Abstract: The manufacture of digital magnetic recording discs for computer disc drives requires the monitoring and control of the M-H hysteresis loop properties of the magnetic film deposited on the disc substrate. Several methods exist for measuring this M-H hysteresis loop, but they all have serious disadvantages. One method consists of cutting samples and measuring them with a vibrating sample magnetometer. This is a destructive test and requires a lot of time per sample. Another method uses the Kerr-rotation of polarized light. However, it samples only the mangetization of the surface and cannot determine the magnetic thickness of the film. A third method magnetizes the entire disc and samples a large region along a diameter. This method cannot distinguish between the top and bottom films of the disc, and cannot resolve circumferential variations of th M-H loop properties.

Abstract: A novel vector signal generator is provided which includes a vector modulator controlled by baseband manipulation circuitry. The output signal from the vector modulator is down converted to a desired output frequency. The baseband manipulation circuitry provides, under digital control from, for example, a microprocessor, adjustments to the phase, carrier leakage, and modulation levels of the I and Q signals. In this manner, a highly accurate vector modulated signal is generated within a wide range of carrier frequencies.

Abstract: An improved shield for field sensing transducers used in magnetic storage devices is presented. The inventive shield provides a planar surface for the transducer to rest on, a single magnetic domain in the vicinity of the transducer, low magnetic reluctance for fields from the recording media, and stability against external magnetic fields, that is, high reluctance for external magnetic fields.

Abstract: A drop detector having a piezoelectric membrane mounted to a substrate is presented. When a drop strikes the piezoelectric membrane, the membrane vibrates at a selected resonant frequency. The resonant frequency is selected to enhance the sensitivity of the drop detector and the signal-to-noise ratio of the output. The value of the selected resonant frequency depends on the type of material used for the piezoelectric membrane, the thickness of the membrane, the mounting of the membrane to the substrate, and other parameters such as the coating on the membrane. The vibrations of the membrane produce an output signal having a frequency equal to the selected resonant frequency. Since the frequency of the output signal is known, the output signal can be filtered with a bandpass filter to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of the output signal. The resulting membrane drop detector is a high sensitivity, high signal-to-noise ratio drop detector.

Abstract: A via connection and method for making the same for integrated circuits having multiple layers of electrically conductive interconnect lines separated by an insulative layer. The via connection is characterized by a very thin layer of high resistivity material lining the via hole in conductive contact with interconnect lines in two layers. The resistivity of the thin layer material is in a range from about 10 to about 50 times the interconnect line resistivities and generally has a thickness of less than 100 nanometers. The thin layer assures more uniform current flow in the via connection thereby preventing electromigration, with reduced peak local current density by causing current to swing more widely around the corner at the interface between the interconnect lines at the via.

Abstract: A microwave coaxial connector comprises an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a coupling nut, ball bearings mechanically coupling the outer conductor and the coupling nut, and a C-ring. Inward threads of the coupling connector engage outward threads of a receiving connector. Frictional relative rotation of mating faces of the outer conductor and the receiving connector is alleviated since the ball bearings decouple friction between the nut and the outer conductor. The nut includes an aperture which can be aligned with a groove in the outer conductor for positioning ball bearings with the C-ring removed. With the C-ring in place on the outer conductor, the aperture is forward of and inaccessible to the ball bearings.

Abstract: A sliding load for calibrating a microwave network analyzer provides an alignment of its center conductor relative to a reference plane defined by its outer conductor. The sliding load includes a latching assembly which in an unlatched condition allows the center conductor to move freely in an axial direction relative to the outer conductor. The center conductor can then project forward of the outer conductor for visual alignment with a mating center conductor of a network analyzer connector. Once the center conductors are mated, the outer conductor of the sliding load and the connector can be butted at the reference plane. The latching assembly can then be rotated into its latched condition in which a spring is compressed. The compressed spring forces the center conductor to retract against a screw stop. The screw stop is adjusted so that when the center conductor is forced against it, the desired alignment of the center conductor and the reference plate is achieved.

