Abstract: Item transport apparatus is described which finds particular application in a system for transporting and processing a variety of items or articles including mail pieces of the letter or flat variety. The processing of such items may entail the sorting, compact storing and retrieving thereof. In contrast to present day item transport apparatus in which the carrier devices themselves require an excessive volume to store the items being processed, the carrier of the invention retains the item in a sleeve of relatively thin semi-rigid material which adjusts substantially to the thickness of the item. Accordingly, depending upon the item itself, the overall thickness of the loaded carrier may be little more than that of the item and the storage efficiency is optimum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in air-traffic control are described for maintaining substantial registration alignment between radar video signals and associated computer generated data on a television monitor. It is a requirement of the monitor display that the radar video, such as raw radar, map video, etc., be displayed with a long time constant to show the history of the radar trails. Simultaneously, the associated computer generated data, such as vectors, alpha-numerics, etc., must be displayed properly registered with the radar video on the same monitor with a short time constant. This is necessary to avoid smearing, since the latter data moves on the monitor screen as the radar pattern changes. In accordance with the present invention, the radar and computer data are combined into a single cathode ray tube, photographed by a pair of vidicons having different time lag characteristics, and the images of the latter combined on a television monitor.

Abstract: A mail processing system is described for performing several basic functions. The first of these entails the receipt by the system of mail in single file or in small clumps which arrive synchronously or asynchronously in a random manner. Secondly, the system stores or buffers the mail in an orderly shingled fashion wherein the first batch of mail stored is the first batch to subsequently exit the buffer. Finally, the third function involves the output feeding of the shingled batch of mail from the system to further processing equipment. The system may advantageously include for some applications one or more singulators for generating from the shingled batch, a defined stream of mail pieces separated from one another. It is a significant feature of the buffer feeder system that the above-mentioned functions are interwoven such that the system is capable of receiving and storing one batch of mail while concurrently feeding out a previously stored batch.

Abstract: A document singulator is described for use in separating into single items mail pieces derived from a source of collection mail. The device comprises a plurality of spaced-apart singulation stations each having a friction roller and adapted to be actuated in a predetermined manner to effect the separation of documents lying on top of one another. The rollers are mounted in an inclined slide which has a compound slope and a single registration wall, thereby assuring mail flow down the length of the slide as well as proper registration of the mail pieces at each station. The device is capable of processing a variety of mail pieces including flats such as magazines, folded newspapers, etc., and is virtually free from hard, mail-damaging jams.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved integrated circuit chip which includes in addition to the logic circuits for performing its design function, an additional circuit for providing a unique reference pattern in digital form useful for test purposes. This reference pattern is automatically read by the tester and gives information as to the type of chip and its final signature. The former indicates to the tester an appropriate test routine such as a pseudo-random binary sequence; and the latter, the predetermined digital pattern which will be present on all of the input and output terminals of a properly functioning integrated circuit chip at the conclusion of the test. Since each chip signature is read by the tester itself, no reference to signatures customarily recorded in tables or inscribed on circuit schematics is required by the test technician.

Abstract: A device is described for capturing certain predetermined types of mail pieces from a moving mail flow and for regulating the subsequent delivery thereof to processing equipment. The device is comprised of a receiving station and a delivery station linked by a common narrow transport. The latter forms a shallow shelf or ledge situated at the bottom of the receiving station and adapted at any given time to catch a limited number of certain types of mail from a mixed stream as it flows through the station. Additionally, the receiving station includes a vane-like member for selectively deflecting all of the mail from the transport. The operation of the member is under control of the delivery station and depends upon whether or not mail pieces awaiting further processing downstream are present in the station. The motion of the transport is controlled by both the delivery station and the processing equipment to insure that they will be kept continuously supplied with mail.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes electronic circuits for use with test and diagnostic (T&D) means to collect errors orignating within integrated circuit (IC) chips during their operation in a system environment. Moreover, the circuits employ counters and a memory to identify and store the location of the defective chips so that prompt remedial action may be taken.

Abstract: A system is described for receiving mixed mail pieces, for singulating the machinable mail including flats, and for culling all of the pieces into respective discrete categories for further processing. The system is characterized by an inherent freedom from jams and consequent mail damage and features a recycle loop which provides a continuous, substantially uniform output of machinable mail.

Abstract: An assembly is described for providing an effective, yet comparatively inexpensive means of mounting a pair of high density printed circuit cards. The assembly provides maximum air passages between the card assemblies as well as over the outer surfaces thereof in applications where forced cooling air is provided. However, the assembly also finds particular application where the circuit cards are installed in a sealed air-tight electronic equipment housing and reliance must be had to conductive cooling.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a system for storing and processing articles such as mail flats which cannot be processed on standard letter mail equipment. The system includes mechanical carriers for transporting and remaining with the articles throughout the processing cycle. A recirculation buffer subsystem provides temporary high density random storage which dynamically allocates the system output resources through computer control. In the buffer, the destination-encoded carriers are kept continuously moving in a closed serpentine path. Based upon system priorities, selected carriers may be taken out of buffer storage independently of the other carriers and the former reassigned to output accumulation racks where they remain until outputted from the system. The recirculation buffer subsystem provides a balance between system input and output, thereby substantially improving efficiency and providing savings in cost and space requirements.

