Abstract: An adapter is provided for use with acoustic coupler interface devices. The adapter allows a non-standard handset mouthpiece to be used with a mouthpiece muff configured for a standard configuration mouthpiece without extensive modification to either the non-standard handset or the mouthpiece muff.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable data entry terminal positioned within a cordless, wand-type enclosure. Positioned within the enclosure is a bar code optical sensor/emitter, signal conditioning electronics, a microprocessor, a memory, and a rechargable battery. The bar code optical reader functions as both a sensor and an emitter to permit the readout of data stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a high density linear bar code of the type of the Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol and derivatives thereof. The method comprehends unambiguously decoding the encoded characters of the symbol by the use of primary ratios representative of the ratios of the sum of the widths of selected coding modules and secondary decoding ratios. The secondary ratios are selected in the event of any out-of-tolerance printing of the symbol for permitting the secondary ratios to be utilized with the primary ratios for resolving any possible ambiguities. The method and apparatus is applicable to scanning the UPC symbol by means of a hand-held wand as well as laser beam scanning. The apparatus contemplates the measuring of the widths of the coding modules and storing the width measurements in a memory without decoding.

Abstract: An electronic terminal for electronically collecting opinion data from customers of a service organization as to the satisfaction with the services rendered. The electronic terminal has a keyboard that displays the inquiries with multiple choice responses for each inquiry. A response is associated with each key whereby the operation of the key records the associated response. The response representative of each operated key are collected under the electronic control of a microprocessor controller and visually displaying to the customer each of his selections. A tally of each answer is permanently recorded in the terminal. The electronic control for the terminal includes stored parameters for programming certain operations. The terminal includes a porable data collection terminal for receiving the collected data and permitting it to be transmitted to a remote point by conventional telephone lines to a host processor.

Abstract: An audio data transmission device for transmitting binary coded audio tones over a telephone system. The audio data transmission device is adapted to be utilized with a hand-held, data collection terminal provided with a speaker emitting binary coded audio tones. The transmission device consists of a muff for receiving the microphone portion of a conventional telephone handpiece and a solid transmission element. The transmission element is adapted to be mechanically connected to the housing for the terminal for channeling the data tones to the telephone handset without dampening. The transmission element is defined to be mechanically tuned to the characteristics of the telephone microphone to minimize the generation of second harmonics of the desired audio tones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading bar coded data for entry into portable data collection systems. The data is read by an optical wand wherein the light source is automatically and periodically energized for saving the energy of the system. The D.C. offset voltages are determined and stored in an up/down counter during reading or sampling intervals while the analog signal processing circuits are periodically de-energized. The light source is also calibrated to maximize the power savings and minimize reading errors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting sensitive electronic components housed within a portable electronic component against damage due to the discharge of accumulated static charges. The electrical connector components are electrically isolated and housed within an insulative receptacle having very low conducting properties within the portable electronic component. The coacting electrical connector components are housed in a similar insulative conductive housing. The insulative housings are dimensioned to require physical contact between the two for a preselected time interval effective to discharge any static charge.

Abstract: A bar code reader and decoder for reading and decoding linear bar coded information through the use of a logarithmic time base generator. The ratio of the widths of the coding segments are computed for decoding the bar coded data by utilizing a logarithmic time base generator for providing a logarithmic measure of the widths of preselected coding segments and accumulating the logarithmic timing signals in up/down counters to provide a logarithmic representation of the ratios of the widths of the segments. The resultant count of an up/down counter is applied to a translation table to provide a signal representative of equality in widths between compared coding segments or the relative widths in terms of greater than or less than in the direction of scanning.

Abstract: A bar code reader and decoder for reading and decoding linear bar coded information through the use of a logarithmic time base generator. The ratio of the widths of the coding segments are computed for decoding the bar coded data by utilizing a logarithmic time base generator for providing a logarithmic measure of the widths of preselected coding segments and accumulating the logarithmic timing signals in up/down counters to provide a logarithmic representation of the ratios of the widths of the segments. The resultant count of an up/down counter is applied to a translation table to provide a signal representative of equality in widths between compared coding segments or the relative widths in terms of greater than or less than in the direction of scanning.

Abstract: A tape transport assembly for a cassette tape cartridge adapted for releasably mounting the cartridge for a transducing operation. A pivotal headplate is mounted on the base member adjacent to a capstan and carries a pinch roller and a transducer to allow the pinch roller to engage the capstan with the tape for advancing the tape from reel to reel when the plate is swung towards the capstan to effect a transducing operation. A radius arm is pivoted to the transport assembly and pivotally carries the head plate. The radius arm may be automatically controlled for moving it into engagement with a resilient mounting means for the head plate to pivot the radius arm and thereby the head plate to allow a tape rewind operation.