Abstract: An impact hammer mountable to the drum of a rotary crusher employs an attachment bolt having a tapered head which is wedged into a tapered socket in the impact hammer body. A “supernut” is used to secure the bolt to the rotary drum. The supernut is tightened against the rotary shear head until it is snug. Then, threaded locking posts, which pass through the periphery of the supernut, are tightened repeatedly, thereby applying a great deal of tension the bolt shank and effectively stretching it. Any shocks applied to the impact hammer will drive the tapered head of the bolt deeper into the socket of the hammer body block, resulting in the maintenance of a secure hammer-to-drum union. The hammer body also has tungsten carbide chips embedded in a hardfacing material that is applied to the wear surfaces of the hammer.

Abstract: A dual bearing reel has a plurality of friction plates that are arranged so as to contact an end portion of a spool shaft, a cap member that is detachably mounted on a boss portion and a spring member. A friction force is adjusted by press fitting the friction plates onto the end portion of the spool shaft 16 with the spring member. The spring member is fixed and mounted on the boss portion to provide an urging force between the cap member and a bearing. The spring member retains the bearing with respect to the boss portion and restricts rotation of the cap member. The spring member has a small diameter portion that contacts the cap member and a large diameter portion fixed to the boss portion to contact an end portion of the bearing.

Abstract: In a reel with an oscillation system, a sinusoidal correction force applied to the normal oscillation function to produce an improved line lay on the reel spool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of reel unit for a fishing line for use on a fishing rod, comprising a housing, a spool rotatably mounted on the housing that can be rotated via a gear unit by means of a hand crank for reeling in and reeling out the line, and a holder for mounting the reel unit to the fishing rod.

Abstract: A frame for a safety belt retractor includes a rear wall (12) and a fastening section which provides for at least one of fastening the frame (10) to a section (22) of a component which is fixed to a vehicle and pre-positioning the frame (10) on the section (22), the fastening section being formed integrally with the rear wall (12).

Abstract: A magnetically actuated cargo restraint system for a vehicle includes a rotatable reel and a flexible tether. The tether has a first end coupled to the reel and a second end capable of being coupled to a cargo item. The tether is windable around the reel, and is movable in both a winding direction and an unwinding direction. A magnetic drag device includes a magnet containing member having a plurality of magnets thereon, and a conductor member. The magnet containing member and magnetic conductor are moveable relative to each other, and one of the magnetic containing member and conductor member is capable of being fixedly coupled to the reel for movement with the reel.

Abstract: Among the several aspects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of an improved portable hose reel cart having a low-entry point for recoiling a hose in conjunction with an elevated hand crank for use in rotation of the reel. In an additional embodiment, the elevated hand crank is also used for movement of a level-wind hose guide for positioning of the flexible hose around the hose reel. The present invention also provides an enclosure that includes injection molded panels having integrally formed connectors adapted to cooperate with injection molded as well as extruded panels for assembly of a hose reel enclosure.

Abstract: A bandage wrapper having a wrapper with a flanged section having two extensions defining a slot between them for bandage or other wrappable material insertion. The extensions are flared and allow for easier insertion of bandage or wrappable material. Additionally, the wrapper may be secured in a drill chuck or other coupling to a motorized driver.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a strip of absorbent product in a coreless roll, of the type including a roll and a dispenser for dispensing the absorbent product, of the type including a first guiding and positioning element which can be received in a first housing of the roll and including a second holding element which can be received in a second housing of the roll, wherein the first guiding and positioning element includes a portion of revolution with a cross section decreasing towards the inside of the dispenser, which can be received in the first associated housing of the roll.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suppressing noise. The present invention provides a method that includes directing a laser at a first volume of gas and directing microwave radiation to a second volume. The method includes selecting the location of the second volume so that it is overrun by a shockwave system of a supersonic vehicle. Preferably, the directing of the radiation is from a vehicle that flies at high altitude and is of practical length (e.g., 100-400 feet or more). The radiation may be pulsed and steered. The present invention also provides a system including a laser and microwave antenna for controlling the noise of a supersonic vehicle. The laser is directed at a first volume while the antenna is pointed at a second volume that envelops the first volume. The location of the second volume is such that it will be overrun by the shockwave system of the vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of limiting the yawing motion on the trajectory of an artillery shell during the firing phase using a sliding driving band and completely folded-in guide fins. The shell is converted as soon as possible outside the mouth of the barrel of the firing piece by fold-out of the guide fins into a fin-stabilized artillery shell. Any form of non-uniform fin fold-out is avoided by virtue of all the guide fins being interconnected to form a system which gives all the fins the same movement pattern and the same fold-out speed in each phase of fin fold-out. This disclosure also includes a shell in which synchronization of fin fold-out includes a rotatable control ring that is arranged around the axis of the shell and is connected to the rotation spindles of all the fins.

