Abstract: A hand-held bar code reader includes a source of scanning laser beams for scanning a coded label, a detector for detecting the light reflected from the coded label and a single piece composite optical lens structure. The lens structure has a first portion receiving the laser beams for reversing the direction of the laser beams. A second portion for focusing the laser beams on a rotating member which generates scanning beams for use in the scanning of the coded label and a third portion for collecting the light reflected from the coded label for focusing the reflected light on the detector.

Abstract: The method comprises: selecting an examination window whose size covers the image data associated with a character within a set of characters; presenting image data for a known character to the examining window to obtain a probability density function (PDF) for each pixel within the examining window for each character in the set of characters to be found or segmented to generate a composite PDF for each pixel within the examining window; and using the composite PDF to determine when the examining window is positioned over image data associated with a character within the character set.

Abstract: An electronic module detachably mounted on a shopping cart includes a scanner for scanning bar coded information on items selected for purchase, a data processing device for data storage and control purposes and video recording apparatus capable of recording a view of the selected item as it is scanned and again as it is placed in a receptacle in the shopping cart to enable a customer to generate a record of items selected, which record can be used to facilitate checkout operations, and to provide security against improper scanning, or failure to scan, items selected for purchase.

Abstract: A method of measuring message response time performance of a data processing system includes the generation of timing messages when a data or status message is sent from a data terminal, such as a point of sale terminal in the system to a central processing unit, and when a data message is received at the terminal from the central processing unit. The timing messages include identification of type of message, time data taken from a timer in the terminal, and a sequence number which permits related messages to be paired so that the time values in each can be compared to determine a response time for the total period required for transmission of messages from the terminal to the central processing unit, any necessary data processing at the central processing unit and transmission of a message from the central processing unit back to the terminal.

Abstract: A capacitor protection circuit for protecting bulk storage capacitors in a storage capacitor circuit in an electronic power supply. The capacitor protection circuit is operatively coupled to the storage capacitor circuit and comprises a first and second thyristor. The first and second thyristors are selected so that when the voltage across one of the storage capacitors in the storage capacitor circuit exceeds a predetermined voltage, the second thyristor will trigger the first thyristor to cause an excessive amount of current to be drawn through a fuse in the electronic power supply, thereby causing the fuse to blow and uncoupling the electronic circuit from an AC input. Another embodiment is disclosed to show how the capacitor protection circuit can be used in a 110 or 220 volt environment by utilizing a switch.

Abstract: A data entry keyboard apparatus includes a key switch array (18) in a keyboard unit (12) connected via a cable (14) to a tamper-resistant module (28) which contains control circuitry (16). The control circuitry (16) includes a random pattern generator (30) which generates successive random patterns, causing the selection of a single column and a random pattern of rows, thereby effecting the simulation of key actuations. An EXCLUSIVE-OR gating network (56a-56d) is effective to distinguish a genuine key actuation from simulated key actuations. The invention prevents the ascertainment of actuated keys by unauthorized tapping connections applied to the keyboard unit (12) or the cable (14).

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon includes a substrate which has a thermal sensitive coating and a protective layer. The thermal sensitive coating is a solvent based wax mixture dispersed in a binder mix along with pigments. The protective layer is a water based mixture of ink, alcohol and carbon black which remains nonintegral with the thermal sensitive coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying a high resolution image on a low resolution CRT with a minimal loss of information. Even rows of a source or matrix of binary pixels are stored in an "even" video RAM and odd rows are stored in an "odd" video RAM at addresses corresponding to the locations of the binary pixels within the matrix. In a preferred embodiment, a group of four pixels corresponding to a portion of the image is converted to a single gray value which is used to control the intensity of the beam control within the CRT.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing rejections when using correction stickers on documents which are to be read by a single channel or "deep" MICR read head in subsequent reading operations. The method entails printing the correct MICR data on the correction sticker (which is placed over the incorrect MICR data) so that the correct MICR data is purposely off registration with the incorrect MICR data underneath the correction sticker so that the correct MICR data on the correction sticker will be encountered by a read head before the incorrect MICR data underneath the correction sticker is encountered. A double printing of the correct MICR data on the correction sticker also causes dynamic thresholding circuits associated with common MICR readers to "key in" on the high signal level on the MICR ink on the correction sticker and thereby render the incorrect MICR data signal underneath the correction sticker to the level of "noise".

