Abstract: A touchless input device for a computer replaces a computer mouse and does not require physical contact between the user-operator and any part of the input device. The touchless input device uses multiple, linear near infrared, optical sensors and multiple near infrared light emitters working in a plane in space, all held inside a frame with an opening that defines the detection region. The device images the plane and processes the images to determine the presence, location and velocity of objects in the plane. The operator introduces an object, such as a finger, into the plane and moves the object in the plane to emulate the motion of a computer mouse across a desktop. Mouse buttons and other functions are emulated by unique motions in the plane. The device communicates these motions and events to the computer typically using a Universal Serial Bus.

Abstract: An interposer adapted to interrupt the power source of a streetlight and intervening between an existing photo-controller and the streetlight with a lamp connected to a power line, the interposer having a body having a top and a bottom, the top of the body having an electrical receptacle, the bottom of the body having an electrical plug, the body containing a microprocessor and a load switch connected to the main power line and lamp, wherein the microprocessor instructs the load switch to selectively connect and disconnect the power line and the lamp, or to dim a multi-level lighting device.

Abstract: A touchless input device for a computer replaces a computer mouse and does not require physical contact between the user-operator and any part of the input device. The touchless input device uses multiple, linear near infrared, optical sensors and multiple near infrared light emitters working in a plane in space, all held inside a frame with an opening that defines the detection region. The device images the plane and processes the images to determine the presence, location and velocity of objects in the plane. The operator introduces an object, such as a finger, into the plane and moves the object in the plane to emulate the motion of a computer mouse across a desktop. Mouse buttons and other functions are emulated by unique motions in the plane. The device communicates these motions and events to the computer typically using a Universal Serial Bus.

Abstract: A low profile, high-capacity streaming tape drive system primarily for rack-mounted applications has a height of less than six inches, and a weight of less than 60 pounds. The main base plate of the tape drive has downwardly extending short tubes upon which the motors for the supply reel, the take-up reel and for the loading and cooling blower are mounted. The stator of each motor may be mounted on the outside of the associated tube, and the main drive shaft for the motor may be mounted on bearings within the tube and a permanent magnet rotor mounted by a cup-shaped member is arranged to rotate around the stator, thus providing motors which take up very little vertical height. Air ducts for cooling and for automatically threading the tape from the supply reel to the take-up reel are formed by integral ridges on the top and bottom of the main base plate forming U-shaped channels which are closed by sheet metal strips.

Abstract: A mechanism to protect a reel of tape against the risk of inadvertent over-writing or erasure, including an actuator installed in the reel hub and rotatable between two angular positions from the front face of the reel, even when mounted on a tape drive. The axis of rotation of the actuator is offset from that of the reel, and the actuator has a peripheral portion that presents a sloping surface toward the rear of the reel, to engage an axially movable rod disposed along the reel axis. Rotation of the actuator from one angular position to another causes axial movement of the rod, which is conventionally detected and employed to control the write protection status of the tape reel.

Abstract: A "floppy" disc digital magnetic storage apparatus or subsystem includes a number of interrelated features permitting greatly increased data storage and good access time, while using relatively inexpensive parts. The features contributing to the greatly increased storage capacity include arrangements for providing one hundred tracks per inch, and for holding tolerances so that the position of the magnetic head in the radial direction is maintained within the required value of plus or minus 1.7 thousandths of an inch.

Abstract: A printed circuit motor is constructed with the printed circuit windings stationary, and therefore constituting the stator of the motor. The stator is mounted at the end of a heavy hollow supporting frame member. The rotor is mounted on the end of a shaft which is journaled within the hollow frame member, and the rotor extends outwardly in close proximity to the stator and around the outer periphery of the stator and back toward the hollow supporting member, with a permanent magnet assembly on one side of the printed circuit stator and the magnetic return path on the other side of it. The permanent magnet assembly and the magnetic return path are rigidly coupled so that no relative motion occurs between them. Electrical connections to the winding turns of the stator are brought out from the periphery of the stator close to its surface through an additional printed circuit board, and along the outer surface of the hollow frame member to pass the inner edge of the permanent magnet rotor.

Abstract: A compact, high capacity rigid magnetic disk storage system includes three 8-inch disks in an assembly only 45/8 inches high complete with electronics. The system includes two separate sections, a first section containing the electronics, the disk drive motor, and other similar active components, and a second "clean zone" section, separated by a central cast web or partition. Within the second clean zone area are a stack of three rigid disks, the recording heads, and arrangements for positioning the recording heads; and a special filtering circuit through which air is circulated over the surface of the disks. The air circulation and filtering arrangements within the second clean zone area of the system include a special hollow hub assembly on which the rigid disks are mounted, with the hub assembly having a series of spaced radial apertures opening both to the spaces between the disks and also to the end of the hub facing away from the motor.

Abstract: A tape transport system having a capstan servomechanism for velocity control of tape across a read/write head and separate reel servomechanisms for tape supply and take-up control, and also having tape loops in vacuum columns, is provided with tape position feedback to each reel servomechanism to stabilize reel positions in a standby (zero capstan speed) condition from AC tachometers of the induction-generator type normally used during steady state (steady capstan speed) for velocity feedback.