Data input device with hand-held selective circuit closing means

Claim 1

An improved personal data input device for connection to an encoding device to sequentially generate a series of coded signals, said data input device comprising; a. a base plate of electrically insulated material having a relatively flat upper surface; b. a plurality of electrical contacts, each of said contacts having an imperforate surface, and fixedly mounted on said base plate; said electrical contacts being spaced and electrically isolated from each other and arranged in a preselected pattern; c. a separate conductive lead wire connected to each of preselected ones of said fixed electrical contacts; d. a face plate of electrically insulating material mounted on said base plate above said upper surface thereof and adjacent said fixed electrical contacts; e. said face plate having a plurality of openings therethrough, there being one opening respectively positioned relative to each fixed electrical contact to permit access to each of said fixed electrical contacts through its respective opening; f. a probe comprising a metallic contact and an insulating handle, said metallic contact being connected to a wire extending through a portion of said handle; g. a circuit being closed between a preselected one of said conductive lead wires and said wire extending through a portion of said handle upon said metallic contact of said probe being brought into engagement with the imperforate surface of a preselected one of said electrical contacts fixedly mounted on said base plate.