Abstract: The system and method of this invention classifies the options of a data processing system into test levels based upon the dependency of the option to other options within a configuration of the processing system. The test level information for each option is stored in a present configuration list of the options. In addition, prerequisite rule bases are linked to each dependent option in the configuration list. The diagnostic system accesses the test level information and the prerequisite rule base information to determine when to test an option, and the order in which to test options, when isolating a failing option. A failing option can be isolated during a system checkout, a selected option checkout, or by resolving a missing option in the present configuration.

Abstract: A distrbuted services program installed on each of a plurality of data processing systems in a network allows the processors to access data files distrbuted across the various nodes of the network.To reduce the network traffic overhead when files at other nodes are accessed, and to preserve the file system semantics, i.e. the file integrity, the accessing of the various files are managed by file synchronization modes. A file is given a first synchronization mode if a file is open at only one node for either read or write access. A file is given a second synchronization mode if a file is opened for read only access at any node. A file is given a third synchronization mode if the file is open for read access in more than one node, and at least one node has the file open for write access.If a file is in either the first or second synchronization mode, the client node, which is the node accessing the file, uses a client cache within its operating system store the file.

Abstract: The system and method of this invention configures the protocols of a network architecture as an expert system. The expert system utilizes the knowledge of the network architecture, and offers intelligent advice to system users in the event of an invalid request to enable the entry of a valid request to establish communications through the network.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, providing an interface to an application program for accessing networking functions. The application program interface translates routines requesting networking functions to the operating system commands which contain facilities for accessing networking functions. In addition, the application program interface externalizes the operating system commands for use by the application program in accessing networking functions.

Abstract: A rotating disk electrode system operates at constant speed in a solution whose metal ion concentration is held constant at multiple concentrations within a range of concentration. The current at the working electrode is recorded, while the potential at the working electrode is swept at a predetermined rate for each of the concentration values. The diffusion limiting current is determined for each of the concentration values. Then the rotating disk electrode system is operated continuously in a metal plating bath whose metal ion concentration can vary. A voltage applied to the working electrode produces a current at the electrode whose magnitude is compared to the values of the previous calibration to determine the current metal ion concentration. Alternatively, a rotating disk electrode system is operated over a range of speeds in a solution whose ion concentration is held constant over a range of concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a newly re-coated continuous ribbon to a moving printhead carrier in a printer. The present invention is particularly adaptable for use in thermal printers having multicolored ribbons. The apparatus comprises a cartridge housing which is mounted on the printer frame, and which contains the ribbons. The newly re-coated ribbons exit the cartridge housing, become coupled to the moving printhead carrier, and then reenter the cartridge housing as used ribbon. The used ribbon passes a re-coating station where it is re-inked through contact with a donor ribbon and heated pressure rollers to become newly re-coated ribbon. A lift arm on the printhead carrier selects the desired colored ribbon which has been newly re-coated for printing.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) is attached to a carrier and tiltable around a tilting axis (2). The carrier is movable along platen (3) and parallel to the print line and tilting axis (2). On the rear and on the bottom of the cartridge a drive knob (4) is provided as part of the internal cartridge ribbon drive. On the carrier a ribbon feed device with wheel (6) and upright standing blades (7) is provided. Those blades (7) cooperate with walls (9) inside the knob surface and form a kind of screw driver interconnection. Both engaging parts (7) and walls (9) allow a movement perpendicular to their rotational axis and to each other. Wheel (6) with blades (7) rotates around an axis (11) and knob (4) rotates around axis (12). Intentionally the two rotational axes (11, 12) are offset to each other relative to tilting axis (2). Thus, always a moment around this tilting axis (2) is created.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improvement in data processing systems involving a host processor and a remote printer which prints alphanumeric characters from data communicated from the host to the printer. The improvement provides the provision of an intermediate processor having an interactive display terminal. There are means in this intermediate processor for controlling the setup of repetitive format parameters of documents containing the alphanumeric characters printed by the printer. In addition, there are means on the display terminal for displaying in the form of a menu the various document parameters available to the setup means in the intermediate processor. Thus, an operator at the display terminal may select appropriate parameters for setting up the repetitive format of the document.

Abstract: An attachable feed and delivery system for envelopes in a high speed, batch printer (14) environment is described. Included is a hopper (10) having input (30) and output sections (32) separated from each other by a spring loaded bail (34). The transport path to and from the print station includes a picker/separator (90) located adjacent to the input section of the hopper. Fresh envelopes are urged toward the pick area by the spring loaded bail (34). Endless belts (56) passing through the base (50) of the hopper (10) assist in urging printed envelopes into the output area (32).

