Abstract: This invention is for encoding of Chinese & Japanese ideographic characters which are digitized into a numeric format compatible for computer access and retrieval. Each Chinese & Japanese character is indexed by a numerical code. Each character is individually identified by an eight(8)-digit Geo-Stroke code, comprised of a four (4)-digit "FRAME" code and a four (4)-digit "ID" code. The coding method conforms to general writing habits, resulting in an input method both easy and convenient for an operator to learn and utilize. Each of the (10) Geostrokes used to input Chinese & Japanese character is assigned to a numeric digit (0-9). Each of the Geostrokes resembles one of the numeric digits available on the 10-key pad. By using this method both Chinese and Japanese ideographic character can be easily input and retrieved by using a 10-key design.

Abstract: A keyboard structure of a portable computer, in which the keyboard is divided by a dividing line into two separate keyboard divisions which can be pivoted apart about a pivot center of the top end of the dividing line. Two supporting rods which are pivotally connected to each other are respectively disposed on bottom sides of the keyboard divisions. Two thread guide blocks are respectively pivotally connected to outer ends of the supporting rods and fitted around opposite thread sections of the thread rod. By means of directly shifting apart the keyboard divisions, the thread guide blocks are driven to rotate and slide toward two ends of the thread rod. When the thread guide blocks rotate, the connecting portion of the supporting rods is gradually lifted, whereby when the keyboard divisions are stretched apart, the rear end of the keyboard is also lifted by a certain inclination angle to facilitate the operation of an operator.

Abstract: A suspension system permits fine angular adjustment of a gimbal-mounted platform and, in combination with a wireless power and communications transfer system, eliminates the unwanted forces associated with systems which rely upon cables to transfer power and signals between a gimbal platform and its support structure.

Abstract: Texts including required message are entered with a small number of keys such as those of a cellular telephone. In this case, a conversion table is unnecessary and the number of key operations is reduced. The number of input characters or input character strings composed by sequentially selecting one from a plurality of alphabets distributed to sequentially entered keys is relevant to the number of operation keys (N) raised to the number of distributed character (M) power (=NM) including meaningless characters or character strings and, with respect to these, character conversion is executed by referring to a dictionary means, through the operation of the conversion next candidate key. The dictionary means stores numeric strings and words of meaningful characters or character strings among the said characters and character strings.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock includes a combination lock having a dial with no markings thereon. Rotation of the dial drives a generator which produces electrical pulses. The voltage pulses serves as a power source for the electronics of the lock. The lock also includes a security feature to disable the lock if the combination dial is stopped between dial rotations for a period of time which indicates dialing by an automatic dialer.

Abstract: A self-contained automated meter reader system for monitoring a plurality of channels for gas, electricity and water utilities, has additional channels dedicated to normally closed alarm signals for monitoring the integrity of the system. The system is installed at the site of a standard utility meter and is configured for monitoring and operation by a user via keyword command programming on a data terminal or personal computer. Externally entered programming communicates with a compiler in the automated meter reader unit. Pulse data is accepted from digital meter reader devices for gas and water systems and a photoelectric sensor reads the watt-hour electricity usage. Utility office communication is via telephone modem link to a computer and a lap-top computer for field setup and systems analysis.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a characteristic sensor of a transponder having a memory characteristic of a host including the steps of placing a transponder in a liquid bath having a known temperature, measuring the value of the bath with the transponder, outputting the temperature value measured by the transponder, receiving the output signal and computing the temperature value of the bath, comparing the computed value of the bath with the known value of the bath and storing the difference between the computed value and the known value in a predetermined memory location in the transponder.

Abstract: An improved delay characteristic compensation circuit for a memory device which is capable of constantly maintaining the characteristic of the delay path by connecting or disconnecting the delay devices to the delay path by detecting quickly the variation of the supply voltage, which includes a signal delay unit for sequentially delaying an input signal; a voltage variation detector for detecting a variation of a digital supply voltage and adjusting the level of a divide voltage with respect to the supply voltage at a predetermined ratio; a code data generator for generating a code data in accordance with the voltage adjusted by the voltage variation detector; and a delay characteristic compensation unit for connecting a predetermined number of delay devices to a delay path of the delay unit in accordance with a code data generated by the code data generator for dividing the same so as to constantly maintain the delay characteristic of the delay unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining various physical quantities such as temperature, pressure, stress, strain, distance and the like in a manner such that a change in the physical quantity of interest results in a measurable change in the frequency of oscillation of a signal generated within the apparatus.

Abstract: A remote control (also called "printed publication remote control") for controlling a host device (such as a television or a personal computer) includes: (1) a substrate having a circuit formed of conductive ink (such as carbon based ink) and printed content located adjacent to the conductive ink circuit; (2) an integrated (IC) circuit die supported by (e.g. embedded in) the substrate and connected to the conductive ink circuit; (3) a signal transmitter such as an infrared light emitting diode (LED) connected to the IC die; and (4) a battery connected to the IC die and to the transmitter. The substrate and the printed content together form a printed publication in the form of, for example, a book, a magazine or a catalog. The conductive ink circuit can include a criss-cross grid of conductive lines, with a number of switches being formed at intersections of the grid such that a switch closes when printed content adjacent to the switch is touched.

