Importance

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Abstract

A portable alphanumeric and symbol drafting device which essentially comprises a mechanically functioning keyboard unit, which is flexibly connected to an electronics package unit. Accordingly, the keyboard unit, which preferably weighs on the order of only two pounds, comprises a singularly useful device for a draftsman, since it allows a string of characters to be most accurately applied upon a drawing surface, by manipulation of only the keyboard unit. The keyboard unit may also include an attachment for mating with a standard parallel-arm drawing device. The keyboard unit comprises a first longitudinal edge, which is used to establish an origin or base line for the string of characters to be lettered and includes a carriage means for supporting a drafting pen in a manner to allow it to be operably controlled for a longitudinal (x-axis) and transverse (y-axis) movement proximate this first longitudinal edge of the housing. The x-axis travel is approximately eight inches, and the y-axis travel is approximately one inch, and the keyboard unit is capable of accurately producing a string of alphanumeric characters, or symbols, in a sequential manner within this size envelope. The electronics package has storing memory means for holding addressable, numerical instructions for vocabulary of characters, which are addressed by receiving character input signals from the keyboard. Scale means operate upon the digitized character instructions, whereby a character symbol can be accurately drawn, (up to approximately one inch in height,) without requiring any change of the digitized instructions in the vocabulary storing memory means.

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First Claim