The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 04, 1992
Filed:
Apr. 07, 1989
Steven L Belt, Stevensville, MI (US);
Mark A Ruthenbeck, Lincoln Township, Berrien County, MI (US);
Mark J Foster, Lincoln Township, Berrien County, MI (US);
Brian C Barnes, Benton Township, Berrien County, MI (US);
Randy J VanderHeyden, St. Joseph Township, Berrien County, MI (US);
Zenith Data Systems Corporation, Buffalo Grove, IL (US);
Abstract
A computing device includes a system control processor, a built-in keyboard having a plurality of keys, a connector which facilitates connection of an external keyboard or keypad to the device, an electronic switch which is controlled by the internal keyboard processor and can electrically couple the connector to the system control processor. The internal keyboard processor monitors signals from the system control processor, connector and internal keyboard keys in order to open and close the analog switch so as to facilitate transfers between the system control processor and the internal keyboard through itself, and transfers between the system control processor and an external keyboard through the electronic switch.