Abstract: A device for sensing and digitizing a fingerprint from a subject finger comprising a prism, a pixilated LED array affixed to the bottom surface of the prism and providing for the internal illumination, with a plurality of sub-beams, of the contact surface where the finger of the subject is pressed on the top surface of the prism, and a photoelectric sensor to detect the sub-beam radiation reflected from the fingerprint valley points. A sensor lens may also used for focusing the sub-beam radiation on the sensor. A lens wafer may be affixed between the prism and the LED array for focusing the radiation from each LED on its corresponding illumination point on the contact surface. The fingerprint ridge contact points do not reflect incident sub-beam radiation.

Abstract: A device for sensing and digitizing a fingerprint from a subject finger comprising a prism, a pixilated illuminating radiation source such as a surface-emitting laser or a radiation source and a LCD affixed to the bottom surface of the prism and providing for the internal illumination, with a plurality of sub-beams, of the contact surface where the finger of the subject is pressed on the top surface of the prism, a photoelectric sensor to detect the sub-beam radiation reflected from the fingerprint valley points, and a lens for focusing the sub-beam radiation on the sensor. The fingerprint ridge contact points do not reflect incident sub-beam radiation. A computer can provide for sequential emission of the sub-beams so that a single cell photoelectric sensor can be used to detect the reflected sub-beams or a multiple cell photoelectric sensor can be used, with each cell corresponding to a particular sub-beam. Reflected sub-beam radiation corresponds to a fingerprint valley point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating multiple frequency information signals. This invention provides a method and apparatus for separating a communications signal, which is comprised of multiple component information waves of distinct frequencies, into its component waves for demodulation. The extraction of the component information waves is accomplished by determining the mid-cycle zero crossing points of the component information waves by reference to a reference wave, determining the amplitude of the combined wave at these zero crossing points and generating amplitude equations for each of these zero crossing points. These amplitude equations are solved to determine the amplitude coefficients of the component information waves, thereby extracting the transmitted information.

Abstract: A device for sensing and digitizing a fingerprint from a subject finger comprising a prism, a pixilated illuminating radiation source such as a surface-emitting laser or a radiation source and a LCD affixed to the bottom surface of the prism and providing for the internal illumination, with a plurality of sub-beams, of the contact surface where the finger of the subject is pressed and the top surface of the prism, and a photoelectric sensor to detect the sub-beam radiation reflected from the fingerprint valley points. The fingerprint ridge contact points do not reflect incident sub-beam radiation. A computer can provide for sequential emission of the sub-beams so that a single cell photoelectric sensor can be used to detect the reflected sub-beams or a multiple cell photoelectric sensor can be used, with each cell corresponding to a particular sub-beam. Reflected sub-beam radiation corresponds to a fingerprint valley point. Non-reflected sub-beam radiation corresponds to a fingerprint ridge point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiple frequency, multiple channel digital information transfer through time slot allocation. The apparatus consists of one or more transmitting devices and one or more receiving devices. Multiple source signals are each allocated a time slot and a frequency. A continuous synchronizing wave defines the time slots and provides for time slot tracking. Digital signals from each source are allocated a time slot and assigned one of the information wave frequencies in that time slot. The information waves are combined with the synchronizing wave and transmitted to one or more receivers as one signal in each time slot. The manner in which the waves are combined allows the components to be extracted by the receivers largely through the use of curve fitting techniques rather than through the use of filters.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for verifying the establishment of a pattern includes a unit for storing a template of the pattern, a unit for acquiring an image of the established pattern, a first image processing unit to alter at least one of said template and acquired images to produce at least two resultant images, a comparison unit to compare the two resultant images with the other of said template and acquired image and a unit to evaluate the results of each comparison to determine if the established pattern includes a defect. Both gray scale and binary processing and comparisons are disclosed for use as required.

