Abstract: A system for electronically storing revisions or modifications to documents which are already electronically stored in unrevised or unmodified form. The system compares, at the pixel-by-pixel level, a modified document bit map with a stored document bit map and determines from the differences between the two bit maps, at the pixel-by-pixel level, which differences are significant and which are insignificant. A revised document bit map is then formed from the portions of the stored-document bit map exhibiting no significant bit map differences and the significant differences bit map. The result is a revised document bit map in which no unnecessary changes have been introduced into the initial stored-document bit map. The system also includes steps for defining, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, a significant region bit map from the significant difference bit map and for forming the revised document bit map using the significant region bit map.

Abstract: A clutch and lock mechanism adapted for use with a double shuttle table utilizing two individual drive shafts wherein a first shaft ring assembly is fixedly coupled to a first shaft and a second shaft ring assembly is coupled to the second shaft. The first and second shafts and shaft ring assemblies are spaced from one another along the common axis of rotation of the first and second shafts and an engaging mechanism is positioned between the two shaft ring assemblies and movable therebetween. When the engaging mechanism, at least a portion of which is rotationally locked to the second shaft, is moved to a first position, it is rotationally locked to the first shaft and rotation of the first shaft thereby results in the rotation of the second shaft. When the engaging mechanism is moved to a second position, opposed to the first position, it is disengaged from the first shaft and prevents the rotation of the second shaft.

Abstract: A multiple spindle machine includes a plurality of spindles mounted in a spindle assembly which sequentially indexes workpieces through a plurality of spindle stations by rotating the spindle assembly around its axis. The control and drive system for the multiple spindle machine includes a first variable speed motor for driving the spindles and a second variable speed motor for driving a camshaft. The camshaft drives the indexing mechanism and a main cam which reciprocates a tool slide and a first set of tools mounted on the tool slide relative to the spindle assembly. A second set of tools is mounted around the spindle assembly and independent NC motors drive the second set of tools. A microprocessor independently controls the speed of the first and second variable speed motors and the NC motors to provide flexible control of the multiple spindle machine.

Abstract: An auto-changer for optical discs. At least one carousel rotatable about a horizontal axis stores a large number of discs. A picker moves into the carousel to grasp a disc in a horizontal position in the carousel and then move the disc to a position outside of the carousel. A transfer arm grabs the disc from the picker and swings the disc in an arcuate path over to a disc player, where it is deposited for playing.