Abstract: A system for monitoring and dispensing medical items includes a plurality of hook registers (10). Each of the hook registers includes sensors (48, 60, 62, 64) sensing the removal or addition of a medical item to the storage location on the hook register. Each hook register has a microprocessor (66) connected to the sensor which stores a count of the items added or removed from the location. The microprocessor also includes location identifying information specifically associated with the particular hook register. The microprocessor is periodically polled by a controller (72) which reads and stores the count and location identifying information from each of the hook registers. The controller information is periodically read by a data terminal (76) which is connected through a local area network (82) to a remote computer (84) having a processor and data store.

Abstract: Sheets stacked on the sheet tray are delivered and fed one by one along the sheet conveyance path by the rotation of a sheet-feed roller in cooperation with a frictional member. The sheet conveyance path has a sheet-feed actuator provided thereon for detecting a sheet being conveyed and further has a sheet-pass actuator provided thereon between the sheet-feed actuator and the sheet-feed roller. Two slit arms of the sheet-feed and sheet-pass actuators are arranged so as to interrupt the optical path of a common optical sensor. When the rear of a preceding sheet being conveyed has passed by the sheet-pass actuator, the optical sensor detects the state. In response to this detection, a signal for starting the delivery of the next sheet is launched, thus reducing the interval between sheets.

Abstract: Procedure for separating heavy particles of material from lighter particles, e.g. for separating impurities from powdery or fragmental material, such as fibers or chips, in which procedure the material (2) to be treated is supplied onto a carrier surface (1) pervious to gas and gas impacts (P) are applied to the material through the carrier surface (1), causing the heavier particles to move closer to the carrier surface (1). The carrier surface (1) is mainly moved in one direction of movement to move the heavy particles (R) and the lighter particles (K) are passed, mainly by the agency of the inclination of the carrier surface (1) and/or the gas flow, in a direction substantially differing from the principal direction of movement of the carrier surface (1). The invention also relates to an apparatus implementing the procedure.

Abstract: A system for managing sales of goods for vending machines includes a goods control center, a plurality of vending machines, and terminal computers equipped in the respective vending machines. The goods control center includes a host computer for preparing digital data signals as control instructions, and a frequency moderation sub-carrier broadcasting facility as a transmission facility for outputting the digital data signals. Each vending machine has a receiving facility for receiving the digital data signals from the goods control center, and a responding facility. Each terminal computer receives the digital data signals and selectively extracts the digital data as the control instructions necessary for the vending machine to thereby store the digital data necessary for the vending machine in a memory.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating heavy particles of material from lighter particles, e.g. for separating impurities from powdery or fragmental material, such as fibers or chips. The apparatus includes a carrier surface (1) which is pervious to gas, onto which the material (2) to be treated is supplied, as well as a device for applying gas impacts through the carrier surface (1) to the material (2) to be treated. The apparatus includes special valve elements (4) disposed below the carrier surface (1) to produce gas impacts.

Abstract: A variable cut sheet stacker has an internal stacking volume that is readily adjusted (in length, width and height) for a large variety of form sizes and thicknesses. First and second side members are spaced from each other horizontally and the positions between them can be adjusted, typically uniformly moved with respect to a central support. An inlet and support is provided in an inlet for the stacker, having a ramp, and an outlet end guide is adjustable with respect to the inlet end support. A top conveyor conveys cut sheets past the inlet support toward the outlet end guide in a first direction, and a bottom support is vertically spaced in an adjustable manner from the top conveyor for supporting cut sheets. The open interior volume defined by these elements is substantially a rectangular prism. The top conveyor includes a frame that is pivotable about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the first direction to move between a conveyance position and an adjustment-facilitating position.

Abstract: An octane sensitive blending dispenser for fluids, particularly for fuel dispensers. The dispenser controls component pumps according to octane data measured by octane meters. In one form of the invention octane measurements are taken within the input lines connected to the dispenser from fluid storage tanks. Control of the component pumps is accomplished by determining the difference between the desired blend octane and the observed blend octane and adjusting the pumps so as to more closely blend the desired fluid.

Abstract: A performance monitor for a seed planting implement is disclosed herein. The monitor is preferably used with a planting system including a planting implement coupled to a tractor. The target rate at which seed is planted by the implement in the soil of an agricultural field is controlled based upon a control signal. The actual seed planting rate is monitored using an optical seed sensor supported by the implement at a location where seed exits the implement. The implement and tractor include data busses linked to each other, and signals from the seed sensors are transmitted to a controller on the tractor via the busses. The controller applies a display signal to an electronic display located in the tractor's cab to produce an image which an operator can view to determine the actual seed application rate.

Abstract: A paper feed apparatus for low profile printer including a rotatable paper feed drive shaft which is mounted for rotation in a printer housing which supports a first belt drive pulley or roller. The belt drive pulley engages a continuous belt mounted thereon of rubber or other flexible belt material. A paper supply tray having paper is selectively biased against the belt with the paper in contact therewith. The opposite end of the continuous belt is mounted to a idler roller or roller on a rotatable idler shaft which supports the continuous belt such that the 1 portion of said belt between the drive pulley and the idler roller which is in contact with the paper is disposed generally, (the belt run) to a paper path. On motion of the belt at least one sheet of paper is moved out of the paper supply tray. An inclined paper separator is mounted below the termination belt shaft and is selectively biased against the continuous belt at a point on the belt between the drive roller and the idler roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for slowing down the ejection velocity of the print media into an output tray, without the use of active velocity control of the exit nip or interface, utilizing a non-circular drive roll running against a leaf spring. The regions of contact of the non-circular drive roll are driven at a velocity slower than the incoming sheet velocity, and the spaces between the regions of contact are used to enable relaxation of buckling generated in the print media (e.g. print sheets). The print media travels at the velocity of the upstream nips until they are entirely under the control of the non-circular drive roll exit nip, thus enabling the sheets to be ejected from the exit nip, at a slower velocity, improving stacking registration.