Abstract: A rotary pulse generator is disclosed which generally includes a wheel rotatable about an axis. The wheel has a plurality of protrusions which deflect a piezoelectric element in a deflection zone. Several embodiments are shown. The various features include a thumbwheel in which the turning surface has teeth on it serving as the protrusions, a thumbwheel in which the teeth are directed radially inwardly, a push/pull knob which places the wheel in alignment with a selected one of three piezoelectric elements, and a wheel held in selected positions by an indent/detent mechanism with rods extending out of the side of the wheel to deflect the piezoelectric element. Yet another embodiment provides for the combination of linear and rotary pulse generation. Another form provides four sets of indicator locations with a location from each of the sets forming an aligned row of indicator locations.

Abstract: An object-oriented, distributed data base system separates into a plurality of virtual partitions following communication failure between sites accessing the data base. Each partition accesses a separate copy of an initial data base and independently updates groups of data objects included in the data base to add new versions of data objects to the data base. Each virtual partition maintains a copy of all previous versions of data objects and maintains a change list describing all group updates that it executes. Following restoration of communication between sites, each virtual partition merges the data bases maintained by separate partitions to form a consistent merged data base permitting versions of data objects and collections of data objects created by any one of the separate virtual partitions to be identified and accessed in the merged data base.

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator with temperature compensation and reduced trigger jitter. The temperature compensation is improved by applying an on-chip generated temperature-dependent control voltage to first and second parallel oscillator stages through which the oscillation signal passes. The second stage has a greater signal propagation delay than the first stage. The control voltage determines the signal delay contributed by each stage to the oscillating signal, decreasing the delay in response to a temperature-induced decrease in oscillator frequency and increasing the delay in response to a temperature-induced increase in frequency. The oscillator also includes means for generating oscillations from a predetermined signal phase that is independent of the oscillator phase before triggering.

Abstract: A selected pattern of conductor runs is formed on a sheet having a surface layer of dielectric material, by forming an electrostatically charged image of the selected pattern on the surface layer. Toner powder, comprising core particles of conductive material coated with fusible dielectric material, is deposited on the surface layer and is fused to the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for counting occurrences of a plurality of events characterized by unique event numbers includes a random access memory for storing event count numbers at addresses corresponding to the event numbers. The memory is addressed by an event number as the associated event occurs, and the event count number stored at such address is read and latched to an input of an adder. The adder increments the latched event count number and the incremented event count number is then written back into the memory at the current event number address. A buffer is provided to store the current event number whenever the adder overflows as a result of a count. Several such event numbers may be stored in the buffer for subsequent retrieval by an external controller thereby permitting the controller to determine when an event has been counted a fixed number of times and to increment its own internally stored count at a slower rate than the rate at which data is applied to the prescaler.

Abstract: A thin-film metal conductor system using a zirconium adhesion layer is disclosed. The system is formed by first plating a layer of zirconium over a substrate material and any electrical components, such as resistors, which are fixed on the substrate. A conductive layer is then deposited over those portions of the zirconium layer which are to provide conductive pathways. The resulting unit is thermally treated in an oxidizing environment, such as air, to oxidize the exposed portions of the zirconium layer and thereby form regions of zirconium oxide. The zirconium oxide is nonconductive and protects underlying components from moisture and physical abrasion.

Abstract: A tensed shadow mask assembly is adapted for repeated precise registration relative to a display screen in order to facilitate processing of the phosphor deposits on the display screen, wherein the registration of the shadow mask relative to the display screen is unaffected by the subsequent permanent sealing of the CRT. A display panel (36) is associated with the CRT faceplate (26) and has an outer edge (38) and a surface that carries a pattern of cathodoluminescent phosphor deposits (44). A rigid band (48) is permanently fastened around the outer edge of the display panel (36). A shadow mask frame (56) having a tensed shadow mask (58) fastened thereto is removably mounted to the band (48). The shadow mask frame (56) and band (48) carry registration mechanisms (70, 72, 76, 78) for orienting the frame (56) at a predetermined position relative to the band (48) (hence, relative to the display panel (36)) whenever the frame (56) is mounted to the band (48).

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for mounting an electronic component having a pressure sensitive active area, which apparatus permits the component to expand and contract with changes in temperature and which does not introduce stresses into the active area of the component. The apparatus includes a cradle which, when attached to a substrate, forms a partial enclosure of the component but which leaves the active area unobscured. A packaging system is also provided wherein the bottom of the cavity of the lower portion of a standard integrated circuit package forms the substrate to be used in conjunction with the cradle for containing the electronic component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reversibly transforming color, which is selected from a gamut of colors producible by the primaries of a color display device (20), into a perceptually uniform color space. The coordinates of the color space are readily convertible into internationally accepted standards for color measurement. Also provided, is a method for transforming the color space coordinates of a selected color into the corresponding relative primary intensity levels of the display device (20).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus detect the presence of and correct for timing misalignment between waveforms acquired by digital oscilloscopes. In a preferred embodiment, a digital oscilloscope (50) includes a waveform alignment system (60) that receives a first waveform (86) and a similar second waveform (88) of a periodic electrical signal. A digital signal processor (80) of the waveform alignment system generates an autocorrelation value in connection with the first waveform and a first cross-correlation value in connection with the first and second waveforms and compares the values to determine whether they differ by more than a preselected tolerance, thereby to detect a timing misalignment between the first and second waveforms.

Abstract: A monostable circuit responsive conditionally to a circuit input signal for generating a circuit output signal having a pulse of a predetermined duration includes an AND gate having two input ports and an output port. ONe of the input ports is coupled to the circuit input signal and inverts that signal. The other of the input ports is coupled to the circuit output signal. A reset OR gate receives a reset signal and the output of the AND gate. When the reset signal is low, the reset OR gate outputs the output of the AND gate, thus enabling the curcuit. The output of the reset OR gate also goes to a ramp generator having a ramp capacitor, the charging current to which is provided by a current driver. The reference voltage for a comparator is provided by circuitry identical to that associated with the ramp capacitor except that an intermediate bias reference is applied to it. This bias reference is compensated for the effect temperature changes on the circuit.

Abstract: A circuit for driving a display device having n display elements, where n is a positive integer greater than one, comprises a device for poviding a repetitive digital signal having a predetermined sequence of n digital values. The digital signal is converted to analog form in accordance with a predetermined transfer function and the resulting analog signal is compared with a second signal. A display enable signal is generated in the event that the magnitude of the analog signal bears a predetermined relationship to the magnitude of the second signal. A decoder circuit has a plurality of output terminals at which n distinct output signals, corresponding respectively to the n digital values, can be provided. The decoder circuit is responsive to the display enable signal for providing one of the n output signals when it receives the corresponding one of the n digital values.

Abstract: A digital time base with analog interpolation provides a variable reference voltage to assure that the period of an analog ramp between a zero value and a maximum value is equal to the time interval between range clock pulses. A time base error is determined by establishing a zero reference level on a test pulse rising edge corresponding to the zero value of the analog ramp, and then establishing a maximum level on the test pulse corresponding to the maximum value of the analog ramp initiated one clock pulse prior to the test pulse. The difference between the two levels on the test pulse represents the time base error. A microprocessor provides a corrected reference voltage as the maximum value so that the maximum delay of the analog ramp equals the time interval between clock pulses.

Abstract: A multiple digital event generator produces events with timing that is programmable, yet the event generator requires a minimum of circuitry for its construction and is capable of operating at very high speeds. A linear feedback shift register is used to produce an arbitrary sequence of non-repeating binary numbers. These numbers are then monitored by one or more digital comparators whose other digital input is chosen so as to cause the desired event to occur when a certain number in the number sequence occurs. The minimum time between events and the maximum range of event control timing is adjustable by varying the frequency of the clock input to the linear feedback shift register. Maximum speed is achieved by using one set of the shift register flip-flop outputs (Q or Q-not) for internal feedback and the other set (Q-not or Q) for the output to the digital comparators, so that the speed of operation of the shift register is not degraded by the load of the multiple digital comparator circuits on its output.

Abstract: A relay for wideband signals is provided having a rotor which includes a permanent magnet structure, an armature, and a microstrip pattern for selectively engaging microstrip patterns on a substrate and having a stator which includes an electromagnet. To minimize wear, while maintaining high frequency performance, the rotor is raised, rotated, and lowered by a stator or electromagnet onto the new position relative to the substrate microstrip pattern. In a first stable state the electromagnet is inactive and the rotor engages the substrate microstrip pattern in a first position. To place the relay in a second stable state, the electromagnet is energized which simultaneously attracts the armature, raising the rotor, as well as repulsing the permanent magnet structure. The rotor then rotates to the desired second position and the electromagnet is inactivated. The rotor then lowers and engages the substrate microstrip pattern in a second position.

Abstract: A low inductance ground lead for grounding a signal probe used in high frequency measurement to a ground probe. A ground lead comprises a single flexible strand or multiple strands which are substantially untwisted with respect to one another. Preferably, the strands have a rectangular cross-section and a relatively large surface area for a given cross-sectional area. Substantially noninductive connections for connecting one end of said ground lead to the signal probe and the other end of said ground lead to the ground probe are provided, so as to bypass the self-inductance of the signal probe and the ground probe.

Abstract: A contact bump is formed on a sheet of electrically-conductive material by plastically deforming the sheet so as to form a depression at one side of the sheet and a corresponding bump at the opposite side of the sheet. Solid material is placed in the depression, and the sheet of electrically-conductive material is secured at its one side to a support member.

Abstract: A memory pointer circuit includes a plurality of counters and a programmable logic array for controlling the counters to generate addresses for an acquisition memory. The programmable logic array directs a lower counter to generate a repeating sequence of addresses to store data before an event occurs, each pass through the sequence causing previously written data to be overwritten until an event has occurred and is stored in memory. The programmable logic array then directs the upper counters to increment and the lower counter to generate a following sequence of addresses to store data after the event occurs. Once the following sequence is complete, the upper counters are again incremented and the repeating sequence of addresses is again generated. The procedure is repeated to store multiple clusters of data and events in the acquisition memory. Once the acquisition memory is full, the stored data and events can be saved or overwritten.

Abstract: In a cascaded system of finite-duration impulse response filters, the transfer function of each filter relating its output data sequence to its input data sequence is selected such that elements of its output data sequence are in phase with the first element of its input data sequence. Operation of each filter other than the first cascaded filter is suppressed until it receives from the preceding filter, the first output data sequence element which is in phase with the first element of the input data sequence of the preceding stage, thereby ensuring that the first element of the output data sequence of the first filter is in phase with the first element of the input sequence to the first filter.

Abstract: The present invention constitutes a differential amplifier system (50) including a main differential amplifier (60) and a compensating differential amplifier (90) which are coupled together in a complementary manner to provide a composite output signal.The amplifiers are of similar construction but have different circuit component values. Each of the amplifiers is of the differential type and includes emitter-coupled transistors (62) and (64) or (92) and (94), a feedback resistor (66) or (96) connected between the emitter leads (78) and (80) or (108) and (110) of these transistors and a pair of constant-current sources (68) and (70) or (98) and (100) separately connected to different ones of the emitter leads of the transistors. The circuit values of the constant-current sources and feedback resistors in the two amplifiers are different and are adjusted to allow the output of the compensating amplifier to cancel primary nonlinearities in the output of the main amplifier.