Abstract: A vertical take-off aircraft is disclosed. Looking at the aircraft it can be seen that the aircraft comprises a main rotor assembly 1 at the top of the aircraft which consists of an assembly of blades 2, 3 and a rotor 4. Rotation of the main rotor assembly 1 is achieved by using a power plant 5. The main power plant is connected to the main body 6 of the aircraft by a tilt enabling joint 7. The tilt enabling joint 7 allows tilting of the main power plant 5 relative to the main body 6 of the aircraft to occur in a controlled manner during flight. A universal joint 8 is used to allow tilting to occur. The tilt enabling joint 7 is fitted with a combination of hydraulic actuators 9, 10 and springs 11, 12 and 13 that allow the tilting of the tilt enabling joint 7 to be controlled. When the main power plant 5 is tilted, the main rotor assembly 1 is tilted with it.

Abstract: A disclosed flying craft includes a suspension structure having a first end and a second end, a lift unit, and a payload unit. The lift unit includes a nacelle and a tailboom, and pivotally couples to the first end of the suspension structure, and a payload unit couples to the structure's second end. Thus the tailboom can pivotally couple with respect to the payload unit, which advantageously permits the tailboom to assume an orientation desirable for a particular mode of flight. During vertical flight or hover, the tailboom can hang from the lift unit in an orientation that is substantially parallel to the suspension structure and that minimzes resistance to downwash from the lift unit. During horizontal flight, the tailboom can be orthogonal to the suspension structure, extending rearward in an orientation where it can develop pitching and yawing moments to control and stabilize horizontal flight. Advantageous variations and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Integration of structure and aerodynamic shape results in a Damage Resistant Unmanned Aircraft, Capable of surviving ground handling and impacts with plants, wires, solid objects and water. The structure dismantles for transport and storage into a small space, that is resistant to damage. The aerodynamic arrangement has a improved ability to fly controllably in the gusty environment that causes difficulty for small light weight aircraft. A method of mounting pneumatic and fabric shapes onto a Damage Resistant Aircraft with parts facilitating a round structure. Use of the pneumatic shapes to adjust the length and stiffness of the post. The post produces tension on the structure that It presses against. Inflatable post ends and an attachment system. Multi piece removable wing tips which allow deflation, access and small folding volume of the inflatable structure. All tension rudders are formed inside the net structure where it is protected from damage.

Abstract: A wing load alleviation system and method for alleviating the lift-inducing structural-bending force (i.e., moment) experienced by each of the wings of an aircraft. The apparatus includes a deployable panel and an actuator mounted in each wing. The actuators are responsive to a command generator. The actuator is mounted inside the wing and the panel is mounted flush with an outer surface of its respective wing. Each panel can be moved between a retracted position, where it has no affect on airflow moving over the wing, to a deployed position in which it deflects air off of the wing. Each panel is preferably located at a span-wise location at least about halfway along the length of the wing toward the wing tip, and more preferably at least in part outboardly of the outboard-most trailing edge device in the wing. The apparatus effectively shifts the lift-inducing structural-bending forces experienced by the wing more inboard towards the fuselage.

Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices having forwardly positioned hinge lines, and associated methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing and a trailing edge device coupled to the wing. The trailing edge device can be movable relative to the wing between a stowed position and a deployed position, with the trailing edge device having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface can have an intersection point with the wing when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position. The motion of the trailing edge device relative to the wing can include rotational motion about a hinge line positioned forward of the intersection point, and a gap can be positioned between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the deployed position.

