Abstract: A miniature keyboard assembly for generating code signals representative of selected characters and functions. The assembly including at least one but preferably, two glide keys, each coupled to a depressible keybutton for controlling the movement of its respective keybutton. In one embodiment, each keybutton base carries an electrically conductive layer and is slidable on a membrane panel having thereon a plurality of signal code generating switches. The keybutton being movable along orthogonal axes in response to movement of the glide key. Each keybutton extends upwardly through a longitudinal slot opening in a lateral slide support member and then through a fitted opening in an indicator panel. The indicator panel also include an indicia marker which underlies a transparent keyboard panel and is visible therethrough.

Abstract: A keyboard having a conventional set of alphanumeric keys and special function keys which are actuable by an operator using a finger and a stylus. The stylus-actuable keys have keypad areas which are less than a prescribed range of areas. Other keys which have keypads greater in area than a value in the prescribed range are designed for keystroke operation by the operator's finger. Alternatively, the stylus-actuable keys have center line spacings which are less than a value from a predetermined range of lineal dimensions, while the finger-actuable keys have center line spacings which are greater in value than a value in the predetermined range. Having been derived from human factors considerations which have been defined for finger-actuable keys, the prescribed range of areas is preferably 100 square millimeters to 162 squares millimeters and the predetermined range of dimensions is preferably 12 millimeters to 21 millimeters.

Abstract: A portable ink-jet printer and sheet feeder which can be battery powered. The printer may be manually fed paper for operation independent of the sheet feeder. The printer and sheet feeder are mounted on a base and locked at 90 degrees to one another. They may then be rotated into two operating modes in which automatic sheet feeding occurs, one of which provides a straight paper feed path for relatively stiff print media and/or printing relatively dense graphics. A paper output system includes a pair of wings and a deflector which place various arches in the paper as it emerges from the printer to maintain it over the previously printed sheet to permit it to dry. The printer may be configured by driving a print carriage having an arrow thereon to different positions adjacent a menu. When the arrow is opposite a desired configuration option, the option is selected by pressing a button.

Abstract: A keyboard housing includes a key plate with a plurality of actuator keys mounted on an upper face and a waterproof chamber mounted on a lower face thereof and a device to retain the actuator keys in a normally unpressed position. A circuit board is disposed in the waterproof chamber. A switch contact assembly mounted on the lower face of the key plate which includes a first membrane having a first conductive pattern, a second membrane having a second conductive pattern and a partition membrane disposed between the first and second membranes to separate the first conductive pattern from the second conductive pattern in a normal open switch. The partition membrane includes a hole device which permits a portion of the first conductive pattern to engage with a portion of the second conductive pattern when the first membrane is pressed by one of the actuator keys, thereby generating a signal corresponding to the pressing key.

Abstract: In a keyboard for typewriters, printers or the like, where a contact bearing film is disposed underneath the keys, there is provided for achieving a cost-efficient arrangement, while avoiding the use of separate restoring springs, that the contact bearing film (10) has U-shaped cut-outs (11) in the area of the keys (1), the film tongues (12) are bent by 180.degree. and are acted upon by the key tappet (3) of the keys (1), the contacts (14, 15) formed between the base of the film, the underside of the film tongue (12), and the film tongue (12) act at the same time as a restoring spring.

Abstract: A method of determining a phantom key condition in an encoder array (10) including (1) enabling each row (R1-R14) of the encoder to a high position; (2) pulling the first row (R1) to be scanned to a low position; (3) scanning the first row (R1) of which in the low position finding whether there is a first key being closed, (4) determining whether there is second key being closed in the first column (C2) of which the first key has been closed, if there isn't a second key being closed, then outputting the signal, if there is a second key being closed, then (5) determining whether there is a third key being closed in the second row of which a second key has been closed before, if there isn't a third key that exists, output the signal, if a third key exists in the second row, (6) then the phenomenon of a phantom exists and the inputting signals will be invalid and beeper sound is emitted to warn the typist.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard has two spaced flexible membranes (1 and 2) carrying contact pad assemblies. Acoustic pads (15) of expanding ink are printed on the top surface of the upper membrane (2) between the contact pads (4) and the key buttons used to operate the contact switches formed by the pairs of opposed contact pads, thus reducing the acoustic noise and improving the contact bounce characteristic.Optionally, printed expanding ink is also used to form the spacer (5) between the membranes (1 and 2).

