Communications: electrical – Audible indication – Percussion-type sound producer
Patent
1985-10-07
1988-04-05
Caldwell, Sr., John W.
Communications: electrical
Audible indication
Percussion-type sound producer
340365R, 200 5A, G06F 302
Patent
active
047361905
ABSTRACT:
The present invention is a simplified membrane keyboard employing a single flexible sheet. This membrane keyboard is employed in an electronic apparatus having an external case with a nonconducting keyboard surface. This nonconducting keyboard surface has a plurality of depressions corresponding to key switch positions. The keyboard surface is covered by a keyboard sheet. This keyboard sheet has a flexible membrane with opposed first and second surfaces, the first surface disposed adjacent to and substantially covering the keyboard surface of the external case. An interconnection pattern is placed upon the first surface of the flexible membrane. This interconnection pattern has a plurality of conductors and most particularly has a pair of conductors in proximity at each key switch position. Pressure applied to the second surface of the flexible membrane causes the flexible membrane to flex until the two conductors contact a conductive layer disposed in the bottom of the corresponding depression. This contact causes electrical conduction between the two conductors, thereby giving rise to a closed key operation. In a preferred embodiment graphic matter identifying the key areas of the flexible sheet, that is those areas overlying the depressions, is applied to the second surface of the flexible sheet. This invention is adapted for use in calculators, electronic learning aids, electronic games, small computer systems and other electronic apparatuses which employ keyboards.
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Sharp, "Non-Mechanical Keyboard", IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 5, No. 12, May 1963.
Caldwell Sr. John W.
Fatahi-Yar Mahmoud
Hiller William E.
Merrett N. Rhys
Sharp Melvin
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