Abstract: A restraint device including a catch defining a space for receiving a wire and a movable member mounted for movement between a first position, in which the member is spaced from the catch, such that a wire is able to be inserted sideways into the space, and a second position, in which the movable member prevents the wire from being inserted sideways into the space. A biasing device resiliently urges the movable member toward the second position, such that the movable member clamps the wire against the catch. The restraint device is mounted on the casing of a computer or the like, or on a mounting member securable in or across an opening in the casing. One or more of the restraint devices can be mounted on a mounting member.

Abstract: An antenna for wireless communication is integrated into an external member, for example, a molded bumper, on handheld or other portable electronic equipment. The external member is attached to an external surface of electronic equipment, providing shock isolation and protection for the equipment and the antenna. A method of mounting an antenna on portable electronic equipment for enabling wireless communication by the portable electronic equipment comprises mounting on the portable electronic equipment an energy-dissipating structure made of a resilient material, and positioning the antenna in the energy-dissipating structure.

Abstract: A perforated web transporting and separating system in which two longitudinally spaced drive mechanisms move the web, an upstream drive and a downstream drive. A platen supports and guides the web; the platen has two sections, and one section can be slightly rotated in the plane of the web with respect to the other section. In separating the web along a row of perforations, the web is driven to a point where the row of perforations is between the platen sections. The upstream drive is stopped while the downstream drive continues to attempt to drive the web, creating a tension in the web across the row of perforations. With the web in tension, one section of the guide platen is articulated relative to the other, tearing the web along the tensioned row of perforations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emulator system which allows a disk drive to transparently emulate a tape drive. The system converts sequential format tape records into block format disk records and visa-versa. Identification and conversion information for each of the data records are stored in directory located on the outermost sectors of the disk. Within each directory are a plurality of entries each containing four fields: TAPE RECORD NUMBER (TRN); DISK START ADDRESS (DSA); WORD COUNT (WC); and FLAG. These fields contain all of the necessary information required to map a tape formatted data record to a disk and thereafter retrieve the data record from the disk and convert it back to tape format.

Abstract: A cursor control assembly in which an electrically conducting movable control element (e.g., a ball or roller) is electrically coupled to an electrically conducting housing so that the combination of the movable control element and the housing provides a conductive enclosure for the cursor control assembly electronic components and transducers.

Abstract: A pressure pad for urging a document against a magnetic recording head has an elastameric belt with a low friction, wear resistant coating which urges the document against the head.

Abstract: A thermal document printer uses a row of rolling-ball ink dispensers to produce a color stripe on the thermally sensitive surface of the document.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printing mechanism having an arrangement for removing or obliterating the image left on the ribbon after printing is provided. The arrangement includes a heated roller which contacts the ribbon. Heat applied to the ribbon causes the ink remaining along the underside thereof to liquify and spread so as to cover or disguise the image left on the ribbon.

Abstract: A thermal printer having a mechanism for alleviating the pressure between the print head and the resilient roller when the printer is not operational is provided. The printer includes a cam member for camming the print head and resilient roller apart during non-printing in order to prevent a permanent or semi-permanent flat from being formed on the roller because of pressure exerted thereon by the print head.

Abstract: An environmental conditioning and safety system for use with disk-type mass memories includes a barometric sensor, a replaceable desiccant cartridge, a finned heat sink cover plate, a breather filter, check valving and a flow restrictor. The system is especially suited for use in harsh environments, such as may be encountered in oil and gas exploration and in military use.