Abstract: A transparent edge-lit window pane for lighting displays and the like through which maps, pictures and photographs which are illuminated thereby can be viewed by an observer includes a generally rectangular panel of transparent material tapering from one edge to the opposite edge to form a wedge shape, a linear light source imbedded in and sealed thereto along the one edge with a sealant having an index of refraction close to that of the panel and etching on one planar surface of the panel whereby it greatly increase the amount of light egressing from the pane toward the display without clouding the chart from the observer. The linear light source may include a semi-circular length-wise reflector to increase the amount of light entering the edge of the pane from the light source.

Abstract: A lap top navigation instrument, suitable for aircraft, includes a chart compartment covered by a transparent window containing a liquid crystal display as part of the window through which a conventional map or chart in the compartment can be viewed and a computer whereby an image can be generated in the display above the chart in the compartment and, through inputs to the computer from the aircraft's instruments, the computer generated image in the display will be continuously repositioned above the surface of the chart so as pilot using the device has a continuous visual indication of the position of his aircraft over the topography depicted on the chart in the compartment. Directional components may be added to the image giving the pilot additional information in reference to the heading of the aircraft relative to the chart's display of "North" showing how the image is actually tracking over the chart in the compartment.

Abstract: A typewriter baseplate attachment for generating electrical signals that identify operations performed by the typewriter wherein, through the actuation of solenoids located in the baseplate attachment, the keys of the typewriter can be depressed to initiate the functional operations without the characters associated with the keys printing on the paper in the typewriter. This non-printing is effected through solenoid actuation of the correcting mechanism of the typewriter and suppression of the backspacing movement that normally accompanies operation of the correction mechanism.

Abstract: A daisy wheel print element includes a hub unit which can be fixedly assembled on the shaft of a drive motor and a flat disc element which is assembled with the hub unit in an arrangement which allows the disc element to be inserted on and removed from the hub unit normal to the axis of the shaft of the drive motor. Very little space is required to insert or remove the disc element, which includes opposing guide members that are slidably received on opposite edges of a guide plate of the hub unit and a key or index lug which registers in a notch in the guide plate, as the projecting cylindrical nipple at the center of the disc element nests in the semi-circular cup of the hub unit.

Abstract: A baseplate attachment (12) having actuator elements which extend into an electrical typewriter (13) to initiate operations in response to signals indicative of successive characters to be printed further provides for dead key print operations when desirable including at typewriters which have no built-in mechanism for such purpose. Dead key mechanism (11) on the attachment responds to a dead key signal in conjunction with a print signal by suppressing the character spacing escapement operation of the typewriter that normally follows printing of a character. The capability of dead key printing simplifies and speeds certain operations during automatic printout. For example, underscored characters may be printed without back spacing operations. If a specialized printing element with two underscores is used in the typewriter, the underscoring may also be accomplished without case shift operations. Repetitive printings of a character at a single space may be made to provide boldface emphasis.

Abstract: A screen construction enables three dimensional perception of projected stereo images without necessarily requiring that the viewer wear analyzing eyeglasses. Three dimensional shadow image data is generated by projecting light towards the screen, through the region of the object or objects to be imaged, from spaced apart light sources each of which produces light coded in a different manner. The screen construction has an array of linear, parallel bands of light analyzing material. A first group of the bands transmit light from only one of the sources and are alternated with ones of a second group of the bands which transmit only light from the other of the sources. A lenticular screen between the array of bands and the viewer restricts visibility of one group of bands to one eye of the viewer and restricts visibility of the other group of bands to the other eye of the viewer.

Abstract: Spaced-apart light sources, a screen and means for restricting light from each source to separate eyes of each observer cause perception of a seemingly solid or three-dimensional shadow of an object or objects. The shadow is detached from the object and does not necessarily appear to be in the plane of the screen but may be perceived as floating in space in front of the observers. The seemingly solid shadows of objects including active human performers or even an observer may be caused to appear to be within the context of a previously filmed 3D still or motion picture scene. The system may be used for purposes additional to creating unique entertainment effects.