Abstract: A "mark read" document is prepared with a pattern of boxes within which marks may selectively be entered, together with printed characters for instructions or other informational purposes. The characters and boxes both are formed on the sheet with printing material having an optical spectrum capable of detection by the optical sensing device to be used for scanning the document. A template sheet then is prepared to present only the pattern of boxes as they appear on the original sheet, without any characters. This template sheet is passed through a computer-controlled optical scanner which examines the pattern of boxes and stores in the computer memory numbers representing coordinates identifying the location of each box.

Abstract: A telephone system wherein any one of a large number of telephones is connectible to a local directory-assistance request processor. The name of a subscriber whose telephone number is sought is entered through a connected telephone by spelling out the subscriber's name with the standard telephone push-buttons, using the grouped alphabetic designators on those buttons. The resulting decimal signals are stored in the request processor, and also are forwarded by a digital transmission system to the appropriate one of a number of directory processors each having a subscriber data base in alphanumeric code. A look-up is carried out to locate the alphanumeric code data identifying the subscriber's name corresponding to the originally-entered decimal request signals, and the located alphanumeric information including name and telephone number is sent back through the digital transmission system to the request processor.

Abstract: A telephone system wherein any one of a large number of telephones is connectible to a local directory assistance request processor. The name of a subscriber whose telephone number is sought is entered through a connected telephone by spelling out the subscriber's name with the standard telephone push-buttons, using the grouped alphabetic designators on those buttons. The resulting decimal signals are stored in the request processor, and also are forwarded by a digital transmission system to the appropriate one of a number of directory processors each having a subscriber data base in alphanumeric code. A look-up is carried out to locate the alphanumeric code data identifying the subscriber's name corresponding to the originally-entered decimal request signals, and the located alphanumeric information including name and telephone number is sent back through the digital transmission system to the request processor.

Abstract: Apparatus for scanning answer sheets with a series of closely-spaced parallel scan lines to produce scan signals for spots closely-spaced along each scan line, thereby producing a rectilinear data array of binary (black/white) representations at the intersections of a rectangular coordinate grid. Marks on the answer sheet are detected and processed to develop and print-out a score for the examinee by means of a dot-matrix printer. Scan spot signals representing the examinee's name written in prior to the test are used to directly control the dot-matrix printer to reproduce the examinee's name. The scan spot signals representing the name are stored with and physically accompany the test results, so that at any time the score data can be printed out together with the examinee's name.

Abstract: There are disclosed method and apparatus for the production of electrical power from high altitude winds. A kitecraft (12) secured to a ground tether (14) supports a cylindrical drum (10) rotatable about a horizontal shaft (60). The drum comprises a plurality of wheels (24) interconnected by airfoils (26) positioned about the cylindrical surface of the drum. Wind action on the airfoils rotates the drum about the horizontal shaft and turns generators (50) to provide electrical power. The kitecraft (12) and drum (10) assembly is constructed to the maximum practical extent from tension members to reduce weight.

Abstract: A wind-operated power-generating module for operation at high altitudes such as 1000 meters comprising a frame structure mounting a pair of vertically-separated parallel shafts around which pass endless belts supporting a series of parallel, elongate wing-like elements for movement around a closed path including the parallel shafts. Wind flow drives these elements around the closed path, to enable electrical power to be generated, and also provides lift to hold the module up at the appropriate high altitude. A number of such modules are tethered in fixed positions in the sky, and are controllable as is appropriate to accommodate changing wind conditions.

Abstract: A central time-shared data processing system organized for character analysis and coupled to a number of remote document scanning stations each including a drum document feed, the drum being rotatable in small incremental steps, and means operable between steps for scanning the document along a path parallel to a line of characters on the document to produce data identifying graphic figures for analysis by the central processing system.

Abstract: A remote optical character recognition system including a central processor time-shared among a number of remote scanner units each adapted to receive a document bearing information characters to be scanned so as to produce corresponding signals which are transmitted to the central processor for analysis, whereby signals are developed identifying each of the information characters on the document. The document is additionally provided with control characters presented with a distinctive characteristic to enable the central processor to distinguish the control characters from the information characters. The central processor identifies the control characters and produces corresponding control effects related to procedures for scanning the document and processing the scan data. Certain of the control characters provide basic information concerning the particular customer whose document is being scanned, as well as initial instructions such as specifying portions of the document to be scanned.

Abstract: An optical character recognition system including a laser scanner unit adapted to scan a document having preprinted markings to indicate where the characters are to be placed. Variations in light intensity reflected from the document and characters produce scan signals which are processed to determine the characters. The color of the markings on the document is related to the laser frequency such that the light reflected from the markings has the same intensity as the light reflected from the document background, so that the presence of the markings does not interfere with the reading of the characters.