US3096019A

US3096019A - frenkel

Info

Publication number: US3096019A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1963-07-02
Anticipated expiration: 1980-07-02

Description

July 2, 1963 M. A. FRENKEL 3,096,019

CALCULATING MACHINE KEYBOARD Filed May 25, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 'l I I w i" 3 Iv OTAL" 26 INVENTOR.

c/QM A .TTORNEY July 2, 1963 M. A. FRENKEL CALCULATING MACHINE KEYBOARD 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 25, 1960 a I IIIA IN VEN TOR. MAR V//V A F/Pf/l/Af .A T1 ORNEY July 2, 1963 M. A. FRENKEL CALCULATING MACHINE KEYBOARD 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 25, 1960 INVENTOR. MARV/A A.F/P/VXEZ ATTORNEY [and 3,096,619 CALCULATING MACHINE KEYBUARD Marvin A. Frenkel, 26323 Hendrie Blvd, Huntington Woods, Mich.

Filed May 25, 1960, Ser. No. 31,d%

12 Claims. (Cl. 235-145) This invention relates. to improvements in calculating machines and, more particularly, to the arrangement of the value setting and function keys of a ten digit keyboard for such machines.

The terms calculating machine and calculator are used in this specification in a generic sense and each may be defined as a machine that performs a mathematical operation either mechanically or electrically. It is intended that these terms include such devices as adding machines, calculating machines, computers and the like.

Keyboards for calculating machines customarily are either of the ten digit type, wherein only ten value setting keys are provided by which the operator may set in to the machine a number to be operated on, or of the multiple order type, wherein a number of vertical and horizontal rows of value setting keys are employed in entering a number into the machine. The ten digit keyboards ofier an advantage over the multiple order keyboards in simple computations in that a given number may be entered into the machine with greater rapidity. On the other hand, the multiple order keyboards are advantageous in that they facilitate the incorporation of automatic controls which are useful Where complex computations are involved. Thus, two separate approaches have been developed over the years in the calculating machine keyboard :art, one with respect to ten digit keyboards and another with respect to multiple order keyboards. this invention is pertinent to the ten digit keyboard art.

Although ten digit keyboards have been in use for many years, little thought has been directed towards arranging the keys from the standpoint of the operators convenience and speed of operation. Touch systems of operation have been devised to control the machine without the necessity of the operator viewing the keyboard during operation; however, despite the acceptance of these systems, they have a common failing in that the operator is required to move the fingers of his hand between various ones of a group of keys that are controlled by the hand. Since the fingers must be shifted from key to key, the opportunity of selecting an erroneous key is presented, and, in fact, such errors frequently occur. In accordance with this invention, a ten digit keyboard arrangement is provided which overcomes this problem and secure improved operator accuracy by requiring each of the oper-ators fingers to only control a single key.

Accordingly, it is a major object of this invention to provide an improved ten digit keyboard arrangement for a calculating machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a keyboard arrangement which does not require movement of the operators fingers between keys to select the desired value setting key.

Another object of this invention is to provide a keyboard wherein the value setting keys and function keys may be more easily controlled by a single average hand.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved keyboard wherein the touch system of control is facilitated by built-in detent means which indicates through the operators sense of touch that a digit has been entered into the machine.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds.

Briefly stated, and in accordance with one embodiment 3,696,019 Patented July 2, 1963 of this invention, there is provided a ten digit calculator keyboard which employs only five value setting keys to introduce any one of ten different digits into the calculator. Each of the value setting keys. are moveable between a neutral position and two digit input positions so that ten separate digits may be entered into the machine by the five value setting keys. The value setting keys may be arcuately located with respect to a palm operated multiple function key so that when the palm of an operators hand rests on the function key each of the operators five fingers will comfortably rest on one of the five value setting keys. Detent means may be provided at each of the positions of the value setting key-s in order to allow the operator to receive a physical indication regarding the various positions of each of the value setting keys.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter encompassed by this invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a ten digit keyboard for a calculating machine having this invention applied thereto;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical section, taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 1;

FIG. -3 is a fragmentary vertical section similar to that of FIG. 2 but showing a modification thereof;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary vertical section similar to that of RIG. 2 but showing a further modification thereof;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section, taken along the line V-V of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary plan view similar to a portion of FIG. 1 but showing a modified function key arrangement; and

FIG. 7 is a frragmentary vertical section taken along the line VIIVII of FIG. 5.

