Abstract: A machine for bonding a wire between pads on an integrated circuit die and a cavity-down circuit package includes a wedge for transferring heat energy to one part of the wire of sufficient magnitude to bond it to the pads, a clamp for grasping and pulling on another part of the wire to break it after the bonding operation, and a positioning mechanism for moving the wedge and clamp to selectable bonding locations over the die and package; wherein both the wedge and clamp include respective passageways through which the wire is threaded and slides; the clamp moves the portion of the wire between the passageways to a first position where it makes a large angle with the wedge, and to a second position where it makes a substantially smaller angle with the wedge; and the wedge is adapted to pass the wire without bending it at both the large and small angles.

Abstract: An improvement to a facsimile system which enables the simulation of 240 and 300 DPI feedwise scan resolutions in a system designed to operate at 200 and 400 DPI feedwise scan resolutions. The simulation is accomplished by feedwise advancing a document past a horizontal image scanner in defined sequences of half and full steps, half steps causing the document to be feedwise advanced by one four-hundredth of an inch (as in 400 DPI mode), full steps causing the document to be feedwise advanced by one two-hundredth of an inch (as in 200 DPI mode). The scan resolution errors introduced by the simulation are non-cumulative since the system comes back into feedwise synchronization with true 240 and 300 DPI scan resolutions each time one of the defined three operation sequences is completed. Also, a method of operating a document feeding system to approximate 240 and 300 DPI feedwise scan resolutions.

Abstract: A synchronizing circuit using a switchable bistable element for synchronizing an asymmetric signal with the clock of a data processing system. The occurrence of a balanced or metastable state in the switchable bistable synchronizing element which can slow up the data transfer rate is inhibited by applying an asymmetric injection signal thereto having a frequency, magnitude and asymmetry such that the maintenance of a balanced or metastable state in the synchronizing element is inhibited without interfering with the normal switching operation thereof.

Abstract: The method of testing the moisture ingression rate of semiconductor devices encapsulated in plastic packages comprising first treating the devices in a pressure cooker at elevated temperature and immediately thereafter treating said devices in an 85.degree. C. temperature and 85% humidity atmosphere for a time.

Abstract: A multi-strike (typewriter) ribbon comprising a web of synthetic resinous material having top and bottom surfaces with an ink coating on the top surface of the web and a back layer on the bottom surface of the web, the back layer providing a clean, frictional surface which provides good contact with the drive apparatus which drives the printing ribbon as it performs a printing function.

Abstract: Novel apparatus (probe) for sensing and controlling the surface charge on an electro-photographic copier drum in which a hollow, cylindrical, tubular shield member provided with a single elongated aperture therein houses a rotatable charge receiving, insulatingly segmented, rod-like fluted member, the latter extending centrally through the shield member. The elongated slot of the outer shield member extends from edge-to-edge of the drum and in close, spaced proximity thereto. One end of the probe apparatus carries an electromagnetic, Hall effect transducer including a phasing paddle wheel member rotatable with the segmented member for timing and synchronizing the rotation of the probe with the drum rotation. The probe is disposed between two spaced apart drum charging corotrons. The probe senses the surface charge on the drum and compares this charge with a known standard charge level.

Abstract: Automatically adaptable radix conversion apparatus which provides for radix conversion of an input number by successive serial division using look-up tables contained in a programmable read only memory (PROM). The particular conversion performed is automatically determined in response to input control information provided along with the input number which is used to select the appropriate set of tables in the PROM applicable to the particular conversion desired. The input control information is also used by the apparatus to permit it to automatically adjust to handle variable input number lengths and also to automatically terminate the conversion operation after operations on the last digit of the input number have been completed.

Abstract: Improved disk drive equipment is illustrated, being characterized by improved partitioning means for partitioning a stack of flexible magnetic recording disks axially (end-wise).

Abstract: A circuit including a plurality of transistors in parallel for dividing load current substantially equally between the transistors including a transformer coupled to each transistor, with the primary winding of each transformer in series with the emitter-collector current flow path of its transistor and with all of the secondary windings connected together in series. The transistors are substantially identical in characteristics and rating, and the transformers are all substantially identical.

Abstract: A controller for controlling access to a plurality of records that can be accessed and changed by several independent processors comprises: a plurality of flip-flops corresponding in number to the plurality of records with each flip-flop representing a particular record; a circuit for receiving a programmable control word from any of the processors which identifies multiple records of which access is sought; a circuit for selecting in parallel and logically ANDing output signals from all of those flip-flops which correspond to the identified records; a circuit for sending a signal, if the ANDing operation yields a logical ONE, to the processor which sent the control word signaling that it may access and change the identified records; a circuit for setting in parallel via a single pulse all of those flip-flops which correspond to the identified records if the ANDing operation yields a logical ONE; and a circuit for storing the control word if the ANDing operation yields a logical ZERO.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing on-line error detection and correction of errors in an optical disk storage system using Reed-Solomon decoding techniques. An implementation is employed which divides the Reed-Solomon decoding process into a sequence of well defined steps requiring a minimum of inter-step parameter transfers. These steps are implemented by a plurality of processors operating in a pipelined manner.

