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:
Nov. 09, 1999
Filed:
Mar. 12, 1997
David A Burgett, Newman Lake, WA (US);
Jeff Gibson, Spokane, WA (US);
Key Tronic Corporation, Spokane, WA (US);
Abstract
Computer keyboard systems and methods of determining excessive keystroke force or overpressure are described. A computer keyboard system 10 is illustrated having a keyboard array of keys 14. Individual keys 14 are capable of being reciprocated through a keystroke range which comprises an undepressed position and an actuation position. The keystroke range may also include an overtravel subrange. Individual keys 14 are operatively connected with individual keyswitches 32 which are activated thereby for providing informational signals to a keyboard microprocessor 54, 56. The microprocessor is configured to determine a keyswitch closure duration value and compare that value with a predetermined threshold duration value. If the closure duration value is greater than the predetermined threshold duration value, then an overpressure signal is produced which enables a sensory warning device 50, 52 to warn the keyboard operator that excessive force has been applied.