Similar reference numerals have been utilized through out the drawings to denote similar parts in the various views.

Referring to FIG. 1 there has been illustrated a calculating machine, shown generally at 1, which is provided with a keyboard in accordance with this invention. The keyboard, indicated generally at 2, includes five value setting keys designated 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The five value setting keys 3 through 7 are arcuately positioned about a centrally disposed, palm operated, group of function keys, shown generally at 8. The spacing between the group of function keys 8 are the value setting keys 3 through 7 may be such that, with the heel of the hand resting comfortably upon the function keys 8, each of an operators fingers and his thumb will rest on one of the value setting keys while in a comfortably arched condition. A depression is provided in the top surface of each of the value setting keys 3 through 7 to allow the operator to firmly contact the keys for subsequent movement thereof in a generally horizontal direction. Additionally, the value setting keys are laterally spaced apart from each other in an amount corresponding to the natural spreading angles of the fingers. Thus, with the palm resting on the function keys 3, each of the fingers and the thumb of the operator will comfortably rest on one of the value setting keys, and the value setting keys, in turn, may be moved horizontally to effect a digit input motion.

In order to allow movement of the value setting keys 3 through 7 in a generally horizontal direction the keys are carried in

slots

9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, respectively, formed in the top plate 14 of the calculator. Each key is moveable in its respective slot between a central neutra position at which no input is being provided to the to introduce a multi-digit number.

machine and first and second outer digit input positions at which different digit values are introduced into the calculator. Thus, if the thumb operated value setting key, 3 which is shown on FIG. 1 in its neutral position, is moved upwardly and to the right in its slot 9, a digit input value corresponding to the numeral 1 would be introduced into the machine. Similarly, should the thumb operated value setting key 3 be moved downwardly and to the left in slot 9, a digit input value corresponding to the numeral 6 would be entered into the machine. In a like manner the index finger operated value setting key 4 may be moved from its central neutral position to either of its two outer positions to introduce the numerals 2 and 7 into the machine. The same procedure may be utilized in each of the remaining value setting keys 5, 6 and '7 to introduce the remaining six numerals into the machine, the keyboard thereby achieving ten different digit inputs through the manipulation of only five value setting keys.

While the invention, in its preferred embodiment, has been shown and described in an arrangement wherein the value setting keys are provided with a central neutral position and outer digit input positions located on either side of the neutral position, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments may be provided which utilize the inventive concept set forth herein. For example, the two digit input positions may both be located on one side of the neutral position of the value setting key while the key, in turn, is movable in a V-shaped slot, the neutral position being at the apex of the V-shaped slot. It is to be understood, therefore, that this invention comprehends the various modifications and variations by which ten different digit inputs may be derived from a keyboard employing five value setting keys. I

Moreover, it is apparent that by adding a second thumb operated value setting key on the side of the keyboard opposite to thumb operated key 3 and by slightly repositioning the finger operated keys 4 through '7, the keyboard may be utilized by either a right handed or a left handed operator. Such an arrangement is also considered to be within the broad scope of this invention.

