Abstract: A bouncing ball scanner is described which is a ball driven in a reciprocal motion for reflecting image-bearing light onto a photosensitive medium. The image-bearing light can be dictated by a computer, in which case the photosensitive medium may be film for a printed output, or the image-bearing light may be reflected from a subject having an image imprinted thereon, and the photosensitive medium may be a charge coupled device where the image is being read into a computer. The bouncing ball scanner comprises a ball being driven in a reciprocal motion by electromagnetic forces acting thereon. The motion of the bouncing ball is substantially linear in each direction so as to allow ease of calculation of ball position thereby ease of knowledge of pixel position on the photosensitive medium.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a movable member and means for mounting the movable member for movement along a given path. The mounting means defines a surface adjacent the given path. For generating repelling magnetic forces which act on and between the movable member and the surface so as to facilitate relative movement therebetween, there is provided permanent magnetic fields in operative relationship with the surface and the member.

Abstract: An adjustable electromagnetic actuator is disclosed which is operable to control the displacement of a movable workpiece member. Included in the actuator is a coil assembly including means defining a bore and an energizeable field coil which surrounds the bore. An armature assembly movable in the bore includes a plunger and an output assembly which is adapted to be connected to the workpiece. Means operatively associated with one of the output member or the plunger restrains rotational movement of said one with respect to the other. Included is an arrangement which connects the output assembly to the plunger for allowing the plunger and the output assembly to move conjointly along a given axis and for allowing relative rotation therebetween when said one cooperates with the restraining means and the other of the plunger or the output assembly is rotated such that they are displaced in relationship to each other along the given axis to thereby allow stroke regulation of the armature assembly.