Abstract: A multi-track servo-recording format includes servo zones defined longitudinally by stripes extending across the width of a storage member. Track centering signals are provided within each servo zone for locating the center of each data track on the storage member. Track-identifying indicia are provided at the beginning and end of the storage member and in each written track.

Abstract: A miniaturized tape cartridge drive for data processors in accordance with the invention has as peripherally-enclosing main frame providing an access opening for insertion to a tape cartridge and structurally mounting flat, pancake-type drive motors for tape transport and head-positioning translation laterally with respect to the tape, for accessing any of a plurality of adjacent recording tracks on the tape, such motors being disposed in tandem with respect to the cartridge-admitting opening and having their output shafts pointing in opposite directions. The head-positioning motor drives a directly-coupled rotary cam, and a positioning arm extends between the cam and the transducer head to move the head in response to movement of the cam. The positioning arm is pivotally journaled in opposite sides of the main frame upon a transverse pivot axis disposed medially of the arm, such that the arm operates as a fulcrumed lever.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initializing a data-recording media, particularly tape, by use of the same type of media drive used for data-recording purposes, in which the actual edge of the recordable field on the media is first located by a test read/write process and the media is then transported in a succession of passes across the transducing head, during each of which the head is periodically and selectively energized to write mutually-spaced marker bursts and servo-positioning bursts, with the transducing head being moved open-loop a distance corresponding to a half-track width between each media transport. During the first such pass, the marker bursts and servo-positioning bursts are located on the basis of tape travel distance, and on successive passes burst location is determined by sensing the previously-recorded marker and servo bursts and timing-out a predetermined distance therefrom by use of an internal clock.

Abstract: A system for use in generating characters in accordance with a special character font formed by a selected arrangement of dots. The system enables the production of characters at a higher rate than is possible, using particular equipment for characters having a conventional form. The system makes use of ink jet printers which are controlled electronically to project jets of ink to produce dots arranged in accordance with the new font.

Abstract: A system is shown for driving a drop-on-demand ink jet printer in a manner enabling the printer to produce symbols, such as those in the ASCII, on a moving surface at a much faster rate than it normally can. To this end, the system is arranged to produce characters of a selected font by driving ink jet nozzles in a manner such that each nozzle is fired to produce a drop of ink no more often than every other position at which ink is to be applied to print in a moving surface.

Abstract: A system for use with a document processor enabling the detection of jamming at its inception, prevention of additional jamming and routing of documents in the processor to selected pockets. When jamming conditions are detected, the receipt of further documents through the machine feeder into the processor is stopped, documents already in the processor which are located upstream from the point where jamming has occurred are routed to their proper pockets if they belong in upstream pockets, documents downstream from the point where jamming has occurred are routed to their proper pockets, and the remaining documents are routed to a pocket designated to receive missorted documents. Displays are illuminated to indicate jamming and to identify pockets into which missorted documents have been routed.

Abstract: A self configuring track controller for a diverter gate motor in a stacker area of a document sorting system having pockets in which documents are selectively directed includes identical devices for governing each diverter gate motor in the stacker area. Integral with each track controller is a data line using binary, serial signals to teach each track controller its sequential position in the stacker area relative to other track controllers.