Abstract: An apparatus for conveying audio signals from an input locus to an output locus remote from the input locus includes: (a) a multi-pin unit configured for receiving at least three signal paths at the input locus, including at least two audio signal paths for conveying the audio signals and at least one ground path; (b) at least one cable unit coupled with the multi-pin unit, substantially spanning an interval between the multi-pin unit and the output locus, and presenting the at least three signal paths at the output locus; (c) a connector pin unit coupled with the at least one cable unit at the output locus, and presenting the at least three signal paths in a single-pin configuration; and (d) a filter unit coupled with the at least one cable unit for filtering at least one predetermined signal component from the at least two audio signal paths.

Abstract: An antenna for receiving a transmitted signal with signal receiving components including a housing disposed about signal-receiving components. The housing includes a first housing portion forming a first side of the housing, the first housing portion including first and second opposing edge portions, third edge portion extending between the first and second opposing edge portions, and a second housing portion forming a second side of the housing, the second housing portion including fourth and fifth opposing edge portions, and a sixth edge portion extending between the fourth and fifth opposing edge portions, wherein the first housing portion is configured to be coupled to the second housing portion in such a manner that the first and fourth edge portions engage, the second and fifth edge portions engage, and the third and sixth edge portions cooperatively form an elongated groove configured to receive a signal line.

Abstract: An antenna including a conductive loop having a first top surface portion, the conductive loop having a first edge portion interrupted by a gap defining a feed point, a conductive strip having a second top surface, the conductive loop lying in a plane defined by the second top surface, the conductive strip having a second edge portion extending between first and second opposing distal ends, the second edge portion being spaced from the first edge portion, and the second edge portion extending along the first edge portion at a substantially constant distance from the first edge portion, and wherein the conductive strip is electrically isolated from the conductive loop and is structurally configured and positioned relative to the conductive loop to adjust an input impedance of the conductive loop.

Abstract: An antenna system for receiving radio waves and for operation in conjunction with a remote controller that transmits control data including gain state data. The antenna system includes an antenna that receives the radio waves and outputs a radio frequency signal and a radio frequency amplifier coupled to receive and amplify the radio frequency signal to a gain level controlled through a gain control input. A remote control receiver receives the control data and a controller is coupled to the gain control input and the remote control receiver. The controller couples the gain state data to the gain control input, thereby remotely controlling the gain level of the radio frequency amplifier. A remotely controlled antenna rotor is also taught.

Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, for powering a homeplug device, such as a homeplug transceiver. A data signal sensor is positioned to sense a data signal that is to be operated upon by the homeplug device. When a data signal is sensed, an indication is formed, and the indication is used to control the switch positioning of a switch that interconnects a power supply with the homeplug device. When the indication of sensing of the data signal is formed, the switch is closed, and the power supply is connected to the homeplug device operative power is provided to power the homeplug device.

Abstract: A scanning radio and method using a receiver, a channel memory and a display in conjunction with a frequency and linked descriptor database. The frequency and linked descriptor database is queried using a geographic reference to produce a list of local radio channels that includes a list of frequencies with linked descriptors. The list of radio channels is transferred into the channel memory of the scanner, and the receiver is sequentially tuned to the listed frequencies recalled from the list of radio channels while the corresponding linked descriptors are simultaneously displayed.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use, for example, at the end of an audio visual (A/V) system cable. The connector includes a body from which extends a sleeve for engaging a corresponding feature of another electrical connector. The sleeve of the electrical connector of the present invention forms a slot having a first portion and a second portion that intersect with each other, the first slot portion having an orientation that varies from the orientation of the second slot portion. In one embodiment, the connector includes a cylindrical sleeve, and the slot first portion extends from the distal end of the sleeve parallel to the connector's central axis and intersects the slot second portion at a right angle, meaning that in combination the first slot-portion and the second slot portion define a clip that extends along the periphery of the sleeve.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for transmitting two related channels of signals through the air. A first channel of signals is modulated with a first carrier frequency, and a second channel of signals is modulated with a second carrier frequency. The modulated first channel of signals and the second channel of signals are then combined through a high isolation combiner. Thereafter, the combined signals are transmitted toward a receiver system. After receiving the transmitted signals, the first channel and the second channel of signals are regenerated in the receiver system by separating one from the other.

