are not needed. Special tools are not required for assembly and disassembly of the device. Performance of repair and maintenance functions by purchasers of the equipment is thus facilitated.

Abstract: A keyboard including a plurality of key switches and a plurality of keys mounted slidably on the keyboard over the key switches, each key overlying one of the key switches and the top of each key provided with a marking, upon each key being depressed into engagement with the underlying key switch, the key switch being operated to provide an indication of the marking provided on the top of the depressed key, and the number of plurality of keys being less in number by one than that of the key switches to provide a vacant key space on the keyboard to allow the keys to slide freely two-dimensionally over the key switches and through the vacent key space to permit each key to be slid over and overlie each of the key switches in a pattern as desired.

Abstract: A cursor control accessory is shown as an integral base overlying an array of keys including independently movable cursor control keys. It is provided with a protruding handle for use as a joystick. Outwardly protruding walls are adapted to be freely located between keys in the array and engage the upper surface of the keyboard housing. Recessed key engaging surfaces are provided above each cursor control key and are adapted to depress the selected cursor control key or keys in response to rocking movement of the base relative to the keyboarding housing. Base areas located above non-functional keys are recessed inwardly or relieved to prevent key operation during cursor usage.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard blockout apparatus for a keyboard having an array of a plurality of flexible key members in respective ones of a plurality of apertures arranged in a grid forming the keyboard includes a cover plate dimensioned to span a flexible key member and to provide a tight fit within an aperture defining a key member. The cover plate has a thickness providing a substantially inflexible configuration in response to normal operator manipulation and a plurality of corner support pedestals contacting respective corners of the flexible key member when the cover plate is inserted in a key member aperture. Thus, the pedestals provide a support between the cover plate and the flexible key member at the edges of the key member to preclude, in combination with the inflexible structural characteristic of the cover, an actuation of the flexible key member under the cover.

Abstract: A combined calculator and puzzle game device including a calculator cover-board which is provided with guide pieces confined to intersecting guide grooves. Game pieces which have projecting necks are mounted on the guide pieces by inserting the projecting necks into the guide grooves allowing them to be slid along the guide grooves, but not be removed. The game pieces can be rearranged on the cover board to bear a particular pattern or a combination of characters. When the game pieces are depressed, they push rubber keys placed therebelow so as to operate the calculator.

Abstract: A full sized electronic keyboard with full travel keybuttons provides switches for controlling an electronic typewriter or for controlling other devices. The keyboard has a structure designed for reducing part count and switch component part size and for simplifying assembly to minimize manufacturing cost. The structure has integral one piece parts for accommodating several keybutton actions. The integral one piece parts include a main frame, a sheet steel spring, a rubber dome switch member, and a printed circuit switch panel.

Abstract: An electronic instrument comprises a printed circuit substrate on which electrical parts are actually mounted, a frame placed on the front side of the printed circuit substrate and having openings at least at positions corresponding to the electrical parts, a front sheet disposed at a position opposed to the printed circuit substrate with the frame interposed therebetween and provided with an adhesion margin on the peripheral portion thereof, a back sheet disposed on the back side of the printed circuit substrate and provided with an adhesion margin on the peripheral portion thereof, and an adhesive agent applied to the adhesion margins of the front sheet and the back sheet to cause the printed circuit substrate and the frame to be sandwiched between the front sheet and the back sheet.

Abstract: A card-type processing device such as an IC card is comprised of an electronic circuit element mounted on a circuit board and a housing which encloses them both inside. The part of the housing which actually encloses the circuit board and the circuit element is rigid but the remaining parts are made flexible such that an internal stress caused by external force is absorbed by the flexible parts and the circuit element is not damaged by the propagating stress.