Abstract: A housing is constructed to define individual areas for depression to identify individual indicia such as numbers or the letters of the alphabet. A hard, electrically insulating material is attached to the housing to transmit strains produced in the housing by the depression of the individual areas on the housing. A plurality of thin sheets of an electrically insulating material are provided, each being attached to the insulating material at positions corresponding to the individual areas in the housing. A plurality of thin sheets of an electrically conductive material are also provided, each attached to an associated one of the thin sheets of insulating material. A plurality of ceramic crystals are also included, each attached to an individual one of the electrically conductive sheets. The electrically conductive sheets may be attached to the housing, which is preferably made from an electrically conductive material. This causes one surface of each ceramic crystal to be common to the adjacent area.

Abstract: A keyboard for typewriters or similar machines has a key support, switching contacts and key push rods, each of which is acted upon by a spring. The design of the few individual parts assures their simple manufacture (extruded parts and a stamped part) as well as an assembly just as simple and therefore automated, and, if desired, even without screws or aids of that type. Activation of the individual keys takes place with satisfactory tactile feedback and without undesireable vibrations.

Abstract: A data input device having key switches which are temporarily in an operated position, and position-hold switches each having selectable stable positions. The device includes a first matrix, a second matrix, and a matrix scanning arrangement. The first matrix comprises first and second signal lines which cross each other, and the second matrix comprises third and fourth signal lines which cross each other. Each key switch is connected between the first and second lines at a corresponding one of the intersections. Similarly, each position-hold switch is connected between the third and fourth lines at a corresponding one of the intersections. Some of the first or second lines are used as the third or fourth lines.

Abstract: Several different symbols may be assigned to each key of the keyboard as requested by the operator. All the various symbols of the keys are recorded in a memory where they are organized in a certain number of pre-defined, distinct configurations of the keyboard. The configuration chosen by the operator is recorded in a display memory and displayed by means of a graphic unit on a flat panel, for example a liquid crystal display panel. The key actuated by the operator is identified by a decoding circuit to determine its symbol by means of the display memory and to display it on the flat panel.

Abstract: An operator panel for printers which includes visible function indicators as well as trigger elements for controlling printer functions has a single function operating and indicating field arranged in a matrix fashion with lines and columns wherein the lines indicate classes of functions and wherein a particular column includes designations as well as indications for the classes of functions; there is at the most one indication and/or one designation in any matrix intersection, a single key is associated with each of the columns; a second panel field is disposed alongside the first one, having a single operating key, and being individually organized commensurate with the lines and in a single column but being independent from said designations of the particular column.

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: A data entry device having five keys, not in one plane, is held in and operated by one hand. Each key has two "on" positions and one "off" position. By using a single key or chord of keys to form characters, a surplus of possible combinations is generated. Because it is grippable and requires only one hand to operate, the user can utilized it while simultaneously walking, writing, reading, commuting, using a phone, holding a conversation, or engaging in related and unrelated activities.

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: A lettering apparatus having an improved interface feature including a printer portion, a data input portion and an interface assembly for connecting the printer with the keyboard comprising an electrical interface, a font motor interface and an initial alignment interface. The interface assembly facilitates quick, uncomplicated and inexpensive conversion of a manual lettering system to an automated lettering system.

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.

Abstract: An electronic typewriter includes a plurality of character keys, a specification selector, a printer circuit, and a memory for storing a plurality of specification tables, each having a plurality of key data. A data processing circuit detects a determined one of the plurality of specification tables in response to a selection signal from the specification selector, and reads out the corresponding key data from the specification table selected in accordance with the operation of the character keys, thereby driving the printer circuit in accordance with the key data. The specification selector includes a plurality of selection switches formed on the same keyboard together with the plurality of character keys.

