Abstract: A system for generating a document in response to a request for information has the capability of receiving scanned documents that have a series of questions. The present invention has databases of questions and associated answers. A respondent prepares the subject questions for a searching procedure by editing and assigning each question with a number and labels the same with given input parameters. The system searches the question database for a question which exactly matches the subject question or is a like match in that it is similar in text or input parameter value. The system compares each received question with stored questions and return similarly worded questions in accordance with a predetermined match threshold. The respondent may then select an answer associated with the subject question for inclusion in the response document. The present system is also characterized by a maintenance apparatus that allows for systematic upkeep of question and answer databases.

Abstract: A conveyor is mounted on the upper surface of an elongated frame. At one end of the conveyor is provided a retriever assembly for retrieving a stack of material as from the exit bin or tray of a printer or copier. The retriever has elongated fingers sandwiched between runs of the conveyor. These fingers are moved horizontally and vertically so as to move out from the conveyor, pick up a stack of material, bring it back and deposit it on the conveyor. Independent motor operated mechanism effects this vertical and horizontal movement of the fingers. The conveyor is of sufficient length to store several stacks of material and operation of the conveyor and the retriever is controlled to retrieve and store the stacked material.

Abstract: A three level network microprocessor based nodal architecture for a fiber optic local area network communication system is disclosed in which the processing responsibility for establishing a voice, video or data communication link between an initiating I/O device and a recipient I/O device and for subsequent two way data exchange between the initiating and recipient devices are shared between three levels of digital processing capability in such manner as to demand the least amount of time from the highest, most intelligent processing level common to all devices thereby making more efficient use of its processing capability as an overall supervisory processor. Each I/O device whether it be a digital terminal, computer or telephone set interfaces with a nodal system through a middle level of processor.