Abstract: Apparatus including a calculator that can also function as a horn button is provided for a motor vehicle. The apparatus is mounted on the center of the steering wheel and its downward depression actuates the horn circuit of the vehicle in the same manner as does a conventional horn button. At other times, the keys associated with the calculator portion of the provided apparatus may be operated to perform whatever calculations the operator may desire during periods of time in which the operator's attention is not required for the operation of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A keybaord which is capable of varying the pressure required for the keystroke is provided and comprises an inflatable arrangement being a variable pressure bladder which fits over the keyboard between the base plate and the keys. The operator may vary the pressure delivered to the system as desired and may also preset a cycle of time intervals with pressure "on" and pressure "off". Alternatively, the pressure supply may be linked to a number of keyboards and a programmed variable pressure cycle will be delivered to all the keyboards.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus including a cabinet, and a lens provided in the cabinet, a transparent keyboard provided on the lens, so that images of things such as letters below the electronic apparatus are magnified and can be seen from the obverse side of said electronic apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed in a thin type electronic instrument having a structure comprising a circuit base plate for mounting an integrated circuit chip thereon and a power source battery for supplying power to the circuit base plate sandwiched between a pair of synthetic resin sheets opposed to each other, with the pair of synthetic resin sheets being plastered at the peripheral portions thereof, characterized in that a substrate made of a metal is interposed between the pair of synthetic resin sheet.The thin type electronic instrument of the present invention is improved in mechanical durability against mechanical shock such as warping or torsion by a stress during carrying or usage, whereby erroneous actuation or breaking can be inhibited.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the connection of an electrical module to an electrical receptacle. The module is provided with a power switch having a movable switch activator for inhibiting a flow of current to the electrical module when the switch activator is in a first position and for flowing a current to the electrical module when the switch activator is in a second position. The switch activator has a side portion which extends from a surface of the module when the switch activator is in the second position, but which does not extend from the surface of the module when the switch activator is in the first position. A lock member is disposed on a surface of the module and is slidable to a retracted position when the switch activator is in the first position. The lock member extends from the module and abuts against the side portion of the switch activator when the switch activator is in the second position.

Abstract: A keyboard with a metal carrier plate and a guide frame for keys to be athed thereto. The guide frame has a base part which is provided with legs. The legs of the guide frame are inserted into openings in the carrier plate. To secure the guide frame to the carrier plate, each opening has a recess starting at the lower edge of the carrier plate and which terminates at a bracket which is formed as part of the carrier plate. The legs are provided with foot parts which slide into the recess located beneath the respective bracket, causing a peg to snap into another opening in the carrier plate. In such a manner, the guide frame is secured to the carrier plate.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of keys thereon, each of which is capable of three different switching actions for entry of data or commands into a word processor, typewriter, computer or the like. Each key includes a first inclined surface for generating a first switching action responsive to finger contraction, a second inclined surface for generating a second switching action responsive to finger extension, and a horizontal surface for actuating a third switching action responsive to finger depression. Each key is connected to a respective switch. Each switch includes a carriage operating horizontally against spring-loaded horizontal plugs. The carriage houses a spring-loaded vertical stem attached to the respective key. In one embodiment each key-switch combination is substantially identical to the other. The base is formed into different levels upon which key-switch combinations are mounted.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprising a plurality of assembly elements and a heat-sensitive adhesive synthetic resin film tape inserted between the plurality of assembly elements and the heat adhesive synthetic resin tape to integrally bond the elements together into a composite structure which is thin in size and sufficiently elastic to resist bending and twisting.

Abstract: A keyboard including an upper casing which has a key-holder member for movably supporting keys with a movable electrode, and a lower casing which has an integrally formed upraised portion which defines a recess open in the bottom wall of the lower casing. A printed-circuit board is held in direct contact with the top wall of the upraised portion of the lower casing such that stationary electrodes on the printed-circuit board are opposite to the corresponding movable electrodes. The printed-circuit board may be a flexible film-like member on which an elastic sheet having elastically collapsible cap portions is disposed such that the cap portions cooperate with the film-like printed-circuit board to form enclosures in which the corresponding movable and stationary electrodes are accommodated, and such that the cap portions collapse upon operation of the keys for moving of the movable electrodes toward the stationary electrodes.

Abstract: A protective keyboard enclosure assembly consisting of an upper section that mounts over a lower section and conforms to the size and shape of an electronic keyboard it houses and shields. The upper section allows a keyboard operator to push keys through a transparent, flexible, durable membrane which is readily interchangeable. The keyboard enclosure assembly protects this very sensitive electronic keyboard from any kind of harmful elements and potentially dirty hands and fingers of an operator all of which especially prevail in an industrial or manufacturing plant.

