Abstract: Forming an image on a CCD of a grid pattern projected on a target surface and detecting the positional coordinates of the image by correlating voltage peaks in the CCD output voltage during pixel readout synchronized with the count of pulses from a master clock. Topography is calculated by knowing the equations of the rays comprising the projection pattern and the rays from the determined CCD positional coordinates and solving for the 3D coordinates formed by the intersections of the two sets of rays. Means are provided for: blocking the specular component of reflected light from the target surface while passing the diffuse component; forming the rays of the projected grid pattern so that fluctuations in the target surface position do not cause measurement error; adequate focussing of the full grid pattern on the CCD; differentiating the CCD output voltage and detecting a zero crossing for precise timing of count capture at the instant of a peak.

Abstract: A surface containing tracks of readable changes in state contains packets of servo control information. The packets of servo control information contain position information and additional information. The position information is amplitude encoded within a series of changes of state. The additional information is angle encoded within the same series of changes of state used to encode position information.

Abstract: A second order PLL uses on-chip dynamically configurable compensation to permit varying loop bandwidth and damping ratio simultaneously in response to command signals. In a first embodiment, a type 2 PLL is compensated by synthesizing a two-pole lowpass filter, a zero, and a gain-programmable integrator. By appropriate selection of transfer function characteristics associated with each of these three building blocks, the open loop PLL transfer function may be remotely varied by scaling resistance or transconductance. In a second embodiment, a type 2 PLL is compensated using a simple series R-C in parallel with C configuration, wherein component selection results in a transfer function that permits relocation of a zero and a pole by varying a single resistance or transconductance. Such variation is preferably accomplished using ganged banks of resistors, remotely switched by associated metal-on-silicon transistors.

Abstract: For disk drives having dual element heads, an invention for providing self-calibration of hard-disk writer elements to reader elements offsets. A method is provided for positioning a reader element for reading information on a disk, and from the information read, determining a reference line for the writer element. The method may be incorporated into a hard-disk in the form of a self-calibration routine in memory. The self-calibration routine may be used for computing offsets for separate writer/reader elements in a dual head assembly. Also, apparatus are provided for self-calibration of hard-disk writer to reader element offsets.

Abstract: A simultaneously generated caustic surface comprised of high energy photons is created for the purpose of ablating organic materials to within optical accuracies. The apparatus and method are principally for modifying, in vivo, the anterior cornea of the eye to effect refractive correction thereof. A catadioptric system in tandem with a continuously adjustable system of lenses provides a range of spherical or aspherical caustic curvatures throughout which range relatively uniform radiation intensity is maintained over the entire caustic. Ablation monitoring uses both visual and interferometric means; control is performed using interferometry in conjunction with a computer controlled excimer laser.

Abstract: A preamplifier configured for connection to a magnetoresistive transducer makes use of a first and second transistor connected in a common emitter differential pair configuration. The differential pair configuration has a pair of input terminals and a pair of output terminals. A first feedback circuit is included for providing feedback to at least one of a pair input terminals based on selected relatively slowly changing voltages between a pair of preamplifier output terminals. In this manner, the first feedback circuit minimizes differential voltages at the preamplifier output terminals. A second feedback circuit is provided for supplying feedback to at least one of the preamplifier input terminals based on relatively low frequency voltage magnitudes at one of the pair of input terminals. In this manner, a selected common mode voltage magnitude is maintained at one of the pair of input terminals.

Abstract: Coffee brewing cycle time is improved by contacting roasted ground coffee with a brief interval of steam, e.g. 3 seconds. The steam is preferably introduced prior to contact with brewing water and may be followed by a brief interval of pause prior to introducing the water. Steam and water are preferably introduced under a moderately elevated pressure. Improvements in appearance, color, flavor, aroma and yield can be achieved along with reduced cycle time.

Abstract: A shock load detection device mounted on a disk drive unit. The detection device is comprised of a piezoelectric polymer film encapsulated and electrically shielded by a metallic or metallic coated package. Electrical contacts are provided for on the piezoelectric polymer film and are connected to amplification and comparator circuitry which issues a write fault signal upon detection of external force in excess of a predetermined threshold. The shock sensor may be mounted on the computer disk drive of the unit in such a manner as to be at a 45.degree. angle to each of the x, y and z axis of the orthogonal coordinate system so that linear and torsional forces may be monitored.

Abstract: Real time feedback control during photorefractive keratectomy of individually ablated rasterstereographically imaged corneal areas; totality of these areas sufficient in number to result in a postoperative optically smooth epithelialized cornea. Novel micromechanical laser radiation modulating device means together with high speed digital control using specialized algorithms enabling a feedback control cycle of 0.2 second.

Abstract: A preamplifier circuit amplifies signals from a magneto-resistive element. The preamplifier circuit utilizes a voltage regulator to regulate one terminal of a magneto-resistive element at a predetermined voltage. A first feedback loop is used to minimize a differential DC component and a differential low frequency component of the differential output signal. A second feedback loop is utilized to cause a common mode component of the differential output signal to track an externally supplied reference voltage. The preamplifier of the present invention protects the magneto-resistive elements from short circuits of the disc medium, is powered by a single-ended power supply, and is capable of being coupled with other circuitry without physical coupling capacitors.

