Abstract: An actuator providing Z-direction movement within a positioning system extends between an input stage and an output stage. A nut is mounted to rotate on the input stage in threaded engagement with a screw extending into the nut from the output stage. The nut is driven by a motor also mounted on the input stage. A plate attached to the output stage through a flexible leaf spring slides along the input stage in the Z-direction with movement of the output stage, preventing rotation of the output stage about the axis of the screw. Lateral positioning of the screw results from the threaded engagement of the screw and nut. The leaf spring is formed to provide a lateral pre-load force between the screw and nut.

Abstract: A method for communicating between two, or more, devices comprises the steps of (1) allocating, in a receiving device, a plurality of input buffers linked in a circular queue for continuous reading of data; (2) setting up a timer for determining the end of received data streams; (3) receiving a variable-length bit stream comprising data; synchronization of data; (5) determining whether data is being received upon expiration of the timer; (6) resynchronizing for a subsequent bit stream if not receiving data in step (5); (7) checking one of the plurality of input buffers for idle patterns if data is being received in step (5); (8) restarting the timer and returning to step (4), when idle patterns are not detected in step (7); and (9) disabling the receiver and resynchronizing and returning to step (4), when idle patterns are received in step (7).

Abstract: An interferometer is used to locate and examine defects in a test surface of a test specimen. Defects are first located as the test surface is driven past the objective of the interferometer at a constant speed, with a darkfield interferogram being examined as it flows across a row of CCD elements. During this process, the location of each defect is stored. Next, the test specimen is sequentially moved into the locations at which static measurements are made using an area array of CCD elements. During these measurements, the phase angle relationship of the interferometer is varied so that heights of surface segments may be calculated. If some to these segments are located more than a quarter wave length of the interferometer light source from the surface at which the darkfield is established, a process is used to perform height corrections for segments within transition boundaries.

Abstract: A computer includes a main enclosure for housing a plurality of computer components. A subenclosure or card cage for housing a planar circuit board, including a CPU, and at least one accessory board may be removably secured within the main enclosure, wherein the subenclosure, planar circuit board, and accessory circuit board may be selectively removed from the main enclosure as a unit. A connection device is provided to releasably electrically connect at least the planar circuit board to one of the computer components housed within the main enclosure.

Abstract: A glide height tester for inspecting a surface of a spinning magnetic disk includes a glide plate, which is mounted to pivot above the disk surface. A reflective surface fastened to the glide plate is imaged by interferometric apparatus which produces a calculated output indicating a first angle of the glide plate. The interferometric apparatus includes a Wollaston prism, which can be rotated 90-degrees to provide an output indicating a second angle of the glide plate, perpendicular to the first angle.

Abstract: Inspection apparatus for determining the profile of textured spots extending in a pattern along a surface of a magnetic disk includes an interferometer which illuminates first and second, adjacently disposed test spots on the surface. The disk and the interferometer are moved, relative to one another, so that one of the test spots traverses the textured spots in the pattern while the other test spot is moved along a flat portion of the disk surface. In one embodiment, the inspection apparatus is built into the device forming the textured spots, providing feedback controlling the texturing process.

Abstract: A digital signal processing system includes a first and second memory coupled to first and second register banks respectively. The system further includes first and second multipliers coupled to the first and second register banks for producing first and second product outputs respectively. The system also includes an arithmetic logic unit having first, second and third inputs and an output. The first input is coupled to the first product output and the second and third inputs are selectively coupled to either of the second product output and the first and second register means. The arithmetic logic unit output is coupled to the first and second register banks for accumulating the sample values in the first and second register banks. The system further includes Instruction control for storing a plurality of instruction op codes and controlling the system to compute the sample values by performing simplex operations during each cycle of a plurality of operating cycles of a digital signal processing procedure.

Abstract: An automatic, voice-directional video camera image steering system specifically for use for teleconferencing that electronically selects segmented images from a selected panoramic video scene typically around a conference table so that the participant in the conference currently speaking will be the selected segmented image in the proper viewing aspect ratio, eliminating the need for manual camera movement or automated mechanical camera movement. The system includes an audio detection circuit from an array of microphones that can instantaneously determine the direction of a particular speaker and provide directional signals to a video camera and lens system that provides a panoramic display that can electronically select portions of that image and, through warping techniques, remove any distortion from the most significant portions of the image which lie from the horizon up to approximately 30 degrees in a hemispheric viewing area.

Abstract: A voltage regulator, providing a constant-voltage output through an output terminal, includes an operational amplifier and an output stage driven by an output of the amplifier. A voltage reference is applied to a negative input terminal of the amplifier, and an input voltage, which is greater in magnitude than the output voltage, is applied to the output stage. A first feedback loop returns a signal proportional to the output voltage to the positive input of the amplifier. A second feedback loop extends between the output and input of the amplifier, including resistive and capacitative elements to stabilize the voltage regulator. In a version producing a positive output, the voltage reference applies a positive voltage to the amplifier, and the output stage includes a p-channel power MOSFET device. In a version producing a negative output, the voltage reference applies a negative voltage to the amplifier, and the output stage includes an n-channel power MOSFET device.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a second function from keys on a standard QWERTY configured computer keyboard that have only a first function when struck individually is disclosed. First, the force applied by the user on the keyboard is measured and detected during a first period of time, and the normal level of force applied by the user is determined. Next, a second function actuating force which is greater than the normal force applied by the user is selected, and the force applied by the user on a keyboard during a second period of time is measured and detected. It is then determined whether the force applied by the user during the second period of time is greater than the second function actuating force, and if so, a computer operatively coupled to the keyboard is caused to perform a second function associated with the key. Otherwise, the computer performs the first function associated with the key.

Abstract: A disk texturing tool is used, for example, to provide textured spots in an annular portion of both sides of a hardfile disk. Disks are moved into and out of the texturing process in cassettes, through two disk-handling stations. In each disk-handling station, a lifter raises each individual disk from the cassette. The individual disk is then transferred to a pick-and-place mechanism, which moves it to a spindle. The spindle spins and translates the disk, so that both sides of the disk are exposed to beams derived from a pulsed laser. The pick-and-place mechanism then returns the disk to the lifter, which lowers it into the cassette pocket from which it was taken. The pick-and-place mechanism simultaneously moves one disk from the lifter to the spindle and another from the spindle to the lifter. While disks are moved by the pick-and-place mechanism of one disk-handling station, a disk in the spindle of the other disk-handling station is exposed to the laser beams.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a loop compensator which dynamically changes the compensation break points as a function of duty cycle, input voltage and output load current to insure system loop stability. The system identifier of the dynamic loop compensator identifies the converter circuit topology to which it is connected and relays corresponding circuit identification signals to a digital controller. Based on the identification signals, the digital controller implements one of three compensation algorithms that dynamically changes the compensation break points and consequently insures closed loop stability. Based upon system condition signals and one of the three compensation algorithms, the digital controller changes the compensation break points by producing variable frequency clock signals which are input into a bank of capacitors in a switching capcitor error amplifier network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Probe Positioning Actuator which is low in cost and mass, capable of high accelerations, relatively long stroke and compact packaging, as well as high in efficiency. The actuator assembly comprises a frame, and at least one pair of spaced apart, laterally extending, conductor carrying, flexible beams attached to the frame. A non-magnetic armature, substantially U-shaped in cross section, is attached adjacent or approximate the extended terminal ends of the beams, and a probe is attached to the base of the "U" of the armature for contacting selected points in the electrical circuit associated with the device being tested. The heart of the actuator includes a coil mounted on the upstanding legs of the U-shaped armature and arranged so that the axis of the coil is perpendicular to the base of the armature but substantially parallel to the probe tip.