Abstract: A keyboard proximity switch having a detecting face for detecting a position of a movable key member is disclosed. An operator controlled keyboard having a plurality of movable key members is modified by the addition of a proximity switch having no moving parts for each of said movable keys, thereby greatly increasing reliability and decreasing down time.

Abstract: A data imprinting device provided with an input lock switch for disabling the input of imprinting data by data input switches, and a discriminating circuit for disabling the data input when the input lock switch is ON and only when all the data input switches are ON.

Abstract: Attachment apparatus for attaching a first object to a second object. The first object has a groove with parallel sides; the second object has attached thereto a spline with a flexible blade. When the spline is inserted in the groove, the blade exerts a force against one wall of the groove which forces the spline against the other wall, thereby retaining the spline in the groove. Also disclosed is label attachment apparatus employed generally to removably attach a label to a surface and specifically to removably attach a function key strip to a keyboard. The surface has a groove and the label has means which frictionally engage the groove. A preferred embodiment of the label attachment apparatus employs the groove, spline, and flexible blade as described above.

Abstract: An electronic instrument comprises a printed circuit substrate on which electrical parts are actually mounted, a frame placed on the front side of the printed circuit substrate and having openings at least at positions corresponding to the electrical parts, a front sheet disposed at a position opposed to the printed circuit substrate with the frame interposed therebetween and provided with an adhesion margin on the peripheral portion thereof, a back sheet disposed on the back side of the printed circuit substrate and provided with an adhesion margin on the peripheral portion thereof, and an adhesive agent applied to the adhesion margins of the front sheet and the back sheet to cause the printed circuit substrate and the frame to be sandwiched between the front sheet and the back sheet.

Abstract: Keyboard for the control box (11) of an electric apparatus comprising a sheet (1) which forms a plurality of contactors (2) each projecting from the sheet through a blister (3) which is elastically deformable and which acts as a spring, the contactors (2) being provided with bearing keys (8) and contact pads (5) intended to come into contact with a printed circuit (12) arranged under the sheet (1) of contactors when a pressure is exerted on the keys. This keyboard is remarkable in that at least certain of the contactors (2) are provided with stubs (4) arranged opposite the contact pads (5) and which are intended to be force fitted into corresponding housings provided in the bearing keys (8).

Abstract: An electronic cash register having a plurality of keys arranged on a key board can provide optionally predetermined key functions to the plurality of keys. The cash register comprises an indicator for successively indicating designations of keys at least necessary for setting key positions. When the key designations are indicated on the indicator, optional keys on a key board are actuated, and then, key codes of the actuated keys are set as key codes corresponding to function codes of the indicated key designations, so that keys at least necessary for setting key positions are set. Thereafter, function codes corresponding to key codes of the respective keys are set by using the set keys.

Abstract: A shielded keyboard comprising a sheet of flexible fine wire mesh material between an array of keyboard contacts and an apposed array of switching actuators.

Abstract: A system for handling orders including a sheet defining a plurality of delineated spaces. Indicia are displayed in the spaces for identifying a plurality of items available for ordering, and a pencil or other marking device is used for placing marks in selected ones of the spaces. The sheet is used in conjunction with a cash register or similar device, and the delineated spaces on the sheet form a pattern corresponding with the pattern of keys on the register. In use, the operator of the register will depress or otherwise operate the keys of the register in only those positions bearing a mark. In this fashion, the register will record the particular items ordered, and the sheet can then be used for order-filling and verification after removal from the face of the register.

Abstract: A contact keyboard comprising a plurality of modular keys individually insertable in a base frame having feet adjustable in height in order to permit a variable inclination of the key plane. The back feet are pivoted on a shaft internally to lateral sides of the base frame and are provided with edges engaging the support plane for the base frame. The edges have extensive planar portions lying at different distances from the shaft for regulating the inclination of the key plane. The angular position of each back foot is stabilized by a corresponding spring supported by the pivoting shaft and which urges the foot against an associated lateral side of the base frame and causes one of a plurality of notches of the foot to be engaged by a tooth of the associated lateral side of the base frame.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a postage meter containing a conductive barrier shield specifically designed to permit maximum protection for the component circuit board against static electricity, moisture and other contaminants.

