Abstract: A writing apparatus comprises a housing and a keyboard mounted in the housing and having keys representing symbols of a language. Each key is moveable from a rest position. Sensors sense position of each key and develop a signal representing position of each key. A controller is operatively connected to the sensors for monitoring the signal. The controller is configured to determine if any of the keys are pressed by monitoring the position of each key and for any given key determining if an amount of change in position from the rest position for the given key is greater than a select movement amount and rate of change in position for the given key is greater than a selected velocity amount, and generating change in an output state for the given key responsive to the given key being pressed.

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 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.