Abstract: A thin holographic optical switch used in a liquid crystal display device contains opposing transparent substrates transparent electrodes between the substrates and a diffraction grating between the electrodes. The diffraction grating contains regions of transparent polymerized photopolymers and cholesteric liquid crystal micro-droplets. Refractive indexes of the photopolymers and liquid crystal are substantially the same when the electrodes have the same potential. The holographic optical switch transmits broadband LED light when the potential difference between the electrodes is zero and is polarization independent. The holographic optical switch diffracts broadband LED light when the potential difference between the electrodes is non-zero and is polarization independent.

Abstract: A cable header assembly for mounting a cable in an electronic device, the assembly including a connecting member fixedly connected to a plurality of wires of the cable such that the wires are maintained at a predetermined spacing. The connecting member includes an adhesive strip adhesively connected to the wires, an integral plastic member including a flat body and a plurality of clip portions which are snap-coupled to the wires or a heat sensitive strip which is melted onto the wires.

Abstract: An IBM PC compatible keyboard is provided which, on power-up, does not access the keyboard LEDs until receiving a command from the host computer. When the keyboard controller performs a Basic Assurance Test (BAT) on power-up before receiving a host command, the controller does not turn on the LEDs. Upon receiving a Reset command from the host, the controller: (1) turns on the LEDs and performs a BAT with LEDs on; and (2) flashes the LEDs a second time to be compatible with the IBM PCs. Another feature of the invention is a non-destructive test of the controller RAM during BATs. The RAM is tested non-destructively both for the "stuck-at-1" and the "stuck-at-0" conditions. Still another feature is that the controller determines the state of the keyboard LEDs without reading a hardware port. The controller keeps track of the LED state by flags in the controller memory, and the controller determines the LED state by reading the flags.

Abstract: A steering column assembly including a clock spring connector having a groove formed on a movable member for receiving a ridge formed on an engaging member of a steering wheel. The engagement of the ridge and the groove provides a reduced-noise operation of the steering column apparatus. A resilient clip is provided between the groove and the ridge to further reduce operating noise. A pair of flanges are formed on an outer wall of the clock spring connector to secure the clock spring connector to a lock fixture. A short forked locking finger is provided on a back surface of the clock spring connector for preventing damage during assembly.

Abstract: A digital servo system for moving a body, such as the magnetic head of a disk drive, by a distance equal to an integral multiple of a predetermined pitch includes a velocity control unit for causing the body to move at maximum acceleration to a predetermined maximum velocity during a first acceleration mode, to move at the maximum velocity during an optional first coast mode, to decelerate from the maximum velocity to an optional intermediate velocity during a first deceleration mode, to move at the intermediate velocity during an optional second coast mode, and to declerate at the maximum acceleration/deceleration rate to zero velocity during a second deceleration mode. The maximum acceleration/deceleration rate is set equal to a rational multiple of the pitch divided by the square of the sampling time of the digital servo system.

Abstract: A lightweight collapsible printer case for use with portable computers having two telescoping case sections, the case containing a series of telescoping roller shafts, a metal tape platen and carriage tracks which are housed within a tape reel, and a reel mechanism for coiling a carriage positioning cable. The collapsible printer case can be expanded from a collapsed travel/storage mode to an operational mode. In the operational mode the printer can print characters or graphics onto a standard 8.5" width sheet of paper or other media.

Abstract: A membrane key switch includes a single resiliently deformable dielectric membrane with flaps cut therein which is formed in a housing such that the end of each flap covers a portion of the membrane. Conductive traces of the membrane are positioned so that downward flexing of the flap, caused by actuation of the switch, establishes electrical contact between a contact region on the flap end and a contact region on an uncut portion of the membrane.