Abstract: An overlap processor receives and temporarily stores a plurality of aligned scan lines. Each scan line is representative of a lane or zone of an image. The processor sequentially reads the plurality of scan lines and then synchronously and selectively outputs the scan lines producing an output comprising one scan line representative of one lane or zone plus a predetermined amount of scan line data from an adjacent lane or zone or both adjacent lanes or zones.

Abstract: An automated checkout station is provided which allows a single cashier to monitor and assist multiple customers simultaneously without the requirement for a video surveillance system. The automated checkout station includes all of the features necessary for a customer to complete a transaction, such as a scanner, a bagging assembly, a customer display, a printer and an electronic payment system. However, the height of the station and the layout of plural stations allows a single cashier to easily interact with customers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sputtering particles from a target as a film on a substrate. The target and substrate are maintained in a main housing in a first vacuum. The target is biased with a first negative voltage to effect a target bias. A plasma is produced in a cathode box spaced from the target, with the plasma being injected between the target and substrate to effect sputtering by bombarding the target with positive ions and liberating target particles for condensing on the substrate to form the film. The cathode box includes a cathode biased at a second negative voltage to effect a cathode bias, and a sputtering gas is supplied adjacent to the cathode for producing the plasma. Plasma production in the cathode box is decoupled from sputtering at the target for increasing sputtering yield and rate. And, the target may be contoured for focussing the sputtered particles on the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for single signal, multiple channel digital information transfer through pulses with time slot allocation. The apparatus consists of one or more transmitting devices and one or more receiving devices. Multiple source signals are each allocated a unique time slot between successive synchronization pulses. Digital signals from each source are converted to analog information pulses synthesized from a combination of a fundamental frequency wave and a finite number of its harmonics. The total signal, which consists of successive synchronization pulses interspersed with information pulses for each signal source, each within its allocated time slot, is transmitted to the receivers. Each receiving device extracts the fundamental frequency and harmonic components through the use of narrow bandpass, high Q filters for each information pulse in its time slot and uses the known algorithm to reproduce the input digital signals.

Abstract: A method of installing a level ball bearing floor. The method includes applying a self-leveling coating over a base. A plurality of support plates are mounted on the self-leveling coating. A plurality of ball bearing units are then mounted on each support plate. The ball bearing floor maintains each of the ball bearing units of within 1/16 of an inch of the same height.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for single signal, multiple channel digital information transfer through waves with time slot allocation. The apparatus consists of one or more transmitting devices and one or more receiving devices. Multiple source signals are each allocated a unique time slot between successive synchronization waves. Digital signals from each source are converted to analog information waves having a positive wave segment and a negative wave segment. The ratio of the amplitude of the positive wave segment to the amplitude of the negative wave segment, the positive-to-negative ratio, for each signal source, is a function of the magnitude of the source digital. The sum of the amplitude of the positive wave segment and the absolute value of the amplitude of the negative wave segment, the positive-to-negative offset, is maintained at a pre-set value at transmission.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus is for use with a visual sensory apparatus, for projecting a light pattern onto a surface to be viewed by the sensory apparatus. The illuminating apparatus comprises: a light source; a patterniser for constraining light emitted from the source to produce on the surface, a light pattern having a light interface, the interface having an extended dimension. The light pattern is caused to move relative to the surface, parallel to the extended dimension of the light interface. The pattern may comprise a plurality of extended straight line interfaces, each interface being parallel to the other interfaces of the plurality. Rather than straight, the plurality may be circular and concentric. Rather than a plurality, the pattern may comprise a single straight line or circular light interface.

Abstract: A linear actuator divert switch, a limited angle motor driven divert switch and a limited angle motor driven cross-over switch are provided for sortation conveyors. In addition conveying members of inverted substantially "U" shaped having spaced relatively hollow legs spanned by a bridge that is either hollow or not are also provided for sortation conveyors. A package diverter is formed with a cavity extending therethrough to surround the conveying member and so as to carry a divert/guide pin and cam follower part of which is disposed in the space between the conveying member legs to provide a relatively high positioning for divert/guide pin and cam follower with respect to the conveying members. Special lands extend out from the walls of the cavity to cock each package diverter on its conveying members in the direction of conveyor movement. The divert/guide pins are formed with a generally football shaped cross-sectional configuration to facilitate passage thereof through the various switches.

Abstract: A batch thermal cycler for large numbers of biological or chemical samples uses n modules each in good thermal contact with the samples, but substantially isolated from one another, thermally and functionally. Each module carries samples on an upper sample plate. The module has a temperature sensor adjacent the samples, an electrical resistance heating element, and a circulating fluid heat exchanger for step cooling. Heating occurs at a point generally between the samples and the source of the cooling. The modules are individually replaceable. O-rings automatically seal fluid and electrical interfaces. An electrical controller has n simultaneous channels that provide closed loop control of the electrical power to each module. As a method, the invention includes at least one modular temperature zone where the temperature is sensed at a point adjacent the samples in that zone. The samples are heated adjacent the sample plate. Cooling is by a step change. The cooling overshoots a set lower temperature.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for encoding and decoding video signals for identification, editing, modifying, cuing, routing, distributing, switching, activating and controlling the video signals. One of the many applications is a television program distribution system including a plurality of units through which the television programs flow, by operating a first signal processing unit connected within the system for adding signal elements to the video signal of a program in order to add patterns of symbols to the television picture such that the symbols are disposed at predetermined locations of the television picture and a plurality of successive patterns constituting a code uniquely identifying the program; and a second signal processing unit connected within the system for detecting signal elements previously added to a video signal and for producing, in response to such detection, an identification of the program which included the video signal.

Abstract: A system for automatic loading, unloading and charging of rechargeable batteries used in battery electric traction motor powered vehicles comprises a battery recharge station, a battery load and unload station adapted for positioning a battery powered vehicle in a preselected position, and a programmable battery transport apparatus programmed for automatically removing discharged batteries from the vehicle, transporting the discharged batteries to a battery recharge station, unloading the discharged batteries into the recharge station, retrieving charged batteries from the recharge station, transporting the charged batteries to the vehicle and loading the charged batteries onto the vehicle.

Abstract: A radial locator is carried by the bed of a cam lobe grinding machine proximate the workpiece chuck. An initial locating pin is carried by the chuck to sense a rough locating hole in a sprocket carried by a cam shaft to be disposed in the chuck to have its cam lobes ground. A timing tooth is provided on the sprocket in proper proximity to the rough locating hole and for coaction with complimentary locating teeth carried by a rockable locating arm of the radial locator. An actuating arm carries the locating arm for movement between an at rest disposition and a rocked disposition wherein the locator teeth coact with the timing tooth to rotate the sprocket, cam shaft and cam lobes to a final position for proper grinding of the cam lobes. A rotary actuator moves the actuating arm an locating arm between their respective dispositions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for single signal, multiple channel digital information transfer through pulses with time slot allocation. The apparatus consists of one or more transmitting devices and one or more receiving devices. Multiple source signals are each allocated a unique time slot between successive synchronization pulses. Digital signals from each source are converted to positive analog information spikes which are combined in their respective time slot with a negative reference spike of uniform magnitude to form an information pulse. The total signal, which consists of successive synchronization pulses interspersed with information pulses for each signal source, each within its allocated time slot, is transmitted to the receivers. Each receiving device extracts the maximum information spike values and the reference spike values for one or more of the signal sources.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for encoding and decoding video signals to facilitate identification of, editing, modifying, queuing, routing, distributing, switching, activating and controlling the video signals.Within a television program distribution system containing a plurality of units through which the television programs flow, the flow of television programs is tracked by operating a first signal processing unit connected within the system for adding signal elements to the video signal of a program in order to add patterns of symbols to the television picture such that the symbols are disposed at predetermined locations of the television picture and a plurality of successive patterns constituting a code uniquely identifying the program, and a second signal processing unit connected within the system for detecting signal elements previously added to a video signal and for producing, in response to such detection, an identification of the program which included the video signal.