Abstract: A compact hand-held viewing apparatus that automatically determines the three-dimensional direction in which it is pointing and automatically presents information to the user related to features which are visible in the field of view of the apparatus in that three-dimensional direction. Any given embodiment of the invention is intended to be used for viewing a predetermined subject matter, such as astronomical features of the night sky or geographical features of the distant terrain. Included within the apparatus is a database with data about the predetermined subject matter correlated with three-dimensional direction. The apparatus is configured to provide data from the database in real time to the user as the user observes the field of view in a selected three-dimensional direction.

Abstract: An infrared motion detection device for detecting the presence of a target object including special circuitry for reducing false alarms. In particular, coupling circuitry is interposed between signal processing circuitry and comparator circuitry, which serves to match the baseline level of the signal from the signal processing circuitry with the baseline level of a threshold or thresholds defined by the comparator circuitry. The coupling circuitry may be implemented in a particularly simple manner, which reduces the manufacturing cost of the circuitry and the device.

Abstract: An infrared radiation detector using a reflector comprising a mirrored conic section or faceted reflector to increase the field of view of a sensor. The reflector is mounted in the normal field of view of the sensor, and is truncated so as prevent the reflector from blocking radiation directly in front of the detector. The detector is mounted either on a wall with a nearly 180 degree field of view, or on a post with a nearly 360 degree horizontal field of view and a nearly 180 degree vertical field of view.

Abstract: A necktie and separate pre-formed knot that may be slid into position onto the necktie body and securely maintained in position without slipping. A knot is formed from a generally trapezoidally shaped assembly that is first folded over on itself so that its angled ends overlie one another. The overlying angled ends are secured to one another along a seam offset from the edges of the angled ends so as to define a margin or wing portion between the seam and the edges of the angled ends. The resulting folded and closed assembly is then turned inside out to form the finished knot. The wing portion protrudes into the central opening of the knot to engage the necktie body and hold the knot securely in place on the necktie body. The trapezoidally shaped assembly from which the knot is formed is itself formed of a foundation member and a fabric wrapped around the foundation member. Knots of different styles are described emulating, for example, the common four-in-hand, half-windsor and full-windsor knots.

Abstract: A dual pyroelectric-effect sensor having the sensing elements aligned in a motion plane permits direction determinations to be made for moving IR sources. Dual sensing-element PIR sensors provide different voltage outputs depending upon a relative direction of movement of an object and the sensing elements. By alternating the effective polarizations of the sensing elements in the PIR sensor, clear direction information is available from the PIR sensor. A direction detecting circuit working in cooperation with a switch controller employing a counter and a timer, permits independent tallying of entrances and exits. Upon the counter indicating that the number of objects that exited the area equals the number of objects that entered, the lights are immediately extinguished. The timer ensures that the lights turn off should incorrect values become recorded in the counter.

Abstract: A two-level 4:1 ECL multiplexer circuit comprising two 2:1 multiplexer circuits "OR'd" together prior to a shared output stage. A differential Select line, operable at the same voltage level as the input data lines to the 2:1 multiplexer circuits selects one of the input lines to each 2:1 multiplexer circuit. A second Select line, operable at a different voltage level, selects one or the other of the 2:1 multiplexer circuits. This arrangement functions to eliminate an undesirable glitch observed when selecting data inputs in known two-level, 4:1 multiplexers which use emitter dotting.