Before returning to a detailed consideration of the invention, a further distinction between ten digit keyboards and multiple order keyboards should be pointed out. In the multiple order keyboard the entire number to be operated on by the calculator is introduced into the machine by first depressing the proper value in each of the units, tens, hundreds, etc., vertical columns and then, after the entire number is set forth and may be read on the keyboard, actuating the proper function key to operate on the number represented by the depressed keys. Thus, the number being introduced may be checked by observing which keys are depressed in the multiple order keyboard and, should one of the digits of a multiple digit number be in error, the operator need only depress the 'correct value setting key in the proper column to change the erroneous digit. In the ten digit keyboard, on the other hand, the value setting keys do not remain in their "actuated condition but rather, each key may be re-used This is accomplished by providing a register or storage device wherein the entire multi-digit number is first set up and from which it is later introduced into the calculator to be operated ,on by the actuation of a function key.

In order to compensate for the possible entry of an erroneous figure into the register and to allow for correction of the multi-digit number, a register indicator 14a and a correction key 15 are provided. When a multidigit number has been introduced into the register, this number appears in the windows of the indicator 14a and provides the operator with an opportunity to check the :multi-digit number. If the number is correct, a function key is then actuated to initiate the computation; however,

if the multi'digit number is incorrect, the operator may depress the correction key 15 to clear the register, thereby facilitating the re-entry of the correct number into the register by subsequent operator manipulation of the value setting keys. The correction key 15, being employed only sporadically, may be located adjacent to the index finger actuated value setting key 4 for convenient operation by the index finger.

The group of function keys 8, which are utilized to enter the multi-digit number on the register into the calculator, may, in one embodiment, comprise four function keys 17, 18, :19 and 20 which are disposed about a central cross-shaped stationary palm rest 16. As indicated, the actuation of key 17 provides an addition function, the actuation of key 18 provides a subtraction function, the actuation of key 19 provides a subtotal function, and the actuation of key 20 provides a totalling function.

Each of the function keys 17 through 20 are pivotally supported at

pivots

21, 22, 23 and 24, respectively, for movement in a vertical plane. Outputs for each function key are provided near the corners remote from pivots 2 1 through 24 at output devices shown generally at 25, 26, 27 and 28, respectively, to initiate the desired computation upon depression of a given function key. The arrangement of the function keys will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the foregoing description being sufficient for purposes of the present discussion. Thus, assuming a correct number has been set up in the register and it is desired to introduce this number into the calculator, the operator need merely rock the heel of his palm forwardly and to the right to actuate the addition function key 17. Should the operator desire to actuate any of the other function keys 18 through 21, a similar rocking and depressing movement of the operators palm in the proper direction from palm rest 16 will result in movement of the desired control function key.

The manner in which two outputs may be derived from each of the value setting keys 3 through 7 may be clearly seen by reference now to FIG. 2. A double acting cam 29 is employed to convert the horizontal sliding move ment of the thumb operated value setting key 3 into vertical outputs, which, in turn may be used to introduce the digit values into the register. Cam 29 is provided with

horizontal extensions

30 and 31 which are slidingly mounted in

slots

32 and 32a formed in a bracket 33. The bracket 33 is supported from the top plate 14 and, in turn, carries two

cam followers

34 and 35 which engage the actuating surfaces of cam :29.

Cam followers

34 and 35 are resiliently urged into engagement with the surfaces of cam 29 by means of

springs

36 and 37 which react against the bracket 33. Tubular guides 38 and 39 are utilized to insure that output shafts 40' and 41, which are connected for movement with

cam followers

34 and 35, respectively, will move linearly in a vertical direction. The downward movement of shafts 4t and 41 may be utilized to provide digit inputs to the register in any well known manner, the specific arrangement for doing this not forming a part of the present invention.-

The cam 29 is provided with three separate surfaces upon which the cam followers ride. A fiat horizontal surface 42, corresponding to the neutral position of the value setting key, extends a distance equal to the spacing between the two

cam followers

34 and 35, and two actuating surfaces 43 and 44, corresponding to the digit outputs, extend diagonally away from the neutral cam surface 42. Upon movement of the thumb operated value setting key 3 to the right as viewed in FIG. 2, cam follower '34- will begin to depress due to its movement along the diagonal surface 43, thereby providing a digit output signal on shaft 40. Cam follower 35 at this time would be riding along the horizontal or neutral portion of the cam on surface 42 and would, therefore, provide no output information. A detent 45 is provided in cam surface 43 to allow the operator to feel when the cam follower has been depressed sufii-ciently to introduce the desired digit into the register. A similar detent 46 is incorporated in diagonal cam surface 44 so that an indication is given to the operator when the second digit is introduced to the register by movement by the value setting key -3 to the left.

