Abstract: A portable computer is constructed to utilize bottom add-on expansion modules, battery tray compartment plug-in modules and mass storage plug-in drawer modules. The modules permit the operating capabilities of the portable computer to be readily altered as desired or as needed at a given location or for a particular job function and do not require redesign or alteration of the internal components of the portable computer as modules are added or changed. Each module construction includes direct plug-in connectors which permit the add-on module to be directly connected to the computer bus without any cabling between the computer and the added module. The construction of the add-on modules permits the computer to be operated as a stand alone computer without any add-on modules and permits the computer to be operated as a portable computer powered by a battery.

Abstract: A multifunctional cleaning tape (2) is used as part of a video cassette (7) for cleaning the magnetic head of a VCR (12) and providing diagnostic/instructional information to the user. The tape includes a first, non-magnetic cleaning segment (4) for cleaning the magnetic head followed by a magnetic diagnostic/instructional segment (6) containing prerecorded diagnostic/instructional information which is played to the user. The diagnostic/instructional information includes information relating to the cleanliness of the magnetic head and for adjusting the VCR for improved visual and audio output and tape tracking. The transition to the diagnostic/instructional segment is hidden by recording electronic noise at the initial portion (26) of such segment.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed relating to optical data storage media having two thermo-optically active layers which absorb light at distinct wavelengths and expansion layer in which data appear as bulges formed upon the absorption of light, and a retention layer which fixes such bulges inplace until it is selectively heated to a rubbery state permitting relaxation of the expansion layer and the consequent disappearance of the bulges. In accordance with the improvement, the retention layer is modified so that it absorbs a controlled amount of light at the wavelength which is absorbed by the expansion layer, with the result that it absorbs light at both wavelengths rather than just one. Direct heating of both layers by light absorption during recordation, and accordingly a faster recordation response, are thus achieved.

Abstract: Video control circuitry for controlling the video format presented to the cathode ray tube or screen and capable of providing a combination of character generation and cell generation along with other video types of control. The video controller may comprise a video memory means for controlling writing into and reading therefrom and means defining both a memory address and a memory data. There is a video data bus coupled to the video memory means and a processor address bus. A cathode ray tube controller has address lines and the address lines are connected to multiplexer means for selecting either the controller address lines or the processor lines. Control means are provided for controlling the multiplexer means so that in one state thereof the video memory means is addressed from the cathode ray tube controller means and in the other state the video memory means is addressed from the central processing unit address.

Abstract: A proximity alarm (2) is used to protect overhead sprinkler heads (4) from damage by signaling when an object, typically carried by a forklift, comes too close to the sprinkler head. The alarm includes a signal circuit (24) mounted within a housing (22), a mounting clamp (10) and an arm (20) connecting the mounting clamp and the housing. The clamp secures the alarm to the sprinkler head adjacent the downwardly extending water pipe (8). The signal circuit includes a signal element (30), such as a horn, and a switch (26) for actuating the signal element. The switch is operated by a trigger (32) which extends downwardly from the housing. The trigger includes a portion (38, 44) positioned to contact an object coming close to the sprinkler head. Thus, when a forklift driver is lifting an object and the object contacts the trigger, the trigger actuates the switch causing the signal element to provide a signal, typically an audible alarm, warning the operator to halt movement of the load.

Abstract: Optical data storage media of various technologies, including those with multiple layers of varying absorptivities of light as well as those which are grooved to facilitate tracking, are improved by combining the absorptivity differences with height variations in the interface between the layers (and thereby the relative thicknesses of the layers). The result is a means of varying in a spatial manner in the media themselves the rate at which such media absorb energy. This offers a variety of benefits in both recordation and reading, including helping to focus the heat generated by incident recording beams, increasing tracking sensitivity for both recordation and reading, and preformatting the media as a guide for both recordation and reading.

Abstract: A reconfigurable remote control transmitter can be used with a plurality of remotely controlled products, each of which is normally controlled with one or more signals from an associated remote control transmitter. The reconfigurable transmitter has a plurality of input keys and operates either in a Learn mode in which it may store indications of signals generated by the remote control transmitter from one or more of the products or a Run mode in which it selectively transmits stored signals in response to one or more keyed inputs. During the Learn mode a selected sequence of operations to be performed by one or more of the products in response to a first selected key sequence may be stored and during the Run mode stored signals are transmitted in a predetermined order in response to the performance of the selected key sequence to cause the selected sequence of operations to be performed.

Abstract: The computer system of this invention has a simple processing unit for providing most data processing by the computer system under control of a read-only memory which contains instructions and other data for the CPU. The system also includes a random access memory, a keyboard, a video terminal, and a port device in the form of a tape recorder/player. A master clock initiates timing used throughout the system. A multi-line data bus interconnects the CPU and the different memories of the system including the keyboard and the video RAM. Bi-directional communication is possible on the data bus. The addressing of these different memories is by way of an address bus from the CPU, which is a uni-directional bus. Data to be operated upon is stored in the random access memory. The keyboard is used for inputting data to the CPU and the video terminal is used for displaying data.

