Abstract: Paper guide mechanism is provided for a multi-function printer capable of printing on journal tapes, receipts and single or multi-sheet slips or forms. The printer has a movable slip stop for limiting movement of a slip which is inserted into the printer. The paper guide mechanism is attached to or integral with the slip stop, and is designed to restrain the path of movement of the slip and other record media to prevent interference by said record media with the movable printhead of the printer which moves in a reciprocating path which is perpendicular to the paths of movement of the record media.

Abstract: A holographic scanning system for scanning a bar coded label is disclosed in which the light beams of a laser are directed at a set of holograms located on a rotating disk in which each hologram will generate an individual scan beam having a slightly different focal length and direction angle from that of the other holograms. Each of the scanning beams is directed at a plurality of mirrors which reflect the beams in the form of a scanning pattern on a scanning area through which a coded label on an article will pass. Each of the scanning beams is projected in an overlapping relationship on the scanning area, thereby providing an enhanced depth of focus enabling a more effective reading operation. The light reflected from the bar coded label is collected by the holograms for collimating the reflected light beams. The collimated light beams are directed at a lens member which focuses the received light beams on a photodetector for use in reading the bar coded label.

Abstract: A quick release tilt and swivel apparatus supports a structure such as an alphanumeric plasma display associated with a electronic cash register. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced-apart lug members mounted on a pair of fingers extending outwardly from a base member which are inserted within a socket portion of the display for enabling the display to be tilted and swiveled about the cash register. The display includes a flexible wall portion for enabling the display to be quickly mounted and released from the base member. The display and the lug members are molded of a plastic material and are dimensioned to allow the lug member to deform the socket portion of the display for holding the display in any number of settable positions.

Abstract: An apparatus which facilitates the pocketing of documents in a pocket in a business machine like a sorter. As a document is to be pocketed, it is moved along a rib structure (located on a pusher plate) which has a decelerating portion thereon to decelerate the document and to move the document against a side member in the pocket as it approaches a stop member within the pocket to thereby minimize the noise created by the first few documents entering the pocket. A second rib structure positioned near the top edge of the pusher plate engages the leading edge of a document to direct the document against a side wall in the pocket to also minimize the noise mentioned.

Abstract: A quickly assembled apparatus for moving documents, like checks, along a document track. The apparatus includes a drive roller assembly having a first shaft extending therefrom and an idler roller assembly having a second shaft extending therefrom, with the idler roller assembly being biased into engagement with the drive roller assembly to drive a document therebetween. The drive roller assembly has a two piece housing which seats two ball bearings which support the drive roller assembly which also has first and second elastomeric members positioned on the periphery thereof to function as first and second drive rollers. The idler roller assembly has first and second ball bearings whose outer races function as first and second idler rollers for engagement with the first and second drive rollers.

Abstract: An optical reader control system includes a source of radiant energy mounted above a checkout counter and detecting means mounted adjacent an aperture in the supporting surface of the counter receives the radiant energy to control the operation of the optical reader mounted within the counter for projecting scanning beams through the aperture. One embodiment of the detecting means includes a pair of photodetectors mounted in the supporting surface of the counter on both sides of the aperture for turning the optical reader on and off. A second embodiment includes a single photodetector mounted in the supporting surface upstream of the aperture for turning on the optical reader and a timer operable upon the positioning of a merchandise item over the photodetector for turning off the optical reader after the expiration of a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A checkout counter having a portion of the counter surface tilted in a direction facing the operator in which surface portion is mounted an optical scanner. The tilted counter surface portion also includes an adjacent supporting surface for a keyboard member. The remaining portion of the counter surface supports a check endorsement stand and a support member for supporting a customer display or a printing mechanism. Located adjacent the tilted counter surface are shelves for supporting cash and media drawers and doors enclosing a number of secure storage areas for storing electronic devices and other associated modules. A second embodiment is disclosed in which the tilted countertop portion is rotatably mounted to position the optical scanner at an angle to a horizontal plane in accordance with the checkout operator's preference.

Abstract: A moving piezoelectric type crystal element drives a print wire in the direction of a platen and against the resilience of return spring and a rebound spring. A voltage pulse is applied through a conductor and across the piezoelectric element to cause displacement or elongation strain thereof to drive the print wire into impact with the platen and upon impact of the print wire a voltage pulse is generated across the piezoelectric element which generated pulse is recovered through the conductor.

