Abstract: A method and apparatus for format patterning magnetic recording media with servo-control patterns is disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of printing the control pattern using a resist in liquid form onto the media material by conventional printing techniques. A layer of a thin metallic film is then deposited over the resist and uncovered substrate areas. The resist and its overlayered metal is then removed using a liftoff technique by dissolving the resist in its particular solvent. A control pattern of deposited metallic film remains in those non-resist areas. In the alternative, the process can also use an etching bath to create the servo control pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a focusable and scannable ultrasonic beam for e in nondestructive internal examination of an object. In one embodiment an optical mask modifies a pulsed light beam to form an optical zone pattern. The zone pattern is imaged on the surface of an optically absorbing thermoelastic layer in contact with a propagation medium. An ultrasonic beam is thereby generated which focuses at a point in an object submerged in the propagation medium. An optical lens and a mirror respectively focus and scan the modified light beam, whereby the ultrasonic beam is also focused and scanned. A second embodiment utilizes an acousto-optic modulator to modify the light beam and cause scanning and focusing of the ultrasonic beam. Suitable detectors and instrumentation may be provided to analyze the ultrasonic beam after it has traversed the object under examination.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of characterizing an acoustic field, and particularly of visually characterizing the field. An acoustic receiving transducer means is moved to a plurality of predetermined coordinate and angular positions in the acoustic field, and for each such position an electrical signal indicative of a parameter of the acoustic field is stored in a memory. The information in the memory is selectively retrieved to activate an electronic display means, and to expose film if desired, to provide a visual "map" of the acoustic field parameter detected.

Abstract: A computer-controlled-manipulator gripper with a set of three-degree-of-freedom force sensors on each finger having strain gauges and 90.degree. shift in orientation of the sensors includes an asymmetric, offset relationship of the location and orientation of analogous sensors on the two fingers in order to obtain different measurements from the two fingers.

Abstract: A mechanical manipulator which includes fingers under the control of a computer, antenna sensing means mounted on such fingers and extended and retracted from the fingers under the control of the computer, means for detecting the contact or proximity of the extended antenna sensing means with a workpiece, means responsive to the antenna sensing means for retracting the sensing means from interference with the workpiece and for adjusting the control of the fingers. The fingers are adapted for X, Y and Z linear motions and provides pitch, yaw and roll angular motion. The retractable antenna sensing means resembles a whisker which extends from the finger and makes contact with or approaches the workpiece. The antenna sensing means may include a retractable pneumatic back pressure sensor via the back pressure of a fluid in the supply, created when the fluid impinges on the workpiece. The retractable antenna whisker bends more readily than the rigid finger.