Abstract: A disposable ink ribbon cartridge for use in a shorthand machine. The cartridge includes an endless loop ribbon threaded through an advancing mechanism in contact with a movable ink reservoir. The advancing mechanism advances the ribbon and also transfers ink from the ink reservoir to the ribbon. The ink reservoir is made from a reticulated foam which provides an even supply of ink over a long period of time. The movable ink reservoir and the advancing mechanism interact to minimize friction between the moving parts of the cartridge. The ink reservoir and advancing mechanism deliver consistent and even doses of ink to the ribbon throughout the life of the cartridge.

Abstract: A disposable ink ribbon cartridge for use in a shorthand machine. The cartridge includes an endless loop ribbon threaded through an advancing mechanism in contact with a movable ink reservoir. The advancing mechanism advances the ribbon and also transfers ink from the ink reservoir to the ribbon. The ink reservoir is made from a reticulated foam which provides an even supply of ink over a long period of time. The movable ink reservoir and the advancing mechanism interact to minimize friction between the moving parts of the cartridge. The ink reservoir and advancing mechanism deliver consistent and even doses of ink to the ribbon throughout the life of the cartridge.

Abstract: A look-up table based on a conventional binary tree is implemented within a shorthand machine that performs sophisticated computer aided translations without compromising portability and long-term battery powered operation. The novel look-up table stores a translation dictionary and conserves power and memory space by providing sublevels that do not allocate memory space within the sublevel for identifying the preceding levels. Flash EPROM is utilized to further conserve power and facilitate long-term battery powered operation. The Flash EPROM may be written to by the shorthand machine, thus allowing the user to update the machine's memory. A LCD is provided for displaying several lines of the translated text as each word is translated.

Abstract: A tripod for engaging and supporting a portable shorthand machine. The tripod includes support legs, a stem coupled to the support legs, and a coupler assembly coupled to the stem. The coupler assembly includes coupler member for engaging the shorthand machine, and a key means for ensuring that the coupler member engages the shorthand machine with a predetermined orientation. The key ensures proper orientation by engaging a key groove that is formed in the shorthand machine and has substantially the same outer geometry as the key means. This outer geometry is chosen such that the key means must be placed in a predetermined orientation with respect to the key groove in order to properly engage the key groove.

Abstract: A memory system for use in a text entry system is provided. The system includes a retentive data memory and a system for locking a portion of the retentive memory and a key for unlocking the lockable portion of the memory to allow a predetermined number of bits of data to be written to the memory when the lockable memory is in unlocked state. The system automatically locks the memory after the predetermined number of bits have been written into the lockable portion of memory.

Abstract: A memory system for use in a text entry system is provided. The system includes a retentive data memory and a system for locking a portion of the retentive memory and a key for unlocking the lockable portion of the memory to allow a predetermined number of bits of data to be written to the memory when the lockable memory is in unlocked state. The system automatically locks the memory after the predetermined number of bits have been written into the lockable portion of memory.

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 marking device for a shorthand machine selectively marks the margins of the paper tape output of the shorthand machine to denote a portion of the shorthand notes for ready reference. The activating keys for the device are located in close proximity with the machine keyboard, whereby the operator may activate the device with minimal interruption of the recording process. Disposable marking instruments may be employed in the device. Incorporation of the device in the machine cover preserves the first planar surface of the cover and further, facilitates storage of the device when not in use.

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 paper gauge for use with a shorthand machine to determine the quantity of paper remaining in the shorthand machine. A scale arm weighs the paper tape in the machine and the gauge is calibrated by weight to give the shorthand machine operator a reading in terms of the number of folds left in the paper strip. The displacement of the scale arm is proportional to the weight of the paper tape and movement of the paper gauge indicating means is proportional to displacement of the scale arm. Accurate readings are facilitated by the use of a hinged tray plate to hold the paper tape in correct position on the scale arm. An "L"-shaped end portion of the tray plate in hinged engagement with the base portion of the tray plate successfully prevents the used portion of the paper tape from urging against the remaining supply and thereby causing an inaccurate reading.

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.