US3696408A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Keyboard encoder
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1970-11-23
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Granted: 1972-10-03
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Expires: 1990-11-23
Abstract
Abstract Keyboard encoding apparatus having a plurality of keys with different codes of an N digit binary code assigned to each key. A plurality of groups of contact pads are secured to a sheet of electrically non-conductive material at different key locations which are in registration with the keys. Each group of pads includes at least one power pad and a number of digit pads equal to the number of binary 1''s in the associated code. A power lead is secured to the sheet and has connections to all of the power pads. N digit leads are also secured to the sheet with different digit leads being indicative of different orders of the code. Each of the digit leads has connections to those digit pads which are indicative of a like order of the code. A keying means includes a layer of spongy conductive material at each key location disposed in a normal position a distance away from the contact pads and responsive to the actuation of any one of the keys to provide a common connection of the digit pads and the power pad at the associated key location.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard J Bouchard
- 👤 Richard C Belden
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 06:29
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/78; H01H13/785; H01H1/00; H01H1/02; H01H1/021; H01H1/029; H01H13/702; H01H2201/00; H01H2201/022; H01H2201/032; H01H2207/00; H01H2207/012; H01H2207/016; H01H2221/00; H01H2221/024; H01H2225/00; H01H2225/018; H01H2239/00; H01H2239/026
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
242 words
In keyboard apparatus having a plurality of keys with different codes of an N digit binary code assigned to each key, said apparatus comprising a sheet of electrically nonconductive material having a plurality of key locations; a plurality of groups of contact pads with different groups being secured to said sheet at different key locations, each group including a power pad and a number of digit pads equal to the number of digits of one binary value in the associated code; N digit leads secured to said sheet with different digit leads being indicative of different orders in said N digit code, each digit lead having connections to those digit pads which are indicative of a like order of said one binary value; a power lead secured to said sheet and having connections to all said power pads; and keying means including a layer of spongy conductive material at each key location disposed in a normal position a distance away from the associated contact pad groups so as to form gaps therebetween, and said plurality of keys being arranged on the free side of the spongy layer in alignment with said key locations, each key being operative when actuated to move the spongy layer from its normal position in a direction to close the associated gap such that the spongy material envelopes the digit pads and the power pad at the associated key locations so as to provide a common connection thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
242 words
In keyboard apparatus having a plurality of keys with different codes of an N digit binary code assigned to each key, said apparatus comprising a sheet of electrically nonconductive material having a plurality of key locations; a plurality of groups of contact pads with different groups being secured to said sheet at different key locations, each group including a power pad and a number of digit pads equal to the number of digits of one binary value in the associated code; N digit leads secured to said sheet with different digit leads being indicative of different orders in said N digit code, each digit lead having connections to those digit pads which are indicative of a like order of said one binary value; a power lead secured to said sheet and having connections to all said power pads; and keying means including a layer of spongy conductive material at each key location disposed in a normal position a distance away from the associated contact pad groups so as to form gaps therebetween, and said plurality of keys being arranged on the free side of the spongy layer in alignment with said key locations, each key being operative when actuated to move the spongy layer from its normal position in a direction to close the associated gap such that the spongy material envelopes the digit pads and the power pad at the associated key locations so as to provide a common connection thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
Keyboard apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said layer is comprised of separate spongy layers disposed at each key location.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
Keyboard apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein each group of contact pads further includes a data present pad; and wherein a data present lead is secured to said sheet and has connections to all of said data present pads.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
Keyboard apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the elevations of the power and digit pads from said sheet are greater than the elevation of said data present pad so that contact is made between the power and digit pads by said spongy layer before contact is made to the data present pad when any one of said keys is actuated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
120 words
A keyboard comprising a sheet of electrically nonconductive material having a plurality of key locations; a plurality of contact pads with different ones of the pads being secured to said sheet at different key locations; and keying means including a layer of spongy conductive material at each key location disposed in a normal position a distance away from said contact pads so as to form gaps therebetween, and a plurality of keys arranged on the free side of the spongy layer in alignment with said key locations, each key being operative when actuated to move the spongy layer from said normal position in a direction to close the associated gap such that the spongy material envelops the associated contact pad.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
120 words
A keyboard comprising a sheet of electrically nonconductive material having a plurality of key locations; a plurality of contact pads with different ones of the pads being secured to said sheet at different key locations; and keying means including a layer of spongy conductive material at each key location disposed in a normal position a distance away from said contact pads so as to form gaps therebetween, and a plurality of keys arranged on the free side of the spongy layer in alignment with said key locations, each key being operative when actuated to move the spongy layer from said normal position in a direction to close the associated gap such that the spongy material envelops the associated contact pad.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
The invention as set forth in claim 5 wherein there are at least two contact pads secured to said sheet at each key location; and wherein the spongy material envelopes both contact pads at a key location associated with an actuated key so as to form a common electrical connection therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A keyboard as defined in claim 6 wherein said layer is comprised of separate spongy layers disposed at each key location.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-03 | 1976-04-03 | 1976-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-03 | 1980-04-03 | 1980-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-03 | 1984-04-03 | 1984-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |