Abstract: A beam homogenizer that minimizes undesired intensity variations at the output plane caused by sharp breaks between facets in previous embodiments. The homogenizer includes a hologram made up of irregularly patterned diffractive fringes. An input beam illuminates at least part of the hologram. The hologram transmits a portion of the input beam onto an output plane. In doing so, the energy of the input beam is spatially redistributed at the output plane into a homogenized output beam having a preselected spatial energy distribution at the output plane. Thus, the illuminated portion of the output plane has a shape predetermined by the designer of the homogenizer.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a scanning optical system such as internal drum photoplotters that has a raster scanner for advancing a circularly polarized optical beam across a substrate surface in a first direction to form a scan line and for advancing the optical beam in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. There is a curved platen for receiving a substrate and an apparatus for switching the optical beam polarization between first and second directions in response to polarization control signals;. An encoder generates signals indicative of the position of the optical beam along a current scan line. There is a controller that receives the encoder signals and generates the advancement signals and the modulator control signals. The controller further provides the optical beam polarization switching signals in dependence on the encoder signals such that the optical beam polarization is switched after the completion of the current scan line.

Abstract: Optical apparatus that combines a plurality of separate optical functions into a single monolithic optical element. The the optical element comprises two or three optical functions, such as saturable absorption, retroreflection, and polarization rotation. The optical element comprises a body that is formed in the shape of a right-angle porro prism. The optical element is fabricated from a garnet material that combines the properties of high refractive index (greater than 1.414 to permit total internal reflection at a 45 degree incidence angle), saturable optical absorption (to provide Q-switching), and tolerance to high temperatures (to permit application of anti-reflection coatings). The optical element may be comprised of garnet materials such as yttrium aluminum garnet, gadolinium scandium gallium garnet, or gadolinium scandium aluminum garnet, for example. Doping the garnet materials with tetravalent chromium (Cr.sup.

Abstract: A new photorefractive material comprises BaTiO.sub.3 double-doped with two dopant species, both of which have at least two valence states, with one of the dopant species (e.g., cerium) having an ionization level that is near the middle of the barium titanate bandgap and the other dopant species (e.g., rhodium) having an ionization level that is closer to the valence band edge of barium titanate, such that both dopant species are sensitive to visible light, but only one dopant species (the one closer to the valence band edge) is sensitive to infrared radiation. The double-doped BaTiO.sub.3 provides a unique combination of photorefractive properties, thereby improving its performance as a holographic storage medium. The double-doped barium titanate crystal is employed as a holographic recording element. The double-doped barium titanate crystal has a dark storage time at room temperature of several years or more and may be nondestructively read out at an infrared wavelength.

Abstract: A small-sized optical reading device for performing the high-speed optical scanning of an object to be read, and for returning light irregularly reflected by the object. In this device, a first reflector element is driven in such a manner as to perform reciprocative rotations or vibrations clockwise and counterclockwise. Further, a medium, on which a bar code, namely, the object is recorded, is scanned by light beams reflected by the first reflector element. The light beams irregularly reflected by the medium are returned to a reflector element array consisting of second reflector elements of a reciprocative vibration reflector. Independent drive signals are provided concurrently to the first reflector element and the reflector element array. The reflecting surface of the first reflector element has a size sufficient to the extent that the entire spotlight caused by a semiconductor laser can be reflected.

Abstract: A pick dispenser for a solid string musical instrument, such as a guitar, which is a self contained and self functioning unit. The pick dispenser is disposed in a cavity within the solid body of the instrument. The dispenser includes an elevating ramp for lifting the picks to the surface of the dispenser and the instrument for easy grasping of the picks.

Abstract: A combination acoustic mode and electronic mode grand piano is provided including a hammer shank stop rail that intercepts the hammer shank when operating in its electronic mode, so that the hammer cannot complete its normal travel to strike its corresponding string(s) when its key is actuated. The positioning of the hammer shank stop rail is actuated by a user-operated control that, when placed into the "acoustic" mode, raises the hammer shank stop rail to a non-engaged position that does not interfere with the normal movements of the hammer shank. When in the "electronic" mode, the control lowers the hammer shank stop rail into an engaged position where it intercepts the hammer shanks of the piano, thereby preventing each hammer head from striking its respective string(s).

Abstract: A rearview mirror suitable for use as a rearview mirror for land, water and aircraft and motor vehicles in particular. The glass mirror includes glass containing Neodymium Oxide, a rare earth compound. The Neodymium Oxide filters out the naturally occurring yellow light produced by a hot incandescent filament, thereby producing a color-corrected light. Yellow light contributes to a lack of contrast. Improvement in contrast permits, for example, a motor vehicle driver to better discriminate the contrast of objects when there is no daylight and the only illumination is artificial. For drivers, in particular, elimination of the excessive yellow light lessens eyestrain currently resulting from light emitted by the conventional headlights of vehicles in the rearview mirror during hours of darkness. Additionally, the Neodymium Oxide in the glass will filter out the yellow light from the rising or setting sun in the rearview mirror.

Abstract: A is a pivot connection and detent mechanism for a vehicle mirror (10) comprising:a mounting bracket (14) that is attached to a motor vehicle having at least one pivot connection member a mirror assembly (11) including a mirror and at least one pivot connection for pivotal connection to the pivot connection member or members of the mounting bracket to allow angular movement of the mirror assembly (11) with respect to the mounting bracket (14), at least one detent recess (30) on at least one of the pivot connection members of either the mounting bracket (14) or the mirror assembly (11), a resilient arm held at its first end with respect to the pivot connection member that connects to the other pivot connection member with the detent recess (30), and a detent member (30) located at the second end of the resilient arm (40). The detent member (44) is positioned so that it engages the detent recess (30) to hold the mirror assembly (11) with respect to the mounting bracket (14).

