Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for determining the address type of a serial EEPROM in an electronic system. The method includes reading data from at least one location of the EEPROM for a first time and saving the data for future reference. Thereafter, a sequence of transactions is executed that alters the contents of the EEPROM in a prescribed manner if the EEPROM is of a first type. The sequence of transaction leaves the EEPROM in an unaltered state if the EEPROM is of a second type. Data is then read from at least one location of the EEPROM for a second time. The location of the data read from the EEPROM the second time is the same as the location of the data read the first time if the EEPROM is of the first type. The data read the first time and the data read the second time are then compared.

Abstract: A vehicle trip recording apparatus collects trip data for manipulation by a separate computer. The computer software contains all the required controls and data manipulation programs for the trip recording device. The trip recording device contains only the hardware to collect and save distance pulses, current time and date, to talk with the computer, and a two button command interface. Of the two button command interface, one of the buttons selects between automatic or manual mode. The second button is a push type and performs the start/stop trip function when the first button is in the manual position. When the first button is in the automatic position, the second button preforms the start/stop calibrate function. Once the trip data has been downloaded into the computer, the trip data can be formatted, printed and saved with the separate computer.

Abstract: The invention is for an improved method and apparatus of driving a stepper motor with multiple voltages. A first voltage is applied to the step motor winding for a driving phase, and a second higher voltage is applied to the same motor winding during the same driving phase just prior to and substantially until the time that the winding is de-energized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading a web into a printer is disclosed. The apparatus has a normal mode for moving the web in normal operation and a load assist mode for operating at a slower than normal rate for loading the web into the printer. The printer comprises means for recording information on the web including a platen attached to the printer and a print head for generating characters. The print head is disposed in a predetermined spaced relationship from the platen to define a print station therebetween. A means for engaging and moving the web through the print station and signal means for generating normal and load assist mode signals are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanism for positioning an output member of a mechanical system and in particular a mechanical system that has backlash present. The mechanism has a step motor, regulated by control means, connected to the output member by a mechanical transmission. The control means delivers units of electrical energy to the step motor in response to a number of steps specified to be moved. The control means also has means for detecting whether the step to be performed by the step motor is a single remaining step or single step only. The control means responds to detection of the single remaining step or detection of the single step only by applying a unit of energy to the step motor at a rate that is substantially slower than the rate that would be applied for the other steps.