Abstract: An improved plano-beam splitter for use in a real image projecting system is described. The treated planar expanse interposes a concave mirror positioned within an enclosure and an aperture provided in one wall of the enclosure acts to reflect the image of an illuminated object within the enclosure but out of sight of the aperture onto the concave mirror and to pass the image of the object reflected from the mirror toward the aperture and out of the enclosure to form a projected real image of the object in a space a determined distance in front of the aperture. The expanse is treated relatively to absorb or reflect light incident on it from the aperture, while relatively passing light incident on it from the mirror, thereby directionally differentially to provide clarity in a projected image uncluttered by reflected light entering the enclosure.

Abstract: A de-spooler apparatus for paying out fine wire from a spool of wire, for use in wire bonding machines, maintains a relatively constant slack length of wire within the apparatus, thereby allowing wire to be drawn from the machine as needed with a minimum amount of tension exerted on the wire. The apparatus includes a spool drive motor for paying out wire from a spool, a hairpin-shaped bail for containing a slack length of wire, and a nozzle for directing a stream of pressurized gas downwards into the open end of the bail, causing wire within the bail to form a curved slack length. The apparatus also includes a proximity-type feed sensor for detecting when the slack length straightens and shortens a pre-determined amount, bringing the slack length into the detection range of the feed sensor, which outputs an electrical signal that causes the drive motor to rotate in a forward sense, paying off wire from the supply spool and increasing the slack length.