Abstract: An improved key unit of a keyboard comprising a key top, a keyboard plate and a conductive film; the conductive film being mounted beneath the keyboard plate; the keyboard plate has a mounting base comprising a hollow cylinder mounted thereon and the key top being mounted on the mounting base through the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: An improved alphanumeric keyboard 10 is illustrated for use in lap top or notebook personal computers 12. The keyboard 10 has a plurality of full travel, self leveling keyswitches 14 for actuating printed circuit electrical contacts 22 and 26 when the keyswitch is depressed. The keyboard 10 includes an integral keyswitch structure 40 that has an integral keytop 42 and keytop support substructure 44 supported on a common integral base sheet 46. Each of the keytop support substructures 44 includes hinge members 50a50b, 50c and 50d that are positioned in a rectangular orientation about the keytop 42. Each hinge member has a rigid upper hinge panel 52 and a lower hinge panel 58 that are integrally interconnected to the keytop 42 and the base sheet 46 for maintaining the keytop in a parallelogram orientation as it is depressed to prevent the keytop from moving laterally or wobbling during depression. The hinge panels 52 and 58 are interconnected by resilient webs 54, 60 and 64.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a computer keyboard for cursor control is disclosed. The apparatus includes a compound key which serves for both typing a character and for pointing operations, i.e. for cursor control like a mouse. For pointing operations, a pointing stick or shaft is pressed in a desired direction by a user for moving a cursor in a corresponding direction on a display screen. The pointing stick is disposed in an aperture that extends through a modified key cap, so that no additional keyboard space is required for the pointing device, thereby obviating a separate mouse, keyboard mounted trackball or the like. In an alternative embodiment, the pointing stick extends through an aperture in the keyboard space bar. In another embodiment, adjacent key caps are modified so as to fit closely around the key cap that houses the pointing stick without interfering with operation of either the pointing stick or the keyswiches.

Abstract: An improved keypad includes a plurality of apertured bases in the keyboard, a pressing rod and a keypad for each of the apertured bases. The pressing rod has opposing projected tracks and the apertured base has slots on its interior wall. This structure allows the pressing rod to be housed inside the apertured base so as to reduce the friction during the keypad operation. The reduction of friction provides a smooth keyboard operation. Moreover, the gap between the exterior wall of the pressing rod and the interior wall of the aperture base is wider, therefore, the keypad resonance is lessened during operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to ergonomic keycaps that snap on the keys or attach directly to the keyboard of computer keyboards, word processors, electronic typewriters and other data input devices. The ergonomic keycaps are approximately the same length and width as a standard keycap but are a different height. The ergonomic keys will be positioned over the data entry keys of a computer keyboard in a manner that forms an inverted V or a wave shape. The inverted V or wave shape allows the operator's hands to be maintained in a position that should reduce repetitive stress injuries. The snap on ergonomic keycaps may be formed from flexible plastic and are designed to fit snugly onto the standard data entry keys of a keyboard. The caps design will be cup shaped and a sufficient fixation to the keys may be achieved through friction forces, vacuum forces, a combination of friction and vacuum forces, a mechanical attachment or any other suitable means know to those skilled in the industry.

Abstract: A semilunar recess affixed to a key cap of a keyboard switch is snapped over a swing rod, rotatably affixed to a key seat, during assembly of the keyboard switch. The swing rod is supported by the key seat in a position permitting the semilunar recess to snap onto it. This arrangement permits single-step assembly of keys to a keyboard.

Abstract: A multilingual keyboard system (10) including a customized keyboard unit (12) is provided to operate in conjunction with a central processing unit (14) and a logic system (16) having unique software in order to facilitate multilingual typing from a single keyboard. The keyboard (12) includes customized keys (20) which are shaped to receive label panels (70) on one of several selectable templates (18). Each template (18) corresponds to a particular character set which the user desires to utilize as an alternate character set to that appearing on the key labels (52) on the keyboard (12). The keyboard (12) also includes a keyboard mode toggle key (36) for toggling between a standard mode of operation and the selected alternate mode. The logic system (16) includes software having keymapping schemes associated with each selectable alternate mode. Changing templates (18) permits usage of multiple alternate modes with the same equipment.

