Abstract: A vending apparatus and system for storing and automatically dispensing magnetic or optical disks. A user interface means allows a user to enter a dispensing request corresponding to the selection of a desired disk and includes means for receiving user identification information, such as credit or debit card information, or other information stored magnetically on a bank card, driver's license, school identification card, or library card. Once a disk selection has been entered and user identification information received and verified, the selected disk is dispensed from the vending unit. The disks to be dispensed by the vending unit may be provided to have a region of magnetic recording media formed on one surface, and the vending unit may be equipped to write information relevant to the transaction onto the region of magnetic media.

Abstract: A vending apparatus and system for storing and automatically dispensing magnetic or optical disks. A user interface means allows a user to enter a dispensing request corresponding to the selection of a desired disk and includes means for receiving user identification information, such as credit or debit card information, or other information stored magnetically on a bank card, driver's license, school identification card, or library card. Once a disk selection has been entered and user identification information received and verified, the selected disk is dispensed from the vending unit. The disks to be dispensed by the vending unit may be provided to have a region of magnetic recording media formed on one surface, and the vending unit may be equipped to write information relevant to the transaction onto the region of magnetic media.

Abstract: A tape having a first portion (preferably a magnetic tape portion for recording video, audio, or computer data), and a cleaning leader attached to the first portion, and a tape cartridge including such a tape. The leader includes one or more cleaning solvent modules, each of which is preferably a thin pouch containing cleaning solvent designed to rupture when squeezed between rollers of a tape player transport mechanism (or in the tape cartridge). Preferably, several cleaning solvent modules are evenly spaced along the leader, to expose tape player heads to periodic bursts of solvent during cleaning. A leader control mechanism prevents translation of the leader through the player's tape transport mechanism following the first play of the leader therethrough (or the first play therethrough in a particular direction). The leader control mechanism can include a nodule mounted to the leader so that during rewinding of the tape, the nodule will lock into depressions in the reel on which the leader is wound.

Abstract: A screen assembly that includes a screen material which is bonded to a thin metal substrate. The substrate is typically a solid 1/16 inch thick sheet of aluminum that is both light weight and strong. The bonded screen/substrate subassembly is mounted to an flip panel frame which is pivotally connected to an outer frame. To increase the rigidity of the substrate, the edges of the screen subassembly are located within a channel of the flip panel frame and held in place by a flexible foam cord that is pressed between the subassembly and the frame. The outer frame is pivotally connected to a stationary frame that is mounted to a structure, such as the wall of an aircraft passenger compartment. To display images on the screen, the outer frame is rotated away from the wall and the flip panel frame is flipped around to expose the screen to the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A vending apparatus and system for storing and automatically dispensing magnetic or optical disks. A user interface means allows a user to enter a dispensing request corresponding to the selection of a desired disk and includes means for receiving user identification information, such as credit or debit card information, or other information stored magnetically on a bank card, driver's license, school identification card, or library card. Once a disk selection has been entered and user identification information received and verified, the selected disk is dispensed from the vending unit. The disks to be dispensed by the vending unit may be provided to have a region of magnetic recording media formed on one surface, and the vending unit may be equipped to write information relevant to the transaction onto the region of magnetic media.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering alphanumeric or other text to a computer system using an input device having a small number of keys. The computer system includes a processor programmed to display a character selection menu (including displayed groups of characters), to move a displayed cursor from one group to another in response to actuation of at least one cursor movement key on the input device, and to select a character within a group in response to actuation of one of at least two selection keys on the input device. The invention reduces the maximum number of keystrokes required conventionally to select a character from a character set, and enables character selection from a larger set of displayed characters using no more keystrokes than required conventionally to select the same character from a smaller set.

Abstract: A carrying case especially suitable for use in carrying compact disks comprises a pair of circular faces connected to each other in spaced relationship by a circumferential wall having an opening. A cover is positioned over the opening, and is slidable between a closed position in which the opening is covered by the cover and an open position wherein the opening is at least partially exposed for insertion of disks into, or removal of disks from, the carrying case. Each disk to be inserted in the carrying case may be provided with a lint-free, scratch-free sleeve which protects the disk against scratching when it is in the case and also once it has been removed from the case.

