Abstract: An underwater lighting fixture adapted for installation in a lamp receiving recess in the wall of a swimming pool. The fixture includes a lamp housing having a pair of reflector-mounted incandescent lamps mounted therein. A plate having a pair of a apertures is mounted in the housing with the apertures mounted in alignment with the lamps. A pair of secondary reflectors are mounted to face the plate apertures and are provided with light-transmitting portals. A color wheel having dichroic filter segments is mounted so that identically colored pairs of segments pass the portals when the color wheel is driven by a motor. The motor is controlled by a circuit by disconnecting power to an input of the circuit, reconnecting power to the input to control the motor to move at a first speed. The control circuit stops the motor when the driven element reaches an index position.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp employs a single, high-flux light emitting diode as a light source, and is capable of performing stop, tail, turn and marker functions. The vehicular lamp can satisfy the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, as well as Society of Automotive Engineers Standards J585 (3/00), J1395 (6/91), J1398 (6/91), and J592 (12/94).

Abstract: An exterior sideview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing or casing and a reflective element, which is supported in the casing. The casing includes a storage space, which provides storage for at least one accessory. The accessory is retrievable from the storage space and useable exteriorly of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A lens has a concave shape or a convex shape in either vertical cross section or transverse cross section. Thereby light passing through the lens is largely refracted and the interior is harder to be seen even if a prism is not formed. As a result, there is no need to give a finish more than optical performance required for reflection to the front surface of the reflecting surface of a reflector, which is for the purpose of enhancement of its appearance, and thereby the machining work is simpler than the conventional way. Further, since the lens has a flat shape in either vertical cross section or transverse cross section, the lens is easily polished when it is made of glass, which is excellent in manufacture of the lens.

Abstract: An array of optical fibers are circularly arranged in a horizontal plane to totally encompass an isotropic radiator. This configuration efficiently captures the radiated light and is amenable to a large family of radiators without the need for critical alignment between the radiator and the fiber optic array.

Abstract: A processor that utilizes the presence of harmonic components in a noisy signal environment to enhance the desired frequency spectrum of the signal. Received signal and noise are filtered to separate the harmonic components of the signal. These harmonic components are then combined in a prescribed manner to form a multiplicity of combined signals with varying harmonic content. The combined signals are then further processed to establish a signal detection.

Abstract: A two-piece charge hopper assembly for a concrete transit mixing vehicle of the rear-discharge type is disclosed in which a lower, movable portion including the hopper discharge lip is enabled to swing out of the way of discharging concrete while the upper body of the charge hopper remains in a fixed position which is accomplished by the use of a simple pivot mechanism.

Abstract: A low power consuming dough-making machine is provided that includes sources of liquid and dry ingredients for the dough, a movable conveyor for receiving thereon layers of liquid and dry ingredients from the sources thereof to form a cake of ingredients of the desired dough composition, and a plurality of high speed rollers for kneading the cake of ingredients to the desired consistency for the dough product.

Abstract: An apparatus for degassing plastic materials, e.g., high molecular weight polycarbonate solutions, is described. The apparatus includes a double-shaft extruder having a length-to-diameter ratio of less than or equal to 40, which comprises: (i) two co-rotating and meshing shafts; (ii) an intake opening; and (iii) upstream and downstream portions relative to the intake opening. The shafts of the extruder are designed with a double lead in a degassing zone, and with a triple lead in a pressure build-up zone. Each of the degassing and the pressure build-up zones are down-stream from the intake opening, and the pressure build-up zone is further down-stream than the degassing zone. Also described is a process for degassing plastic materials, which involves providing the described double-shaft co-rotating extruder, into which plastic material is fed, processed and degassed.

Abstract: Each mixing rotor for a batch mixer is rotatably insertable into a mixing chamber such that tip clearances are defined between tips of mixing blades and an inner surface of a mixing chamber and is provided on its outer circumferential surface with a plurality of mixing blades for imparting shearing forces to a material to be mixed by causing the material to pass through the tip clearances. The plurality of mixing blades include a nonlinear blade which is substantially nonlinear from a start point to a terminal point in a development of the mixing rotor developed into a plane about its longitudinal axis, and other linear blades which are linear in the development and whose helix angle to the longitudinal axis of the mixing rotor is set at 15 to 35°. An appropriate mixing control capable of realizing both sufficient mixing and sufficient dispersion can be executed by mixing and dispersing the material in a well-balanced manner by means of the mixing rotor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for mass transfer of gas or other fluids into a liquid and/or liquid suspension. The present invention is preferably used in conjunction with waste treatment processes and/or fermentation processes that are commonly carried out in a mixing vessel. In such an arrangement, the mass transfer process is utilized to contact air to liquid in a mixing vessel or aeration basin.

