Abstract: Apparatus for counting articles traveling in a random pattern along a predetermined path in a selected direction comprising an article counting stage which is positioned along the predetermined path, a source positioned relative to the article counting stage for producing in a scan pattern a plurality of pulsed, spaced parallel beams of radiation such that each article is adapted to independently intercept at least two beams of radiation and to produce therefrom at least two pulses of radiation, each of said beams being directed along a scan path into the article counting stage wherein selected beams of radiation are adapted to be intercepted by a selected portion of the article passing through the article counting stage, a radiation pulse receiver for receiving the at least two pulses of radiation intercepted by and the article and which produces therefrom output signals in a time spatial sequence representing the radiation level of the at least two received pulses of radiation exceeding a threshold level wi

Abstract: Circuitry which is capable of supplying a short-pulsewidth drive signal to a laser source, or the like. The circuitry comprises a plurality of VMOS transistors arranged to amplify both the voltage and current levels of an applied low-voltage, short-pulsewidth input signal, while maintaining the short pulsewidth thereof. Two embodiments are disclosed which employ either a plurality of parallel VMOS transistors in the output stage, or a signal VMOS output transistor, to drive the laser source. Pulsewidths of the drive signal are on the order of 20-40 nanoseconds with rise and decay times on the order of 2-7 nanoseconds. A first embodiment is capable of providing drive signals having peak power levels of about 90 watts utilizing an 80 volt power supply. A second embodiment is capable of providing drive signals having peak power levels on the order of 500 milliwatts.