Abstract: A support mechanism for raising and lowering a terminal monitor comprising an upper assembly and a lower assembly and a plurality of pivotable arms interconnecting the upper assembly and lower assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper plate, which supports the monitor, and an upper slidable plate slidably coupled to it, and the lower assembly includes a base plate and a lower slidable plate slidably coupled to it. Due to the way the pivotable arms are coupled to the various plates, when the upper slidable plate is driven with respect to its associated upper plate, the arms pivot either to raise or lower the upper assembly and its monitor load with respect to the lower assembly.

Abstract: One embodiment discloses a method and apparatus whereby each time a tape is wound upon a prescribed reel, the winding pattern may be assumed to leave the array of tape edges in a unique "edge profile" represented by the position of each winding edge as viewed from one side of the reel along a radial direction--this "profile" being interpreted as a "winding signature"; the signature may be detected via reflections of an energy beam and recorded in a convenient encoded fashion for possible use in uniquely identifying and documenting each unspooling/rewind sequence to thereby determine whether the tape has been "unspooled".

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser recording arrangement including a mirror for redirecting the laser beam in a controlled scan mode plus an associated electro-optical position monitor for monitoring mirror orientation, these being housed in a unitary casting.

Abstract: A method of performing a sequence of related activities in multiple digital processors includes the steps of: executing a portion of a first activity of the sequence in a first processor and then executing an INTERPROCESSOR CALL instruction to a second activity in a second processor; suspending execution of the first activity in response to the CALL and signaling the second processor that the second activity has been called by the first activity; completely executing the second activity in the second processor and then executing an INTERPROCESSOR NEXT instruction to a third activity in a third processor; signaling the third processor in response to the NEXT instruction that the third activity has been called not by the second activity but by the caller of the second activity; and completely executing the third activity in the third processor and, upon completion thereof, signaling the third activity's caller to resume execution of the suspended activity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing an integrated circuit package that has multiple leads which are soldered into respective metal plated holes in a printed circuit board. The board is of the type that has internal metal lines which make joints with the metal plating, and the method is adapted to remove the package from the board without overstressing the joints. The method includes the steps of: flowing a liquid on the leads at a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the solder without pulling on the package for a time period .DELTA.t.sub.1 ; and pulling on the package immediately after the end of the .DELTA.t.sub.1 period with a force F.sub.1 =F.sub.3 +(25 to 75)% F.sub.2. Force F.sub.2 is the minimum force that will extract a single soldered lead from the board under the condition the solder is below but within 5.degree. C. of melting; F.sub.3 is the minimum force that will lift the package from a pool of the liquid; and .DELTA.t.sub.

Abstract: Optical apparatus is disclosed for spatially combining and/or separating a plurality of reading and writing laser beams as required, for example, in an optical memory system. The apparatus includes a spatial combining and separating device comprising a thin transparent element which is provided with reflective and anti-reflective coatings and an appropriately located opening in a manner so as to permit the original and reflected writing beams to pass through the device without change in direction while the original and reflected reading beams are reflected from the device in predetermined directions.

Abstract: An equipment enclosure comprises a frame whereon edge covers can be assembled by means of lugs fitting into corresponding recesses in the frame. Each of the edge covers comprises a groove overhanging the frame on either side to form a continuous channel all around. Covers are slidably insertable into the continuous groove to trap the lugs in the recesses to prevent the removal of the edge covers, the edge covers in turn co-operating to retain the side covers. A back cover is boltable onto the frame to prevent the sliding out of the side covers and to complete the assembly of the enclosure. The edge covers are provided with projections and slots which are insertable one into the other between adjacent covers to lend added strength to the enclosure. In a modification to the invention an openable portion of the enclosure is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser recording arrangement including a pivotable mirror for redirecting the laser beam in a controlled scan mode plus an associated electro-optical position monitor for monitoring mirror orientation, these being housed in a unitary casting with a particular torsional form of pivot suspension.

Abstract: A printed circuit board of six planar layers has the layers separated by a dielectric of epoxy glass. The two central layer planes form a ground plane and a voltage plane. The two external planes and the internal planes involve series of microstrip signal lines of specially calculated widths and dielectric separations to provide an essentially 100 ohm characteristic impedance for the signal lines in reference to the ground and voltage planes.