Abstract: A vibrator having a metallic cylindrical core with a shaft extending concentrically therethrough. An eccentric weight is mounted on the shaft and is rotatable thereby to vibrate said vibrator. The core is surrounded by a sheath of material and apertures extend through said sheath to bare portions of said core. The external surface of the sheath is configured to present upstanding wall portions facing the direction of vibration whereby, when the vibrator is immersed in a wet slurry of concrete and vibrated therein, the upstanding wall portions drive shockwaves into the slurry.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coupling device for an appliance for domestic use, in particular a handheld blender, for connecting a drive part to a tool shank, with a locking device having locking elements being arranged on a coupling section of the drive part, said locking elements being in engagement with depressions formed on the inner circumference of the tool shank in the locked state. The invention is characterized in that the locking device is constructed as an annular spring element and that in the area of the locking element provision is made for an actuating device causing, when actuated, the spring element to be deformed elastically such that the locking element moves inwardly, hence becoming disengaged from the detent element.

Abstract: The hot coffee mixing device comprises one embodiment having a hollow cylindrical tube with a bottom end with liquid outlet(s) thereon which rests upon the bottom surface of the carafe when in use. The top end of the device has a liquid inlet which is located in close proximity to the center of the carafe and the lid of the carafe. The liquid inlet and outlet(s) are connected by a channel. Another embodiment of the hot coffee mixing device is suspended from the lid of the coffee carafe and comprises a hollow cylindrical tube having a bottom end with liquid outlet(s) thereon, not resting upon the bottom of the carafe, and the top end of the device has a liquid inlet and means for supporting the device on the lid of the carafe. In yet another embodiment, the hot coffee mixing device may be either free standing on the bottom of the coffee carafe or suspended from the lid of the coffee carafe or the coffee carafe itself when in use.

Abstract: A rotational speed controller for mixing equipment of a soil modifying machine, by which optional quality of modified soil can be obtained, is provided. To this end, the rotational speed controller includes a mixer (127, 147) rotating to mix soil to be modified, drive means (127b, 147b) for rotationally driving the mixer, speed control means (127p, 147p) for controlling rotational speed of the drive means based on an inputted rotational speed command value (S127, S147), working mode setting means (8) for outputting a working mode signal (H, M, L, S) for setting a kind of soil to be modified, and a controller (106) for outputting the rotational speed command value corresponding to the working mode signal to the speed control means.

Abstract: An improved feeder control system is disclosed. The system implements an incremental metering process that incorporates the standard deviation of the material feeder. By intentionally initially under metering at a level corresponding the standard deviation of the feeder, and then subsequently metering a more accurate delivery of materials is achieved. Additionally, the system implements a system for correcting for metering errors caused by gate cycles delays. By incorporating offsets into a feed time when gate cycle time is larger than the feed time, error caused by significant gate cycle times is cured.

Abstract: The pipe member (1) having an infeed point (2) for an additive (20) includes a pipe wall (11) and a static mixing element (12). The infeed points are provided for introducing the additives into a flowing, low viscosity fluid (10). The static mixing element consists of a pair of vanes (5a, 5) and of a third vane (6). The vane pair (5), which forms a restriction deflecting the flow (10′) of the fluid, is formed with substantially mirror symmetry with respect to a central plane (15) extending in the direction of the flow. The third vane is arranged in a crossing manner with respect to the vane pair and in a lying manner in the region of the central plane. It has a rear side (60) with respect to the flow which extends from a base at the pipe wall to a downstream end. Each infeed point is arranged at the rear side of the third vane.

