Abstract: A pin driver circuit for driving a digital integrated circuit is capable of producing symmetrical rise and fall characteristics, yet is suitable for implementation in monolithic bipolar integrated circuits. This circuit includes a pair of matched transconductance amplifiers, one at each end of an output resistor, connected between a voltage source and a return voltage. Each amplifier has one of a pair of equal resistors between its input terminal and high output terminal to develop an equal swing voltage on alternate ends of the output resistor when a swing voltage current source is switched between the two input resistors by a control signal. The output is taken from the junction between the output resistor and the low output terminal of the amplifier at the high end of the output resistor.

Abstract: A differential signal input is applied through two resistors to the two sides of a dual clamping circuit and the two current outputs of a current mirror. The dual clamping circuit prevents the voltage on either output of the current mirror from going above some reference value in response to the imbalance created by the differential input signal. With one side, the high side, of the differential signal output held to this reference value by the operation of the clamping transistor on that side, the whole voltage imbalance on the input appears on the other output as a result of the operation of the current mirror. Thus, the reference level of the differential signal is shifted at the output, while the amplitude of the signal is preserved. Alternative embodiments substitute a dual clamping circuit with an opposite polarity or an averaging circuit for the dual clamping circuit described, thereby referencing the output signal to the low side or an average instead of the high side as in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A color shadow mask cathode ray tube has arrays of three phosphors deposited on the back of its faceplate. The color radiated by one of the phosphors corresponds to that which is produced when the colors radiated by the other two phosphors are combined.

Abstract: A glitch detector for use in a sampled data acquisition system is disclosed. Glitch detection is provided by a flip-flop which is set on a first signal transition, conditioning a logic gate, the output of which changes logic states on a second signal transition. Two such glitch detectors operatively associated with complementary data signals permits detection of either positive-going or negative-going glitches within a sample clock period. A glitch indication flip-flop is reset by a glitch detection signal, providing a glitch indication signal to an output terminal via a latch. Control and reset circuits are provided to facilitate glitch detection on every cycle of the sample clock, and at any point within a sample clock period.

Abstract: Method and means, including a trim saw structure, for assembling finger jointing lumber by an impression finger joining process wherein the ends of two pieces of lumber are placed in spaced apart position and held securely by clamps. A movable section of the machine trims and shapes the ends of the lumber into fingers which are then engaged by a hot die for further impression forming and heating of the fingers. The die moves out of position and a movable applicator applies glue to the outer half of the matching ends of the lumber. The ends are then pressed together and the joined pieces of lumber are advanced away from the work station. The process is a continuous such that incoming random lengths of lumber are joined to form a continuous outgoing length of lumber for cutting into desired lengths. One or more lines of lumber may be advanced through the finger jointing work station during a machine cycle.

Abstract: In a sodium-sulphur cell having a solid electrolyte separating sodium from a cathodic region containing sulphur/polysulphides in a graphite felt, a cathode current collector is formed of an aluminium substrate on which is an interstrate layer of nickel-chromium alloy covered by a coating of titanium oxide or other electronically conductive oxide intrinsically inert to the cathodic reactant.

Abstract: An actuator has force amplifying means coupled between piston and piston rod. The force amplifying means may be a mechanical linkage, a system of screw threads, or a hydraulic arrangement utilizing differential piston areas and may lock the piston rod at one or both stroke extremities. The mechanical advantage of the force amplifying means may vary during the stroke.