Abstract: Summarily described, the invention embraces an improved image-acquisition apparatus of the type having a transparent platen with an inner surface and outer surface, where a workpiece having graphic matter is positioned on the outer surface of the platen and an image-acquisition device disposed adjacent the inner surface of the platen transfers an image of the graphic matter to another medium. The inventive improvement comprises a preview display feature comprising a preview display screen visible to the user and an image-processing system disposed proximal the inner surface of the platen coupled to the preview display screen. The image-processing system images a region of the platen defining a platen-image and forms the platen-image upon the display screen.

Abstract: An improved platen-based image acquisition apparatus has a preview feature which enables the user to view anticipated output from the apparatus so adjustments may be made before operating the apparatus in orienting a workpiece upon the platen or in selecting image control features. The preview feature comprises a display screen visible to the user and an image-processing system coupled to the preview display screen. The image-processing system images a region of the platen to define the platen-image and forms the platen-image upon the display screen. It may simultaneously form upon the screen a frame-image for indicating the portion of the platen bounding the image to be processed so a user can determine whether a workpiece is positioned in a desired orientation before operating the apparatus. The improved image-acquisition apparatus may comprise a photocopy machine, a scanner, or a facsimile machine, and preferably the platen-image is formed in real-time characteristics.

Abstract: A non-tilting positioner for a micropositioning device constructed of piezoelectric plate actuators each arranged with a pair of opposed parallel edges respectively coupled to first and second elements. A first surface of each plate is divided into quadrants, with first electrodes in each of the quadrants. At least one second electrode is provided on the opposed surface. Electric voltages are applied to the first and second electrodes with appropriate polarities so as to generate an electric field through the thickness of the plate which is of a first polarity in a first pair of diagonally opposite quadrants and is of the opposite polarity in the second pair of diagonally opposite quadrants. Movement along a line parallel to the plane of the plate is thereby effected. Movement in a third orthogonal direction can also be attained by selecting an appropriate electrode pattern.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope positioner including an elongated rigid member which is controllably tilted in a predictable manner. One end of the rigid member is subjected to differential motion on opposite sides of its longitudinal axis so as to cause its opposite end to partake of lateral displacement which is a magnification of the differential motion. By a careful selection of component materials and sizes, inherent thermal compensation can be attained.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric field-assisted method for bonding one glass (or other inorganic insulator) body, typically a plate, to a similar body, such that the two bodies are spaced apart. The interior volume of such a composite body is advantageously filled with liquid crystal material, to produce a liguid crystal display cell. The method comprises forming a patterned layer of an appropriate bonding material (e.g., Al, Ge, Si, preferably Si) on a major surface of one of the two insulator bodies, placing a major surface of the second insulator body into contact with the bonding material, heating at least the second body to a bonding temperature (typically in the range 250.degree.-600.degree. C.), and applying a voltage (e.g., 500-1500 volt DC, the second body negative) across the thus formed sandwich.