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 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.