Abstract: A power supply system for providing uninterrupted AC power includes a first input port to which to couple AC input power at a specified RMS voltage level from a primary power source, a second input port to which to couple DC input power at a specified voltage level from a backup power source, and an output port to which to connect a device to be powered. A fullwave rectifier generates a first direct current from the AC input power, and up-converter generates a second direct current from the DC input power at an RMS voltage level approximately equal to that of the AC input power, and a switching arrangement couples a selected one of the first and second direct currents to the output port according to whether the AC input power is stabilized or interrupted, so that the flow of current to the output port is periodically reversed thereby generate AC output power. Switching may by synchronized with each zero crossing of the AC input power.

Abstract: A system includes a power supply unit adapted to provide power from a separate backup source of power to a computer in the event of an interruption in a primary source of power, the unit having a size and shape adapted to be set on a support surface in a position above a keyboard utilized to provide input to the computer. An illumination panel, including at least one lamp on the power supply unit, illuminates the keyboard when activated, and a control circuit activates the illumination panel utilizing the backup source of power when there is an interruption in the primary source of power.

Abstract: Panels are formed and mounted in an exterior structure covering assemblage exteriorly simulating a standard exterior structure covering panel assemblage while simultaneously providing a fluid flow network within the panel assemblage for solar heat collection while not substantially disturbing the standard panel assemblage simulation. Generally, the panels have a relatively thin, freely heat transferring exterior layer portion with directly underlying fluid flow channels interconnected between panels for the overall assemblage fluid flow network without substantially disturbing the exterior standard panel simulation. The panels may be formed to simulate any standard roofing or siding panels and the solar heat collecting assemblage may be integrated with adjacent panel assemblages not including the solar heat collecting features with the overall assemblage still maintaining the same standard panel simulation.

Abstract: A point of sale system includes at least one computer, a keyboard, and money receiving, dispensing and storing mechanisms. The keyboard has item keys corresponding to an item for sale, category keys, function keys and a numerical pad.A bill tendered as payment is detected when it enters an opening and, is drawn into a money belt device and to a viewing window. The bill can be accepted or rejected by an operator visually examining the tendered bill. A signal produced by acceptance of the tendered bill is received by the computer to produce change-due data. Each money belt device detects each bill dispensed as change and causes a feedback signal to be produced to dispense another bill as change or to discontinue payment. The money handling mechanisms are placed in a disarmed mode, under control of a computer, at the completion of each sales transaction, and in an armed mode, under control of a computer operated through the keyboard.

Abstract: An automatic money handling device for receiving bills and coins and for dispensing bills and coins as change. The device has a storage reel, first and second bill belts extending from a first and supply reels around a first and second entrance rollers at an opening to the housing then to the storage reel. The two belts converge at the entrance rollers and then extend in superposed relation from the entrance rollers to the supply reel. Reversible drives can cause the belts to travel toward and away from the opening for receiving, dispensing and storing bills. A first sensor outside the opening senses the presence of a bill and can control the operation of the drive motors. A second sensor inside the housing adjacent the entrance rollers senses if and when the bill has been drawn far enough into the webs and halts operation of the forward drive, thus positioning a tendered bill at a viewing station for inspection.

Abstract: A check has first and second coatings one of which is electrically conductive and the other electrically non-conductive. The coatings are of contrasting colors and one of the coatings is electrically vaporizable for exposing the underlying coating during a "write" operation. The coatings may overlay a base material to form a three layer structure or the base material itself may function as one of the coatings of appropriate color and conductivity. The check is composed of at least two segments, a negotiable segment which may be fed back to a terminal device for a machine "read" operation. The memory segment may be formed into one or more memory parts on the negotiable segment, the stub portion and on the memory segment. One or more of these memory parts may be easily detached. The check described above combines uniquely with an input-output device which can read from it and write on it.

Abstract: A combination electrosensitive reader-printer able to perform both functions by sensing the condition of a recording medium in the read mode and by altering the condition of the recording medium in the printing mode. The change of mode is accomplished manually or automatically. The data to be read or written may be coded optically or digitally for interpretation by a processor. The recording medium is a metalized paper or similar material with an ink under or over lay. The resistivity, conductivity or capacitance change of the medium is sensed or altered by the reader-writer. Appropriate timing tracks and registration marks are normally placed to enable reading and writing by different devices. The styli for reading and writing normally are disposed in an array, straight or angled relative to the paper path. The styli have tips which are cylindrical, rectangular or oval in cross section. Control circuitry, including an analog to digital converter, control input to and output from the reader-printer.

Abstract: A business form has first and second coatings one of which is electrically conductive and the other is electrically non-conductive. The coatings are of contrasting colors and the second coating is electrically vaporizable for exposing the underlying coating when selectively removed during a "write" operation. The coatings may overlay a base material to form a three layer structure or the base material itself may function as one of the coatings of appropriate color and conductivity. A third coating overlays the second coating to form a matrix or array thereby organizing the document into sections. At the same time the third coating is put down, a light coat of a contrasting color can be overlaid the second coating. These two operations can be performed separately and in either order. The business form may be composed of first and second sections in which the second section may be a repeat of the basic information contained in the first section.