Abstract: An optical inspection system for determining the positional information of a leaded electrical component with respect to a reference is provided. The system has a datum placed in proximity to leads of the leaded electrical component that provides the reference. It also has a light source that provides light that impinges on the leads and the datum so that the images of points on the leads and the datum are formed along various optical paths. The light source is set up so that a point on the leads and a point on the datum will lie in the same plane as their images along at least two optical paths that cross each other at an angle. In addition, the system has an imaging subsystem that captures the images along the two optical paths. The subsystem also correlates and analyses the captured images to provide positional information of the point on the leads with respect to the point on the datum.

Abstract: Although data compression methods exist in the prior art, some of which would result in an optimal number of piecewise linear approximation segments for the compressed output signal, these compression methods require complicated calculations and data processing that inhibit real time signal processing and portability in hardware implementation. A novel method for signal compression with a known level of loss by selecting a level of acceptable error is described. With this new compression method, the number of additional approximation segments to its compressed output signal is generally 50% more than the optimal number obtained in the prior art. However, its processing simplicity allows for improved real time signal processing and simplified practical hardware implementation.

Abstract: In direct digital synthesizers in the prior art, the output signal maintains a phase continuity whenever it switches, or hops, frequency. This phase continuity shows up as a smooth change in phase from one frequency to the next; the phase of the last frequency transitions into the phase of the new frequency without any discernable disruption. Thus, whenever the output signal returns to a switched frequency that it previously has, the output signal at the newly returned switched frequency has a new phase relative to its previous one at that frequency. For some applications, like simulating continuous different frequency sources, this phase continuity is not desirable. To overcome this disadvantage, the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides phase memory to a direct digital synthesizer so that regardless of the frequency that the output signal switches to, the output signal at that frequency is able to maintain a constant phase relative to a reference system clock pulse.

Abstract: A grating tuned laser system having an anamorphic optical section (72) that produces a line image on the grating (73). This system is insensitive to tilt of the grating (73) about an axis (T) perpendicular to the rulings (74) of the grating (73). An embodiment that utilizes a degenerate external cavity is also insensitive to small lateral misalignment of the optical elements.

Abstract: An apparatus [10] for providing an automatic lateral scrubbing motion when a test membrane [22] engages a device under test (DUT) (not shown). Included are a fixed length flexure pivot assembly [30] and a pair of variable length flexure pivot assemblies [38]. Signal traces, signal trace terminals, and contact bumps [23, 25, 60] are formed for communicating electrical signals between the apparatus [10] and the DUT. A membrane [22] is stretched and configured for carrying the signal traces, signal trace terminals, and contact bumps [23, 25 and 60]. A hexagonal translation stage [28] is formed with an upper surface [29] disposed for being coupled to at lesat one of the fixed and variable length flexure pivot assemblies [30 and 38], and formed with a lower surface [54]. Surface [54] is formed to define an aperture [51] through itself, formed for securing over itself the membrane [22] when stretched; it is disposed for being coupled to membrane [22].

Abstract: A pipette assembly for automatic pipetting machines including a pipette tip and a pipette tip holder having a mandrel and a seal. The mandrel includes a plug portion which is adapted to engage a top end portion of the pipette tip, and a cylindrical seat portion proximate its bottom end. The seal is a unitary, resilient member having a cylindrical base portion, an upwardly flaring skirt portion, and an opening receptive to the seat portion of the mandrel. An inner surface of the base portion of the seal is provided with a pair of sealing ribs, one of which serves as a pivot for the skirt portion.

Abstract: A forensic sample and tracking system includes a computer system which operates a data base and a read/write station. The assignment of an identifier in the data base and an identification code to be printed on a sample bottle label are coordinated by the computer. An identification code can then be read for verification after it is written. This permits automated verifying of identification codes in a heretofore unavailable manner. The read/write station makes use of an inexpensive, reliable and compact thermal ink jet print head so that a field computer and read/write station can be taken to sample collection sites. The effective linear resolution of the identification code is enhanced using a two-track bar code.

Abstract: A novel vector signal generator is provided which includes a vector modulator controlled by baseband manipulation circuitry. The output signal from the vector modulator is down converted to a desired output frequency. The baseband manipulation circuitry provides, under digital control from, for example, a microprocessor, adjustments to the phase, carrier leakage, and modulation levels of the I and Q signals. In this manner, a highly accurate vector modulated signal is generated within a wide range of carrier frequencies.

Abstract: An improved shield for field sensing transducers used in magnetic storage devices is presented. The inventive shield provides a planar surface for the transducer to rest on, a single magnetic domain in the vicinity of the transducer, low magnetic reluctance for fields from the recording media, and stability against external magnetic fields, that is, high reluctance for external magnetic fields.

Abstract: An automatic lead sensing and fine-forming system is disclosed for preparing the leads of electronic components so that they are ready to be inserted by robots into holes on printed circuit boards. The positions of the lead tips and the positions of the holes are sensed and compared to determine if any leads need to be bent. These leads are then bent and the force on the leads and their displacement are sensed and recorded during the process. The data recorded in then used for subsequent bendings, where necessary, for bending the leads to the target locations so that all the leads fit simultaneously into the holes. To simplify image processing, the lead tips are illuminated by light originating from substantially isotropic directions from locations substantially coplanar with the region of the lead tips.

Abstract: A vector analyzer incorporates a set of five types of markers for the display, which facilitate the visual analysis of the magnitude, phase and time relationships of the I and Q components of the modulation states displayed. The five markers are: an I marker, a Q marker, a magnitude marker, a phase marker and a time marker. The I and Q markers indicate amplitude in the I and Q coordinates displayed on the X-Y displays. The magnitude marker indicates amplitude on the radial coordinate of the X-Y displays. The phase marker indicates relative phase on the angular coordinate of the X-Y displays. The time marker indicates the time coordinate on the displays, and controls the time instant displayed. The analyzer also incorporates a circuit for performing linear transforms on the I, Q, and time data which allows real time adjustment of the sampled signals and enables the signals to be displayed in a three dimensional projection mode.

Abstract: An automatic lead sensing and fine-forming system is disclosed for preparing the leads of electronic components so that they are ready to be inserted by robots into holes on printed circuit boards. The positions of the lead tips and the positions of the holes are sensed and compared to determine if any leads need to be bent. These leads are then bent and the force on the leads and their displacement are sensed and recorded during the process. The data recorded is then used for subsequent bendings, where necessary, for bending the leads to the target locations so that all the leads fit simultaneously into the holes. To simplify image processing, the lead tips are illuminated by light originating from substantially isotropic directions from locations substantially coplanar with the region of the lead tips.

Abstract: A via connection and method for making the same for integrated circuits having multiple layers of electrically conductive interconnect lines separated by an insulative layer. The via connection is characterized by a very thin layer of high resistivity material lining the via hole in conductive contact with interconnect lines in two layers. The resistivity of the thin layer material is in a range from about 10 to about 50 times the interconnect line resistivities and generally has a thickness of less than 100 nanometers. The thin layer assures more uniform current flow in the via connection thereby preventing electromigration, with reduced peak local current density by causing current to swing more widely around the corner at the interface between the interconnect lines at the via.

Abstract: A method of dynamically changing the measurement window and operating parameters of the instrument, based on intermediate results, in order to minimize the total time required to make a complete measurement. Also, a method of combining partial results from subwindows into a final result to be displayed that has not been corrupted by variation in system response due to time-varying operating parameters.

Abstract: A microwave coaxial connector comprises an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a coupling nut, ball bearings mechanically coupling the outer conductor and the coupling nut, and a C-ring. Inward threads of the coupling connector engage outward threads of a receiving connector. Frictional relative rotation of mating faces of the outer conductor and the receiving connector is alleviated since the ball bearings decouple friction between the nut and the outer conductor. The nut includes an aperture which can be aligned with a groove in the outer conductor for positioning ball bearings with the C-ring removed. With the C-ring in place on the outer conductor, the aperture is forward of and inaccessible to the ball bearings.

Abstract: A sliding load for calibrating a microwave network analyzer provides an alignment of its center conductor relative to a reference plane defined by its outer conductor. The sliding load includes a latching assembly which in an unlatched condition allows the center conductor to move freely in an axial direction relative to the outer conductor. The center conductor can then project forward of the outer conductor for visual alignment with a mating center conductor of a network analyzer connector. Once the center conductors are mated, the outer conductor of the sliding load and the connector can be butted at the reference plane. The latching assembly can then be rotated into its latched condition in which a spring is compressed. The compressed spring forces the center conductor to retract against a screw stop. The screw stop is adjusted so that when the center conductor is forced against it, the desired alignment of the center conductor and the reference plate is achieved.

Abstract: A bit-error-rate tester provides for testing of links with different numbers of channels without replacing or reconfiguring an included pseudorandom word sequence (PRWS) generator. The tester includes a transmitter and a receiver, each with generators for parallel evenly staggered pseudorandom bit sequence (PRBS) replicas collectively constituting the PRWS. The receiver generator is a copy of the transmitter generator so that it can predict the PRWS received from the transmitter. Comparators are provided so that incoming and locally generating sequences can be compared to determine bit error rates. Synchronization of the receiver generator is effected using a pattern detector coupled to at least one reception line. When a predetermined pattern is detected, an injector injects registers of the receiver generator with a predetermined bit pattern. Afterwards, the receiver generator autonomously generates its PRWS synchronously with the PRWS received from the transmitting generator.

Abstract: A color input image apparatus characterized by a support assembly, a sensor assembly, a beam forming assembly located between the support assembly and the sensor assembly, and a projector assembly located between the beam forming assembly and the sensor assembly. Apertures of the beam forming assembly and the projection assembly subtend substantially the same beam angle to minimize the deleterious effects of stray light. The beam forming assembly produces red, green, and blue component beams by transmissive filtering of light emanating from a portion of the color image. The beam forming assembly is positioned in the more position-tolerant object space of the apparatus, and matched apertures are used throughout to minimize the effects of stray light. Embodiments of the assembly can input an image from either color transparencies or from opaque color originals.

Abstract: A data bus and data bus protocol for transferring messages is presented. The bus and bus protocol eliminate the need for a separate reset line. The bus and bus protocol transmit messages and messages separators on the same line.

Abstract: A chip carrier for carrying integrated circuit chips is provided. Instead of placing individual circuit components either in the chips or next to them, the components are placed in or near the substrate of the chip carrier. This frees up expensive real-estate for logic chips at the chip level presently occupied by the components. The substrate of the carrier acts as a large heat sink to dissipate power generated by the components.