Abstract: A blending apparatus includes an articulable housing operatively coupled to one or more switches to actuate a blending motor. Upon mounting a mixing jar and associated lid on top of the housing, downward pressure is placed on the lid/jar assembly which places, in turn, downward pressure on the housing. Such downward pressure on the housing causes the housing to articulate and actuate the switch, which in turn provides power to the motor to rotate the blade mounted within the mixing container at a first rotational speed. In one embodiment, the switch is interposed between the housing and a stationary base. A second switch may also be utilized to rotate the blade at a second, increased rotational speed upon additional articulation of the housing.

Abstract: To enable to easily stop a second hand at a 0 second position even in an analog electronic timepiece operating a hand at a high period. A dividing circuit outputs a low frequency pulse signal and a high frequency pulse signal at predetermined frequencies to a control circuit. The control circuit outputs the low frequency pulse signal of 4 pulses per second aligned at equal intervals when it is detected by a detecting circuit that an operating portion is not operated and outputs repeatedly the high frequency pulse signal of consecutive 4 pulses at every second when it is detected by the detecting circuit that the operating portion is operated. A motor driving circuit and a motor normally operate a second hand in response to the low frequency pulse signal and repeats, at a period of 1 second, operation of fast feeding the second hand and thereafter stopping the second hand during a predetermined period of time in response to the high frequency pulse signal.

Abstract: A data logger records a time/temperature profile for the preparation and cooling of a prepared food by recording only those timed points specified on a specific food preparation protocol. Typically the protocol may be that specified by the FDA and the logger may record the occurrence of a temperature exceeding a required minimum, and the subsequent occurrence of one or more temperatures at specified elapsed times.

Abstract: An infrared ear thermometer includes a detector head housing, a heat sink, a recess formed in the heat sink, a thermopile sensor mounted within the recess, a thermistor, and temperature determination circuitry. The recess defines an aperture that limits the field of view of the thermopile sensor. The thermal capacities and conductivities of the heat sink and the thermopile sensor are selected so that the output signal of the thermopile sensor stabilizes during a temperature measurement. A method of determining temperature using the ear thermometer takes successive measurements, stores the measurements in a moving time window, averages the measurements in the moving window, determines whether the average has stabilized, and outputs an average temperature.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is used as a distributed temperature sensing (DTS) transducer for temperature profile measurements in a protective underground duct in which a high voltage (HV) cable has already been laid. The sensing cable is not incorporated into the power cable itself, and in some installations does not have direct physical contact with the HV cable. The sensing cable is installed externally (along side) of the HV power cable, either in direct surface contact with the HV cable, or alternatively, the fiber optic sensing cable is installed in a small diameter guide tube that is placed in the upper annulus between the HV cable and the protective duct. The sensing fiber and one or more guide tubes are installed in a loose bundle at least in part by fluid drag forces (blowing with pressurized air) using conventional cable launching equipment.

Abstract: A wireless remote cooking thermometer system includes a first unit positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, the first unit including a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit temperature readings for the food being cooked, and a temperature sensor connectable to the first unit for providing temperature readings to the first unit, the temperature sensor including a substantially rigid temperature probe insertable into the food being cooked and a substantially flexible communication line extending between the temperature probe and the first unit so that the substantially rigid temperature probe is positionable at a plurality of orientations relative to the first unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal sensor circuit for sensing the temperature of an integrated circuit chip, the thermal sensor circuit including: an output comparator for comparing a reference voltage, Vref, with a sensed voltage, Vsense, the sensed voltage being measured over a sensing resistor relative to the ground potential of the circuit; a first circuit to which a reference voltage line in connected to measure Vref; a first current mirror providing a first current input to the first circuit and to a compensation circuit; and second current mirror providing a second current input to the compensation circuit and to the sensing resistor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing x-ray images. In particular, devices, methods and algorithms are provided that allow for the accurate and reliable evaluation of bone mineral density and bone structure from x-ray images.

Abstract: A patient support comprising a frame 22 supporting a translucent support surface 24 elevated above the frame 22 by frame members 23. The members 26 support an x-ray cassette tray 36 for sliding movement along the length of the frame 22. The x-ray cassette trays 36 can be loaded onto the members 26 from either or both the head 30 and foot 32 ends of the frame 22. All of the patient support surface can be covered by the x-ray cassettes. In use, the x-ray cassette tray 36 is pulled out from the members 26 and loaded with an x-ray cassette 53. The handle 39 is pulled out from within the tray 36 and locked into position against latch 38. The tray 36 is then slid back onto the members 26 and the position of the cassette 53 within the tray 36 is indicated by the position of the indicator 65 visible along the side of the frame 22.

