Abstract: A system for generating and processing pulses representing information, from two pseudoperiodic analog signals along two interconnected channels. Each pseudoperiodic signal is generated by a separate magnetoresistor and is converted in an associated channel into two series of pulses. Conversion is effected by means of threshold switching circuits which control the operation of a bistable flip-flop via a combining circuit. The output of the bistable flip-flop in each channel is cross-connected to one input of a combining circuit in the other channel, the other input of which is a low threshold signal corresponding to the pseudoperiodic signal fed to that channel. The gate produces the logic product of its inputs which drives a flip-flop. The output of the flip-flop is terminated by a reset pulse derived from a zero reset stage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading data defined by a plurality of magnetic elements which emit respective predetermined external magnetic fields consists in subjecting an anisotropic magnetoresistive device carrying a substantially constant electrical current to the effect of the external magnetic fields, polarizing in said magnetoresistive device by a magnetic polarizing field in such a way that the direction of magnetization and the axis of easy magnetization of the magnetoresistive material of the said device form a given angle between them, defining the maximum desired value of the said external magnetic fields to which the said magnetoresistive device will be subjected, and making the value of the said angle correspond substantially to the modulus of the sum of the said maximum desired value of external magnetic field and the magnitude of the demagnetizing magnetic field which is set up by the said magnetoresistive medium in response to the said external magnetic field having the said maximum desired val

Abstract: A system for reading coded characters, in particular characters coded in the CMC7 code, includes at least one reading head, two threshold switching circuits which receive output signal from the reading head, two recognition channels which receive signals from the two threshold switching circuits, a multiplexer MX which enables either one or other of groups of outputs from the two recognition channles to be selected, and error detecting circuits which control the position of the multiplexer MX to enable certain reading errors to be corrected automatically.

Abstract: An optical character reader for conversion of information to a machine readable code from a strip of aplha-numeric characters on the face of a document. It includes an elongated document slot along which the document may be hand guided through a predetermined path. Optical viewing means is provided across a scan line intersecting the path of the alpha-numeric characters. A character scanning assembly electronically generates images of each character. Recognition processing means encodes these images into a machine readable code. All of the physical, optical and electronic components are contained within a compact single enclosure. Optical viewing is accomplished on a separable frame assembly having a surface area adapted to engage the document. The frame includes at least one light guiding slot and an intersecting view slot or aperture. An upright ventilation duct intersects the light guiding slot.

Abstract: In a line scan camera system employed to extract information from marks or characters on a document, a memory circuit is used to store the average white and black video output from the camera so that a given white-to-black transition can be compared to adaptive white and black references to compensate for variations in document background light intensity and vignetting associated with the lens of the line scan camera system.

Abstract: This specification describes apparatus for reading and decoding data encoded in terms of the spacing between adjacent code bars on a document. The apparatus contains reading means for producing an electrical pulse for each bar recorded on the document as the bar passes the reading element. A counter is used to measure the time between each two pulses and the resultant counts are stored in a memory in the order in which the pulses were produced by the reading means. A microprocessor then compares this stored data with microcoded data representative of properly coded digits. If there is a compare the stored data is shifted out of the memory and into a computer for use. However if there is a no-compare the microprocessor alters the data on the assumption that a particular type of error has occurred and again compares the modified data with the microcoded data. If this results in a compare the modified data is again read out and into the using computer.

Abstract: An electrographic recorder including a unitary writing, developing and driving assembly comprising a precisely machined frame member to which is secured in accurate alignment a writing head positioning block, a developing fountain and a drive motor and roller. The assembly is attached to a support chassis for storing and feeding a supply of record bearing material so that the mounted components are properly positioned when acting on the record bearing material.

Abstract: An electrographic recorder of modular construction within which are a liquid development system and various electrical elements. Electromechanical connections between the electrical components and a housed power supply are made via a power distribution card lying upon the floor of the machine. To prevent electrical faults caused by liquid developer contamination, compartments are formed within the machine housing for isolating all liquid developer storage and usage locations from the electrical components. The compartments are configured to allow cooling air to be drawn into and through the housing, within the electrical component zone.

Abstract: The handset consists of two parts, i.e. the smooth upper part and the lower part containing the receptacles for the electro-acoustic transducers. Considering that the various makes of transducers may vary in both their diameters and electric terminals, the annular transducer receptacle is stepped on its inside. For transducers with soldering or plug terminals contact springs are not needed. For transducers having contact surfaces, contact springs are retrofitable in a simple way.