Abstract: Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices with non-parallel motion paths, and associated methods are disclosed. A device in accordance with one embodiment includes a wing and an inboard trailing edge device coupled to the wing and movable relative to the wing between a first stowed position and a first deployed position along a first motion path. An outboard trailing edge device can be coupled to the wing outboard of the inboard trailing edge device, and can be movable relative to the wing along a second motion path that is non-parallel to the first motion path. An intermediate trailing edge device can be coupled between the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices and can be movable along a third motion path that is non-parallel to both the first and second motion paths. Each of the trailing edge devices can open a gap relative to the wing when moved to their respective deployed positions.

Abstract: The invention can be used for converting atmospheric energy and low-grade heat of environmental thermal energy sources, for example water of natural water reservoirs into mechanical work, high-grade heat and cold. The inventive energy conversion method consists in using a working body in the form of a compressed gas which is formed during the flow out of the gaseous mass of an active pulsed jet from the jet unit of an ejector nozzle block when a process for successively attaching additional masse used for producing a jet engine (I) power is carried out. Said gas is compressed in a compressor to a calculated level by means of a part of power which is produced on the power shaft of said engine by converting external gaseous masses at the previous cycles. Said invention is directed at ecological property improvement.

Abstract: A helicopter collapsible deck having at least one longitudinal member and at least one cross member, which extend respectively in a first and second direction intersecting at a point; the cross member is interrupted at the point of intersection; the deck also has an anchoring device for connecting the longitudinal member and the cross member at the point of intersection; and the anchoring device has at least one local permanent deformation section lying in a plane crosswise to the deck and for dissipating the energy transmitted to the deck in the event of impact.

Abstract: The Softer is a flexible, inflatable device attached to the Riser Connector Links or equivalent of a parachute system. It automatically inflates during normal parachute canopy deployment providing extra drag to lessen the opening shock forces. Upon full canopy inflation it can be collapsed or removed for better canopy aerodynamic performance.

Abstract: An automatic release attachment automatically releases a tension line engaged to the attachment when the tension in the line exceeds the tension rating corresponding to a tension release settings selected by an operator. A hook assembly, which can be part of the attachment, includes a shackle that eases shackling and unshackling of a coupling element of the tension line to the hook assembly.

Abstract: An In Orbit Transportation & Recovery System (IOSTAR™) (10) is disclosed. One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a space tug powered by a nuclear reactor (19). The IOSTAR™ includes a collapsible boom (11) connected at one end to a propellant tank (13) which stores fuel for an electric propulsion system (12). This end of the boom (11) is equipped with docking hardware (14) that is able to grasp and hold a satellite (15) and as a means to refill the tank (13). Radiator panels (16) mounted on the boom (11) dissipate heat from the reactor (19). A radiation shield (20) is situated next to the reactor (19) to protect the satellite payload (15) at the far end of the boom (11). The IOSTAR™ (10) will be capable of accomplishing rendezvous and docking maneuvers which will enable it to move spacecraft between a low Earth parking orbit and positions in higher orbits or to other locations in our Solar System.

Abstract: An operations panel wherein a board having an upper surface where a plurality of switches is provided is provided in a housing, the operations panel includes a base where the board is arranged; a cover forming the housing together with the base, the cover having an upper surface having a part where a plurality of concave parts is formed in positions corresponding to the switches; a plurality of key tops provided at the concave parts from outside in a state where operations parts and projection parts including engaging claws are inserted via a plurality of openings formed in the concave parts; and an intermediate member provided between the cover and the board

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a décor kit that is utilized to decorate and accessorize pumpkins, other fruits and vegetables, and other artificial like-shaped objects. The pumpkin décor kit may comprise a support base that is formed to give the appearance of a statuette with a supported pumpkin forming part of the figurine. Further, in some embodiments, the décor kit may further include a covering to wrap or surround the support base, and/or accessories to further adorn the statuette.

Abstract: An assembly and method for remotely affixing and removing decorative lighting from a building gutter. The assembly includes a hanger having a body portion with a first body segment joined to a catch portion and a second body segment joined to a hook portion. The catch portion is adjacent a gutter back wall and the hook portion is adjacent a gutter upper lip upon the hanger being affixed to the gutter. The hanger includes a securing member adapted to secure the decorative lighting to the hanger. The assembly further includes a positioning implement having an engagement member and a pole attached to the positioning implement. The engagement member is releasably received by a connector of the hanger. The method for remotely affixing and removing decorative lighting from the gutter comprises releasably engaging the engagement member of a positioning implement to the connector of the hanger apparatus.

