Abstract: A disc drive includes a stepper drive motor for moving a carriage to any desired position relative to a disc. The drive motor rotates a shaft coupled to the carriage through parallel bands which are helically wound on the motor drive shaft. One band is wound on the shaft while the other is unwound. Thus the drive shaft can rotate through 360.degree. or more.

Abstract: A stable high gain laser includes a Q switched multiple axial mode high gain oscillator, an oscillator for generating a stable optical wave at a first frequency, the first frequency being within the band of the multiple modes of operation, and a coupler for injecting the stable optical wave into the high gain oscillator whereby the axial mode nearest to the frequency of the injected wave selects a single axial mode and through gain saturation suppresses other modes of the high gain oscillator.

Abstract: A process and system for combusting a nitrogen-containing fuel to produce low NO.sub.x levels in the exhaust emissions. A stream of the fuel mixed with air is combusted in two or more fuel-rich zones having catalytic beds. The stoichiometry of the mixture in each zone is controlled for the particular catalytic material employed so that a minimum of NO.sub.x precursors is formed upon combustion in the zones. Additional air is injected into the flow to maintain the predetermined stoichiometry in the downstream zones. The beds of the fuel-rich zones can be comprised of different catalytic materials having different theoretical air proportion at which the NO.sub.x precursors are at a minimum. The beds of the fuel-rich zones can also be comprised of the same catalyst material having different minima at which NO.sub.x precursors are formed at different theoretical air proportions.

Abstract: Optical scanning apparatus including a rotating pyramidal mirror scanning wheel with reflector segments for deflecting a laser beam into and away from a doublet mirror roof reflector associated with said scanning wheel. The scanning wheel introduces components of vertical and horizontal angular deviation into the beam, the vertical deviation component being cancelled by inversion through the roof reflector while the horizontal angular component is doubled upon the second reflection from the scanning wheel so that the output beam is vertically wobble-free and stable while the beam is scanned through the sum of the horizontal angular components introduced by the wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for counting platelets and red blood cells in a whole blood sample includes an aperture type transducer. Alarm techniques are provided for indicating defects in the counting procedure due to excessive noise or red cell fragments, small (microcytic) red cells, and giant (macro) platelets.

Abstract: A method and resulting laser tube apparatus constructed from a plurality of components adapted to be arranged in axial alignment and self supporting with respect to each other. The elements are adapted to withstand high baking temperatures and are provided at their mating surfaces with material capable of forming a flowable seal between the components during baking and subsequently solidifying to a hermetic seal upon cooling. End adjustment mirror mountings which combine adjustable functions together with desirable electrical properties are also disclosed, together with procedures for obtaining optical alignment of the resultant tube product.

Abstract: Pneumatic tire having an integral inflation indicator in the form of interdigitized groups of raised mesas affixed to the sidewall of the casing on opposite sides of the centerline of the sidewall. The two groups pivot apart by flexing of the sidewall under load when the tire is under-inflated, and they tend to overlap at the centerline when the tire is over-inflated. Indicators carried by the mesas indicate by position the extent of under-inflation or over-inflation.

Abstract: Process for etching SiO.sub.2 with hydrogen fluoride gas, utilizing an organic material such as negative photoresist as a catalyst. In one embodiment, the negative photoresist is applied directly to the portions of the SiO.sub.2 to be removed, and in another the negative photoresist is spaced away from the SiO.sub.2. In some embodiments, positive photoresist is applied to the portions of the SiO.sub.2 which are to be retained.

Abstract: A connector assembly is disclosed for rapidly forming a secure fluid-tight connection in a fluid circuit. The proximal ends of the fittings are adapted for connection with tubing, hose or other fittings of the circuit. An annular connector cap is formed at its opposite ends with inwardly projecting detent shoulders. One detent shoulder is sized for engagement in an annular locking groove formed about the outer surface of the female fitting while the other detent shoulder is sized for locking engagement with one of a series of annular locking barbs formed about the male fitting. Inclined camming surfaces are associated with the barbs for camming the corresponding detent shoulder radially outwardly and thereby facilitate locking of the detent with a selected barb which securely holds the fittings together in fluid-tight relationship.

Abstract: A low resistance closed feedback loop regulated current source for supplying a load, the source being of the type including a transistor having input and output electrodes respectively connected between voltage input and current output terminals, and said transistor having a control electrode. The feedback loop includes amplifying means having an output connected to the transistor control electrode and having first and second inputs providing differential current gain for signal current at said inputs and for maintaining minimum differential voltage between said inputs. First and second PN semiconductor structures having first and second electrodes and having dissimilar junction boundary areas are provided with the first electrodes of said structures being connected to the respective first and second inputs of the amplifying means. A resistor is provided connected between the second electrode of the structure having the greater boundary area and the second electrode of the remaining structure.

Abstract: A high speed threshold switching integrated circuit including a transistor and an integrally formed tunnel diode connected in parallel between the base and emitter of the transistor. The heavy doping necessary for the tunnel diode is achieved through the use of ion implantation. A current pulse applied to the emitter-base contact of the integrated circuit causes no collector current to flow until the point at which the rising current pulse exceeds the peak current of the tunnel diode. As the tunnel diode goes into the negative resistance region the transistor is turned on and rapidly pushed into near saturation with a consequent rapidly rising collector current.

Abstract: Induction heated vapor source particularly suitable for vacuum deposition of thin films utililzing a flat wound work coil fabricated of a solid conductor enclosed in a hermetically sealed chamber. A cooling medium is circulated through the chamber about the coil, and the coolant is passed to and from the chamber through fittings which also serve to carry electric power to the coil. A crucible for holding the material to be vaporized is mounted on an adjustable pedestal outside the sealed chamber in the field produced by the coil.