EP0540147A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-status multi-function data processing key and key array
Assignee: LIN, EDWARD D.
•
Filing: 1992-08-28
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2012-08-28
Abstract
Abstract Multi-status data entry key and keyboard (20) capable of a one-to-one correspondence between each key status and a pre-assigned signal or state, with the neutral position or status being one of the states. Each non-neutral key status is associated with a unique pre-determined signal and corresponds uniquely to a specific symbol, function or operation. The implementation of this invention in telephones, computers, cash registers and other devices is shown. Its implementation in telephones is extensively covered.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward D. Lin
- 👤 Wallace E. Lin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 09:42
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M11/00; H04M11/06; H04M11/066; G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/023; G06F3/0233; G06F3/0234; G07; G07G; G07G1/00; G07G1/0018; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H04M1/00; H04M1/02; H04M1/23; H01H2217/00; H01H2217/036; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/008; H01H2221/012; H01H25/00; H01H25/008; H01H25/04; H01H25/041
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
An alpha-numeric keyboard, comprising: an array of at least ten multi-status keys, each of said keys having a digit of 0 through 9 uniquely associated therewith, six of said keys having three different letters uniquely associated therewith and two of said keys having four different letters uniquely associated therewith, said eight keys having associated letters accommodating all twenty-six letters of the alphabet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
42 words
The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 1, wherein one of said two keys having four letters associated therewith has the number 7 associated therewith, and the other of said two keys having four letters associated therewith has the number 9 associated therewith.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 2, wherein said two keys having the digits 0 and 1 associated therewith have no alphabetic letters associated therewith
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 3, wherein said two keys having the digits 0 and 1 associated therewith also have punctuational, calculation and telephonic functions associated therewith.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
113 words
The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 4, further comprising a circuit board, and wherein certain of said multi-status keys comprise: a key top member having n facets; a resilient member extending from said circuit board and connected to a bottom of said key top member, said resilient member accommodating movement of said key top member under operator control and biasing said key top member to a neutral position; n -1 key contacts connected to and positioned about a bottom surface of said key top; and n -1 board contacts connected to the circuit board, one of each of said key contacts being uniquely associated and in juxtaposition with one of said board contacts.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 5, wherein each of n -1 of said facets is uniquely associated with one of said key contacts and one of said board contacts.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 6, wherein one of said facets, exclusive of said n -1 of said facets, is associated with the totality of said key contacts and said board contacts.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 7, wherein movement of said key top member upon said resilient member obtains engagement of selected ones of uniquely associated key contacts and board contacts.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The alpha-numeric keyboard according to claim 8, wherein said movement of said key top member upon said resilient member further attains simultaneous engagement of each of said uniquely associated key contacts and board contacts.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
103 words
A multi-status key for data or signal input to a circuit board, comprising: a key top member having n facets; a resilient member extending from the keyboard and connected to a bottom of said key top member, said resilient member accommodating movement of said key top member under operator control and biasing said key top member to a neutral position; n -1 key contacts connected to and positioned about a bottom surface of said key top; and n -1 board contacts connected to the circuit board, each of said key contacts being uniquely associated and in juxtaposition with one of said board contacts.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The multi-status key according to claim 10 wherein each of n -1 of said facets is uniquely associated with one of said key contacts and one of said board contacts.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The multi-status key according to claim 11, wherein one of said facets, exclusive of said n -1 of said facets, is associated with the totality of said key contacts and said board contacts.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The multi-status key according to claim 12, wherein movement of said key top member upon said resilient member attains engagement of selected ones of said uniquely associated key contacts and board contacts.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
34 words
The multi-status key according to claim 13, wherein said movement of said key top member upon said resilient member further attains simultaneous engagement of each of said uniquely associated key contacts and board contacts.-
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.