US3911489A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Search feature for an automated typing system
Assignee: CPT CORP
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Filing: 1973-12-26
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Granted: 1975-10-07
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Expires: 1993-12-26
Abstract
Abstract A search feature for an automated typing system for use with cassette tapes and other magnetically operated typing systems. This feature permits the operator of the machine to reach any position on a cassette tape where desired information is located and identified by a reference code. The reference code is entered into the system by holding a designated key on the typing system down such as the margin release key, while entering a single or multiple decimal digit numeric reference code. Then by depressing a SEARCH switch on the console, with RECORD on, the code is recorded onto the tape as a plurality of pulses which can be read and decoded in either direction of tape movement and at any speed. Thereafter, when the operator wishes to move to a particular location on the tape, the desired two digit numeric reference code is entered by depressing the designated switch, such as the margin release button on the typewriter keyboard, along with the applicable two digit reference code and then depressing SEARCH. RECORD is off for this sequence. The two digit reference code is displayed on the console by two light emitting diode readouts. Electronic circuitry implementing the search feature integrates operation with additional features of system as well as providing means for moving forward or backward on the tape without reference to address coding.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary W Spence
- 👤 James L Wienhold
- 👤 Larry E Kveberg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:57
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B15/00; G11B15/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
In an automated typing system of the type having information storage means for storing information to be typed comprising magnetic tape and tape drive means; recording means for recording information on the information storage means; and typing means for reproducing all or selected portions of the information stored on the information storage means; the improvement comprising means for registering address numbers of one or more digits to be recorded on the information storage means which designate the specific location of information to be typed by the typing means from the information storage means; and means for converting each address number contained in the registering means to a plurality of pulses to be recorded by the recording means on the information storage means which are at least a multiple of the corresponding address number whereby when the pulses are recorded on the tape by the recording means the converted address numbers are readable in either direction of tape drive and extraneous noise pulses do not provide a false indication of recorded information.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
In an automated typing system of the type having information storage means for storing information to be typed comprising magnetic tape and tape drive means; recording means for recording information on the information storage means; and typing means for reproducing all or selected portions of the information stored on the information storage means; the improvement comprising means for registering address numbers of one or more digits to be recorded on the information storage means which designate the specific location of information to be typed by the typing means from the information storage means; and means for converting each address number contained in the registering means to a plurality of pulses to be recorded by the recording means on the information storage means which are at least a multiple of the corresponding address number whereby when the pulses are recorded on the tape by the recording means the converted address numbers are readable in either direction of tape drive and extraneous noise pulses do not provide a false indication of recorded information.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein the plurality of pulses for each address number is greater than a multiple of the corresponding address number.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improvement of claim 2 wherein the plurality of pulses is equal to eight times the address number plus four additional pulses.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein each address number contains one or more digits and wherein the converting means converts each digit to a plurality of pulses which is at least a multiple of the corresponding digit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The improvement of claim 1 wherein the plurality of pulses is recorded on the information storage means with the recording means and further comprising reading means for reading the plurality of pulses from the tape and decoding means for converting the plurality of pulses into the address number originally contained in the registering means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The improvement of claim 5 wherein an address to be located is entered into the registering means and further comprising comparative means for comparing the address number in the registering means and the address number in the decoding means to determine whether or not they are equivalent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The improvement of claim 6 wherein the tape drive means control the direction and speed of tape drive and wherein the tape drive means can be controlled to stop the tape precisely at the address location equivalent to the address contained in the registering means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
74 words
The improvement of claim 6 further comprising mode control means electrically connected to the tape drive means, the reading means and the comparative means for controlling the tape drive means wherein if thE comparative means indicates that the number read from the tape is not equivalent to the number entered into the registering means, the tape will be driven inn the reverse direction and addresses will be read and compared in the reverse direction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
60 words
The improvement of claim 8 wherein if the address is read in the reverse direction and it is equivalent to the number in the registering means, the mode control means operates to drive the tape in the forward direction at a slow speed to position the tape precisely at the address location equivalent to the address in the registering means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The improvement of claim 8 wherein if the address to be located is not read in the reverse direction, the mode control means operates to stop the tape at the next preceding address location.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
77 words
In an automated typing system of the type having information storing means for storing information to be typed comprising magnetic tape; recording means for recording information to be typed on the information storage means wherein information is stored in blocks of information; and typing means for reproducing stored information on tape; the improvement comprising means for moving the tape one of the blocks of information at a time without additional coding on the tape of any kind.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
77 words
In an automated typing system of the type having information storing means for storing information to be typed comprising magnetic tape; recording means for recording information to be typed on the information storage means wherein information is stored in blocks of information; and typing means for reproducing stored information on tape; the improvement comprising means for moving the tape one of the blocks of information at a time without additional coding on the tape of any kind.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement of claim 11 wherein the means for moving the tape moves the tape backwards one block of information at a time.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improvement of claim 11 wherein the means for moving the tape moves the tape forward one block of information at a time.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improvement of claim 11 wherein the means for moving the tape moves the tape in either direction one block of information at a time.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-06 | 1979-04-07 | 1979-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-06 | 1983-04-07 | 1983-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-06 | 1987-04-07 | 1987-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |