Abstract: An improved print element shifting apparatus having a shifting cam movable in an arc for moving a rotatable print element between two positions by means of a shifting solenoid, and for reducing the mid-stroke peak load on the solenoid. A load modifying linkage arrangement is provided between the shifting solenoid and the shifting cam for imparting movement to the shifting cam alternatively from the one of two drive elements having the greatest mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A method for laser induced conversion of large predefined areas of amorphous or polycrystalline semiconductor material, disposed nonepitaxially upon a substrate, into large single crystal areas, by controlling the lateral heat flow out of the melted regions of the areas for causing their recrystallization from a single nucleation site and for suppressing the formation of competitive nucleation sites at their edges.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the movement of a movable element to bring the movable element to rest at a desired stopping position.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the movement of a movable element between an initial starting position and a final stopping position. The apparatus comprises drive means coupled to the movable element and responsive to motor drive signals for moving the movable element along a predefined path between said starting and stopping positions; and first generating means for generating a first command velocity signal having a first state when the actual velocity of the movable element exceeds a predetermined value and a second state when the actual velocity of the movable element is less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A print hammer assembly is disclosed comprising a support structure having a plunger at a first location thereon, and means for movably mounting the support structure with its plunger adjacent an electromagnetic actuator capable of being selectively energized such that, when the actuator is energized, the resultant magnetic field acting upon the plunger will cause the plunger and thus the support structure to travel along predefined paths and predetermined speeds. A hammer element is coupled to the support structure at a second location thereon, and means coupled to the hammer element causes the hammer element to impact an adjacent platen or interposed print element against an adjacent platen more than once during travel of the pole piece along its predefined path. The means for causing includes means for altering the location of maximum impact force of the hammer element following initial impact thereof against the platen or the interposed print element against the platen.

Abstract: A print hammer assembly is disclosed comprising a support structure having a plunger at a first location thereon, and means for movably mounting the support structure with its plunger adjacent an electromagnetic actuator capable of being selectively energized such that, when the actuator is energized, the resultant magnetic field acting upon the pole plunger will cause the plunger and thus the support structure to travel along predefined paths at predetermined speeds. A hammer element is coupled to the support structure at a second location thereon, and means coupled to the hammer element causes the hammer element to impact an adjacent platen or an interposed print element against an adjacent platen more than once during travel of the pole piece along its predefined path.

Abstract: A keyswitch arrangement including an array of switches formed on a flexible dielectric substrate wherein each switch includes a stationary conductive contact lying in the plane of the substrate and an adjacent movable conductive contactor carried on a flap cut out of the substrate and bent along a hinged line located between the contact and the contactor. The stationary contact and movable contactor are both formed on the same side of the substrate and are normally disposed in the open switch position in confronting relationship with the flap at an acute angle to the plane of the substrate.

Abstract: A graphics input device for use with location indicating means to present graphic data upon a computer controlled visual display. The device includes a pen having a housing within which is disposed a conductive stylus shaft, one end extending beyond the housing to serve as the writing tip. A cylindrical off-axis pressure transducer encircles a portion of the stylus shaft within the housing, adjacent its writing end, for generating a variable output electrical signal proportional to the variable off-axis force applied to the stylus independently of the rotational orientation of the pen. A display processing and control system receives the variable signals and modifies a visual characteristic of the graphic data in response thereto.

Abstract: An improved ribbon cartridge for use in impact printers, typewriters or the like, in which inked ribbon upon a supply spool and a take-up spool are enclosed within a housing with the center of each spool being supported for rotation and for floating movement along its own guide path. A guide capstan having a fixed center is also located within the housing. The supply spool is mounted upon a torsion arm for movement in an arcuate path and is urged toward and against the take-up spool which itself is constrained to move in a straight line between the takeup spool and the fixed center drive capstan. When the capstan is rotated by an external drive, it rotates the take-up spool in order to wind the inked ribbon thereupon while simultaneously unwinding ribbon from the supply spool.

Abstract: A graphic input device for controlling the movement of a cursor upon a visual display. The device includes a number of variable resistance pressure transducers corresponding to the primary orthogonal directions of cursor movement. Each pressure transducer comprises a first electrode for selecting the direction of movement and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode, one of the electrodes being made of an electrically resistive elastomeric material. A manipulable force transmitting device is provided to move the electrodes toward one another and into contact, the contact area being variable with the force applied, so that the resistance across the electrodes is high when the contact area is small and lower when the contact area is larger. The device is connected to the visual display via an electrical circuit which supplies signals to move the cursor in a selected direction at a speed inversely proportional to the resistance condition.

Abstract: A ribbon cartridge for use in impact printers, typewriters or the like in which a supply spool and a take-up spool are enclosed in a housing with the center of each spool being supported for rotation and for floating movement along a guide path. A fixed center drive capstan imparts surface movement to the take-up spool which in turn imparts surface movement to the supply spool. A spring urges the surfaces of the spools together and the take-up spool against the drive capstan to effect the serial drive train.

Abstract: A liquid development fountain having plural spaced slots in its upper surface against which a record bearing material is passed and through which developer is moved in a sinuous path to repetitively contact the record member through the slots.

Abstract: A tri-state capacitance controlled keyswitch having a deformable concave electrode moveable by means of an actuator toward and away from a pair of capacitor plates underlying a dielectric layer in order to change the capacitive coupling between the capacitor plates. The electrode is normally remote from the dielectric layer in a weak capacitance open circuit position, a first higher capacitance closed circuit position exists when the electrode is undeformed and is in contact with the dielectric layer, and a second highest capacitance closed circuit position exists when the electrode is deformed and is in contact with the dielectric layer.

Abstract: A spear head access mechanism in a liquid development system wherein a machine mounted manifold, bearing a flow-through spear head connects the developer delivery system to a storage bottle. The bottle has a self sealing closure through which the spear head is forced and is encircled in an air tight manner when the bottle is pushed into operational position. A suction tube within the bottle is entered by the spear head. Upon removal of the bottle from the machine the self sealing closure forms a liquid tight seal preventing spillage of any remaining contents.

Abstract: A thin vacuum panel cathode ray display device for providing visible information upon a phosphor layer, on a viewing wall, in response to electron beam excitation. Electron beams are generated by cathodes on an electron source wall spaced from the viewing wall. The cathodes comprise an array optical waveguides each coated with a photoemissive material. Between the cathode array and the phosphor layer, and adjacent to the cathodes, is an array of grid members for selectively controlling the flow of electrons to the phosphor layer in response to low voltage signals applied to the grid members. Light energy is sequentially introduced into each of the waveguides while simultaneous control signals are applied to all of the grid members to provide line-at-at-time information display upon the phosphor layer.

Abstract: An electrographic recorder of modular construction within which are a liquid development system and various electrical elements. Electromechanical connections between the electrical components and a housed power supply are made via a power distribution card lying upon the floor of the machine. To prevent electrical faults caused by liquid developer contamination, compartments are formed within the machine housing for isolating all liquid developer storage and usage locations from the electrical components. The compartments are configured to allow cooling air to be drawn into and through the housing, within the electrical component zone.

Abstract: An electrographic recorder including a unitary writing, developing and driving assembly comprising a precisely machined frame member to which is secured in accurate alignment a writing head positioning block, a developing fountain and a drive motor and roller. The assembly is attached to a support chassis for storing and feeding a supply of record bearing material so that the mounted components are properly positioned when acting on the record bearing material.