Abstract: A wind velocity measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes a thermal sensor and a processor operatively coupled to the thermal sensor. The processor is configured to receive a first temperature reading from the thermal sensor of a beginning temperature sensed by the thermal sensor and to receive a second temperature reading from the thermal sensor of an ending temperature sensed by the thermal sensor after a quantifiable amount of heat is applied to the thermal sensor for a quantifiable amount of time. The processor is further configured to determine a theoretical temperature based on the quantifiable amount of heat, the quantifiable amount of time, and the beginning temperature and to determine a wind velocity based on the difference between the theoretical temperature and the ending temperature.

Abstract: A time keeping system having a first time module operable to keep a first time, a second time module operable to keep a second time, and a control module operatively coupled to the first time module and to the second time module. The control module adjusts the first time in response to information stored in the control module and adjusts the second time to reduce a time difference between the first time and the second time.

Abstract: A battery arrangement for supplying electrical power from batteries to a battery-powered device. The battery arrangement includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle. Each of the first and second receptacles are adapted to receive at least one of the batteries. An electrical circuit connects the first and second receptacles in a parallel electrical arrangement and extends between the first and second receptacles and the battery-powered device to selectively supply electrical power to the battery-powered device from the battery of the first receptacle or the battery of the second receptacle.

Abstract: A time keeping system used to automatically adjust for daylight savings includes a processor having a preprogrammed internal clock module, a preprogrammed daylight savings time setting module, and a low power detection module. The preprogrammed internal clock module is programmed with a time, a date, and a year. The preprogrammed daylight savings time setting module is programmed with a plurality of daylight savings changes and automatically adjusts the internal clock to reflect a daylight savings time change. The low power detection module detects an operating power level. A primary battery is operatively coupled to the processor, and provides a primary power source to the processor. A frequency generating unit is also operatively coupled to the processor, and provides a frequency to the preprogrammed internal clock module. Furthermore, a clock movement unit is operatively coupled to the processor, and is configured to receive a series of timed-pulses from the processor.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing an event system. The method includes receiving a first signal at a primary device, where the first signal includes a time component, and processing the first signal to produce a second signal, where the second signal includes the time component and an instruction. The method also includes wirelessly transmitting the second signal to a repeating device, wirelessly receiving the second signal at the repeating device, and wirelessly transmitting a third signal from the repeating device, where the third signal includes the time component and the instruction. The method further includes wirelessly receiving the third signal at a secondary device and executing an event with the third signal.

Abstract: A wireless synchronous time system comprising a primary master event device and secondary slave devices. The primary event device receives a global positioning systems “GPS” time signal, processes the GPS time signal, receives a programmed instruction, and broadcasts or transmits the processed time signal and the programmed instruction to the secondary slave devices. The secondary slave devices receive the processed time signal and the programmed instruction, select an identified programmed instruction, display the time, and execute an event associated with the programmed instruction. The primary event device and the secondary devices further include a power interrupt module for retaining the time and the programmed instruction in case of a power loss.

Abstract: A wireless synchronous time system comprising a primary master event device and secondary slave devices. The primary event device receives a global positioning systems “GPS” time signal, processes the GPS time signal, receives a programmed instruction, and broadcasts or transmits the processed time signal and the programmed instruction to the secondary slave devices. The secondary slave devices receive the processed time signal and the programmed instruction, select an identified programmed instruction, display the time, and execute an event associated with the programmed instruction. The primary event device and the secondary devices further include a power interrupt module for retaining the time and the programmed instruction in case of a power loss.

Abstract: A temperature measurement apparatus allows for accurate temperature measurement in both the sun and the shade using two different thermal sensors. A black sensor has an infrared absorbent surface and a white sensor has an infrared reflecting surface. Using the measurements from these two sensors, a series of equations calculate the correct ambient temperature regardless of where the measurement device is located and ensures accurate readings using a performance check system.

Abstract: A time keeping system having a first time module operable to keep a first time, a second time module operable to keep a second time, and a display module operable to visually display a third time that corresponds to the second time. The system also includes a control module operatively coupled to the first time module and to the second time module. The control module detects a time difference between the first time and the second time and adjusts the second time to reduce the time difference.

Abstract: A hanger for mounting an object on a surface such as a wall. The hanger includes a slot that receives a projection such as a nail extending from the wall. The slot is nonlinear and provides an entry path through which the projection travels to reach its mounting position. The hanger also includes slot branches extending from the slot, which together with the slot create a maze through which the projection travels when the object is attempted to be removed from the wall. The slot branches provide dead end paths that the projection may encounter when the object is attempted to be removed from the wall.

Abstract: A thermometer movement comprising a two-part shell and a bimetal coil housed within the two-part shell. The stationary end of the bimetal coil is attached to the rear part of the shell, which is rotatably mounted to the front part. The thermometer movement of the present invention can thus be calibrated by hand, without the need for a tool, merely by manually rotating the rear part of the shell relative to the front part.

Abstract: A double resonator beam force transducer configured to minimize longitudinal pumping by making the beams vibrate symmetrically. This can be accomplished by making the boundary conditions of the beams symmetrical or, if the boundary conditions are nonsymmetric, then by biasing the beams inwardly or outwardly to compensate for the nonsymmetrical boundary conditions of the beams. In the nonsymmetrical case where the beams would bow outwardly at their fundamental resonant frequency or an odd overtone thereof, an inward bias is provided to minimize longitudinal pumping. In the nonsymmetrical case where the beams would bow inwardly at an even overtone of the fundamental resonant frequency, an outward bias is provided to minimize longitudinal pumping.

Abstract: A vibratory temperature transducer includes a pair of elongate, generally parallel bars coupled together at one end in a type of tuning fork arrangement. The bars each have a thickness of t, a width of w and a length between free and fixed ends of L. The distance between the free end and the point where the bars are coupled together is m. Apparatus is provided to cause the bars to vibrate in torsional opposition, where the frequency of vibration is generally a function of temperature. Apparatus is also provided for determining the frequency of vibration of the bars so that when the bars are subjected to a change in temperature, the temperature can be readily determined by simply determining the magnitude of the frequency change. By careful determination of the dimensions L, m, t and w, spurious modes of oscillation of the transducer, which cause a reduction in the mechanical Q and thus an erroneous reading of temperature, are avoided.

Abstract: A resonator force transducer assembly includes an elongate base element, a first arm disposed generally in parallel with a front portion of the base element, a first hinge joining the arm near a rear end thereof to the base element at about the middle thereof, an elongate resonator element such as a quartz crystal attached to the front ends of the arm and base element to extend therebetween, a second arm disposed generally in parallel with a rear portion of the base element, and a second hinge joining the second arm to the base element. A third hinge joins the front end of the second arm to the rear end of the first arm to form a type of compound lever arrangement so that when a force is applied to the second arm to urge it either toward or away from the base element, a portion of this force is transmitted via the third hinge to the first arm to urge it either away from or toward the base element to thereby stress the quartz resonator element.

Abstract: A mounting structure for double-bar resonators to ensure symmetrical loading of the resonator responsive to external forces. In one embodiment, the resonator is connected to a pair of mounting pads through compliant coupling members. The coupling members allow longitudinal, force-induced displacements of the mounting pads to load the resonator while making the resonator insensitive to spurious transverse displacements of the mounting pads. In another embodiment, a force is applied to a load-sensitive, double-bar resonator through a force-transmitting bar which is mounted on an elongated flexure hinge. The hinge is compliant about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the resonator so that the hinge attenuates any force component acting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the resonator which would otherwise non-symmetrically load the resonator.

Abstract: A vibratory, force transducer includes a pair of elongate, generally parallel bars coupled together at their ends in a type of double-ended tuning fork arrangement. The bars each have a thickness of t, a width of w and a length between fixed ends of L. The distance separating the points where the bars are coupled together is m. Apparatus is provided to cause the bars to vibrate in a transverse direction and in substantially 180.degree. phase opposition. Apparatus is also provided for determining the frequency of vibration of the bars so that when the bars are subjected to either compressive or tensile forces along the longitudinal axis of the bars, the magnitude of such forces can be readily determined by simply determining the magnitude of the frequency change. The values of w and t are selected so that 0.