Abstract: A document reader for reading manually fed edge coded documents, comprising a first component including a side wall, a second component orthogonally positioned with respect to the first component and having a second sidewall, the first and second sidewalls positioned adjacent one another so as to form a document receiving slot therebetween, the first sidewall containing an opening, a drive means, the drive means positioned within the first component and adapted to project through the first sidewall opening and substantially across the slot, the second sidewall including an opening, reading means contained within the second component, the reading means including a light source, means for directing light from the source through the second wall opening to the document, means responsive to light reflected from the document for converting the reflected light to digital data, control means coupled to the drive means, sensing means positioned proximate to the slot for sensing the precise location of the document, th

Abstract: A source for sputtering from concentric rings on the surface of a single target is shown. The source comprises a rotatable closed-loop magnet having a plurality of curved sections of different average radius interconnected by a equal number of radial sections. In the preferred embodiment the curved sections each have a shape which results in a predetermined erosion profile in the associated concentric ring of the sputter target. The relative rate of sputtering from each of the rings may be controlled by adjusting the relative lengths of the curved portions of the closed-loop magnet.

Abstract: An optical scanning system operates asynchronously by electro-optically detecting movement of a scanning unit directly from the data being scanned. A first embodiment of the system includes two sets of optical sensors in a handheld unit. One set extends transversely of a scanning direction for detecting the optical pattern, and a second set is approximately aligned with the scanning direction for detecting relative movement between the pattern and the scanning unit. Relative movement is detected by detecting a pattern in a first subset of the second set of sensors and then sensing a shift of the detected pattern to a second subset of the second set of sensors. In response to detecting a unit movement, the optical states of the first set of sensor elements are polled to record a portion of the pattern along the line.

Abstract: A magnetron sputtering apparatus includes a rotatable magnet. At least a portion of the centerline of the magnet lies on a curve defined by ##EQU1## where .xi.(u) is a preselected erosion profile. When stationary, the magnet generates a localized magnetic field of approximately constant width. In operation, when the magnet is rotated, it generates the preselected erosion profile in the target. The preselected erosion profile may be constant.

Abstract: An arrow having an axially elongated shaft including a mandrel at the forward end of the shaft, a blade unit, comprising a generally axially extending tubular body, and blades on and projecting outwardly from the body, the body being telescopically slidable on the shaft; and structure on the body to releasably axially retain the body to the mandrel during airborne flight of the arrow, and to release the body for axial rearward sliding on the shaft in response to penetration of the mandrel into a target.

Abstract: A multiple purpose cable assembly for locking and alternatively carrying skis and poles, with a first cable section having eyelets at both ends and a second shorter cable section connected to one end of the first cable section with an eyelet at its distal end, the short cable section defining a fairly tight loop around the skis in both locking and carrying modes, and longer cable section defining a short loop around the skis and a handle in the carrying mode, and a long loop around the skis and an immovable object in the locking mode.

Abstract: A nut is comprised of a one piece stamping having a base wall with an integrally formed conical nut. A frame member has a bolt receiving first aperture in a first planar wall and a nut receiving second aperture in a second planar wall extending at a generally perpendicular angle with respect to the first planar wall. The stamping has integral stop tabs which engage with the frame member to limit the insertion of the stamping into the second aperture so that the conical nut is registered with the bolt receiving first aperture. First and second integral flexure arms flex inwardly upon insertion of the stamping through the second aperture and then engage with the inner surface of the frame member to retain the stamping against removal from the frame member.

Abstract: An optical scanning system operates asynchronously by electro-optically detecting movement of a scanning unit directly from the data being scanned. A first embodiment of the system includes two sets of optical sensors in a hand-held unit. One set extends transversely of a scanning direction for detecting the optical pattern, and a second set is approximately aligned with the scanning direction for detecting relative movement between the pattern and the scanning unit. Relative movement is detected by detecting a pattern in a first subset of the second set of sensors and then sensing a shift of the detected pattern to a second subset of the second set of sensors. In response to detecting a unit movement, the optical states of the first set of sensor elements are polled to record a portion of the pattern along the line.

Abstract: A sample changer for powder X-ray diffractometry includes a cylindrical dispensing container for holding a stack of pre-test sample holders, a cylindrical receiving container for holding a stack of post-test sample holders and a changer arm which automatically picks up the topmost sample disk in the dispensing container and rotatably positions the sample disk on the sample holder stage of an X-ray diffractometer for analysis. After analysis, the changer arm removes the sample holder and releases it into the receving container. The sample holders have a circumferential groove which coacts with semi-circular rotatable cams positioned on the distal end of the changer arm to enable the changer arm to lift and place the sample holders.

Abstract: An ignition diagnostic monitor detects ignition malfunction. A first monostable multivibrator is coupled to an ignition module to receive the ignition signal and maintain a first logic state for a predetermined first time constant after detecting an ignition signal. The monostable multivibrator maintains a second logic level state after passage of the predetermined time constant until detection of another ignition signal occurs. The second logic level indicates a missed ignition signal and an ignition fault. A control module is coupled to the ignition module and the monostable multivibrator and receives a fault detection signal from the monostable multivibrator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for moving a workpiece and/or a tool to various locations in a three-dimensional space to perform operations on the workpiece wherein a micro-computer numeric control system is used to provide a multi-axis motion control system using DC electric servo motors, each of which responds to its own control system to operate mechanisms which cooperate to perform the desired operations on the workpiece.

Abstract: A system is provided for improving frame adjustments of automatic embroidery machines. Groupings of holes are punched in an elongated tape corresponding to binary numbers. The tape is read by an electro-optical reader which converts the information on the tape to electrical pulses which, in turn, control a drive system for causing the embroidery frame to move predetermined discrete distances.

Abstract: The capacitive effect of a coaxial cable coupled to an ionization probe is reduced by an operational amplifier which applies a constant bias voltage to the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A process for assuring that the individual computational elements of a fault-tolerant computer system have the same view of the external world when applied in applications where input data representations of the same quantity may have slight variations without being incorrect. The process transmits data between each of the computational elements through circuitry utilizing transmitters and receivers, and provides a check as to the accuracy of each such transmission, resulting in each computational element either having the same plurality of data as each other computational element, or a representation that a transmission was faulty.

Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing the operation of a plurality of output transistor drivers includes a plurality of detection transistors, a reference resistor and a voltage detector. Each detection resistor is coupled from a collector of one output transistor driver to a common node. The reference resistor is coupled between the common node and a ground potential. The voltage detector measures voltage across the reference resistor to determine the existence of an improperly functioning transistor. The test method includes turning off all the transistor drivers, detecting the voltage, and comparing the voltage to a reference voltage to determine if any transistors are shorted. If there are no shorts, the transistors are sequentially turned on to determine if any transistors are open.

Abstract: An improved drive for a magnetic data storage tape is described which features direct coupling of the tape from a machine to a file reel without interposition of vacuum buffers or spring loaded tension control devices. Control of the current supplied to motors driving the file and machine reels is performed by a microprocessor in response to information derived during an initialization routine performed at first mounting of a reel of tape upon the drive and in response to continuously generated velocity information generated by tachometers on the motor shaft. The absolute position of the tape can at all times be known to the microprocessor and the tension of the tape can be controlled by control of the supply of current to the motors. In a preferred embodiment, a solid state buffer memory is provided to accept data from a host computer during the time the tape drive comes up to speed.

Abstract: The primary winding of an engine ignition coil is coupled to an ionization probe detecting cylinder combustion in order to apply a bias voltage.