Abstract: A pipe support assembly which comprises a main body having a U-shaped recess therein, and a cover member for the body, the cover member having an arcuate configuration and being sized to fit between the first and second side walls, each of the cover members and body having a channel or a recess designed to receive a tie wrap to secure a pipe in position. The main body portion also has a clamping portion which comprises first and second resilient members.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device which may be mounted to a vertical substrate, and which is useful as a rack for storing flexible conduits, such as wires, cables, hoses and the like in an orderly fashion during their non-use. A device according to the invention comprises a main backbone portion, to which a plurality of fingers are attached. The backbone portion is substantially-linear in a preferred embodiment, and is mounted with its longest length dimension in a vertical orientation. Successive loops of a flexible conduit are looped around successive fingers of the device to provide neat and orderly stowage of otherwise cumbersome conduits. A device according to the invention is especially well-suited for storing garden hoses in garages or residential backyard environments.

Abstract: A clip for hanging decorative lights from the eaves of a house has an elongated C-shaped body. This body has an intermediate curved section extending between two ends that curve inwardly. A hook is attached to the outside surface of the intermediate curved section. The elongated body is made of a flexible plastic having a memory such that the curved ends may be moved away from one another by a force acting on at least one of the distal ends. When the force is removed the memory will cause the distal ends of the clip to move together. The inward curvature enables the curved ends to unravel to some extent. The combination of the unraveling of the ends and the flexing of the curved intermediate portion enables this clip to fit onto eaves ranging in width from ? inch to over two inches without breaking.

Abstract: A wrist support dispenser adapted to be mounted on a work surface for retaining a user's wrist and forearm in a comfortable position. The wrist support includes a body having an arcuate upper surface and is adhesively attached to a work surface to support the user's forearm and wrist when working at a desk or table. A cover plate may also be provided to secure and protect a sheet of graphics applied between the top arcuate surface and the cover plate. The cover plate is snap-fitted onto the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting an inclination angle of a monitor is disclosed. The apparatus is capable of supporting a monitor and adjusting an inclination angle of the same and includes a monitor ward support member for supporting one surface of a monitor, a base ward support member for supporting a base surface, an upper connection member for connecting an upper side of the monitor ward support member and an upper side of the base ward support member, and a lower connection member for connecting a lower side of the monitor ward support member and a lower side of the base ward support member.

Abstract: A support apparatus for multiple trash receptacles. The support apparatus is portable and is easy to assemble and disassemble. The primary components of the apparatus include a base member, a post, multiple can holders, a lid holder and a locking ring. These components are assembled to securely support at least two trash receptacles in a manner to prevent the receptacles from being overturned and also to prevent the receptacle lids from being inadvertently removed.

Abstract: A portable flexible support pedestal is disclosed having an upper portable unit support surface and a lower attachment surface, the upper portable unit support surface for supporting a portable unit, an elongate flexible member having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end operatively engaged to the lower attachment surface, the elongate flexible member resiliently flexible into a plurality of retainable positions, and a base member operatively engaged to the lower end, the base member maintaining balance of the portable unit support pedestal.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus related to a motorized platform for use in creating three dimensional images. The motorized platform includes a symmetrical steering system such that a digital camera remains focused upon a desired image target as the motorized platform is advanced. The symmetrical steering system includes a three-wheel arrangement providing a constant radius path around the image target. A pair of steerable wheels located on an inside edge of the motorized platform are operably connected with a steering linkage assembly such that the steerable wheels are angularly adjusted to define the constant radius path. A drive wheel is operably connected to a motor assembly for propelling the motorized platform along the constant radius path. A digital camera can be mounted to a tripod attached to the motorized platform and the digital camera can be operably controlled either manually or automatically as the motorized platform is advanced.

