Abstract: An arrangement of alphabet keys is provided in a total of three rows. Two of the three rows have a total of nine keys each, and the other row has a total of eight keys. The vowel keys are grouped together in a vowel group having a symmetric shape in which an imaginary line extending vertically divides the vowel group into a left half and right half that is a mirror image of the left half. The vowel group traverses the three rows and at least two columns, and at least a portion of the vowel group is located at a center of the arrangement. The consonant keys are arranged in alphabetical order from left to right on opposite sides of vowel group. A vowel key in the vowel group is centered along the imaginary line to be at a midpoint of the vowel group in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved keyboard and keyboard driver for facilitating a reduction in the number of key presses required to create or delete a given data string (i.e. mnemonics, abbreviations, words, sentences, paragraphs etc.). The keyboard includes an array of keys having multi-character indicia and an interface system comprising data storage means; data processing means; and data display means, wherein the data processing means reduces key presses by filtering data stored within the data storage means by initial character, as determined by the character or characters ascribed to a data input key initially pressed by a user, and prioritizing the filtered data in real-time according to user-configurable prioritization parameters (using qualitative and/or quantitative information relating to each data string stored within the storage means). The invention also provides improved calculator functionality and function-lock keys.

Abstract: A stenographic machine includes a machine body and a display screen assembly. The machine body has a stenographic keyboard, a display connector, and a stenographic processor operatively connected to the stenographic keyboard and storing stenographic dictation by a stenographer. The display screen assembly has a back rest having a first end pivotally connected to the display connector and a second end. The display screen assembly has a screen body having a display operatively connected to the stenographic processor to display at least one of concurrent and previously stored stenographic dictation to a stenographer, having a screen face and a screen outer back surface, and is pivotally connected to the second end such that, when the display is pivoted downwards, the outer back surface faces upwards and, when the display pivoted upwards, the screen face faces a user and moves closer to the user as pivoting progresses.

Abstract: A stenographic device includes a display, a memory, keys of a stenographic keyboard, each key having a resting position where the key is un-actuated, a depressed position where the key is actuated to register a key stroke, and a range of depression positions therebetween, and a processor communicatively coupled to the display, memory, and the keys. The processor causes the display to graphically show a respective depression indicator of a current one of the depression positions for each of the keys, stores in the memory a respective key-press registration point for each of the keys, the registration point being a depression position located within the range of depression positions and indicating when the respective key is in the actuated state, and causes the display to graphically show a respective registration indicator corresponding to the stored registration point for each of the keys.

Abstract: A stenographic device includes a display, a memory, keys of a stenographic keyboard, each key having a resting position where the key is un-actuated, a depressed position where the key is actuated to register a key stroke, and a range of depression positions therebetween, and a processor communicatively coupled to the display, memory, and the keys. The processor causes the display to graphically show a respective depression indicator of a current one of the depression positions for each of the keys, stores in the memory a respective key-press registration point for each of the keys, the registration point being a depression position located within the range of depression positions and indicating when the respective key is in the actuated state, and causes the display to graphically show a respective registration indicator corresponding to the stored registration point for each of the keys.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for a stenographic machine includes character keys with a first set of vowel keys that, at a first rest position, together define a first upper touch surface plane, a second set of keys that, at a second rest position, together define a second upper touch surface plane that is higher than the first plane, with each of the second set of keys having a fully depressed position lower than the second plane by a given distance and a key actuator to be operationally connected to a respective key sensor for registering movement of the respective key. A third key assembly has a third assembly key with an upper touch surface that, at a third rest position, is further from the second upper touch surface plane than the given distance, and a third key actuator to be operationally connected to a respective third-key-assembly key sensor for registering movement of the at least one key.

Abstract: A device and method for determining key registration settings in a stenographic device, includes a plurality of keys making up a standard stenographic keyboard, each key having a resting position, a depressed position, and a range of depression positions between the resting position and the depressed position, a memory, and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and to the plurality of keys. The processor is operable to store in the memory, for at least one of the keys, a depression indicator corresponding to a current depression position of the key selected from the resting position, the depressed position, and one of the depression positions within the range of depression positions.

Abstract: A method, device, and computer program product for analyzing multiple keystrokes in an electronic stenographic recording machine having keys forming stenographic keystrokes when actuated includes sensing a depressed state of at least first and second keys and recording first and second depression times, sensing released states of the first and second keys and recording first and second release times, determining an elapsed depression-release time for each of the first and second stenographic keys, determining a percentage of chronological overlap of each of the elapsed depression-release times, and separating the first and second key depressions into separate stenographic keystrokes when the percentage of chronological overlap indicates a lack of correlation between the first and second key depressions.

