Abstract: A remote ordering system provides a user the ability to build and edit one or more order lists, resident in memory within a user device, and the further ability to review and manipulate a user interpretable display of the contents of such lists. A system comprising merchant stock databases, a data format/transfer computer (DFTC), and display/processor units (DPUs) (the user devices) enable creation and transmission of the order lists. Coded data read into each DPU identifies items to be added to the order lists. A DPU database contains user-discernable item information stored according to the associated coded data and is capable of learning new or updating old item information when in communication with the merchant database. Item information can be automatically or manually deleted to free DPU memory.

Abstract: A tapped delay line uses a varistor network for tap weighting. The varistors may be used in a resistive summing network or as amplifier gain control elements. In addition, the varistors can be programmed by a voltage programming circuit comprising a switch array, an input voltage programming bus, and sets of master and slave digital programming signals.

Abstract: A novel technique for fabrication of a new class of surface acoustic wave (SAW) signal processing devices. Substrates of non-piezoelectric silicon or weakly piezoelectric gallium arsenide are prepared and a thin film of a piezoelectric material, such as zinc oxide, is deposited on the substrate. Interdigital transducers are fabricated at each end of the device to inject/receive SAW signals. A row of P-N diodes is constructed in the substrate underneath the SAW beam path and a metal electrode is deposited on top of the zinc oxide film. The diodes may be serially addressed/controlled by a variety of devices external to the SAW beam path, but fabricated on the same substrate and the new device used to provide transformation between high-frequency signals and low-frequency signals having the same time-bandwidth product.