Since both cam followers are resiliently urged upwardly by

springs

66 and 37, the cam 29 is continually biased to its center or neutral position and, upon reaching such position, the operator will be informed of this fact due to the change in feel that he will experience. Thus, by the provision of the detents 45 and 46 and the proper spacing between the inclined cam surfaces 43 and 44, the three separate positions of each value setting key may be sensed by the operator to assist him in properly controlling the value setting key 3 by a touch system. The arrangement of FIG. 2, of course, may be duplicated on the remaining value set-ting keys 4, 5, 6 and 7 of FIG. -1 in order that dual digit outputs may be derived from each of those value setting keys.

Directing attention now to FIG. 3, there has been illustrated a modified arrangement by which two separate digit outputs may be derived from a pivotally mounted thumb operated value setting key 3a. In this arrangement the key 3a is pivotally supported at pivot point 47 from the topplate -14 of the machine. A depending lug 48 is provided at the lower end of the key 3 which engages in a recess 49 formed in the upper surface of a modified cam 29a. The construction of the depending lug 48 and the recess 49 is such as to allow the pivotal motion of the key 3 to result in sliding motion of the cam 29a when the key is pivoted about its pivot point 47. As in the FIG. 2 embodiment,

slots

32 and 32a are utilized to support the cam 29a for horizontal motion in bracket 33, and tubular guides '38 and 39 are provided to support the spring biased

cam followers

34 and 35. The raised

cam surfaces

43a and 44a, in this case, slant towards each other at the center of the cam 29a to convert the horizontal sliding motion of the cam 29a into a vertical movement of the

cam followers

34 and 35. Similarly, detents 45a and 46a are provided in the slanted cam surface to allow the operator to sense when the digit output signal has been entered into the register. Thus, either horizontal sliding motion of the value setting key 3, as in \EIG. 2, or combined horizontal and pivotal motion of the key 3, as in FIG. 3, may be employed to effect two separate digit outputs from a single value setting key.

An arrangement wherein electrical switch controls are utilized in place of mechanical output shafts to introduce the digit values into the register has been illustrated in FIG. 4. In this embodiment the value setting key 3b operates a flat cam 2% having projecting flanges 30a and 31a at its opposite ends. Brackets 33a and 3321 support the cam 29b for horizontal sliding movement between limits defined by the length of the slot 9a. Conventional limit switches 40a and 41a having spring biased actuators 40b and 41b, respectively, are employed to provide separate digit output signals when the key 3b has been moved to either of its digit input positions. As in the earlier emboidments, the spring biased actuators 40b and 41b of the limit switches 40a and 41a continually urge the value setting key 312 to its neutral position and this feature, when considered with the usual clicking sensation encountered by the actuation of a limit switch, will also provide the operator with a sense of feel as to the position of the value setting key 3b during normal operation. It should be noted that, in this modification, the digit output signals may be derived with only a very slight horizontal movement of the value setting key 3b, the positioning of the limit switches being determinative of the amount of horizontal movement necessary. Further, it is apparent that the pivotal key embodiment of FIG. 3 could be utilized in conjunction with the limit switches of FIG. 4 to translate pivotal value setting key inputs into electrical digit output information.