Abstract: A cover is disclosed that can be easily and quickly positioned over a single key on a keyboard. The cover has pressure sensitive adhesive on its feet for securely affixing the cover to the housing of the keyboard such that the cover is maintained in place over the key on the keyboard which is to be covered. A pair of sidewalls extend upwardly from the feet of the cover. The sidewalls are spaced apart by a distance sufficient to span a single key on the keyboard. A top wall extends between the upper ends of the sidewalls. The top wall is provided with a central opening having a size such that a tip of a pencil or other similar device can be pushed through the opening to engage the key below the top cover.

Abstract: A key unit includes a key a hollow housing securely mounted on a base frame of a computer keyboard, an actuating member, and a spring member. The hollow housing includes a top wall with an opening, a first pair of opposed side walls, and a second pair of opposed side walls. A vertical track is formed in each of inner surface of the first pair of opposed side walls. A resounding plate is mounted on an inner surface of one of the second pair of opposed side walls. The actuating member includes an upper column which extends through the opening in the housing and is adapted to engage with the key. An extension projects outward from each of two opposed sides of the upper column for engaging with the associated vertical track in the housing. The spring member includes an axle which is pivotally mounted between the first pair of opposed side walls and first and second arcuate members projecting outward from the axle and extending away from each other.

Abstract: An improved alphanumeric keyboard 10 is illustrated for use in lap top or notebook personal computers 12. The keyboard 10 has a plurality of full travel, self leveling keyswitches 14 for actuating printed circuit electrical contacts 22 and 26 when the keyswitch is depressed. The keyboard 10 includes an integral keyswitch structure 40 that has an integral keytop and keytop support substructure 44 supported on a common integral base sheet 46. Each of the keytop support substructures 44 includes hinge members 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d that are positioned in a rectangular orientation about the keytop 42. Each hinge member has a rigid upper hinge panel 52 and a lower hinge panel 58 that are integrally interconnected to the keytop 42 and the base sheet 46 for maintaining the keytop in a parallelogram orientation as it is depressed to prevent the keytop from moving laterally or wobbling during depression.

Abstract: A keyboard for a typwriter and the like, has at least one elongated key, elements for swivellably supporting the key and including at least one substantially U-shaped bracket with a U-bottom, two U-legs connected with opposite ends of the U-bottom, and two projections extending from free ends of the U-legs and parallel to the U-bottom, such that the key is swivellably supported on the projections with a play. At least two stationary swivel bearings swivellably support the U-bottom of the bracket. At least one of the bracket and the key is supported in a bearing point in a noise-dampening manner.

Abstract: A key depression inhibitor device for a computer keyboard is disclosed which is intended to prevent accidental or inadvertent manual depression of a certain key or combination of keys on a computer keyboard. The device has top, side and end walls which form a generally hollow cover adapted to fit over a single key or certain combinations of key in the "F" key section, page control key section and cursor control key section of a computer keyboard. The device is constructed to fit snugly over the key or combination of keys which it is intended to cover and to be readily removable therefrom, so that it can be installed and removed at will as needed.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly (12) of a telephonic console (14) having multiple modes of operation programmable at a user's site is shipped partly disassembled from a plurality of top mountable key caps with different designations for the same key location corresponding to different modes for permanent top mounting into vacant key holes (18, 20, 22, 24) at the customer site and is preassembled with other key cap assemblies that are installed at a manufacturing site from the underside (12') of the keyboard. The top mountable key cap assemblies (40) have a plurality of resilient arms (56, 58, 62, 64) with flanges (68) on the ends to block removal and wedge-shaped camming surfaces (70, 72) for camming engagement with the sides (50) of key holes to resiliently press the flanges (68) inwardly to enable insertion into the key hole (18, 20, 22, 24) mounted beneath the underside (12') of the keyboard (12) at which location they resiliently return to a locking position (FIG. 4 B) to block removal.

