Abstract: A method for driving a multiplexed LCD panel (38). An LCD controller (20) controls the LCD panel (38) and provides a low power mode which refreshes a subset of the display panel (40) sequentially while refreshing the rest of the panel (38) in parallel. By resolving the panel into these portions, the present invention reduces the power consumption of an LCD module. Display information is stored in a memory (12) and provided to the controller (38) which drives the LCD panel (38). A reset signal eliminates fetching and clocking of zeroes for common areas in the display. One embodiment bit fills to provide a two tone display in low power mode.

Abstract: A Schmitt trigger (30) operates at low power and low frequency and can be implemented in a small amount of surface area on an integrated circuit. Specifically, the Schmitt trigger (30) includes transistors (34, 40) that are implemented as long channel devices and operate in a linear region for providing resistive elements, and another pair of transistors (44, 46) that function as non-linear devices allowing a current through the Schmitt trigger (30) to provide both a reference and the switchpoints for the Schmitt trigger (30). These transistors also establish low current through the Schmitt trigger (30).

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a removable accessory such as a drawer unit to the underside of a work surface without the use of tools. A pair of front and rear slot and projection couplings are used to mount the accessory on the underside of the work surface, and a manually-releasable spring-urged latch device automatically locks the accessory to the work surface when the projections are fully engaged with the slots.

Abstract: A continuous motion ribbon imprinter moves with and marks a moving web on a packaging machine and has an easily set control adjusting step-by-step advance of the ribbon across the type block to accommodate wide variations in the size of the printed indicia so as to always present just enough length of fresh ribbon to cover the type for the next imprint. A frame mounting the type block and ribbon reels swings in either a clockwise or counterclockwise orbital path having a dwell stroke on the moving web, and a lift stroke spacing the ribbon from the web. The ribbon remains stationary on the type block during the dwell stroke and is advanced across the type block on the lift stroke. A single input shaft drives the frame through its orbital path and also drives the mechanism for unwinding the fresh ribbon from one reel and winding the spent ribbon on a second reel.

Abstract: An industrial robot well suited for handling heavy work pieces comprises a base; a vertically oriented main support shaft rotatably mounted in the base on a radial thrust bearing; a support frame mounted on the support shaft; a flat-sided extendable main extend shaft mounted on the support frame; and a tooling assembly mounted on the outer end of the main extend shaft. The main extend shaft is a hollow, rectangular tubular member and rides on a simplified bearing assembly consisting of two sets of adjustable cam followers that ride on all four walls of the shaft. The tooling assembly comprises cam-operated, adjustable force grab jaws that hold the work piece; and separate means for raising and lowering and extending and retracting the grab jaws with respect to the main extend shaft. The whole system is operated hydraulically by solenoid actuated valves which control hydraulic motors or cylinders, with the cylinders functioning on a full extend or full retract basis.