Abstract: A shock load detection device mounted on a disk drive unit. The detection device is comprised of a piezoelectric polymer film encapsulated and electrically shielded by a metallic or metallic coated package. Electrical contacts are provided for on the piezoelectric polymer film and are connected to amplification and comparator circuitry which issues a write fault signal upon detection of external force in excess of a predetermined threshold. The shock sensor may be mounted on the computer disk drive of the unit in such a manner as to be at a 45.degree. angle to each of the x, y and z axis of the orthogonal coordinate system so that linear and torsional forces may be monitored.

Abstract: An enclosure for a conventional bird feeder having top and bottom portions pivotally secured to a suitable top or bottom support. A shroud extends about the sides and back of the enclosure and includes a front opening for ingress and egress of birds to and from a bird feeder which is disposed within the enclosure. A perch comprising a wall extends from the bottom portion beneath the opening. A weather vane is attached to the enclosure for rotating the enclosure to a position in which the opening is away from the force of the wind to protect the partially enclosed bird feeder from the elements while providing access for birds entering and leaving the enclosure.

Abstract: A reusable filtration element for a coffee brewer has a microscopic arrangement of holes which permit coffee beverage to pass through while turbidity and sediment causing solids are effectively removed. The holes are preferably from 12 to 60 microns across and provide from 5 to 30 % open area in the filter element. In one preferred embodiment, the holes are circular, arranged in rows such that intersecting rows form an angle of 60.degree., and preferably taper from top to bottom. A preferred filtration element is preferably formed by photoetching stainless steel foil. The filtration element is preferably positioned over a foraminous support.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel composition for attracting mullein bugs, Campylomma verbasci, a pest of tree fruit orchards in North America. The invention also pertains to methods of attracting mullein bugs and predicting future population levels of these insects. The composition for attracting male mullein bugs, Campylomma verbasci, comprises a mixture of butyl butyrate and 2 (E)-crotyl butyrate.

Abstract: A method for effecting controlled refractive correction of the cornea comprising a contact lens whose concave surface is wetted with an inert ultraviolet absorbent liquid. An excimer laser feeds a cylindrical bundle of quartz fibers terminating angularly in a decollimating matrix at the contact lens in such manner as to attenuate the ultraviolet flux in said liquid proportional to the depth thereof at the cornea so as to effect greatest corneal ablation at the thinnest depth of the liquid.

Abstract: A single configuration presentation folder is provided, enabling a user to heat laminate custom printed sheets to the face of the folder without the use of a conventional paper carrier. Portions of the folder are scored to produce folders with one or two pouches holding sales literature or pouchless versions for stand-up displays, or folders containing saddle-stitched data sheets therein or laminated data sheets mounted within a loose leaf or spiral bound cover. Various arrays of fiducials are provided for enabling easy, accurate manual positioning of variable sized insert sheets with respect to the folder edges. The fiducials may be made to disappear upon lamination or are otherwise visually non-obtrusive to the eye. The fiducials may consist of disappearing ink, readily releasable adhesive, grid lines formed in the heat activatable adhesive of the cover sheet, indentations in the folder or inks having low visual contrast.

Abstract: One or more active RC filter network stages of an electronically variable equalizer filter have R values which can be varied to maintain a substantially constant ratio of R values for each stage to vary the cutoff frequency of the equalizer filter while maintaining the relative shapes of the magnitude and phase characteristics of the equalizer filter. A control signal is generated to simultaneously vary the R values for the various network stages. The resistance value of the RC circuit of monostable multivibrator is controlled by control signal so that the multivibrator output pulse width is equal to a reference pulse width. The control signal is utilized to obtain the same R value for a number of other R values formed on a single substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for installing in the ground an array of posts of a photovoltaic panel support assembly. According to the invention, there is provided an adjustable template which comprises a rigid frame having a plurality of adjustable post guides and a plurality of guide rails, which are used in cooperation with an impact driver to install a plurality of support posts quickly and easily. The template is portable and provided with clamping means and a plurality of laser targets for use in cooperation with an alignment laser and an elevation laser to secure and align the template to previously installed posts.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a recording system is disclosed, which includes a monostable multivibrator (MMV) for receiving the recovered data stream from the disc drive. The time constant of the MMV is controlled by a second, matched MMV which receives a fixed frequency input. By applying the output of this matched MMV to another input of the MMV receiving the recovered data, the time constant of the first multivibrator may be adjusted with the delay being a function of the period of the input frequency to the second multivibrator.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for supporting a mold insert in space inside a mold cavity. A pilot and keeper assembly rests on the top of a mold part and extends into a mold cavity and through a small hole in the mold insert. Movement of a handle, which is part of the pilot and keeper assembly of the mold part, is transmitted through a shaft to a retaining means, which engages the opposite extremity of the hole to retain the insert in position during molding operations. After plastic is inserted into the base of the mold cavity and a sufficient curing time has transpired, the handle is rotated back to its initial position, thereby returning the retaining means to a nonretention position, and the pilot and keeper assembly is withdrawn from the mold.