Abstract: A four-axis joystick provides the ability to control four parameters in a single input device. In one embodiment, the Z-direction of control is implemented by a telescoping joystick handle, with the X- and Y-directions of control being implemented by pivoting motions of the handle in directions radial to an axis of the joystick handle, and the theta-direction of control implemented by rotation of a portion of the handle about the handle axis. The four-axis joystick may be used as an input device for audio mixing applications with the X-, Y-, and Z-dimensions of control mapped to panning of an audio source in the left-right, forward-backward, and up-down directions respectively, and the theta-dimension mapped to volume control of low frequency effects.

Abstract: A four-axis joystick provides the ability to control four parameters in a single input device. In one embodiment, the Z-direction of control is implemented by a telescoping joystick handle, with the X- and Y-directions of control being implemented by pivoting motions of the handle in directions radial to an axis of the joystick handle, and the theta-direction of control implemented by rotation of a portion of the handle about the handle axis. The four-axis joystick may be used as an input device for audio mixing applications with the X-, Y-, and Z-dimensions of control mapped to panning of an audio source in the left-right, forward-backward, and up-down directions respectively, and the theta-dimension mapped to volume control of low frequency effects.

Abstract: An overlay surface for a user interface of a device comprises a lower light-diffusing semitransparent layer affixed to an upper transparent layer. Graphics printed on the bottom surface of the transparent layer are protected from wear by the overlying transparent layer, while light sources back-illuminating the graphics from below are diffused by the semitransparent layer before they reach the graphics. The graphics of the surface may be provided by an opaque mask having transparent or translucent cutouts. The multilayer surface enables the graphics to be evenly back-illuminated while at the same time being protected from external wear without the need for additional light-diffusing elements such as light pipes.

Abstract: An overlay surface for a user interface of a device comprises a lower light-diffusing semitransparent layer affixed to an upper transparent layer. Graphics printed on the bottom surface of the transparent layer are protected from wear by the overlying transparent layer, while light sources back-illuminating the graphics from below are diffused by the semitransparent layer before they reach the graphics. The graphics of the surface may be provided by an opaque mask having transparent or translucent cutouts. The multilayer surface enables the graphics to be evenly back-illuminated while at the same time being protected from external wear without the need for additional light-diffusing elements such as light pipes.

Abstract: A high density tape library includes a plurality of rectangular platforms mounted adjacent one another for movement in a plane, with tape cassette magazines mounted on the platforms. The platforms have depending guide and cam follower members for movement around a generally rectangular track under the control of a series of cams. At a cassette handling station, selected tape cassettes are shifted from a magazine to a tape drive.

Abstract: A high density tape library includes a plurality of rectangular platforms mounted adjacent one another for movement in a plane, with tape cassette magazines mounted on the platforms. The platforms have depending guide and cam follower members for movement around a generally rectangular track under the control of a series of cams. At a cassette handling station, selected tape cassettes are shifted from a magazine to a tape drive.

Abstract: A high density tape library includes a plurality of rectangular platforms mounted adjacent one another for movement in a plane, with tape cassette magazines mounted on the platforms. The platforms have depending guide and cam follower members for movement around a generally rectangular track under the control of a series of cams. At a cassette handling station, selected tape cassettes are shifted from a magazine to a tape drive.

Abstract: A high density tape library includes a plurality of rectangular platforms mounted adjacent one another for movement in a plane, with tape cassette magazines mounted on the platforms. The platforms have depending guide and cam follower members for movement around a generally rectangular track under the control of a series of cams. At a cassette handling station, selected tape cassettes are shifted from a magazine to a tape drive.

Abstract: A compact tape cassette or cartridge storage and accessing system includes a longitudinally extending frame with two endless link chains, one on each side of the frame; and cassette carriers are mounted in two layers by linkages to the chains, with one layer moving forward and the other to the rear. At the ends, a cam follower on each cassette carrier, and a control groove, and associate guide and latch members, tilt the cassette carriers to smoothly shift them from one layer to the other. With 8 mm tape cassettes, the height of the system is within 1¾ inches, for compatibility with standard electrical equipment racks.