International Business Machines Corporation

Robert Glenn Bluethman

William Weller Boyd

Michael Eudell McBride

Wayne Finis Rogers

Donald J Willson

Margaret Mary Blevins

A method and apparatus for efficiently and economically using partially good memory modules to construct a memory unit of predetermined aggregate capacity is described, using a universal wiring pattern on a substrate, including positions thereon with circuitry adapted for connecting to data outputs from a plurality of partially good memory modules, memory unit data output circuitry, and selectively interconnectable--during a final manufacturing step--lines associated with memory module data outputs and with the memory unit data outputs, thereby enabling connection of data outputs from good sections of the partially good memory modules to memory unit data outputs.

Computer memory module

A control language using conventional text characters and a unique command and instruction delimiter whereby the commands and instructions which use conventional text characters may be detected and presented to a utilization device is shown. The control language facilitates the transmission of commands and instructions through existing data communication networks without alterations thereto. In addition, a structure suitable for scanning coded signals, detecting the unique delimiter and providing an indicia of commands and instructions is shown.

Method for communicating text commands and instructions using

Disclosed is a system and method for interleaved printing of letters and envelopes in an unattended manner. The system includes a memory for storing in a first portion thereof, text codes and control codes corresponding to the constant text of a form letter and envelope to be printed. As required, one or more blocks of variable data are written into the memory succeeding the form letter and envelope. The system is operative to output the contents of the memory to a printer while merging the variable data with the form letter and the envelope for a completed letter followed by the envelope. Logic is provided to utilize a selected field of a record of variable data exclusively in either the letter or envelope. The printing system is also operative to print more than one copy of the same letter before printing the envelope. All of the printing relative to the record is performed, however, before the next record is read so that distribution of the letter to all recipients can begin when the next record is read.

Text merge with copies and envelopes

An apparatus for performing multiple operations during a memory revolution in an electronic dynamic shift register. The memory is initially arranged by the input of control codes such as record, operation, separator, and hold flags. The separator flag defines a normal section and an alternate section, and the operation and hold flags define the position of the next character to be addressed in each of the sections. The record flag is the operating point for an output operation in the normal section. When one of the sections is addressed and it does not contain the operation flag, the hold and operation flags are exchanged in order that the operation flag is in the section addressed. With the operation flag in the normal section, an input zone is defined by the separator flag in the alternate section, and a revision zone is defined from the record flag to the separator flag in the normal section. When the operation flag is in the alternate section, the input zone begins with the first dummy code following the operation flag, and the revision zone is from the separator flag to the first dummy code. An output zone is defined in the normal section by inserting a page end code and extends from the record flag through the page end code. When the page end code is inserted, the revision zone is redefined from the page end code to the separator flag. This arrangement of memory allows for multiple operations such as input, output, and revision to be performed during any one memory revolution. Upon decode of the control codes defining the sections and zones, initiated operations are performed and controlled.

Apparatus for performing multiple operations in a shift register memory

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. The sectioned buffer formed by the input of a separator code, or flag, can also be in electronic association with a record reader, or reader-recorder, such that the operator, by depressing a section store button and operating an alternate section button, can store the contents of records such as cards, tapes, etc., into the desired section of the buffer. With the codes and characters stored in the buffer, the section containing the first text to be printed is addressed, printout is initiated from the operation flag and continues until a switch code is encountered. Then the positions of the hold and operation flags contained in the two different sections are automatically exchanged and printout continues in the other section from the operation flag with the result being the merging of text stored in the sections.

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Austin, TX, United States of America

Robert Glenn Bluethman