Abstract: An improved method of patterning layers on a semiconductor element by use of laser processing. A thin film of amorphous silicon is deposited on a fused quartz window. Selected regions of the amorphous silicon are crystallized by a laser beam focused through the quartz window. The non-crystallized silicon is removed forming an opaque layer of crystallized silicon in the desired pattern. The quartz window is used as a window to a reactive gas containment chamber containing semiconductor devices to be patterned. By irradiating the chamber with ultraviolet light through the patterned quartz window, the semiconductor element is etched in the regions exposed to the light.

Abstract: Movements of bowling balls, pool balls and similar objects are simulated in game or other environments by generating indications on a CRT screen in timed and spaced relation to represent the shape of an object, paths of movement of the object, rotations of the object and collisions of the object with other objects in a manner such as to provide the viewer with perceptions of such movements which are generally realistic and highly attractive.

Abstract: A method and system is provided which is particularly designed for board, lane or field games in which balls, pucks or the like are rolled, slid or otherwise propelled by a player over a horizonal support surface. Radiant energy emitters and detectors are providing along opposite sides of the support surface to detect crossings by the of detection lines including a first pair of lines perpendicular to a central reference line midway between such opposite side and a second pair of lines crossing the first pair of lines at points in the central reference line. Signals are developed which are applied to display a representation of the object which moves in a path and at a speed determined by the movement of the propelled object. Crossings of additional detection lines are detected to detect and display changes in speed and curvatures in the path of movement of the propelled object.

Abstract: An improved method of making masks includes forming a layer of amorphous silicon of about 2,000 angstroms on a transparent substrate. A laser beam is directed through the transparent substrate traverses the amorphous silicon to form a pattern of crystallized silicon. The n-crystallized silicon is etched leaving a patterned substrate. The patterned substrate is used as a mask for exposing photoresist on semiconductor elements.

Abstract: An improved method of patterning a conductive interconnect on a semiconductor element is disclosed. A catalytic layer of, for example, amorphous silicon is deposited on a semiconductor element. The areas over which a conductive pattern is to be formed is activated by directing a focused laser beam onto the amorphous silicon to form crystallized silicon. The amorphous silicon is then etched away after which a conductive material such as a metal is deposited on the activated crystallized silicon.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the direction and estimated distance of travel of a ball such as a golf ball over a generally horizontal surface. The device includes energy absorbing material at the top of a rearwardly sloped back surface for obtaining return of the ball to a starting position.

Abstract: An engine timing instrument as disclosed which is particularly designed for use with diesel engines and which responds to the actual time of firing within a cylinder. A strobe may be flashed at the crankshaft angle at which firing occurs and the crankshaft of the strobe flash may be advanced with respect to the firing angle until the strobe flash occurs at a top dead center position. The angle of advance of the strobe flash is measured to then indicate the angle of firing relative to the top dead center position. Important features relates to the use of a piezoelectric transducer placed in a glow plug hole to measure pressure, the transducer being connected to circuitry which provides both a firing pulse and a reference pulse. The reference pulse occurs close to and not later than the top dead center position and is used to measure the time of a subsequent firing pulse.

Abstract: An analog to digital conversion circuit of the stage by stage, successive approximation type which incorporates a plurality of cascaded stages.

Abstract: A transducer device is provided which is arranged to be mounted on flow path-defining structure of a fuel injection system, preferably on the outside of a delivery valve housing including a chamber in which a surge of pressure is built up during operation of the injection pump to cause a transducer of the device to develop a high amplitude and high rate of change electrical signal. The device is readily clamped in place and is light in weight with a center of gravity close to the axis of the chamber, the effect of engine vibrations being minimized. The signal from the device and a signal developed at a predetermined rotational position of the engine crankshaft are applied to an instrument which indicates the relative timing of the signals and the RPM.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transducer assembly and diagnostic apparatus for processing an electrical signal which varies with the pressure changes occurring within an engine cylinder. The transducer assembly consists of a U-shaped structure integrally formed in a sandwich arrangement and encompassing a pressure-responsive crystalline element. The assembly is sized such that it substantially encompasses the shank of a spark or glow plug of the engine such that axial forces from within the cylinder excite the transducer through the plug to produce a signal which is processed in an electrical circuit to provide timing or other diagnostic information.

Abstract: A transducer and associated diagnostic system for fuel injected diesel engines of the type having glow plugs to provide supplementary ignition during starting and warm-up periods. A piezoelectric transducer unit is adapted to screw into the receptacle normally provided in each cylinder for a glow plug. The unit includes a piezoelectric element which is held under tension by a conductive rubber plug which coacts with a coaxial connector in transmitting the pressure indicative output signal. The transducer develops an electrical signal which varies in accordance with the pressure-time characteristic of the cylinder combustion chamber, the electrical signal representing performance of each cylinder being processed individually to provide timing and other valuable information or being combined with electrical signals developed for other cylinders of the engine in a comparative diagnostic system.

Abstract: The outputs of individual stages in a digital to analog converter are each trimmed by independent circuitry which includes a plurality of transistors connected to a common output terminal, the physical dimensions of each transistor being scaled in proportion to desired levels of current flow, and selectable switches connected in circuit with each of the transistors. Selectable switches are actuable to produce an output trimming current of a desired magnitude, which current is used to correct the untrimmed stage output. The invention includes circuitry for controlling the polarity of the trimming current relative to the stage, and for selectively expanding or contracting the trimming range to optimize the trimming currents for the particular characteristics of the converter. A favorable balance between trimming accuracy and the area occupied by the trimming circuitry is attained by the use of both emitter-scaled and multicollector transistors in the trimming circuits.