Abstract: A fluid jet assisted ion projection electrographic marking apparatus including a marking head having integrally fabricated thereon, an array of modulating electrodes, divided into sections, address bus lines, data bus lines and suitable thin film switches, for sequentially bringing the electrodes of a selected section to a predetermined voltage during a portion of the line scan time. The electrodes of non-selected sections in conjunction with the thin film switches, hold the predetermined voltage for controlling the passage of ions, exiting the apparatus, during the remainder of the line scan time.

Abstract: A print wheel cartridge for a serial printer. The cartridge includes a spring designed to lock the print wheel in the cartridge. The spring automatically releases the print wheel when the cartridge is inserted into the printer.

Abstract: An improved sheet feeding apparatus for use in printers, typewriters, facsimile equipment and copying machines. The apparatus comprises a cassette loading system wherein the cassette may be automatically loaded into operative position, and locked therein, in a sequence of two substantially transverse movements which prevent sheet misfeed and require a minimum of operator activity.

Abstract: A fluid jet assisted ion projection and printing apparatus wherein substantially equal numbers of positive and negative ions are generated simultaneously during a series of RF arc breakdowns which take place within a fluid transport channel passing through the body of the apparatus. The rapidly moving fluid stream, passing through the channel, transports the ions which may be allowed to pass out of the body or may be neutralized within the body by ion modulation electrodes within the channel. Ions of a selected sign may be accelerated toward and deposited, in an imagewise pattern, upon a relatively moving charge receptor.

Abstract: A method for eliminating laser induced substrate fissures associated with laser annealed crystallization of patterned silicon areas, for increasing the yield of useable single crystal areas. The fissures are created by enhanced etching of the substrate, at the exposed edges of the areas, during the removal of a dimension stabilizing encapsulating layer. A post crystallization, high temperature anneal, in an oxidizing atmosphere prevents the enhanced etching of the substrate.

Abstract: An improved ion projection printing apparatus including sequentially an imagewise charging station, a developing station and a fusing station for forming images upon a charge receptor sheet. The sheet is moved adjacent a continuous, electrically conductive, back electrode which extends, in the process direction, from the charging station through the fusing station for eliminating toner image disruption of the unfused toner particles in the receptor sheet.

Abstract: A method for producing microinterconnections including the steps of providing a first support member bearing electrical circuit elements including first electrical contacts and first electrical traces, providing a second support member bearing electrical circuit elements including second electrical contacts and second electrical traces, placing the second support member in face-to-face spaced and aligned relationship with respect to the first support member, and applying energy to the first support member for moving portions thereof underlying ones of the first contacts toward and into intimacy with aligned ones of the second contacts.

Abstract: An improved forms feed mechanism for bidirectionally moving an edge perforated record material, while maintaining the same relative position between the drive shaft and the driven member in both directions of drive shaft rotation, so that printing may be effected in both directions. This may be accomplished by biasing the driving and driven surfaces toward one another.

Abstract: An improved ion projection printing apparatus, for imaging on the front surface of a charge receptor sheet with an imagewise charging device and for depositing a counter-charge upon the rear surface of the charge receptor sheet with another charging device concurrently with and spatially opposed to the imagewise charging device.

Abstract: A fluid jet assisted ion projection printing apparatus having a housing including ion generation and ion modulation regions. A bent path channel, disposed through the housing, directs transport fluid with ions entrained therein adjacent an array of modulation electrodes which control the passage of ion beams from the apparatus. The modulation electrodes are supported upon a planar substrate, and include a first portion, extending in the plane of the substrate, and a second portion, departing from the plane of the substrate by an angle of less than 45.degree.. The width of the bent channel is chosen to provide laminar flow therethrough so that ions will not be lost to the channel walls as the transport fluid negotiates its way along the bent path.

Abstract: An improved ion projection printing apparatus including sequentially an imagewise charging station, a developing station and a fusing station for forming images upon a charge receptor sheet. The sheet is moved adjacent a pseudo-continuous, electrically conductive, back electrode which extends, in the process direction, from the charging station through the fusing station for eliminating toner image disruption of the unfused toner particles in the receptor sheet. The back electrode is provided with one or more thermal barrier air gaps which are small enough so that the back electrode acts, in the electrical sense, as if it were continuous.

Abstract: An improved ion projection printing apparatus, for imaging on the front surface of a charge receptor sheet with an imagewise charging device and for depositing a counter-charge upon the rear surface of the charge receptor sheet with another charging device located downstream of the imagewise charging device.

Abstract: An improved printer for accommodating and printing upon, a broad range of record medium thicknesses, including multi-part forms, while maintaining high print quality. The printer includes a platen and a pair of guide rails having a fixed relationship to one another, and an adjustable marking module supported for movement along the guide rails. An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the clearance between the platen and the marking module includes a toggle bracket for allowing the front of the module to pivot about the guide rail closest to the platen and for allowing the rear of the module to be moved relative to the furthest guide rail.

Abstract: An improved pivot arrangement for the arcuately movable transducer head support arm of a floppy disk drive, wherein the pivot comprises at least partially spherical bearing surfaces located between the movable support arm and its support, the bearing surfaces being seated in positioning bearing recesses formed in either the support arm or its support.

Abstract: A fluid jet assisted electrographic marking apparatus for ion projection printing wherein ions are generated in a chamber, entrained in a rapidly moving fluid stream passing into, through and out of the chamber, modulated in an electroded exit zone by being selectively emitted or inhibited therein, and finally deposited in an imagewise pattern on a relatively movable charge receptor.

Abstract: An anti-backlash double universal flexible coupling for providing positive and accurate angular positioning, constant rotational velocity and constant torque between an input driving shaft and an output driven shaft. The coupling includes universal pins supported by the driving and driven shafts and an intermediate coupling link comprising two coupling plates having bearing surfaces urged against the pins by a resilient element. The pins are maintained coplanar and parallel between the coupling plates.

Abstract: A feed arrangement for transporting a record carrier around and in intimate contact with a printing platen in a printer. The feed arrangement includes a rotatable guiding member in the form of a paddle wheel having a number of resilient blades mounted in interference relationship to the platen. The guiding member serves to capture the leading edge of the record carrier and redirect it toward and then urge it into intimate contact with the platen.

Abstract: A novel rotary printing device, such as a daisy-type printwheel, for use in an impact printer, having identifying means thereon. In one form, plural protrusions, extending axially outwardly from the printing device, are provided and the angle between the protrusions serves the dual function of identifying the print element characteristics and identifying the reference position of the printing device for "arming" the printer with the information. In another form, a single protrusion is provided solely for identifying the reference position. A method and apparatus for in situ identification of the novel rotary printing device also forms a part of the instant invention.

Abstract: An end-of-ribbon sensing system which is equally compatible with various arrangements of light emitters and light detectors as utilized in different models of serial impact printers, the sensing system including a unique compound reflector, having a first reflective portion for use in cooperation with one sensing device and having a second reflective portion for use in cooperation with another sensing device. A clear transparent tape segment located near the end of the ribbon is provided to allow light to pass from a light source on the sensors to the reflective portions and back to a photodetector on the sensors.

Abstract: A method for laser induced conversion of large predefined areas of amorphous or polycrystalline semiconductor material, upon a substrate, into single crystal areas by using an infrared laser energy source to cause the bulk of heating to occur in the substrate and not in the predefined areas so that the areas are heated to melting by the substrate. The substrate comprises a material which is highly absorptive of the laser wavelength and the predefined areas comprise a material substantially transparent to laser wavelength, and the substrate and areas have different refractive indexes.