Abstract: A keyboard arrangement for reducing stress and tension experienced by a human operator during communication with an information processing machine. The keyboard, which may have the actuators thereon arranged in a conventional keyboard distribution, such as a QWERTY keyboard system, is splitable into first and second sections, each such section containing respective portions of the actuators. When joined, the two keyboard sections form a unitary keyboard which is conventional in appearance and operation. When separated, a display screen may be interposed between the keyboard sections, and the keyboard sections may be arranged in selectable spatial positions and orientations selected for the comfort of the operator. An adjustable mechanical mounting arrangement is provided for ensuring positional stability of the keyboard sections. In a further embodiment, an information processing system is arranged to be portable in a housing which permits the screen to assume a sloped position.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes a power supply for supplying power thereto and a battery supply for supplying back-up battery power. A printing mechanism effects printing on a printing paper in accordance with one of a plurality of printing pitches, and a processor controls the printer and produces data signals. A selector selects one of a plurality of printing pitches and applies a signal indicating the selected printing pitch to the processor. A plurality of indicators each indicates a respective one of the plurality of printing pitches and one of the indicators is energized by a data signal produced by the processor. A memory is supplied with back-up battery power by the battery power supply and stores a selected one of the plurality of printing pitches. The memory is accessed by the processor.

Abstract: A keyboard unit control system having a port which includes a block selection register for specifying one of a plurality of blocks of scanning lines and a scanning data selection register for specifying one of the scanning lines of the corresponding block. The scanning data and block data are supplied to a keyboard unit through the scan line selecting logic. When the operator depresses a key on the keyboard unit, the key is detected by an interrupt detector and a detection signal is supplied to a CPU. The CPU first scans the blocks and then scans the scanning lines in the corresponding block.

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 key switch assembly for interposition between a PCB and a cover plate for actuating a contact element such as a snap dome. The key switch includes a body having a cantilever actuator arm hingedly secured to the body. The body is located with respect to the cover plate by means of an upwardly extending dowel pin. The underside of the actuator arm carries a generally cylindrical striker element which when the arm is depressed engages the snap dome in line contact. The upper surface of the actuator arm has a mounting projection which projects through an aperture in the cover plate and is adapted to receive a key cap. Manual pressure applied to the key cap will cause the actuator arm to pivot about hinge section bringing the striker element into contact with the snap dome.

Abstract: In an electronic typewriter adapted to be set in an automatic power off mode, when no key operation is made for a predetermined period of time after the final key operation, the automatic power off mode can be cancelled through operation of a clearing key and the condition based on the key operation finally made, is reset. In the automatic power off mode, the OFF-ON operation of a main switch also cancels the automatic power off mode and resets the condition based on the key operation finally made just before the setting of the automatic power off mode.

Abstract: A keyboard switch which is used in combination with a membrane switch array includes a housing adapted to be positioned on the membrane switch array. There is an upright opening in the housing and a plunger is reciprocal in the housing opening. There is a spring urging said plunger outwardly in said opening and there is an actuator lever pivotally mounted on said housing and positioned for engagement by said plunger. Inward movement of said plunger through a given distance causes the application of a switch closing force by said lever on the underlying switch array. The geometry of the actuator lever-plunger interface can be arranged for linear application of the switch closing force or sudden application of said force. Sudden application of the switch closing force provides a tactile feedback.

Abstract: An electronic typewriter having calculating, displaying and editing capabilities as well as printing capability. The typewriter includes a main control device having three different modes in which the typewriter is operated. In the first mode, the control device performs an arithmetic operation which is defined in a statement including letters, at least one arithmetic symbol and plural numerical values entered through letter, numeral and arithmetic symbol keys. Further, in the first mode, the control device directs a display device to display the statement and a result of the arithmetic operation, and permits the displayed characters to be edited for correction or change. In the second mode, the control device permits the above items of operation in the first mode and directs a printing device to print the displayed characters. The third mode enables the typewriter to display entered characters and print the characters as they are entered and displayed.

Abstract: A typewriter baseplate attachment for generating electrical signals that identify operations performed by the typewriter wherein, through the actuation of solenoids located in the baseplate attachment, the keys of the typewriter can be depressed to initiate the functional operations without the characters associated with the keys printing on the paper in the typewriter. This non-printing is effected through solenoid actuation of the correcting mechanism of the typewriter and suppression of the backspacing movement that normally accompanies operation of the correction mechanism.

Abstract: A keyboard in which, when one of the function keys is depressed simultaneously with one of the character keys, the signal generated by the depressed function key is transmitted during a first period of time following the key-stroke which depressed the keys, and the signal generated by the depressed character key is transmitted during a second period of time following the key-stroke which depressed the keys, the second period having an initial instant following the last instant of the first period. To achieve this result the character signal is delayed, so that an associated printer receives and is capable of performing the function commanded by the function signal before the printer is caused to print the character of the character signal which is subsequently received.

