Abstract: An optical data storage and retrieval system using a length of optical recording material in which data in the form of microscopic spots is disposed in cells forming a regularly spaced grid. While the material is being moved in a lengthwise direction by a transport, rows of cells are being read by a linear CCD array, one row at a time. A servo system advances the material so that successive rows can be read, while a second servo adjusts the position of the material in the crosswise direction for proper alignment with the CCD array.

Abstract: An optical data read-only card and system using a length of optical recording material in which data in the form of microscopic spots is disposed in cells forming a regularly spaced grid. The spots contrast with the background media with a reflective contrast ratio of at least 1.5 to 1. While the material is being moved in a lengthwise direction by a transport, rows of cells are being read one row at a time by a linear CCD array capable of detecting the contrasting reflectivities between spots and background.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a stroke on a display comprising a pair of pulse train generators coupled to a pair of charge pump and integrator assemblies by means of a switch assembly. In operation, a first pulse train corresponding to the larger of the X and Y components of the stroke and a second pulse train corresponding to the ratio of the X and Y components of the stroke control the magnitude of the output of the charge pump and integrator assemblies.

Abstract: An optical data storage and retrieval system using a length of optical recording material in which data in the form of microscopic spots is disposed in cells forming a regularly spaced grid. While the material is being moved in a lengthwise direction by a transport, rows of cells are being read by a linear CCD array, one row at a time. A servo system advances the material so that successive rows can be read, while a second servo adjusts the position of the material in the crosswise direction for proper alignment with the CCD array.

Abstract: A servo tracking system for an optical record uses a pattern of preformed optically detectable uniform servo track marks disposed in parallel spaced apart columns in combination with a beam from a radiation source split by a diffraction grating into three beams having unequal power distribution. The placement of the beams across the pattern of preformed servo tracks on an optical recording material has one position for writing data by the center beam on an information track while the two outside beams intercept track marks on two adjacent tracks. For reading recorded data tracks, the beams shift to a second position in which the center beam intercepts marks on a servo track while the two outside beams read two adjacent data tracks. Because of the unequal power distribution, increasing the energy level of the radiation source causes the intensity of the middle beam during recording to reach a level sufficient to record while the two outside tracking beams remain below that threshold.

Abstract: A skew correction system for data media, especially optical data storage media wherein a pair of identical geometric marks are spaced apart in a band or track parallel to a data track, the data tracks being transverse to the directions of relative motion of the data storage medium with respect to a detector. As the medium moves relative to the detector, a linearly scanning detector, portions of each geometric mark are observed by the detector. A ratio of picture elements is determined using the two sets of observed picture elements. If the ratio is other than 1, skew exists. A closed-loop servo system is used to restore the ratio to 1, thereby eliminating skew. The geometric marks may be disposed forward of the data tracks, astride the data tracks, behind the data tracks, interspersed with the data tracks, or if different colors of light are used, atop the data tracks.

Abstract: A variable delay memory system (200) has an addressable memory means (66-1) having a data input port and a data output port. A counter (206) is connected to supply a write address on bus (212) for storage of data supplied to the data input port on bus (64-1). A subtracter means (214) is connected to receive the write address as one input on bus (210) and a second input proportional to a desired delay time on bus (72-1). The subtracter means (214) is connected to supply its output as a read address on bus (216) for data stored in the memory means (66-1) to be supplied at the data output port on bus (76-1).

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system (50) has an array (52) of transducer elements (54-1 through 54-21) for receiving ultrasonic signals reflected from within an inhomogeneous object (16) being examined. The system (50) has a means (80, 84, 88, 94) connected to generate an image in response to the ultrasonic signals. A cross-correlator (70) is connected to compare the signals received by the transducer elements (54-1 through 54-21). An output addressing circuit (130) is connected to inhibit or otherwise modify gain of selected ones of the signals based on the comparison to reduce multipath ultrasonic wave interference, refraction or obstruction image distortion or degradation. A preferred ultrasonic imaging array (52) for this purpose and for time delay image distortion correction has a plurality of segmented, annular transducer elements (54-2 through 54-21). The elements (54-2 through 54-21) are formed as sectors of circles with substantially equal arc lengths.

Abstract: This ultrasonic imaging apparatus has an array (44, 52 or 100) of transducer elements (44, 50 or 104) for transmitting ultrasonic signals having a first predetermined center frequency (fc1) into an object (12) to be analyzed through use of the transmitted signals reflected from within the object. A means (150, 116-1 through 116-X and 120-1 through 120-X) is connected to transmit the ultrasonic signals from the array (44, 52 or 104) in a stepped array mode. A means (150, 116-1 through 116-X and 120-1 through 120-X) is connected to transmit the ultrasonic signals from the array (44, 52 or 104) in an angle scanning mode. There is a means (150, 128-1 through 128-X) for focusing the transmitted signals at a desired depth within the object (12). The reflected signals sensed by the apparatus have a second center frequency (fc2) less than the first center frequency (fc1) as a result of signal attenuation by the object (12).

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus has an array (10 or 100) of transducer elements (14 or 104) for transmitting ultrasonic signals into an object (12) to be analyzed through use of the transmitted signals reflected from the object and sensed by the apparatus. The transmitted signals have a first predetermined center frequency. The reflected signals sensed by the apparatus have a second center frequency less than the first center frequency as a result of signal attenuation by the object. A means (70, 62 or 150, 152-1 through 152-X) is connected to select a number of transducers (14 or 104) in the array (10 or 100) for transmitting and/or receiving the ultrasonic signals based on the second center frequency. Adjusting the number of transmitting and/or receiving transducers (14 or 104) with changes in frequency produced by signal attenuation gives improved image resolution under a wider variety of use conditions than with prior art ultrasonic imaging apparatus.

Abstract: An inductance coil is clamped onto the cable which is to be monitored. For normal line currents, the coil produces a signal voltage which charges a reset capacitor which in turn periodically discharges to an indicator to show a no fault condition. When the line current goes above a predetermined fault level and remains at that level for a corresponding fault time period, the coil develops a signal voltage sufficiently high to charge a "set" capacitor that discharges to the indicator to show a fault condition. The indicator continues to show the fault condition until normal current has returned to cause the "reset" circuit to operate to indicate no fault. To insure that the set capacitor discharges in a manner to indicate reliably the fault condition, there is provided a voltage responsive variable impedence in the circuitry to charge the set capacitor. This variable impedence matches the fuse characteristic in the main power line.