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Title: Computer terminal
Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A terminal device for communicating with a computer, comprising a first generally cylindrical platen section, a second generally cylindrical platen section, a keyboard having a plurality of keys corresponding to various characters, means responsive to the actuation of said keys for generating a first series of signals in a first code indicative of the corresponding characters, a memory for storing said first series of signals, a code converter for receiving said first series of signals from said memory and for generating therefrom a second series of signals in a second code also indicative of said corresponding characters, means responsive to said second series of signals for printing said characters on paper held against said first platen section, a communication link, means including said code converter for receiving signals over said communication link in said first code and for generating therefrom a third series of signals in said second code, and means responsive to said third series of signals for printing characters indicative thereof on paper held against said second platen section. 2. A terminal device in accordance with claim 1 in which said first and second platen sections are mounted coaxially and adjacent to each other, and which includes selectively actuable means for alternatively joining said sections for unitary rotation or for detaching said sections for independent rotation. 3. A terminal device in accordance with claim 2 including a shaft, means for mounting said first platen section for rotation with said shaft and means for mounting said second platen section for rotation about said shaft. 4. A terminal device for communicating with a computer, comprising, a keyboard including a plurality of keys corresponding to various characters, means responsive to the actuation of said keys for generating first signals in a first code indicative of the corresponding characters, a memory for storing said first signals, a code converter for receiving said first signals from said memory and for generating therefrom second signals in a second code also indicative of said corresponding characters, and means responsive to said second signals for printing said characters. 5. A terminal device in accordance with claim 4 including a communication link and means for transmitting the contents of said memory over said communication link. 6. A terminal device in accordance with claim 4 including a communication link, means for converting signals received over said communication link in a first code into a second code, and means responsive to said signals as converted for printing the information content thereof. 7. A terminal device for communicating with a computer, comprising, a first generally cylindrical platen section, a second generally cylindrical platen section adjacent to and coaxial with said first section, a shaft extending along the axis of both sections, means for mounting said first section for rotation with said shaft and with limited axial movement with respect thereto, means for mounting said second section for rotation about said shaft and means for selectively connecting said first and second sections for unitary rotation. 8. A terminal device in accordance with claim 7 in which said means for mounting said second section includes first and second bushings fastened to the inner surface of said second section and freely rotatable about said shaft, and which includes a ratchet wheel, means mounted principally within the interior of said second section for selectively connecting said ratchet wheel to said shaft, and a roller bearing mounted between said last named means and said second platen section for allowing relative rotation therebetween. Other info: Inventors: Kennavane, John J. (Seaford, NY, US) Application Number: 193420 Filing Date: 1971-10-28 Publication_date: 1976-01-13 Assignee: Sanders Associates, Inc. (South Nashua, NH) Primary Class(es): 358/1.4 358/1.12, 358/1.15, 400/70, 400/77, 400/582, 400/585.1 Other Classes: US Patent Ref:
Other Refs: Primary Examiner: Shaw, Gareth D. Assistant Examiner: Woods, Paul R. Attorney: Etlinger; Louis, Hunter; William L. |
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