Abstract: A system for preparing an item for mailing includes an information storage device for storing information as a plurality of information elements. A printing device is operatively connected to the information storage device for printing selected ones of the information elements, including address information relating to a preselected addressee and billing information relating to a particular account. The system further includes a postage metering device which receives the item after the printing device prints the selected information elements and applies an indicium of a postage amount on the item to be mailed according to at least one parameter associated with that item. The postage metering device includes a data input device for receiving data and a recording device for recording reporting information including the billing information and the postage amount for the item prepared for mailing.

Abstract: Each terminal in a full-duplex communication system comprises a computer-controlled display screen such as a CRT, at least one input device such as a keyboard, a mouse or a light pen and bidirectional communication system through which the terminals are interconnected. Each communication comprises a receiver for receiving display information received at the terminal from the remote terminal(s) and a transmitter for transmitting information to the remote terminal(s) where it is displayed. The invention enables multiple terminal users to simultaneously generate or modify a single common document in such a way that any changes to the document made by one user are instantaneously reflected at the terminals of all other users. To implement the present invention, each terminal comprises control processor which periodically reads its input means and communications system and uses the information contained therein to control the content of a local copy of the common document stored in its memory.

Abstract: A gun silencer (10) comprises an outer tube (16) having disk-shaped baffles (18) separated by intermediate spacers (20, 23, 25, 27) therein having bores through which discharge from a muzzle (14) of a gun barrel (12) travels. The baffles include rear beveled diversion passage pairs (48a and b) adjacent to and leading from front ports (56) into baffle bores (46) and front beveled diversion passage pairs (50a and b) leading from the baffle bores to rear ports (58) in intermediate spacers leading to outer chambers (even numbers 76-88) formed between the intermediate spacers, the baffles, and the outer tube. A bore (28) of the tube is threaded along its entire length. Front and rear faces 40 and 42 of baffles are knurled.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for receiving and processing an optical signal representative of electronic information. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a light-emitting diode which is reverse biased to receive the optical signal and convert the optical signal to an electronic signal. Means are provided for determining time periods during which the electronic signal produced by the light-emitting diode is below a predetermined threshold. Means are provided for generating a dark current error signal indicative of a sampled output of the light-emitting diode during said time periods. Means are also provided for holding the error signal during other time periods when the electronic signal produced by the light-emitting diode is not below the predetermined threshold. Finally, means are provided for modifying the electronic signal produced by the light-emitting diode as a function of the held error signal to obtain an output electronic signal.

Abstract: Each terminal in a full-duplex communication system comprises a computer-controlled display screen such as a CRT, at least one input means such as a keyboard, a mouse or a light pen and bidirectional communication means through which the terminals are interconnected. Each communication means comprises a receiver for receiving display information received at the terminal from the remote terminal(s) and a transmitter for transmitting information to the remote terminal(s) where it is displayed. In accordance with the invention, each terminal also comprises control means which periodically read sits input means and communications means and uses the information contained therein to control the content of its display. Further, the control means at each terminal also provides to its transmitter instructions which are transmitted to the remote terminal to change the display at the remote terminal so that all the displays are the same.

Abstract: A mobile vertical supporting apparatus for a child having an elongated support frame, an elongated front support leg and an elongated rear support leg is shown. The elongated support frame, front support leg and rear support leg are operatively coupled together and support an axle having two opposed wheel support ends operatively attached thereto. A foot support is operatively attached to and extends between the elongated support frame and a lower portion of the elongated rear support leg and is used to support the feet of the user. A body support section, having a central section and side support sections, is operatively attached to the elongated support frame to provide support to the upper body portion of a vertically positioned user.