Abstract: A violin characterized by a violin body proportioned so that a sum of digits for each measurement which one skilled in the art of violin construction would recognize to be critical, when measured in millimeters, equals nine.

Abstract: A method of providing secure identification for an article, including: providing on the article a diffraction grating strip including a pattern of a series of diffraction grating elements, each the diffraction grating element to diffract light, from a light source, in one of at least three selected different planes; serially illuminating the diffraction grating elements, detecting changes in plane of diffracted light as the diffraction grating elements are serially illuminated, and generating first information representative of the changes in plane; storing the first information representative of the changes in plane; subsequently, serially illuminating the diffraction grating elements, detecting changes in plane of diffracted light as the diffraction grating elements are serially illuminated, and generating second information representative of the changes in plane; and then, comparing the first and second information to determine the authenticity or not of the article.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror unit, a mirror unit support, and a central connection between the mirror unit and support mounting the mirror unit for pivotal movement about first and second generally intersecting perpendicular axes. A first arm is mounted on the support for pivotal movement about the first axis and connected with the mirror unit for limited pivotal movement about the second axis at a position spaced from the first axis. A second arm is mounted on the support for pivotal movement about the second axis and connected with the mirror unit for compound movement for compound movement which includes limited lateral movement with respect to the first axis and pivotal movement about an axis which is either coincident with or slightly angularly related with the first axis depending upon the position of relative lateral movement. First and second power-transmitting surfaces on the first and second arms respectively are arcuate about the first and second axis respectively.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for holding a plectrum in graspable relation to a hand is taught which comprises a hand engaging portion, a resilient member, fastening elements, and a plectrum. The hand engaging portion is adapted to engage a portion of the musician's hand, and to be fastened to a proximal end of the resilient member. A distal end of the resilient member is fastened to the plectrum. Preferably, the proximal end of the resilient member is fastened to the hand engaging portion so that the resilient member projects outwardly from the hand, with the distal end of the resilient member positioned in spaced-relation to the hand. The distal end of the resilient member is fastened to the plectrum so that the plectrum is held (i) in graspable relation to the musician's fingers, and (ii) in a preferred orientation relative to the musician's fingers. A novel method of playing a stringed instrument is also taught.

Abstract: A damper assembly is provided between a side arm of an upright piano and a fall board for preventing the fall board from violent collision with a key slip, the damper assembly includes a rotary damper embedded into the fall board and producing small damping force during a rotation of the fall board from the closed position and a vertical position and large damping force during a rotation of the fall board from the vertical position to the closed position, a turnable plate member turnably connected to the side arm and not allowing the shaft member to turn with respect thereto, a stopper held in contact with the turnable plate member between the vertical position and the closed position and a spring generating resilient force larger than the small damping force and smaller than the large damping force so as to allow the turnable plate member to turn together with the rotary damper between the vertical position and an open position, and the damper assembly allows a player to move the fall board without large for

Abstract: A circuit breaker draw apparatus, means and system for use with a circuit breaker assembly, where the circuit breaker assembly has a circuit breaker unit that is adapted for connection to or disconnection from a circuit breaker connecting apparatus. The circuit breaker movement apparatus, means and system includes a movement bracket assembly adapted for mounting to the circuit breaker connecting apparatus, a guide assembly adapted for mounting to the circuit breaker unit, and a drive assembly adapted for mounting to the bracket assembly and for causing the guide assembly to move with respect to the bracket assembly.

Abstract: An achromatic, telecentric f-theta scan lens optical system for a raster output scanner has a positive crown glass lens element, a negative flint lens element and a concave mirror. The refractive indices of the positive crown glass lens element and the negative flint lens element are sufficiently different to achieve achromatization of a light beam by the two lens elements. The positive crown glass lens element, the negative flint lens element and the concave mirror form a telecentric optical system.

Abstract: A force sensitive scale and dual sensor load cells for use therewith isolate, measure, and reject out residual rejected effects from the output of the scale. By isolating residual rejected effects, the overall accuracy of the scale may be improved, and the scale may be made substantially insensitive to the position of an object on the scale. In addition, where a scale includes multiple load cells coupled in parallel to a load receiving member and spaced apart in the direction of the force vector, the outputs of the load cells may be effectively scaled to cancel out frictional effects inherent in the scale.

Abstract: A mirror apparatus includes a flexible mirror mounted in a frame and a shuttle assembly shiftable along a generally upright axis having a cam element for selectively engaging a cam follower coupled with the rear face of the mirror in order to flex the mirror outwardly.

Abstract: A stringed instrument of the violin or viol family is provided having an improved bassbar. The bassbar is elongated and has an attachment surface adapted to conform to the interior surface of the top face of the violin. The bar has a generally constant traverse width along the bottom length of the bar at the attachment surface. In an intermediate region of the bar, the transverse width of the bar increases from the attachment surface to the top region of the bar. The height of the bar in the intermediate region is greater than the height of the bar at the end segments, thus resulting in a convex area along the length the bar in the intermediate region. Thus, mass is added to the top region of the bassbar in an intermediate portion of the bar.

Abstract: An electrical switch apparatus suitable for isolating high voltage equipment and bus-bar systems in utility sub-stations. The switch apparatus comprises a pair of detachable couplers which are connected by a high voltage flex cable, and a pair of terminal adapters. The terminal adapters are connected to respective terminals of the bus-bar or other sub-station equipment. The terminal adapters each include a member for engaging one of the couplers and forming a conductive path between the terminals. To break the conductive path, one or both of the couplers are conveniently detached using a hook-stick. The switch apparatus is easily adapted to various spacings and provides a convenient replacement for conventional blade disconnect switches.