Abstract: An (IDC) (10) includes a first pair of arms (12a and b) depending from a bridge (14) and defining a first conductive slot (15) for receiving an insulated wire, displacing the insulation thereon, and completing an electrical connection thereto. A detent (20) depending from one of the arms forms a narrower passage (23) for retaining a wire in the slot. A similar detent (40) in the slot (35) of a second pair of arms (32a and b) is farther from the bridge (14) than the detent (20) in the first slot (15).

Abstract: A laser source arrangement is provided for use in a laser instrument of a kind used to transmit a scan pattern to a target which is spaced from the laser instrument and to detect light reflected from the target. The laser source arrangement preferably comprises a laser diode for producing a laser beam used to form the scan pattern. The laser diode is characterized by astigmatism which is subject to variation with the temperature of the case of the diode. The arrangement further includes drive apparatus for driving the laser diode in a pulsed mode having a duty cycle which reduces the astigmatism and substantially controls the temperature dependence of the astigmatism. Optics are also provided for statically correcting the astigmatism of the laser diode.

Abstract: An automatically guided vehicle system for steering a vehicle. Optical sensing detects an image of a segment of track mounted above the path of the vehicle. Electrical signals corresponding to the position of the track are generated. A control circuit then converts these signals into movements for the steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: An erasable optical data storage medium has an integral recording layer including an expansion zone and a retention zone having different optical and thermal-mechanical properties. A uniform integral layer of dyed polymer material has the dye leached out of the surface region and a second dye diffused into the surface region to create a retention zone. The retention zone has a higher elastic modulus and glass transition temperature than the underlying expansion zone and is adapted to absorb and transmit light which is centered about a different wavelength than the expansion zone. The medium is adapted to be used with a non-ablative and non-vesicular method to create and erase optically detectable deformations in the retention zone.

Abstract: An optical data storage medium includes a triple layer recording structure having an expansion layer, a retention layer and a very thin reflective layer interposed between the retention and expansion layers. The three layers are strongly bonded together so that the thermally and mechanically active expansion and retention layers can mechanically act upon each other through the intermediate reflective layer. The expansion and retention layers are dyed to selectively pass or absorb light of preselected wavelengths. The thin reflective layer is adapted to partially pass and partially reflect light of preselected wavelengths.

Abstract: An erasable optical data storage medium has an embedded servo track and a subsurface recording interface. An erasable recording structure having two dyed polymer layers is separated from the servo track by a compression layer. The servo track is formed in a hard substrate which provides mechanical support for the medium. The medium is adapted to form non-vesicular data bumps projecting into the compression layer when exposed to a write laser beam of predetermined wavelength projected through the substrate and compression layer. The embedded servo track and recording interface are sufficiently close to each to be read simultaneously in the same focal plane.

Abstract: An erasable optical data storage medium has a polymer dual recording layer including an expansion layer bonded to a retention layer, each of the layers dyed to selectively absorb light in respective narrow wavelength bands. The retention layer has a glass transition temperature substantially above the glass transition temperature of the expansion layer, and is capable of undergoing substantial viscoelastic shear deformation while below its glass transition temperature. A first laser beam heats the expansion layer causing it to expand and cause viscoelastic deformation in the retention layer while the retention layer is below its glass transition temperature. A second laser beam is used to heat the retention layer above its glass transition temperature and relax the deformation, erasing the medium.

Abstract: A novel hydraulic tool used to cut cables, rods, bars and the like or crimp various items such as cable connectors and which is operated manually and with ease by a single man. The improved cable cutting hydraulic tool comprises dual manually held handles which centrally receive and exhaust the operating pressurized hyraulic fluid, a safety trigger assembly which prevents the inadvertent closing of the cutting or crimping jaws, and an operating trigger assembly, a control valve which directs and redirects the flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure, and a piston cylinder assembly which relatively reciprocates to displace operating rods which in turn causes the cutting jaws to close and open by rotation about a pivot pin. This cable cutting and crimping tool is light weight and compact in comparison with other contemporary designs and is much easier to handle and control during use.

Abstract: A novel hydraulic tool used to cut cables, rods, bars and the like or crimp various items such as cable connectors and which is operated manually and with ease by a single man. The improved cable cutting hydraulic tool comprises dual manually held handles which centrally receive and exhaust the operating pressurized hydraulic fluid, a safety trigger assembly which prevents the inadvertent closing of the cutting or crimping jaws, and an operating trigger assembly, a control valve which directs and redirects the flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure, and a piston cylinder assembly which relatively reciprocates to displace operating rods which in turn causes the cutting jaws to close and open by rotation about a pivot pin.