Abstract: In a data processing system allocation of excessive main/working storage space to sequential input records (input blocks) of indeterminate length frequently results in wasteful fragmentation. This is avoided by the present invention. An input-output channel of conventional construction is modified so that in chaining mode it (the channel) can operate optionally to: (1) transfer sequential input data blocks of unspecified length into contiguous positions in main storage, and (2) without CPU interruption/intervention store delimiting information, in storage locations containing Channel Command Words (CCW's) designating respective transfers, which effectively distinguishes storage boundaries between adjacent blocks. The storage of delimiting information effectively relieves the control and application programs of the central system of responsibility for analyzing the information context of the data in each block for "possibly obscure" delimiting intelligence.

Abstract: Apparatus for reciprocatively positioning an article or work object (e.g. an inspection sample or test probe) in precise relation to two separated work stations. The article to be positioned is held in a first carrier having a cam follower attachment. The first carrier is supported shiftably on a second carrier. The second carrier can be reciprocated perpendicular to the plane of the work stations. The cam follower of the first carrier is captured movably in a cam track groove of a stationary plate having two cam track grooves associated with respective said stations. A two-position rotatable cam forms a linking channel between the two tracks. Upon completion of a work operation at one of the stations the second carrier is reciprocated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for carrying out data switching; e.g. at a store-and-forward exchange node in a data communication network. Plural processors operate relative to multiple ports and traffic storage queues, partially on an exclusive basis and partially on a shared basis, to effectuate switching of data traffic with balanced sharing of the aggregate processing load. The processors control traffic processing functions (reception, storage and output transfer) on a varied assignment schedule. Supervisory signals exchanged between processors indicate status and destinations of currently stored traffic loads. The scheduling of output traffic to ports is handled by individual processors on an exclusive assignment basis. When a port is available to handle a given traffic segment (packet) destined for that port the respective processor having exclusive output scheduling responsibility for that port signals such availability to the processor having current responsibility over the transfer of said segment.

Abstract: Up to k (e.g. 4) slot interchange memory/switch modules operate under common control to provide varied time interchange connective pairing associations between space divided telephone and data lines and time divided channels of digital trunks. A high scanning rate combined with dot-OR'ed (commoned) busing of addresses and outputs of all interchange modules permits in-service expansion of interchange switching capacity, from the capacity of 1 module to that of k modules, with minimal re-work of existing circuits and common control programs. The interchange slot locations of the aggregate array are thereby linkable in paired randomly ordered time interchange associations, over the entire addressing range of the aggregate. Additional interchange spaces are available in each switch module for interchanging activity bits in association with information traffic. These bits are useful for companding control, echo cancellation, TASI and network routing.

Abstract: A hollow tubular actuator device operates through an enclosure formed by aligned holes in multiple floppy type storage disks. The disks, separated by interposed ventilating spacers, are clamped between inflexible end plates in a closely spaced continually rotating stack assembly. The actuator preferably rotates with the stack and translates axially relative to the disks and spacers. The actuator has a slotted opening for transmitting variable pressure to a selected spacer (address) in the stack and thereby varies the aggregate pressure equilibrium in the stack due to centrifugal air flow. This acts to deflect the orbits of disks peripherally, on either side of the selected address space, forming a gap useful for obtaining external access to otherwise inaccessible storage surfaces adjacent the selected space.

Abstract: A hollow tubular actuator device operates through an enclosure formed by aligned holes in multiple floppy type storage disks. The disks, separated by interposed ventilating spacers, are clamped between inflexible end plates in a closely spaced continually rotating stack assembly. The actuator preferably rotates with the stack and translates axially relative to the disks and spacers. The actuator has a slotted opening for transmitting variable pressure to a selected spacer (address) in the stack and thereby varies the aggregate pressure equilibrium in the stack due to centrifugal air flow. This acts to deflect the orbits of disks peripherally, on either side of the selected address space, forming a gap useful for obtaining external access to otherwise inaccessible storage surfaces adjacent the selected space.

