Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a carrier means along a line of print in either of two directions. The carrier means is positioned by a D.C. motor which is driven by a pair of current driver circuits, one of which controls the flow of drive current in a forward direction and the other of which controls the flow of current in the reverse direction. The motor is capable of driving the carrier means at a first predetermined high speed when it is determined that the desired destination carrier position is more than a predetermined number of carrier positions from the present carrier position and at a second predetermined low speed when the desired destination carrier position is less than or equal to a predetermined number of carrier positions from the present carrier position. An electronic tachometer means operates to maintain a relatively constant speed while operating in the predetermined high speed state and while operating in the predetermined low speed state.

Abstract: An improved CML (Current Mode Logic) gate having voltage and temperature compensating means for maintaining output levels and input thresholds invariant with fluctations in supply voltage and junction temperature. The output of the compensating means, measured with respect to ground, will track variations in supply voltage on a one-to-one basis except that the output is allowed to vary by one V.sub.be with junction temperature. This output is supplied to the base of the constant-current source transistor which feeds the differential amplifier stage of the CML gate and to the base of a constant current source transistor whose collector is coupled to the base of the non-input transistor of the differential amplifier stage of the CML gate.

Abstract: An apparatus which is responsive to the pressure variations inherent in an individual's act of handwriting a signature for generating electrical signals representative of these characteristic pressure variations for use in signature identification systems. The apparatus employs a handwriting surface which is suspended in space and positioned for receiving a handwritten signature by a pair of cantilever arms which extend from a single semi-rigid vertical support member, the vertical support member being provided with a sensing means responsive to the varying strain induced in the support member when an individual is writing his signature on the handwriting surface for generating an electrical signal representative of the pressure variations in said signature.

Abstract: A solenoid control system wherein the duration of actuation of a solenoid is a function of the workload imposed thereon so that the current to the solenoid is always turned off as soon as the solenoid plunger or armature is seated. Solenoid control logic responds to an external demand for the energization of the solenoid and enables a solenoid drive circuit which supplies current to the solenoid coil. The level of current builds in the solenoid coil until the solenoid plunger or armature is pulled in. The current continues to build as the solenoid plunger or armature is drawn in until that point at which the reluctance of the magnetic circuit is changing faster than the current in the solenoid coil is able to build. From this point until the solenoid plunger is seated, the current drops. As soon as seating has occurred, the reluctance ceases to change and the current once again begins to build in the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting the sensitive electronic or magnetic circuitry of modern business machines, mini-computers, and the like, while preventing the operator thereof from experiencing any discomfort. A high voltage discharge switch attachable to such a machine is used to discharge an accumulated charge of static electricity from the machine operator's body in approximately one tenth of a second without causing any discomfort.