Abstract: A device for duplicating magnetic disks and the like includes an inlet bin for holding magnetic disks, a motorized picker for selecting a disk from the bin along a substantially straight line pathm, a pressure roller for receiving the disk as it exits the bin and positioning the disk in a processing device, and a leaf spring for redirecting the path of the disk as it exits the processing device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cursor control devices for computers, and particularly relates to cursor control devices for personal computers which involve the use of a ball rotatable by the fingers for controlling cursor movement.

Abstract: A gas leakage detector includes a housing, an inlet coupling, internal fluid flow path and an outlet coupling enabling the housing to be installed and coupled permanently in-line with a gas supply line. The housing includes a cutoff valve, a gas pressure indicator coupling valve, a detachable gas pressure indicator, and a charging gas source coupling enabling a one way flow of optional use charging gas to enter the housing downstream of the valve and to pass into and through the gas supply line. Existing line pressure or charging gas pressure is monitored at the indicator to indicate the presence of any leaks downstream of the valve. The indicator may be attached to the coupling valve on the housing or to the external charging gas source.

Abstract: A flexible, multi-segmented support structure, and method for manufacturing same, particularly suited for use as a tent pole, wherein the support structure includes a plurality of tubular segments and each segment is connected to its adjacent segment or segments by lengths of elastic shock cord, the cord having sleeves affixed to each end thereof which can be affixed in partly or fully automated fashion to the respective segments. A novel ferrule is included to provide rigidity at the junctions of the segments, without providing undue stress concentration and to further assist in automating the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A light ball electronic mouse using a ball with a specific gravity between one and four, X and Y shaft encoders of substantially reduced diameter, and a pressure roller of substantially reduced force for controlling the position of a cursor in a video display.

Abstract: An optical encoder apparatus is disclosed comprising a light source, a lens for focusing and collimating light emitted from the light source, a cap for receiving and aligning the light source and the lens, a scale movable relative to the cap including alternating opaque and translucent regions for blocking and transmitting light emitted from the light source, an array of a plurality of photodiodes for converting light emitted from the light source into electrical signals, a mask mounted in a fixed position between the scale and the photo transducer array, including in the mask alternating opaque and translucent regions arranged to act in concert with the movable scale to modulate the light received by the photo transducers, a mounting post for mounting the optical encoder apparatus, a receptor for attaching to the cap including a deck for receiving and aligning the photo transducer array, and including a cavity for receiving the mounting post, and a clamp for securing the receptor, and therefore the optical e

Abstract: In an optical encoder with a single light source, an array of a plurality of spaced photodetectors formed on a common substrate, a reticle disposed in fixed position relative to said photodetector array, and a scale of alternating translucent and opaque regions relatively moveable between said light source and said reticle so as to cause said array to provide a plurality of phase related analog signals whose amplitudes vary with the position of said scale, an improved digital automatic gain control is disclosed. A digital switch selects one of said analog signals and an analog to digital converter converts and puts out the selected signal as a digital value. A programmed microprocessor reads each such digitized signal, determines the signal value corresponding to maximum light transmission, compares said value with a nominal reference value, and computes a correction value therefrom.