Abstract: The system of this invention manages customer orders using vendor supplied software systems interfaced on a real-time basis to touch the data in each system on a real time basis. In effect, there is horizontal communication between the various components of the system such as inventory, purchasing, order management and receipt, logistics and inventory to have continual data flow without using a vertical software interface. As a result, customer orders are received on a real-time basis using screens that are user friendly to promptly take orders, and to verify customer data and verify the ability to meet those orders. Transmission of documents within the system is minimized thereby making it more efficient, timely and cost efficient.

Abstract: Temperature-sensitive transducers and other circuitry are manufactured by an electrochemical post-processing etch on an integrated circuit fabricated using a conventional CMOS process. Tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide or another anisotropic etchant having similar characterisics is used to selectively etch exposed front-side regions of a p-type silicon substrate, leaving n-type wells suspended from oxide beams. Circuits in the n-wells are thermally and electrically insulated from the substrate.

Abstract: A telephone configures as a programmable microcomputer (telephone-computer) which operates in most circumstances through a standard telephone 12-key keypad input. The telephone-computer has the overall appearance of a telephone and includes telephone electronics and a microprocessor unit operated in conjunction with other computer elements, including memory devices, a programmable gate array (PGA) chip which can be initially programmed and then fixed, and enhanced integrity features. The PGA has the capability of being configured to accommodate various types of software which require different hardware Configuration, but without actually reconfiguring the hardware. The telephone-computer delivers data processing capabilities and services through an ordinary telephone instrument via conventional telephone lines with a network host computer which communicates with a vast panoply of service bureaus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of aiding in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies that comprise determining the titer of autoantibodies directed toward particular nervous system antigens. It also provides for substantially purified preparations of specific antigens, namely neuroprotein-1, neuroprotein-2, neuroprotein-3, neuroprotein-4 and neuroprotein-5, which may be used in such diagnostic methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for generating character images using a font compression algorithm that reduces the storage requirements associated with low-cost, high resolution printers. An expanded character image has original print slices and duplicate print slices identical to one or more of the original print slices where the duplicate print slices are eliminated in the compressed character image. The compressed character is expanded using a repetition mask that identifies the number and location of the duplicate print slices. The technique for expanding the compressed character is such that printing can be performed in real time, in either a forward or reverse direction with only minimal effects on processing. This invention also provides a means for supporting multiple pitches, such as 10 CPI, 12 CPI and Proportional Space Mode (PSM), within those storage constraints.

Abstract: A wire dot matrix print head suitable for a low cost computer printer is described. The print head incorporates a one piece armature constructed of thin high strength sheet metal. The armature has a plurality of rigid radial arms radiating inwardly from a torsionally flexible periphery. Each of the rigid radial arms has an integral pair of flanges for adding rigidity, and an attached moving core of magnetically permeable material. Each of the rigid radial arms is connected to the periphery at an arm base. Each of the rigid radial arm bases is provided with a slight bend. The combination of torsional action of the flexible periphery acting at the bend and a fixed clamping action of a cap at intermediate portion of the flexible periphery provides a biasing force to each of the radial arms.