Abstract: A plurality of keytops are held by means of a single leaf spring to prevent erroneous insertion of the keytops into opening portions formed in a frame and to prevent the keytops from being removed from the opening portions. For prevention of unstable movement of the keytops, the leaf spring holding a plurality of keytops is contacts projections formed on the frame to be deformed thereby applying the initial pressure. Further, in order to reduce the number of assembly processes in attaching the leaf spring holding a plurality of keytops to the frame and the number of parts which are attached, each end of the spring portions connected to the plurality of keytops is coupled at a single portion and fixed to the frame.

Abstract: To permit small, closely depressible keys, such as found on telephones and hand-held calculators, to be used by users having long fingernails, the keys are located adjacent a slot in the frame of the apparatus, or adjacent the upper edge of the apparatus. Thus, the pad of the finger contacts the top of the key and the fingernail fits into the slot or fits over the edge of the frame. Hence, the pads of the fingers depress the keys in the same manner when one is wearing long fingernails as used by those having short fingernails.

Abstract: An electrical switch panel including a switch actuating assembly is disclosed for intermittently altering the electrical condition of a switch. A base member is formed to include a plurality of chambers each dimensioned for receiving and retaining the electrical switch actuating assembly is positioned on a support member carrying the switch. An insulative tactile film is arranged on the base pad providing a touch area covering the chamber openings. An axially movable member disposed in the chamber is operable by movement of the film to engage a cantilever switch actuating member whereby the axial movement of the film transmitted through the axially movable member causes an amplified movement of the cantilever switch actuating member which is effective in altering the electrical condition of the switch.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed an improved calculator structure comprising a casing which has an operating panel, a calculating circuit board disposed in the casing, and a plurality of keys mounted on the calculating circuit board and extending out of the operating panel of the casing, in which an elongated answer bar is provided along the front end of the calculator, and the length of the answer bar approximates the width of the calculator.

Abstract: In a manual digit data input device, including a set of cups configured to captivate the distal phalanges of a human hand; a housing; apparatus resiliently mounting the cups in the housing for mutually orthogonal transverse movements of the cups; and control apparatus actuated in response to movement of the cups.

Abstract: A wire marker printer is formed from a commercially available electronic calculator. The calculator having both computation and printing capabilities is modified to function as a wire marker printer. The computation capabilities are deactivated and the paper receiving chamber is modified to accept a roll of wire markers.

Abstract: An electronic instrument comprises a printed circuit substrate on which electrical parts are actually mounted, a frame placed on the front side of the printed circuit substrate and having openings at least at positions corresponding to the electrical parts, a front sheet disposed at a position opposed to the printed circuit substrate with the frame interposed therebetween and provided with an adhesion margin on the peripheral portion thereof, a back sheet disposed on the back side of the printed circuit substrate and provided with an adhesion margin on the peripheral portion thereof, and an adhesive agent applied to the adhesion margins of the front sheet and the back sheet to cause the printed circuit substrate and the frame to be sandwiched between the front sheet and the back sheet.

Abstract: A keyboard having multiple key-switches, wherein a surface generally defined by top faces of keys of the key-switches is downwardly curved in a plane perpendicular to rows of the keys, comprising an upper casing of synthetic resin which includes a top frame portion having a rectangular aperture and side walls defining right and left sides of the aperture. The top frame portion has downward extensions extending downwardly from the side walls. The upper casing further comprises a key-holder plate portion of planar flat shape for supporting the rows of the keys perpendicular to the right and left sides of the aperture.

