Patent EP0089239A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0089239A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Fiber wrap keyboard and switch
Assignee: Unisys Corp
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Filing: 1983-03-16
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2003-03-16
Abstract
Abstract Photo-optical keyboard matrix including a plurality of light transmitting optical fibers. The fibers are arranged in rows and columns with light generating means disposed at the row terminations of the fibers and light receptors are disposed at the column terminations of the fibers. The fibers are angularly cut at the matrix intersections of rows and columns to form an air prism. Individual key members, each provided with light blocking and unblocking means are movable into and out of the air prism area effectively blocking and unblocking light from generator to receptor thus providing optical keyboard switching apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl E. Mosier
- 👤 Richard I. Ely
- 👤 Wunnava V. Subbarao
- 👤 James E. Andree
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:09
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/35; G02B6/351; G02B6/353; G02B6/354; G02B6/3544; G02B6/3546; G02B6/3564; G02B6/3568; G02B6/3574
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
Fiber wrap keyboard and switch apparatus comprising; means supporting bundles of light conducting members arranged in a matrix configuration with certain portion of said bundles of disposed vertically and other portions of said bundles disposed horizontally, said other portions being arranged vertically relative to said certain portions; said bundles of light conducting members being cut in two at the area of intersection of said vertical and horizontal portions effectively forming thereby a hypothetical air prism; and means interposed between the two cut portions for alternatively passing and blocking light across said air prism from a light generating means to a light receiving means effectively providing a keyboard switch.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
Fiber wrap keyboard and switch apparatus comprising; means supporting bundles of light conducting members arranged in a matrix configuration with certain portion of said bundles of disposed vertically and other portions of said bundles disposed horizontally, said other portions being arranged vertically relative to said certain portions; said bundles of light conducting members being cut in two at the area of intersection of said vertical and horizontal portions effectively forming thereby a hypothetical air prism; and means interposed between the two cut portions for alternatively passing and blocking light across said air prism from a light generating means to a light receiving means effectively providing a keyboard switch.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said switch apparatus is formed as a monolithic single plane keyboard type structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said bundles or light conducting members are arranged in an inverted L configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention in accordance with Claim 1 wherein the angle of the cut portions comprise equal angles.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
88 words
The method of forming fiber optic keyboard and switch apparatus comprises the steps of; arranging bundles of light conducting members in a matrix array with horizontal and vertical portions of said array disposed at right angles to each other; cutting said bundles of light conducting members at the point or area of intersection of said horizontal and vertical portions effectively providing an air prism at the aforementioned intersection; and providing a receiprocably movable opposite ends of the horizontal and vertical portions so as to form a light switch.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
88 words
The method of forming fiber optic keyboard and switch apparatus comprises the steps of; arranging bundles of light conducting members in a matrix array with horizontal and vertical portions of said array disposed at right angles to each other; cutting said bundles of light conducting members at the point or area of intersection of said horizontal and vertical portions effectively providing an air prism at the aforementioned intersection; and providing a receiprocably movable opposite ends of the horizontal and vertical portions so as to form a light switch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of Claim 5 further including the step of bending the light conducting members from the vertical to the horizontal plane to provide a precise but gradual radius of curvature therein effective to lead the light across the air prism.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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