Abstract: There is disclosed an envelope hopper for attachment to a printer requiring envelopes. Spring members provided with adjustable throats for permitting passage of a single envelope are biased downward against the upward force of the supply stack for compensating for changes in relative position of the uppermost envelope and the throats during separation from the stack.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge (10) is attached to a carrier (1) of a printing device such that it is tiltable along an axis that is parallel to the print line to drop the ribbon such that the print line is visible. That part of cartridge (10) which is opposite of the ribbon exposing part and on the other side of tilting axis (18) is on its bottom provided with a ribbon advance knob (8). Into this knob (8) two essentially upright standing walls and inclined ramps (11) are molded. The ribbon feed device (6), provided on carrier (1), has a blade (5) or noses (17) which cooperate with slot-forming walls (12) of knob (8). In ribbon drive direction (14) cartridge (10) automatically drops into coupling interconnection for ribbon feed. Upon turning ribbon feed device (6) in reverse direction (16) blade (5) or noses (17) slide up ramp (11) and lift the rear part and drop the front part of the cartridge (10) so that the print line is rendered visible.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus in a magnetic brush development device is located in a non-contact fashion between the photoconductor drum and the magnetic brush roll. The seal has a plurality of ridges along the length of the seal that creates a differential air flow under the rotating photoconductor drum. This differential air flow prevents toner dust and bead carryout from axially migrating past the end of the photoconductor and magnetic roll.

Abstract: By use of an electroerosion technique a plurality of conductive lines (5) are isolated out of an electrically conductive sheet material supported on an isolating substrate of a sheet having holes in a distinct pattern. Several sheets are superimposed in different planes and are alternately mixed with interplane spacer-connector layers between a terminal block (32) and a pressing guide block. The interplane spacer-connector layer (24) contains contact areas interconnected with each other and make contact with isolated zones in different superimposed planes of sheets. The terminal block is provided with sockets for holding the terminals of circuit components of the to-be-developed electrical circuit.

Abstract: A coding system applicable to communication is provided so that variable length code representations of a set of characters may be transmitted. The system transmits a data stream made up of a series of variable length code representations of the characters in the set. A fixed code representation follows the end of each character representation. This data stream is received by apparatus which includes coding apparatus which reads the fixed code representations in order to determine the ends of each variable length character representation. The coding is set up so that the code is a binary code in which the most commonly used characters in the set are represented by code having the minimum number of digits, and the progressively less commonly used characters are respectively represented by code having progressively increasing numbers of digits. Preferably the fixed code representing the end of each character is 01.

Abstract: A conductive film deposition rate monitoring method for measuring the real time deposition rate of a metallic deposition process particularly an electroless plating bath, including the steps of positioning an eddy current detector within a predetermined distance of a test surface where the deposition is to be deposited, and the step of monitoring the output of the detector. The apparatus comprises an eddy current sensor and a non-metallic housing for the sensor, having a non-conductive wall of predetermined thickness between the sensor and the surface of the wall distant from the sensor, the distant wall being immersed in the deposition environment, such as a plating bath, so that a deposit takes place on the distant surface, and measuring means connected to the output of the sensor for measuring the amplitude and rate of change of the output of the sensor.

Abstract: A high-density printed circuit card electrical contact pad pattern that preserves card surface area while maintaining loose mechanical tolerance requirements and a high probability of contact. The invention exploits the elliptical shape of the area of high probability of contact between the contact pins of a mating connector and the card surface. The elliptical area is derived by an accumulation of mechanical tolerances associated with the card and with the pins of the mating connector. A plurality of rows of contacts are disposed along an edge of the card with each contact enclosing one elliptical area of high probability of contact. Each row is offset with respect, to, and slightly interleaved with adjacent rows.

Abstract: After cleaning and removal of oxidic layers, the defective copper conductors are completely etched off the surface of the external planes of a multilayer circuit board, and the copper on the walls of the plated through holes is etched at an etching rate continuously decreasing toward the center of the hole walls. Subsequently, an activating layer of copper is applied on the surface of the substrate and on the adjacent parts of the surface of the hole walls. Copper conductors defined by a photoresist mask in a known manner, are deposited on the surface of the activating layer following the additive technique, the copper is deposited on the entire surface of the hole walls. As the maximum etching depth of the copper on the hole wall is approximately 0.2 mm maximum, and as the activating layer is applied up to a depth of approximately 1.2 mm a perfect copper overlap on the walls is ensured.