Abstract:
In a mechanically operated keyboard employing keys each having a multiplicity of electrical switch contacts for providing an encoded electrical signal output corresponding to and uniquely identifying individual key stations, an electrical circuit provides a dummy load across the multiple switch contacts which varies as different keys are actuated in a manner to provide a constant load across the multiple switch contacts. The electrical circuit develops a control signal which can be employed in conjunction with associated circuits to inhibit erroneous data output signals from the keyboard in the event of improper switch closure.
Abstract:
A switch for electrically connecting a first terminal with a plurality of other terminals. A contact movable into and out of electrical engagement with a plurality of base contacts is employed. The movable contact may comprise physically parallel wires affixed to a flexible plate, as well as wires which radiate radially outwardly from a point. The physically parallel wires may be inclined to the base contacts or the base contacts may be of different thicknesses to achieve sequential contacting of the base contacts by the movable contact. The base contacts may be any convenient shape, or in the form of concentric spirals or interspersed parallel segments or adjacent triangular-shaped segments.