Abstract: A relatively low cost, high speed search processor for efficiently scanning, inserting, and clearing certain data in an ordered linked list of data regarding a plurality of video scan line segments, which segments define mathematical elements (e.g. polygons) and corresponding portions of a three dimensional image. Data items containing information regarding the starting coordinates of the segments of a scan line are encoded and stored in the linked list according to the magnitudes thereof. The present search processor is adapted to read a new data entry to the linked list which is representative of the magnitude of a scan line segment starting coordinate and rapidly search the existing data items of the linked list to determine a particular location in the list at which to insert the new data entry, depending upon the magnitude of the scan line segment starting coordinate thereof relative to the magnitudes of the respective scan line segment starting coordinates of other items in the list.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multiple module furnace and system for aerospace application useful for conducting high temperature experiments and treatments of materials, particularly for alloying of metals. The furnace comprises a frame having a plurality of receptacles to receive a like plurality of furnace modules. Each furnace module has thermal insulation and thermal isolating means, an electrical resistance heater and a sample cavity which receives a plurality of sample containing crucibles. Each module is also provided with thermocouples at various locations to monitor and control the treatment.

Abstract: A high speed wire handling and cutting apparatus having particular application for efficiently providing a continuous supply of uniform dimension wire leads which are to be electrically connected (e.g. welded) to an electronic component, or the like, so that such component can be connected into an electrical circuit. The apparatus includes a wire feeding crank and an associated cross head assembly, a wire receiving crank and an associated cross head assembly, and a wire cutter disposed therebetween. The wire feeding crank and its associated cross head assembly continuously feed an accurately metered length of wire from a wire supply to the cutter, so that wire sections of precise and uniform dimension can be cut therefrom. The wire receiving crank and its associated cross head assembly embrace the sections of wire that are cut from the supply and transfer the sections from the cutter to a suitable storage facility or to the next stage in an electronic component packaging and/or manufacturing assembly line.

Abstract: A high speed hidden surface processor capable of operating in real time and suitable for interaction with a computer-generated imagery or computer graphics system, whereby a realistic three-dimensional scene can be projected on a two-dimensional video display. The scene is formed by one or more polygons that are visible from an arbitrary viewpoint. The present hidden surface processor employs a hidden surface algorithm, such that certain polygons or portions of polygons, which polygons are obscured by other polygons lying closer to the viewpoint, are removed or truncated. Ordered linked lists of scan line data corresponding to the surfaces of the visible polygons are assembled and stored, so that the complete scene may be subsequently displayed with increased speed and minimized hardware implementation costs.

Abstract: A cross product calculator to multiply mathematical representations of a pair of vectors in order to calculate a resultant vector, which resultant vector is aligned normal to the plane in which the pair of vectors is located. The present cross product calculator has application to a real time computer generated imagery or graphics system having the capability to provide reliable color shading of a three dimensional object moving across the screen of a video display. The resultant normal vector provided by the cross product calculator is indicative of the orientation of the object relative to a source of supply of incident light. Storage apparatus and control hardware are included to provide accurate, normalized equivalents of the mathematical representations of the pair of vectors which are multiplied together to derive the cross product thereof.

Abstract: A matrix multiplier having application to a real time computer-generated imagery or graphics system, wherein the output of the multiplier is normalized to increase both the accuracy and speed by which a three dimensional object can be displayed on a video stream. The output of the matrix multiplier is typically a plurality of multiple (e.g. 32 or more) bit serial data screen. Each data stream is normalized to itself and to each of the other of the plurality of data streams which form the product of the matrix multiplication. That is, a particular segment (e.g. 16 bits) of each data stream is selected for continued processing in order to efficiently and accurately define an object in three dimensional space. The selection of each data stream segment is dependent upon the bit pattern thereof and, more particularly, upon the occurance of a pair of successive bits of opposite polarity relative to one another.

Abstract: A high performance, low cost filter having a capacitor electrically connected therein to effectively block electromagnetic noise signals that are generated by certain electrical and electromechanical devices, including an electric motor, such as that commonly associated with either of the engine of a motor vehicle or a household appliance. In one embodiment of the invention, the filter is provided in combination with a fuse link that is particularly structured to have both relatively low inductance and low fusing current characteristics. The capacitor and the fuse link may be contained within a filter housing. Moreover, both the capacitor and the fuse link may be flexibly mounted within the filter housing, to thereby reduce the application of mechanical stresses and minimize the likelihood of possible damage thereto during the handling and installation of the filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing upon the body of axial lead components arranged upon a component tape. The tape has equally spaced openings for receiving sprocket teeth and equally spaced component receiving openings. There are tabs associated with said component openings extending from the tape defining slots being narrowed at the end away from the tape. The slots may be spread by bending the tape. The apparatus comprises a horizontal base, a print station fixed above the base, a bending roll mounted on an axle substantially parallel to the horizontal base, an entry guide for slidably holding the loaded tape below the top of the bending roll and an exit guide for slidably holding the loaded tape below the top of the bending roll. The exit guide has a sprocket wheel for engaging the sprocket openings in the tape to pull it over the bending roll.

