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 gas discharge tube for a gas laser includes a discharge chamber having a first end and a second end. A cathode is mounted near the first end in a cathode region of the discharge chamber and an anode is mounted near the second end. An electromagnet induces an axial magnetic field within the discharge region, and a pole piece is mounted on the end of the electromagnet adjacent the cathode region. By using a pole piece for attenuating the axial magnetic field in the cathode region, a significant reduction in 60-60 Hz modulation of the light beam is realized, as well as a reduction of sputtering in the throat region of the discharge tube, additionally, the cathode placement relative to the throat region may be optimized leading to an increase in plasma tube efficiency. In addition, a second pole piece is mounted on the end of the electromagnetic coil, adjacent the anode region, for attenuating the axial magnetic field inside the anode region after the discharge reaches the anode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the cross slope angle cut by the blade of an articulated frame motorgrader being steered through a turn, operated in a straight frame mode, in a crabbed steering position and/or traveling in a non-horizontal plane. The blade angle is sensed and controlled such that the sensed blade angle is maintained substantially equal to a calculated blade angle. In a first embodiment, the blade angle calculation is performed using the equation: tan BS=(sin .tau.')(tan R)+(cos .tau.')(tan CS) where BS is the required blade slope angle of said blade relative to horizontal; .tau.' is a rotational angle of the blade with respect to the blade's direction of travel projected into horizontal; R is an angle between the blade's direction of travel and horizontal; and CS is the desired cross slope angle which is entered by an operator of the motorgrader. In a further embodiment, the blade angle calculation is performed using the equation: tan BS=(sin .tau.")(tan R')+(cos .tau.

Abstract: A laser beam target for use with a projector capable of providing a reference laser beam of light traveling in a predetermined path is provided and includes a main body portion having first and second surfaces. A plurality of projections are provided on at least one of the first and second surfaces for directing at least a portion of the reference beam of light into a specific range of vertical viewing angles away from the path of the beam as the light passes from the body, thereby permitting a worker viewing the target to more easily determine when the reference beam of light is in alignment with appropriate reference indicia on the target.

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: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the parallel blade slope angle of a blade in order to maintain a desired cross slope during normal operation of a motorgrader regardless of whether the motorgrader is turning, the front wheels are side-tilted or the blade supporting A-frame is side-shifted. The present invention controls the cross slope angle cut by the blade of a motorgrader by substantially continuously sensing the perpendicular slope angle of the blade by means of a slope sensor and the angle of rotation of the blade relative to the direction of the travel by means of a noncontact sensor. The sensed angles are used to calculate the parallel slope angle of the blade relative to horizontal which is required to maintain a desired cross slope angle. The parallel slope angle is sensed by means of the slope sensor and controlled such that it is maintained substantially equal to the calculated parallel slope angle to thereby define the desired cross slope angle set by an operator.

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 position sensing system calculates the X-Y coordinates of a point using triangulation and determines the direction in which the point is moving. The triangulation calculation is based on the coordinates of at least three retroreflective elements spaced apart from each other around the periphery of a two-dimensional coordinate frame, 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 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 apparatus for applying a load to an etalon so as to enable the accurate tuning of desired frequencies or ranges of frequencies. The invention includes first and second optical surfaces separated and disposed highly parallel with respect to each other by an electric longitudinal spacer member. A biasing means applies a longitudinal load to the elastic longitudinal spacer member. The applied load is uniformly distributed throughout the spacer member by a longitudinal load distribution means, which is disposed between said biasing means and at least one of said optical surfaces. The distance, d, between the first and second optical surface is directly proportional to the load applied by the biasing means. The load may be varied, in one embodiment of the invention, using a bias adjustment means acting in mechanical cooperation with the biasing means.

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.

Abstract: Alignment of a birefringent device characterized by a first face and a second face cut at Brewster's angle so that a plane of polarization is defined. The optical device is secured in the optical path by a rotatable member having an axis of rotation that is normal to the Brewster faces of the optical device. Coupled with the rotatable member on the axis of rotation is a support allowing adjustment of the angular position about the axis of rotation of the rotatable member. An operator adjusts the angular position of the rotatable member until the C-axis lies in the plane of polarization. Even though the C-axis may not be parallel to the direction of polarization, the depolarization effects of the misalignment are eliminated by proper adjustment of the angular position relative to the plane of polarization. A tunable, solid state laser using the alignment apparatus with a birefringent filter achieves greater linear tuning range.

Abstract: An improvement for a vacuum tube or a plasma tube comprises a cathode loop formed of a material suitable for induction heating. A support structure mounted inside the vacuum tube supports the cathode loop at a cathode position. A power supply mounted outside the vacuum tube includes an induction coil wrapped around the tube near the cathode position and generates an alternating electromagnetic field at the cathode position to induce heat in the cathode loop so that electrons are released into the vacuum tube. Finally, a DC bias is applied to the cathode through the support structure. The improved plasma tube with an induction heated cathode is particularly useful for an ion laser gain medium.