Abstract: A system for reading and storing data includes a rotating transparent substrate having a layer of dielectric material disposed thereon. A movable support member positioned adjacent one side of the substrate includes a radiant energy source and an electrical field generator which, when energized, produces an electret in the dielectric material when heated to an electret forming temperature by the radiant energy source and which polarizes light rays from the radiant energy source in a direction representing a binary value. An optical detector mounted on a support member adjacent the opposite side of the substrate detects the presence or absence of the polarized light and generates electrical signals representing such conditions. The electrical field generator includes a plurality of pole members for producing an electret having more than one plane of polarization, each of which represents a different binary value.

Abstract: An electret material is formed by the method which includes the step of passing a pair of electrical conductor elements along the surface of a dielectric material heated to a predetermined temperature. The conductor elements are supported between a pair of support members driven in a direction to move the conductor elements along the surface of the dielectric material for applying an electrical field to the material. A heating element positioned adjacent the surface of the dielectric material and movable with the conductor element heats an area of the dielectric material located between the conductor elements enabling the material to be polarized by the electrical field, thereby producing an electret.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a negative or positive image from a single photographic medium. A source of radiant energy is projected onto a sheet of dielectric material heating the material to a polarizing temperature. A pair of electrical conductors are moved in a first direction along the surface of the heated dielectric material polarizing the material in the first direction. A photographic mask is then positioned over the polarized material and the radiant energy and the electrical field is again applied through the mask in a second direction to polarize certain portions of the material in the second direction. Projecting polarized light through the dielectric material and rotating the material during the projection produces a negative or positive image on the screen.

Abstract: A magnetic field is applied to a recording element by energization of an electromagnet or by a permanent magnet to a saturation point of the element material to cause the recording element to move in relation to the electromagnet or to the permanent magnet when the magnetic field is reversed. The polarity opposes or reverses the field to enable a controlled repulsion force and causes the recording element to move in an opposite direction. Magnetic hysteresis is thus utilized in the repulsion and attraction of such an element in both directions of movement.