Abstract: System for handling axial lead components that have a low ratio of paramagnetism to weight comprising at least one nonmagnetic magazine and at least one packing and/or unpacking station for receiving the nonmagnetic magazine. The packing and/or unpacking stations receive the magazines and enable the slope of the bottom of the magazines to be adjusted to the horizon. The packing stations support two plate-like magnets along each sidewall of the magazine positioned therein for creating a magnetic field passing in and out of the sidewalls of the magazine. A vibrator is mounted to the magazine when secured to the packing and/or unpacking station to apply vibrations to it in a direction substantially aligned with the magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus for prestraightening badly bent axial leads on electronic components and the like. The components are seated in notches on the periphery of a carrier disk assembly with the bent leads extending to each side of the assembly. The assembly is rotated about its axis to carry the leads in a circular path. The periphery of the carrier disk assembly is arranged adjacent an inner cylindrical surface or surround surface as it is called. The leads are thus caused to drag and twist against the surround surface. Two notched puller disks are mounted to rotate about nonparallel axes that intersect the axis of the carrier disk assembly at equal and opposite angles. Thus the peripheries of the two puller disks and the carrier disk assembly are closely adjacent at one point on their peripheries at all times. This is the entry point where components are seated in the carrier disk assembly.

Abstract: A hook flash actuated telephone control device that is connected into a subscriber's telephone line to permit a user to place an existing call on hold by selectively activating the hook switch of his telephone according to a particular sequence. The control device includes a comparator which senses the line voltage and produces an output signal, the level of which is dependent upon whether or not the telephone handset is in an on-hook or off-hook condition. First timing and logic means are interconnected so as to be triggered by the output signal of the comparator. If the telephone handset is in an off-hook condition and the hook switch flash signal sequence is completed within a first particular predetermined time, a corresponding signal is generated to energize a hold circuit, whereby to place the telephone circuits in a hold condition. Audio signal generating means are also energized in order to provide the user with a tone to indicate that the telephone circuits are rendered in a hold condition.

Abstract: This application relates to a method and apparatus for welding together small oxide coated components by driving a sharp edge or point of one part into a face of another part and then discharging electrical energy, for example, a capacitively stored electrical current through the joint. Precision micrometer control of the distance one part accelerates toward the other along with continuously adjustable spring tension are used to program the inelastic collision of the two parts. The electrical discharge circuit is controlled to provide a controlled arc after collision.

Abstract: This application relates to a method and apparatus for welding together small oxide coated components by driving a sharp edge or point of one part into a face of another part and then discharging electrical energy, for example, a capacitively stored electrical current through the joint. Precision micrometer control of the distance one part accelerates toward the other along with continuously adjustable spring tension are used to program the inelastic collision of the two parts. The electrical discharge circuit is controlled to provide a controlled arc after collision.

Abstract: A component handler including a supporting structure and a holder on the supporting structure for holding a plurality of components to be tested. After a group of the components in the holder are tested, they are automatically released from the holder and allowed to fall under the influence of gravity along associated component paths. A memory which is located along these component paths is programmed in accordance with the test results. As the components fall along the component paths, the memory automatically directs the components into collection zones whereby the components are sorted in accordance with the test results.

Abstract: A feeder for magnetic components comprising a hopper adapted to receive the components, first and second magnets mounted for pivotal movement about first and second pivot axes, respectively, and a mechanism for oscillating the magnets. The hopper has an outlet and the oscillation of the magnets moves the magnetic components in the hopper toward the outlet. A pickup wheel is provided at the outlet for removing the components from the hopper.

Abstract: A component handler including a holder for holding components while a test or other operation is performed thereon, a body having a plurality of passages therein, a plurality of members movable in said passages, respectively, from a first position to a second position, and a mechanism for providing fluid under pressure for moving the movable members from the first position to the second position. The mechanism can be controlled, for example, by the results of the test on the components.