Abstract: A user configurable control device is particularly suitable for household devices such as remote control transmitters. A variety of function control elements in the form of keys are provided to the consumer who selects a desired set of the control elements. Each of the control elements has a unique pattern of projections molded into the bottom surface. These projections are in operative alignment with an array of membrane switches disposed on a switching substrate within the control device. The control device includes a front panel that is perforated with a pattern of slots. Each of the control elements has a pair of projecting tabs that lock the element onto the control panel so that it is securely retained thereon, but may be released if desired. The projections on the bottom of the element extend through the slots in the front panel to the switching substrate below.

Abstract: An information input device is provided comprising a connecting matrix, a voltage source, a probe pin coupled to said voltage source, a first multiple channel delay circuit, a second multiple channel delay circuit, a NOR circuit with multiple inputs, a first pulse generator having a trigger input connected to an output of said NOR circuit and a reset input connected to the output of said first multiple channel delay circuit, and a second pulse generator having a trigger input connected to the output of said NOR circuit and a reset input connected to the output of said second multiple channel delay circuit.

Abstract: A transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit couple inductively to allow data communication between a mass transit vehicle farebox and an external computer. Data communication may be performed simultaneously with removal of coins from the farebox via a vacuum hose. Two mating connectors each carry a wire coil; one coil is connected to the transmitter circuit and the other is connected to the receiver circuit. Furthermore, the same connectors that carry the coils may be used to form the vacuum hose connection. A modulated signal representing encoded binary data is applied to the transmitter coil to cause corresponding flux changes. When placed in close proximity to one another, the magnetic flux changes across the gap induce a corresponding modulated signal in the receiver coil. The induced signal in the receiver coil is then decoded to recover the original binary data. The coils thus function as halves of a transformer.

Abstract: The state or setting of an electronically readable wheel counting wheel mechanism is reliably and unambiguously ascertained for each setting thereof, and for this purpose, the counting wheel mechanism is functionally divided into rotating and stationary wheel packets, in dependence on its setting at the instant of the read-out, wherein the first rotating wheel pack comprises the lowest digit counting wheel a as well as the next higher digit counting wheel b, in case the lowest digit counting wheel a is in the setting between 9 and 0 and so forth, with the stationary wheel packet comprising the rest of the counting wheels. In a rotating wheel packet, the indication or setting of a counting wheel is absolutely ascertained from its angle of rotation, with the inclination of the other counting wheels, of a rotating wheel packet, being ascertained through their rotation relative to the absolutely ascertained counting wheel or through the rotation relative to a previously ascertained wheel.

Abstract: An absolute signal detecting method and an absolute encoder according to the present invention load a n-bit positional signal (3) to a counting circuit (12) through rotating a code plate (1) at power ON, and can obtain an absolute encoder signal (12A) after this load through performing count up/down of the counting circuit (12) with an incremental signal (2).

Abstract: Multidigit counting wheel mechanism for a volume-measuring instrument. An absolute encoder for a measuring instrument includes a mechanical counting wheel mechanism consisting of five sensors, mounted in a plane perpendicular to a counting mechanism axle, for each counting wheel and a code, producing a digital rotary angle signal with a resolution of 12.degree., on each counting wheel, with the counting wheel mechanism being visually readable in a conventional manner, with the encoder not increasing the torque required for driving the counting mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the pressure within the torque converter of an automatic transmission. The apparatus includes a sensor to sense the interior pressure of the torque converter and generate an electrical signal representative of that pressure. That signal is converted to microwave energy which is radiated into the interior of the torque converter housing from a microwave transmitter located within the torque converter. Receiving microwave antennae exposed to the housing interior receive the microwaves and transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the microwave energy to a remote readout external of the torque converter. The receiving antenna are preferably in the form of resonant slots in the torque converter housing and the slots have a length related to the wavelength of the generated microwaves.

Abstract: A scanning method of keypad architectures utilizing power pin V.sub.DD and ground pin GND of an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The integrated circuit device has a number of row pins and column pins, a power pin and a ground pin, and a number of pins for other functions of the integrated circuit device. The row and column pins, power pin and ground pin of the integrated circuit device are connected to respective connections of a keyswitch matrix, which has a plurality of row connections and column connections. The keyswitch matrix of the scanning apparatus has a first one of the row connections connected to the power pin. The keyswitch matrix of the scanning apparatus has a second one of the row connection connected to the ground pin. Each of the other row pins is connected respectively to corresponding one of the row connections. Each of the column pins is connected respectively to corresponding one of the column connections.

Abstract: A security system for controlling access to computing devices. The security system provides selectively programmable access, monitored access, access privilege modifications and recorded access history for a computing device.

Abstract: To allow data from the joy stick type operation levers to be output to the main control section side using a minimum number of output wires, a joy stick type operating lever is provided with a sub-control section which receives signals from the joy stick and other related sources, digitizes and arranges the signals according to a present order and outputs the signals to a main control circuit.