Abstract: A high resolution video graphics system for use with a processor and characterized by improved memory expandability particularly in connection with color display. The high resolution video graphics system includes a video memory which is preferably comprised of a plurality of video memory planes and video counter means for providing display timing. There are basically four buses that are used with the system including a control bus, a read bus, a write bus, and an address bus. A multiplexer means is provided for receiving either video counter addresses or direct addresses from the processor. There is associated with the video memory means for converting to serial output data which the preferred embodiment includes a series of shift registers corresponding to the number of separate memory planes employed. In the preferred embodiment the system has three memory planes, each of 16K by 16 capacity.

Abstract: A system bus control circuit associated with a central processing unit that generates control signals and in which the control circuit is constructed of a timing circuit having a plurality of successively connected timing stages constructed of data flip-flops for respectively generating sequentially time-displaced timing control signals. A gate array is employed for providing additional logic gating. The control signal from the central processing unit coupled to one group of input lines of the gate array. A second group of input lines to the gate array are coupled from the timing circuit and in particular the individual stages of the timing circuit. The output lines from the gate array generate timing signals that control data bus operation.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for the capstan of a VHS-type video cassette player/recorder is disclosed which contains an absorbent pad in a cartridge which is both insertable and removable through one of the broad side walls of the cleaning cassette. A pin projecting from the cartridge and extending through an access hole in the opposite wall permits easy manual ejection of the cartridge when the absorbent pad needs cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating the suject being photographed by a camera by generating infrared light from an infrared light source and illuminating the subject with the infrared light. The source of infrared light is preferably mounted in or on the camera to shine on the face of a person being photographed.

Abstract: A dual processor system in which one processor is dedicated to input/output tasks while the other is dedicated to high level language tasks when operating as a 16-bit machine. The processors include a first microprocessor which is an 8-bit machine, and a second microprocessor which is a 16-bit machine. The first processor has a memory associated therewith which may, for example, be a 64K memory while the second processor has a larger capacity memory. The second processor does not access the memory of the first processor, however, the first processor can access a portion of the second processor's memory. Access to the second processor's memory is controlled by an arbitrator that is operated by system software to prevent access conflicts. For boot-up during power-up operation, a boot ROM is used, attached to the 8-bit processor having stored therein a boot strap program that is initially loaded into the 8-bit processor memory.

Abstract: Coercivity of ferromagnetic particles is increased by depositing multiple layrs containing transition metals, including cobalt, on the surface of the particles at ambient temperature. Thereafter, the particles are heated sufficiently to obtain the desired level of coercivity. Typically, total heating time is five to ten hours.

Abstract: Circuitry for automatically configuring the operating system software of a computer is disclosed. The circuitry includes a revision port which generates a unique eight-bit code indicating the latest revision level of the main circuit board in the computer. Each time revisions are made in the board during manufacturing or each time a circuit board containing new revisions is put into the system by maintenance or service personnel, the eight-bit code generated by the port is changed. During the process of configuring the operating system software, the central processing unit reads the code generated by the port and uses the revision information to load and link software routines which will operate properly with the revised circuitry.

Abstract: A circuit for generating refresh signals for a dynamic, random access memory is disclosed. The circuit comprises a timer which periodically generates refresh request signals. Each refresh request signal increments a refresh request counter. In normal system operation, after a memory access cycle, a refresh cycle is performed if there is a non-zero count in the counter. At the start of each refresh cycle, the counter is decremented and the refresh address to the memory is changed. Refreshing of the memory continues until the count is zeroed. If, for some reason, memory accesses are not performed within the memory refresh time limit, the count in the counter reaches a critical limit and a non-maskable interrupt is generated to the system processor causing it to access an interrupt vector in the memory and force refresh cycles.

Abstract: Static electric charge build-up is eliminated in tape cassettes having a housing with a take-off spool and a take-up spool for magnetic tape mounted in the housing. First and second tape guide support pins are mounted in the housing on the take-off spool side. A stationary metal guide sleeve is disposed on the first pin and an electrically conductive plastic guide roller is rotatably mounted on the second pin. The magnetic tape path through the cassette housing is such that the back side of the tape engages the metal guide sleeve and the magnetic coating side of the tape is against the plastic guide roller. A smooth flat metal member is mounted for electrical contact against adjacent ends of the metal sleeve and the plastic roller to complete an electric path therebetween. This cancels the electrostatic charges on the plastic roller and the magnetic coating of the tape.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled telephone answering device displays a message number and the date and time received for each recorded message as the message is played back. Other features include a cue function for selecting messages as they are played back. The answering device can automatically rewind back and locate a cued message to replay that selected message. Also, digital function codes can be transmitted over a telephone by a remote control unit to control a large number of answering device functions from a remote location. Additional features include the capability for easily entering a new security code into both the answering device and the remote control unit.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled telephone answering device displays a message number and the date and time received for each recorded message as the message is played back. Other features include a cue function for selecting messages as they are played back. The answering device can automatically rewind back and locate a cued message to replay that selected message. Also, digital function codes can be transmitted over a telephone by a remote control unit to control a large number of answering device functions from a remote location. Additional features include the capability for easily entering a new security code into both the answering device and the remote control unit.