Abstract: An illumination system for diascopic microscopy comprises a computer (610) with memory (625), a graphics program (605), a display driver (615), and graphical display (600). The display is positioned between a microscope's light source (105, 704) and condenser (110). When activated, the illumination system causes the display to display a predetermined pattern which the light source projects onto the condenser and is then focused by the condenser on a subject (125) to be examined. In conjunction with the microscope's light source, the illumination system emulates the illumination techniques of bright field, dark field, oblique, polarized, monochrome, modulation contrast and phase contrast illuminations.

Abstract: An illumination system for diascopic microscopy comprises a computer (610) with memory (625), a graphics program (605), a display driver (615), and graphical display (600). The display is positioned between a microscope's light source (105, 704) and condenser (110). When activated, the illumination system causes the display to display a predetermined pattern which the light source projects onto the condenser and is then focused by the condenser on a subject (125) to be examined. In conjunction with the microscope's light source, the illumination system emulates the illumination techniques of bright field, dark field, oblique, polarized, monochrome, modulation contrast and phase contrast illuminations.

Abstract: A rotary pad printing system comprises a compressible pad wheel (105), one or more inkjet or other image applicator heads (400), optional treatment stations (500), a shaft encoder (535), a control unit (540), and an image source (565). The image applicator heads apply an image to the wheel and the treatment stations can supply treatments such as heat, gas, light, overcoats, and undercoats. The image is then transferred to a receiving surface (532). An optional cleaning station (510) cleans the rotary pad prior to application of the next or a continuous image. Each image can be different and can be applied to a moving surface. Since the rotary pad can continuously receive updated image information, the area printed can range from a single pixel to an image of indefinite length. In an alternative embodiment, a domed pad is used. In another alternative embodiment, a flexible belt (1000) is used instead of a rotary wheel. In another alternative embodiment, a segmented pad (2205) is used.

Abstract: In one aspect of a first embodiment, a rotary pad printing system comprises a controller (400), an image source (498) that provides an image to the controller, a rotary pad (200) that is urged to rotate by a first motive source, a monochrome or color ink source or applicator such as an inkjet (215), and an actuator (235, 730). The system has the ability to print onto a flat or uneven surface (410). The controller actuates the ink source, causing it to deposit an ink image (202) onto a rotating pad wheel (200). As the surface moves, the wheel is held in contact with the surface by an actuator (235) or arm (705). As the wheel turns in contact with the surface, the ink image comes into contact with the surface and transfers to it, thereby printing the ink image onto a flat or uneven surface.

Abstract: A relay lens assembly (100) for use with a microscope (1400), telescope or binocular (1500), comprises a lens element (300) that is responsive to commands, conveyed from a control unit (400), via a conduit (410) between the control unit and the lens element. A computing device (810) controls operation of the lens assembly and a digital camera (805) that has an image sensor (125). The control unit causes the lens assembly to assume any of a plurality of predetermined focal lengths so that different depths of an object being imaged can be rendered in-focus on the sensor. A series of images can be taken at predetermined, computer-controlled focal depths. These images can be processed in order to create a photomontage that is in focus at a plurality of predetermined depths in a process commonly called focus-stacking. The addition of a plurality of data input and analysis units (1105) and a combiner (1115) makes rapid processing of individual images possible for photomontage at video rates.

Abstract: A rotary pad for pad printing comprises a cylinder (100?) or a belt (1105). The pad can be either flat or crowned in its relaxed condition. An ink applicator (405, etc.) applies an ink image (701) to the pad for subsequent transfer to a receiving object (425, etc.). If not initially flat, the pad can be flattened during application of the ink image, then forced to bulge for transfer to a receiving object. The pad can be flattened or caused to bulge by rollers (400, etc.) or by vacuum or pneumatic pressure. In one embodiment, an ink image is temporarily applied to the outer surface (510) of a flat cylindrical pad, then as the pad rotates, the sides of the pad are squeezed by rollers (520, 525), forcing the pad to bulge during transfer of the ink image to a receiving object (600). In another embodiment, a crowned pad (100?) is flattened while accepting an ink image, then allowed to resume its original crowned shape for transfer to a receiving object (425).

Abstract: A system for taking motion pictures of a scene with different parts at different focal lengths with a camera that normally would not have sufficient depth of field to capture all parts of said scene in focus. A computer (610) controls a high-speed, digital camera (605) and a lens (600) with rapid focus capability to produce a stack of images at different focal lengths for rapid processing into a composite serial image montage stream in motion picture output format (625). Operator controls permit continuous selection of depth of field (DOF) in the output image and enable a plurality of in-focus and out-of-focus regions over the depth of an image. An optional output port (640) provides for real-time recordation of all images in each stack for later processing. An optional remote control (1015) duplicates the main controls in the camera system (1000) so that a second person can assist in optimizing images as they are recorded, or for remote control of the camera itself.

Abstract: A system for displaying the positions of substances in electrophoretic separations comprises a gel (635) a substance to be separated into a region (450), plates (400, 401) with electrodes (405-420 and 430-445) placed on either side of the gel. A source (315) applies a voltage to an electrode on one side of the gel, and an electrode on the other side of the gel is connected to the input of an amplifier (320). Multiplexers (605, 610) connect the source and amplifier to electrodes on either side of the gel. A computer (600) issues commands to the multiplexers to connect the source and amplifier to individual electrodes, and while a pair of electrodes is so connected, the computer activates a sample-and-hold circuit (620) and an A/D converter (630) to record the value of the electrical impedance within the gel at the location of the selected electrodes. The impedance value is stored in the computer's memory and also displayed on a monitor (635) connected to the computer.

Abstract: A deformable pad (100) for pad printing has an initially flat side (105) and an opposite bulged side (110). An ink image (610) is applied to the flat side of the pad using an inkjet head (605) or other ink image source. The pad is then distorted using a ram (600) or hydrostatic or pneumatic source applied to a chamber (1300) so that the initially bulged side is flattened and the initially flat side bulges. After distortion, the now bulged side with the ink image is pressed against a receiving surface for transfer of the ink image to the surface. An alternative embodiment starts by deforming a pad to produce a flat surface, inking the surface with an image, then allowing the pad to relax, rendering the previously flat, image-bearing surface newly bulged. The newly-bulged surface is then temporarily urged against a receiving surface for transfer of the ink image.

Abstract: A pad printing system comprises, in one aspect, a flexible pad (100) with a front surface (125). One or more applicator heads (120, 130) applies one or more substances, including inks, paints, coatings, decals, water, varnish, solvents, catalysts, adhesives, and the like, to the front surface of the pad. The various substances can be applied in layers in any order. During or after application of the substance, applicator heads (140, 145) optionally apply treatments, such as radiative energy, gas, humidity, and the like, to the substance being applied. All components of the system are under the control of a controller (150) that derives information about the image to be printed from an image source (155). After an image and any overlying or underlying coatings are applied, the surface of the pad is urged into contact with a receiving object 200, whereupon the image and coatings are transferred from the pad to the receiving object. The pad is flat during application of substances to the pad.

Abstract: A system (799) and method for continuous web sublimate dye transfer printing uses platens (800, 805) which also act as air bearings. The platens are heated by resistive heating elements ( 825 ) or other means. A sandwich of air-impermeable dye-image donor tissue (1100), the medium to be printed (1140), and air-impermeable backup tissue (1115) are fed through the heated air bearing where the dye transfer step occurs. The tissues and medium are supplied on supply rolls (1105, 1120, and 1145) which are restrained by braking mechanisms (not shown). Take-up rolls (1110, 1160, and 1135) are driven by motor-and-clutch mechanisms (not shown) so that the tissues and medium to be printed move through the heated region between the platens without sliding past one-another. The platens are forced together on either side of the tissue-medium sandwich with sufficient pressure to prevent the sublimate dye gas from migrating sideways through the medium being printed.

Abstract: In one aspect of a first embodiment, a rotary pad printing system comprises a controller (400), an image source (498) that provides an image to the controller, a rotary pad (200) that is urged to rotate by a first motive source, a monochrome or color ink source or applicator such as an inkjet (215), and an actuator (235, 730). The system has the ability to print onto a flat or uneven surface (410). The controller actuates the ink source, causing it to deposit an ink image (202) onto a rotating pad wheel (200). As the surface moves, the wheel is held in contact with the surface by an actuator (235) or arm (705). As the wheel turns in contact with the surface, the ink image comes into contact with the surface and transfers to it, thereby printing the ink image onto a flat or uneven surface.

Abstract: A rotary pad printing system comprises a compressible pad wheel (105), one or more inkjet or other image applicator heads (400), optional treatment stations (500), a shaft encoder (535), a control unit (540), and an image source (565). The image applicator heads apply an image to the wheel and the treatment stations can supply treatments such as heat, gas, light, overcoats, and undercoats. The image is then transferred to a receiving surface (532). An optional cleaning station (510) cleans the rotary pad prior to application of the next or a continuous image. Each image can be different and can be applied to a moving surface. Since the rotary pad can continuously receive updated image information, the area printed can range from a single pixel to an image of indefinite length. In an alternative embodiment, a domed pad is used. In another alternative embodiment, a flexible belt (1000) is used instead of a rotary wheel. In another alternative embodiment, a segmented pad (2205) is used.

