Abstract: An encoder having a special construction which includes a special tension spring which increases the life of the encoder. The tension spring has first and second "U"-shaped portions formed on one end thereof with the remaining end of the spring being secured to a frame of the encoder. The first "U"-shaped portion of the spring is positioned around a stud on a beam of the encoder, and the second "U"-shaped portion receives a portion of the beam. An actuator is used to move a hammer on the beam to an impact position, and the tension spring is used to return the beam to a home position. As the beam is moved toward the impact position, there is an increase in the area of contact between the stud and the first "U"-shaped portion to thereby minimize movement therebetween. When the spring returns to the home position, the body portion of the spring assumes an "arched" position which minimizes "bounce" of the beam in returning to the home position.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for optically communicating data between two data handling units where one of the data units supplies all of the optical power needed for the optical communications between the two data units. In a preferred embodiment a first data unit comprises a first data source, first and second optical sources of optical energy, and a first optical detector, while a second data unit comprises a second data source, a second optical detector and an optical modulator. In a first mode of operation, a first stream of digital data from the first data source pulse modulates the first optical source on and off causing the first optical source to transmit optical pulses to the second optical detector. These optical pulses are converted by the second optical detector back into a representation of the first stream of digital data for use by the second data unit.

Abstract: The method comprises: selecting an examination window whose size covers the image data associated with a character within a set of characters; presenting image data for a known character to the examining window to obtain a probability density function (PDF) for each pixel within the examining window for each character in the set of characters to be found or segmented to generate a composite PDF for each pixel within the examining window; and using the composite PDF to determine when the examining window is positioned over image data associated with a character within the character set.

Abstract: A capacitor protection circuit for protecting bulk storage capacitors in a storage capacitor circuit in an electronic power supply. The capacitor protection circuit is operatively coupled to the storage capacitor circuit and comprises a first and second thyristor. The first and second thyristors are selected so that when the voltage across one of the storage capacitors in the storage capacitor circuit exceeds a predetermined voltage, the second thyristor will trigger the first thyristor to cause an excessive amount of current to be drawn through a fuse in the electronic power supply, thereby causing the fuse to blow and uncoupling the electronic circuit from an AC input. Another embodiment is disclosed to show how the capacitor protection circuit can be used in a 110 or 220 volt environment by utilizing a switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying a high resolution image on a low resolution CRT with a minimal loss of information. Even rows of a source or matrix of binary pixels are stored in an "even" video RAM and odd rows are stored in an "odd" video RAM at addresses corresponding to the locations of the binary pixels within the matrix. In a preferred embodiment, a group of four pixels corresponding to a portion of the image is converted to a single gray value which is used to control the intensity of the beam control within the CRT.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing rejections when using correction stickers on documents which are to be read by a single channel or "deep" MICR read head in subsequent reading operations. The method entails printing the correct MICR data on the correction sticker (which is placed over the incorrect MICR data) so that the correct MICR data is purposely off registration with the incorrect MICR data underneath the correction sticker so that the correct MICR data on the correction sticker will be encountered by a read head before the incorrect MICR data underneath the correction sticker is encountered. A double printing of the correct MICR data on the correction sticker also causes dynamic thresholding circuits associated with common MICR readers to "key in" on the high signal level on the MICR ink on the correction sticker and thereby render the incorrect MICR data signal underneath the correction sticker to the level of "noise".

Abstract: An optical reader head with a video compensation circuit for use in high speed document reading. The reader head utilizes small focussed bulbs to illuminate the scanning line, with the head being comprised of first and second body sections housing a lens which focusses the light reflected from a document at the scanning line to a light array comprised of 256 sensors. Light from four adjacent sensors along the scanning line is integrated to produce a composite pixel which becomes one of 64 such composite pixels for a scanning line of data permitting the use of low wattage bulbs and also eliminating the possibility of burning a jammed document. A peak comparison PROM is used for adjusting document background levels, for example, for use in thresholding the pixel data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including a circuit for measuring the displacement of an electromagnetic device wherein the measuring is effected by utilizing the perturbations which occur in the energizing current of the device when the moveable member contacts a second member during a "gap" measurement, for example. The circuit includes circuitry for obtaining a first derivative signal having indicator portions corresponding to the perturbations. An apparatus including a test block is used for testing center-to-center distances.

Abstract: A method of searching a matrix of binary data to find search regions in which straight lines may be found, with the straight lines being those which are perpendicular to the original direction of scanning which produced the matrix of binary data. The method comprises the steps: (a) determining a number of search scans to cover a predetermined area of the matrix of binary data; (b) scanning the predetermined area in a direction which is parallel to the original direction of scanning to search for the presence of binary indicia like binary ones along the predetermined number of search scans to generate search results for each of the search scans, with a binary one indicating the presence of data; (c) ANDing the search results of preselected search scans to generate AND-scans; (d) ORing preselected AND-scans to generate OR-scans; and (e) using the OR-scans to define the search regions in which to look for straight lines which are perpendicular to the original direction of scanning.