Abstract: A power converter, and an associated method, for converting input power into output power. The power converter is capable of converting direct current input power as well as alternating current input power into direct current output power available for use to power an electrical load device, such as a consumer electronic device. The power conversion is performed at improved levels of efficiency, and less input power is dissipated as thermal energy.

Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap for removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.

Abstract: A weather station for providing weather information to a user, especially weather information related to lightning and severe thunderstorm activity. In accordance with the present invention, the weather station includes one or more antennas for receiving GPS transmissions, weather radio transmissions, and a separate radio band, such as the AM radio band for use in detecting lightning strikes. The GPS signal is used to determine the position of the user. A lightning detector coupled to the antenna for receiving the AM (or other band) signal calculates the proximity of any detected lightning strikes. The national weather radio band antenna receives information from NOAA and similar organizations and presents it to the user in the normal fashion.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for a power converter that provides operative power to a load device. The characteristics of the operative power are selectable, permitting the power supply to be used to power load devices of differing power requirements. An indicator indicates that electrical characteristics, such as voltage levels and polarities, to be exhibited by the operative power. A signal is generated by a command generator and provided to a power source. The power source extracts the informational content of the command and generates operative power of the selected characteristics.

Abstract: A protective housing assembly, and an associated method, for storing optical storage media, such as a compact disc or digital video disc. The housing assembly includes a housing base member and a housing cover member that are positionable in a confronting arrangement that defines an enclosure. When storage media is positioned at the area forming the enclosure, and the housing base and cover members are positioned in the confronting arrangement, an airtight enclosure is formed. Air is evacuated out of the enclosure by an evacuator to form vacuum conditions at the enclosure. Environmental elements that might degrade or damage the storage media are maintained thereby out of contact with the storage media.

Abstract: A model vehicle that operates to emulate “hydraulics” in a full size vehicle is taught. A suspension lift function and a suspension tilt function are produced though implementation of suspension apparatus. A wheel carriage is coupled to a chassis and the movement therebetween is controlled by one or more actuators. Either lift or tilt, or both, movement may be employed. In an illustrative embodiment, rotational movement is employed to effect lift and tilt, along perpendicular axis defined by a sub-chassis. A first actuator works between the chassis and sub-chassis, and a second actuator works between the sub-chassis and a wheel carriage. Control may be remote, utilizing wired, radio, sonic, or infrared remote control schemes.

Abstract: The computer system of this invention has, as the heart of the system, a simple processing unit for providing most data processing by the computer system under control of a read-only memory which contains only instructions and other data for the CPU. The system also includes a random access memory, a keyboard, a video terminal, and a port device in the form of a tape recorder/player. A master clock initiates timing used throughout the system. A multi-line data bus interconnects the CPU and the different memories of the system including the keyboard and the video RAM. Bi-directional communication is possible on the data bus. The addressing of these different memories is by way of an address bus from the CPU, which is a uni-directional bus. Data to be operated upon is basically stored in the random access memory. The keyboard is used for inputting data to the CPU and the video terminal is used for displaying data.

Abstract: The computer system of this invention has, as the heart of the system, a simple processing unit for providing most data processing by the computer system under control of a read-only memory which contains only instructions and other data for the CPU. The system also includes a random access memory, a keyboard, a video terminal, and a port device in the form of a tape recorder/player. A master clock initiates timing used throughout the system. A multi-line data bus interconnects the CPU and the different memories of the system including the keyboard and the video RAM. Bi-directional communication is possible on the data bus. The addressing of these different memories is by way of an address bus from the CPU, which is a uni-directional bus. Data to be operated upon is basically stored in the random access memory. The keyboard is used for inputting data to the CPU and the video terminal is used for displaying data.