US4180336A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Touch checking key tops for keyboard
Assignee: Safeway Inc
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Filing: 1977-11-25
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Granted: 1979-12-25
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Expires: 1997-11-25
Abstract
Abstract Touch checking key tops for keyboard on a cash register in which the keyboard is provided with a plurality of keys arranged in a generally rectangular matrix with the keys being arranged in three rows extending in one direction and three rows extending in a direction at substantially right angles to the other three rows. The keys are assigned the digits 1 through 9 with four of the keys being disposed on the corners of the matrix. The keys have key tops. The key tops for the four keys on the four corners of the rectangular matrix have diagonally disposed ridges formed thereon which serve as tactile indicia to the operator using the keyboard to improve the operator's confidence and productivity and to minimize operator errors.
Inventors
- 👤 Alice Lonsdale
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 16:29
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06C; G06C7/00; G06C7/02; B; B41; B41J; B41J5/00; B41J5/08; B41J5/12; H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H13/84; H01H9/00; H01H9/18; H01H2009/189; H04; H04M; H04M2250/00; H04M2250/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
In touch checking key tops for a keyboard for use on a cash register, a plurality of nine keys arranged in a generally square matrix with the digits 1 through 9 being assigned thereto, the keys being arranged in three spaced apart parallel rows, the keys also being arranged in three rows extending in a direction at substantially right angles to the spaced apart parallel three rows so that there are three keys forming each side of the square matrix with a key in the center and one key on each of the four corners of the square matrix, each of said four corner keys in the matrix having diagonally disposed raised portions formed on the keys and serving as tactile indicators to the operator, the center key of the matrix having a raised portion different from the diagonally disposed raised portions on said four keys and serving as a tactile indicator to the operator, the remaining keys of said nine keys being free of tactile indicators.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
In touch checking key tops for a keyboard for use on a cash register, a plurality of nine keys arranged in a generally square matrix with the digits 1 through 9 being assigned thereto, the keys being arranged in three spaced apart parallel rows, the keys also being arranged in three rows extending in a direction at substantially right angles to the spaced apart parallel three rows so that there are three keys forming each side of the square matrix with a key in the center and one key on each of the four corners of the square matrix, each of said four corner keys in the matrix having diagonally disposed raised portions formed on the keys and serving as tactile indicators to the operator, the center key of the matrix having a raised portion different from the diagonally disposed raised portions on said four keys and serving as a tactile indicator to the operator, the remaining keys of said nine keys being free of tactile indicators.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
Touch checking key tops as in claim 1 in which the four corner keys have been assigned the numerals 1, 3, 7 and 9.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
Touch checking key tops as in claim 1 in which the raised portion for the center key is in the form of a raised dot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
Touch checking key tops as in claim 1 wherein said key tops are provided with dish-shaped recesses on the tops thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
Touch checking key tops as in claim 1 wherein said raised portions extend inwardly from the four corners of the rectangular matrix.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-12-24 | 1983-06-25 | 1983-12-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-12-24 | 1987-06-25 | 1987-12-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-12-24 | 1991-06-25 | 1991-12-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |