Abstract: To enable a microprocessor to operate within its bandwidth limitations while controlling a serial printer, means are provided for adjusting the microprocessor system clock rate when the printer is in its rate mode. In particular, the output of a counter clocked by the pulses from an encoder representing the velocity of a member is controlled; the output of the counter being selectively applied to the microprocessor in accordance with the velocity of the member being controlled.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin and flexible ribbon of superconductor material such as V.sub.3 Sn, V.sub.3 Ge, V.sub.3 Si, Nb.sub.3 Sn, Nb.sub.3 Ge, Nb.sub.3 Si and La-Au having a fine and compact microscopic structure comprises heating raw superconductor material at a temperature within the range between its melting point and 300.degree. C. above the melting point to form a melt having suitable wettability and viscosity; ejecting the melt through a nozzle under a pressure within the range from 0.01 to 1.5 atm. against a cooling surface of a moving substrate such as a rotating drum; and cooling instantaneously and very rapidly a jet flow of the melt on the cooling surface at a cooling rate of 1,000.degree. C. to 1,000,000.degree. C./sec. In order to manufacture the thin elongated ribbon of excellent configuration it is preferable to effect the cooling in a reduced atmosphere. The invention also provides the thin and flexible ribbon processed by the above mentioned process.