Abstract: A system and method for parallel-beam scanning a surface. An energetic beam source emits an energetic collimated beam which is received by an optical device, comprising: one or more optical media, operable to receive the emitted beam, such as two pairs of coordinated mirrors or a right prism, and at least one actuator coupled to the one or more optical media, and operable to rotate each of the one or more optical media around a respective axis to perform a parallel displacement of the beam in a respective direction, wherein the respective direction, the beam, and the respective axis are mutually orthogonal. The optical device is operable to direct the beam to illuminate a sequence of specified regions of a surface.

Abstract: A system and method for parallel-beam scanning a surface. An energetic beam source emits an energetic collimated beam which is received by an optical device, comprising: one or more optical media, operable to receive the emitted beam, such as two pairs of coordinated mirrors or a right prism, and at least one actuator coupled to the one or more optical media, and operable to rotate each of the one or more optical media around a respective axis to perform a parallel displacement of the beam in a respective direction, wherein the respective direction, the beam, and the respective axis are mutually orthogonal. The optical device is operable to direct the beam to illuminate a sequence of specified regions of a surface.

Abstract: A system and method for parallel-beam scanning a surface. An energetic beam source emits an energetic collimated beam which is received by an optical device, comprising: one or more optical media, operable to receive the emitted beam, such as two pairs of coordinated mirrors or a right prism, and at least one actuator coupled to the one or more optical media, and operable to rotate each of the one or more optical media around a respective axis to perform a parallel displacement of the beam in a respective direction, wherein the respective direction, the beam, and the respective axis are mutually orthogonal. The optical device is operable to direct the beam to illuminate a sequence of specified regions of a surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-pin coax connector assembly having connector housings made of metal or conductive plastic which serves as a reference ground for all signals. The connectors have passages extending therethrough. Pin and socket terminals are insert molded with insulating material and are positioned in the passages. The insulating material spaces the terminals from the conductive connector housing as well as providing air gaps along most of the length of the terminals. The air gaps cooperate with the insulating material to provide controlled impedance. As the signals travel at a high rate of speed along the terminals, the terminals are bent to minimize the reflection of the signal. The connectors are provided with power and ground busses along the outside surfaces thereof, the busses of the first connector making electrical connection with the respective busses of the second connector.

Abstract: A multi-function phonograph tone arm control system for a low-friction air bearing supported linear-travelling tone arm system is disclosed. Positive horizontal linear positioning is accomplished by means of an electromagnetic force producing system in which opposing linear forces may be balanced at any point along the path of straight-line travel of the tone arm to position the tone at any desired location. A separate electromagnetic force producing system is utilized to control the vertical pivoting of the tone arm including the pressure of the stylus on a phonograph record. A further motion damping means is provided to stabilize the motion of the tone arm and prevent any unwanted vibration of the tone arm. A means for automatically shutting off the system at the end of a record is also provided.

Abstract: An improved phonograph tone arm device is disclosed in which the pickup, including the stylus, is supported on a low friction air-bearing support which provides for essentially frictionless movement of the tone arm and pickup both in horizontal linear travel and vertical pivoting to assure proper stylus pressure. The tone arm support system includes a support member having an upper surface which is shaped as a right circular trough or cylinder section and a floating member which has a juxtaposed matching convex or concave lower surface. A recess in the lower surface of the floating member forms a plenum to which air is supplied from one or more openings in the support member. The length of the plenum is such that the supply openings are always beneath the plenum confines during the full traverse of the stylus across a record to be played to minimize the amount of air required and maximize uniformity of support for the floating member.

Abstract: A precision slide positioning system is disclosed which is particularly adapted for rigid and repeated positive location of a microscope object specimen slide relative to the movable stage of a scanning automated microscope such that a predetermined field of view based on perpendicular axis in the plane of the slide carrier tray can be automatically recalled after removal and subsequent replacement of the slide on the slide carrier plate. A pair of oppositely disposed, resiliently held slide retainers are provided which, operating on the slide, urge the slide against fixed alignment registration guides on the slide tray to retain the slide in a predetermined fixed parallel relation thereto. The slide is, in turn, held in adjustable fixed alignment with the traverse plate of the microscope stage. A release mechanism mechanically linked to both of the retainers is provided to withdraw the resiliently held retainers for ease of slide removal and insertion.

Abstract: An automatically controllable microscope stage positioning system capable of repeatable, precise adjustment for use in an automatic scanning microscope is disclosed. The system includes a slide tray in which an object slide is mounted and which is adjustable in the x--y plane and along the z axis to achieve automatic scanning and focusing functions in the automated microscope system. The positioning is achieved by using x, y and z axially adjustable lead screws which operate through non-rotating contact nuts to apply a force to move the stage in one direction along each of said x, y and z axes. Return springs which apply a force vector opposite that of the lead screws maintains the stage against the reversible lead screws at all times. Guide means are also provided for maintaining the alignment of the slide tray in both the x--y plane and along the z axis. The drive is controlled by means of signals generated by the automatic microscope signal processing system.