Abstract: A low insertion force, handfed card reader is disclosed comprising a housing having a profiled passageway therein opening to a frontal side. The passageway is defined by a top wall having an array of contacts mounted therein, and a bottom wall slanted downwardly from a backward end of the passageway toward the frontal opening. A tray is provided within the passageway having a like-slanted bottom surface which is positioned against the bottom wall of the passageway. An encoded card can be freely inserted into the passageway a distance onto the tray, and as the tray is slid backward along the bottom wall, the encoded card is thereby moved upwardly against the contacts. A profiled retention spring system is further provided and pressures the encoded card against the top surface of the passageway to maintain the card reader in its read-mode until subsequently released by the user.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring court games is described in which a counter is actuated by a card bearing a predetermined code. Upon being actuated, the counter is preset to a predetermined period of play for a game in a court with which the monitor is associated. When the predetermined period of play has expired the event monitor signals this condition permitting the other players to actuate the system and commence their use of the court. The card used to actuate the counter preferably bears both an optical and a magnetic code, thereby significantly complicating counterfeiting while also providing additional information bearing areas for controlling various systems associated with the court, and preferably can be used in any of multiple directions to actuate the counter.

Abstract: A personal identifier comprising a portable device for generating a signal identifying the user. This identifier may be reprogrammed periodically by the user for protecting against unauthorized use or for sending special information. In addition the identifier can be energized to radiate a uniquely coded high energy signal to indicate the user needs emergency assistance and also includes a loudspeaker for transmitting the signal to a telephone receiver to allow communicating through the telephone system.

Abstract: In an electret microphone in which an impedance conversion element housing chamber for an impedance conversion element is provided on the side opposite from an electret diaphragm with respect to a back electrode in a capsule, an isolating metal plate is disposed in the impedance conversion element housing chamber in spaced relation to the back electrode to define between the isolating metal plate and the back electrode an air compartment which is pneumatically isolated from the impedance conversion element chamber.

Abstract: A graphic recorder including a viewable well for holding a recording web in a moist condition. The recorder includes a demountable, transparent well cover and a transparent top. Walls are arranged on the sides of the top and they carry a linear electrode and a roller and simultaneously urge the well cover towards the well to seal the compartment and prevent the escape of moisture.

Abstract: A two-piece speaker assembly has a speaker base for permanent attachment to a cabinet and a detachable cone unit that may be removably attached to the base and replaced by a larger or smaller capacity speaker as desired. The separable base and cone units are threaded or provided with a bayonet-type of interlocking arrangement and biased with a spring to maintain a locked connection. Also, an electrical connection between the base and speaker cone is provided by a suitably-sized, contact-type of spring-biased terminals.

Abstract: A drive system for processing passbook data includes a bi-directional stepper motor responsive to programmed input signals, cam sets rotated by the stepper motor for initiating data sensing, document positioning, and data transfer operations, and cam followers actuated by the contour of their associated rotating cam sets for moving their reacting components to perform those operations. Appropriate cam followers cause a pressure plate and sensor to move toward and sense coded data on a document, a gate to open and close to position the document for further processing, and a print platen to advance toward the document, provide a backing during data transfer, and then retract.

Abstract: An integral telephone set and handset has two cooperating housings forming a hollow handset with a rigid support member in the form of a porcelain coated steel plate which carries the pushbutton assembly on one side and the electrical components or devices on the other. The receiver, transmitter and line switch and recall button can also be mounted on the support member.

Abstract: A waiter/table control module adapted for data input to an ECR which identifies the waiter operating the cash register by means of a key like device which cooperates with an electronic device to generate a binary expression representing the waiter to whom the key is assigned and further identifies the tables against which the sale is to be recorded by means of a keyboard matrix having a key for each table and a light within the key.

Abstract: Apparatus, and a related method, for maintaining an incident beam of radiation in alignment with the centerline of a movable, optically-readable information track, wherein the track comprises a succession of light-reflecting and light-scattering regions representative of a frequency modulated carrier and the sides of the track are adapted to scatter incident radiation in predetermined directions. The apparatus includes photodetector means for sensing the amount of radiation scattered by each side of the track and for generating an error signal indicative of the deviation of the incident beam relative to the centerline of the track, along with means responsive to the error signal for controllably moving the incident beam into alignment with the centerline of the track.

Abstract: An adaptive threshold optical reader for detecting optically encoded information when positioned within an optical path, including a light source for producing light energy along the optical path, a light detector responsive to the light energy along the optical path and for producing an ouput signal in accordance with the light energy detected by the light detector, means responsive to the output signal from the light detector and with the means having at least two states and with the means in a first state producing an adaptive threshold signal when there is no optically encoded information positioned within the optical path and with the adaptive threshold signal representative of the output signal from the light detector with a threshold level of optically encoded information and adaptive to optical changes and with the means in a second state for producing an information signal representative of the output signal from the light detector when there is optically encoded information positioned within the opt