Abstract: A counter is used to concurrently refresh a video display and a memory associated with such video display. Address bits are output from the counter to the sync decode logic used to refresh the display as well as to multiplexing means connected to the associated memory. The multiplexing means has three pairs of inputs. The first pair of inputs comprises refresh addresses from the counter for refreshing the memory array. The second pair of inputs to the multiplexing means comprises memory update addresses for writing new information into the memory. A third pair of inputs to the multiplexing means performs two functions. The first function enables the multiplexing means to output either the update addresses or the refresh addresses depending on the state of such inputs. The second function of the third pair of inputs is to identify the output of said multiplexing means as either a row address or a column address to the associated memory.

Abstract: A robotic gripper tool pivots under the force of gravity to orient itself to enable the actuation of a selected gripping surface. The self-pivoting action is accomplished solely by the force of gravity acting upon the mass distribution of the tool with respect to the pivot axis of the tool. Several different gripping surfaces are provided on the tool whereby time consuming tool changes are substantially eliminated. The gripper tool is pivotally connected to a robotic arm. By pitching the robotic arm, the self-pivoting tool will be positioned by the gravitational force acting upon it.

Abstract: A word processing system is disclosed in which a text stream is stored on a direct access storage device (DASD) for recall and editing. The text stream is organized into a document, which is stored on the DASD as a data set. The data set consists of an index portion and a portion containing text records. The index portion is divided into nodes, of which the primary node is called the root node. When the system operator designates a data set for use, the root node is fetched and retained in a system memory to eliminate the need to fetch it from the DASD for every access. When sequential records are accessed, such as during a document duplication operation, the index is fully searched only for the first of the sequential records. Subsequent records are located through index nodes already in the system memory, with subsequent index nodes being fetched from the DASD only when the last index entry in the current index node has been processed.

Abstract: In a word processing system storing a text stream on a direct access storage device (DASD) for recall and editing, the text stream is organized into a document, which is stored on the DASD as a data set. The data set consists of an index portion and a portion containing text records. The index portion is divided into nodes, of which the primary node is called the root node.A volume which refers to the full contents of the DASD can be formatted to contain multiple zones, each of which is logically independent of all other zones, when the contents of a storage volume can be divided conceptually into portions the uses of which are logically independent. Each zone has its own media allocation map, and data sets whose root is allocated within a given zone have all allocations within that same zone. If more than one data set with a given data set type exists on the storage volume, all of those data sets and the data set director for that data set type are allocated within a single zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing escapement positioning error by matching the move sequence of a print carrier to the mechanical system dynamic characteristics without the use of a feedback sensor are described. A plurality of constant velocity signals are provided for driving the print carrier to the next print position. The sequential velocity signals comprise an acceleration velocity signal and a deceleration velocity signal, the duration of which are dependent upon the damped natural frequency of the print system. For long escapement moves, a slew velocity command is provided between the acceleration and deceleration velocity commands so as to maintain the velocity of the print carrier at the amplitude it had attained at the conclusion of the acceleration velocity signal. The relative amplitudes of the acceleration, slew and deceleration velocity signals are a function of the damping ratio of the printer system.

Abstract: A lifting device of the scissor-jack type comprises two arms that are midway connected by a pivot and carry a platform. One arm carries a pulley between the pivot and one end. On the other side of the pivot is a slideable cam follower. This cam follower rides on a cam surface provided on the other arm. A cable is attached to the cam follower, guided around a pulley and back to the lower end of the cam surface carrying arm. The contour of the cam surface, and the position and diameter of the pulley are chosen such that a predetermined, preferably constant, ratio between input and output is obtained.

Abstract: A communications system is provided in which at least the receiving terminal is a display terminal. The receiving terminal has the capability of storing substantially more data than just the data the alphanumeric representations of which is being displayed. The data receiving display terminal includes the text storage buffer for storing the received data. The text storage buffer has a capacity greater than just the data being displayed. The receiving terminal also includes apparatus operative during data transmission for displaying only part of the stored received data. The display terminal further includes expedients for selectively designating portions of the displayed received data and apparatus for printing such designated portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to word processing systems wherein material to be printed is formatted on a display unit having a display, e.g., CRT display and a text formatting processor which formats the display material. The display unit further includes means for controlling a printer to print the formatted text. In the present invention a plurality of such display units share a printer. This is accomplished by having at least one of the display units comprise means for controlling the sharing of the printer by the plurality of display units and each of the other display units communicate with the printer through these printer sharing control means. At least part of this printer sharing control means is contained in the text formatting processor of the primary display unit through which the other display units communicate with the printer.

Abstract: A plurality of arrays of heating elements, forming printing zones, are arranged separated from each other a predetermined distance (SL) on a substrate along a line (X) transverse the media transport direction (Y). The heating elements in each zone are arranged parallel to the transport direction (Y). Mover elements sweep the head back and forth relative to print line, a distance of SL. Releasable backing element is formed by rollers and each printing zone, the length of which is SL, is associated with a roller. The backing-rollers are moved together with the head for urging the print media against the thermal transfer ribbon and the latter against the multi-zone thermal print head.

Abstract: Words input to an information processing system character-by-character are given unique unitary representations independent of alphanumeric content and order. A user selects a particular vocabulary set containing the unique unitary representations of each word in the vocabulary set. When a word is input into the system, it is matched with its unique unitary representation. This representation is provided to storage and output devices in the system. It is also utilized in text transmission. Words not found in the preselected vocabulary set are encoded character-by-character. Vocabulary sets may be chosen so as to minimize the occurrence of this last event.

Abstract: A separator plate for a type band printer is located between the print paper and a ribbon so as to prevent the ribbon from contacting the paper. The upper edge of the separator plate is located adjacent to the print line and pushes the paper away from the ribbon against the hammer plate. The separator plate is affixed to the printer.