Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying the orientation and positions of the elements of a grid in an image. The elements of the grid need not be parallel to the sides of the image, and the image need not contain all of the elements of the grid. The method can be applied to rectilinear and curved grids. The addresses of identified grid elements can be used to control, e.g., analytical procedures directed to individual elements.

Abstract: An insulating layer in a field effect transistor is formed of superfine ceramic particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The characteristics of the insulating layer can be changed by varying the mix of ceramic particles and matrix components. Appropriate selection of components can provide a high dielectric constant material which is not subject to pinholes, has a high voltage breakdown and is chemically resistant. The material can be applied at relatively low processing temperatures, using a wide range of coating techniques, and is highly suited for use with polymeric substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides for very rapid autofocusing of optical scanning systems. If a sample is sufficiently out of focus, the focal error signal used to focus a conventional half-blocked system can become saturated. Multiple steps toward the focus position then typically are required to bring the system into the operational range. To minimize this, a light adjustment system is provided to reduce the amount of light impinging on the half-blocked system when the focal error signal is at or near saturation. The half-blocked system then becomes primary controller again, and can move the system into a position generally close to the correct focal point. The light adjustment system then can be deactivated, but since the system now is much closer to focus, the half-blocked system can quickly bring the system into final focus. Alternatively, the photodetectors used to generate the focal error signal are segmented.

Abstract: Patterns in an image or graphical representation of a dataset are identified through centroid integration. The image or graphical representation is digitized. A collapsed image is created by identifying the centroid and at least one characteristic value for each feature in the digitized image. A shape, such as a line, curve, plane or hypersurface, is stepped across the image. At each step, the characteristic values are summed for all centroids within a predetermined distance of the shape. Peaks in the resulting summation represent matches between the shape and a pattern in the data, with steeper peaks representing a better match. Different shapes, or the same shape at different angles, can be applied to the data to find better fits with the patterns in the image. The image can be multidimensional, with the shape being one dimension less than the image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container having top, bottom, and side walls that comprises first and second substantially identical halves, each of which has a major surface that has a polygonal shape defined by at least six sides and at least one substantially vertical side wall, substantially orthogonal to the major surface, that forms a portion of the side walls of the container when the halves are assembled, an at least double wall construction, the two substantially identical halves matingly engage when the halves are assembled to form the container, and means integral to each half for securing the two halves together. In another aspect, the container of the invention comprises a major surface having a curved periphery and is otherwise as summarized above.

Abstract: Modifying agents for polyolefins improve the physical and/or optical properties of the polymers and have formula (I): ##STR1## and salts thereof, wherein X, Y, Z, R and R1 are as defined in the specification.

Abstract: A II-VI semiconductor device includes a stack of II-VI semiconductor layers electrically connected to a top electrical contact. A GaAs substrate is provided which supports the stack of II-VI semiconductor layers and is positioned opposite to the top electrical contacts. A BeTe buffer layer is provided between the GaAs substrate and the stack of II-VI semiconductor layers. The BeTe buffer layer reduces stacking fault defects at the interface between the GaAs substrate and the stack of II-VI semiconductor layers.

Abstract: A laser diode for emitting a coherent beam of light in the blue and/or green portions of the spectrum. The laser diode includes a plurality of layers of II-VI semiconductor forming a pn junction, including at least a first light-guiding layer. A short-period strained-layer superlattice (SPSLS) CdZnSe quantum well active layer is positioned within the pn junction. The layers of II-VI semiconductor are supported by a substrate. First and second electrodes on opposite sides of the layers of II-VI semiconductor couple electrical energy to the laser diode.

Abstract: A II-VI semiconductor device is fabricated using a selective etchant in the form of aqueous solution of HX where X is Cl or Br. The II-VI semiconductor device is composed of a number of layers. Selective etching can be enabled by introducing Mg into one of the semiconductor layers. The resultant device may include a semiconductor layer containing Mg.

Abstract: A II-VI semiconductor laser diode having a semiconductor body comprising a plurality of semiconductor layers forming a pn junction, a facet at one end of the body, and a reference electrode. The laser diode further includes a facet degradation reduction electrode located adjacent to the facet. The facet degradation reduction electrode is electrically isolated from a forward bias electrode. The facet degradation reduction electrode is used to establish an electric field sufficient to reduce facet degradation. In one embodiment, this electric field is established by applying a reverse-bias voltage between the facet electrode and the reference electrode. In another embodiment, this electric field is established by electrically connecting the facet electrode to the reference electrode.

