Typewriting machines – Key-board or key lever-actuating mechanism – Key-cap or key-stem structure
Patent
1989-01-09
1990-03-06
Burr, Edgar S.
Typewriting machines
Key-board or key lever-actuating mechanism
Key-cap or key-stem structure
400495, 400472, B41J 512
Patent
active
049061178
ABSTRACT:
The disclosure relates to a reconfigurable keyboard which is customized by providing a curved baseplate carrying switches which are key actuated whereby all keys have substantially the same curvature and are interchangeable. The keyboard arrangement is substantially that of a standard typewriter with a plurality of spaces on either side of and over the standard typewriter keyboard in an x-y matrix arrangement. Each key position is provided with either a key cover which is utilized when the key position is not to be used or with a standard key cap which operates the switch at the key position associated therewith and which stands up higher than a key cover, the latter sitting at essentially the same level as the keyboard housing. A key can be of an enlarged type to span two or more key positions either on the same row or different rows. Each of the key locations is capable of providing an output signal which is determined by a software operation in a selective manner or by prearranged program. The present key arrangement of the keyboard can be displayed on a display and the key arrangement can be altered utilizing a different complete preselected keyboard arrangement which is provided in the software or, alternatively, each key position can be provided with a desired function on a key by key basis under software control. The function keys on the keyboard can then be removed from their respective switches and placed into other switches corresponding to the new layout of characters.
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Burr Edgar S.
Comfort James T.
Keating Joseph R.
Sharp Melvin
Texas Instruments Incorporated
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