Abstract: A system for color printing in an economical, simple, yet accurate manner comprises a computer (200) which causes an inkjet printer (210) to print a multi-color image of ink (215) on the surface (302) of a pad (300). The pad is made of silicone rubber and is supported in a frame (305). The rubber is either insulating or conductive, as required. Its surface can be smooth or textured. The pad is normally flat during application of the ink image. The pad can be used flat, or it can be deformed into a convex shape after the ink image is applied. The pad is then applied to a receiving object (400), transferring the ink image (216) to the object. Deformation of the pad is accomplished using a ram (410), or hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. Since the printed pad (300) contains all colors to be printed, a full-color image is transferred in a single operation of the pad.

Abstract: A cylindrical dispenser (100) contains a hydrophobic or hydrophilic Surface Treatment Material (STM) (110). The dispenser is attached to a windshield or other wiper blade (500), or attached to a bracket (400), arm (700), or channel (415) associated with the blade. At rest, the dispenser is oriented such that holes (105), a slit (106), or slots (107) normally face downward, keeping the STM dry, even in rain. When the windshield wiper is energized, however, the arm rotates on a pivot (800) and the angle of rotation is sufficient to expose the bottom side of the dispenser to falling rain, thus dissolving a small portion of the STM. The dissolved STM falls onto a vehicle's windshield (900), for example, and is dispersed by the wiping action of the blade. Thus the STM is automatically dispensed only when the wiper blade is in use in wet conditions. The wiping edge of the blade is in contact with a surface (900), such as the vehicle's windshield.

Abstract: An organic light emitting diode (OLED) array (800) is used in conjunction with a computer (155) and an OLED screen (161) to scan and view an object (100 or 230). The array and screen both have the same red, green, and blue OLED emitters of substantially the same wavelengths and bandwidths. Thus the image is reconstructed on the viewing screen with the same wavelengths used when it was scanned. This substantially reduces the requirement for device profiling, with its attendant inaccuracies and errors. Replacing the fluorescent lamp (110) with an OLED array eliminates flicker (changes in intensity with time), thus extending the dynamic range of the scanner significantly beyond eight bits. Adding non-imaging optics (1100) to the OLED array increases the intensity of light available for scanning.

Abstract: A shock-activated, sonic alarm is silent when in an armed or cocked condition. In this condition, a spring-loaded lance (108) is restrained by a ball (104) from activating an alarm (100). When the alarm is tilted, or dealt a sharp blow, the ball (104) is dislodged and frees the lance (108) to pierce a membrane in a gas cylinder (102), resulting in a loud alarm. Alternatively, a normally-closed switch (208) is held in an open condition by a ball (204). When the ball (204) is dislodged from its position on the plunger (207) of the switch (208), a buzzer (212) is activated, resulting in a loud sound. The alarm can be placed in any location where it is desirable to sound an alarm in response to a physical trauma, such as in a traffic barrier or dangerous goods shipment.

Abstract: An assembly of probes (1000) measures both the electrical properties and the depth of a fluid (1045). A first probe section (1040) is electrically energized, while a second probe section (1030) is de-energized. In a first measurement, the electrical properties of the fluid are measured. Low- and high-frequency, alternating potentials are used in measuring the conductivity and dielectric constant of the fluid. These potentials cause a current to flow in the fluid and also in a proximate conductor (1010), which is connected to the input of an operational amplifier (1080). The operational amplifier converts the current to a voltage whose amplitude and phase are measured using a precision rectifier (1092), a voltmeter (1096) and an oscilloscope (1094) (or alternatively with an analog-to-digital converter (1100), and a microprocessor (1150)). A similar measurement is made with a second probe section (1030) also energized.

Abstract: A shock-activated, sonic alarm is silent when in a stored or cocked condition. In the cocked or armed condition, a spring-loaded plunger (160) is restrained by a ring (200) from activating an alarm (100). When the alarm is dealt a sharp blow, the plunger (160) is dislodged and freed from the ring so that its spring (170) forces it against a cap (120) or a switch (410), resulting in a loud alarm. The alarm can be placed in any location where it is desirable to sound an alarm in response to a physical trauma, such as in a traffic barrier or dangerous goods shipment.

Abstract: For cleaning the print heads of an electrographic printer, a cleaning strip (900) or a lapping strip (1000) is applied to a medium (10) which moves through the printer. The strip (900 or 1000) is first positioned between fiducial marks printed on the medium (10). Then a solvent or other "conditioning agent" is optionally applied to the strip. Then the strip is moved backward into the printer and positioned over at least one electrographic print head (40). The medium (10) is optionally moved back and forth and/or the print head (40) is optionally moved back and forth. This action accomplishes cleaning or lapping of the electrographic print head. After use, the strip, still affixed to the medium (10) is moved away from the printing area and printing resumes. The process is equally applicable in single-pass and multi-pass printers.