Abstract: A high speed, feed forward, segmented neural network and fabrication technique are described. The segmented network includes a plurality of network layers stacked in an ascending pyramid fashion. The network layers are structured with a plurality of subnetworks, and within each subnetwork exists a plurality of nodes structured in a fully interconnected and/or partially interconnected layered neural network arrangement. The inputs and outputs of each subnetwork are one bit digital values constrained to `0` or `1`, while any number of nodes with any number of layers may be modeled for each subnetwork. Each subnetwork is independent of all other subnetworks in a given network layer, and thus, each network layer is segmented. In hardware implementation, each subnetwork comprises a simple memory device, such as a RAM or PROM look-up table. The speed of the neural network system is high and largely dictated by the access time of the memory devices used.

Abstract: Substrates (D) for optical recording disks are supported substantially vertically while moving through a shroud (32) through which cooling gas is drawn or pumped. The substrates may be supported by spaced, toothed rings (18, 20, 24) on a carousel or by suitable conveyors (126-132; 136-142; 144-146).

Abstract: Apparatus for winding a strip (58) of web into a cartridge (40), the cartridge including an enclosing shell (42, 44); a spool (46) mounted for rotation within the shell, the spool being engageable externally of the cartridge (51, 53) for rotation; the spool comprising a core (54) with features (56) for attaching an end (60) of the strip to the core; an axially extended opening (50) through the shell for advancing or withdrawing the strip; and a light-shielding door (52). A tool (94) inserts the end into the cartridge and attaches it to the core. A winding motor (354) rotates the spool to draw the strip into the cartridge. During the winding, a rotatable air bar (92) adjusts the path of the strip to prevent contact with the peripheral edges or walls of the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for winding a strip (58) of web into a cartridge (40), the cartridge including an enclosing shell (42, 44); a spool (46) mounted for rotation within the shell, the spool being engageable externally of the cartridge (51, 53) for rotation; the spool comprising a core (54) with features (56) for attaching an end (60) of the strip to the core; an axially extended opening (50) through the shell for advancing or withdrawing the strip; and a light-shielding door (52). A shuttle mechanism (86) has a vacuum head (88) which grips the strip and moves the end to a position for engagement by a tool (94) positioned outside the opening, after which the tool inserts the end into the cartridge and attaches it to the core. A winding motor (354) rotates the spool to draw the strip into the cartridge. During the winding, a rotatable air bar (92) adjusts the path of the strip to prevent contact with the peripheral edges or walls of the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically interfitting a part and mount utilize a housing having a chamber and an inwardly tapered alignment surface. A piston reciprocates in the chamber and has a gripper end that moves out of and into the housing, past the alignment surface, when alternating spring and air pressure forces act on the piston. Such movement of the piston accurately positions a gripped part, and the housing then reciprocates so that the alignment surfaces accurately position a mount. The piston then moves the part to an interfit with the mount.

Abstract: Flow control system (10) for controlling the flow between first and second containerized systems (12,14) has a first flow control member (20) positioned in the first containerized member (12) for cooperating with a second flow control member (22) positioned in the second containerized system (14). The first flow control member (20) has a fluid flow channel (28) in fluid communication with a proboscis member (50) having a through channel (58) in the second flow control member (14). Displacement of the flow control members (20,22) toward and away from one another enables the proboscis member (50) to open and, alternatively, close communicating fluid flow channels connecting the first and second containerized systems (12,14), without apparent leakage.

Abstract: Spent solution from photographic processors are fed into a conduit (18) to which subsequently are added precipitating agents from a first source (22) and flocculating agents from a second source (28); so that, well grown or ripened clumps of flocculated solids are formed along the conduit before being emptied into a gravity collecting vessel and shipping container (38) from which clarified liquids are displaced by a mass (50) of accumulated flocculated solids, typically through a filter (58, 142, 150, 158, 162, 166, 220) for removal of any unsettled fines.

Abstract: It is well known to use pneumatically-operated devices for handling containers, such as, gripping finger mechanisms and suction devices. However, the former type of mechanism can be unstable and the contents of the container can easily be spilled as the container is moved from one location to another. In the latter type, the top of the container needs to be undamaged to ensure proper engagement. Described herein is an improved pneumatically-operated device in which a plurality of pistons (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are housed in a body portion (10), the pistons (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) being operated by an air supply to move a split ring (40) into and out of engagement with a container to move it from one location to another.

