Abstract: Ideographic keyboard and method in which an array of characters are printed on one side of a panel and optically readable data corresponding to the characters is recorded on the other side of the panel. A character selector is moved about the first side the panel for selective alignment with the characters, and an optical reader is linked to the character selector for movement about the recorded data in concert with the character selector. The data corresponding to a selected character is read, and a coded signal for the selected character is output in response to the data which is read. In one disclosed embodiment, the data is recorded in the form of bar coding, and the reader is a bar code reader. Precise alignment of the reader with the data for the selected character is assured by reading data from a region larger than the data field itself and extracting the character data in software.

Abstract: Ideographic typewriter and method in which a set of characters are printed on a keyboard panel in optically readable form and scanned to provide a bit map of a character which is to be printed. A printer is actuated in accordance with the bit map to form an image of the selected character on an output medium. Characters beyond those included in the set printed on the keyboard panel can be written on a calligraphy pad near the keyboard and scanned to provide bit maps for use in the printing of those characters. Information associated with the characters is prerecorded in tracks on a magnetic medium positioned beneath the keyboard panel and transduced in a manner which substantially eliminates crosstalk between the tracks.

Abstract: A baby supporter and positioner that can be used by nursing mothers and any other person who wants to hold and interact with a baby on their lap while seated. The baby support pillow is wedge shaped to provide for a slightly inclined positioning of the baby and to provide for better alignment of the baby's head to the mother's breast. The baby support pillow has at least one contoured side to allow the pillow to cradle the person's body and provide a firm supportive surface close to the person's body for the baby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flat battery containing device for an electronic apparatus. The device includes a battery holder, a battery handle and an optional battery indicator. The battery handle, attached to the battery, is used to simplify and tactilely aid the installation of the battery and it preferably has a keying feature that assures the proper battery is correctly installed in the battery holder. The optional battery indicator provides a means of visually verifying that a working battery is properly inserted into the battery holder and that the battery holder is properly connected to the electrical apparatus.

Abstract: A baby supporter and positioner that can be used by nursing mothers and any other person who wants to hold and interact with a baby on their lap while seated. The baby support pillow is wedge shaped to provide for a slightly inclined positioning of the baby and to provide for better alignment of the baby's head to the mother's breast. The baby support pillow has a contoured side to allow the pillow to cradle the person's body and provide a firm supportive surface close to the person's body for the baby.