It is apparent that numerous other equivalent oamming arrangements might be utilized to achieve dual outputs from the value setting keys and that either manual or electric-a1 control means may be actuated by the movement of the value setting keys to introduce the digit values into the register. It is therefore, to be understood that this invention is intended to encompass the various equivalent arrangements that may be utilized to achieve the foregoing.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there has been illustrated in greater detail the manner in which the function key outputs may be obtained. The addition function key 17, which may have a generally curved and raised surface so as to allow it to be conveniently depressed by the right side portion of the palm of the operator is pivotally supported at 21 for movement in a vertical plane about that pivot point. The output device 25 of the addition key 17 includes a protrusion 25a and an output shaft 50 that is abutted by protrusion 25a and is resiliently biased to a raised position by a spring 51. A stop 52 is provided on the output shaft 50 in order to correctly position the key 17 at its upper position. Thus, when the operators palm is rocked to the right and depressed, the output device 25 of the function key 17 will be moved downwardly, thereby introducing an addition function signal to the calculator.

Similarly, the subtotal function key 19 is pivotally supported at its pivot point 23 for movement in a vertical plane about that pivot point. its output device 27 includes a protrusion 27a and an output shaft 53- that is abutted by protrusion 27a and is resiliently urged to a raised position by a spring '54. A stop 55 is provided to limit the upward position of the subtotal function key 19 and, upon rocking the heel of the hand to the left and downwardly, the output device 27 will be depressed, thereby causing a subtotal function signal to be introduced into the calculator.

In a manner similar to the addition function key '17 and the subtotal function key 19, the subtraction function key 18 and total function key 20 (FIG. 1) are also provided with pivotal supports and output devices to achieve, with proper movement of the palm, the requisite function signal outputs.

A modified function key arrangement, shown generally at 8a, has been illustrated in FIG. 6. It comprises a horizontally slidable palm support plate 57 having in-dicia thereon indicating the direction in which the plate 57 must be moved to effect the various functions. Thus, it may be seen that movement of the plate 57 to the right is required to effect the addition function, movement forwardly is required to effect a subtotal function, movement to the left is required to effect :a subtraction function and movement rearwardly is required to effect a totalling function. Slots 5%, 59, 60 and 61 are cut into the top plate 14 in the form of a cross to facilitate movement of the palm support plate 57 in the directions necessary to achieve the desired functions.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there has been illustrated the manner in which the palm support plate 57 provides function outputs in its horizontal sliding movement. A cam 62 is connected to the palm support plate 57 by means of a stud 63. Cam 62 includes a central projecting lug portion 64 which rides in the various slots 58 through 61 and guides the cam in its movement therethrough. Cam 62 may be rectangular in shape and may be provided with

flat edge

65 and 66 which cooperate with a bracket 67, carried by the top plate 14, to insure that the cam will move only in a horizontal plane. A raised sphen'cal camrning surface '68 depends from the lower surface of the cam 62 and includes a detent groove 69 formed in the surface thereof. Output cam follower-s, two of which are shown at 70 and 71, are resiliently urged against the lower cam surface and have connected thereto

output shafts

72 and 73, respectively, so that when the palm operated plate 57 is moved horizontally to the right or to the left, one or the other of output shafts 72 and 73- will be actu- 7 ated to initiate a function signal to the calculating ma chine. Output shaft 73 corresponds to the addition function and output shaft '72 corresponds to the subtraction function in the arrangement illustrated. An output shaft '74, which corresponds to the subtotal output function, may also be seen in the view shown in FIG. 6.

It will be apparent that, due to the upward urging of the cam followers by their respective springs, the palm operated plate 57 will always be resiliently urged to its central or neutral position. Similarly, it may be noticed (FIG. that the intersecting corners of the slots 58 through 61 may be rounded to facilitate entrance of the projecting lug 64 (FIG. 6) into these slots under the action of the operators palm. It may also be observed that, when the palm operated plate 57 is shifted in any one of the four directions necessary to achieve an output, one of the cam followers will ride up on the spherical cam surface 68 until it reaches the detent groove 69 while the remaining cam followers remain inactive. At this point the operator will feel the detent and be aware that the desired function output has been obtained.