Abstract: Digital exchange stations linked by earth satellite operate in a coordinately controllable time division switching and communication network system relative to externally attached telephone and data trunks. Modular switching equipment operating in coordination with satellite frames establishes and releases connection paths to trunk stores which interface with time and space domain channels of the system. Circuits through the system utilizing these paths are termed virtual connections because in different frames a circuit may be completed through different channels or even blocked under certain conditions. Telephone speech is converted between analog and digital forms relative to modular groups of 96 ports. Digital switching (slot interchange) equipment serving up to four groups (and cycling in coordination with satellite time division frames) cyclically completes local (intra-station) connections between ports and segments of toll (inter-station) connections between ports and locations in the trunk stores.

Abstract: Modular digital exchanges linked by earth satellite provide coordinated time division switching and time compressed communication services relative to externally attached telephone and data (user) trunks. Branch exchange modules (NCU's) perform call switching, buffer storage, time compression and activity selective channel assignment handling between individual external user trunks and multi-bit channels of external time division highways (digital links). The latter are linked pyramidally to time division multiple access nodes of the satellite through Network (Nodal) Access Unit modules (NAU's) which perform further time compression handling and adaptive assignment of satellite channels based upon nodal distribution of demand. The NCU modules also provide "local" switching between user trunks and "tandem" linkage directly between NCU's (without NAU and satellite handling).

Abstract: Digital exchange terminals are linked by earth satellite in a privately coordinatable time division switching and communication network system serving multiple voice telephone and data communication lines. Terminals operate in each satellite time division frame to pass information switchably between variously paired lines and groups of n buffer stores, and between up to m (less than n) stores of each group (addressed in predetermined time order as internal time division channels termed virtual channels) and associated time-ordered groups of up to m external (satellite) channels. The selective switching between internal and external channels is termed activity compression handling. The external channels are adaptively appropriated to the terminals by demand assignment. Demand information exchanged between terminals at all network nodes is processed through a predetermined and pretimed reassignment computation process executed at all terminals.

Abstract: Modular digital exchange terminals linked in a network by earth satellite provide coordinated multiplex switching and activity compression between line circuits and satellite time division channels. The line circuits carry digital data and digitalized voice telephone information into and out of the network. Nodal access modules (NAU's) interface to the satellite radio equipment. Branch exchange modules (NCU's) link line circuits switchably to a nodal access module through time division channels of subsidiary digital communication links. In transit up-link (to satellite time division channels) information is switched between lines and NCU buffer stores (virtual channels), selectively assigned by activity compression to time channels on associated digital links (each link accommodating only a fraction of the virtual traffic capacity of the associated stores), and transmitted to the NAU.

Abstract: Digital exchange terminals are linked by earth satellite and terrestrial point-to-point time division trunks in a privately coordinatable time division switching and communication network serving to connectively link multiple ports attachable to separate voice telephone and data communication "subscriber" trunk lines. The terminals operate relative to the satellite in a time division multiple access (TDMA) system with a portion of the system capacity (traffic burst channels) variably allocated to the terminals by demand assignment. The demand assignment is autonomously controlled by the terminals through supervisory communications carried over dedicated satellite channels (Order Wires) also utilized for synchronization. Internally the terminals employ modular multiplex switching between ports and "virtual" channels (buffer stores) and voice activity compression (mapping of groups of up to n virtual channels into groups of up to m, m less than n, actual time division channels on the time division trunks).

Abstract: A connection system for varied distance digital communication capable of handling telephone signals utilizes Voice Activity Compression (VAC) to effectively share a given number of digital transmission channels among a greater number of virtual telephone connections. The telephone signals are delta-modulated and demodulated in system connection stations. The VAC processing circuits with a small increment of decision logic provide echo suppression. Echo suppression is thereby rendered as a "value-added" service at a relatively small increment of station cost over the cost of VAC processing. Echo interference with original telephone signal activity in the send channels is reduced by digital control of gain in the demodulation stage. The system also provides connections without VAC handling subject to echo control.

Abstract: In a digital data transmission system, a unique character marks the beginning of a data message. The speed at which that character is transmitted is sensed and the receiver speed set accordingly through the provision of a counter to count successive one-state bits in a constant speed dibit carrier for the unique character. A decoder responds to particular dibit counts to set speed latches corresponding to the speed at which the character was transmitted.

