Abstract: An electronic microcopier apparatus includes a reading head, an electronic memory and a writing head, all contained within a small case that may be held in the hand. In the reading mode the instrument is passed over images, such as written text, where photosensors read the optical information and transmit that information to the electronic memory. The electronic memory stores the information until the device is used in the writing mode. In the writing mode, the information from the electronic memory is fed to a writing head and is faithfully reproduced on a piece of paper. A wheel with angular markings rolls as the copier is displaced over the textural material in both reading and writing modes and thereby makes it possible to ascertain the position of the copier. The invention has the advantage of extreme portability. Several alternative embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is used to measure distance by the detection and counting of a train of hot spots. The apparatus essentially comprises a heat producing means, a hot spot detecting means and electronic circuitry for energizing the heat producing means in response to the detection of a hot spot by the hot spot detecting means, whereby a train of hot pulses is produced that are spaced by the distance L between the heat producing and hot spot detecting means. A counter is used to record the number of hot spots detected by the hot spot detecting means. As the apparatus is moved, the device measures distance in increments of the separation L. An alternative embodiment is disclosed that produces two hot spots simultaneously and uses a single hot spot detecting means. The apparatus is preferably employed as part of the position reckoning means in a microcopier. However, other applications such as measuring the distance on maps, are also possible.

Abstract: An array of picture elements is disclosed for providing a display having selectivitely light or dark areas. The array includes light valves each comprising a pair of light transmissive elements having facing phase gratings, preferably sinusoidal, of like periodicity and parallel grating lines. The pair of elements are selectively positioned in two positions. In the first position, (the relatively dark transmissive position) the maxima and minima of one of the light transmissive elements are respectively coincident with the maxima and minima of the other light transmissive element. In the second position, (the relatively dark transmissive position) the maxima and minima of one of the light transmissive elements are respectively coincident with the minima and maxima of the other light transmissive element. Preferably the gratings comprise two sets of gratings having lines at right angles to each other, and at 45.degree.

Abstract: A light valve comprises a pair of elements of transparent material each comprising a diffraction grating of like periodicity facing each other with parallel grating lines. Such a light valve is termed herein a bigrate. The transmission of light through the bigrate will depend on the relative position of the pair of gratings in the direction perpendicular to the grating lines and means may be provided for moving the elements relative to each other in that direction. One of the gratings may be embossed on a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVF.sub.2) strip and moved by piezoelectric means, which may be a portion of such a strip. One strip may then be moved relative to the other in response to an electrical signal to control the zero diffraction order light transmission from no transmission to full transmission, or any desired intermediate transmission. Two intersecting sets of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVF.sub.

Abstract: In an image having a plurality of cathode stripes, individual cathodes may be addressed using a system having a first resistor at one end of each of the cathodes and a second resistor at the other end of each of the cathode stripes. The first resistors are bussed so that X number of adjacent first resistors are connected in common to form Y groups; wherein X times Y equals the total number of cathode stripes. A plurality of first switches are connected to the groups of first resistors to selectively apply one of two voltage levels to each group. The second resistors are connected into X groups each having Y resistors. A plurality of second switches selectively switch one of two voltage levels to each group of second resistors.