An improved, low cost, high speed keyboard encoding device is provided which develops directly encoded, valid and reliable multi-bit output signals and overcomes problems associated with tolerance errors and adverse environmental and usage conditions (e.g., manufacturing errors, dust, wear). The preferred encoding device includes a plurality of juxtaposed, flexible conductive strands or wires each having a number of axially spaced impact zones along the length thereof which are either insulated or electrically conductive; corresponding zones on the separate wires are operably aligned to cooperatively define a series of spaced impact zone sets each made up of a unique pattern of conductive and insulated zones. An electrically conductive, rubber-like resilient pad having a series of ridge-like elongated members respectively aligned with corre- _spon_ding impact zone sets is also provided which is designed for impact-shifting of the members into momentary contact with the associated zone sets, whereby electrical contact is made between the ridge members and the conductive impact zones of the set. The resulting circuit making and current flow directly generates a momentary, unique, digitalized output signal without the need for conventional encoding electronic circuitry. The device is particularly suited for use in an impact-type keyboard where, upon depression of each key, an associated resilient element is shifted, released, and allowed to overtravel its rest position and momentarily strike the encoding device at a location for shifting the appropriate pad ridge into contact with the adjacent impact zone set.

A moldable, impulse operation synthetic resin keyboard, and a method of fabricating the same, are provided wherein the keyboard achieves essentially standard, tactile feel and feedback, mechanical N-key rollover protection, and precise, reliable output. The preferred embodiment of the keyboard includes a synthetic resin base plate having a plurality of elongated, cantilever mounted flippers, along with a plurality of elongated, laterally spaced, inwardly and opposedly extending, pivotal, key-supporting arms. Upon depression of a key, the associated flipper is deformed until a release point is reached, whereupon the flipper is disengaged, allowing the flipper to quickly return to its rest position. A keyboard output is developed as the flipper, during overtravel thereof past its rest position, strikes a signal-generating assembly. An alternative embodiment of the keyboard includes a plurality of depressible keys mounted on respective upright synthetic resin flaps designed to collapse upon key depression and engage and move an underlying, resilient, U-shaped shifting member; the member in turn engages and shifts another U-shaped resilient element which supports one or more upstanding encoding posts. When the U-shaped element reaches a cocked position it is disengaged from the shifting member and allowed to snap back toward the original rest position thereof independently of subsequent return movement of the key and shifting member. The snap back motion is sensed and a corresponding key output signal developed.

An improved, low cost, high speed keyboard encoding device is provided which develops directly encoded, valid and reliable multi-bit output signals and overcomes problems associated with tolerance errors and adverse environmental and usage conditions (e.g., manufacturing errors, dust, wear). The preferred encoding device includes a plurality of juxtaposed, flexible conductive strands or wires each having a number of axially spaced impact zones along the length thereof which are either insulated or electrically conductive; corresponding zones on the separate wires are operably aligned to cooperatively define a series of spaced impact zone sets each made up of a unique pattern of conductive and insulated zones. An electrically conductive, rubber-like resilient pad having a series of ridge-like elongated members respectively aligned with corre- _spon_ding impact zone sets is also provided which is designed for impact-shifting of the members into momentary contact with the associated zone sets, whereby electrical contact is made between the ridge members and the conductive impact zones of the set. The resulting circuit making and current flow directly generates a momentary, unique, digitalized output signal without the need for conventional encoding electronic circuitry. The device is particularly suited for use in an impact-type keyboard where, upon depression of each key, an associated resilient element is shifted, released, and allowed to overtravel its rest position and momentarily strike the encoding device at a location for shifting the appropriate pad ridge into contact with the adjacent impact zone set.