Abstract: A method, device, and computer program product for analyzing multiple keystrokes in an electronic stenographic recording machine having keys forming stenographic keystrokes when actuated includes sensing a depressed state of a first stenographic key and recording a first depression time, sensing a depressed state of a second stenographic key and recording a second depression time, sensing a depressed state of a third stenographic key and recording a third depression time, sensing a released state of the first key and recording a first release time, sensing a released state of the second key and recording a second release time, sensing a released state of the third key and recording a third release time, sorting the first, second, and third depression times based on a chronological order of occurrence, determining, within the plurality of sorted depression times, a pair of chronologically adjacent depression times with a greatest chronological variation therebetween, determining an elapsed depression-release t

Abstract: A device and method for determining key registration settings in a stenographic device, includes providing a plurality of keys making up a standard stenographic keyboard, each key having a resting position, a depressed position, and a range of depression positions between the resting position and the depressed position, receiving information indicating a depression depth of a key on the standard stenographic keyboard, and a processor communicatively coupled to a display and the plurality of keys, the processor operable to cause the display to graphically show, for at least one of the keys, a depression indicator of a current one of the depression positions.

Abstract: A case for use with a stenotype machine, portable computer, and cables, power supply equipment, memory devices, as well as paper, writing utensils, and the like to form a mobile workstation. The case includes a top, a bottom, and a circumscribing sidewall, the top removably or hingedly attached to the side wall to cover an interior that is divided into multiple compartments, including at least a first compartment to store the portable computer, a second compartment to store the stenotype machine, and a third compartment to store cables for data and power that are connected to the computer and stenotype machine, the sidewall having an access opening for the stenotype machine to deploy for use while remaining attached to the case, and the case further including a bottom wall to which a stand is removably attached.

Abstract: A method for recording shadow keystrokes in an electronic stenographic recording machine having keys forming stenographic keystrokes when actuated includes the steps of sensing an extent of an actuation of a subset of the keys as a stenographic keystroke, recording values selected from the group consisting of a full value and at least one intermediate value corresponding to the extent of the actuation of each of the subset of keys, and determining a first subset of possible translations of the stenographic keystroke based upon a second subset of possible combinations of the recorded values of the subset of the keys. Also, an extent of an actuation of at least one key can be sensed and at least one intermediate value corresponding to the extent of the actuation of the at least one key can be recorded.

Abstract: The adjustable LCD screen assembly for a writing machine includes base and an LCD screen assembly coupled to each other by a hinge assembly. An embodiment of the hinge assembly includes a pivot post and a pair locking set screws, Bellville spring washers, a screw, an anti-rotation washer, a first bracket and a second bracket. The hinge assembly mounts to the base along the first bracket and to the LCD screen assembly along the second bracket. The hinge assembly utilizes a compression mechanism including a spring mechanism to generate frictional force between the elements of the hinge assembly to hold the LCD screen assembly in place with respect to the base under “static conditions,” yet allows for infinite adjustability of the LCD screen assembly, within a given range of motion, under “pivoting conditions.

Abstract: The present invention involves a stenographic translation system which comprises (a) a stenographic processor device for converting lexical stroke symbols to first output units comprising language text words and sets of undefined lexical stroke symbols; (b) a speech recognition system using clusters of speech word models of a vocabulary to define word output units from speech, the units each having a system clock time value; (c) an output controller for outputting defined words by matching the output units within a time window and selecting a final output word or undefined symbol. A method is provided wherein a human speaker makes an utterance which is received essentially simultaneously by a stenographer and a speech recognition system. The stenographer manually applies first inputs to keys in a stenographic processor device to generate first outputs by using a scan chart with translations to define a word output from the stenographic processor.

Abstract: A stenographic machine includes a keyboard having a first area containing keys designated for at least some of numerals "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "8" and "9", a second area containing keys designated for consonant letters, a third area containing, in order from left to right, keys designated for vowel letters "A", "O", "E" and "U", a first additional key designated for numeral "5" and a second additional key designated for numeral "0". The additional keys are located elsewhere than in the first area and are preferably directly below the keys designated for the letters "A" and "O".

Abstract: A stenographic machine of the type having a platen means for supporting a paper tape and a memory means for electronically storing stenographic notes as well as a plurality of keys and associated electromechanical elements for recording testimony and proceedings on the paper tape or electronic memory. More particularly, the stenographic machine and the present invention includes a note marker assembly including at least one input key which is electromechanically connected to initiate the translation of an ink pad into contact with the paper tape, and for simultaneously inserting an electronic mark into a memory means.

Abstract: A word typewriter is disclosed. An entire syllable is typed by simultaneously pressing a chord of keys on a keyboard. The chord of keys is decoded according to certain decoding rules and priority rules. The invention produces an output of written text in standard format. The invention produces an output in standard format like a conventional typewriter, but at a speed which is faster than a conventional shorthand machine. A butterfly-shaped keyboard is used which has a center group of vowel keys. Eleven of the most frequently used consonants are placed on either side of the vowel keys, which are arranged in mirror images of each other. Less frequently used letters which are missing from the keyboard are formed by simultaneously pressing two keys.

