Abstract: An instrument (A) detects in a sample the presence of an analyte. The sample includes electrically readable particles (126) with an agent attached thereto that binds with the analyte or is an analog of the analyte. The instrument includes a port for the sample and a pair of electrodes (25, 30), one of which has a surface portion (30a) with an agent thereat that binds with the analyte or is an analog of the analyte. The electrodes have a first position where they are separated a sufficient distance apart to enable the sample to move between the electrodes and a second position where the electrodes are in close proximity. A detection circuit, including the electrodes, has a first state when the analyte is absent and a second state when the analyte is present. A signaling device provides an indication of the state of the detection circuit.

Abstract: An instrument (A) detects in a sample the presence of an analyte. The sample includes electrically readable particles (126) with an agent attached thereto that binds with the analyte or is an analog of the analyte. The instrument includes a port for the sample and a pair of electrodes (25, 30), one of which has a surface portion (30a) with an agent thereat that binds with the analyte or is an analog of the analyte. The electrodes have a first position where they are separated a sufficient distance apart to enable the sample to move between the electrodes and a second position where the electrodes are in close proximity. A detection circuit, including the electrodes, has a first state when the analyte is absent and a second state when the analyte is present. A signaling device provides an indication of the state of the detection circuit.

Abstract: A training device (FIGS. 1 and 2) for a person performing a physical activity wherein the proper performance thereof is related to the proper movement by the person (10). The device comprises a movement sensor (40), a trigger event sensor (50) for sensing the occurrence of a specific physical trigger event, a processor (60), an electronic memory (70), and a protective enclosure (95). The movement sensor (40) provides movement signal values to the processor (60), which is able to store these movement signal values in the memory (70). The trigger event sensor (50) provides trigger event signal values to the processor (60), such trigger event signal values corresponding to the occurrence of the specific physical trigger event near the device (FIGS. 1 and 2). The processor (60) is able to store the trigger event signal values in the memory (70), and evaluate the trigger event signal values (FIGS. 4A-4D, and 90) to determine if the specific trigger event has occurred.

Abstract: A training device for a person performing a physical activity wherein the proper performance thereof is related to the proper movement by the person. The device comprises a movement sensor, a trigger event sensor for sensing the occurrence of a specific physical trigger event, a processor, an electronic memory, and a protective enclosure. The movement sensor provides movement signal values to the processor, which is able to store these movement signal values in the memory. The trigger event sensor provides trigger event signal values to the processor, such trigger event signal values corresponding to the occurrence of the specific physical trigger event near the device. The processor is able to store the trigger event signal values in the memory and evaluate the trigger event signal values to determine if the specific trigger event has occurred. Upon detection of the trigger event, if the movement signal values are not within a first pre-defined range, the processor takes a first notification action.

Abstract: A vending machine for tokens, coins or the like incorporating a bill acceptor, a supply hopper, a dispensing unit, and a pair of delivery chambers, by which a programmable quantity of tokens are delivered to a delivery tray in accordance with the programming of a control system. An intermediate hopper located between the supply hopper and the dispensing unit facilitates disassembly of the apparatus without requiring the supply hopper to be emptied.

Abstract: A bulk loaded coin dispensing machine maintains a supply of coins to be dispensed in a bulk loaded magazine made up of a plurality of layers of coin rolls or tubes, each layer having plural rows and columns of coin tubes resting directly on each other, without intervening portions among the tubes. Coin tubes are stripped from the magazine a row at a time, and then carried by a transport conveyor and an elevator to a dispensing mechanism. The magazine carrier is movable independently of the stripper, conveyor and elevator to allow inventory replacement, and the stripper and conveyor are vertically adjustable in accordance with the decreasing height of the magazine as the coin rolls are dispensed. The stripper, conveyor, elevator and dispenser are operable asynchronously under control of a microprocessor.

Abstract: A method of identifying and designating one of a plurality of denominations of a bill or other paper currency, and apparatus therefor, scans a line along the length of the bill, and stores significant pulses in the scanning signal. The position of the significant pulses are modified, in accordance with identified characteristics of the bill which is scanned, and then compared with stored values for the expected locations of key ones of such pulses. Coincidences with the key pulses are counted, and secondary pulses, which are significant pulses occurring between key pulses are also counted. Both counts are relied on in identifying the correct denomination.

Abstract: A deposit box for an automatic teller machine equipped with a deposit receiving chamber and an auxiliary or escrow chamber, both of which are provided with access doors communicating with the exterior of the box. Both doors are opened and closed automatically, by inserting and removing the box from the automatic teller machine. An internal door, communicating between the two chambers is provided, and the cover of the box is prevented from assuming a fully seated position unless the internal door is closed.

Abstract: A single-bill currency dispenser incorporates a self-contained cartridge for storing a quantity of bills of a single denomination, and dispensing the bills singly in response to electrical control signals. The bills are loaded into the cartridge in a vertical stack of bills which may, if desired, be arranged in serial number order, and are dispensed one at a time from the top of the stack. The serial number of the bill next to be dispensed is visible through a window in the top of the cartridge case. A roller engages the topmost bill at the top of the stack and urges it forward to be received by a belt conveyor. Passage of a single bill through the conveyor triggers a switch to indicate that dispensing is occurring, and passage of two or more bills at the same time through the conveyor triggers a second switch, causing the bills to be ejected into an escrow tray.

