Abstract: A light pen for a computer having an elongated body member which contains a photoluminescent material (PLM). The PLM absorbs ambient light of one wavelength, and radiates light of another wavelength in response. The radiated light is directed so as to be projected from a tip of the light pen as required.

Abstract: In a liquid-crystal display, each pixel is associated with a sensor which detects incoming light projected by a light pen. In response to the detected light, the sensor produces a signal which causes its associated pixel to darken. Thus, as a user moves the light pen along the display, the pen leaves a trail of darkened pixels, analogous to a pen leaving a trail of ink on paper.

Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly which includes a two-dimensional array of connectors to provide significantly higher data transfer rates than typical one-dimensional connectors, without sacrificing board space. The assembly preferably includes a plurality of connection pads on each printed circuit board. An anisotropically conducting material is placed between the connection pads and the boards pressed together.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display comprises multiple capacitors which apply electric fields to liquid crystal material located between the capacitor plates. In the invention, each capacitor is associated with a sensor which detects the presence of a hand-held stylus. The detection can be done optically, acoustically, by pressure, by temperature, or by other means.

Abstract: An optical receiver for modulated light includes an optical antenna (12) having fluorescent material (18) dispersed therein, and an optoelectrical demodulator (14) for demodulating the modulated light. The optical antenna (12) is formed of a filter material which is transparent to wavelengths equal to or longer than a predetermined wavelength and absorptive to wavelengths shorter than the predetermined wavelength. Also, the optical antenna (12) has a coating (20) of a filter material which is transparent to wavelengths equal to or shorter than the predetermined wavelength, and reflective to wavelengths longer than the predetermined wavelength. Thus, the optical antenna (12) acts on a narrow-pass band filter. Since the fluorescent material emits light at a longer wavelength than the received light, the emitted light is reflected internally to impact on the optoelectrical demodulator (14).

Abstract: In a liquid-crystal display, each pixel is associated with a sensor which detects incoming light projected by a light pen. In response to the detected light, the sensor produces a signal which causes its associated pixel to darken. Thus, as a user moves the light pen along the display, the pen leaves a trail of darkened pixels, analogous to a pen leaving a trail of ink on paper.

Abstract: A media positioning means for a printer having first and second transport mechanisms which are positioned in opposed relation with each other to form a common throat therebetween. Each of the first and second transport mechanisms includes first and second endless belts, a cross bar whose ends are secured to the belts, and grippers mounted on the cross bar to enable first and second record media inserted in the throat to be individually gripped thereby and positioned in side by side or overlapping relationship with regard to a print line in the printer.