Abstract: An autosampler includes a sample carrier for receiving first and second sets of sample containers each having a top end, a side wall, and a visible indicium on its side wall. The autosampler includes: an optical sensor to read the visible indicia and to generate a corresponding output signal; a controller to receive the output signal; and a sampling system to withdraw a sample. The sample carrier supports the first and second sets of sample containers at different heights such that the indicia of the sample containers of the second set are located above the top ends of the sample containers of the first set, whereby the indicia of the sample containers of the second set are exposed to the optical sensor over the top ends of the sample containers of the first set, thereby enabling the optical sensor to read the indicia of the second set of sample containers.

Abstract: A technique for perforating paper-like music media for mechanical music devices such as player pianos, orchestrions, nickelodeons, band-organs, fairground organs, etc., is disclosed. Perforation is accomplished by modulating and directing a laser cutting beam over the surface of the paper-like music medium to perforate the medium. The laser perforator also slits the medium to width as it perforates, permitting the use of standard media widths.

Abstract: A two-dimensional, high-density, damage-tolerant printed code suitable for encoding multiple biometrics and text for positive off-line identity verification comprises a horizontal header section; a vertical header section; a start pattern; a left row address pattern; an encoded data portion; a right two address pattern; and stop pattern. The horizontal header section encodes the number of bit areas in a transverse row of the encoded data portion; and the vertical header section encodes the vertical height of each bit area. The start and stop patterns of the code demarcate the lateral extent of the code (i.e., the beginning and end) from the adjacent quiet zone. Information is encoded into the ended information portion in bit areas that may be printed or blank. The information is encoded sequentially in the information portion from the top of the encoded information portion along each transverse row of bit areas to the next row of bit areas until the end of the encoded information portion.

Abstract: A printer processor in which accuracy of a printed image is essential. The printer processor receives exact pixel characteristics from a target printer, and instructs the target printer to exactly reproduce the desired image after eliminating any distortions introduced by scaling or rotational factors.

Abstract: An integrated circuit communication interface device includes data bus terminals, a serial output terminal, a serial input terminal, and an internal data bus. A data bus buffer connects the data bus terminals to the internal data bus. A transmit buffer connects the serial output terminal to the internal data bus. A receive buffer connects the serial input terminal to the internal data bus. Control circuitry controls the buffer so that the device receives or transmits data in either the Echoplex protocol or the RS 232 protocol. The device includes a data register which is programmed to select the device's mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a DMA controller includes a device interface controller having therein both general and specific command programs, and device bus interface. The apparatus is arranged to intercept all communication signals between the DMA controller and a microcomputer associated therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of peripherals attached to a common high speed parallel bus, includes a first program therein, which program includes a fixed set of generalized command and control instructions and a device specific program therein, which device specific program includes command and control instructions for a plurality of different devices.

Abstract: A data transport control apparatus including a storage medium independently accessible by a device interface controller for interconnecting the storage medium and peripherals, a communication bus control for interconnecting the storage medium and a communication bus and a microprocessor bus for interconnecting the storage medium and a microcomputer wherein all interconnections to the storage medium are effectively isolated from each other.

Abstract: Two spaced-apart outer elements are adapted to be excited by an oscillator. An inner element is disposed therebetween and provides a signal indicative of its spacing relative to the other elements. The signal is processed to determine this position. The elements are arranged on a flexure that is responsive to a load to form a load cell wherein the signal from the inner element is indicative of the magnitude of the load. Various flexure arrangements are disclosed. The elements are preferably parallel plates, having a surface area substantially greater than their separation. In an embodiment of the invention, the inner plate is bifurcated longitudinally, forming two nominally-coplanar inner plates, to offset the effects of off center loading on the flexure with respect to the output of the load cell.

Abstract: A communication subsystem includes a plurality of peripheral interface devices, one or more network interface devices and, optionally, one or more gateway interface devices. Each and every interface device includes a uniform data transport controller that autonomously controls data traffic across the device associated therewith and executes all requisite communication protocol conversions.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing masterless collision detection in a communication network includes a distinct data transmission bus and distinct collision detection reference bus. A voltage on the reference bus is monitored by each element to ascertain the existence of a change in the voltage which results in either the enabling or disabling of data transmission on the transmission bus by that element.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing masterless collision detection in a communication network includes a distinct data transmission bus and distinct collision detection reference bus. A voltage on the reference bus is monitored by each element to ascertain the existence of a change in the voltage which results in either the enabling or disabling of data transmission on the transmission bus by that element.