Abstract: A cushioning apparatus for reducing the impact felt by the fingertips of a typist using a keyboard. A conventional keyboard includes a plurality of keys, each corresponding to at least one character or number, and each having a hard keytop. According to the invention, a pad is attached or applied to each keytop, each pad being substantially softer than the associated hard keytop. Each pad has a flat top surface, with a legend thereon indicating the keytop to which it is attached. Each pad also has a flat bottom surface, with adhesive applied thereto, and a single sheet of release paper removably applied to the adhesive for all the pads, the adhesive being provided for attaching the pad to the respective keytop, or to the top of another pad, to provide additional thickness of padding.

Abstract: A low profile tactile keyswitch including a horizontally positioned elastic column spring which buckles under an axial load to provide a tactile feel for the keyswitch. The ends of the spring are maintained between two spring holders which are urged together as the keybutton is depressed. Stabilizing arms pivotally attached to the keybutton are used to stabilize the keybutton and also to carry extensions which engage the spring holders to move them together as the keybutton is depressed. The keyswitch is operable to be placed in an inactive configuration in which the keybutton is lowered without placing the spring under added compression.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key switch including a key base fitted into a key hole on the frame of a keyboard body, two contact plates fastened inside the key base, a key cap covered on the key base, and a slide supported above a vertical stub tube inside the key base by a spring and having a bottom rod inserted in the bore of the stub tube, wherein the bore of the stub tube pierces through the bottom of the key base, and the bottom rod of the slide is maintained in flush with the bottom of the key base before it is being pressed; each contact plate has a contact leg extended out of the key base through a respective side hole and then bent downwards by 90.degree. angle.

Abstract: Enhancements to computer keyboards and calculator devices are provided that permit a user to select the function and labelling of said device's numeric keypad to conform to either the 123 layout or the 789 layout. The enhancements comprising labelling means for selectively labelling the numeric keypad keys as either a 123 layout or as a 789 layout; switching means for changing the signal associated with each key independent of the application; and circuit board means for transmitting the signals associated with either layout.

Abstract: The body structure of a pocket computer includes a fastener mainly an elastic fastening element of a multi-layered construction accommodated in an insertion space located at a front edge of the main body housing. A simplified telephone input jack is constructed in the side wall of the pocket computer main body. The association of the main body and the cover body of the pocket computer is accomplished by a pivotal shaft, which is characterized in that it is provided with a delay swivel device permitting the communication cables linking the main body with the cover body to be less vulnerable to bending caused by the actions of opening and closing the cover body and that it includes indicator lights serving to show the operating status of electronic functions of the computer. The keyboard includes entry keys which are securely coupled with the housing plate of the keyboard by slide keys and slide key mounts.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the key activating force or "touch" for a keyboard or for one or more function key groups on that keyboard to the needs of any individual operator.

Abstract: A computer key switch comprised of a key cap, a key base and a rubber cone, wherein the key cap has two bottom walls movably inserted into two elongated chambers on the key base, two hooked strips movably inserted into two opposite openings on the key base for upstroke limit control, and a plunger inserted through a ring-shaped holder on the key base and forced to squeeze the rubber cone; the key base has a bottom flange and two opposite side blocks for positioning on a frame; the rubber cone has a horn-shaped bottom ring supported on a membrane, a top ring inserted into the ring-shaped holder, a transverse division wall blocked between the top ring and the horn-shaped bottom ring, and a solid stub rod extended downwards from the transverse division wall at the center to trigger a circuit inside the membrane upon each down stroke of the plunger.

Abstract: Keys of an electronic keyboard shaped in a novel way, in order to permit the comfortable operation of the keys, especially by a business machine operator with long fingernails. Because of those changes in the key shape and character placement, the opportunity to set the plane of use of a keyboard anterior-posteriorly into an unlimited number of positions from a strong posterior tilt to a moderate anterior tilt, is thus afforded, giving increased comfort to keyboard operators, regardless of the length of their fingernails.

