US3777155A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Data input system for an electrical machine
Assignee: International Standard Electric Corp
•
Filing: 1972-07-10
•
Granted: 1973-12-04
•
Expires: 1992-07-10
Abstract
Abstract An input system for an electrical machine including a mechanism for connection between each key and a shutter therefor in the keyboard of the console of the machine. The shutter interrupts light from one or more sources to one or more photocells to provide a coded input for the machine. The shutter of each key is moved by the mechanism by a snap action to avoid the need for interlocked keys. Simultaneous inputs from two keys are avoided because the shutter is moved by the mechanism at a substantially greater rate than it is possible to actuate a key manually.
Inventors
- 👤 B Cramer
- 👤 W Andrich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:41
CPC Classifications
B; B41; B41J; B41J5/00; B41J5/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
In an electrical machine, the combination comprising: a console including a frame having a keyboard, said keyboard including a set of a plurality of independently operable keys that may be manually operated simultaneously; at least one light source and one photosensitive device for each key of said set, each light source and device being fixed relative to said frame in a manner such that the source for each key can illuminate the device therefor; a mask fixed relative to said frame intermediate each corresponding source and device, each mask having an aperture therethrough through which light from a corresponding source may pass to illuminate a corresponding device; a shutter movable relative to each corresponding mask into and out of intercepting relation with light passing through said aperture, each of said keys being manually movable relative to said mask; and means responsive to movement of and connected from each key of said set to move a corresponding shutter into and out of said light intercepting relation at a speed substantially greater than the manual speed at which each corresponding key is moved.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
In an electrical machine, the combination comprising: a console including a frame having a keyboard, said keyboard including a set of a plurality of independently operable keys that may be manually operated simultaneously; at least one light source and one photosensitive device for each key of said set, each light source and device being fixed relative to said frame in a manner such that the source for each key can illuminate the device therefor; a mask fixed relative to said frame intermediate each corresponding source and device, each mask having an aperture therethrough through which light from a corresponding source may pass to illuminate a corresponding device; a shutter movable relative to each corresponding mask into and out of intercepting relation with light passing through said aperture, each of said keys being manually movable relative to said mask; and means responsive to movement of and connected from each key of said set to move a corresponding shutter into and out of said light intercepting relation at a speed substantially greater than the manual speed at which each corresponding key is moved.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein said devices are photocells.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
126 words
The invention as defined in claim 2, wherein each key is slidable axially relative to said frame, a first spring mounted between said frame and each key to bias each in an axial direction, a member rotatable on each key, a second spring connected from each member at a first point spaced from the rotational axis thereof to a second point fixed relative to said frame, said first point being rotatable over center, each member having a notch, a pawl carried by each key to engage the notch in each corresponding member to rotate it past center, each said member having a projection to engage and to move said shutter with it, said mask having a pair of stops to limit the travel of said shutter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3334237A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-03 | 1977-06-04 | 1977-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-03 | 1981-06-04 | 1981-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-03 | 1985-06-04 | 1985-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |