International Business Machines Corporation

Don W Piller

Martin E Chamoff

Irving L Miller

Donald LeRoy Thorson

Beryl D Bergschneider

Harry L Baldwin

Max J Robinett

A clustered system of data-entry terminals includes a plurality of physically separate data-entry terminals coupled to a communications link in a cluster. Each of the terminals includes a programmable digital processor for transferring data and programs over the communications link. Each of the terminals further includes entry devices and display devices for communicating information between an operator and the programmable processor.

Clustered terminals with writable microcode memories & removable media

A standalone point-of-sale terminal in a unitary physical package has input/output devices for communicating transaction data between the terminal and an operator, and also has a cash drawer. These devices and a direct-access storage are controlled by a programmable processor which executes low-level routines from read-only addressable memory and serially replaceable high-level applications programs from read/write addressable memory. Both applications programs and transaction data are stored on a single non-volatile, removable storage medium.

Electronic point-of-sale system using direct-access storage

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Austin, TX, United States of America

Don W Piller