Abstract: A constant deviation beam scanning apparatus having a rotatable beam deflector with at least one reflective surface thereof lying in a plane that intersects the axis of rotation at an acute angle. One embodiment utilizes a rotatable, truncated, n-sided pyramidal mirror with at least one planar reflective scanning segment located on one of the n-sides of the pyramidal mirror. The pyramidal mirror's truncation surface lies in a plane normal to the mirror's rotation axis and contains at least one planar reflective segment. A constant deviation reflector having two reflective surfaces is positioned so that a collimated beam of light reflected by the truncation surface reflective segment is reflected by one of the constant deviation reflective surfaces to the other reflective surface and then to the at least one planar reflective scanning segment of the pyramidal mirror.

Abstract: A constant deviation beam scanning apparatus having a rotatable beam deflector with at least one reflective surface thereof lying in a plane that intersects the axis of rotation at an acute angle. One embodiment utilizes a rotatable, truncated, n-sided pyramidal mirror with at least one planar reflective scanning segment located on one of the n-sides of the pyramidal mirror. The pyramidal mirror's truncation surface lies in a plane normal to the mirror's rotation axis and contains at least one planar reflective segment. A constant deviation reflector having two reflective surfaces is positioned so that a collimated beam of light reflected by the truncation surface reflective segment is reflected by one of the constant deviation reflective surfaces to the other reflective surface and then to the at least one planar reflective scanning segment of the pyramidal mirror.

Abstract: A method for producing scaleable contour data that is capable of providing: (1) bit-map font data at any resolution and at any point size and, (2) grid aligned contours for output to contour driven devices such as, pen plotters and numerically controlled machines, is disclosed. The method "stretches" and "compresses" character contours to bring specified contour points ("Skeletal Points") into proper alignment with the "bit-map grid". The mathematical basis for the method is one of (1) breaking the character contour into segments (between a pair of Skeletal Points), (2) offsetting all coordinates in the segment to bring the first Skeletal Point to align with the grid, and finally, (3) linear scaling of the segment with a scale factor which brings the second Skeletal Point to align with the grid.

Abstract: A phototypesetter font disk has a plurality of circumferentially spaced, optically readable indicia and a strobe track radially spaced from the indicia which contains a plurality of circumferentially spaced timing marks. Each indicia has an associated timing mark that is both radially and circumferentially spaced from its respective indicia. The strobe track has an identifiable reference location from which each indicia timing mark is angularly spaced. Additional marks are interposed between the indicia timing marks on the strobe track to define digital data relating to the font disk. Typically, such data includes font identification information.

Abstract: A method and system for use in phototypesetting. A type font character is scanned and character data representative of the font character is generated. The scan data is encoded in accordance with a first predetermined sequence of steps to have the form of an ordered succession of code words. The stored encoded font data is processed in conjunction with character selection control signals to specify a line-to-be-typeset. The selected character data is decoded in accordance with a second predetermined sequence of steps. The first (encoding) and second (decoding) sequences of steps are related so that the format of the stored encoded data is specifically ordered so that it may be utilized in the decoding process as that data is presented. The decoded selected character data is then converted to video signals for an output cathode ray tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is an impulse drive device that includes at least one stator having magnetic means to define an array of parallel spaced apart regions of magnetic field with a major component perpendicular to the plane of the stator; a slidor incorporating series-connected conductive strips in an array of similar spacing and orientation to the array of magnetic regions on the stator; and means for generating sequences of current pulses and for delivering those pulses to the conductive strips on the slidor. With appropriate timing and polarity, current pulses in the conductive strips on the slidor can be employed to both accelerate and decelerate the slidor with respect to the stator, thereby permitting rapid controlled movement of the slidor between predetermined positions in its plane.

Abstract: Apparatus for reproducing characters from cathode ray tubes wherein a beam is deflected onto alpha/numeric characters occupying a selected area of a font. The beam is deflected by relatively high speed linear vertical strokes which are displaced horizontally by a slower speed stroke advance waveform and each scan is positioned relative to one of the selected areas. The vertical linear strokes of the beam are at a variable rate and the vertical strokes are terminated by time interval pulses at an amplitude corresponding to the area height of the font character. The rate of the strokes is determined by the time interval pulses which in turn are regulated by point size control selection means. A resultant two level output signal representative of the successive selected characters controls another cathode ray tube, the scanning of which is identical to that of the first cathode ray tube.

Abstract: The font strip consists of a dimensionally stable photographic film on which have been developed timing marks and type characters. The font strip is accurately positioned on a rotating drum by guide posts which project through apertures on the font strip. The font strip is secured to the surface of the drum by the engagement of an end plate fastened to one end of the font strip, which end plate projects through pins mounted to the surface of the drum. The other end of the font strip is bent within a hooked end plate which engages a correspondingly tapered hook portion of the font drum. A tensioning mechanism associated with the font drum affords the necessary tension to maintain the font strip on the drum.