Abstract: An optical character reader (OCR) using parallel state machines is provided wherein each state machine identifies a different character. Program tables for each of the state machines compare received bit strings of scanned data and compare them to positive and negative reference patterns in the state machines, wherein the positive reference patterns are tested for in sequence with advancement of test the next positive reference pattern only if the present positive reference pattern being tested for is present, and if none of at least one negative reference pattern is present. The OCR also detects and corrects skew by mathematically projecting a shadow of each character on the right margin of the page for each of a plurality of small incremental rotation angles for the characters. The rotation angle producing the sharpest and narrowest shadow effect is determined to the angle at which the characters are skewed.

Abstract: An optical character reader (OCR) using parallel state machines is provided wherein each state machine identifies a different character. Program tables for each of the state machines compare received bit strings of scanned data and compare them to positive and negative reference patterns in the state machines, wherein the positive reference patterns are tested for in sequence with advancement to test the next positive reference pattern only if the present positive reference pattern being tested for is present, and if none of at least one negative reference pattern is present. The OCR also detects and corrects skew by mathematically projecting a shadow of each character on the right margin of the page for each of a plurality of small incremental rotation angles for the characters. The rotation angle producing the sharpest and narrowest shadow effect is determined to be the angle at which the characters are skewed.

Abstract: An optical character recognition page reader includes a stationary paper guide for positioning documents illuminated by a stationary light source. An image of the documents is focused onto a stationary photosensitive device, e.g. a line of photodiodes, by a movable lens. Signals from the photodiodes are serially fed to a bit comparator which compares the amplitude of these signals to a threshold level that varies in accordance with a fraction of the previous maximum white level signal for each such photodiode, and produces digital bit outputs in response thereto. The digital bit outputs of the comparator for each horizontal scan of the document, i.e. each readout of the photodiode array, are stored for successive positions of the lens during its vertical scan of the document. The stored digital bits from a number of previous lens scan positions for a particular photodiode of the array are then used in a state machine to determine its next state.

Abstract: Articles of a thermoplastic having an improved level of electromagnetic shielding are molded from plastic pellets that have a core of metalized glass fibers that are arranged to partially disperse through the molded article as individual fibers and partially to remain in clumps of generally aligned closely contacting fibers. The clumps have approximately the length of an individual fiber but they are substantially wider than an individual fiber. Improved conductivity is attributed to increased electrical bridging between fibers that is provided by the width of the clumps of fibers.

Abstract: A laminate of insulating material having fine metallic articles dispersed therein is rendered highly conductive by passing electrical energy through the laminate of sufficient strength to break down the dielectric resistance of the insulating material at the points of contact of the metallic articles.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with axial conveying of sludge through a stationary tube from inside to outside a rotating centrifuge. It incorporates a high speed auger screw to move the material. High speed implies spinning of the auger too fast for sludge adhesion, and operating the auger only partially full. The feed to the auger is by an unrestrained jet of material from which any material not driven axially by the auger is permitted to fall freely away from the auger feed section. The combination of high rotational forces, open ballistic feed, and partially full screw, combine to assure transport of thixotropic materials.

Abstract: A process for screening materials as a function of particle size differences by feeding the materials onto one side of a substantially planar screen and vibrating the screen by producing a translational screen oscillation in directions normal to the screen plane and a torsional screen oscillation about an axis normal to the screen plane so that each point of the screen moves in a helical path. Screened material is collected at the other side of the screen and screened retentate is transported by the torsional screen oscillation to an exit port at a location spaced from the axis of torsional oscillation.The process is particularly applicable to shipboard or other mobile use, since the spring stiffness provides good structural support under tilt or side acceleration conditions.