Abstract: Copy machine has a paper storage magazine into which at least two paper sheet cassettes and decollation devices can be introduced which are associated with each paper sheet cassette and can be driven through individual driving motors so that a separate sheet can be fed arbitrarily from one of the driven cassettes into the office machine. The readjustment to a mode of operation with additional paper sheet cassettes can be carried out in a single manner by unskilled operators if the paper sheet cassettes (2,3,4) constitute with their associated decollation drives (5,6,7) a constructional unit, whose electrical motor terminals can be connected through connection plugs to control sleeves of the office machine (1).

Abstract: A method of scanning objects by means of ultrasonic echography, including the transmission of ultrasonic waves to the object to be scanned by means of a transducer array (101) and the reception and processing of the echographic signals corresponding to the echoes returned. Digitized A-lines are divided into n elements of p points and, after various operations, the reconstruction of the elements of the echographic lines by selection of principal vectors which imply factors which imply a reconstruction of the matrix sum of the series of unity matrix products relative to said selected principal vectors.

Abstract: A position-sensitive radiation detector, which on a plane surface has at least two adjacent reverse-biassed radiation-sensitive diodes, includes a bias circuit for establishing differences in the reverse voltages across the diodes in order to adjust the boundary between the radiation-sensitive areas of the diodes. To adjust the position of the boundary relative to the locations where a radiation beam is incident on the detector use can be made of the photoelectric currents generated in the radiation-sensitive diodes by the radiation beams for comparing the actual position of the boundary with the desired position of the boundary. The position-sensitive radiation detector is particularly suitable for use in the focus-error detection system of an optical read and/or write apparatus.

Abstract: A heat pipe solar collector comprises an evacuated transparent envelope spaced from and surrounding the evaporation zone and a protective jacket spaced from and surrounding the condensation zone. The protective jacket is connected to the transparent envelope to protect the joint between the transparent envelope and the heat pipe against damage and is provided with openings for the passage of a heat-absorbing medium.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating a size-controllable, segmented character for use with a television receiver. The character generator can be used to display the television channel number to which a television receiver is tuned. Associated apparatus is provided for endowing a displayed character with a cursive slant. The apparatus controlling the size of the displayed character can be set to cause the character to continuously diminish, after a predetermined time, eventually disappearing.The character segments are defined by clocking apparatus related to the horizontal and vertical scan of a television display unit. In addition from horizontal and vertical clocks enabling all possible character segments, enabling signals are generated by the receiver apparatus specifying particular segments of a desired character.

Abstract: An electrical signal distribution assembly for splitting an input signal into several output signals, comprising a uniquely constructed housing with integral connector shells and internal projections that fixedly hold a printed circuit board in place without requiring any screws, bolts, soldering or crimping operation. The connector assemblies are arranged in a manner to allow rapid assembly. The opening through which the printed circuit board is inserted is closed in a manner not requiring additional hardware.

Abstract: A communication system apparatus and method for increasing the number of users accommodated by one or more communication channels. Time sharing of the one or more communication channels by a plurality of separate groups of users is provided as a function of user access demand, and channel occupancy. The one or more communication channels are periodically sampled by the user apparatus for detection of signals present on the channels whereby the occupancy status of each one of the scanned channels is determined. Transmission of signals from the user apparatus on each individual one of the channels detected as occupied by other users, is prevented for a predetermined length of time after each said detection of occupancy. Transmission of signals from the user apparatus is permitted on the channels detected as clear or unoccupied. The apparatus additionally provides for detection of each channel having signals addressed to the user and for transmission of reply signals from the user on the detected channel.