Abstract: The advantages of magnetron sputtering can be applied to magnetic target materials by substantially reducing the saturation magnetization of the target material temporarily, such as by heating the target material to its Curie point, and magnetron sputtering the magnetic material while in such a state of reduced magnetization. Disclosed herein is a magnetic target plate which is structured to facilitate heating of the plate to its Curie point by the thermal energy inherent in the conventional sputtering process.

Abstract: A system for playback of segmented video information on a tape employs an ancillary recording medium which is rotationally driven at the rotational rate of a primary segment scanning apparatus. Each segment of a video field is recorded in a respective track of the ancillary medium, the information of one field being recorded over the information of another field. By recording only signals of a predetermined quality on the ancillary recording medium, playback of video information from the ancillary medium will produce a coherent display on a display monitor, regardless of the rate at which the tape is run. This is possible because of the one-to-one correspondence between the rotary rates of the scanner and the ancillary medium. Each coherent display is comprised of information from one or a number of video fields. To determine whether signals to be recorded are of the predetermined quality a coarse and a fine measure of signal quality are provided and logically combined.

Abstract: A system for recording segmented video fields with segment identification codes includes circuitry to encode each segment of a given odd or even field with a different identification code. Further, each corresponding segment of all the other odd or even fields is likewise encoded with the same identification code. Thus, the first segment of any odd or even field has the same identification code which is different from any other identification code appearing for any other segment in any other odd or even field. The same applies to the second and all other segments.

Abstract: Flutter and skew prevention in the playback of recorded multitrack signals is provided by means of an articulated multitrack magnetic head. The head is positionable, with respect to the medium which is the source of the playback signals, by means of a pair of signal controllable actuators; and such actuators connect to the head at width-wise spaced-apart locations thereof. Operation of the actuators is by means of a pair of respective control signals: a sum signal and a difference signal. The sum signal represents the sum of a first phase error signal corresponding to the phase difference between signals produced by different cores of the multitrack head and a second phase error signal corresponding to the phase difference between a signal produced by a head core and a reference signal. The difference signal represents the difference between the first and second phase error signals, or similarly produced error signals.

Abstract: A capstanless magnetic tape transport system employs supply and take-up motors, the supply motor being employed as a drag motor. The supply motor is controlled to meter tape at a predetermined speed, and the take-up motor is of such design that, in response to a constant voltage applied thereto, it provides constant tension to the tape being metered.

Abstract: A conductor device is formed by recording a magnetic record track on a record medium (for example, ordinary magnetic recording tape), applying a catalytic toner to the recorder track, and then electrolessly plating a conductive layer on the toned record track.

Abstract: High track density multitrack magnetic heads are batch-fabricated from a stack of wafers which are photolithographically processed to provide lands and grooves on the wafers. Thin magnetic films are deposited in the grooves; and coils respectively inductively cooperative with the films are photolithographically formed about the films, the lands serving both to provide track-to-track spacing and to protect the magnetic films from magnetostriction-producing stress.

Abstract: Thickness control problems inherent in the chemical vapor deposition of polysilicon layers on silicon wafers are avoided by an improved vacuum deposition technique.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the speed of an electric motor that forms part of a web transport system employs a bridge circuit adapted to measure the back emf of the motor. Thermally induced changes to the armature resistance of the motor are compensated for by varying the bridge resistances, such changes being identified by comparing the bridge circuit signal output with a reference signal.

Abstract: A circuit for correcting a fluttering video signal to conform to a standard time base utilizes a set of analog shift registers that are specially adapted to permit controlled parallel transfer of video line-scan information between registers. Such provision for parallel transfers permits exclusive assignment of input and output functions (and corresponding clocking) to respective registers. In a presently preferred implementation, three charge-transfer-type registers are aligned side by side on a single "chip" and control of parallel charge transfers between each cooperating pair of adjacent registers is achieved through the use of an interposed electrode structure.

Abstract: A time base corrector for use in defluttering video signals employs a pair of analog shift registers which functionally sandwich a buffer register. Signals are serially applied to one register, say at a fluttering rate; then parallel shifted to the buffer register; then parallel shifted to the second analog shift register; then serially clocked out of the second analog shift register at a reference rate. With such signal processing, successive signals always follow the same signal path, thereby avoiding the prior art need for complementary circuit components. Components of the time base corrector form parts of a solid state device, means being provided therefor to assure that charge vestiges cannot occur after charge shifting.

