Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for extending path-length of metal-fuel tape during discharging and/or recharging operations so that a supply of metal-fuel tape contained within a cassette device or on a supply reel can be rapidly discharged and/or recharged in an improved manner. During discharging operations, a plurality of discharging heads are selectively arranged about the extended path-length of metal-fuel tape so as increase the rate at which electrical power is powered from the system. During recharging operations, a plurality of recharging heads are selectively arranged about the extended path-length of metal-fuel tape to decrease the time required to recharge the metal-fuel tape transported through the system.

Abstract: Patterned platelets are platelets made with specified shapes and sizes. The various sizes and shapes of the platelets are used to code articles and substances to which they are applied. The patterned platelets can be in inks or paints applied to articles. The platelets can be further coded by markings thereon or by spectral or polarization codes rather than just the distribution of sizes and shapes. The patterned platelets can be made from any materials buy subtractive or additive processes. A patterned platelet can also be made by an actinic polymer being applied to a substrate and a mask applied to allow only the desired size and shape to be exposed to radiation curing the unmasked portion of the polymer on the substrate. The polymer can be cholesteric liquid crystals with the properties of reflecting polarized light of selected wavelengths to code the crystals in addition to the size and shape codes.

Abstract: Sheet stacking apparatus having a variable speed conveyor on which sheets are carried in partially overlapped or "shingled" relation and deposited onto a second variable speed conveyor disposed in end-to-end relation to the first conveyor for receiving sheets therefrom and projecting onto a vertically movable stacking conveyor which lowers automatically as the stack builds up. Feed stop mechanism is disposed to stop and release selectively the flow of sheets from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor in response to the "full stack" position of the stacking conveyor. Control means is provided for changing the speed of the two conveyors in sequential relationship to the actuation of the stop mechanism whereby the speed of the first conveyor is substantially reduced, while the speed of the second conveyor is substantially increased to clear the latter preparatory to discharge of the stacking conveyor.