Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and retrieving data so as to facilitate performing a price look-up (PLU) function. A scanner and a retail terminal at a checkout counter are used in conjunction with a U.P.C. number on an article to be sold. An EPROM at the scanner is used to store a compressed article description which is stored by U.P.C. number. The EPROM address for a "matched" U.P.C. number is used to obtain the corresponding price data in a RAM located at the scanner itself, thereby reducing the time required to effect a PLU function.

Abstract: A method for automatically zero balancing an electronic scale includes disabling the display from displaying a "Scale Ready" logo, taking a number of readings from the scale when no weight is placed on the scale, obtaining an average reading for a zero weight condition of the scale by dividing the sum of the readings by the number of readings taken, detecting when two consecutive average readings are within a first predetermined limit, enabling the display to display the "Scale Ready" logo indicating the scale is ready for a weighing operation, taking a number of readings from the scale in response to the displaying the scale ready logo, blanking the display when the readings taken are not within a predetermined value of the zero balance readings, and removing the scale lid from the scale and cleaning the scale to remove dirt or other impediments from the scale in response to the blanking of the display.

Abstract: A multiple-layered medium includes a preprinted image and impact imaged variable information applied to a surface. Subsequently, a layered portion containing such image and information is separated from the remaining layered portion which also retains such image and information. The multiple layered medium provides a pressure-sensitive label that is fastened by adhesive to a surface and a non-adhesive portion of the label that is separated from the fastened portion.

Abstract: A document processing system for reading a line of MICR data from documents passing along a document track and for generating a marker to be positioned over a character which was not read properly when that line of MICR data is presented on a display. A special thresholding circuit is used to convert the image data of the line of MICR data to binary data. The circuit automatically adjusts for changes in light intensity at the associated scanning line where the image data is generated.

Abstract: A mailer assembly has a front ply secured to a back ply adjacent the marginal portions of the two plies, and an intermediate ply extends to the edges of one side of the two plies with a line of adhesive between the front ply and the intermediate ply and a line of adhesive between the intermediate ply and the back ply. The intermediate ply is free along the other side of the front and back plies which are secured by dots of adhesive along such other side. The front ply has a removable tab portion to expose the intermediate ply which is removable from the front and back plies along said one side thereof.

Abstract: A method and a system for extracting character information from a signal matrix of gray level picture elements which compares pixel elements positioned in annular rings around a central pixel of interest to determine neighbor pair occurrences for purposes of eliminating spurious signals and for establishing a threshold for each document read which is used to eliminate undesired signals from the signal matrix.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing currency notes one by one from a stack of notes (82) includes a rotating suction drum (16) having openings (26) formed therein, and a fixed member (88) against which an end note (82') in the stack is urged. The fixed member (88) includes a curved portion (94) disposed adjacent to, and extending partially around the drum (16), the curved portion (94) being provided with a plurality of parallel slots (96) which are respectively disposed in cooperative relationship with the openings (26) in the drum (16). During rotation of the drum (16), vacuum is applied to the end note (82') so as to draw the lower part of this note into engagement with the curved portion (94), with the end of the note projecting slightly beyond the end of the curved portion (94). Feed rolls (38) are then moved into engagement with the end of the note, the rolls (38) and drum (16) thereafter drawing the end note away from the remainder of the stack.

Abstract: A protective coating is applied to a thermally reactive material layer in laminate manner. The coating includes a fluorocarbon sizing agent which causes beading of any adverse material and prevents penetration thereof into the thermally reactive material. A combined color developing and dye formulation includes bisphenol, wax, clay and dye in a binder of polyvinyl alcohol which effects a spreading of any adverse material on the surface of the coating.

Abstract: A panel is mounted between parallel spaced apart frame members by a pair of retainer members having a length greater than the spacing between the frame members so as to project through selectively spaced openings in the frame members. Each of the retainers is provided with a slotted channel for receiving an edge of the panel. Opposing ends of the retainer are provided with a pair of bifurcated legs which may be flexed toward one another to permit the snapping of the retainer into the selectively spaced slots in the frame members. The retainers are movable within the slots during assembly to firmly engage opposite edges of the panel in the slotted channels. Electrical connectors may be mounted in the retainers' slotted channels to mate with electrical conductors on the panel.

Abstract: A portable personal computing system which is especially adaptable for use in a container like an attache case. When the container is opened to an operating position, a keyboard unit, a display unit, and a read/write unit like a disc drive unit are positioned ready for use by an operator. Special mounting members for these units are used to automatically position these units for operation when the container is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in endorsing documents, like checks, in a banking system. A magnetic stripe is printed or encoded on the back of each document entering the processing system. Human readable, endorsement data is also printed next to the magnetic strip at the time that the stripe is being printed. The endorsement data is also magnetically written into a portion of the magnetic stripe during a subsequent, real-time operation to provide both machine-readable and human-readable forms of data to facilitate tracing a document's processing trail through several banks. A low-cost method of providing endorsements on checks through using the MICR encoder to print the usual monetary amount, inverting the check, re-entering the check, and using the MICR encoder to print the endorsement on the back of the check is also disclosed.

