Abstract: A diode pumped laser includes a high reflector and an output coupler defining a resonator. The resonator includes a gain medium and a Q-switch and produces a fundamental beam. A first non-linear crystal is positioned extra-cavity of the resonator along a path of the fundamental beam. The first non-linear crystal generates a second harmonic beam from the fundamental beam. The first non-linear crystal is critically phased matched. A second non-linear crystal is portioned extra-cavity of the resonator along a path of the fundamental beam and the path of the second harmonic beam. The second non-linear crystal produces a third harmonic beam. The second non-linear crystal is critically phased matched.

Abstract: A system for scanning bar code labels and for providing data related thereto includes scanning means for optically scanning bar code labels and providing an electrical, binary scan signal in response thereto. The scanning means includes a scanner and a scanner controller, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a converter means, responsive to the scanning means, for translating the electrical, binary scan signal into a related sequence of digital words. The integrated circuit further includes a microprocessor means, responsive to the converter means, for translating the related sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means has first and second microprocessor circuits for independently translating the sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means also has a random access memory for storing the appropriate software to control operation of the first and second microprocessor circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling the depth of earth grading for utilization with a grader or paver is disclosed. The method includes determination of time taken for an acoustic pulse to travel from a transducer to a reference surface and back, with this value being used to calibrate a microprocessor-controlled distance-measuring device. As the grader moves over a surface to be graded, the distance to the reference surface is constantly detected by a repeated emission and detection of such acoustic pulses. The timing of the echoed pulses is converted to addresses in a look-up table which contains control words symbolizing commands to be given to hydraulic rams carried by the grader. By implementing these commands, the depth of the blade relative to the reference surface is constantly updated, compensating for variations with the height of the reference surface. A thermistor is provided to automatically compensate for temperature variations as the grading takes place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a compact optical scanner utilizes a one or two-piece mounting bracket to secure the scanner. A bevelled surface on the inside of the bracket cooperated with a conversely bevelled surface on the scanner to prevent removal of the scanner through the top surface of the bracket. Flexible extensions support the scanner and flex out of the way to allow insertion and removal of the scanner.

Abstract: The scanner and scanning method of the present invention effect bar code scanning to determine the bar code data printed thereon by repeatedly sweeping a scanning beam in scan paths across the labels. The bar code labels bear bar codes of the type which include a primary code portion and which may also include an Add-On code portion. The method of the present invention includes the steps of sweeping a scanning beam across the label until the beam sweeps the entire primary code portion in a first scanning pass along a first scan path; immediately sweeping the scanning beam across the label in additional scanning passes along additional scan paths adjacent and parallel to the first scan path; and, if the beam sweeps the entire primary code portion in the additional scanning passes, and, if an Add-On code portion is not scanned in part during either the first or additional scanning passes, then the data scanned during the first and additional scanning passes is accepted as valid scan data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for effective vacuum degassing of a liquid are provided for liquid chromatography. The bottles with the liquid are mounted above the vacuum degassing unit to provide a head pressure to the LC pump and physical stability to the bottles. The liquid is heated in the vacuum chamber by a radiator of electromagnetic energy (in one embodiment, infra-red light). Alternatively the liquid is heated before it enters the vacuum chamber. The liquid is in an agitated state in the vacuum chamber. In one variation, the liquid is conducted through the vacuum chamber through tubes wound around bobbins so as to expose a greater portion of the surface area of the tubes to vacuum. Circuitry stops the vacuum pump for a duration of a chromatographic run. The circuitry controls the LC pump and the vacuum pump so as to optimize the chromatographic conditions in the liquid chromatography analytical system.

Abstract: An optical scanner for use at a checkout counter determines information relating to products to be purchased, including coded label data. The scanner supplies the information to a cash register system. The scanner includes a scanner controller for reading coded labels on the products. The scanner further includes an interface circuit, mounted in said scanner and receiving power therefrom, for providing coded label data to said cash register system.

Abstract: A diode laser device and method of use for achieving transcutaneous laser photocoagulation of the retina is described. A diode laser is used since it is much more efficient than the ion or dye lasers presently used for laser photocoagulation, and therefore will not require forced air of water cooling and can be made for compact. In addition, the diode laser can be used with standard 110 v wall sockets, and does not require the high power, three phase sockets required for the ion lasers. The end result is that compared to the ion laser device, the diode laser device can be brought directly into the operating room, which makes it ideal for transcutaneous delivery.A characteristic of diode lasers is that the emitted light diverges rapidly. In addition, the diode laser beam is emitted from a rectangular edge of a diode, and the light emitted along the longer sides of the rectangular edge will diverge more rapidly than that light emitted along the shorter sides of the rectangular edge.

Abstract: A system for scanning bar code labels and for providing data related thereto includes scanning means for optically scanning bar code labels and providing an electrical, binary scan signal in response thereto. The scanning means includes a scanner and a scanner controller, and an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a converter means, responsive to the scanning means, for translating the electrical, binary scan signal into a related sequence of digital words. The integrated circuit further includes a microprocessor means, responsive to the converter means, for translating the related sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means has first and second microprocessor circuits for independently translating the sequence of digital words into data. The microprocessor means also has a random access memory for storing the appropriate software to control operation of the first and second microprocessor circuits.

