Abstract: A method and system for generating a completed payment document ready for signature in image form and enabling signature in image form, storing the image and providing a printed copy of the document including the signature. A write input device for showing the image and enabling the signature includes a transparent interactive digitizing element with writing stylus, a display module positioned beneath the digitizing element and visible therethrough, and optionally a magnetic stripe reader for providing document-related information for the display. The device is embodied in a system which also includes a point of sale terminal, a printer for printing records of transactions processed by the system and a controller operatively coupled to other elements of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing and using a variable format, configuration and location keyboard image which enables a digitizing device to present a different keyboard configuration and/or location to each user so that detection by an unauthorized viewer of a personal identification number (PIN) or other secret identification number during entry will become significantly more difficult. The presentation may include a random or scrambled keyboard entry image for each customer, and a single or set of customer preselected images that will be tied to the customer's account number which is read from the magnetic strip on a personal card. In addition to the keyboard, the device provides a single write surface for capturing a signature entry so that the two security features are incorporated in a single device.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of forming discrete solder portions (16) on respective contact pads (10) whereby a strip of solder paste (12) is formed over a plurality of said pads (10). The strip (12) is formed with portions of reduced width (14) which are located over the spaces (22) between adjacent pads (10). The paste is melted and the surface tension at the portions of reduced width (14) causes the movement of solder towards the pads (10) and the separation of the strip (12) into discrete solder portions (16).

Abstract: A computer system includes a processor/memory/disk module which is selectively mated with any one of a number of associated computer base units, such as a portable PC base unit and a desktop PC base unit. The processor/memory/disk module incorporates essential elements, including a processor, a disk and a memory, of the components required for operation of a computer. The processor/memory/disk module is readily removable from a base unit so as selectively to be coupled to any desired base unit for operation of that base unit, or to be removed and put away for security purposes.

Abstract: A probabilistic neural network (PNN) comprises a layer L1 of input nodes, a layer L2 of exemplar nodes, a layer L3 of primary Parzen nodes, a layer L4 of sum nodes, and optionally a layer L5 of output nodes. Each exemplar node determines the degree of match between a respective exemplar vector and an input vector and feeds a respective primary Parzen node. The exemplar and primary Parzen nodes are grouped into design classes, with a sum node for each class which combines the outputs of the primary Parzen nodes for that class and feeds a corresponding output node. The network includes for each primary Parzen node (e.g. L3-2-3P) for the design classes a secondary Parzen node (L3-2-3S), the secondary Parzen nodes all feeding a null class sum node (L4-0). Each secondary Parzen node has a Parzen function with a lower peak amplitude and a broader spread than the corresponding primary Parzen node, and is fed from the exemplar node for that primary Parzen node.

Abstract: A drawer slide which is capable of moving in and out of the housing of a computer or other electronic apparatus is configured to receive an interface card which is connected into the circuitry of the computer when the drawer slide is in a fully inserted position. The drawer slide rides in a drawer guide which is secured to the computer structure. An interface connector is mounted on the drawer guide and engages a connector on the interface card for connecting the interface card to the remainder of the computer circuitry. A key lock mechanism prevents unauthorized movement of the drawer slide and the associated interface card out of the computer housing.

Abstract: A multi-clock controller circuit includes first and second inputs to which two different types of clocks, such as a crystal oscillator clock and a TTL clock, can be applied. The circuit automatically senses which of the two input clock signals is active and provides that clock signal to an output of the circuit. Power up and power down conditions are achieved without generating non-standard clock pulses on the output through use of a synchronizer stage comprising a plurality of flip flops which determines the number of input clock cycles which are received by the circuit before output clock signals for power up or power down conditions commence.

Abstract: A system for capturing handwritten data includes a base station, a docking station coupled to the base station and a plurality of portable handwriting capture devices, which may be in the form of pads or trays. The pads or trays normally rest in quick release slots in the docking station, and are removed from the slots when put into use. Each pad includes a digitizer for capturing handwritten information, a controller for digitizing the information, a memory for storing the digitized information and an interface for transmitting the digitized information through the docking station to the base station, where it is decoded. A paper slip may be placed over the digitizer and retained in position, where it provides visual feedback to a person writing on the pad and also provides a written record.

Abstract: A bracket for shielding a capacitive touch screen from external noise arising from stray capacitance comprises upper and lower complementary rectangular conductive metal shield elements which are joined together inside a housing with a transparent touch screen retained therebetween. The upper shield element is provided with a large central aperture so that the touch screen is accessible to a user. The lower shield element is also provided with a large central aperture to enable a display, such as an LCD, to be viewed through the transparent touch screen. The display is secured to the lower shield element with an insulating member interposed between the display and the lower shield element. The shielding bracket provides a full shield for the upper, lower and edge surfaces of the touch screen to prevent the capacitance of a hand resting upon the housing from interfering with the touch screen.

Abstract: An optical receiver for modulated light includes an optical antenna (12) having fluorescent material (18) dispersed therein, and an optoelectrical demodulator (14) for demodulating the modulated light. The optical antenna (12) is formed of a filter material which is transparent to wavelengths equal to or longer than a predetermined wavelength and absorptive to wavelengths shorter than the predetermined wavelength. Also, the optical antenna (12) has a coating (20) of a filter material which is transparent to wavelengths equal to or shorter than the predetermined wavelength, and reflective to wavelengths longer than the predetermined wavelength. Thus, the optical antenna (12) acts on a narrow-pass band filter. Since the fluorescent material emits light at a longer wavelength than the received light, the emitted light is reflected internally to impact on the optoelectrical demodulator (14).

