Abstract: A system for merging data flow having a typewriter electronically connected to a buffer, which is a dynamic electronic shift register, for inputting data into sections of the buffer and for merging the data in the sections into a single printout. System control logic is provided to allow (1) a separator, or partition, code to be input into the buffer for defining sections (2) codes corresponding to hold and operation flags to be input into the sections, and (3) text data codes corresponding to characters and switching and/or stopping points to be input into the sections. In addition, the system control logic is operable to allow the operator to insert characters into and delete characters from the sections of the buffer for text editing and revision.

Abstract: A system for automatically arranging a stored sequence ot textural character codes and control codes to provide textual line lengths within a predetermined range. If a tab code is detected within the stored sequence, the amount of line length corresponding to the tab code is calculated by the control logic, since the tab code, itself, includes no indication of the amount of line length for execution of the tab code. The number of character codes and space codes on a line containing a tab code is reduced to accommodate the line length required to execute the tab code upon print-out by a printer. In forming a group of codes corresponding to a line, a hyphenation decision may be necessary when inclusion of a word at the end of a line would result in too great a line length, while exclusion of the word would result in too short a line length.

Abstract: An unattended printing system in which the operator keys in a page line count defining the number of lines to be printed on a page from codes derived from a shift register memory which is automatically loaded from a pack feed magnetic read/recorder. Logic is provided which, in the event that the text being played out does not equal a full page, automatic indexes or carrier returns will be generated to cause the page to be fed such that the printing mechanism is then in alignment with the first line of the next page. While page feeding occurs the memory is also automatically cleared; a new card is fed and reading of new codes into the shift register initiated. In addition, in the event that the margins on the machine which is being used for playout differ from the margins which were used during source recording, in the event that a fewer number of lines of text result, the proper number of indexes for this fewer number of lines to cause proper alignment on the next page will be output.