Abstract: A system for converting graphic symbols on a computer data entry keyboard to another set of graphic symbols such as a foreign language or scientific symbols or mathematical notations is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of individual keycaps, each keycap being sized for fitting over the upper surface of a single data entry key on the computer data entry keyboard. Each keycap has two indicia inscribed thereon. The first indicia, corresponding to the graphic symbol to be displayed upon the skriking of the data entry key is inscribed on the upper exterior surface of the keycap. The second indicia, corresponds to the graphic symbol on the upper surface of the data entry key over which the keycap is positioned. A cabinet having a columnar orientation for receiving the keycaps in a stacked relationship when the keycaps are not in use and operation is also disclosed. A lid protects the keycaps when they are stored in the cabinet.

Abstract: The improved structures of the push-button key of keyboard are characterized in that the upper housing panel of keyboard comprises a plurality of partitioned sections where the push-button keys are installed, and that a key barrel of a predetermined height is set up at the center of each of the partitioned sections. The barrel wall comprises two slide keys positioned correspondingly to two slide key seats of the push-button key. The hooking means are arranged in the partitioned section at a predetermined distance from the key barrel. The stability of up-and-down movement of the push-button key is ensured by virtue of a coordinated action of slide key and slide key seats. The hooking means serve to confine the movement of the push-button key and to prevent the push-button key from being detached easily.

Abstract: A keyboard comprises a plurality of regular keys, and an inverted T-shaped key subdividing the regular keys into two sections including one section for preferably left-hand operation and another section preferably for right-hand operation. A keyboard further comprises a trackball and/or two rollers requiring minimal hand movement in using them for mouse emulation.

Abstract: An improved keyboard for office machines and the like having a reversely-sloped keyboard having a wrist support member located on the raised adjacent edge of the keyboard and having the keys arranged in tiers descending in stepwise fashion toward the lower rear edge of the keyboard.

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.

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 keyboard switch comprising a plurality of switch bodies arranged on an attachment plate, a key top, sufficiently larger than the switch body, attached to at least one switch body, a cut-away portion or opening formed in the attachment plate between the key top and a base plate, and circuit parts located in a space which is formed by the cut-away portion or opening, the underside of the key top and the base plate, so that switches and circuit parts can be arranged to efficiently use the space on the base plate.

Abstract: A method of producing characters, symbols, patterns (hereinafter referred to as "characters, etc.") on a thermoplastic resin molded article is characterized in that in order to produce characters, etc. on the molded article, a dye-impenetrable cover is first applied to that part of the surface of the molded article which corresponds to the characters, etc. to be produced, impregnation dyeing being then affected on the molded article surface including at least the peripheral area of the covered part of the surface by using a sublimative dye, the cover being subsequently removed, whereby the characters, etc. are produced as such.

Abstract: Keyboard comprising a handle (8,9) intended to prevent an elongate key (4) from being depressed obliquely. In order to simplify the operation of assembling/disassembling the key, the latter comprises an inclined surface (2) and the handle is fixed to the chassis (13) by means of a hook (1) of high elasticity, which permits the handle to be positioned in a slot (3) of the key when the latter is depressed.

Abstract: A keyboard having ten elongate keys extending in a row substantially at right angles to a transverse centerline through the keys with each of the keys having a longitudinal trough on its upper surface defined by three recesses extending longitudinally of the key, with the sides of the recesses of adjacent edges of the fourth and fifth keys and of the sixth and seventh keys being reduced in height so as to facilitate movement of the index fingers from the fourth to the fifth key and from the seventh to the sixth key. Each of the elongate keys actuates three switches depending into which of the three recesses of the key a finger is applied, and the elongate key of one form of the invention is formed by a central relatively short auxiliary key and a long auxiliary key on its opposite ends, with these being articulated. Switch mechanism actuated by the key includes three plates in face-to-face contact.

Abstract: A flexible cup-shaped keyboard cap formed from transparent colored plastic enables a subset of keys to be distinguished by color while maintaining visibility of the key designation.

Abstract: A keyboard pad for use in conjunction with computers is made of a rigid plastic material while the keys of the basic pad are made of rubber so that the assembly of the keys into the pad may be automatically facilitated, reducing or limiting the need for manual construction thereby reducing the cost of materials and constructing the keyboard assembly.

