Abstract: A system operative with photon tunneling microscopy presents an image on a two-dimensional display which is perceived as a three-dimensional presentation by a person viewing the display. An optical image of the subject produced by the microscope is scanned by means of a television vidicon which converts the optical signal to an electric signal representing depth of a surface feature. The electric signal is outputted to the display wherein the image is presented as a set of line scans parallel to the horizontal axis of the display, and wherein the magnitude of the electric signal is plotted on the vertical axis of the display. A variable delay is introduced to be either increased or decreased stepwise between successive ones of the line scans. This results in a tilting of the presentation to the right or the left. Two tilted views are presented simultaneously, one to one eye and one to the other eye of an observer, to give a perception of a three-dimensional view.

Abstract: A flexible transducer for use in a photon tunneling microscope apparatus, the transducer comprising an optically transmissive body having a totally internally reflecting (TIR) surface therein and a second surface plano-parallel to the TIR surface when the TIR surface and the second surface are in an unstressed state, the second surface comprising a combination light energy entrance surface and light energy exit surface, the TIR surface being oriented such that light energy introduced at the second surface within the critical angle normally is reflected totally from the interior of the TIR surface to the second surface. A light pattern of variable intensity emerges from the second surface as a result of frustration of total internal reflection at the TIR surface occuring as the TIR surface is brought sufficiently proximate a sample surface.

Abstract: A magnetic data storage system for use with a double sided disk in which a prerecorded pattern of opaque optical lines is used to define the tracks in which magnetic data is to be stored. A separate optical system including an illumination source and a photosensitive detector is provided on a read/write assembly for each side of the disk. Each detector is designed also to serve as a reference grating. The illumination source is designed to image the prerecorded pattern of optical lines on the reference grating as an indication of the alignment of the read/write head of the assembly and a desired data rack and any misalignment of the head and track generates a servo signal. The detector uses four separate photocells interleaved in a prescribed fashion to form a quadrature detector that is adjustable to compensate for various non-uniformities. One form of illumination source uses a surface-emitting light emitting diode and optics for forming a multiple beam source.

Abstract: An optical proximity imaging method and apparatus in which the proximity of glass surface to another surface is determined by frustration of total internal reflection of light energy from the glass surface to develop a light area pattern, calibrating gray scale densities of the pattern so that levels of density correspond to increments of surface proximity, and displaying a facsimile of the gray scale image to indicate variations in surface proximity. The pattern of frustrated totally reflected light energy is preferably magnified and the magnified image recorded by a television camera, the output of which is fed, in a preferred embodiment, to an oscilloscope capable of displaying a three axis image in which one of the three axes is determined by variation in gray scale density. In another embodiment, the output of the television camera is fed through a colorizer to assign different colors to different gray scale densities and a colored facsimile of the pattern image presented on a CRT screen.

Abstract: A surface roughness measuring apparatus employing a molded Coblentz Sphere and a pair of matched photovoltaic sensors of wafer-thin rectangular configuration to allow the sensor used to detect specular reflection, to be used also as a reflector for directing a sample orienting beam to a screen and to avoid intrusion of the sensor used to detect scatter light into the sphere. The apparatus is contained in a console having an unobstructed top surface on which a sample may be placed. Also, a remote sample mounted sensing head may be attached to the console for use with large samples.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately adjusting CRT image geometry for the purpose of removing defects in an image reproduced by a CRT. The method and apparatus include a conventional pattern generator for producing a grid-like test pattern, in the form of two mutually perpendicular sets of closely spaced parallel lines, on the viewing screen of the CRT whose geometry or image-forming apparatus is to be adjusted. A reference pattern image formed on a transparent base material suitable for viewing by transmitted light and having the same general characteristics as the CRT formed image is supported in superposed relationship with respect to the CRT formed, pattern generator produced test pattern image.

Abstract: A lighting device for uniformly illuminating transparencies. The device comprises an open-ended, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing having specularly reflective interior surfaces and a partially reflecting/diffusing opal glass screen positioned over the housing open end. An elongated electronic flash tube is mounted within the housing in a manner whereby a substantially uniform illumination is provided at the exterior surface of the opal glass screen when the flash tube is fired.

Abstract: A typical solar energy flat plate collector whose volume is filled with a zeolite such as Linde Co.'s type 13X or LMS type 4A. The zeolite bed provides a means of chemical storage of solar energy for sunless periods through its potential "heat of adsorption". During sunless hours, stored energy in the form of latent heat of adsorption is released by allowing amounts of the adsorbate, water in this case, to be adsorbed by the zeolite bed. The zeolite bed is purged of this adsorbate during the sunny hours through the stagnation heat inside the solar collector and also by the purgative airflow through the bed, caused by a circulative system containing a radiator, a blower fan, a water atomizer and injector, and a water condenser that is passive through heatsinking to the ground below the building to be heated. Another mode for this system is described wherein the air in the building is circulated through the zeolite bed so that hydrocarbon pollutants are adsorbed and the air purified.