Abstract: A non-blocking, solid, adhesive composition comprising, (a) a film forming polymeric resin of average molecular weight between 10,000 and about 100,000 and having an epoxide, hydroxyl or unsaturated functionality greater than about 2, the polymeric resin being selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyurethanes and epoxies; (b) at least one filler, or at least one polyfunctional compound of average molecular weight below about 7,000 and containing a polyaromatic backbone, or mixtures thereof, the weight ratio of (a) to (b) being between about 1.5:1 and about 9:1; and (c) a curing agent which is capable of cross-linking and curing the polymeric resin to a C-stage, the curing agent being present in an amount sufficient to C-stage the polymeric resin. The adhesive composition can be activated without becoming C-staged upon application of sufficient heat or ultrasonic energy for a time period less than one second.

Abstract: In a motor control system of the type having a plurality of transistors connected in series between a power supply and ground, a protection circuit is utilized to prevent the transistors from turning on simultaneously. The protection circuit introduces time delay into the turn on signals applied to the bases of the serially connected transistors, thereby preventing simultaneous operation and preventing excessive currents from damaging the transistors.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a multilayer polymer film, the thickness and degree of orientation are simultaneously measured. A beam of infrared radiation having predetermined wavelengths is either transmitted through or reflected by the polymer film to be measured and received by a photodetector. The photodetector provides an electrical output signal which can be analyzed to determine the thickness and degree of orientation.

Abstract: An article comprised of metal directly and adherently bonded onto a ceramic substrate, and a process for producing same, wherein the ceramic is adhesion promoted with molten inorganic compound, treated with halide compounds that promote adsorption of catalyst for metal deposition, and plated with metal. Uniform surface coverage with catalyst and metal is ensured by the halide treatment.

Abstract: An economical process for producing metal plated through holes in metal core circuit boards which permits the formation of small holes and fine conductor lines is disclosed. A metal sheet, which will become the core of a metal core circuit board, is provided with insulation layers on both sides, and through holes are provided through the insulation layers. The process involves incorporating fillers in a resinous coating solution which is electrophoretically applied to the hole walls to form an insulating layer of uniform thickness thereon. An increased diameter in the metal wall portion of each hole acts to restrict flow of the filled resinous coating solution during cure resulting in a straight hole wall. The coating is adhesion promoted and a metal layer is deposited thereon.

Abstract: Substrates for interconnecting components in which a filament is applied and affixed to a base in a pre-determined pattern, the base surface and applied filaments are coated with a coating and the coating is hardened to form a substantially flat surface over the base and filaments. The coated base is then positioned on a table movable along "x" and "y" axes and the coated base is positioned under a high energy beam at pre-programmed points on the applied filament pattern and access openings are formed in the coating on the base at such points to expose the filament at each such point so that the exposed filament can be interfaced with the exposed surface of the coated base and articles for mounting and interconnecting components formed thereby.

Abstract: Catalytically imaged thermosetting and thermoplastic resin objects including printed circuit boards are provided. A hydrophilic, adhesion promoted insulating base material is treated in selected areas to produce metallic nuclei in the form of an image of a desired metal pattern. The image is exposed to an electroless metal bath to reinforce the image. Then, the non-imaged areas of the base are rendered hydrophobic by means of solvent treatment. The imaged areas are built up by metal deposition. Preferably, the solvent treatment of the non-imaged areas of the base material is repeated to enhance adhesion of the metal pattern to the base material.

Abstract: The spacing between two surfaces such as the space between a glass disk and a magnetic head or slider is measured by directing light from a broad spectrum light source onto the two surfaces, and combining the reflected light, with the light at different frequencies being combined constructively and destructively. The combined signals are analyzed at a large number of wavelengths to give a plot of intensity vs. wavelength, and the wavelength or wavelengths of maximum intensity (and constructive interference) and/or minimum intensity (destructive interference) are identified. For a glass disk and a metal slider with normal incidence, the light intensity minima occur at d=(1/2)nL and maxima at d=(1/2) (n-1/2) L, where d is the separation, L is the wavelength and n is a positive integer indicating the order. The actual plot of intensity vs. wavelength is correlated with the theoretical intensity vs.

Abstract: A system for determining range and orientation of distant objects such as a ship. By utilizing split imaging the observed height on a video monitor can be accurately determined despite movements of the image on the monitor. The observed ship can be visually identified and the true height determined from reference sources. A better comparison of data indicating the true height compared to observed height permits calculation of the range to the target ship. Split imaging can also be utilized to determine the observed length of the ship so that observed height and length data can be compared to the true height and length of the target ship to determine orientation of the target ship relative to the observer.

