Abstract: An automatic line segment generator is disclosed primarily for use with linear array display devices. Converted analog data is received from a single slope analog to digital converter. This received digital data is synchronized with a system clock and is positioned and stored as line segment data during one measurement period of the analog to digital converter. New data is received during the next measurement period and is then synchronized, positioned and compared against the previously stored line segment data. The length of the line segment in storage will remain the same or increase based on the position and length of the newly received data, i.e. if the new data position is within the stored data position, the stored data remains the same and if the new data position is outside of the stored data position, the stored data length will increase to the new data position.

Abstract: A thermal array protection apparatus is disclosed primarily for use in linear thermal array imaging devices. Data to be printed within a given line of data are compared to data printed within the previous lines of data. Whether data will or will not be printed in the given line of data is a function of the previous data printed. Since the apparatus prevents data from being printed for the same position in successive lines of data, the temperature of the individual thermal imaging stylii will be kept within acceptable limits.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for electrically damping the rotation motion of a stepper motor. The voltage of the non-energized side of the motor windings is monitored and compared with the energized side. Once the voltage on the non-energized side reaches a predetermined value greater than the voltage on the energized side, the non-energized voltage is shunted to the energized voltage.

Abstract: A thermal array protection apparatus is disclosed primarily for use in linear thermal array imaging devices. Data to be printed within a given line of data are compared to data printed within the previous lines of data. Whether data will or will not be printed in the given line of data is a function of the previous data printed. Since the apparatus prevents data from being printed for the same position in successive lines of data, the temperature of the individual thermal imaging stylii will be kept within acceptable limits.

Abstract: A thermal array protection method and apparatus are disclosed primarily for use in linear thermal array imaging devices. Data to be printed within a given line of data are compared to the data printed within the previous line of data. Data will not print in the given line of data if data were printed in the corresponding data positions within the previous line of data. Thus, the temperature of the individual thermal imaging stylii will be kept within acceptable limits.