Abstract: Computer apparatus comprising a central computer having a data input port, means connecting two or more remote chord keyboards to the input port, and means for identifying with each respective keyboard alpha-numeric and like character data and command instructions generated by operation thereof and received through the input port; the central computer is programmed to process and combine the character data from the keyboards in accordance with the commands and to output resultant information for display in common by video and/or audio display means. In a preferred embodiment key-operated switches incorporated in each remote chord keyboard are connected in an R-2R resistive ladder network so that operation thereof either singly or in combinations of two to all will produce ratiometric changes in an analog output voltage that uniquely varies as the binary weighting of the operated switch or switch combination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical keyboard having five keys arranged conveniently for the fingers of an operators hand, a memory to store the signals from each key, logic circuit to instruct said stored data after release of the last of said keys and an encoder to receive said stored signals and produce electrical output signals corresponding to readable characters; each character signal requiring a single operation of a unique combination of said input keys for production of said signal.

Abstract: A portable word-processor comprising the following components; a microprocessor and, connected thereto, a manually operable input chord keyboard having four finger keys and at least one thumb key, the microprocessor being programmed to respond to signals produced by operation of a chord of a combination of up to a maximum of five keys to generate a coded signal representing a particular alpha-numeric character or processing instruction; a display device; output means for connection of the word-processor to a printer; memory means; and an internal power supply connected to power all the aforesaid components; the microprocessor being additionally programmed so as to process the character signals in response to the instruction signals, feed signals to the display device for display of processed characters as an edited text, and to the memory means to store the edited text and print format instruction signals available for transmission through the output means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable word-processor comprising the following components; a micro-processor and, connected thereto, a manually operable input chord keyboard having four finger keys and at least one thumb key, the micro-processor being programmed to respond to signals produced by operation of a chord of a combination of up to a maximum of five keys to generate a coded signal representing a particular alpha-numeric character or processing instruction; a display device; output means for connection of the word-processor to a printer; memory means; and an internal power supply connected to power all the aforesaid components; the micro processor being additionally programmed so as to process the character signals in response to the instruction signals, feed signals to the display device for display of processed characters as an edited text, and to the memory means to store the edited text and print format instruction signals available for transmission through the output means.