Abstract: A trim unit having a simple structure is provided which has an arrangement such that an automatic repeating function is activated when a trim switch is depressed continuously. If a determination is performed in step S40 that count value CNT (1) of a first counter is larger than N3, then the value of CNT (1) is set to N2+CNT (2) so that count value CNT (2) of a second counter is increased. Then, the trimming position is moved by one step in step S80. If the trim switch is continuously depressed, the interval for the count value CNT (1) to be larger than N3 in shortened in accordance with the count value CNT (2). Thus, the repeating speed for the trimming position to be moved is raised so that the trimming position is quickly adjusted.

Abstract: A wireless remote control transmitter for remotely controlling the operation of home entertainment devices. In one embodiment, the transmitter comprises a generally rectangular housing having a top end, a bottom end, a front, a back, a right side and a left side. An L-shaped printed circuit board is disposed within the housing, the board having a front portion and a right side portion. The printed circuit board includes a first LED adapted to transmit a beam of infrared light through a window in the top end of the housing, a second LED adapted to transmit a beam of infrared light through a window in the right side of the housing, suitable electronics and a printed circuit coupling the LED's to the electronics. A first keyboard, whose keys are accessible from the front of the housing, is positioned over the front of the printed circuit board. A second keyboard, whose keys are accessible from the right side of the housing, is positioned over the right portion of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An engineering unit converter system for converting an analog measurement into an engineering value. An analog measurement of a physical quantity is transformed into a digital value. The digital value is then split into a high order digit and a lower order digit. The high order digit is used as an address to a memory device for fetching a line segment coefficient and a line segment offset coefficient. The lower order digit is multiplied with the line segment coefficient in a multiplier resulting in a product. The product is added to the line segment coefficient offset resulting in a sum whose value is an engineering unit. One embodiment is directed to converting temperature measurements into engineering units via thermocouples. This embodiment includes: thermocouple devices, resistance thermal devices or positive temperature coefficient thermistors, adders, multipliers, and memory devices (readable and writable memory devices).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communication by means of transmitting, receiving, and displaying messages generated by eyelid movement, particularly by using the differences in reflectivity of the human eye and eyelid to produce the messages.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the horsepower transmitted by the drive shaft of an automotive vehicle, by determining the torque on the shaft through the measurement of the resistance of an included strain gauge, yet without the need for a power supply, such as a battery, being on the rotating shaft itself, and by employing a capacitive coupling to transmit power and signal to and from the drive shaft and fixed part of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for reliably conveying real time shaft position information, without cables, between a stationary sensor connected to a reciprocating engine or compressor, or other rotating machinery, and an engine analyzer, in the presence of high energy ignition voltages employs a combination of conventional and non-conventional radio frequency technologies and digital signal processing to both encode and accurately reproduce real time shaft position information. The apparatus provides a safer and more efficient method for an engine maintenance technician to make predictive maintenance measurements on reciprocating engines.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system are provided for English text analysis. A file of a plurality of English sentences is received and submitted to a parser. A unified parse structure is generated by the parser for predefined ones of the English sentences. A plurality of predetermined critiquing rules are applied to each of the unified parse structures for identifying exceptions to recommended English. Identified exceptions together with related information are stored in an exception file. Then an interactive session with a user is performed utilizing the stored exception file.

Abstract: A forest surveillance and monitoring system for the early detection and reporting of forest fires in a forest area under surveillance. The system comprises a number of remote detectors placed within the forest area and telemetrically linked to a central processing system. Each remote detector comprises an infrared sensor and video camera mounted on a remotely controllable moving platform. The remote detector also contains a weather sensor for collecting critical weather data at the remote site. Located at each remote site is a remote processor which controls all data collection, the remote processor being in communication with the central site via a remote communication subsystem and central communication system which are linked via radio. The central control site receives weather data and alarm information as well as video images from the remote detector site via the communication system.

Abstract: A remote electricity metering system utilizes a central station (LC) to communicate with meters (U1-U13) over the mains (10-14), with messages to remote meters being relayed by intermediate meters and the route of a message being determined by the central station. The present invention provides alarm signalling whereby the meters can communicate directly with the central station. Each meter can generate a respective combination of alarm frequencies, preferably sequentially and inside the frequency band used for normal messaging, and the local controller monitors the mains for those frequencies. An error detecting and/or correcting code can be used for the alarm frequency combinations. The central station polls the meter or meters sending the alarm. The meters are microprocessor based, with the normal message signals and the alarm frequencies being synthesized from a sequence of digital values by a D/A converter.

Abstract: A selective call radio (10), including a housing (12), has a display (18) and touchpad (22) of the same size. The display is mounted to a surface on one side of the housing, and the touchpad is mounted to another surface on an opposite side of the housing, directly opposite the display. A screen surface of the display and a touch surface of the touchpad are parallel and have a same number of edges. Sliding of a user's fingertip on the touchpad in a right-to-left direction causes movement of a pointer (26) in a left-to-right direction, and vice versa. Movement on the touchpad causes movement in an identical amount on the display.