Abstract: A self-service checkout station allows a purchaser to scan coded labels on each merchandise item purchased and to generate the weight of the items at a first checkout counter. The weight of each merchandise item is compared with corresponding data stored in a remote memory member. If the weight of the item is found to be valid, the combined weight of the purchased merchandise items is then determined. The purchaser takes the purchased merchandise items to a second checkout counter where the combined weight of the merchandise items is again generated and compared with the previous generated combined weight. If the combined weights are found to be valid, the checkout operation is completed. A display member at the first checkout counter informs the purchaser of the price of each merchandise item being processed while a second display member at the second checkout counter displays the total amount due for the purchased merchandise items.

Abstract: In a slip printer, the slip is inserted or placed on the slip table at 90.degree. to normal orientation to accommodate slips which are wider than the print station. Character data and space data are input into memory and printing is done by shifting out character data along with space data on either side of the character in dot by dot manner. A pattern processing section is capable of changing the arrangement of the dot pattern read out from memory, a space data generating section is adapted to output space data signals before and after output of pattern data from the processing section, and a print data buffer stores the process data and the space data for one line dot row prior to printing.

Abstract: A communication interface for controlling the transfer of data between a host processor configured to process data of a first length and a remote storage member configured to store data of a second length includes a bus controller for transferring data between the interface and the remote storage member, a data transfer member for controlling the transfer of data between the host processor and the interface, and a control processor for controlling operating of the bus controller and the transfer member. A first storage member stores data words of said second length and sequentially outputs the data words over a communication bus to the host processor configured to transmit data words of said first length. A second storage member stores data representing the operating status of the transfer member and the bus controller, enabling the control processor to monitor the status of the transfer member and the bus controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a speed compensation scheme for reading MICR data on a document. The magnetic waveform for a character is sampled at periodic rates and converted to first bytes of data which are placed in a first memory. The velocity of the document is sampled at second periodic rates and the instantaneous values of the speed of the document are placed in a second memory as second bytes of data. A processor is used to remove the second bytes of data from memory and to calculate an average speed of the document for an associated examining window consisting of a predetermined number of the first bytes of data. The width of the examining window is adjusted in accordance with the average speed compared to an anticipated normal speed.

Abstract: A checkout counter includes an optical scanning system mounted therein and includes a cover member positioned in the top surface of the counter having an aperture through which the scanning system will scan a coded label on the merchandise item positioned adjacent to the aperture. A support member mounted on a rail portion of the checkout counter adjacent the cover member supports a writing pad, a keyboard, a display member and a card reader enabling a customer to conveniently observe the price of the item being scanned, and the amount of money due for the purchased items, when writing a check for the amount due, or when using a credit card or a debit charge to pay for the purchased merchandise items in response to information displayed in the display member.

Abstract: A printing apparatus is disclosed in which a platen is mounted on a forms compensation device which is pivotally mounted so as to enable record media of varying thicknesses to be placed between the platen and associated printing elements to enable printing thereon. The forms compensation device is held in printing position by latch elements thereon which cooperate with complementary elements on the printer frame. The latch elements are associated with oppositely acting axially positioned armatures of a single-coil solenoid mounted on the forms compensation device, so that the solenoid is energized only when it is desired to move the latch elements out of engagement with the complementary elements on the printer frame, to enable the forms compensation device to be moved to a remote non-printing position in which record media may readily be inserted between the platen and the associated printing elements.

Abstract: A multiple ply document for receiving recording information includes a top ply having a machine readable code printed thereon, one or more intermediate plies and a bottom ply secured together by means of a line of adhesive along one edge thereof. The top and intermediate plies are secured to respective overlying and underlying plies by means of staggered lines of adhesive to secure the piles at another area of the document. The top and intermediate plies also each include a line of weakening slightly below the respective line of adhesive to permit removal of a portion of the first ply and of the middle plies and leaving an upper portion of the top and intermediate plies on the document.

Abstract: A multiple ply document for receiving recording information including a top ply having a machine readable code printed thereon, a bottom ply secured by means of a line of adhesive to the top ply adjacent one edge thereof, a line of weakening in the top ply distal from the line of adhesive to permit removal of a portion of the first ply, and at least one middle ply extending to a position adjacent the line of weakening and secured to the bottom ply by means of a line of adhesive adjacent the line of weakening.

Abstract: A portable, stand-alone desk-top, optical scanning apparatus includes a first housing member positioned on the top surface of a checkout counter in which is mounted on the floor portion of the housing member, a light emitting element for projecting scanning light beams within the housing member, and a floor-mounted multifaceted rotating mirror for directing the light beams at a plurality of floor-mounted twisted mirror members which reflect the light beams through an aperture in the cover portion of the housing member, said light beams forming a pattern for scanning a bar code label on a merchandise item positioned on top of the housing adjacent the aperture. Light reflected from the label is directed back through the housing member towards a photodetector which generates electrical signals for processing by an electrical circuit located within the housing.