Abstract: A digital and analog controller for controlling a high-speed probe actuator is disclosed. This method and system provide the probe actuator system with improved damping ratio and reduced impact force, so the throughput of the tester is increased with fast settling actuator armature. With this method and system, the steady-state probe force is less sensitive to the servo system, test probe and variation in the probing distance d. An electronic circuit, which consists of analog operational amplifiers, monostable multivibrators, and D flip-flops, is presented for low-cost applications.

Abstract: There is provided a Direct Access Memory Unit (DAu) that is associated with a remote processor module in a multi-processing system. The DAU performs Direct Memory Access (DMA) operations independently of a Central Processing Unit (CPU) in the remote processor module. The CPU requests a DMA by writing information relevant to the DMA to the remote processor's memory. The address of each control block is written to a circular queue, also in the remote processor's memory. The DAU determines if there are any control blocks to process and if so, the DAU will perform the DMA operation (reading data from or writing data to the memory of the host processor), all without the intervention of the CPU of the remote processor module. The CPU adds a new control block by loading its address in a location in the circular queue that is ahead of the circular queue location that the DAU is processing. The CPU can abort a pending DMA request during DAU operations by setting a skip bit in the control block.

Abstract: The sequential order of movements of a number of probes within a circuit test fixture is optimized through the use of an algorithm which sequentially orders test configurations provided in an input list. Each test configuration corresponds to the locations of probes within the fixture as a particular test is performed. In a first pass of the algorithm, for each test configuration, every other test configuration is considered as a next move candidate for which a weighted distance is calculated from the test configuration. Weighting factors reflect the degree of difficulty in moving one direction instead of another. A need to move one probe before another or to move in one direction before another, in order to prevent a collision within the test fixture, is also considered. A predetermined number of next move candidates having the lowest weighted distances are placed in an intermediate list for the test configuration.

Abstract: A networked computer system for storing and presenting multimedia data distributes that data among multiple storage devices of the system. The system includes a plurality of computers, each of which supports at least one viewing station. Each viewing station has access to any file on any of the storage devices and can retrieve and display any file on demand. To provide an efficient system and, at the same time, reduce the probability that the viewing of multimedia data may be interrupted, the system allocates resources, prioritizes access to files, and buffers data prior to the data's delivery to video adapters.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wirebonding assembly, consisting of an actuator producing vibrations at an ultrasonic frequency and a tip transmitting such vibrations to a bonding wire atop a terminal to which the wire is to be bonded, is moved among positions on a circuit chip where wirebonding operations are to occur by means of a linkage. The linkage consists of first and second drive arms, each of which is pivoted on a single stationary shaft, a drive link pivoted on the second drive arm, and a connecting link extending between the drive link and the first drive arm, being pivoted at each end. Each arm is independently driven using a motor having a coil moving over an arcuate permanent magnet. The wirebonding assembly is driven vertically, downward in a direction of engagement with the workpiece and upward in a direction of disengagement with the workpiece, on the drive link by means of a linear motor.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for providing communications between two data processing systems. The present invention includes a first data processing system, a second data processing system, and a communications line connecting the first and second data processing systems. Also included is a first interface located on the first data processing system and a second interface located on the second data processing system, wherein the first interface includes means for establishing a connection between the first and second interfaces, means for establishing a session for each application on the first data processing system requiring communication with an application on the second data processing system and wherein the first and second interfaces includes means for controlling communication between the applications having an established session.

Abstract: A continuous speech recognition and voice response system provides a natural sounding and effective interactive, speech-driven dialogue from a data processing system. A concatenation of words into phrases and sentences improves recognition and mimic natural language processing. The system uses speaker-independent, continuous-speech to initiate the playback of audio files. The system employs high-speed context switching to modify the active vocabulary and applies high-speed context switching to modify or activate Audio WAV voice response files. The system uses dialogue history to activate selected context, Baukus-Naur Form (BNF) grammars and WAV files and provides phrase or sentence long dialogue prompts to improve accuracy. The system also provides audio prompts to improve accuracy and provides speech-activated buttons to navigate between menus.