Abstract: An improved magnetic mounting assembly for securely attaching a positionable object to be variably fixed in a desired selected position to a support, for universally moving the positionable object to a desired selected position, and for holding the positionable object during operation is provided, including a positioning element with a magnetizable ball attached to the positionable object. A support element includes a nonmagnetizable outer housing supporting a magnetizable inner housing with surfaces configured to support the magnetizable ball. A magnet assembly positioned within the inner housing includes a magnet in contact with the inner housing and a magnetizable cap spaced a functionally optimum distance from the inner housing and from the ball to produce the magnetic forces required to magnetize the inner housing, the cap portion and the ball so that the ball is securely but movably held in the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A bracket has outwardly projecting L-shaped support arms for use in installing sheet material, such as drywall or sheetrock, on a wall. The bracket includes a base having holes for temporarily fastening the bracket to a stud of the wall. The support arms of the bracket extend horizontally from the bracket to support the edge of sheet material. When a pair of brackets is installed on the studs of a wall to be covered with sheet material, a single person can install the sheet material on a wall by first resting the sheet on the support arms of the brackets and then easily positioning and fastening the sheet to the wall. The brackets can then be removed and be reused to install sheet material on another section of wall. The bracket further includes a flange that is easily grasped by either hand when installing or removing the bracket.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention provide various embodiments of attachment members, hooks, hanger components, mounting systems and related methods. In one exemplary embodiment, a system generally includes a wall standard, a hanger component or component having at least two spaced-apart bar portions, and an attachment member engagable to the wall standard. The attachment member includes first and second recessed portions configured for trapping the corresponding spaced-apart bar portions between the wall standard and the attachment member when the attachment member is engaged to the wall standard. With this trapping, the attachment member can thus retain the hanger component to the wall standard.

Abstract: A hanging hook adaptable to furniture vertical panels provided with perforations or plates alike the latter. The diameter of perforations and the distance between a pair of successive perforations, which are vertically and consecutively disposed, due to longstanding use within the furniture art, are, conventionally, standard. The hanging hook has a mounting base and an arm member, the latter extending outwardly and, then, upwardly from the mounting base. The mounting base has an upper hole for a passage of a tapping screw to be inserted into a perforation and a lower feature, co vertical and sequential with respect to the upper hole, which lower feature can be either an inserting element projecting perpendicularly from the mounting base or a through hole for a tapping screw, as mentioned above. For obtaining a tight fit, the inserting element has a diameter somewhat larger than the diameter of the perforations.

Abstract: A table accessory for supporting bags includes means for fastening the accessory to a plane of a table and a retaining member having an element for receiving a bag and an element for securing the bag to the table that is connected to the bag receiving element. The securing element is apt to cooperate with the plane so that when the bag is in the bag receiving element, the accessory assumes, by virtue of the weight of the bag, a first loaded configuration defined by the abutting of the securing element on a bottom surface of the plane, the plane being clamped between the fastening means and the securing element, and when the bag is removed from the bag receiving element, the accessory assumes a second unloaded configuration, where the securing element is unconstrained from the bottom surface.

Abstract: A beverage container holder is disclosed which includes a magnet within the sleeve of a beverage container holder. The beverage container holder, along with any beverage container placed in the beverage container holder, may be mounted on any mounting surface having an associated ferrous material. The beverage container holder is held in place due to the force of the magnetic interaction between the magnet and the mounting surface.

Abstract: A clip structure for a semiconductor package is disclosed. The clip structure includes a major portion, at least one pedestal extending from the major portion, a downset portion, and a lead portion. The downset portion is between the lead portion and the major portion. The clip structure can be used in a MLP (micro-leadframe package).

Abstract: A supporting mechanism of a backlight module includes a first member, a second member, and a connector connecting the first and second members. The first member has an initial thickness and the second member also has an initial thickness. The initial thickness of the first member is greater than that of the second member and the first member is longer than the second member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for adjusting the brightness of a rear seat entertainment monitor for the rear seat passengers of a vehicle in conjunction with the open angle of the monitor. The brightness adjustment system of the present invention includes a monitor open angle input unit, a control unit, an image processing unit and a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel unit. The monitor open angle input unit outputs a gearing amount corresponding to a current open angle of the rear seat entertainment monitor of the vehicle. The control unit calculates the current open angle of the monitor using the gearing amount, received from the monitor open angle input unit, and outputs a control signal required to set parameter values for an output screen image, corresponding to the calculated current monitor open angle.

