Abstract: An automatic alternator for a priority circuit comprises one or more flip-flop circuits connected to the channels of the priority circuit by a plurality of AND gate means which are responsive to outputs of the flip-flop circuits and of the priority circuit channels to alternate the servicing of successive simultaneous signals at two or more requesting ports. The flip-flop circuit input is connected to the requesting ports through an AND gate and changes its operating state in response to the presence of two simultaneous signals at the requesting ports and to a cyclically occurring clock input to the flip-flop circuit. When the operating state of the flip-flop circuit is changed to the alternating mode, the signal at the requesting port served by the priority circuit channel during the preceding cycle is blocked from that channel and another request signal appearing simultaneously at the remaining port or ports is applied to the other channel or channels.

Abstract: Data storage and processing apparatus for storing and processing data for use by a video display monitor. The data storage and processing apparatus includes a random access memory having a general storage section arranged to store data including display character data to be displayed in horizontal display lines on the display surface of a video display monitor and control data for use in conserving storage space in the random access memory. The memory conservation control data contained in the general storage section of the random access memory includes coded spacer characters each of which specifies a spacing operation and a particular number of times that spaces are to be provided consecutively in a line of display data. Each coded spacer character is received and decoded by decoding circuitry coupled to an output of the random access memory.

Abstract: Data storage and processing apparatus for storing and processing data for use by a video display monitor. The data storage and processing apparatus includes a random access memory having a general storage section arranged to store data including display character data to be displayed in horizontal display lines on the display surface of a video display monitor and control data for use in conserving storage space in the random access memory. The memory conservation control data contained in the general storage section of the random access memory includes coded three-character repeat sequences. Each coded repeat sequence specifies a repeat operation and a particular number of times that a display data character is to be repeated in a display line.

Abstract: A swivel base assembly for supporting a device such as a video display terminal (including a video monitor and a keyboard) and including means for rotating the device through a large angle, for example, 270.degree.. The swivel base assembly includes a tray on which the device is positioned and a circular base member having a space for containing a circularly- wound data-carrying cable, such as a coaxial cable, for use by the device on the tray. The base member also includes a pair of upstanding spaced stop members formed therein and arranged to cooperate with a depressed stop member formed in the tray to establish the aforementioned 270.degree. range of angular rotation.