Patent Document ID: 4421427
Application ID: 06426861

Base Claim:
1. In a shorthand machine of the type having a set of keys wherein numerals, or words or parts of words, are generated by a stroke which comprises depressing and releasing a key or combination of keys, and a universal member mounted for engagement by the keys and movable in response to a stroke of the keys, the improvement comprising: a. mechanical drive means for mechanically advancing the platen in response to a stroke of the keys, said mechanical drive means including clutch means mechanically coupled to the platen and movable from a rest position to an advanced position, said movement effecting rotation of the platen, said clutch means when in said rest position being positioned in the path of movement of said universal member, whereby said clutch means may be engaged and moved by said universal member from said rest position to said advanced position to effect rotation of the platen in response to each stroke of the keys, b. electrical drive means operable independently of said mechanical drive means for electrically advancing the platen in response to a stroke of the keys, c. selecting means including a locking mechanism for selectively moving said clutch means from its rest position to its advanced position and holding said clutch means in its advanced position out of the path of movement of said universal member whereby said mechanical drive means may be selectively rendered inoperative.

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Claim 3:
3. The shorthand machine according to claim 1 in which said electrical drive means includes an electric motor and a circuit for energizing said electric motor in response to a stroke of the keys when said circuit is connected to a source of electrical energy, and said selecting means further includes switch means for selectively connecting said motor circuit to a source of electrical energy.