Abstract: [Problem] An object of the invention is to provide a seat rail apparatus, which is capable of locking/unlocking forward/backward sliding of a seat for vehicle in a stepless manner with a simple structure, at an inexpensive cost. [Solving means] A brake disk 51 is attached to the front end of a slide screw 5, which is screwed with a nut 4 disposed within a lower rail 2 and an upper rail 3. A lock mechanism 6 comprises rollers 63 and 64, springs 65 for imparting a force to the rollers in the peripheral direction and a supporting member 61 disposed with the rollers and the springs therein. The springs 65 impart a force to the brake disk 51 and the supporting member 61 to bring the rollers 63 and 64 into a friction engagement; thus the rotation of the slide screw 5 can be locked. Owing to first and second engagement plates 81 and 82, the rollers 63 and 64 are caused to roll against the force imparted by the springs 65, and are released from the friction engagement; thus the slide screw 5 can be unlocked.

Abstract: The disclosed book rest is a bean filled bag (G), having insert (I), for which a book will rest on, with its front and back leaning against inserts (H), with page holder (B), held in position by toggle (A), threaded onto elastic (C), which is attached at point (D), enabling page holder (B) to slide up the elastic (C), pressing firmly against the book enabling sections (E), to slide under the edges of the book, thus ensuring sections (B1) and (B2), press firmly against the books pages, therefore keeping the book open.

Abstract: The present invention provide a mold for forming a developer blade and a developer blade manufactured with such a mold which are able to give images of good quality even in the low-temperature low-humidity condition and to improve a mold releasability. A mold 10 for forming a developer blade has a plate accommodation space 14 in which the metal plate is accommodated and a belt-like cavity 15 for forming the elastic member adjacent to the plate accommodation space. At least a part 20a of a cavity surface 20 defining the cavity 15 in the cross section taken along the cavity width direction is finished to have a surface roughness Ry of not more than 10 ?m.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically focusing an imaging mechanism on a moving target surface having a variable geometry is herein disclosed. Apparatus for focusing an imaging mechanism may include an objective, a prism, or another optical device that forms part of an optical train of an imaging mechanism, a sensor for measuring a distance to the target surface, and a mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism or other optical device. Data from the sensor may be used to create a predictive model of the target surface. Data from the sensor is also used to fit or correlate the generated model to an exemplary target. Data from the correlated model is used to drive the mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism, or other optical device to maintain the surface of the exemplary target in focus.

Abstract: Apparatus, and a related method, for eliminating the effect of speckle images caused by surface imperfections in a primary mirror of a stellar coronagraph. Depending on their size, mirror imperfections can result in speckles in a field of view that also includes an image of a distant target planet. By generating a traveling surface wave in the mirror surface, and then tuning the spatial wavelength of the surface wave to approximately match that of a surface imperfection, the speckle image corresponding to that surface imperfection is made to twinkle in irradiance. Tuning the traveling surface wave though a wide range of spatial wavelengths causes each speckle image in turn to be identified by twinkling, while the target planetary image remains unvarying. Accordingly, multiple speckles corresponding to different mirror imperfections may be conveniently eliminated by image processing.

Abstract: Advantage is taken of the fact that in optical navigation devices it is possible to measure the intensity of light impacting the pixel array of photo-diodes. Based upon such an intensity determination, a feedback signal is used to reduce the intensity of the light to a point where it is equal to or less than a predetermined value. In one embodiment, the discharge rate of a capacitive power supply is used to determine the intensity of the light source impacting the pixels. When the discharge rate is faster than a given amount the inference is that the light intensity is too great and power is reduced to the light source to reduce the intensity.

Abstract: An automatic power control system provides a control signal that regulates the output power of at least one laser diode. Coarse adjustment of the control signal is provided by a first means, preferably a digital variable resistor, while fine adjustment and compensation is provided by a second means, preferably by a digital-to-analog converter that receives an input signal proportional to a sensed control system parameter. The control system includes an operational amplifier having a first input coupled to sense output power, and a second input coupled to a DAC to provide finer resolution control. Memory can store system parameter or system parameter variations that can be coupled to the DAC and/or variable resistor to enhance system stability over ambient variations.

Abstract: The invention provides imaging apparatus and methods useful for obtaining a high resolution image of a sample at rapid scan rates. A rectangular detector array having a horizontal dimension that is longer than the vertical dimension can be used along with imaging optics positioned to direct a rectangular image of a portion of a sample to the rectangular detector array. A scanning device can be configured to scan the sample in a scan-axis dimension, wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array and the shorter of the two rectangular dimensions for the image are in the scan-axis dimension, and wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array is short enough to achieve confocality in a single axis.