Abstract: A system for dental x-ray examinations includes an image receptor, and a holder removably bonded to the image receptor by an adhesive coating. The system for dental x-ray examinations provides the clinician with a greater freedom of positioning and thereby improves upon the effectiveness of x-ray examinations, as well as upon patient comfort.

Abstract: A C-arm X-ray system has a C-arm that carries an X-ray source and a detector opposite one another at its ends and that can be swiveled around the subject in multiple axes. The detector is mounted so as to be rotatable around the proceeding axis therefrom to the X-ray source and/or to be displaceable parallel to the detector surface and/or along a arcuate path.

Abstract: An edge phantom for assessing the sharpness response of a radiation image recording and detection system wherein the edge phantom is subjected to radiation emitted by a source of radiation to generate a radiation image and wherein the radiation image, recorded and detected by the system, is evaluated. The design of the edge phantom provides that any line outside a plane perpendicular to the edge phantom's top face, connecting the focus of the source of radiation with a point on a curved or flat lateral face of the phantom used for sharpness analysis coincides with a line part of that lateral face containing that point.

Abstract: A compliant support for an axial thrust air bearing between a shaft and a housing with an annular thrust runner extending radially from the shaft having a runner bearing surface. The housing has a housing bearing surface and an air inlet in communication with a source of pressurized air. An annular foil support sleeve is disposed on the housing bearing surface, having an air foil surface with an array of foils. The foils serve to conduct air from the air inlet forming a pressurized air curtain between the runner bearing surface and foils on the the sleeve and is then disposed of through an air outlet. The sleeve has a compliant surface with at least one compliant annular ring. The compliant surface includes at least one compliant annular ring such as a fluorocarbon O-ring for low temperature service under 300° F.; a fluorosilicon O-ring for mid-range temperature service 300-600° F.; or a metallic mesh ring for high temperature service over 600° F.

Abstract: A water pump bearing with a seal structure on an impeller side including a ring-shaped first seal unit having its outer circumferential portion fixed to an inner circumferential portion of an outer ring and its inner circumferential portion in sliding-contact with an outer circumferential surface of a pump shaft, and a ring-shaped second seal unit disposed axially outward from the first seal unit with its inner circumferential portion fixed to an outer circumferential portion of the pump shaft and its outer circumferential portion in sliding-contact with the outer ring.

Abstract: Rotate-and-pull mechanisms for fiber optic modules. The rotate-and-pull mechanisms have a lever-actuator to unlatch and withdraw a fiber optic module from a cage assembly or a module receptacle. The lever-actuator, pivotally couples to the fiber optic module so that when lever-actuator is rotated about its pivot point, the lever-actuator causes the second actuator to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly. The lever-actuator includes an actuating-tab to cause the second actuator to move when the lever-actuator is rotated. By pulling the lever-actuator away from the cage assembly, the fiber optic module is withdrawn from the cage assembly. A belly-to-belly mounting configuration is introduced for the rotate-and-pull release fiber optic modules.

Abstract: A shutter assembly including first and second flexible layers and first and second coupling rings. Both the first and second flexible layers have a plurality of slits. When the shutter assembly is in a closed position, the first and second flexible layers are substantially planar, the second flexible layer is located adjacent to the first flexible layer, a longitudinal axis perpendicularly passes through the first flexible layer, the first flexible layer's slits meet at a first location, and the second flexible layer's slits meet at a second location, laterally spaced from the first location. Both the first and second flexible layers are located between the first and second coupling rings, which support the flexible layers with a sealed space located behind the flexible layers. Both the first and second flexible layers form a seal with a optical device when the shutter assembly is in an open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical connector for coupling one optical fiber wire 18 with another optical fiber wire 18′ in physical contact. The optical connector comprises a receiving portion 21 including a support region 22 adapted to support the optical fiber wires 18, 18′ along the axis of said receiving portion. The axis 24 of the receiving portion is offset from the axis 25 of the optical fiber wire in a posture of being ready to be inserted into the receiving portion 21. When the optical fiber wire 18 is inserted into the receiving portion 21, the inserted optical fiber wire 18 is brought into contact with and bent by a guide region 23, and then the optical fiber wire is slidably moved along the support region 22 of the receiving portion 21. Finally, with keeping the optical fiber wire to be supported by the support region 22, the end of the optical fiber wire 18 is brought into physical contact with the end of another optical fiber wire 18′.