Abstract: A II-VI semiconductor light emitting device includes a II-VI semiconductor light emitting region and a II-VI semiconductor waveguide layer. A light absorbing layer is provided near the II-VI semiconductor waveguide layer, outside of the active region. The light absorbing layer absorbs extraneous radiation thereby reducing dark line defects (DLDs).

Abstract: The belt of a rectangular two-reel tape cartridge is stretchably entrained around the tape packs, a single belt-driving roller, and four idler rollers. Each idler roller is positioned near a corner of the cartridge so that the belt has an angle of wrap of at least 150 degrees at the periphery of each of the tape packs. Such angle of wrap permits the cartridge to employ magnetic recording tape that has a smoother backside and yet avoids read/write errors at high tape speeds.

Abstract: A data storage device is provided with an area on the surface of the baseplate adjacent a thrust bearing surface of at least one rotating component of the device is modified to control interface friction between the component and the baseplate. The surface quality is enhanced by altering the roughness of the surface by embossing or machining the baseplate, preferably in areas beneath the rotating component.

Abstract: A tape cartridge with minimal tape tension variation and a method of making the same. The tape cartridge includes a supply-side tape reel around which a tape is wound and a winding-side tape reel both rotatably mounted to a base. At least one pin having a first end is attached to the base. At least one roller having a through-hole is rotatably engaged with the pin. Grease is interposed between the at least one pin and the through-hole. A second end of the pin includes a recess opening in an axial direction of the pin. The recess has a volume greater than a volume of excess grease accumulated on an end portion of the pin during mounting the roller on the pin. The roller may be an idler or drive roller for a belt-driven tape cartridge or a tape reel.

Abstract: Coated polymeric sheet comprising polymer substrate a cross-linked polymer, wherein the coating is characterized by:A. being smooth, having a surface roughness not greater than 0.05 nanometers R.sub.a, except that;B. in the otherwise smooth surface, a multiplicity of depressions having depth ranging from 1 to 90% of the thickness of the coating.Backside coatings (containing carbon black in the cross-linked polymer) for magnetic recording tapes benefit from this invention by improved winding characteristics. The concept described is a replacement for rough random surface texture, formerly used in backside coatings, with a controlled surface texture. The process disclosed can also be used to make alphanumeric symbols on the pigment binder coating.

Abstract: A track pitch error compensation system for tape drives of the type configured for reading data from and/or writing data to magnetic tape having adjacent servo tracks with apparent centerlines spaced about a tracking axis. The tape drive includes a multichannel head assembly having a plurality of channels of read gaps which produce position error signals (PES) representative of positions of the read gaps on the tracking axis with respect to the apparent centerlines of servo tracks on the tape, a positioner responsive to positioner drive signals for driving and positioning the head assembly on the tracking axis with respect to the servo tracks, and a servo control system connected between the head assembly and positioner for generating positioner drive signals causing a servoing read gap to be servo locked to a desired servo track as a function of the PES when operated in a closed-loop servo mode.

Abstract: A track control method for a data cartridge tape drive which includes a multichannel head assembly, a positioner for controllably positioning the multichannel head assembly transversely to a transport path for a tape driven by the drive, and drive electronics responsive to a carrier servo signal. The track control method initializes the data cartridge tape drive by operating the positioner to move the head assembly to a preselected transverse position. Next, the tape is moved along the transport path and the positioner is moved to substantially minimize a feedback signal derived from the carrier servo signal. The head assembly is stepped a first predetermined number of steps in a first transverse direction until the carrier servo signal is not detected. If the carrier servo signal is not detected, then the positioner is stepped so as to move the head assembly a second predetermined number of steps in a second transverse direction to locate a reference track.

Abstract: A drive and tape cartridge provide motor control for the tape tension in a belt-driven tape cartridge. Two different rollers drive the belt, and are controlled by two separate motors. This allows reduction in the friction required in the system and allows optimal sizing of the motors.

Abstract: A prism is provided for deflecting light through the tape information holes in the tape of a data cartridge. The end faces of the prism are diffusing, non-reflective or angled to minimize spurious reflections through the prism.

Abstract: Coated polymeric sheet comprising polymer substrate a cross-linked polymer, wherein the coating is characterized by:A. As being smooth, having a surface roughness not greater than 0.05 nanometers R.sub.a, except that;B. in the otherwise smooth surface, a multiplicity of depressions having depth ranging from 1 to 90% of the thickness of the coating.Backside coatings (containing carbon black in the cross-linked polymer) for magnetic recording tapes benefit from this invention by improved winding characteristics. The concept described is a replacement for rough random surface texture, formerly used in backside coatings, with a controlled surface texture. The process disclosed can also be used to make alphanumeric symbols on the pigment binder coating.