Abstract: An electronic circuit, more particularly an harmonic oscillator, is for example arranged as a transmitter for telecontrol signals, especially a remote transmitter for controlling devices such as door locks, anti-theft devices etc. in a motor vehicle. The circuit includes a device for linearising and symmetrizing the response of the amplifier of the harmonic oscillator, which is connected to the output of a means for generating telecontrol words, so as to reduce the output of harmonics.

Abstract: A mass flow meter is provided for measuring the mass flow rate of a material moving along a flow path. The mass flow meter generates a field of electromagnetic energy through which a material moving along the flow path passes. The mass flow meter includes a receiver that detects an amount of electromagnetic energy reflected from the material which is proportional to the concentration of material moving along the flow path. The amount of electromagnetic energy reflected and an assumed velocity are used to generate a response related to the mass flow rate of the material moving along the flow path.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of utility clients has a meter at the client location. A reader, such as an infrared emitter and optical photosensor arrangement, obtains consumption information from the meter and provides the information to a microprocessor. The microprocessor stores the information as data in memory. A server located remotely from the client locations sends polling messages to the client locations to obtain the consumption data. Messages are sent one at a time, with a period between messages to await a response. Messages from the server and to the client locations and from the client locations to the servers include error correction fields to enable the receiving location to check the message for errors. The server scans a range of radio frequencies to measure traffic and noise and uses information obtained to create a radio frequency hop map. This map is transmitted to client locations for use in future responses to polling messages.

Abstract: A computer keyboard is provided which is mounted for pivoting movement adjacent one of its front and rear edges. The keyboard also may be pivotable about a more or less vertical pivot. One or more cams engage the keyboard for movement thereof either continuously or from time to time. The cams are motor operated or manually operated, and may effect pivotal movement of the keyboard on a continuous basis or on an intermittent basis. In a preferred embodiment a time or counter operates a light/buzzer device to call attention of the operator to the necessity for operating a manual lever to effect movement of the cam to effect movement of the keyboard.

Abstract: A control signal transmitting device is used for a control device, such as a position detecting device. The transmitting device includes a position detecting sensor, and a receiving device situated near the position detecting sensor. The position detecting sensor includes a sensing device, a radio wave transmitting device electrically connected to the sensing device, and a device for directing the radio wave in one direction. The radio wave transmitting device emits radio wave in a direction opposite the sensing device upon receiving a signal from the sensing device. The receiving device includes a radio wave receiving device disposed to face the radio wave transmitting device for receiving the radio wave transmitted from the transmitting device, and a shielding device for covering the receiving device to receive the radio wave from one direction.

Abstract: A method for setting addresses in a system including a controller for controlling transmission and reception of information signals, and a connection apparatus for connection to a succeeding connection apparatus for transmission and reception of the information signals between the controller and the succeeding connection apparatus, including the steps of supplying a first address setting signal from the controller to the connection apparatus, processing the first address setting signal in a predetermined manner in the connection apparatus to generate a second address setting signal, and providing the second address setting signal selectively to one of the controller and the succeeding connection apparatus.

Abstract: A system capable of remotely validating the identity of individuals and monitoring their locations includes a first device attached to the individual being monitored by a circumferential band worn around his wrist, ankle or neck that is capable of electronically generating a sequence of pseudorandom numbers that will cease to function if the band is cut or otherwise opened to detach the device from the individual. The system also includes a second device which is a remote microprocessor or computer based monitor synchronized to the same sequence of pseudorandom numbers and in occasional communication with the individual over telephone lines or some other remote means such as a radio frequency transmission link. The system may be used to limit remote access of computer data bases to authorized individuals or to limit entry to facilities such as offices or buildings on a campus. Access is authorized when the individual communicates a current valid pseudorandom number to the central computer-based monitor.

Abstract: A remote control system comprising a remote commander and an electronic device main unit, in which the remote commander transmits a command signal to the electronic device main unit, the electronic device main unit receives the command signal, and the electronic device main unit transmits a signal that represents a setting state of the electronic device main unit. The remote commander receives the signal from the main unit and the remote commander displays the setting state of the electronic device main unit so that it can be checked by the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transferring messages in a one-way communication system, particularly a paging system. The transmission of the messages is organized in such a manner that the message is separated from the address. By address it is meant the identity codes of the receivers. Furthermore, the receivers find their message with the aid of a subaddress. The method provides for battery saving by means of the fact that the receivers which are not addressed in the address part do not listen to the message part but go into a battery-saving idle mode.

Abstract: An identification system comprises an interrogator and a number of transponders. The interrogator includes a transmitter for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponder, and a receiver for receiving a response signal from the transponder. A micro-processor identifies the transponder from data in the response signal. Each transponder comprises a receiving antenna for receiving the interrogation signal, a code generator, a transmitting antenna, and a modulator connected to the code generator. On receipt of the interrogation signal the transponder repeatedly transmits a response signal containing data which identifies the transponder. The interrogator detects successful identification of any transponder and briefly interrupts the interrogation signal to indicate the successful identification. Each transponder includes a logic circuit responsive to a respective interruption in the interrogation signal to cease transmission of its own response signal.