William J Szmanda

US Patent:

50678345, Nov 26, 1991

Filed:

Jul 7, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/376690

Inventors:

Jeffrey P. Szmanda - Waukesha WI
William J. Szmanda - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

B41J 510

US Classification:

400489

Abstract:

An input keyboard unit includes a left and right keyboard. A separate universal pivot support unit is secured one to each keyboard and to a base support plate. Each universal pivot unit includes a telescopic shaft with a releasable connector for holding of the shaft in desired extended position. One end of the shaft or post unit is secured to the keyboard through a mounting plate. A ball and socket unit is secured to the opposite end and through a tongue and groove connection to a base plate for lateral positioning of the pivot units and the attached keyboard relative to each other. The ball and socket unit allows universal pivoting of the keyboard about the mounting to the base plate and thereby permits the optimal positioning of the keyboard with respect to the hands of the operator. In one embodiment, the two separate keyboard boards are generally rectangular members. A universal pivot units interconnects the top inner corners of the two keyboards whereby a generally inverted V-shaped spacing is provided between the two keyboards with each keyboard having a front-to-back inclination and a lateral side inclination with the universal pivot units of the keyboards permitting the precise optimal setting for any given individual or group of individuals.

US Patent:

53420055, Aug 30, 1994

Filed:

Nov 5, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/972253

Inventors:

Jeffrey P. Szmanda - Milwaukee WI
William J. Szmanda - Menomonee Falls WI

Assignee:

Health Care Keyboard Co., Inc. - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

B68G 500

US Classification:

248118

Abstract:

A forearm support apparatus for a keyboard operator is disclosed including first and second forearm support units. Each of the support units includes a base member having a tapered wall and a flat bottom wall. A complementing upper member has a similar taper and is secured to upper wall and an inverse orientation to raise the tapered wall to a top surface. The top member is formed of a highly resilient compressible material to receive the forearm which depresses the material and supports the forearm. The support units are mounted in laterally spaced relation with the tapered upper walls extending inwardly and downwardly toward each other. The forearms are thereby biased inwardly toward each other in restrict outward displacement. The members are formed symmetrically about a transverse plane generally parallel to the keyboard. The top member has a shorter length than the bottom member to define forward and front and back recesses.

US Patent:

54660785, Nov 14, 1995

Filed:

Aug 18, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/292488

Inventors:

Jeffrey P. Szmanda - Milwaukee WI
William J. Szmanda - Menomonee Falls WI

Assignee:

Health Care Keyboard Company - Menomonee Falls WI

International Classification:

B41J 510
F16M 1300

US Classification:

400489

Abstract:

A multiple section keyboard includes a universal support for each section permitting unrestricted orientation of each section. A vertical adjustable support includes a telescoping cylinder unit or a three point linkage support. A ball unit connects the vertical support to a slide unit for lateral placement. The ball unit provides rotational and pivotal positioning. A lock unit is coupled to the ball unit and simultaneously looks the ball unit, the linkage unit and the slide unit in place. A separable ball connector may also connect the top inner corners of two keyboards to maintain a V-shaped board configuration. Each section has a separate extendible spacer bar formed with a telescoping portion adapted to be extended outwardly and latched in place between angularly related and spaced keyboard sections. A separate number 6 key unit is provided for coupling to either section for inputting of the digit from that section. The multiple section keyboard desirably provides for some means for rapid location, placement and securement of the sections in particular locations.