Abstract: A keyswitch apparatus for electronic typewriter keyboards and the like including a circuit board having at least one pair of electrical conductors, each conductor having contact means, at least one single-piece spring and contact system, each including a frame portion adapted for directly mounting to the circuit board and at least one spring and contact unit.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard includes a base defining a surface having a plurality of faces oriented at different angles. A flexible printed circuit defining rows of switches is disposed on the base surface and rows of switch actuators are disposed on the printed circuit. The actuators comprise key guide strips which define key positions offset along the rows from the switch positions and spring strips which bridge the key and switch positions so that, when keys slidably mounted in the key guide strips are depressed, they close the associated switches. The spring strips are designed to produce minimum operator fatigue and all of the keyboard components coact to give the keyboard a very low profile.

Abstract: An improved dry lettering printing machine of the type having a printing station, a rotatable disc or type font having embossed characters on the disc and a means for causing the machine to execute a print cycle which includes providing a color carrying ribbon and image carrying tape at the print station, precisely aligning a selected raised character on the disc for printing, exerting a printing force at the printing station, and reciprocating the tape cartridge to advance the tape and ribbon to print the next character at the printing station. The improvement includes an input keyboard for typing the information which is to appear on the tape interfaced with the printing machine with a programmed microcomputer which stores the input data and, with control signals, sequentially causes the printing machine to print a tape according to the information typed on the keyboard.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical keyboard having five keys arranged conveniently for the fingers of an operators hand, a memory to store the signals from each key, logic circuit to instruct said stored data after release of the last of said keys and an encoder to receive said stored signals and produce electrical output signals corresponding to readable characters; each character signal requiring a single operation of a unique combination of said input keys for production of said signal.

Abstract: A keyboard (61) includes plural keybar actuators (11) each including plural keys (19, 23, 27, 31) hingedly interconnected (25, 29, 33) and a sensing device (13). The keys of a keybar actuator are all actuated by a common finger (45) in touch typing and therefore are not jointly actuated. Depression of one key causes the keybar actuator (11) to pivot and the sensing device (13) indicates which key is depressed depending upon the amount of keybar actuator rotation. Alternate sensing devices include individual contact switches (79-81) associated with each key.

Abstract: A character shaping device includes a tablet or the like upon which characters are written or drawn, and a device for determing distribution functions for the character as projected in the x- and y-directions. From this information the "center of gravity" of the character is calculated, and the x- and y-dimensions of the character are detected to determine the character area. The image is then centered within a normalization area and enlarged or reduced in size according to scale factors dependent upon the relative dimensions of the character area and the normalization area, to obtain a well balanced and sized character which may then be printed along with other characters to form sentences on a printed document or the like.

Abstract: A typewriter has a Keyboard (12), including a Tab Set Key (22), a Tab Clear Key (24), and a Tab Actuating Key (26). Operation of the tab set key stores stop positions of the Carrier (18) with respect to the typewriter's Platen (14). Shallow depression of the tab actuating key causes the carrier to move forward (right) to the next tab stop position. A first deep depression of the tab actuating key establishes a Reverse Tab Mode causing the carrier to move backward (left) to the nearest preceding tab stop position and causing the platen to rotate (index) so as to position the Printing Element (16) one line down on the paper, thereby to facilitate typing the next line of single column material without effecting a carrier return and forward movement of the carrier to the beginning of the column.

Abstract: An interface for converting standard computer character code, in either serial or parallel form, into a sequence of simulated acoustic wave pattern signals. These wave pattern signals are then applied to an acoustic bar operated typewriter, like the typewriter sold under the mark "Typetronic" by the SCM Corporation, duplicating the acoustic wave fronts that are generated by the keyboard. Thus the typewriter is conformed to operate as a data processing printer without any reduction in the functions thereof.

Abstract: A keyboard which can be assembled from individual keys is disclosed. The individual keys include a key button, a key shaft for switching electric circuits, a stationary key body, and a spring for influencing the relative movement between the key shaft and key body. A base structure having cutouts is provided for receiving the keys. A circuit board carrying control elements cooperates with the key arrangement. The key buttons have several receiving openings for the key shafts. The cutouts in the base structure and the arrangement of the control elements on the circuit board are staggered relative to each other from row to row by a half spacing.

