Abstract: A computer graphic input device is disclosed for imaging the points of contact between objects and a surface. The input device is defined by a transparent material with one surface thereof defining a drawing surface. The index of refraction of the material is greater than the index of refraction of the medium on the upper side of the drawing surface. In the preferred embodiment, the transparent material is prism shaped in configuration. A camera is mounted on the lower side of the drawing surface in a manner to only capture light rays which have been totally internally reflected from the drawing surface. By this arrangement, objects located on the upper side of the drawing surface will be imaged by the camera only when and where the object is in direct contact with the drawing surface. The size and shape of the input pattern is digitized, processed and displayed on a monitor. The subject apparatus can be used to produce graphic effects achieved by various natural drawing implements, such as a brush.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and methods are disclosed for preparing the terminated end of a flat cable (25) for connectorization wherein the cable is of the type having two arrays of overlying/underlying conductors (27, 28) separated by an insulative center film (31), with each array being bonded directly to only the respectively adjacent one of two mutually disposed outer insulative films (33, 34), and wherein an aligned pair of isolating members (36, 37) are respectively positioned between, and transversely of, a different side of the center film the associated array of conductors at each predetermined terminating end of the cable, as fabricated. The apparatus includes a cross-slide assembly (12, 41), a flare-out die mechanism (14, 97), an optional trimming die mechanism (16, 134, 136) and a fold-back roller mechanism (18, 151, 167, 168).

Abstract: A taping apparatus (10) is disclosed for applying a spaced array of transversely oriented material strips, such as in the form of plastic tapes (36), on each side of indexably advanced strip stock, such as in the form of a thin plastic film (12), during each dwell period of the latter, with corresponding tapes on opposite sides of the film being precisely aligned in pairs. The apparatus includes a film advancing assembly (13, 14, 16, 22, 24, 32), two mutually disposed tape applicator mechanisms (28, 29), a specially constructed platen assembly (26), mounted on a longitudinally disposed U-shaped support bed (27), and a control circuit (33). In order to provide the necessary solid backing for each of the tape applicator mechanisms (28, 29) when sequentially actuated, the platen assembly (26) includes a platen (90) formed with two longitudinally offset segments (91, 92) positioned at different elevations so as to define a film-receiving passageway (94) therebetween.