Abstract: A keyboard having multiple key-switches each comprising a key having a finger-pressed top face, a movable electrode and at least two stationary electrodes. The keyboard comprises a key holder plate of generally planar flat shape supporting the multiple keys in plural rows movably in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the key holder plate, and retaining device for holding the key holder plate downwardly convexed in cross section across the plural rows of keys, with elastic deformation of the key holder plate. The key holder plate has a deformation-facilitating portion located between each pair of rows of keys, and having a longitudinal recess array formed in parallel to the rows of keys, having a plural number of recesses in the upper and lower surfaces of the key holder plate, as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the rows of keys.

Abstract: A fractional calculator (10) has a keyboard (12) with numeral keys (18) and denominator keys (20). Through use of the numeral keys (18) and the denominator keys (20), fractional inputs may be entered into the calculator and calculations carried out on the inputs through use of function keys (22). A decimal/U.S. toggle key (26) allows the calculator to be used in either a conventional decimal mode or a fractional mode. When the calculator is used in a fractional mode, key (30) is used to differentiate between integers and numerators of fractions entered by means of the numeral keys (18). Key (28) may be used to distinguish between feet and inches in mixed unit entries during fractional mode operation. Display (14) includes indicators (38, 39, 40, 42, 44) for different modes of operation and different types of entries.

Abstract: In a mounting arrangement of lamellar, input/output devices for a computer or telecommunications terminal, one of the devices is movable relative to another of the devices between a limited operational position in which a first input/output device is operably exposed but masks a second device, and a fully operational position in which both the first and second devices are operably exposed. One embodiment has one input/output device sliding relative to a vertically adjacent input/output device. In another embodiment, input/output devices are hinged relative to each other and to a common cabinet base. The mounting arrangements offer the advantages of spatial economy, input/output device protection, and the capacity for an aesthetically attractive cabinet.

Abstract: An array of fluid filled cells bearing symbols on their faces transmit applied pressure or displacement to a remote end of the cell which have a mating array of electrical switches normally maintained in an open position. Pressure or displacement of the upper surface of the cell is transmitted to the lower surface to operate (close) the switch. Upon removal of the applied pressure, the cell returns to its initial position. A second embodiment of the invention shows an entirely modular key formed from a rubber-like material or from a self-skin foam material such as a polyurethane. The modular key has the keyface, body and switch elements formed integrally so that the keys can be added to a premated matrix. Still another embodiment of the present invention shows a totally sealed electronic terminal or device which is specially adapted to accept the modular keys.

Abstract: The device engages the hand of the operator and maintains same in a fixed position while permitting movement of the fingers. A first rigid part is adapted to be situated adjacent the palm. A second rigid part, aligned with the first part, is adapted to be situated adjacent the back of the hand. The first and second parts are mounted in a fixed, spaced relationship to engage the hand therebetween. The pushbuttons are mounted in sets, each set being aligned with a different finger and adapted to be operated by the pivotal movements of the finger in its plane as the finger is moved relative to the palm.

Abstract: In an arrangement of two keyboards or other lamellar input/output devices for a computer or telecommunications terminal, one keyboard is integral with a cabinet of the terminal and the other keyboard normally fits within a housing in an undersurface of the cabinet and is masked by the integral keyboard. To enable withdrawal of the keyboard housed within the housing for use, a rear part of the cabinet undersurface is configured to allow the cabinet to be tilted bodily backwards to allow access to the keyboard. This is then pulled from under the integral keyboard and the cabinet is returned to its stable position. The keyboard housed within the housing is returned to its stored position in a converse manner.

Abstract: A shift control system for keyboard having plural character keys and at least one shift key arranged in a predetermined key matrix and the positions of which are defined by respective matrix codes, including a keyboard controller under the control of a central processing unit for determining a depression of any of the keys of the key matrix. The matrix codes of the shift keys are predetermined and so identified. The key matrix is scanned and the matrix codes of any depressed keys are determined and compared with the predetermined matrix code of the shift keys. Keycodes are formed for each depressed key based on the matrix codes produced for the respective key and based on whether or not a shift key depression is determined.

Abstract: A control module for a sewing machine is provided with spaced apart plates, each to support a set of push-buttons arranged in multiple rows. The push-buttons include extensions which are contiguously stacked vertically for slidable movement and operate against aligned posts in actuated position of the push-buttons.

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.