Abstract: A remotely operated cash box assembly comprises a box-like structure having a front wall portion, a rear wall portion and two side wall portions. Rotatably mounted between the front wall portion and the rear wall portion is a spring urged cover member. A solenoid actuated latch mechanism mounted to the front wall portion engages a latching surface on the cover member latching the cover member upon movement of the cover member to a position engaging the front wall portion. Energizing of the solenoid releases the cover member for movement to a position adjacent the rear wall portion opening the cash box assembly. Located within the cash box assembly is a cash tray having separate compartments for coins and bills in which the bill compartments are orientated in an upward direction to facilitate the removal and depositing of bills in the tray.

Abstract: A document reader module which provides precise alignment for the document being read and the associated reader, like an optical reader. An integrated frame member provides accurate control surfaces for the precise alignment mentioned. An elevator mechanism mounted on the frame member provides an apparatus for adjusting the read head relative to the line of data on the documents being read. A special pinch roller construction, which can be locked in a retracted position, facilitates the removal of jammed documents from the associated document track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the life of a control or drive spring in a wrap spring clutch. The tang of the control spring fits into a control slot of a control collar which rotates when the clutch is actuated. When the clutch is actuated, the control spring "wraps down" on both a rotating input member and the output shaft of the clutch to transfer the rotary motion of the input member to the output shaft. An elastomeric sleeve which is dimensioned to provide an interference fit between the tang and control slot of the control member is positioned on the tang and inserted in the control slot to remove any looseness or play between the tang and the control slot and thereby extend the life of the control spring and clutch.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an electronic scale includes sampling the output of the scale a predetermined number of times to generate a number of average readings for the weight that is placed on the scale, comparing two successive average readings and selecting the average reading that is within a predetermined weight of the previous average reading, comparing the digital signals sampled representing the selected average reading with the setting of a plurality of settable switches in which each switch position will represent a binary bit and displaying on a display the switch settings which represents the selected average reading of the output of the scale. The operator in response to instructions displayed on the display will place a weighted object on the scale, set one of the switches of the settable switches in response to placing the weight on the scale and set the switches in response to the instructions displayed on the display to store the selected average reading in the settable switches.

Abstract: A thermal printing apparatus and method are disclosed which allows a plurality of thermal print head elements to remain concurrently active, with each individual element being capable of remaining active for a time duration unique to itself and independent of burn times required by the remaining elements. This individual element burn time control is obtained by the high-speed loading and reloading of the thermal print head shift register, with the contents of the individual shift register cells being the controlling factor. Once the thermal print head element resistances have been dynamically measured, specific energies are derived for each element in the printhead by modulating the on time for each element, thus allowing grey scale printing and the like.

Abstract: A circuit board test apparatus includes an interchangeable interface board adapted for use with a particular type of circuit board to be tested, a receiver board with which said interface board engages, a back plane board located generally parallel to said receiver board and containing analog and digital buses, and a plurality of analog and digital interface and controller boards mounted generally perpendicular to said receiver and said back plane boards and electrically connected thereto. The test apparatus also includes vacuum apparatus for drawing the circuit board to be tested into engagement with the interchangeable interface board and further includes several embodiments of means for directing a stream of ionized air across the circuit board to be tested to eliminate static electrical charges therefrom.

Abstract: A ribbon stabilizer or guide member is provided in a ribbon reversing section of a ribbon cassette to prevent adverse twisting of the ribbon and to correct irregular twisting thereof and to maintain the normal reverse action or operation of the ribbon in its travel through the cassette.

Abstract: An electrical connector panel includes a two-piece knock-out plug having a raised portion formed in a configuration of a first electrical connector member and a portion flush with the surface of the panel member which when removed in conjunction with the removal of the raised portion provides an aperture which can accommodate a second electrical connector member having a size different from the first electrical connector member.

Abstract: A package for containing surface mount electronic devices that protects such devices from physical damage during handling and also protects such devices from electrostatic discharge damage. The package includes a plurality of panels supporting a receptacle member, a containing member, and tab members for securing the parts. Two of the panels are swingable to provide an open condition and a closed condition of the package.

Abstract: A night depository is configured to be placed beneath and to support an automated teller machine, which is used by a customer to provide access to the night depository, and which provides documentation of customer access to the night depository. Access to the night depository is provided by a closure positioned vertically beneath the front of the automated teller machine. A conveyor within the night depository prevents piling up of deposits within the night depository beneath the closure. The conveyor carries the deposits to the vincinity of a second closure which may be opened by an authorized person to remove the accumulated deposits.

Abstract: A method for encoding cash tills for the purpose of automating cash till reconciliation and operator sign-in. Encoding is done by use of a series of notches or apertures on the back of each till and reading the notches or apertures (go - no go) with switch-type sensors to identify the till and/or the operator. The applications include (1) more than one cash till per operator or (2) more than one operator per cash till, (3) identification of the cash till when placed in operation, or (4) identification of the cash till with each operation thereof. Reconciliation may occur at any desired interval of time such as daily, weekly or monthly--dependent upon the capacity of the cash till or the amount of activity.