Abstract: A device for connecting a toothed timing belt to a printhead carriage includes an arcuate member and a pair of posts extending downwardly from the carriage. The arcuate member includes a generally concave surface and a generally convex surface which is complementary to the toothed configuration of the timing belt. The posts are provided with angled surfaces located adjacent to the convex surface of the arcuate member to define passageways into which the belt is placed. Ledges at the lower ends of the posts prevent unintended slippage of the belt from the device when the belt is not under tension.

Abstract: An improved cable connector locking arrangement suitable for D-shell connectors eliminates the standoffs and threaded knobs in standard design and replaces them with tabbed, resilient flanges which snap in place for quick mating and locking of the D-shell connectors. Release bars in the preferred embodiment displace the flanges and hence tabs away from their mating surface for unlocking and disconnection of the connectors.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for converting trinary level input signals on a first line into binary level signals on two or more output lines using contemporary CMOS field effect transistor integrated circuits. According to one embodiment, conversion is accomplished using two CMOS inverters each asymmetrically configured to exhibit transconductances which differ by a factor in excess of 5. In another form, the circuit provides hysteresis through positive feedback to limit binary output state perturbations attributable to trinary signal level input noise. The invention also encompasses the use of decode logic and logically combined delay elements to eliminate "glitches" and facilitate selective enablement of the decoded states representing the intermediate of the trinary input levels.

Abstract: A portable bar code scanner includes a base member and a overhanging scanning housing secured to the base member. A laser power supply mounted in the housing outputs a laser beam along a first light path directed to a compact optical system in the housing which reflects the laser beam along a second light path which intersects the first light path at approximately ninety degress to scan a coded label positioned below the scaning housing. A collection lens mounted in the housing collects and directs the reflected light from the coded label to a detector which generates electrical signals for transmission over a cable to a processor.

Abstract: A stamp mechanism for printing a message on a receipt or like record media issued from a business machine. The stamp mechanism includes a stud with a spring-loaded washer thereon. The stud extends through an opening in a stamp holder and supports a spherically-shaped skirt that mates with a recess in the stamp holder. The washer includes downwardly extending tongues that engage with slots in the stamp holder and which arrangement maintains the stamp in a parallel position relative to the platen.

Abstract: A control circuit and method for regulating the current flow through a series connected inductor and transistor. The circuit comprises an operational amplifier for receiving a first voltage proportional to the current flow, for receiving a variable second voltage, and for providing a control current to the transistor which keeps the transistor out of its saturation region.

Abstract: A passbook printer has a print head movable along a printing station and in opposed relation to a platen for printing data on the passbook. The printer has an optical reading head assembly which is movable independent of the print head and in a direction of the path of the passbook past the printing station. The optical reading head assembly is positioned at the printing station for reading page and line information from the passbook and then is moved to a position adjacent the printing station for permitting the print head to freely move along the printing station.

Abstract: A merchandise checkout work station is of generally L-shaped configuration as viewed from above, and includes a merchandise holding area, a work area for a scanner and a keyboard, a bagging area, an elevated writing surface, a purchase set-aside area and a support area for holding a printer and a card embosser, all arranged to be conveniently accessible to a checkout operator. Security panels are provided to define a working area for the operator.

Abstract: A transient immune bistable input buffer circuit. The circuit comprises a filter connected between an input and a reference voltage terminal to the circuit for reducing the sensitivity of the circuit to a voltage transient on the terminal.

Abstract: A cryogenically cooled integrated circuit apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cryogenic vessel with an integrated circuit package positioned in an opening at one end. One face of the integrated circuit is in direct contact with cryogenic fluid and a second face has a standard pin array which is connectable to a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A wireless local area network (10) includes a plurality of stations (12) adapted to transmit and receive message packets via a distribution system (30). In a time division multiplexing embodiment the network (10) operates using successive timing frames (FR1, FR2, etc.) each consisting of three timing intervals (T1, T2, T3). During the first timing interval (T1) the distribution system (30) normally transmits synchronizing packets (HBT), to which a station (12) desiring to transmit responds by transmitting an information packet during the next second timing interval (T2). During the subsequent first timing interval (T1), the distribution system (30) retransmits the received information packet.