Abstract: Simultaneous multisurface diffusion printing of indicia into the top and front surfaces of the assembled keys (39) of a keyboard (41) is disclosed. The bottom (29) of a fixture (23) supports a plurality of spring-loaded pedestals (37) for the keys (39) to be imprinted. A locator plate (27) maintains the keys (39) in a fixed position and functions as a heat shield. Positioned above the locator plate (27) is a sheet of transfer paper (61) having an array of reverse image indicia (63) which are located at positions in alignment with the top and front surfaces of the keys (39) to be imprinted. U-shaped incisions (65) allow the portion of the indicia to be imprinted on the front surface of a key to be bent away from the plane of the transfer sheet. Positioned above the locator plate (27) is a printing plate (73) having different shape protrusions (75a and 75b) to impinge on at least the two surfaces of the keys ( 39) to be imprinted.

Abstract: An information carrier such as a push-button switch consists of a silicone elastomer. The information carrier has an a label-carrying surface in which there is embedded a printing ink having a vulcanizing mechanism similar to that of the silicone elastomer. The ink and silicone elastomer are vulcanized to form the ink into a pattern on the label-carrying surface. The label-carrying surface having the pattern embedded therein constitutes a non-glossy surface of a predetermined roughness. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for manufacturing the information carrier by printing the printing ink on a transfer plate, which has a roughness of several microns, followed by half vulcanization to embed a pattern which is manifested by the printing ink into the label-carrying surface of the information carrier.

Abstract: A key top of a manually operated key, comprising a base member having a top face on which a legend identifying said key is printed, and a transparent protective layer covering at least an area of said top face of the base member in which the legend is disposed. The protective layer is made of a mixture of a transparent base material, and a transparent finely particulate material which is different in refractive index from said base material.

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 is disclosed for an ideographic language, in particular for Japanese. The disclosed keyboard includes the positioning of up to eight similar descriptors on a single key. Combination of the descriptors to form compound or complex ideograms is accomplished by actuating two or more keys in the usual order of "writing" a Japanese character.

Abstract: A method of applying a dye image to a plastic member and the image bearing member thereby formed. A disperse dye having a melting point which is below the thermal deflection temperature of the plastic of the member and a vaporization point which is above said deflection temperature is applied to a surface of the member in a desired image. The dye bearing plastic is then heated to a temperature which is above the melting point of the dye and below the thermal deflection temperature of the plastic, but which is nevertheless high enough to cause some softening of said plastic. The dye is then permitted to diffuse into the plastic to provide a sharp, clear and durable image thereon.

Abstract: An auxiliary bearing for use in a keyboard to prevent binding of keys having irregularly-shaped keycaps. The irregular keycap is mounted on a plunger which reciprocates in a main switch housing. The switch housing is attached to the keyboard. The keycap also has a coupler attached to its underside. The coupler engages a bearing in the form of a sleeve which supports the coupler along a portion of its length sufficient to preclude the coupler from tilting in the sleeve. The bearing member is mounted on an auxiliary housing which in turn is attached to the keyboard. The connection of the bearing to the auxiliary housing permits the bearing to shift laterally on the housing to permit alignment of the coupler and sleeve despite variations in the auxiliary housing location and the keycap location. But the bearing is prevented from tilting or skewing in the auxiliary housing by a set of cooperating hooks on the housing and bearing.

Abstract: A keyface for increasing the speed and accuracy of an operator of any key-operated or touch-operated system is adapted to be attached in a keystem of a keyboard. The keyboard is equipped with a plurality of keystems arranged in a predetermined order, and each keystem has a contoured surface area which normally faces upwardly. The keyface is made up of a element which has an operative upper convex surface of a prearranged surface area, and an operative lower surface adapted to be attached to the contoured surface area of the keystem. The lower surface area defines an area substantially matching at least a portion of the contoured surface area of the keystem. The element is dimensioned so as to be free from interfering with a similar element attached to a neighboring keystem of the keyboard.