Abstract: A color input image apparatus characterized by a support assembly, a sensor assembly, a beam forming assembly located between the support assembly and the sensor assembly, and a projector assembly located between the beam forming assembly and the sensor assembly. Apertures of the beam forming assembly and the projection assembly subtend substantially the same beam angle to minimize the deleterious effects of stray light. The beam forming assembly produces red, green, and blue component beams by transmissive filtering of light emanating from a portion of the color image. The beam forming assembly is positioned in the more position-tolerant object space of the apparatus, and matched apertures are used throughout to minimize the effects of stray light. Embodiments of the assembly can input an image from either color transparencies or from opaque color originals.

Abstract: A chip carrier for carrying integrated circuit chips is provided. Instead of placing individual circuit components either in the chips or next to them, the components are placed in or near the substrate of the chip carrier. This frees up expensive real-estate for logic chips at the chip level presently occupied by the components. The substrate of the carrier acts as a large heat sink to dissipate power generated by the components.

Abstract: A data bus and data bus protocol for transferring messages is presented. The bus and bus protocol eliminate the need for a separate reset line. The bus and bus protocol transmit messages and messages separators on the same line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, both apparatus and method, for analyzing a breath sample (22). A transducer (24) senses the pressure, temperature and humidity of the breath sample and in response generates a breath signature signal (26). A sensor (28) detects the alcohol content of the breath sample and in response generates an alcohol signal (30). Also included is a breath reference (32), and an alcohol reference (34) which includes an alcohol threshold level (36). A first comparator (38) compares the breath signature signal with the breath reference, and in response generates either a valid signal (40) if the signals substantially match or an invalid signal (44) if the signals do not substantially match. A second comparator compares the alcohol signal with the alcohol reference, and in response generates either a passing signal or a failing signal depending on whether or not the threshold level is exceeded.

Abstract: A closed-loop feedback-controlled servo system is disclosed which reduces command-to-response error to the system's position feedback resolution least increment, .DELTA.S.sub.R, on a continuous real-time basis for all operating speeds. The servo system employs a second position feedback control loop on a by exception basis, when the command-to-response error .gtoreq..DELTA.S.sub.R, to produce precise position correction signals. When the command-to-response error is less than .DELTA.S.sub.R, control automatically reverts to conventional control means as the second position feedback control loop is disconnected, becoming transparent to conventional servo control means. By operating the second unique position feedback control loop used herein at the appropriate clocking rate, command-to-response error may be reduced to the position feedback resolution least increment. The present system may be utilized in combination with a tachometer loop for increased stability.

Abstract: In combination with a charged particle beam generator and accelerator, apparatus and method are provided for stabilizing a beam of electrically charged particles. A guiding means, disposed within the particle beam, has an electric charge induced upon it by the charged particle beam. Because the sign of the electric charge on the guiding means and the sign of the particle beam are opposite, the particles are attracted toward and cluster around the guiding means to thereby stabilize the particle beam as it travels.

Abstract: A miniaturized inspection tool, for testing and inspection of metal objects in locations with difficult accessibility, which comprises eddy current sensing equipment (12) with a probe coil (11), and associated coaxial coil cable (13), coil energizing means (21), and circuit means (21, 12) responsive to impedance changes in the coil as effected by induced eddy currents in a test object to produce a data output signal proportional to such changes. The coil and cable are slideably received in the utility channel of the flexible insertion tube 17 of fiberoptic scope 10. The scope 10 is provided with light transmitting and receiving fiberoptics for viewing through the flexible tube, and articulation means (19, 20) for articulating the distal end of the tube and permitting close control of coil placement relative to a test object. The eddy current sensing equipment includes a tone generator 30 for generating audibly signals responsive to the data output signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for conducting electric current to cryogenic electrical equipment devices. A combination of inner and outer tubes together form a plurality of hollow composite tubes housed in a sheath. Top and bottom block mounting means are fitted to hold the composite tubes and are affixed to the ends of the sheath. This combination forms a current lead. The current lead is attached to a cryogenic device housing a fluid coolant which moves through the current lead, cooling the current lead as the fluid travels.