Abstract: In a random access storage device a head transported relative to a rotating assembly of flexible disks and a pair of co-rotating end plates operates in clearance spaces formed by sliding the disks apart at a selected interface. One of the end plates is attached to a low friction spline which is quickly shiftable between predetermined axial limit positions. In the most confining position of this plate a single selected interface space between the disks is partially opened by deflection of the disks. The partial opening is sufficient to establish a pressure difference relative to the other interfaces but not enough for unobstructed entrance of the head. Shortly after formation of the partial opening the shiftable plate is actuated away from the disks in a quick movement.

Abstract: A method and a TDM multiplexer by which circuit-switched synchronous data and packet-switched asynchronous data are optimally combined for transmission over a common channel. Time slots of variable width are assigned to circuit-switched traffic, while the remaining capacity of the TDM frame is used for transmission of store-and-forward traffic which is inserted in the gaps between assigned time slots in the form of an intermittent bit stream.

Abstract: A universal array logic module featuring autonomous operation includes interconnected array structured logic and a small writable storage array. The module is subject to large scale integrated packaging as a standardly dimensioned unit (e.g. chip). The internal connections form discrete first and second internal circulation loops in one of which the storage array connects as a serial constituent randomly addressable by signals carried in the other loop. The storage array typically holds eight 32-bit words. The logic arrays may be read-only structures organized to perform arithmetic and translational logic manipulations under autonomous (internal) control. The module assembly includes integral input/output gating for transferring signals between an external bus and the internal loops. The logic array structure permits both external and internal control of cyclic operation. The operation repertoire includes interrupts, resets, and sequence branches.

Abstract: A digital communication system employs delta-modulation coders and decoders for voice signal conversion. Signal inequalities at remote ends of a coder-decoder connection, due to unscheduled momentary interruptions of the transmission channel, are adjusted by insertion of a special pseudo-random "noise" signal at the remote demodulator. Voice Activity Compression (VAC) processing circuits, operating upon integrated digital signals which represent the analog (voice) input to the delta-modulation coder, are utilized to develop line activity indications. These indications are processed to produce VAC "channel use" information which is sent over a separate channel for remote demultiplexing control. The same activity indications are used to control remote demodulation handling and line level restoration. The remote control circuits insert the special pseudo-random signal at the remote demodulator during interruptions of the voice transmission (indicated as inactivity).

Abstract: A flexible disk magnetic recording device wherein a large number of disks are separated by mechanical splitting means to form a space between any two selected disks for the insertion of a read/write transducing head. A restraint device is placed in bearing contact with the outer surface of the deflected portion of the disk stack at the periphery to create a bending moment in the deflected disks to buckle the disks. The restraint is placed at approximately 90 degrees subsequent to the splitting means in the direction of disk rotation, subtends an arc at the disk periphery of approximately 10.degree.-40.degree. and extends inwardly from the periphery one-half to two-thirds the radius.

Abstract: A priority control circuit for establishing connections between a data handling system element and a number of subsystems wherein request signals from subsystems are scanned and granted service in a sequence which is determined by their position in a priority ranking order. The scanner returns to the beginning of the order immediately after a request has been granted, the subsystem just serviced being bypassed in the next scan until all of the remaining request signals have been processed. Each time a request signal is encountered and service granted, the scanner returns to the beginning of the order, a new scan is begun and all prior requests serviced are bypassed. In the absence of any other requests or after all of the request signals have been serviced the bypassed subsystems are unlocked and a scan of all requests is begun.

Abstract: Multiple (e.g. 500) ultra-thin flexible storage disks are stacked in a closely spaced configuration between circular end plates and arranged for rotation together with the plates about a common axis. Recording surfaces of the rotating disks are deflected to successively expand (open) and contract (close) a selected interface and thereby provide recording access at the expanded interface. Separation of the selected interfacing surfaces for access is facilitated by maintaining a predetermined air pressure between the contracted disks which conditions the rotation of the disks to bistability in the contracted position. Thus only a small initiating force is required to expand any selected interface with the disks initially contracted. This reduces disk wear. Expansion of a selected interface is accelerated (for shortening access time) by applying vacuum to the disks in synchronism with the initiating force.