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US4352313A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Musical keyboard for home computer

Assignee: RCA Corp
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Filing: 1980-05-30
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Granted: 1982-10-05
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Expires: 2000-05-30
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Abstract

Abstract A very inexpensive computer input device for music information includes a piano-type keyboard unit adapted to be fastened on to a standard alpha-numeric computer keyboard so that manual "playing" of music on the piano keyboard results in actuation of alpha-numeric keys and the recording of the music in the computer memory, for later playback in audible form, or print-out in sheet music form.

Inventors

  • 👤 Nils O. Ny

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-29 20:03
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10H; G10H1/00; G10H1/32; G10H1/34; G10H1/344; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/023; G06F3/0238; G10C; G10C3/00; G10C3/12; G10H2220/00; G10H2220/155; G10H2220/221; G10H2220/231

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim 70 words
The combination of an alpha-numeric keyboard, a piano-like keyboard including an elongated support and a plurality of side-by-side piano-like keys each hinged at one end to said support; and means for attaching said support to said alpha-numeric keyboard with the piano-like keys extending over respective keys of the alpha-numeric keyboard such that manual depression of each piano-like key causes direct physical contact with, and depression of, a respective alpha-numeric key.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 70 words
The combination of an alpha-numeric keyboard, a piano-like keyboard including an elongated support and a plurality of side-by-side piano-like keys each hinged at one end to said support; and means for attaching said support to said alpha-numeric keyboard with the piano-like keys extending over respective keys of the alpha-numeric keyboard such that manual depression of each piano-like key causes direct physical contact with, and depression of, a respective alpha-numeric key.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 54 words
The combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said piano-like keys include white keys and black keys, and wherein said white keys are constructed and positioned to actuate one row of keys of said alpha-numeric keyboard, and said black keys are constructed and positioned to actuate another row of keys of said alpha-numeric keyboard.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 41 words
The combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said piano-like keys are hinged to said support in such a way that the piano-like keys can be lifted off from said alpha-numeric keys to permit direct manual use of said alpha-numeric keys.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 73 words
A computer input device, comprising: an alpha-numeric keyboard, and a piano-like keyboard including an elongated support and a plurality of side-by-side piano-like keys each hinged at one end to said support; and means for attaching said support to said alpha-numeric keyboard with the piano-like keys extending over respective keys of the alpha-numeric keyboard such that manual depression of each piano-like key causes direct physical contact with, and depression of, a respective alpha-numeric key.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 73 words
A computer input device, comprising: an alpha-numeric keyboard, and a piano-like keyboard including an elongated support and a plurality of side-by-side piano-like keys each hinged at one end to said support; and means for attaching said support to said alpha-numeric keyboard with the piano-like keys extending over respective keys of the alpha-numeric keyboard such that manual depression of each piano-like key causes direct physical contact with, and depression of, a respective alpha-numeric key.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 56 words
A computer input device as defined in claim 4 wherein said piano-like keys include white keys and black keys, and wherein said white keys are constructed and positioned to actuate one row of keys of said alpha-numeric keyboard, and said black keys are constructed and positioned to actuate another row of keys of said alpha-numeric keyboard.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 43 words
A computer input device as defined in claim 4 wherein said piano-like keys are hinged to said support in such a way that the piano-like keys can be lifted off from said alpha-numeric keys to permit direct manual use of said alpha-numeric keys.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US3111056A Cited
US3758697A Cited
US4104949A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1985-10-04 1986-04-05 1986-10-05 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1989-10-04 1990-04-05 1990-10-05 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1993-10-04 1994-04-05 1994-10-05 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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