Abstract: A data processing system in which a host processor is connected to a plurality of remote processing devices over a common communication channel in which a number of the remote processors are commonly connected to a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data over the communication channel. Switching members on each of the remote processing devices select a pair of communication lines coupled to a priority resolving circuit for transmitting request to send signals and receiving clear to send signals, thereby enabling the remote processing devices to transmit and receive data over the communication channel.

Abstract: A printing apparatus which includes a single revolution clutch. The clutch includes first and second cam sections which comprise the output member of the clutch. When the clutch is released, a spring accelerates the output member to bring a control surface on the second cam section into operative engagement with a cylindrically-shaped, rotating, input member. An abutment member on the first cam section cooperates with a follower arm to stop the rotation of the output member after a single revolution. A solenoid and linkage are used to raise the follower above the abutment stop to release the clutch for another single revolution of the output member.

Abstract: A customer information input system for a P.O.S. terminal includes a portable type wireless input device that has a magnetic card reader section a key entry section for inputting customer data, for reading information from the card, a memory section for storing the information and the data, a transmitting section for sending the information and the data in response to a request signal, and a repeater connected to the P.O.S. terminal for transferring the information and the data to the P.O.S. terminal. A plurality of such input devices are placed at various sales counters and customers can simultaneously input the information and the data for transmission to the terminal which receives and processes the transaction.

Abstract: A portable transaction processing calculator has a keyboard and a display window along with slots for holding at least a pair of credit cards. One of the cards includes storage means therein and is electrically connected with the calculator, and another card has optical or other readable data thereon and readable by optical or other equipment. A selector switch on the calculator selects one of four different operations.

Abstract: A control system for a thermal print head includes means for regulating the firing of the print elements with the proper pulse width to compensate for increasing substrate temperature. The control circuit is divided into two separate circuits--the driving circuit for turning the print elements on and off, and the decision-making circuit which executes the substrate temperature coding and control codes and sends control signals to the driving circuit. Three types of temperature compensation are utilized in the control program. A tailored pulse width is used for each bank of the print elements to compensate for various element resistances. As the print head shuttles across the record medium, the pulse width is reduced for each horizontal dot position. The pulse width also is reduced for each line printed in the format. The system may be used for either direct thermal or thermal transfer printing with both full and half dot spacing and single or double width characters.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a single display of a system having a terminal and both merchandise item scanning capability including a scanner and merchandise weighing capability including a scale to display both information derived from scanning a merchandise item and information derived from weighing a merchandise item is disclosed. The display has associated therewith a first light of a first color indicating a satisfactory scan or weighing and a second light of a different color for indicating an unsatisfactory scan or weighing. Controls are provided to prevent conflict in use of the display as between the scanner and the scale.

Abstract: A method for fast weighing on an electronic scale is disclosed. Periodic samples are taken of the weight of an object placed upon the scale, and succeeding samples are compared for similarity within a given tolerance. The overall range of the scale is divided into various regions based upon frequency of use and reliability of readings. Fewest readings are required for that scale region of most frequent use and greatest reliability, thereby minimizing the time required for completing the weighing of objects with weights falling within that region.

Abstract: An adaptive hybrid circuit is disclosed for adaptively cancelling a crosstalk component from a transmitter to a receiver in a local station of a local area network. In a preferred embodiment the adaptive hybrid circuit is coupled to a common two-wire transmission line in the network and also between the transmitter and the receiver of the local station. The adaptive hybrid circuit is comprised of a comparator, an integrator and an adjustment circuit. An output signal from the receiver is compared in the comparator with a transmit signal to develop a first signal which causes the integrator to develop a second signal having an amplitude which varies as a function of the states of the first signal. The second signal from the integrator, a transmitter signal, and a composite signal from the transmission line containing a crosstalk component from the transmitter and a received signal component transmitted from a remote station are applied to the adjustment circuit.

Abstract: A thermal printing apparatus is disclosed in which ribbon advancing mechanism including a supply spool and a take-up spool operated by a stepping motor is disclosed. Mechanism is provided for reversing the direction in which the take-up spool is driven by a specified amount during the printing cycle, in order to provide ribbon slack, so as to avoid smudging of the transferred ink on the receiving document and possible ribbon breakage during printing. The circumference of the accumulated ribbon on the take-up spool at any given time is considered in determining the number of steps and the step rate of the stepping motor in the reverse direction which must be taken in order to produce the desired amount of ribbon slack and slack take-up.