Abstract: A position sensing system calculates the X-Y-Z coordinates of a point in space using triangulation and determines the orientation of an object located at that point. The triangulation calculation is based on the coordinates of at least three retroreflective elements spaced apart from each other and the measured angles between the lines projected radially outward from the point to each of the retroreflective elements. The accuracy of the measured angles is achieved by using a rotating member supported by dedicated hardware and controlled by software. The member rotates with a beam of light generated by a light transmitting and detecting device positionable at the point. The light transmitting and detecting device receives the beam of light reflected back from the retroreflective elements and generates an output signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) bar code scanner such as in common use in retail stores includes provision for reading bar coded redemption coupons (or other bar coded documents redeemable for value) in a manner secure from a human operator. Integration of functions between the POS scanner and the coupon reader varies with different embodiments described. Through software associated with bar code decoding logic, a comparison is made between information on a validation coupon and information on items presented for purchase, and a decision is made as to whether the redemption coupon is valid and redeemable in this transaction. In one embodiment, the bar code scanner simply receives the redemption coupon face down on the product scanner window, and integrated decode logic of the scanner identifies the bar code as belonging to a redemption coupon, then makes the comparison and validation of the coupon for the particular transaction.

Abstract: A small diameter multimode optical fiber with a low numerical aperture (i.e., 0.1) is used as a microlens to collimate the output emissions of a laser diode before butt coupling the output of the laser diode to an optical fiber. The optical fiber used as the microlens is chosen such that its diameter roughly equals the diameter of the fiber to be coupled to the laser diode. The collimation is performed in the high NA direction of the output of the laser diode. The output of a bundle of butt coupled optical fibers may be used to pump a laser system.

Abstract: A two-step process for characterization of peaks in a chromatogram is disclosed. Firstly, data corresponding to each peak or pair of peaks in the chromatogram is identified. A unique filter apparatus locates extrema of the curvature of the chromatographic data and a data file is generated containing characteristics of the extrema. A pattern recognition apparatus analyzes the characteristics of the located extrema and classifies the peak or peak combination represented by the data in the file as one peak or peak combination in a set of resolved peaks and selected combinations of resolved peaks. A portion of the chromatographic data, corresponding to the peak or peak combination identified by the pattern recognition apparatus, is identified. This portion includes the signal for said peak and the signal for the baseline upon which the peak is superimposed.

Abstract: A data gathering system adapted to be installed within a checkout counter for determining information about products presented for purchase at the counter including the weight of such products comprises two support flanges within the checkout counter. The support flanges define a portion of an upper surface of the data gathering system and a scale supported by the flanges defines the remaining upper surface which comprises a weighing platter for the scale. A scale calibrating and zeroing system is incorporated into the support flanges to be accessible through the upper surface of the data gathering system such that the scale can be periodically zeroed and calibrated as necessary to maintain the accuracy of the scale without removal of the data gathering system from the counter.

Abstract: An automatic plumb, level and pointing tool uses a visible laser diode to project a beam in any of three different modes through a beam exit window. The tool, approximately the size and shape of a tape measure, can be placed on one edge to project a tilt-compensated vertical beam. Placed on another edge 90.degree.-rotated, the tool projects through the same exit window a tilt-compensated horizontal beam. When laid on either of its larger flat sides, the tilt compensation becomes inoperative and the tool projects a beam which is fixed relative to the housing. In a preferred embodiment, separate pendulous or cantilevered mirrors are used for vertical and horizontal tilt correction and are selected by the influence of gravity as the tool is laid on one edge or the other. In further described embodiments, two separate laser diodes may be used, or the laser tool may be intergrated with other tools such as a tape measure or a squaring tool.

Abstract: A disk, or heat web, is generally circularly shaped, and has a circumferential lip normal to the plane of the disk. A split ring, fabricated from a material having a low co-efficient of thermal expansion fits within the circumferential lip. A generally circularly shaped expansion member, made from a material having a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion, fits within the split ring. A suitable brazing material is placed between the split ring and the circumferential lip of the disk. The heat produced by the brazing process expands the split ring and allows it to be brazed into place when the assembly is placed on the inside of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A computer program in the microcontroller of an ink jet printer-plotter counts the ink dots fired by the cartridge of the printer. The host system keeps the dot count in nonvolatile memory. When the number of dots corresponding to the nominal capacity of the cartridge has been fired, a message is printed by the printer reminding the operator to provide a fresh cartridge.

Abstract: An electrophoresis instrument includes a capillary tube mounted in an air cooled cartridge. The cartridge also supports a spherical lens which is part of the optical detection apparatus. The cartridge rests in a manifold which includes the sample and buffer reservoirs. The temperature of the capillary tube is controlled by measuring the electrical resistance of the capillary tube during the electrophoresis process and then cooling or heating the cartridge by circulating temperature controlled air over the tube. The optical path associated with the instrument is a fiber optic bundle bifurcated close to dual detectors into a reference arm and a sample arm so as to provide similar reference and sample optical paths. The instrument may be used for temperature control for gradient electrophoresis and also, a neutral marker for determining electro-osmotic flow may be detected.

Abstract: A diode laser pumped, solid state laser-based system and related method of operation for precision materials processing and machining is described. A component of the system is a diode laser pumped, q-switched, fiber-coupled, solid state laser which produces a pulsed beam having a pulse width of approximately 50 ns or less, which width is necessary for material removal by ablation. Other components of the system include an optical subsystem such as a microscope, a stepper-motor controlled workstation, an imaging subsystem such as a video camera coupled to a monitor, and control means such as a personal computer. The system can be operated in either a manual or an automatic mode.