While cam surface 68 has been described as being partially spherical in shape, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the shape of this cam surface may be in the form of a cross which corresponds to the shape of the slots '58 through 61 and, further, may merely comprise four slanted or diagonal surfaces rather than rounded or spherical surfaces. Similarly, the arrangemnet of cam followers and output shafts may be varied in numerous manners to achieve either manual or switch operated functions, and it is, therefore, not intended that this invention be limited to the arrangement specifically shown.

In summary of the foregoing discussion, it may be seen that the present invention provides an improved ten digit keyboard arrangement in which the opportunity for operator error is greatly reduced, since the operator is not required to move his fingers between keys to select the desired value setting key. In addition, the present invention provides an improved keyboard arrangement by virtue of the fact that the value setting keys and function 'keys may be more easily controlled by one hand of an average operator. Furthermore, an improved touch system of control is facilitated by the detent arrangements described which indicate through the operators sense of touch that either a digit or a function has been entered into the machine.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects, and it is, therefore, aimed in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. A ten digit keyboard for a calculating machine comprising function key means for effecting a desired operation on a number entered into said machine, and five value setting keys disposed in spaced relation from said function key means and constructed and arranged to be actuated by the fingers and thumb of an operators hand while the heel of the operators hand rests on said function key means, said value setting keys being movable in substantially a single plane from a neutral position to one or the other of first and second digit input positions, whereby the operator of said machine may rest the fingers and thumb of his hand firmly on said value setting keys and effect the operation of the machine without removal of his hand therefrom.

2. A keyboard as in claim 1 wherein each value setting key is actuable from its neutral position to its two digit input positions by a different finger or thumb of the operators hand, and wherein the ten digit inputs so provided each correspond to a numerical value which difr s fers from the value of all of the other digit input numerical values.

3. A keyboard as in claim 1 wherein the neutral positions of the value setting keys are centrally disposed with 11*{espect to the two digit input positions of the value setting eys.

4. A keyboard as in claim 3 wherein the value settingkeys are movable by a horizontal sliding motion between their neutral position and their digit input positions.

5. A keyboard as in claim 3 wherein the value setting keys are pivotally movable in a substantially horizontal plane between their neutral position and their digit input positions.

6. A ten digit keyboard for a calculating machine com prising a plate member, function key means positioned adjacent said plate member for effecting a desired operation on a number entered into said machine, a plurality of value setting keys positioned adjacent said plate member in spaced relation from said function key means and constructed and arranged to be actuated by the fingers and thumb of an operators hand when the heel of the operators hand rests on said function key means, each of said value setting keys being movable only in a substan tially horizontal plane from a neutral position to one or the other of first and second digit input position, whereby two separate digits may be entered into the machine by movement of one of said value setting keys from its neutral position to one or the other of its digit input positions, detent means cooperable with said value setting keys to provide a positive indication to the operator when one of said value setting keys is moved to one of its digit input positions, and means to resiliently urge said value setting keys to their neutral positions, said function key means comprising a centrally disposed stationary crossshaped palm rest member, and four separate generally rectangularly shaped palm operated plate members disposed adjacent to and about the cross-shaped member, said palm operated plate members each being pivotally supported at a corner adjacent the stationary member and having output devices positioned at a corner diagonally opposite from said pivotally supported corner.

7. In a ten digit keyboard for calculating machine, function key means for effecting various operations on a number introduced into the machine, comprising a plate member forming a support for said function key means, a sta tionary palm rest member having a transverse portion and a longitudinal portion which intersect to form a cross positioned on said plate member, a plurality of generally rectangular palm operated keys each of which have one corner pivotally supported adjacent the intersection of said transverse and longitudinal portions of said stationary member and each of which are movable between a neutral and an actuating position, said keys having output devices positioned at their corners diagonally across from said pivotally supported corners, and resilient means operatively connected to said devices and reacting against said plate member for normally urging said keys toward said neutral position.