Abstract: A vending apparatus and system for storing and automatically dispensing magnetic or optical disks. A user interface allows a user to enter a dispensing request corresponding to the selection of a desired disk and includes for receiving user identification information, such as credit or debit card information, or other information stored magnetically on a bank card, driver's license, school identification card, or library card. Once a disk selection has been entered and user identification information has been received and verified, the selected disk is dispensed from the vending unit. The disks to be dispensed by the vending unit may have a region of magnetic recording media formed on one surface, and the vending unit may be equipped to write information relevant to the transaction onto the region of magnetic media.

Abstract: Digital data is stored in a buffer, and a data buffer CRC word is generated for error detection. Error correction is provided by a set of XPQ circular queues ("XPQs") used to compute an error correction syndrome. As each word is loaded into the data buffer, it is also XORed into each of the XPQs. An XPQ CRC is generated for error detection in the XPQs. The complete data packet may be transmitted or stored for later retrieval. Upon receipt or retrieval, the packet is decoded and checked for errors. The incoming data is read into a second buffer and a new CRC is generated. If the incoming CRC matches the new CRC, no errors exist and no further checking or correction is needed. If the CRCs do not match, the incoming data is used to generate new XPQ' queues and a new XPQ CRC. If the incoming XPQ CRC matches the new XPQ CRC, then the error may be correctable. XPQ imprinter circular queues ("IQ") are formed by XORing each word of the incoming XPQs with the words of the new corresponding XPQs.

Abstract: An armrest that has a plurality of telescopic trays that collapse to allow a viewing device to be retracted from a stowing compartment within the armrest. The telescopic trays can then be rolled back while the viewing device is displayed, allowing the passenger to utilize both the monitor and the trays. The viewing device is connected to a slide plate that slides along a track that is mounted within the stowing compartment. The plate and track allow the monitor to be retracted from the compartment. The viewing device is also attached to a pair of joints, such that the device can be rotated about the x, y and z axis, to allow the passenger to display and move the monitor into the most comfortable position.

Abstract: A display unit that can retract heavy monitors into a stowing cavity when the retracting actuator of the unit becomes inoperative. The display unit has a spring motor with at least two nested torsional springs attached in parallel to provide the torque necessary to retract the monitor. The monitor is connected to a frame such that the monitor can move from a first stowed position to a second viewing position. Attached to the frame and monitor is an actuator typically of the ball screw variety, that rotates the monitor into the two position described. The monitor moves into the viewing position when the ball screw is rotated in a first direction, the monitor further being lifted into the stowed position when the ball screw is rotated into a second opposite direction. The actuator is typically driven by an electric motor adapted to rotate the ball screw in both directions.

Abstract: A rear screen projection system integrated into the passenger cabin of an airplane. The system has a projector that directs a picture into the inner cavity of a housing. Also attached to the housing is a screen that has a first surface that faces the audience and a second opposite surface exposed to the inner cavity of the housing. Located between the projector and the housing is a mirror that reflects the picture from the projector onto the second surface of the screen. The screen is transparent to light so that the audience can view the picture on the first surface of the screen. The mirror is positioned such that the distance between the projector and the top and bottom edges of the screen are essentially equal. The mirror is also positioned such that even with an overhead projector, the incidence of light is normal to the screen and the picture is directed down toward the audience.

Abstract: A display unit that rotates a video monitor between a stowing cavity and an exposed position so that viewers can see the monitor. The monitor is attached to a frame which is typically mounted into the ceiling of the passenger cabin of an airplane. Also attached to the frame is an electric motor that rotates the monitor into the stowed and exposed positions. Attached to the output shaft of the electric motor is a slip clutch that allows the monitor to rotate up from the exposed position when a predetermined force is applied to the viewing device. A spring is operatively connected to the monitor and electric motor, that pulls the monitor up into the stowed position if the electric motor becomes disabled. An electric brake is also attached to the output shaft of the electric motor to hold the monitor in the exposed position.

Abstract: An armrest that has a plurality of telescopic trays that collapse to allow a viewing device to be retracted from a stowing compartment within the armrest. The telescopic trays can then be rolled back while the viewing device is displayed, allowing the passenger to utilize both the monitor and the trays. The viewing device is connected to a slide plate that slides along a track that is mounted within the stowing compartment. The plate and track allow the monitor to be retracted from the compartment. The viewing device is also attached to a pair of joints, such that the device can be rotated about the x, y and z axis, to allow the passenger to display and move the monitor into the most comfortable position.