Abstract: Several eddy current array probes (ECAP) with enhanced drive coil configurations are described. In one arrangement, an ECAP includes a number of EC channels and a number of drive coils. Each of the drive coils is provided for a respective one of the EC channels. The drive coils have alternating polarity with respect to neighboring drive coils. In another arrangement, an ECAP for detecting flaws in a number of scanning and orientation configurations includes at least one substrate, a number of sense coils arranged on the substrate(s), and a drive coil encompassing all of the sense coils. In another arrangement, an ECAP includes substrate, sense coils arranged in at least two rows, and at least one drive line. One drive line is provided for each pair of rows and disposed between the rows.

Abstract: Reduction of dust contamination in optical mice. Operation of the mouse is adapted to direct air past optical surfaces, removing accumulated contaminants. In one aspect, lifting and resetting the mouse directs air through a funnel-like opening to a duct at the side of the optical surface. In a second aspect, mouse button motion is coupled to displace air past optical surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for optically detecting media feeding malfunctions in an image forming apparatus captures images of a surface of a sheet of media as image signals to detect positional changes of the sheet of media. The detected positional changes are used to determine that a media feeding malfunction has occurred when the positional changes satisfy a predefined condition.

Abstract: Several eddy current array probes (ECAP) with enhanced drive coil configurations are described. In one arrangement, an ECAP includes a number of EC channels and a number of drive coils. Each of the drive coils is provided for a respective one of the EC channels. The drive coils have alternating polarity with respect to neighboring drive coils. In another arrangement, an ECAP for detecting flaws in a number of scanning and orientation configurations includes at least one substrate, a number of sense coils arranged on the substrate(s), and a drive coil encompassing all of the sense coils. In another arrangement, an ECAP includes substrate, sense coils arranged in at least two rows, and at least one drive line. One drive line is provided for each pair of rows and disposed between the rows.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component having a surface profile that includes a local minima and a local maxima. The method includes positioning an eddy current probe proximate to a surface of the component to generate a first position indication, positioning the eddy current probe proximate to the surface of the component to generate a second position indication that is different than the first position indication, and interpolating between the first and second position indications to determine a profile of a portion of the surface of the component.

Abstract: Systems for the accurate rendering of printed material are disclosed. A system may comprise a substrate, a roller in close contact with the substrate, and a motion sensor that tracks the motion of the roller. A substrate is advanced by an advancement mechanism towards a printing mechanism, and a roller is placed in contact with the substrate so that movement of the substrate results in movement of the roller. Optical and/or motion sensors may be used to track the motion of the roller. In some embodiments, more than one motion sensor may be used to track the motion of the ball roller in more than one plane of movement.

Abstract: A telecommunications device includes a portable telephone unit having both wireless communication capability and image capture capability, with a refocusing arrangement that is mechanically driven by operations of telephone components primarily included to enable telephone functions that are independent from camera functions. In one embodiment, the incoming call alerting device, such as the vibrator motor, is used to provide refocusing actuation. In another embodiment, the telephone unit is a “flip phone” and the hinging operations store actuation force for refocusing operations. A ratchet cam may be used in the refocusing arrangement of the image capture capability.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component. The method includes generating a scan plan of a component to be inspected, coupling a side-mount probe to an eddy current inspection system, inducing an eddy current into the component, measuring the eddy current in the component to generate a plurality of scan data, and analyzing the scan data to generate at least one image of the component being inspected.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the distance a sheet of paper, or other reflective or transmissive substrate material with a suitable, approximately planar surface, has moved in a given direction. The substrate is illuminated by reflection or transmission of light at non-normal incidence, and a linear array of N uniformly spaced light sensors is provide to receive and sense light issuing from the illuminated substrate. This produces a first or reference array of light signal strengths s.sub.1 (k) (k=1,2, . . . , N). The substrate is then moved in the given direction, and a second array of signal strengths s.sub.2 (k) (k=1, 2, . . . , N) is produced. A cross-correlation function C(K), formed from consecutive portions of the first and second light signal strength arrays, is then examined to determine the distance the substrate has moved in the given direction. A maximum in the cross-correlation function C(K) at K=K.sub.