Abstract: Interlock means are described for protecting against the surreptitious entry into, and tampering with security type communication systems. A connector interlock plate is provided which prevents the removal of an access cover on the electronic device cabinet without the first removal of a standard cable connector assembly. Concurrently, removal of the cable assembly actuates an electrical switch which destroys the confidential information being stored and processed within the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes apparatus for the production of small permanent bar magnets accurately adjusted to a stable, predetermined value of magnetic moment. In accordance with the invention, the readout of the moment of the magnet under adjustment is provided simultaneously with the degaussing process, so that the operation becomes a coordinated one rather than the present day process involving trial-and-error. The system provides easily obtainable time-saving consistent results and is especially useful where large numbers of magnets of predetermined moment must be produced. The real-time sensing capability of the system renders it particularly suitable for automation.

Abstract: A device is described for masking the gold connector tabs located along the edges of printed circuit boards to prevent the connectors from becoming solder coated during wave solder operations. The device is comprised of a pair of angle sections coupled to each other by tensioning means. The sections are easily applied to the circuit board assembly without scratching the gold contacts. Moreover, they provide stiffness to the board and a dam to prevent solder from flowing over the board and damaging the electrical components mounted thereon during wave soldering. The device is easily removable from the circuit boards after soldering and is reusable. Finally, the device of the present invention is characterized by long life, reasonable cost and ease of use.

Abstract: An extraction tool is described for use with integrated circuit (IC) packages of the type having a metallic heat sink member fused to the chip-enclosing ceramic body. The tool finds particular application in connection with a patented high package density island configuration wherein each IC package is secured on a retention post of a connector which is mounted between, and in close proximity to, adjacent parallel sections of the island cooling frame. The IC package heat sink member has at least one integral extension adapted to contact the frame. In performing its removal function, the present tool is capable of gripping opposite edges of the heat sink member in the limited space between the connector and cooling frame section. Having engaged the heat sink, the tool now permits the initial application of opposing forces respectively to the heat sink and the connector retention post.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved gate for selectively diverting item-supporting carriers from a transport path on a powered conveyor to their ultimate destination via an alternate path. More specifically, the gate finds application in a mail-handling system which requires the routing of carriers during the processing operation. In this regard, selected carriers may be diverted from the conveyor belts on which they are being transported onto a gravity turn effected by the gate itself, and then permitted to continue unaided to their destination by means of an inclined rail or similar structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device for checking the dc characteristics of electronic nets disposed for example in assemblies utilized in data processing equipment. The operation of the analyzer assumes the presence of one or more controlled impedance nets, as may be achieved through the use of current mode logic configurations. The device which is employed while the circuit under test is in a power-off condition, first determines which type of net is being tested, passes a current of known magnitude through the net, and then compares the actual voltage developed thereacross with expected voltage values falling within a tolerance range. The voltage corresponding to the nominal impedance of the net and the tester current passed therethrough, lies at the center of the range. The analyzer automatically checks all the pins of a monolithic integrated circuit chip in sequence. If the nets associated with all the pins fall within the tolerance ranges, a "good" indication occurs upon test completion.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a wire guide for use with a manually operated wire wrap gun. Such guns are used to make solderless wrapped connections on terminals emanating from a circuit board. The wire guide of the present invention is especially useful with multi-spindle guns, such as the dual spindle gun utilized for simultaneously wrapping both wires of a twisted pair or miniature coaxial cable. The present wire guide which is fastened to the sleeve portion of the gun, permits the operator to front load the gun quickly and reliably by directing the multiple wires into the respective wire feed openings of the wrapping tool bits housed within the sleeves.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes semiconductor devices and circuits for sending and receiving data at high speed between computer modules with excellent noise immunity and low drive power. The semiconductor circuits are arranged to send data single-ended and to receive data differentially. As is required for full duplex operation over a pair of wires, the circuit arrangements are such that a driver in a given driver/receiver module does not influence the incoming data.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an improved dressing finger for use with automatic wiring machines. Such machines are used to make solderless wrapped connections on terminals emanating from a common plane. The dressing finger which is used to form predetermined wire patterns is associated with a wrap tool which makes the actual connection. In present day machines, the distance relationship between wrap tool and dressing finger is fixed in one axis and the terminal grid arrangement which is dependent thereon is likewise fixed. The dressing finger of the present invention permits a combination of grids or fixed grids within a predetermined range, thereby providing greater flexibility in the design of the terminal panel.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes electrical circuit means for providing an automatic power restart for unattended electrical equipment, such as computer cabinets, after an AC power failure and subsequent power restoration. The restart function is performed without interfering with the normal cabinet power sequencing during attended operation or maintenance. The circuit which utilizes a latch-in type relay to "remember" the last manually selected power control setting has general utility in new installations, as well as being adaptable to existing cabinet power systems.