Abstract: The system integrates an optical signal transmitter, an optical signal detector and a fiber optic cable plug connector into a unitary electronic device assembly. The electronic device, the transmitter and the detector are embedded in a substrate. The system uses an optical alignment subsystem to align the fiber optic cable connector to the substrate so that the fiber optic cable terminus is also aligned to the transmitter and detector (which are connected to the electronic device for data transfer therebetween) when the fiber optic cable is connected to the plug connector. The alignment subsystem includes a laser which backlights a hologram embedded in the transparent substrate producing an image.

Abstract: An optical connection (10) simultaneously connects a plurality of fiber optical cables (17, 18). The optical connection (10) has at least one plug (10A) in which a number of ferrules corresponding to the number of fiber optical cables (17) to be connected are mounted with spring-back effect in the direction of connection. Each of the fiber optical cables (17) to be connected ends in a corresponding ferrule and is fixed thereto. Each ferrule is mounted with spring-back effect in a separate adapter (20) and the adapters (20) are disposed and fixed next to one another inside a common housing (19′) of the at least one plug (10A).

Abstract: A fiber optic connector module includes a ferrule terminated to at least one optical fiber. The ferrule has a rearwardly facing abutment surface. The ferrule is mounted within a housing which includes a forwardly facing abutment surface for engaging the rearwardly facing abutment surface on the ferrule. The forwardly facing abutment surface on the housing is convexly rounded so that the ferrule can tilt relative to the housing.

Abstract: An optical fiber terminating assembly has an outer body (10), a first member (11) locatable in the outer body (10) and which carries a protruding length of optical fiber (36) which locates an alignment structure (44, 45) and a housing (12) locatable in alignment with the first member (11). The housing (12) has an access opening for receiving an optical fiber (52, 53) to be terminated so that the fiber can be located in the alignment structure in abutment with the optical fiber length (35). The housing has a compartment (47) which receives a heat responsive adhesive element (57), a saddle (58) and a resistor (59). When a current is passed through the resistor, the heat generated is transmitted by the saddle to the adhesive which melts and flows around the optical fiber (52, 53) to secure it in position in abutment with the optical fiber length (35).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for incorporating low contrast and high contrast interfaces in optical devices. In one embodiment an insulator is disposed proximate to a plurality of regions of a semiconductor including regions through which an optical beam is directed. High contrast interfaces are defined between the semiconductor and the insulator. Low contrast interfaces are defined between a doped region and the semiconductor. The optical beam is directed through the doped region from one of the plurality of semiconductor regions to another of the plurality of regions with relatively low loss. Optical coupling or evanescent coupling depending on an incident angle of the optical beam relative to the low contrast interface may occur through the doped region and low contrast interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for optically interlocking a plug and receptacle combination. The method includes the steps of disposing an optical source and receiver in a sidewall of the receptacle with an axis of transmission from the optical source to the receiver directed into and across a plug space of the receptacle substantially perpendicular to an axis of insertion of the plug and activating the optical interlock when an optical signal from the optical source is detected by the optical receiver.

Abstract: A fibre optic transceiver in which the optical components, interface, management functionality and management interface are all integrated on a single module, capable of being plugged into and removed from the telecommunication's parent system includes a housing having disposed therein a transmitter and a receiver. The housing further includes a pair of rails disposed on opposite sides of the housing to enable the module to be plugged into a suitably configured board. The module is designed primarily for use in 10Gbit serial optical systems, but is equally applicable for use in WDM applications, as well as at other speeds and wavelength.

Abstract: A connection for an underwater acoustics system connecting elements of an antenna embedded in a leaktight first block of the system and an electro-optical transmitter embedded in a separate leaktight second block of the system. The antenna is electrically connected to a first part of a divisible transformer, which is also arranged in the leaktight first block. The electro-optical transmitter (e.g., vertical cavity surface emitting laser) is electrically connected to a second part of the divisible transformer, which is also arranged in the leaktight second block. The first part and the second part are anatomically separated, as are the first and second blocks within which they are contained, but have cores that can magnetically communicate with one another. By this configuration, the divisible transformer can communicate signals from the antenna to the electro-optical transmitter without compromising the leaktightness of the first or second blocks, thereby protecting the components.