Abstract: A center-to-center distance measuring device for measuring the exact spacing between print solenoids. The devie uses a test block having a top surface and a bottom surface which are parallel. The top surface has first and second bevel surfaces which are parallel to each other, extend from the top surface towards the bottom surface and are spaced apart at a predetermined distance. The print solenoids are positioned perpendicularly to the top surface of the test block such that the print wires of the print solenoids impact against the test block when energized. The displacement of the print wires from the solenoids is used to determine the center-to-center spacing as the print wires impact against the bevel surfaces as the test block is moved.

Abstract: A method and retainer for retaining a circuit board in a mounted position within a housing of an electronic device. A working distance is determined, which is defined as the distance between the circuit board and the housing, and the length of the retainer is adjusted to such working distance, so that when a first end portion of the retainer is secured to a circuit board and the circuit board is mounted in the housing, the second end portion of the retainer is positioned to engage the housing and thereby retain the circuit board in a mounted position during shipment of the electronic device.

Abstract: An aligning and protective apparatus for a stepping motor which includes a sensor housing having first and second sensor pairs located therein. An aligning cover has a receiving area therein to receive the sensor housing. The first and second sensor pairs are placed apart a predetermined distance in the housing which is positioned on the motor to coact with a timing disk used in controlling the operation of the stepping motor. The cover with the sensor pairs therein is rotated on the motor until the sensor pairs are properly located on the motor to effect the desired lead angle for the motor. The cover is also shaped to protect the sensor pairs and the timing disk from dust.

Abstract: A system and method for storing encrypter keys in a secure manner to prevent a "debugger" or an unauthorized user of a user application from compromising the keys. A static RAM with a battery support is used to store the keys after they are installed therein by a processor included in the system. As used, the RAM because a write only RAM as far as the processor is concerned. Anytime a clear text key appears on a bus connecting the RAM with an enciphering chip used in the system, an interface between the bus and the processor is used to uncouple the bus from the processor. The system can also be used for "key encrypting key schemes".

Abstract: An idler wheel assembly having an idler wheel arm and an idler wheel rotatably mounted on one end of the arm to co-act with a feed wheel located on one side of a document track when the arm is moved from an inactive to an active position relative to the feed wheel. The arm has a pivot area which is mounted to move along the line which is perpendicular to the document track; this enables the assembly to accommodate documents of varying thicknesses. One embodiment uses a loosely mounted pivot point to effect the movement of the pivot area, and a second embodiment uses an elongated slot in the frame of the assembly to effect the movement of the pivot area along the line mentioned.

Abstract: A drawer assembly which prevents a drawer from "jamming up" in a locked position when the drawer is slammed shut while a locking arm associated with a key lock on the drawer is in a locking position. A projection on a retainer clip located on the inside of the front panel of the drawer keeps the locking arm from being bent, and also keeps the drawer from moving to the closed position from which a latching mechanism asociated with the drawer would be placed in a locked position.

Abstract: An incremental motion mechanism which utilizes first and second one-way clutches attached to the output shaft of the mechanism. The first one-way clutch is used to prevent back up of the output member, while the second one-way clutch is used to incrementally rotate the output shaft. First and second solenoids and associated linkage under the control of a controller are used for adjusting the extent of rotation of the output shaft.

Abstract: A document transport and printing apparatus which utilizes an associated clutch for use in printing and endorsing documents like checks at a printing station in the apparatus. The apparatus utilizes a single input shaft as an input member for the clutch and as an input member for a soft drive roller located at the printing station. The clutch utilizes a moveable sector portion which is moved between inactive and active positions to rotate an associated planetary member to provide a reduction in the rotary movement of the output member of the clutch when the sector portion is moved to the active position.

Abstract: An electronic copy board system including an electronic copy board. The electronic copy board includes an opaque planar member which provides a support for a transparent sheet upon which image data is written. A guide member houses an elongated light to direct light through a slot in the guide member towards an array of light detectors positioned opposite the elongated light. The transparent sheet is moved between the light guide and the light detectors when the image data on the transparent sheet is to be read. In one embodiment, the transparent sheet is in the form of an endless belt, and in another embodiment, the transparent sheet is in the form of a long strip which is pulled off a supply roll and wound up on a take-up roll during the reading process. The electronic copy board is coupled to a personal computer to facilitate displaying, printing, storing, transmitting, or further processing of the visual data read from the copy board.

Abstract: An integrated slip guide member and slip table assembly for use with business machines. The slip table has a first and second groups of parallel grooves thereon which are spaced apart in parallel relationship. The slip guide member has first and second members which receive the a portion of the slip table to enable the guide member to be moveable on the slip table to accommodate different widths of documents. The slip guide member also has detent members thereon to mesh with the first and second groups of parallel grooves to adjustably secure the slip guide member on the slip table.

Abstract: A cabinet which houses electronic modules and provides a low-cost assembly of the modules in the cabinet. The cabinet includes a base portion, cover portion, and a locking portion which are used to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to critical modules within the cabinet. A vent system provides cooling while preventing objects one millimeter in diameter, or larger, from being inserted into the cabinet, as a safety measure.