Patent US6040822A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6040822A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illuminated keyboard system
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1997-10-29
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Granted: 2000-03-21
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Expires: 2017-10-29
Abstract
Abstract An electronic luminescence keyboard system in a device which includes one or more keypads and an illuminated panel which displays information responsive to the pressing of at least one keypads is disclosed. The improvement comprises a conductor element for conducting a portion of the light from the illuminated panel and illuminator element coupled to the conductor element for illuminating one or more keypads with the portion of the light from the illuminated panel. Through the use of a portion of the light from the display panel is utilized to illuminate the keyboard thereby allowing for observation of the keypads on the to keyboard when the surrounding area is dimly lit. The ELK system has no effect on the power consumption on the device. In an embodiment the ELK system provides for backlighting the keyboard. In a second embodiment the ELK system provides light to a top portion of the keypads.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark R. Decker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 08:14
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1615; G06F1/1616; F; F21; F21V; F21V33/00; F21V33/0004; F21V33/0052; G06F1/1633; G06F1/1637; G06F1/1662; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/0202; H; H01; H01H; H01H13/00; H01H13/70; H01H2219/00; H01H2219/002; H01H2219/018; H01H2219/054; H01H2219/06; H01H2219/062
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
In a device which includes at least one key pad and a panel for displaying information responsive to the pressing of at least one keypad, an illuminated keypad system comprising a light source within the panel for illuminating the panel, a window for allowing a portion of the light from the light source to illuminate at least one keypad.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
59 words
In a device which includes at least one key pad and a panel for displaying information responsive to the pressing of at least one keypad, an illuminated keypad system comprising a light source within the panel for illuminating the panel, a window for allowing a portion of the light from the light source to illuminate at least one keypad.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The illuminated keypad system of claim 1 which includes a gate means for adjusting the illumination of at least one keypad.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
In a device which includes at least one key pad and a panel for displaying information responsive to the pressing of at least one keypad, an illuminated keypad system comprising a light source within the panel for illuminating the panel, a conductor element coupled to the light source to conduct light from the light source so as to illuminate at least one keypad.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
63 words
In a device which includes at least one key pad and a panel for displaying information responsive to the pressing of at least one keypad, an illuminated keypad system comprising a light source within the panel for illuminating the panel, a conductor element coupled to the light source to conduct light from the light source so as to illuminate at least one keypad.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The illuminated keypad system of claim 3 in which the conductor element comprises a backlight plane.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The illuminated keypad system of claim 3 which includes a gate means for adjusting the illumination of at least one keypad.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
61 words
A device comprising at least one keypad; a light source; a panel being illuminated by the light source, the light source being located within the panel, the panel displaying information responsive to the pressing of at least one keypad and a window allowing for the emission of a portion of the light from the light source onto at least one keypad.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
61 words
A device comprising at least one keypad; a light source; a panel being illuminated by the light source, the light source being located within the panel, the panel displaying information responsive to the pressing of at least one keypad and a window allowing for the emission of a portion of the light from the light source onto at least one keypad.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 6 which includes a gate means for adjusting the illumination of at least one keypad.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
A fixture, for use in electronic equipment that has one or more keypads, said fixture comprising a display area for displaying information, a light source for illuminating the display area, and a window over at least part of the fixture which allows light to leave for the illumination of at least one keypad.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
53 words
A fixture, for use in electronic equipment that has one or more keypads, said fixture comprising a display area for displaying information, a light source for illuminating the display area, and a window over at least part of the fixture which allows light to leave for the illumination of at least one keypad.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The fixture of claim 8 where the window includes a transparent cover.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The fixture of claim 8 where the window includes a translucent cover.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fixture of claim 8 which includes a conductive element to help guide light to at least one keypad.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
54 words
A fixture, for use in electronic equipment that has one or more keypads, said fixture comprising a display area for displaying information, a light source for illuminating the display area, and a window over at least part of the light source which allows light to leave for the illumination of at least one keypad.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
54 words
A fixture, for use in electronic equipment that has one or more keypads, said fixture comprising a display area for displaying information, a light source for illuminating the display area, and a window over at least part of the light source which allows light to leave for the illumination of at least one keypad.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The fixture of claim 12 where the window includes a transparent cover.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
12 words
The fixture of claim 12 where the window includes a translucent cover.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The fixture of claim 12 which includes a conductive element to guide light to at least keypad.
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) | 2003-03-21 | 2003-09-20 | 2004-03-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-03-21 | 2007-09-20 | 2008-03-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-03-21 | 2011-09-20 | 2012-03-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |