Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a photoconductive element, a developing sleeve, a photosensor and a control device for controlling the dynamic range of an image. A background output VSG is produced from the photosensor when the photoconductive element is rotating and the developing sleeve is rotating and a background output VSG+ is produced from the photosensor when the photoconductive element is rotating and the developing sleeve is not rotating. The control device controls a developing bias, a charge potential, a quantity of exposing light or an amount of toner supply in response to the greater of the two values VSG or VSG+. Also, the gradient of the background output VSG is determined and is used to decide whether the image forming apparatus is in an unusual state or not.

Abstract: An image recorder for converting input bilevel image data to multilevel data, executing various kinds of image processing with the mutlilevel data, and then recording the processed multilevel data. The image recorder converts input bilevel image data to M-level data (M being equal to or greater than 2), then requantized to N-level data, and then fed to a printer capable of recording data in three or more levels. The bilevel-to-multilevel conversion is effected in matching relation to the pattern of the input bilevel data. A plurality of bilevel-to-multilevel conversion means of different kinds are provided. The bilevel-to-multilevel conversion system is changed on the basis of the kind of input bilevel data. The M-level data is subjected to edge enhancement, magnification change, and gamma correction. Color image data produced by color separation are processed color by color and then fed to a printer.

Abstract: A solder levelling machine which uses a hot gas emanating from opposed gas knives to remove excess molten solder from a printed circuit board as the board is withdrawn from a bath of molten solder contained in a self-purging solder pot. The hot gas clears the through-holes in the circuit board and allows a controllable desired thickness of solder to remain on the board and in the through holes. A pair of heaters supplies the hot gas to the knives through a manifolding arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing copies of portions of an original document and at least one selectively positioned supplemental document which masks the portion of the original document not reproduced. A copier with an image receiving station is provided. A holding device positions the original document into operative association with the image receiving station. The supplemental documents are placed in a transparent over-lay which is positioned between the holder and the image receiving station. The set-up is such that the supplemental documents are in a position to be reproduced while preventing the corresponding portions of the original document masked by the supplemental documents from being reproduced. A transfer device moves the holding device in a reciprocating motion to place the supplemental documents and the original document in first and second relative positions during first and second copy cycles, respectively.

Abstract: A zoom lens assembly for projecting images from an object plane to the image plane at magnifications from approximately 17 times to approximately 29 times and operating in the wavelength range from 0.38 to 0.54 microns. The zoom lens assembly comprises four members, including a front fixed member, two cam controlled moving members, and a rear fixed member. A diaphragm is mounted within the rear moving member and is controlled by a third cam to maintain a constant f/number aperture at the long conjugate. In a preferred embodiment, the cams which control the movable members are designed so that equal angular rotations of the cam sleeve into which the cam slots are cut changes the magnification by equal amounts.

Abstract: An optical holographic memory device wherein a plurality of hologram plates, each plate comprising an array of sub-holograms, are arranged in a predetermined horizontally registered relation to one another, the amount of information recorded on the plates thereby not being restricted by the light deflecting device utilized to read a selected sub-hologram.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selectively erasing information formed on the surface of image recording device which deforms when illuminated in the presence of an electrostatic field applied thereacross. The image recording device, comprising a layered structure consisting of a conductive transparent substrate, a photoconductive layer, a deformable elastomer layer and a deformable electrode, is initially raster scanned by information containing light on the photoconductor layer with voltage applied between the conductive electrodes whereby the elastomer and deformable electrode are deformed in accordance with the input information. For selective erasure, the voltage is removed and the device is short-circuited. With the device shorted, the area to be erased is scanned with the spot of light. The short is then removed and the voltage reapplied, the remainder of the information except for the area erased, being restored. Additional information can be written in the erased area if desired.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inverting the polarity of an input image formed on a surface of an image recording device which deforms when illuminated in the presence of an electrostatic field applied thereacross. The image recording device, comprising a layered structure consisting of a conductive transparent substrate, a photoconductive layer, a deformable elastomer layer and a deformable, reflective layer is raster scanned by information containing light through the photoconductor layer with voltage applied between the conductive electrodes, the elastomer and deformable electrode being deformed in accordance with the input informaton. The image projected from the surface of the deformable electrode is positive, light characters on a dark background. In order to project a negative image (dark characters on a light background), the device is initially flooded with light through the photoconductor layer with voltage applied between the conductive electrodes.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing printed circuit boards wherein a layer of Nickel is plated atop a layer of copper in a pattern corresponding to a desired circuit configuration. The Nickel is used as an etch resist to remove copper from the board in the non-conductive areas. Subsequently, the Nickel is chemically activated such that it will accept a coating of solder particularly at the connection points and in the through-holes.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a printed circuit board or other flat plate-like article having a supporting body and a pair of legs extending therefrom to which the article is attached. The attaching means comprises, on each leg, a transverse groove and a notch forming two lips, the outwardly disposed lip having a pin thereon which extends through the article to be supported.

Abstract: To eliminate reflections and oscillations when a low impedance level circuit is to be connected to a high impedance level circuit on a printed circuit board, a microstrip/stripline impedance transformer is inserted in between. This transformer is passive and bi-directional, i.e., it can be step-up or step-down. It is made of a continuous folded microstrip (also called a surface etched line) or a continuous folded stripline (also called a buried etched line) wherein each folded section is run in parallel with its preceding one. Because of the mutual coupling between each section with its preceding one, the line impedance of each section will be step-up or step-down depending on the impedance levels at both ends of the interconnection.