Abstract: A system for remotely controlling the printing of data supplied by a central processing unit at a plurality of printers is disclosed having a central processing unit for addressing which printers are to print the data and for transmitting the data to be printed over a transmission channel to the printers, each printer having an address matcher to check if it is the printer being addressed and a latching circuit for conditioning the printer to receive and print data if it is one of the printers which is addressed. This circuit allows a plurality of printers to be addressed and requires only one transmission by the central processing unit of the data to the printers.

Abstract: A printer control system is disclosed for receiving data in the form of binary bits over a transmission line from a central processing unit, said data divided into characters to be printed, the control system comprises a rotary drum printer and a control circuit for directing the printer to print the characters. The control circuit has a storage means for receiving and storing the data, a drum trace means for providing an output and dependent upon the drum position, a comparator means for comparing, a character at a time, the data stored in the storage means with the drum position, a serial shift register for storing match and non-match signals between the data to be printed and the drum position and a trigger means for firing, after all stored characters have been compared with the drum position, those hammers of the printer which correspond to the matches between the data and the drum position.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for limiting surge currents through incandescent indicator or display lamps is disclosed. It is essentially a constant current device having a current controlling transistor in the load circuit to limit the initial surge current to a first value after, which the lamp itself limits the current. Provision is made for testing of the lamp and circuit by maintenance personnel.