A complex waveform synthesizer includes a main memory unit consisting of recirculating shift registers which store a large number of digital words which are loaded into the main memory from a central processing unit to generate selected functions which are represented by analog signals after conversion in a digital to analog converter. The variations of the signal from the converter as a function of time are determined by the rate at which digital signals from an idle memory are applied to the m...

A device having a triangular shaped main body mounting an output member and with locking position acting inputs mounted proximate to each corner is made to function as a D/A converter. Two discreet positions for each input contributes to the extension of the output member and allows it to assume eight distinct positions, each depending on the combination of input positions. Another arrangement with nine position inputs mounted proximate to the corners of three triangles allows the output member ...

A self-scanned photodiode array operating in the recharge current mode generates a serial video information output signal as light from a light emitting diode illuminator is reflected from the scanned document and imaged onto the photodiode array. A photodiode sensitivity and illumination variance compensation signal is generated during a write mode as the photodiode array scans a white background. The serial compensation signal thus generated is converted into an N bit binary code for each phot...

A dissolver network for video signals adapted to receive two input video signals and provide a dissolved video output signal. Attenuating networks, responsive to digital signals, control the proportion of each video input signal dissolved at various steps in the dissolve. The attenuator networks are controlled by an up-down binary counter to correspondingly increase the signal level of one input while reducing the signal level of the other as the counter counts up; and as the counter counts down...

A digitally indicating clock-timer having endless loops of tape, each carrying a cycle of numerals for direct time indication, with the tapes being driven by drums of small diameter which are coupled together by geneva-type mechanisms so constructed that each tape is advanced one unit only upon completion of passage of a complete cycle of numerals on the tape of next lower order. In the preferred embodiment, such "cycle stepping" is achieved by employing two geneva stages in series with one anot...

A linear actuator having an actuator member driven in a linear direction by a lever mechanism pivotally coupled thereto which is in turn driven by a plurality of on/off linear drivers. Driving the linear drivers through varying stroke distances provides a sequence of discrete actuator steps. By providing an interconnected simple lever mechanism a discrete set of 2.sup.n steps may be provided for n drive positions and n on/off linear drivers. The linear actuator thus provides simple integration w...

Incremental rotary movements of a stepping motor shaft are converted to corresponding linear movements of valve elements which seal against valve seats integral with corresponding power piston affixed to a linear output member. Pressurized fluid moves the piston until sealing engagement with the valve elements occurs; each equal stepping motor shaft movement producing like increments of output member movement regardless of the action of variable external loads on the output member.

A digitally controlled variable frequency synthesizer has a register which stores a number corresponding to the desired output frequency. This number is loaded into a counter which counts pulses from a stable, fixed-frequency oscillator. The counter then counts backward from that number to zero and then emits an output pulse. That causes the stored number to be loaded into the counter again. The frequency of these output pulses thus depends upon the number stored in the register. By properly sel...

A program-controlled electroerosion machine is described having a novel numerical control arrangement incorporating a computer interconnected with novel supporting and controlling apparatus. The subject inventive control arrangement operates so as to detect from an information-recording medium a desired travel path of relative movement between the electrode and workpiece and, from such detected information, digital pulses are produced and applied to incremental drive means such as stepping motor...

Means for recording in analog form information which is received in digital form by driving a rotating indicator arm by means of a servomotor controlled by pulses supplied from a digital memory through a decoder and a function mesh.