8. A ten digit keyboard for calculating machine comprising a function key means for effecting a desired operation on a number entered into said machine, a plurality of value setting keys disposed in spaced relation from said function key means and constructed and arranged to be actuated by the fingers and thumb of an operators hand when the palm of the operators hand rests on said function key means, each of said value setting keys being movable only in a substantially single plane from a neutral position to one or the other of first and second digit input positions, whereby two separate digits may be entered into the machine by movement of one of said value setting keys from its neutral position to one or the other of its digit input positions, said function key means comprising a plate member having intersecting guide slots formed therein, a palm operated key member movable in said guide slots only in a plane substantially parallel to said plate member, actuating means movable with said key member along paths defined by said guide slots, and function output means carried by said plate member and co'operable with said actuating means for deriving a different function output signal with movement of said actuating means along different of said guide slot paths, whereby the operator of said machine may rest the fingers and thumb of his hand firmly on said value setting keys and the palm of his hand firmly on said function key and effect the operation of said machine without removal of his hand therefrom.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said actuating means includes a cam having a partially spherical shaped surface and wherein said function output means includes a plurality of eam followers, said cam followers being actuated by said cam surface upon movement of said key member along the paths defined by said guide slots.

10. The combination of claim 9 and further including detent means formed on said cam surface and engageable with said am followers for providing an operator with a physical indication of the actuation of one of said cam followers.

11. The combination of claim 8 wherein the palm operated key member is movable by a horizontal sliding motion in said guide slots.

12. A ten digit keyboard for a calculating machine comprising a function key means for effecting a desired operation on a number entered into said machine, a plurality of value setting keys disposed in spaced relation from said function key means and constructed and arranged to be actuated by the fingers and thumb of an operators hand when the palm of the operators hand rests on said function key means, each of said value setting keys being movable only in a substantially single plane from a new tral position to one or the other of first and second digit input positions, whereby two separate digits may be entered into the machine by movement of one of said value setting keys from its neutral position to one or the other of its digit input positions, said function key means comprising a centrally disposed stationary cross-shaped palm rest member, and four separate generally nectangularly shaped palm operated plate members disposed adjacent to and about the cross-shaped member, said palm operated plate members each being pivotally supported at a corner adjacent the stationary member and having output devices positioned at a corner :diagonally opposite from said pivotally supported corner.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 17,897 Bramming Dec. 9, 1930 865,459 Vidal Sept. 10, 1907 1,815,997 Williams July 28, 1931 2,532,228 Hesh Nov. 28, 1950 2,545,649 Capellaro Mar. 20, 1951 2,656,980 Fox Oct. 27, -3 2,727,689 Heindorif Dec. 20, 1955

Claims

1. A TEN DIGIT KEYBOARD FOR A CALCULATING MACHINE COMPRISING FUNCTION KEY MENS FOR EFFECTING A DESIRED OPERATION ON A NUMBER ENTERED INTO SAID MACHINE, AND FIVE VALVE SETTING KEYS DISPOSED IN SPACED RELATION FROM SAID FUNCTION KEY MEANS AND CONSTRUCTED AND ARRANGED TO BE ACTUATED BY THE FINGERS AND THUMB OF AN OPERATOR''S HAND WHILE THE HEEL OF THE OPERATOR''S HAND RESTS ON SAID FUNCTION KEY MEANS, SAID VALVE SETTING KEYS BEING MOVABLE IN SUBSTANTIALLY A SINGLE PLANE FROM A NEUTRAL POSITION TO ONE OR THE OTHER OF FIRST AND SECOND DIGIE INPUT FOR POSITIONS, WHEREBY THE OPERATOR OF SAID MACHINE MAY REST THE FINGERS AND THUMB OF HIS HAND FIRMLY ON SAID