Patent US4092527A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4092527A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Calculator with interchangeable keyset
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1977-01-31
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Granted: 1978-05-30
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Expires: 1997-01-31
Abstract
Abstract A calculator, which may be used for educational purposes, for instance, is preferably provided with an integrated circuit, a display for displaying a number outputted by the integrated circuit, an array of key switches for inputting numeric and functional data to the integrated circuit, a keyset comprising an array of key switch push buttons moveably disposed in openings in a member retaining the array and a case in which the integrated circuit, display and the array of key switches are disposed. The case also is provided with an opening for removeably receiving the keyset, the keyset being disposed adjacent to the array of key switches when received in the opening. The calculator is preferably provided with a plurality of such keysets, the keysets each having different configurations of key push buttons for permitting an operator of the calculator to be able to access either to selected key switches or all key switches depending upon the particular keyset used. Further, the keyset preferably temporarily locks into place when operationally disposed against the array of key switches and the operation of a given push button causes actuation of the adjacent key switch.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerald Luecke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:50
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/02; G06F3/023; G06F3/0238; H; H01; H01H; H01H11/00; H01H11/0006; H01H2217/00; H01H2217/022; H01H2231/00; H01H2231/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus comprising: (a) an integrated circuit, (b) a display for displaying a number outputted by said integrated circuit, (c) an array of key switches for inputting numeric and functional data to said integrated circuit, (d) an array of key switch push buttons moveably disposed in openings in a member retaining said array of key switch push buttons, and (e) a case in which said integrated circuit, display and array of key switches are installed during manufacture and having means for removably receiving said member retaining said array of key switch push buttons, said array of key switch push buttons being operationally disposed adjacent to said array of key switches when removably received in said case, said receiving means being adapted for operation by an operator of said apparatus for temporarily receiving said array of key switch push buttons atter manufacture of said apparatus.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
144 words
An apparatus comprising: (a) an integrated circuit, (b) a display for displaying a number outputted by said integrated circuit, (c) an array of key switches for inputting numeric and functional data to said integrated circuit, (d) an array of key switch push buttons moveably disposed in openings in a member retaining said array of key switch push buttons, and (e) a case in which said integrated circuit, display and array of key switches are installed during manufacture and having means for removably receiving said member retaining said array of key switch push buttons, said array of key switch push buttons being operationally disposed adjacent to said array of key switches when removably received in said case, said receiving means being adapted for operation by an operator of said apparatus for temporarily receiving said array of key switch push buttons atter manufacture of said apparatus.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said member retaining said array of key switch push buttons comprises an essentially planar sheet of material selected from the groups consisting of metals and plastics, having a plurality of openings therein, at least one of said openings receiving at least one of said key switch push button from said arrays of keys switch push buttons.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said at least one key switch push button is moveably attached to said planar sheet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
85 words
The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said apparatus is provided with more than one said member retaining said array of said key switch push buttons, said case removeably receiving one of said more than one said member at any given time and at least some of said more than one said member being provided with fewer keys switch push buttons in the array of keys switch push buttons than the number of key switches in said array of keys switches disposed in said case.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
Apparatus according to claim 2, wherin said case includes means for temporarily locking said member retaining said array of key switch push buttons in said receiving means and wherein said case further includes means for unlocking said locking means in response to operation of a release button.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
84 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is provided with more than one said member retaining said array of key switch push buttons, said case removeably receiving one of said more than one said member at any given time and at least some of said more than one said member being provided with fewer keys switch push buttons in the array of keys switch push buttons than the number of key switches in said array of keys switches disposed in said case.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least some of said more than one said member are provided with differing configurations of said array of key switch push buttons.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said member includes a metal bezel to which a plastic member is attached, the array of key switch push buttons being resiliently attached to said plastic member and being disposed in openings through said metal bezel and plastic member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
123 words
A calculator comprising: (a) an integrated circuit, (b) a display device for displaying a number outputted by said integrated circuit, (c) an array of key switches for inputting numeric and functional data to said integrated circuit, (d) a member having a plurality of openings therein, said openings aligning with selected ones of said key switches when said member is disposed adjacent to said array, and (e) a case in which said integrated circuit, display device and array are disposed during manufacturing of said calculator, said case including means for removably receiving said member and disposing said member adjacent to said array, which means is adapted for use by an operator of said calculator for temporarily receiving said member after manufacture of said calculator.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
123 words
A calculator comprising: (a) an integrated circuit, (b) a display device for displaying a number outputted by said integrated circuit, (c) an array of key switches for inputting numeric and functional data to said integrated circuit, (d) a member having a plurality of openings therein, said openings aligning with selected ones of said key switches when said member is disposed adjacent to said array, and (e) a case in which said integrated circuit, display device and array are disposed during manufacturing of said calculator, said case including means for removably receiving said member and disposing said member adjacent to said array, which means is adapted for use by an operator of said calculator for temporarily receiving said member after manufacture of said calculator.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
58 words
The calculator according to claim 9, wherein said calculator is provided with more than one said member, said case removeably receiving one of said more than one said member at any given time and at least some of said more than one said member being provided with fewer openings than the number of key switches in said array.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The calculator according to claim 10, wherein at least some of said more than one said member are provided with differing configurations of said openings in said member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The calculator according to claim 9, wherein said member includes an array of key switch push buttons, said key switch push buttons being disposed in selected openings therein.
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) | 1981-05-29 | 1981-11-28 | 1982-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-29 | 1985-11-28 | 1986-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-29 | 1989-11-28 | 1990-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |