Abstract: An electronic controller (10) having one or two rotational position detectors (48), a tilt/shake sensor (50), and optional press controls (18). A user may rotate control knobs (14) causing the position detectors (48) to create rotation signals (80) from which the amount of rotation can be resolved and the direction of rotation detected. Tilting or shaking of the electronic controller (10) causes the tilt/shake sensor (50) to create a tilt/shake signal (84), and pressing (or releasing) the press controls (18) can create press signals (82). A processor system (46) processes and integrates all of these signals (80, 82, 84) into a data signal (86) which is communicated over a communications interface (16) to a computerized device or system employing the electronic controller (10) as an input device or system.

Abstract: A split shaft assembly for vibration control between multiple actuator pivots in a disk storage device. A first actuator pivot is mounted on a first shaft unit and a second actuator pivot is mounted on a second shaft unit. The second shaft unit is mated to the first shaft unit in axial alignment along a common pivot axis by a separating portion of a vibration control material, which interrupts transmission of vibrational force between the first actuator pivot and the second actuator pivot.

Abstract: A digital cartoon or animation creation process, alternately describable as digital rotoscoping. Images are obtained in digital format by set-up steps (32, 44), image capture steps (34-36 and 46), and image storage (38, 48). The rotoscoping process (10) includes an image to line art rendering sub-process (14) which optionally may be followed by a specialized line art rendering sub-process (16) or a coloring sub-process (18). The line art rendering sub-process (14) includes a series of filters, particularly including a high-pass filter (68) using a gaussian blur convolution matrix. The specialized rendering sub-process (16) has particular use for carrying image regions having particularized detail through into final images in a manner that such detail is not lost, and the coloring sub-process (18) permits creation of colorized final images.

Abstract: A binary-ternary configurable content addressable memory (CAM) (100). A plurality of CAM cells (114) including comparator logic cells (116) and paired storage locations (118, 118a, 118b) are directed by a signal at a mode terminal (120) to compare data provided at an input bus (110), either in binary mode against pre-stored content data or in ternary mode against pre-stored content and mask data. The comparator logic cells (116) generate respective bit signals (122) based on such comparison, and in this manner the plurality of CAM cells (114) may collectively be part of a CAM array block (104), which may optionally in turn work with a match detection block (106) to generate a match signal (126), and which may optionally in turn work with a priority encoder block (108) to generate a result signal at a result output (112).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the amount of row distortion before and dynamically during the lapping process used to manufacture sliders for magnetic storage devices. A wafer quadrant of slider rows is bonded to an extender tool held in a carrier assembly and an actuator is used to laterally apply force to the extender tool such that it changes the profile of the wafer quadrant, and thus the foremost slider row. Multiple arms may be defined in the extender tool, permitting independent engagement with and application of the lateral force by the actuator. Bending moments in each arm are then efficiently and controllably transferred into a beam in the extender tool which is proximate to the point where the wafer quadrant is bonded.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus (10, 110) and methods to perform positional types of measurement with normalization respective to either or both of light beam (16, 116) intensity and measurement target (12, 112) reflectivity. A light source, such as a laser diode (14, 114), produces a light beam (16, 116) which is directed at the measurement target (12, 112). One or more beamsplitters (28, 120, 124) in the path of the light beam (16, 116) direct sample portions into one or more photodetectors (32, 36, 122, 128) to obtain either or both of illumination and reflectivity sample values. A portion of the light beam (16, 116) which is reflected by the measurement target (12, 112) is passed through and restricted by an aperture (26, 132) and then detected by a position sensitive detector (38, 134) to obtain a position value. The position value may then be normalized based on either or both of the illumination and reflectivity sample values.

Abstract: A position determining system (10) particularly useful for translation and rotation measurement. The position of a stage (12) is optically detected using light beams (124) and sensors (132) in a detection section (112). In a control section (114), electronic processing using amplifiers (152, 166), phase-sensitive synchronous demodulators (158, 168), and filters (160, 170) then produces position signals (162, 172) which a logic unit (174) processes into a results signal (180) which is communicated via a communications link (176) to an external system (22). The external system (22) may then display the measurement results for a human user or use them as feedback to control movement of the stage (12). Optionally, the external system (22) may send instruction signals (178) via the communications link (176) to the logic unit (174) to control the operation of the position determining system (10).

Abstract: An automatic calibration system (10) for use with an A/D or D/A converter circuit (12). A reference (18) provides one or more reference signals (20) such that a controller (26) can determine whether the converter circuit (12) is within calibration, and direct a calibration unit (32) to adjust calibration as needed. Sets of calibration values appropriate for differed modes, ranges, and conditions are stored in a memory unit (28), for recall and quick pseudo recalibration. A triggering unit (30), which may optionally be programmable, can then inform the controller (26) when particular events occur. True calibration may then be performed based upon a reference signal (20), or pseudo recalibration may be performed based on calibration values recalled from the memory unit (28). Optionally, the controller (26) may interface with an external system, such as a personal computer having an electronic bus (60), and thus permit external control of both the calibration system (10) and the converter circuit (12).

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and method (100) for inscribing a clock pattern (14), detecting the clock pattern (14) optically, and using the clock pattern (14) to write a sevo pattern in an information storage unit (12), such as a computer hard drive. The clock pattern (14) is inscribed using a marking system (64), which may include a laser (66) or employ other, even non-optical, methods. The clock pattern (14) is inscribable into various locations on a disk platter (16) inside the storage unit (12), including many outside the media surface (26) conventionally used for such in data storage units. While the disk platter (16) is rotating, the clock pattern (14) is on detected using an detection subsystem (46), if desired through a transparent window (36) in a hermetically sealed housing (34) of the storage unit (12), for use in writing the servo pattern with less sector-inconsistency error and off-track error.

Abstract: A pen type scanner (10) having an optically conductive light director (24) for directing light from a light emitting diode (20) onto a specific portion of textual data (78) on a page (76). Light reflected from the page is focused by a lens assembly (28) onto a sensor apparatus (30). As the pen type scanner (10) is moved across the page (76) a roller (34) activates a distance encoder (32). The pen type scanner (10) is connected to a parallel port (54) of a computer (56) through an interconnection cable (50) and a port adaptor component (58).

Abstract: A tent pole base bracket (10) having at its outer end (18) a termination hook (24) for receiving attachment of common tent options like canopies, tarpaulins, and rain flies. The preferred form of the bracket (10) has a pass through slot (30) located at its inner end (20) for accepting a web strap from a tent wall, which may be permanently or temporarily attached to the bracket (10). Roughly central to the bracket (10) a pole orifice (34) is provided for receiving the end of a tent pole. The bracket (10) may have a base curved shape (38) to permit it to rock into a position that optimally handles stresses received concurrently from tent wall fabric, a tent pole, and an attached canopy. Further, the bracket (10) may be constructed so that a defined pole axis (40) and a defined hook axis (42) may be substantially parallel in use of the bracket (10).

Abstract: A controller (10) for two handed user input of linear and orientation data to control graphical images on a computer (12), and thus to permit the user to interact with application software running on the computer (12) in first person perspective. The controller (10) includes a first control sub-unit (14), for inputting data for two axes, and a second control sub-unit (16), for inputting two additional axes of data. Control-ware (18) is further included which combines the data from the first and second control sub-units (14, 16) into an integrated data set which is communicated to the computer (12). The control-ware (18) is capable of optional pre-processing tasks on the contents of the data set before communicating it to the application running on the computer (12). One example of such an optional pre-processing task is auto-leveling (100), whereby under desirable conditions the users first person perspective view in the graphical images is automatically urged toward level in an overrideable manner.

Abstract: A modular construction system (10), the preferred embodiment of which is directed toward the construction of structural walls (26). The construction system (10) employs precast wall units (12) and a variety of spacer/tensioning, spacer, tensioning, and extension assemblies (14, 16, 18, and 20). The wall units (12) contain a plurality of cavities (44) and are made of concrete with side walls (36) reinforced with prestressed tension wires (48). In the process of constructing a wall (26), the wall units (12) are stacked one upon the other onto threaded wall bars (24) that extend upwardly from a foundation (22). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the spacer assembly (16) provide alignment during the stacking process and also create mortar joints (52). The spacer/tensioning assembly (14) and the tensioning assembly (18) are utilized in conjunction with the wall bars (24) to tension the wall units (12) onto lower wall units (12) and the foundation (22).

Abstract: An environmental metrology device (10) containing sensor (12) elements which include a pressure sensor (20), a temperature sensor (22), and a humidity sensor (24) all located in close proximity within a housing (18). Control circuitry (16) is further provided to direct operation of the sensors (12) and to communicate with an interferometer controller (42) via a signal port (14) and a cable (92). Additional instances of the device (10) may be connected in a daisy-chain network configuration via additional signal ports (14) and cables (90). One or more instances of the device (10) permit highly localized characterization of atmospheric index of refraction in the measurement region (60) of a laser interferometer (30). The interferometer controller (42) is thereby able to compensate measurements performed by the laser interferometer (30) before they are passed onto manufacturing process controls (48).

Abstract: A powered golf bag cart (10) including a frame assembly (20), a free wheel assembly (22), a drive wheel assembly (24), a power delivery assembly (26), a steering assembly (28), and a control assembly (30). For compact storage, the frame assembly (20) of the cart (10) has nestably collapsible base portion (32), central portion (34), and handle portion (36). The power delivery assembly (26) includes a drive motor (128) and a power train assembly (138) for rotatably motivating the drive wheel assembly (24). In this manner all control and motive force is applied via a single ground contacting surface in the drive wheel assembly (24).

Abstract: A system (10) for programming and performing applications programs in computer systems (70) using data in Structured Query Language ("SQL") data bases (32). Formulas (16) representing user defined tasks are constructed out of a formula sequence (18) of formula steps (20). Individual formula steps (20) are defined out of operand tokens (22 and 26), operation tokens (24), and result tokens (28). Operand tokens (22, 26) and result tokens (28) represent constants, variables, or SQL business objects, while operation tokens (24) represent precompiled members of a code modules library (36) that are capable of carrying out basic mathematical and data transfer operations on such operands (22, 26).

Abstract: A circuit (10) for determining periods of and the phase relationship between waveform signals (28 and 30). A delay line (12) having a sample port (14), a set port (16), a reference port (18), and an output port (20) and further internally including a chain of delay elements (32) associated with latch elements (34) and an encoder (36). The delay line (12) receive a first signal (28) into the sample port (14), and via a switch (22) also into the set port (16). The encoder (36) then provides the period of the first signal (28) at the output port (20) of the delay line (12) in units of delay created by each delay element (32).

Abstract: A system (10) for programming and performing applications programs in computer systems (70) using data in Structured Query Language ("SQL") data bases (32). Formulas (16) representing user defined tasks are constructed out of a formula sequence (18) of formula steps (20). Individual formula steps (20) are defined out of operand tokens (22 and 26), operation tokens (24), and result tokens (28). Operand tokens (22, 26) and result tokens (28) represent constants, variables, or SQL business objects, while operation tokens (24) represent precompiled members of a code modules library (36) that are capable of carrying out basic mathematical and data transfer operations on such operands (22, 26).

Abstract: A servotrack writing apparatus (10) having a reference section (30), a workpiece section (32), and a tracking section (34). With the reference section (30) a standard is established without a disk drive workpiece (12) mounted. A workpiece (12) is then mounted in the workpiece section (32) with a beamsplitter-reflector unit (52) attached to the actuator arm (20) bearing the read-write head (18) which is to be used for servotrack writing, and verification information is obtained for comparison with the standard. Based upon this comparison, correction of workpiece (12) mounting offset and eccentricity of beamsplitter-reflector unit (52) mounting may then be performed before servotracks are written, or compensation for such offset and eccentricity may be performed while servotracks are written.