Abstract: An opening in a front panel of an automated teller machine (ATM) normally permits a portion of an internal mechanism to protrude therethrough to receive customer cards or for similar purposes. When the internal mechanism of the ATM is withdrawn for servicing, the protruding portion of the mechanism is withdrawn from the opening. A vertically slidable door is provided to close said opening whenever said protruding portion is withdrawn, in order to prevent access to the interior of the ATM by unauthorized persons. The door is operated by mechanism responsive to the movement of the internal mechanism.

Abstract: An optical reader head with a video compensation circuit for use in high speed document reading. The reader head utilizes small focussed bulbs to illuminate the scanning line, with the head being comprised of first and second body sections housing a lens which focusses the light reflected from a document at the scanning line to a light array comprised of 256 sensors. Light from four adjacent sensors along the scanning line is integrated to produce a composite pixel which becomes one of 64 such composite pixels for a scanning line of data permitting the use of low wattage bulbs and also eliminating the possibility of burning a jammed document. A peak comparison PROM is used for adjusting document background levels, for example, for use in thresholding the pixel data.

Abstract: An interlock device includes a shutter member disposed between a socket and a plug. The shutter member is coupled by a lost motion connection to the cover and movable therewith from a closed cover position allowing the plug to be inserted through an opening in the shutter member and into the socket to an open cover position preventing insertion of the plug through the opening and into the socket. The shutter member also prevents opening the cover when the plug is inserted into the socket.

Abstract: A scale utilizes a plurality of load cells positioned beneath a weighing platform for determining the weight of objects placed upon the platform. During a weighing operation, each load cell generates a voltage proportional to the response of said cell to the application of a weight to the platform. Each such generated voltage is transmitted serially through a multiplexer and is converted to a digital value by an analog-to-analog converter. These digital values are employed by a microprocessor to determine the weight of the object placed on the weighing platform. The scale is calibrated by weighing a test weight in a plurality of different locations on the weighing platform, and utilizing the individual digital values thus obtained for each load cell in a plurality of simultaneous equations, which are then solved in the microprocessor to provide constant values associated with each load cell, which are used in subsequent weighing operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus including a circuit for measuring the displacement of an electromagnetic device wherein the measuring is effected by utilizing the perturbations which occur in the energizing current of the device when the moveable member contacts a second member during a "gap" measurement, for example. The circuit includes circuitry for obtaining a first derivative signal having indicator portions corresponding to the perturbations. An apparatus including a test block is used for testing center-to-center distances.

Abstract: A housing for containing a plurality of circuit boards in a compact arrangement includes upper and lower housing portions which can be secured to each other by easily releasable securing devices. A first circuit board disposed on a base surface of the lower housing portion, and a vertically disposed bus circuit board mounted in a frame on the upper housing portion and having connectors electrically engageable with receptacles on the first circuit board. A plurality of horizontally disposed additional circuit boards having connectors electrically engageable with horizontally disposed receptacles secured to both sides of the bus circuit board, at least certain of the additional circuit boards having a width extending outwardly from the connectors which is greater than the vertical distance between the first circuit board and a portion of the upper housing portion.

Abstract: A method of searching a matrix of binary data to find search regions in which straight lines may be found, with the straight lines being those which are perpendicular to the original direction of scanning which produced the matrix of binary data. The method comprises the steps: (a) determining a number of search scans to cover a predetermined area of the matrix of binary data; (b) scanning the predetermined area in a direction which is parallel to the original direction of scanning to search for the presence of binary indicia like binary ones along the predetermined number of search scans to generate search results for each of the search scans, with a binary one indicating the presence of data; (c) ANDing the search results of preselected search scans to generate AND-scans; (d) ORing preselected AND-scans to generate OR-scans; and (e) using the OR-scans to define the search regions in which to look for straight lines which are perpendicular to the original direction of scanning.

Abstract: A print head is secured to a print head carriage and movable along guide rails in printing operation. The carriage includes bearings engaging the guide rails which are secured to the frame of the printer. The print head carriage is made of conductive material to enable bonding of the print head through the carriage and the bearings and along the guide rails to the ground potential of the printer.