Abstract: A compact actuator is disclosed in which the motor, gear reduction and motion control functions are performed by an integral array of components. Instead of having separate interconnected units to perform these functions, the integral array compacts these functions into a single unit, allowing a reduction in the overall length and total weight of an actuator capable of a given output stroke and force.

Abstract: An article comprised of metal directly and adherently bonded onto a ceramic substrate, and a process for producing same, wherein the ceramic is adhesion promoted with molten inorganic compound, treated with compounds that promote adsorption of catalyst for metal deposition, and plated with metal. Uniform surface coverage with catalyst and metal is ensured by the treatment with the adsorption promoters.

Abstract: A brushless tachometer in which output signal switching is achieved using field effect transistors and which is capable of achieving linearity over a broad range, particularly the zero speed region. According to a preferred embodiment, the brushless tachometer is operated in a current mode as part of the servo loop to substantially reduce tachometer voltage switching requirements. A ROM can be used to control commutation switching. Commutation is preferable line-to-neutral to reduce ripple.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing circuit boards using two or a small number of probes for making resistive and radio frequency impedance measurements e.g. capacitive measurements. The combination of resistive and impedance measurements substantially reduces the number of tests required to verify the integrity of a circuit board. The impedance or capacitive "norm" values used in testing the circuit boards can be obtained by operating the system in a learning mode. Analysis of the data provides not only fault detection but also can indicate approximate fault location.

Abstract: An alternator for use in a brushless DC tachometer which produces are output voltage with a trapezoidal waveshape. The alternator includes a three phase toroidal winding on a plotless core. The windings are concentrated rather than being distributed. The rotor includes high intensity permanent magnets configured to provide uniform flux density over a large segment at least equal to a commutation increment.

Abstract: In a motor control system for a DC motor, a modulation circuit provides a plurality of pulse width modulated signals to control the current applied to the motor. The motor is coupled to a current sensing resistor and a plurality of switches responsive to the pulse width modulated control signals. The output of the current sensing resistor is summed with an input current command to provide an error signal. A modulation circuit which includes a waveform generator generates a plurality of interposed triangular waves adjustably offset by a predetermined amount. The triangular waves are compared to the error signal to provide pulse width modulated control signals which cause a "dither" current to be applied to the motor when there is substantially no input command and currents having substantially decreasing form factors to be applied as the input command increases.

Abstract: An AC induction motor control system wherein two pulse trains are generated, one pulse train including a pulse for each increment of rotor movement, and the other pulse train having pulses occurring at a rate proportional to slip. The pulse trains are combined in a counter which controls formation of synthesized winding excitations developed from pre-recorded sine values. The slip pulse train is developed according to pre-recorded slip factors selected as a function of rotor speed and modified in accordance with desired torque.

Abstract: A photodetector system for generating a series of digital value signals indicative of light intensity and particularly adapted for use in computer enhancement of photography and spectroradiometry. Circuitry is provided for controlling both the integration time of the light as well as the amplification factor applied to the analog signal generated. Logic control circuits are provided to adjust the integration time and amplifier gain to maintain the analog-to-digital converter within its optimal range.

Abstract: A brush holder assembly providing longer brush life and easy brush replacement is disclosed. The assembly uses a removeable spring bracket to extend a double coil constant force extension spring straddling a brush. The bracket, straddling the spring and brush, is inserted into a brush holder, whereupon it slideably engages the coils of the extension spring, causing it to extend. The bracket is removeable from the holder so that the extension spring and brush can be removed to replace a worn or broken brush.

Abstract: A resinous protective coating useful in adhering plastics to metallic substrates. The protective coating is particularly useful as a solder mask and in the manufacture of printed circuit boards with circuit patterns having a resolution of at least 0.25 mm lines and spaces thereon. The protective coating comprises resins dissolved in solvents, wherein the coating, upon being subjected to heat, goes from a liquid or soft "gel-like" state into a solid phase without bleeding. The protective coating is resistant to copper, nickel and gold electroplating baths, adheres to insulating substrates, adhesive coated base materials as well as metallic substrates and is capable of withstanding the thermal shock of dip soldering.

Abstract: A high speed DC brushless motor in which the stator is toroidal and the stator core does not include winding slots. In the preferred embodiment the core material for the stator is an amorphous metal alloy which provides high speed motor efficiency. For some applications core materials like ferrite or low silicon-alloys can be used. According to one embodiment of the invention a ferrite shielding ring can be added surrounding the motor to further improve high speed efficiency.