Abstract: A manually supported reader for a bar code which comprises a plurality of parallel bars of varying widths employs an optical detector which generates an electrical output signal which is a function of the code as the detector is moved. The detector comprises a light source and a light sensor, optically arranged to reflect light off of that part of the bar code with which it is in contact, thereby varying the output signal of the detector each time a boundary of one of the bars within the code is traversed. A decoding network receives the output signal from the detector and determines the time required to traverse each successive bar. A signal associated with the traversal of each bar is compared with an internally generated criterian. As a result of the comparison, the bar associated therewith is classified as to its width. Based on that classification, the criterian is recalculated for comparison with the signal associated with the next bar scanned.

Abstract: A CRT display system is connected to a central processing unit over a bus and includes a random access memory which is filled and modified under the control of the computer and contains a sequence of codes defining characters to be displayed on the screen in successive locations. An oscillator controlled divider chain increments an address counter and also provides vertical and horizontal synchronization and retrace signals. A character generator which receives a character code from a RAM location designated by the counter as well as timing signals from the divider chain controls intensity modulation of the CRT display. Multiplexers interposed at various points in the divider chain receive the output of several stages of the preceding divider and operate under control from the CPU to determine which output is provided to the next element in the chain, thereby controlling the character size and spacing on the screen.

Abstract: To evaluate the quality of a torquing operation wherein a tool engages a workpiece and exerts a rotational driving force on the workpiece until a predetermined maximum torque is attained between the workpiece and the tool, the time during that torquing operation in which the torque actually being exerted by a tool on the workpiece exceeds the maximum torque previously exerted by the tool on the workpiece during the torquing operation is recorded. This value is then compared with previously established minimum and maximum values at such time as to detect an improper torquing action. The apparatus for recording this time includes a sensor connected to the tool which generates the signal proportional to instantaneous torque being exerted. A peak detector follows this signal as it increases and stores a value equal to the maximum torque previously exerted by the tool on a workpiece during the torquing operation.