Abstract: A printing ink is vulcanized on the top surface of an operation indicating member consisting of a silicone-type elastomer and is integrated with the elastomer to form a character of a predetermined shape on the top surface. The printing ink consists essentially of a material which exhibits a vulcanizing mechanism similar to that of the silicon-type elastomer. In manufacturing the operation indicating member, the predetermined character is formed by means of the printing ink on a transfer plate disposed within a mold for molding the body of the indicating member. Next, the silicon-type elastomer is introduced into the mold and heated under elevated pressure to vulcanize and integrate the character on the transfer plate and the silicone-type elastomer, whereby the character is integrally embedded in the top surface of the operation indicating member formed in the mold.

Abstract: A keyboard input device for printers, composing apparatus, or clear text display devices which employ type fonts that can be changed at will, has a group of multiple indicia bearing keys which can be positioned to bring a different set of indicia to a readable position to indicate to the operator the character make-up of the type font being used. Both manual and electrical mechanisms are provided to effect indicia positioning. Mechanism is also provided to interconnect indicia selection with either manual or automatic type font selection and changing. Each key operates an electrical switch which is connected to a diode matrix to provide coded output to the device under control.

Abstract: A keyboard for a typewriter or the like including a series of elongate keys disposed in a row and normally with respect to the front edge of the typewriter or at an acute angle with respect thereto. Each of the keys is depressable when a finger pressure is applied on the center, home tablet surface of the key for causing the typing action of a certain letter; the key is depressable when the finger is reached to a tablet surface adjacent to the upper edge of the key and the key is then depressed to cause the typing action for another letter; and the key likewise provides a typing action for still another letter when the finger is reached downwardly toward the lower edge of the key to a lower tablet surface and the key is then depressed.

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 plastic molding, such as a key top with signs or letters appearing on its face has a first part molding having projections formed at its top defining an enclosed area. A second part molding of a color other than that of the first part molding is adhered to the surface of the first part molding in a manner permitting the ends of the projections to be exposed. The first part molding has a plurality of through holes formed in mesh configuration. At least one of the projections corresponds to at least one of the through holes. The second part molding is adhered to the first part molding to be buried in the plastic material of the second part molding. Part of the plastic material of the first part molding is filled into the enclosed area via the through holes. In a method of making such plastic molding, an inner member of the mold die may be used commonly regardless of the sign or letter provided in the plastic molding.

Abstract: A lockable key for use on electronic keyboards in office typewriters and teleprinters has a receptacle at an upper portion thereof for receiving a light emitting diode which is mounted in a small circuit board which can be snapped into the upper portion of the key and which is supplied current via flexible interlaced wires. A lower portion of the key has a guide element which cooperates with a guide pin carried on a side of the key base for retaining the upper portion of the key in a depressed state after a first actuation thereof, and for allowing return of the upper portion of the key to the original position after a successive actuation thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming and attaching individual key tops to the key stems of a multi-key keyboard wherein each key top is formed of contrasting colors such that the key top indicia is clearly visually recognizable while also providing each key top with a bar code indicia for enabling a bar code reader to select a desired key top from among a random group of key tops and for enabling a transfer mechanism to selectably orient the selected key top with respect to a key stem for automatic attachment thereto.

Abstract: Keyboards designed in accordance with ergonomic viewpoints are slightly dished transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction and the key surfaces have a slope tending toward the dished shape. According to the invention, this arrangement is accomplished with the aid of adapters located between the key element plungers and the keyheads. For each row of keys there is provided a special type of adapter. The types of adapters differ from one another in their effective heights and in the slope angles of the supporting surfaces for the keyheads.

Abstract: In a key button structure for electronic devices, a metal plate has one or more sharp-tipped projections extending from the surface thereof. The one or more projections of the metal plate are impaled into the key button body which is made of metal, from the bottom surface of the key button body of which the area is narrower than the surface area of the metal plate, thereby to intimately couple the key button body with the metal plate. When those ports are coupled, a part of the metal plate serves as a collar.