Abstract: Punched cards, used to identify items to be ordered from a central location, are selected and placed in a card reader which is located at the subscriber. Information may also be entered manually by a keyboard. In either case, the information is encoded into tone signals which are transmitted to the central location for recording and verification. When an "accept" tone signal is returned to the subscriber, indicating that the previously transmitted block of data has been received and found to be acceptable, a card feed signal actuates the card reader to feed the next card. If a "reject" tone is returned, indicating that the data received was unacceptable, the operator may enter data manually via the keyboard, re-run the card that had not been accepted, or simply skip the rejected card. The system is compatible with existing telephone communication equipment.

Abstract: A platform or tray for holding laboratory containers such as test tubes is driven in orbital motion by an eccentric drive mechanism housed in a cabinet. First and second pairs of tracks are mounted respectively beneath the tray and to the top of the cabinet. An intermediate plate holds four disc-shaped, low-friction bearing elements, each coupled to and guided by an upper and a lower track to maintain said tray in the same disposition during its orbital motion. An electronic circuit controls orbital speed in a continuous manner over the operating range, even at low speeds. The system operates in either a continuous mode or timed mode under control of a switch. The motor which drives the platform also drives a dc motor, the terminal voltage of which is displayed as a signal representing the speed of operation. Both the speed and the time (in timed mode of operation) may be controlled by the operator. A vibration-free mounting system is used to secure the main motor and drive train within the cabinet.