Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing communication between a stationary circuit and circuitry in motion with respect to the stationary circuit is presented. Communication is achieved and verified by transmitting a clock signal and a control signal in synchronization with the clock signal over separate clock and control transformer channels between the stationary circuit and the moving circuitry.

Abstract: A cleaning wheel positioning mechanism for precisely controlling the contact pressure of a cleaning wheel against a recording drum in a magnetic recording system is presented. In accordance with the invention, the cleaning wheel positioning controller uses knowledge of the drum drive motor voltage (or current) to detect the contact pressure of the cleaning wheel against the drum. During a cleaning operation, which preferably occurs automatically during a periodic cycle, the cleaning wheel positioning controller first detects a reference drum motor voltage/current based on the drum drive motor voltage/current when the cleaning wheel is in its fully retracted position. Cleaning wheel positioning controller then monitors the drum drive motor voltage/current, and compares it to the reference drive motor voltage/current.

Abstract: A novel dual-mirror mirror mount assembly for achieving polarization of a light beam in a gaseous laser is presented. The assembly includes a mirror mount structure open at one end and having a hollow cavity therein. A pair of mirrors are hard-sealed to the mirror mount structure. The first mirror is partially reflective and the second mirror is maximally reflective. The second mirror is arranged at a predetermined angle N with respect to the first mirror such that a light beam entering said mirror mount structure follows a beam path hitting the first mirror, reflecting off the first mirror and hitting the second mirror, and then retro-reflecting back on itself along the beam path of the entering light beam. The polarization function of a Brewster window is thus achieved without the use of an intra-cavity Brewster window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding solid sheets together is presented. A modulated directional flow of plasma is applied at and between the bonding surfaces of the sheets to be bonded prior to and during the application of pressure to compress the bonding surfaces together to form a direct contact or diffusion bond.

Abstract: Using a novel methodology for organizing information both in non-persistent and persistent computer storage devices, limitations common to traditional data storage models are eliminated. The invention combines two distinct, yet complementary technologies, one for the organization of non-persistent storage and one for the organization of persistent storage. The invention allows records of unlimited dimensions containing data of any type and size, in any combination, to be constructed, maintained, and utilized in both non-persistent and persistent storage. In the persistent model, the invention also allows a user to define variable length frames, multiple hashing algorithms, and reuse of space caused by deleted records using an automatic gap consolidation algorithm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding solid plates together is presented. A modulated directional flow of plasma is applied at and between the bonding surfaces of the plates to be bonded prior to and during the application of pressure to compress the bonding surfaces together to form a direct contact or diffusion bond.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding solid materials together is presented. A modulated directional flow of plasma is applied at and between the bonding surfaces of members to be bonded prior to and during the application of pressure to compress the bonding surfaces together to form a direct contact or diffusion bond.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously cleaning and bonding a wire to a bonding surface is presented. In accordance with the invention, a gas is energized to form a plasma, which is then directed in a directional pressurized flow at the wire and bonding surface to form a dynamic plasma cleaning chamber bubble around the portion of the wire and bonding surface that are to be bonded together, and then the respective portions of the wire and bonding surface are bonded together within the plasma cleaning chamber bubble.