Abstract: A financial communications network incorporating a data health monitor is provided that includes a plurality of data sources, a plurality of data collection system, a client site terminal and a network connecting these components. Each data collection system includes a processor for receiving and formatting financial data received from the data sources, wherein the formatted financial data has a data field including a first data source identifier identifying the data source of the formatted financial data and a first system identifier identifying the data collection system formatting the formatted financial data. The collection system also include a status code generator for generating and transmitting a status code, and a heartbeat signal generator for generating and periodical transmitting a heartbeat signal. Based on information in data fields, status codes, and heartbeat signal, client site terminals select a real-time or stale display mode for displaying the financial data.

Abstract: A financial communications network incorporating a data health monitor includes a plurality of data sources, a plurality of data collection system, a client site terminal and a network connecting these components. Each data collection system includes a processor for receiving and formatting financial data received from said data sources, wherein the formatted financial data has a data field including a first data source identifier identifying the data source of said formatted financial data and a first system identifier identifying the data collection system formatting said formatted financial data. The data collection systems also include a status code generator for generating and transmitting a status code, wherein the status code generator automatically updates the status code when the operating status of a corresponding data source changes; and a heartbeat signal generator for generating and periodically transmitting a heartbeat signal.

Abstract: A push-button switch has a wire spring to return the push-button to its non-operated position after operation. The spring is carried by the stem on which the button is mounted and a portion of the spring bears against a fixed ramp. The ramp has first and second portions, the second portion being inclined at a smaller angle to the direction of motion of the push-button than the first portion, against which the spring bears in succession during operation of the push-button such that the force necessary to move the push-button decreases as the push-button is depressed so as to effect a "fall-through" action.

Abstract: The printing elements of a tape printer of the "dot matrix" type are provided by ends of a stack of metal strips which co-operate with an anvil having a rectilinear edge. The anvil is carried by a member which is pivoted on a support structure and is held in its working position by engagement with a tray carrying a spool of tape to be printed in a manner that provides a resilient mounting for the anvil. For the purpose of fitting a replacement spool of tape, the tray is movable from its working position to another position in which such fitting is more easily effected.