Abstract: A compact automatic teller machine has an elevator assembly, a plurality of bill dispensers are located on one side of the elevator assembly for dispensing bills of one or more denominations to said elevator assembly, whereby the bills are made available to an operator at the upper part of the elevator assembly. A steel back plate assembly is provided with slides for supporting a front cover for sliding relationship relative to the back plate, and steel plates making up the back plate assembly, and the cover, define two separate secure compartments, for the bill dispensers and for a deposit box. Access to the sides of both secure compartments is permitted when the cover is opened. Multiple locking means is provided for locking the cover in closed relationship to the back plate.

Abstract: A data input device for use in an electrically noisy environment incorporates a plurality of conductive strips, arranged in rows and columns, mounted on a transparent body in front of a display device. Electrical noise is induced constantly in the conductive strips. When an operator places his finger in close association with one or more of the rows and columns, the amplitude of the electrical noise on such strips changes markedly. The change in noise level is detected and used to provide an output identifying the row and/or column in the vicinity of the operator's finger.

Abstract: A compact interface unit for use with a scanning plasma display, has a random access memory unit for storing representation of characters to be displayed, and apparatus for cyclically energizing the dots of the matrix. New character codes are written into the random access memory unit during the time the dots of the display unit are energized. A column counter specifies which of the 5 columns is to be read out at any given time, and character generator ROM'S are provided to read out a 5.times.7 dot matrix for selected characters on a column-by-column basis, and a parallel-to-series counter unit converted to the ROM'S provide a serial data stream corresponding to the same dot column of characters in multiple rows. Two serial-to-parallel converters are provided for separating the serial data stream into control signals for controlling the energization of the rows of dots of the matrix unit. In the preferred embodiment, the interface is mounted on the back of the display device.

Abstract: An elevator mechanism for an automatic teller machine, equipped with a plurality of bill dispensing modules for dispensing bills at a plurality of elevations, incorporates a tray adapted to be raised and lowered by drive apparatus, the tray being rotatably mounted on a bracket and adapted to normally assume a horizontal position during its upward motion, during which it collects bills dispensed from the bill dispensing modules, an access door located at the top of the elevator assembly and an assembly for unlocking and lifting the door as the tray reaches its upper position. The tray is tilted during its downward movement so that any remaining contents of the tray are deposited into an escrow compartment.

Abstract: A control unit for supervising operation of data transmission to and from a data storage device such as a disk storage device, has a stored program for the unit, and a random access memory sufficient to store an entire block of data received from the data storage device. In one arrangement, the control unit works in conjunction with external data processing apparatus, and the control unit controls interchange of data between the data processing apparatus and the data storage device. The external data processing apparatus has a reduced memory capacity requirement, because of the control unit, and delays caused by static timing requirements are minimized. When the data storage device is a disk storage device, reading is performed without delay, using the first available sector of the disk in a given track.

Abstract: In a dispensing machine, a magazine is provided in which a multiplicity of packets to be dispensed are maintained in a magazine supported by clips which support the packets on a helical screw. The packets are dispensed individually by energizing a motor to turn the screw, during which the endmost packet drops into a receiving tray. The drop of the packet is detected by a photosensitive detector, and the screw driving motor is deenergized. The magazine contains a channel for maintaining the packets in single-file relationship as they are advanced toward the end of the screw in response to rotation of the screw. The tray into which the packets are dropped is slidable between an inner position, in which it is disposed below the dispensing magazine, and an outer position in which the contents of the tray are accessible to an operator. The tray is forced toward an outer position, and a motorized drive is provided for moving the tray backwardly and forwardly when the tray is in a rearward position.

Abstract: A dictating machine control unit includes apparatus connected to a telephone transmission line and adapted to respond to signals received over the telephone line for controlling the operating functions of a dictating machine, such signals being produced by operation of a telephone instrument, which may be either the coded tone type or the dial type. The apparatus responds to the detection of a ringing signal received over the transmission line for generating a guard tone and recording the same on a record medium to identify the beginning of a recording and to serve as a buffer, providing security for previously recorded messages. The functions of "record," "play back," "review," "stop," "correction mark," "end of letter mark," and "cell attendant" are controlled in response to touch tone signals or dial pulse signals generated by operation of the telephone instrument.

Abstract: A portable weighing scale of reduced size is adapted to permit the weighing of a person while standing with one foot on the platform of the scale, the weight being manifested by an indicator dial which is latched in weight-indicating position and which maintains the weight indication after the person being weighed has stepped off of the platform. A linkage which permits a degree of lost motion is interposed between the platform and the indicator dial, so that the platform can return to its normal position while the indicator dial remains in weight-indicating position, where it remains until reset to its zero position by operation of a latch release. The scale is stable and does not tend to tip over, even when a person's weight is concentrated at one corner of the platform. A one-piece base incorporates, at fixed positions, a plurality of knife edges, formed integrally with the base, which supports the levers and beams making up the linkage between the platform and the indicator dial.