Abstract: A light directing element (22) used in a Scheimpflug system (10, 12, 14, 16, 18) includes an array of closely packed optical fibers (40) formed as a plate (34) having essentially parallel entrance and exit sides (36, 38), the axis (44) of each fiber of the array being essentially perpendicular to the exit side and at a first oblique angle (.gamma.) to a normal to the entrance side, the normal to the entrance side being at a second oblique angle (.alpha.) to the first axis; so that, each fiber receives light from the first optical system, each fiber being curved between the entrance and exit sides. Oblique objects can be viewed in real time using electronic detectors (28-32) which receive light emitted from the exit side. Objects with topographical features (11) may be viewed by providing the entrance side with an optically conjugate surface of topography (23).

Abstract: An improved light-tight package for a roll (10) of a length (14) light-sensitive material such as photographic film or paper includes an opaque leader (22) wound around the roll. Folded-over portions (48, 50) of opaque end disks (32, 34) are held in place by adhesive tape strips (44, 46). Upon unrolling one embodiment of the package by pulling the leader, the end disks release from the adhesive strips without tearing; and the adhesive strips remain attached to the leader and are removed from the roll with the leader. Upon unrolling another embodiment, the end disks tear circumferentially and the torn-away portions are removed with the tape strips and the leader.

Abstract: A light-tight enclosure (10) for storing and dispensing a roll of photosensitive web material (32) directly in a cooperating apparatus without need for an auxiliary cartridge. The web is wound about a cylindrical core (34, 68, 74) having flush, closed opposite ends (36) and an axial bore (38) in each end. The core may be closed by integral ends or by fullfitting plugs (76). The enclosure comprises a flexible opaque bag (12) with opposite sidewalls (16) extending between opposing rearward and forward portions (18 and 20) and between opposing upper and lower portions (22 and 24). Each sidewall has a central aperture therein congruent with each core end. The rearward portion defines a closable opening for receiving the roll. A shallow neck portion (26) projects from the forward portion to an end (28) thereof defining an exit slot (30) for dispensing the web material.

Abstract: An improved light-tight package for a roll (10) of a length (14) light-sensitive material such as photographic film or paper includes an opaque leader (22) provided with adhesive elements (44, 46) which adhere more strongly to the leader that to folded-over portions (58, 60) of opaque end disks (32, 34). Alternatively, adhesive elements (56) having similar properties may be applied to the end disks. Upon unrolling of the package by pulling the leader, the end disks release from the adhesive elements without tearing; and the adhesive elements remain attached to the leader and are removed from the roll with the leader.

Abstract: A system and method are taught for transferring fluids between a container and an associated apparatus for using the fluid. Interface members (52, 68; 86, 88) on the container (80, 82) cooperate with sensor probe assemblies (54, 70; 90-108) and a controller (56) in the associated apparatus to indicate the status of the container as full or partially full of fresh liquid, emptied of fresh liquid, or full or partially full of effluent liquid. The likelihood of delivering the wrong liquid to the associated apparatus is minimized. The invention is particularly useful for delivery of liquid chemicals to a photographic processor apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for loading a roll of web (1) from a stack (3) along a first axis (7) into a chamber (2) along a second axis (8) has a pivotable support member (12) and an engaging means (16) having a head member (18) attached to the support member (12) for engaging a roll along the first axis (7) and guiding the roll (1) into the chamber (4) along the second (8). The support member (12) pivots between a first position in alignment with the stack (3) along the first axis (7) and, a second position in alignment with the chamber opening (4) along the second axis (8). A guide means (22) comprising a guide track (24) having first and second elevation positions and predetermined first, second and third stopping means (30) , (53) , (44) are provided to ensure that the engaging means (16) precisely and repeatedly locates at the desired positions.

Abstract: Diffractive lenses having gradial zones (62, 70, 78, 90, 98, 106, 114) are formed by separately, sequentially spin casting and polymerizing successive radial zones of the lens to produce optical phase differences of 2.pi. between adjacent gradial zones. Diffractive lenses may be molded in plano-plano (60), plano-concave (68) and planoconvex (76) geometries and also may be combined with conventional plano-plano (84), convex-convex (92), plano-concave (100) and plano-convex (108) refractive lenses.