Abstract: A business system including at least one transaction terminal such as an automated teller machine ATM (10) and an interface device (12) for use by an operator in carrying out maintenance of the ATM (10) or replenishing consumable items used during its operation. The interface device (12) is separate from the ATM (10) and two-way communication between the interface device (12) and the ATM (10) is arranged to take place in a contactless manner. Preferably communication is enabled by the use of a radio frequency technique. The interface device (12) provides the operator with a sequence of instructions and is arranged to await the receipt of a confirmation signal from the ATM (10) prior to displaying the next instruction in the sequence. The ATM (10) provides the confirmation signal only when a sensor (22-44) within the ATM (10) detects that the previously displayed instruction has been carried out by the operator.

Abstract: A shield for shielding a capacitive touch screen from external noise arising from stray capacitance is located between the exterior housing of a touch screen device and the touch screen itself. The shield comprises a thin piece of conductive material such as aluminum foil laminated between two layers of insulating material such as a polycarbonite and is secured to the upper surface of the touch screen, as by an adhesive. The shield has a central opening which is smaller than an opening in the housing of the touch screen device that is provided to enable the touch screen to be contacted for entry of data, and to enable a user to view a display that is located beneath the touch screen, which is transparent. Portions of the shield are thus visible, and the central opening of the shield thus defines the portion of the display which can be viewed.

Abstract: A mechanical component peripheral lead protector covers fine pitch component leads in such a manner that nothing can come into contact with them. The lead protector is disposed above the component having the leads. It can be made of aluminum, conductive plastic or any other non ESD (electric static discharge) generating material. It can be glued, snapped, bolted or riveted to the associated PC board or glued to the top of the component, depending upon the application in which it is being used. The attachment method should be one which enables it to be removed and replaced when necessary. The center of the lead protector can be provided with an aperture so that the legends on the top of the component will be exposed.

Abstract: An isotropic shock mounting to prevent damage to electronic components such as a display mounted in a hand-held signature capture terminal includes a shock gasket which extends around the edges of the display, a carrier in which the display is disposed, a formed metal bezel within which the carrier fits having a cut-out portion through which the display can be viewed, and a plurality of shock grommets positioned at the corners of the carrier to coact with the interior of the housing of the hand-held terminal. This arrangement provides for torsional and beam strength, elastic support of the display, strain relief for TAB and PCB connections, and controlled isotropic deceleration in case of an impact resulting from a fall of the hand-held terminal.

Abstract: An enclosure (12) for electrical equipment (14) includes a fan mounted on an interior surface of the enclosure (12) and adapted to blow air outwardly from the enclosure (12) through a grille (24). The grille (24) includes a plurality of sets (90-96) of short, wide elongated slots, each set (90-96) having its slots disposed perpendicular to a radial direction of the fan hub (44) passing through the slots. The enclosure material between the slot sets (e.g. 90, 92) overlies struts (50) forming part of the support for the hub (44) carrying the fan blades. The construction provides low noise from air blown through the slots, while maintaining robust grille construction.

Abstract: A method and structure for sensing data such as temperature with respect to objects such as silicon wafers undergoing fabrication or other processes involve the use of a monitor element of material and configuration similar to that of the objects being processed. A structure such as a closed loop or segment of a spiral may be formed on the surface of the monitor element, and acts as a secondary coil when brought into operative relation with a transformer structure which includes a primary coil, a current source and a sensing device. The sensing device senses variations in the electrical characteristics in the primary coil, caused by the presence of the monitor element, and can thereby determine the temperature or other desired data relating to the monitor element, which is substantially the same as comparable data for the objects being processed.

Abstract: A low dielectric material is applied, as by spinning on, over the passivation layer of a semiconductor chip to fill the gaps which may exist between the top layer metal lines, and thereby minimize the possibility of cross talk which might otherwise be present between those lines.

Abstract: An automated financial system (6) includes a plurality of wall-mounted user interface units (10, 12, 14) and a central module system (8), including a plurality of modules (40, 42, 46, 48) such as may be employed in a conventional ATM, located in a safe area remote from the interface units (10, 12 or 14). A track (20) connects each interface unit (10, 12 or 14) to the central module system (8). A motor-driven carriage (24) rides on each track (20) and has a cassette (26) fixed thereto, which is capable of carrying currency or other media between the respective interface unit (10, 12 or 14) and the central module system (8). A receptacle (18) for holding small amounts of currency is associated with each interface unit (10, 12 or 14) for supplying small amounts of currency to a user without the need for obtaining such currency from the central module system (8).

Abstract: A computer system includes a processor/memory/disk module which is selectively mated with any one of a number of associated computer base units, such as a portable PC base unit and a desktop PC base unit. The processor/memory/disk module incorporates essential elements, including a processor, a disk and a memory, of the components required for operation of a computer. The processor/memory/disk module is readily removable from a base unit so as selectively to be coupled to any desired base unit for operation of that base unit, or to be removed and put away for security purposes.

Abstract: A cooling package for a semiconductor chip includes, in addition to the chip, leads for the chip provided by a tape automated bonding frame, a cold header attached to the chip, a header frame, a pitch translator printed circuit board having conductive pads for receiving the chip leads and a plurality of holes connected to the pads, a plurality of attachment devices such as hollow thin wall stainless steel pins positioned in the holes, and a cavity insulator. The method of chip package assembly requires the assembly of two sub-assemblies and the subsequent assembly of the two sub-assemblies into a chip package.