Abstract: A computerized system for the rapid rendering of written or spoken material into printed text. A stenographic record of the material is produced by a reporter according to a stenographic system including "automatics" to enable batch translation of the stenographic data. The record thereby produced is translated rapidly and with a high degree of accuracy by a computer having a dictionary of the system stored in its memory. The translation is displayed upon the screen of an editing device for rapid editing by a word processing operator. The edited translation is applied to a transmitting modem. The modem encodes the edited translation for transmission to a remote computerized typesetter. The typesetter is directly programmed with the edited translation to produce a printed text of the material.

Abstract: A computerized system for the rapid rendering of written or spoken material into printed text. A stenographic record of the material is produced by a reporter according to a stenographic system including "automatics" to enable batch translation of the stenographic data. The record thereby produced is translated rapidly and with a high degree of accuracy by a computer having a dictionary of the system stored in its memory. The translation is displayed upon the screen of an editing device for rapid editing by a word processing operator. The edited translation is applied to a transmitting modem. The modem encodes the edited translation for transmission to a remote computerized typesetter. The typesetter is directly programmed with the edited translation to produce a printed text of the material.

Abstract: U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,431 discloses a combinational keyboard in which keys are operated in combinations much as a piano is played. A combination being those keys which are depressed between two periods in which no keys are depressed. Each combination generates a coded character. The present invention covers a modification of this keyboard system in which the character keyed depends upon the sequence in which the keys of the combination are operated as well as upon the combination itself. The preferred system permits the character set of a six-key one-handed keyboard to be expanded to 198 characters. Cost of the keyboard--about sixty grams of silver.

Abstract: An improved referencing device for identifying for future reference a portion of a data record as it is being recorded for use in combination with a shorthand machine generating electrical output signals corresponding to the keys depressed, a recording medium, and recorder associated with said shorthand machine for making a data record of the signals generated thereby on said recording medium. The referencing device comprises means for generating a reference signal separate and independent from the output signal generated by said shorthand machine and for inputting said reference signal to said data recorder for making a record of the referencing signal on the recording medium. A portion of the data record may then be identified for future reference by the reference signal record.

Abstract: A shorthand machine including an electric drive system to advance the platen. In accordance with the invention, the platen can be advanced in a fully mechanical, conventional mode, fully electric mode, or by a combination of electric and mechanical drives. In the electric or electric/mechanical modes, after the shorthand machine operator makes a key stroke and releases the keys, an electric circuit pulses an electric motor connected to the platen to drive the platen for a predetermined duration of time. Subsequent to the driving pulse, power to the motor is reversed to quickly brake the motor and bring it to a rapid stop. The duration of time that the motor is activated may be varied, varying the amount of advancement of the platen, and thus varying the distance between recorded key strokes for each word or part of word generated by the operator of the shorthand machine.

Abstract: A shorthand machine having active tactile feedback to the keyboard, providing the operator with a keyboard response permitting the operator to sense return of the keys sufficiently toward their rest position to permit initiation of the next key stroke without stacking of notes. A solenoid or other actuator is energized following initiation of the return of the keys to their rest position after the printing of each word and urges the universal bar toward its rest position, thereby urging the keys toward their rest position. The operator senses this pressure on the keys and thus can tell when the keys are returned sufficiently toward the rest position to permit initiation of the next stroke. As a consequence the operator's timing is improved, and he can write faster and for a longer time without stacking notes and with less fatigue.

Abstract: A shorthand machine including an electric drive system to advance the platen. In accordance with the invention, the platen can be advanced in a fully mechanical, conventional mode, fully electric mode, or by a combination of electric and mechanical drives. In the electric or electric/mechanical modes, after the shorthand machine operator makes a key stroke and releases the keys, an electric circuit pulses an electric motor connected to the platen to drive the platen for a predetermined duration of time. Subsequent to the driving pulse, power to the motor is reversed to quickly brake the motor and bring it to a rapid stop. The duration of time that the motor is activated may be varied, varying the amount of advancement of the platen, and thus varying the distance between received key strokes for each word or part of word generated by the operator of the shorthand machine.

Abstract: A digital data recorder is adapted for receiving a plurality of parallel input data members for defining a single input signal. Any of the input data members may change in identity during the presentation of the single input signal, and the recorder gives priority identity to any input data member which is of the priority identity for any time during the presentation. The recorder produces a serial, digital data output signal comprising a finite sequence of binary data bits in one-to-one correspondence with the parallel input data members, with the binary state of the bit corresponding to the identity of the input member. The serial, digital output signal is suitable for recording on the single channel of a magnetic tape for fully defining the input signal. The recorder is described in detail as adapted for recording the words taken by a shorthand machine.