Abstract: Optical systems that include optical fiber splices are provided. Such an optical system includes first and second optical fibers, each of which has an end surface and a side surface adjacent to the end surface. An adhesive joins the end surface of the first optical fiber to the end surface of the second optical fiber. Additionally, at least a portion of the end surface of the first optical fiber exhibits a wettability for the adhesive that is higher than a wettability for the adhesive exhibited by at least a portion of the side surface of the first optical fiber. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are described for monitoring a pre-splice heat treatment of an optical fiber. In one described technique, a lead end of a first fiber is prepared for splicing. The lead of the fiber is then loaded into a heat treatment station. While heating the lead fiber end, an optical time domain reflectometer is used to measure reflected backscatter loss from the lead fiber end. The lead fiber continues to be heated end until the measured reflected backscatter loss from the lead fiber end reaches a predetermined level. At that point, the heat treatment is discontinued.

Abstract: Each of the CCD cameras 10A, 10B for making a film of a vehicle forward road environment is mounted on the both ends of a chassis 16 with a high stiffness. A mounting seat member 17 is formed at a center of the chassis 16. The CCD cameras 10A, 10B are mounted onto a vehicle body through fixing the mounting seat member 17 onto the vehicle body. Portions other than the mounting seat member 17 of the chassis 16 are disposed apart from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A lens shutter system has an inner drive ring which is rotated by a drive motor and an outer drive ring which is rotated by the drive motor. A plurality of shutter blades of the lens shutter system are driven through drive pins of the inner drive ring and drive pins of the outer drive ring so as to be opened and closed or are rotatably supported by the respective pins of the rings. Upon shutter opening, only the inner drive ring is driven clockwise to open the shutter blades. Upon shutter closing, only the outer drive ring is similarly driven clockwise to close the shutter blades. As mentioned above, upon switching between shutter opening mode and shutter closing mode, the direction of rotation of the inner and outer drive rings is not changed. Thus, the shutter operation can be performed at high speed.

Abstract: An operation button is provided with a shaft portion and a pair of arm portions and projections, and a rear cover is provided with a shaft hole, and a pair of insertion holes and pulling-out preventing portions around the shaft hole. The shaft portion of the operation button is inserted into the shaft hole of the rear cover, and the pair of arm portions and projections are inserted into the insertion holes of the rear cover. The operation button is rotated around the shaft portion, whereby the projections are received in the pulling-out preventing portions in a push-operatable manner.

Abstract: A thermal development apparatus includes a heating drum and rollers. The heating drum with a smooth layer having an arc shaped portion of an outer circumferential surface heats and carries photothermographic imaging material being in contact with the arc-shaped portion, and opposed rollers arranged in line along a carrying path of the material presses the material to the outer circumferential surface of the arc-shaped portion. When R (mm) denotes radius of arc-shaped portion, r (mm) denotes radius of opposed rollers, &agr; (degree) denotes angle between lines respectively connecting center of arc-shaped portion and centers of two opposed rollers adjacent to each other, P (mm) denotes pitch of opposed rollers, and &bgr; (degree) denotes contact angle of material to opposed roller, P=2&pgr;R&agr;/360, 2r+3≧P>2r, and &bgr;≦60 are satisfied.

Abstract: A status data transmission control apparatus and method reduces the buffer size needed for transmission and significantly reduces the communication load by storing the most recent status data (of continuously generated status data) and a history of status data changes in a dedicated buffer. The most recent status data and the history of changes leading up to the most recent status data are sent to the host.

Abstract: A method and system for printing an image such as a postal indicium. A sequence of graphic data blocks is formed, the sequence forming a bitmap representative of the image. The blocks are randomly reordered to form a new sequence, and the blocks are printed in the new sequence without substantial distortion. The blocks may be printed in varying directions, and the printhead may move at varying rates of travel and print at proportional rates as the blocks are printed so as to print the image without substantial distortion. The system may include a motor responsive to a programmable controller and mechanically coupled to the printhead for positioning the printhead, and the programmable controller and the motor can be enclosed in a secure housing so that no signals for controlling the motor are available outside of the housing.