Abstract: A utility meter reading system permits reading a meter with a noncontact shaft angle detector and simultaneous visual inspection of the dials of the meter from a laterally spaced viewing position. Each of the dials defines a patterned disc for concentric rotation with the shaft and a beveled circumferential surface which extends around the patterned disc and bears a plurality of numerical indicia. The dials are configured to be adhesively mounted over dial pointers on an existing utility meter, thus permitting retrofitting of meters with noncontact shaft angle detectors.

Abstract: There is described an array of charging electrodes such as are used in ink jet printers. At least portions of the exposed surfaces of such electrodes, used to charge passing ink drops, are overcoated with a continuous coating substantially free of cracks of a semiconductive material doped to have a resistance, at room temperature, when measured transverse to the electrode, of between 10.sup.8 and 10.sup.11 ohms, such material being essentially insoluble in the ink.

Abstract: A charge electrode structure for an ink jet printer comprises a plurality of electrodes and connecting circuit leads embedded into a molded dielectric substrate and anchored thereinto by means of an embedded depth that exceeds the width of the electrodes at the surface of the substrate. The charge plate is formed by means of photolithographic, plating and molding techniques. Nickel electrodes and circuit leads are plated through a position defining pattern in a photoresistive covering onto a copper foil sheet to a height slightly exceeding the photoresistive covering to form retaining flanges. The photoresistive covering is then removed and the composite foil sheet/plating is bent toward the plating such that the electrodes extend at approximately a 90.degree. angle relative to the remainder of the sheet. The bent composite is then placed into a mold and a dielectric substrate is formed to engage and surround the electrodes and circuit leads.

Abstract: A charge plate for an ink jet printer is fabricated from laminations etched from a thin sheet of corrosive resistant metal. The individual charge electrodes with their respective leads and connecting regions are initially supported in the thin sheet by etched supporting members. Except for the supporting members, the individual charge electrodes with their leads and contact regions are electrically and physically isolated from each other. The lamination sheets are coated with an adhesive, stacked, and bonded together. After filling the open regions in the bonded lamination stack with a structural insulating material, the etched metal supporting members are removed, providing a unitary charge plate that is rugged, dimensionally accurate, and stable.