Abstract: A data processing system which includes a host processor and a plurality of remote processing devices which are coupled to a common communication channel. The system also includes a look-up table storing the sets of instructions for a plurality of communication protocols for use with the remote processing device and a controller associated with one of the remote processing devices. A selectively actuated switch member located in the controller provides an address for the controller. During a power-up operation, the controller address is transmitted to the host processor for use in addressing the look-up table to obtain the communication protocol for the controller. This information is then loaded into the controller for controlling the transfer of data between the host processor and the remote processing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for highlighting certain documents being fed into a pocket from the rest of the documents which are already in the pocket. A pocket marker which is moveable between first and second positions relative to documents in the pocket is used to highlight or separate those documents which are associated with a transaction to be proven, for example, from those documents which are associated with transactions which have already been proven when the apparatus is used in an encoder business machine.

Abstract: A cash till, a slip tray and a till lid are positioned in a cash drawer of a point of sale terminal or cash register for use in making change and receiving valuables during operation of the terminal or register by a clerk. At the end of the clerk's shift, the cash till, slip tray and till lid are removed, repositioned relative to each other, and locked together to form a secure container for transportation and storage of the valuables contained therein.

Abstract: A financial system includes a plurality of peripherals like a magnetic stripe reader, printer, and keyboard which are coupled to a personal computer by an adapter board which is inserted into an interface bus within the computer. Even though the financial application being run may be single tasking, the system is capable of running multi-tasking operations. An encryptor/decryptor processor, which is used in handling secure data, is located on the adapter board to minimize unauthorized access to the secure data.

Abstract: A multi-function printer can print on two different types of record media, one of which types of record media is continuous, such as may be used for printing receipts, and is stored within the printer, and a second of which types of record media is discontinuous, may be of varying thickness, and is introduced from the exterior of the printer. A reversible motor and associated transmission mechanism provide means for driving the two types of record media, and a pivotally mounted solenoid-driven platen arm provides for selective engagement of driving means in the printer and for altering the gap between the printhead and the platen of the printer in accordance with the thickness of the record media to be printed upon.

Abstract: A ribbon cassette for an endless ribbon comprises a first portion and a second portion of substantially identical structure and each portion includes a dam adjacent the exit port of the cassette. A ramp is formed adjacent each dam for centering the ribbon as it travels from the ribbon chamber between the ramps and the dams for providing improved tracking and control of the ribbon through the exit port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for enhancing the visual quality of dot matrix characters printed by means of thermal printing technologies, particularly in enhancing diagonal lines and blended radii of curvature. Two independent techniques can be combined or used in isolation to effect this print enhancement. The first, quarter dot step resolution, enables printed dots to be positioned at one quarter their previous step displacement distance. Memory must be expanded to handle increased dot position resolution. The second technique is element energy control, which enables each element in the printhead to emit different energy levels. The individual dot energy control translates into control of the printed dot shape and size, which when properly controlled, allows printing of diagonal lines and blended radii of curvature. This second technique further increases the required memory space by an additional factor.

Abstract: In an apparatus such as a transformer comprising at least a magnetic core and a main winding, a method and apparatus for biasing of a magnetic material is characterized in that an auxiliary winding N2 is added to said magnetic core 2 and a predetermined amount of demagnetizing current, which will reduce the magnetic flux caused by said main winding N1 by a predetermined amount, is caused to flow through said auxiliary winding N2 in synchronism with an increase in the magnetic flux caused by said main winding N1 to prevent the magnetic saturation of the magnetic core during the time that the magnetic flux caused by the main winding is increasing.

Abstract: A piezoelectric crystal element is resiliently urged to a home position and drives a plunger member and a print wire in printing operation. Upon rebound movement, the crystal element contacts a step portion of the print head housing to inhibit oscillation of the crystal element more rapidly than oscillation of the plunger member.

Abstract: A system for reversing directions of character displays in a CRT which includes apparatus for generating font signals, disconnecting the supply voltage, reversing the horizontal deflection coil polarity, and reconnecting the supply voltage.

Abstract: A mechanism for compensating for different thicknesses of record media at a printing station utilizes a platen assembly which is coupled with a pivotable arm structure to move the platen assembly toward and away from the print head. The pivotable arm structure is swung in an eccentric manner relative to the center of the platen assembly to move the platen in a linear path to accommodate the record media.