Abstract: A converter circuit for converting signals from a non-CMOS circuit into signals for a CMOS circuit. A level shifter stage in the circuit has a first MOS transistor for receiving at its gate the non-CMOS signals which always enable the first transistor and a second MOS transistor for receiving at its gate a constant voltage for enabling the second transistor. Since these transistors do not switch between non-enabling and enabling conditions in order to change the logic levels at the output of the converter circuit, the circuit operates quickly. In one embodiment the converter circuit converts ECL signals into CMOS signals, and in a second embodiment the converter circuit converts TTL signals into CMOS signals.

Abstract: A quick release weigh plate for a weighing device includes a support member to which is secured a pair of cantilever load beam cells for generating electrical signals representing the weight of an object placed on the load beam cells. The load beam cells each include a support portion which extends through an aperture in the support member on which is removably mounted a cover for supporting the object to be weighed. One of the support portions has a truncated slotted end on which is removably mounted a U-shaped saddle member secured to the cover preventing any unnecessary movement of the cover when mounted on the load beam cells while allowing the cover to be easily removed when necessary. The other support portion has its end removably positioned within an aperture in the cover.

Abstract: In a high speed digital computer data transfer system, data bus voltage swings between logic high and logic low levels are reduced by defining minimum and maximum bus voltages which lie between said logic levels, thus lowering bus transition and hence data transfer times. The output voltages are converted to the proper logic levels with the aid of a differential (sense) amplifier. The preferred embodiment is implemented using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fan folding a continuous web of paper having transverse fan fold lines in fan folds having a preselected fan fold length when the continuous paper is moved along a feed line from an upstream area to a folding area. A controller energizes a drive motor to oscillate a discharge chute through a predetermined arc and at a predetermined rate to permit the continuous web of paper to be fan folded as the paper is moved through the discharge chute at the folding area.

Abstract: A low current output driver for a gate array. The driver has first and second reference voltage sources, a first transistor of a first conductivity type, and a plurality of second transistors of a second conductivity type. The first transistor is connected between the first reference voltage source and the output. The second transistors are series connected between the first and second reference voltage sources. The control electrode of the first transistor is connected to a common point between two of the second transistors. At least one of the second transistors is diode connected to provide an intermediate voltage to the control electrode of the first transistor, thereby reducing the output current flow.

Abstract: A synchronized timing controller has an access controller for controlling a central processing unit and a display controller of a display device to alternately access a refresh memory in a character display system. The timing controller has a clock synchronizer for recovering synchronization of both the clock for the central processing unit and the clock for the display controller automatically when a synchronizing error occurs between the clocks. When an error occurs, the clock synchronizer detects the error and inhibits the display controller from accessing the refresh memory but allows the central processing unit to access the memory by controlling the access controller during the time for recovering synchronization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for lowering integrated circuit (IC) chip ambient temperatures allow a slow IC chip to simulate a faster, functionally equivalent one for design testing purposes when the faster chip is not yet available. The cooling devices employed include a cryogenic chip cooling apparatus, and a novel thermo-electric chip cooling apparatus using a directly water-cooled Peltier effect device attached to the surface of the IC chip.

Abstract: A method for locating the start of a MICR character in E13B font so as to facilitate character recognition. A Calculated Character Start Position (CCSP) is generated by using a predetermined number of voltage samples corresponding to a portion of MICR waveform generated by reading a MICR character on a document. The CCSP is generated by averaging the predetermined number of voltage samples within the window which tends to minimize the harmful effects of noise. Noise from magnetic ink spatter is sometimes wrongly interpreted as the start of a character. A process of "jiggling" is used to assist character recognition techniques by utilizing different character start positions to determine whether or not a template match in character recognition techniques occurs when the new or different character start position is used.