Abstract: A system for mailing articles includes an integrated circuit interface between a scale deflection transducer, a processor and an external memory. The interface includes a multifunction shift register array which is adapted to receive count data indicative of the weight of an article. Communication between the shift register array, the processor and the memory is such that the shift registers are selectively utilized for memory address and data transfer without the necessity of clearing prior operands.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing mathematical calculations and for converting postal zip code information into postal zone information comprises a mathematical logic circuit which is programmed to perform mathematical calculations. A converter circuit, incorporated in the apparatus in removable, replaceable, modular form, is programmed to determine the postal zone designating each of a plurality of specific geographical destinations of mail as a function of the zip code associated with each of the geographical destinations. Since the postal zone associated with each destination zip code is also a function of the location from which mail originates, the converter logic circuit is programmed to perform the determination for a specific originating location. The apparatus may be adapted for use at different originating locations by substituting an appropriately programmed modular converter logic circuit for one which is inappropriately programmed.

Abstract: A method of improving the accuracy of scale readings featuring exciting the molecules of the supporting spring and clamping structure of the scale. The purpose of this excitation is to reduce the effects of hysteresis, creep and drift upon the measured load. Exciting the molecules of the support spring causes the scale to reach its stable state of stress much more rapidly. This results in obtaining more accurate weight readings for a load being weighed.

Abstract: A system for replacing obsolete postal rate data with new data used by a remote mail processing apparatus comprises a central data processor for generating the new data. An encoder translates the new data into electronic tone signals which are transmitted to the remote apparatus by, for example, telephone transmission lines. The electronic tone signals are translated back into new data by a decoder. A memory incorporated in the remote apparatus is equipped to store obsolete or new data at a plurality of storage locations and a programming transfer controller, which interconnects the decoder and memory, sequentially addresses each of the locations storing obsolete data, erases the obsolete data, and loads new data into the addressed location.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting the failure of a system to respond in a planned manner to a binary control signal includes a circuit for generating a check signal which normally changes in phase with the control signal. The failure detect circuit includes inverters for generating inverted control and check signals. AND gates compare each signal with the inverted form of the other. A NOR gate produces a failure-indicating signal when an equality is sensed.

Abstract: A spring weighing scale includes an optical detector which generates a moire fringe pattern and moves the pattern as an optically amplified function of scale tare deflection. A first of a pair of parallel optical gratings moves with a scale tare structure, while a second reticle grating remains fixed. Passing through both gratings is a light beam which projects a fringe pattern upon a photodetector array. Placement of a load upon the scale results in movement of successive fringes across the photodetectors and the sequential generation of weight indicative signals which are counted to determine load weight. Automatic zero load adjustment is effected by a displacement linkage driven by a stepping motor to provide displacement of the photodetector array along the axis of pattern movement. The motor is controlled by a counter monitor to register the photodetector array with the pattern image no load position such that a null count is produced.

Abstract: An optical detection system for a spring scale includes an apparatus for generating a moire interference fringe pattern and detecting the pattern movement to measure scale tare deflection and thereby determine the load weight. One of a pair of ruled parallel grating sets is fixed while the other is mounted to the tare structure in alignment with the fixed set. A lamp projects the interference pattern upon a photodetector array. The placement of a load upon the scale deflects the tare structure which results in a linear movement of the projected fringe pattern across the photodetector array and the resultant sequential generation of weight indicative signals. To compensate for variations in the spring constant of selected scale springs, the linear tare deflection required to provide movement of a given number of interference fringes past a reference is adjustable. This adjustment of effective spring constant is achieved by varying the angle of the gratings of the movable grating set.

Abstract: A system for processing cyclic signal pairs generated by an optical transducer to provide an accurate measurement of the displacement of one member with respect to a reference is suitable for determining weight by measuring spring scale tare deflection. The system includes a pair of comparator Schmitt trigger circuits for shaping pulse waveform signals. The pulse signals are processed by fully clocked digital circuits including edge discriminators to generate multiple count pulses which are processed by combination logic for direction determination. Further processing includes sign determination (positive-negative) and zero identification circuits to provide up and down pulses which are filtered and fed to up/down counter stages. Counter stage information is decoded for feedback control and processing logic indication.

Abstract: For servicing digital logic circuits, a hand-held monitor can be connected to an indefinite number of different sets of test points. Numerical and binary displays indicate the current state of the selected test points. To help the user understand what is being monitored, removable cards can be mounted adjacent the displays. Each of the cards has printed information relating to a different set of test points. An operator-controlled auxiliary clock is included to permit the operator to step the circuit being monitored through its operating sequence.

Abstract: For detecting inadequate separation of successive documents (i.e., stream feed) which pass in seriatim through an apparatus, a logic circuit a counter which begins to count when a first document passes a particular point in the apparatus. A flip-flop is set by a signal from a photosensitive element when a second document passes a second predetermined point. In normal operation, a decoder will respond at a fixed count to clear the flip-flop before a third document arrives at the photosensitive element. However, if the photosensitive element output changes again, indicating the third document has reached the second point before the fixed count is attained, a NOR gate connected to the photosensitive element and the flip-flop generates an inadequate separation or stream feed signal.

Abstract: A postage meter setting device is described which includes electromechanical apparatus for positioning the various digit selector arms of a postage meter in accordance with the corresponding required postage. Stepper motors drive various digit selector arms through a mechanical linkage, which provides a one to one rotational relationship between the meter selector arms and the linkage. Use of stepper motors results in reduced wear and cost of operation.

Abstract: A delayed latch strobe generator for a display on a monitor used to service digital logic systems wherein time-based or event-based latch strobes are generated. A device on the monitor can be pre-set by a user to select the interval between the system latch strobe and the delayed latch strobe. When the normal latch strobe occurs, a binary counter is enabled. This counter is then incremented by system clock pulses. An exclusive-NOR comparator continually compares the counter contents with the setting of the user-controlled device. A match, which indicates the interval has elapsed, results in the generation of a delayed latch strobe which is applied to the display.

Abstract: A malfunction detector system includes sensors spaced along an article flow path. Recirculating shift registers shift a binary 1 signal through succeeding stages as article-detected signals are received from the associated sensors. Logic elements compare the contents of stage "n" of one shift register with the contents of stage "n+1" of the shift register connected to the next sensor on the article flow path. The concurrent existence of binary 1 signals in the compared stages indicates a jam or a sensor failure has occurred.