Abstract: A system for playback of segmented video information on a tape employs an ancillary recording medium which is rotationally driven at a rotation rate of the primary segment scanning apparatus. Each segment of a video field is recorded in a respective track of the ancillary medium, the information of one field being recorded over the information of another field. By recording only signals of a predetermined quality on the ancillary recording medium, play back of video information from the ancillary medium will produce a coherent display on a display monitor, regardless of the rate at which the tape is run. This is possible because of the one-to-one correspondence between the rotary rates of the scanner and the ancillary medium. Each coherent display is comprised of information from one or a number of video fields.

Abstract: A solid state imaging device is formed of a bulk of monocrystalline silicon which has been suitably doped. A transparent layer of SiO.sub.2 overlays the bulk silicon, and atop the SiO.sub.2 layer is at least one pattern of doped SiC electrodes. Successive patterns of SiC electrodes are insulated from each other by SiO.sub.2. The SiC and SiO.sub.2, being derivatives of silicon, passivate the bulk and serve, respectively, as transparent electrodes and transparent support for such electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus for directly recording television signals on a magnetic medium strips out sync and blanking information. Low frequency components of the television signals are time compressed, i.e. frequency shifted, and recorded as a substitute for the stripped-out sync and blanking information. Thus, high frequency components of each video line are recorded, followed by that line's low frequency components, thereby facilitating the playback of low frequency information. In time compressing the low frequency information, the video signal content of a line is sampled at a predetermined rate. Each sample is then quantized for purposes of improving the playback signal-to-noise ratio, i.e. the effect of tape modulation, and other, noise is nullified by sample quantization. And, to cut the bit rate resulting from sample quantization, a preferred form of the invention groups the quantized bits and records analog representations of the bit groups.

Abstract: A flux-sensitive magnetic head employs, at its back part, a structure having a thin single domain magnetic film coated thereon. A coil wraps around the coated structure, and a direct current is passed through the coil, thereby to apply a hard axis magnetic bias to the film. Signal flux appearing at the head front gap asserts a magnetic force along the hard axis of the film. Contrary to what would be expected, the signal flux causes the inductance of the coil to vary. Such inductance variation may be conveniently detected by (1) connecting the variable inductor into a tank circuit, (2) applying a high frequency ac ripple to the "hard axis" dc bias, and (3) measuring the "hard axis" detuning experienced by the tank circuit.

Abstract: A video recording and reproducing apparatus utilizes a specialized head assembly which is arranged to be driven in a radial direction relative to a rotating magnetic recording disc. A spiral track is recorded on the disc and the specialized head assembly employs two discrete individual heads which are proximately aligned. The signals produced by each head are utilized in producing the final output signal. During playback, "scene motion speed" depends upon the speed at which the head is moved in a radial direction relative to the recorded disc and on the manner in which the output signals from the two heads are operated on.

Abstract: Thickness control problems inherent in the chemical vapor deposition of polysilicon layers on silicon wafers are avoided by an improved vacuum deposition technique.

Abstract: A light sensing apparatus is described which employs a GaAsP MOS light-receiving element to which a potential is applied for creating a depletion region. Upon exposure, minority carriers are generated and trapped. Light levels are sensed by a charge injection technique which results in a characteristic charge or voltage, the magnitude of which is proportional to the total exposure during the sensing period.

Abstract: A flux sensitive magnetic head is disclosed wherein a thin single domain magnetic film coated on a non-conductor bridges the head gap. A magnetic bias is applied to the hard axis of the film; and flux entering the gap causes the resistivity of the film to vary about a resistance reference established by the bias. The resistance variation is converted to a useful signal corresponding to the flux entering the gap.

Abstract: A procedure for cleaning a semiconductor material of impurities which reside on the surface of the material is disclosed. The procedure is indicated for use prior to one or more thermal processing steps for the material, and involves the exposure of the material to a cleaning gas comprised of nitric oxide and, in a presently preferred form, of anhydrous hydrochloric acid as well.