Abstract: A laser imaging apparatus includes a laser diode which is controlled to produce a laser beam the power of which varies linearly as a function of a digital image input signal. The laser beam is deflected by scanning optics to expose photosensitive media such as film. When the digital image input signal is in a first range of values to operate the laser diode in its linear region, the laser diode is controlled to operate in an amplitude modulation mode. When the digital image input signal is in a second, lower, range of values which would operate the laser diode in its non-linear operating region, the laser diode is controlled to operate in the linear region but in a pulse amplitude modulation mode.

Abstract: A laser imaging apparatus includes a laser diode which is controlled to produce a laser beam the power of which varies linearly as a function of a digital image input signal. The laser beam is deflected by scanning optics to expose photosensitive media such as film. When the digital image input signal is in a first range of values to operate the laser diode in its linear region, the laser diode is controlled to operate in an amplitude modulation mode. When the digital image input signal is in a second, lower, range of values which would operate the laser diode in its non-linear operating region, the laser diode is controlled to operate in the linear region but in a pulse amplitude modulation mode.

Abstract: A control system for regenerating a particulate trap in the exhaust system of a diesel engine includes control logic which controls the air/fuel ratio of the engine by operating a backpressure valve in the engine exhaust system to provide a proper amount of excess oxygen to permit efficient combustion of the particulate content of the trap, but to avoid rapid and damaging combustion rates. Actual engine air/fuel ratio is compared to a commanded air/fuel ratio, and the position of the backpressure valve is adjusted accordingly. The commanded air/fuel ratio is ratcheted upwardly or downwardly once in a predetermined time period in response to a temperature error signal between exhaust gas temperature sensed in the engine exhaust manifold and a predetermined commanded temperature.

Abstract: A combustion air induction system for an internal combustion engine equipped with a turbocharger to provide charge air to the engine includes a pair of heat exchangers arranged in series in the conduit communicating the charge air outlet of the turbocharger to the induction manifold of the engine. Charge air from the turbocharger first travels through a charge air to engine coolant heat exchanger, and then travels through a charge air to ambient air heat exchanger. A bypass passage is controlled by a valve to bypass charge air around the charge air to ambient air heat exchanger under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust particulate trap and regeneration system for trapping of particulates in the engine gases and periodic burning thereof is disclosed. Collected particulates are burned in the trap by increasing the trap temperature utilizing a backpressure valve in the exhaust gas line. A microprocessor, which receives engine operating parameters via sensors, compares the sensed parameter valves to engine maps stored in its memory and opens or closes the valve via an actuator in response thereto.

Abstract: A controller for a laser diode causes the diode to generate an illuminative output which varies linearly in response to changes in image signals which range between minimum and maximum brightness levels. A switchover point between first and second modes of operation is selected to be above the knee region of the laser diode operating curve. If the input signal values are above the switchover point, diode illuminative output is a function of these signal values. However, if the input signal values are below the switchover point, then the input signals are modulated to switch the diode several times between an "on" state which is above the knee region and an "off" state, to form one picture element (pixel). In order to vary the illuminative output as a linear function of the change in image signal level, the diode "on" time during formation of one pixel is a function of the image signal value.

Abstract: A self-propelled, upright suction or vacuum cleaner includes a base unit and a handle assembly pivotally extending therefrom that can be pivoted from an upright position to a comfortable operating position. The handle assembly includes a handle grip at one end and a drive system housing at its other end containing a drive system including a cleaner motor for propelling the cleaner. The drive system includes a transmission for transferring power from the cleaner motor to a pair of drive wheels fixedly secured to a drive axle. The transmission is remotely disposed from the drive axle and is connected thereto by a drive belt. The transmission includes an actuator that is controlled by a cable extending from the handle grip. As long as the handle grip maintains the actuator in a neutral position, the drive wheels are not rotated.

Abstract: A photo imaging system includes a two-dimensional lens array for forming an image of an object on a receptor element. The lens array includes a number of optical glass fibers which are mounted in rows between supporting plates so that each row is adjacent to a plate. This causes the optical fibers to be supported in a parallel manner to reduce distortion which is caused by unsupported bending or flexing of the fibers. Since the lens array and receptor element remain fixed relative to each other during image formation, formation of a complete image of the object is achieved by providing a lens array having a sufficient number of fiber rows.

Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust particulate trap and regeneration system for trapping of particulates in the engine exhaust gases and periodic burning thereof. Collected particulates in the trap are burned utilizing a burner means immediately upstream of the trap. An air and fuel supply system are associated with the burner which controls the combustion temperature within the burner in order to completely and efficiently burn the particulates.

Abstract: A multi-format laser printer is disclosed which includes a rotating polygon having mirror facets that line scan a beam of gaussian laser light across a photosensitive member. The printer includes first and second beam shaping optical systems. Each optical system is effective when inserted into the beam path for forming a different length line scan on a photosensitive member to produce different sized prints. Each optical system includes a cylindrical mirror to provide for pyramidal error correction and optical elements preceding the polygon to anamorphically shape the beam.

Abstract: A supercharger includes a compressor system which is driven through an electro-magnetically actuated variable slipping wet clutch to supply boost to an engine in the form of compressed air according to load requirements. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for supplying boost to the engine by varying the drive torque via the clutch system to the compressor system.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a scanning pattern for the omni-directional reading of bar code indicia. In one embodiment, a rotating mirror assembly is imaged onto itself by a lens and mirror combination which introduces a light displacement of the image resulting in the displacement of the input beam from the angle of incidence on the mirror of the input beam. Using an array of such lenses and mirrors, a plurality of spatially displaced light beams of substantially equal power are generated without the use of specialized beam-splitting coatings for use in the generation of a scan pattern. In a second embodiment, the array of mirrors deflects a laser beam two or more times at the same facet of a rotating mirror assembly to increase the angular velocity of the deflected beams, thereby enabling the mirror assembly to be rotated at a lower speed while still maintaining the required angular velocity of the deflected output beam.

Abstract: A holographic scanning system for scanning bar code indicia is disclosed in which the light beam of a laser is directed to a first set of holograms located on a single rotating disc in which each hologram will generate an individual scan beam having a slightly different focal length and direction angle from that of the other holograms. The generated scanning beams are directed on a target area through which passes a label or object bearing a bar code indicia. Each of the scan beams is projected in an overlapping relationship on the target area, thereby providing an enhanced depth of focus enabling a more effective reading operation. The light reflected from the bar code indicia is picked up by a second set of holograms mounted on the rotating disc and focused at a point at which is located an optical detector for use in reading the bar code.