Abstract: A keyboard system having a plurality of actuable keys is coupled through a central processing unit to an indicia accessing unit for accessing indicia corresponding to said keys. An automatic repeat circuit also interconnects the keyboard system with the central processing unit and includes pressure transducer means responsive to actuating pressure on said keys for producing an amplitude variable signal which causes a signal convertor to produce a corresponding rate variable signal which when fed to the central processing unit causes repetitive accessing of the corresponding indicia at a selectable rate. Feedback from the central processing unit to the repeat circuit determines which key signals are to be operative for repetitive indicia access.

Abstract: A push-button key switch for keyboards, having an actuating member, and a helical spring which functions as a return spring for the actuating member and as a movable contact element. The helical spring comprises two sections, one of which is employed as the return spring, and which engages a seating surface on the actuating member. The other section of the spring extends beyond the seating surface and is adapted to engage a cooperable stationary counter-contact upon actuation of the actuating member. The switch may be readily designed as a single pole-single throw switch or a single pole-double throw switch, and may be designed to provide predetermined contact pressures between closed contacts.

Abstract: An electronic switch keyboard for typewriters or office machines includes a multiple switch at selected key positions to provide two signal inputs to a utilization device. A first capacitor switch is actuated to provide a first signal upon initial key depression and a second contact switch, common to all selected key positions, is actuated to provide a second signal upon further key depression at the selected key positions. A ground plane forms a portion of the contact switch and further serves to reduce parasitic capacitance and to shield the capacitive switches from stray electrical noise occasioned by the contact switch or other electrical inputs. A dielectric material is used to accurately separate the ground plane from the capacitive switch and further serves as a force spreading device for the contact switch.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus construction (FIG. 1) is provided which clusters the keys operated by each finger closely about the finger in its "home row" position on the home row of the generally accepted keyboard configuration. The upper or "number" row is operated by a key that rests above the operator's fingers (FIG. 2) which can be operated by raising the finger. In one embodiment the keyboard is mounted in a frame that fits over and is auxiliary to the typewriter (FIG. 5).

Abstract: An encoding apparatus in which strikers actuated by the keys of a keyboard, for example, impact selected ones of a group of parallel bars (equivalent to sonic delay lines) at points substantially equally distant from single transducers located on each bar. A timer controls transfer of data signals--the transducer output of the bars--to a display, a printer, etc. The transfer includes storage in a multibit electronic latch.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to data input system keyboards that are designed in accordance with human engineering principles for use in conjunction with a specific data input activity. Each keyboard has a plurality of keys adapted for actuation in response to minimum movement of the fingers of an operator and each having a substantially smooth upper surface to facilitate sliding movement of the fingers of the operator between the keys of the keyboard. The keys of each keyboard are arranged such that the most often used keys are situated in the most readily accessible locations with respect to the fingers of the operator, and with keys which are frequently utilized in sequence. That is, the keys that comprise digraphs & trigrams as well as keys carrying individual words or characters used frequently in sequence are positioned adjacent one another. The keys may be arranged along arcuate paths corresponding to the natural movement of the fingers, hands, and arms of the operator.

Abstract: A switch actuator and position-locking means for module keyboard assemblies such as are used in data-processing machines and the like, utilizing key operable electric switches. The switch actuator is of the type normally associated with what is commonly called a "shift key" or "spacer bar," wherein the finger-engaging portion of the actuator is of a size greater than a single switch module, with the switch adapted to be mechanically locked in operative position and released by successive actuation of a related switch module.

Abstract: An improved linear position sensor that utilizes a pair of elongated magnetically permeable tubular sensing elements and a pair of elongated magnets positioned to move with respect to the tubular sensing elements is disclosed. The sensor is provided with a housing structure having a pair of guide slots which guide a support plate for the tubular sensing elements, and a second pair of guide slots formed at right angles to the first pair of guide slots, which guide a pair of wings on the control member that carries the magnets, so that the elongated tubular sensing elements and the magnetic elements are accurately retained in place with respect to each other. The housing is formed with channels in its interior which receive a pair of elongated coil springs that bias the member. The structure is designed for ease of assembly with snap-together sub-assemblies.

Abstract: An input device is provided with simplified operation for correcting errors. One key is adapted to perform a plurality of key functions, for instance, one function feeds a recording medium backwardly, another prints an error mark. Such key is provided with a bridge member which is interposed, in bridge configuration, between the bottom part of the key top and switch contact member located over other switch contact elements in a pair with said switch contact members. When one key is depressed, a plurality of key switches are actuated.