Abstract: A circular array of equally spaced, identical stationary electrodes are arranged about the center of the array and a rotary electrode is substantially arranged on a surface of the rotary member to be monitored in such a manner that M among N stationary electrodes have a maximum capacitance by being in confronting relationship to the rotary electrode according to the angular position of the rotary member, a maximum capacitance is in proportion to .theta. which is the azimuthal angle of the radius as measured from the initial end of the stationary electrode. The angular position of rotary member is identified from the stationary electrodes which are in confronting relationship to rotary electrode and are identified by measuring the output signal owing to a maximum capacitance while scanning the stationary electrodes.

Abstract: A computer accessory is disclosed that includes a module. The computer accessory comprises a module having an input port and an output port and a microprocessor circuit that generates an output signal in keyboard character code at the output port that is of selected correspondence to an input signal in keyboard character code received at the input port. Coupling components enable insertion of the module in a data transmission path between a selected keyboard and an associated computer system.

Abstract: An electronic information display system which is organized as a reference information display system. The system comprises a reference source in the form of a compact disc CD ROM, which constitutes a mass read-only memory for the system. The disc contains text, graphics and/or sound data portions for a plurality of items of information. The disc also contains a list of these items together with addresses for their respective data portions. The system is processor-controlled such that the list and addresses are read from the disc into a programme memory. Using scrolling and/or selection techniques, the list can then be displayed a part at a time until a required item is found. Selection of this item will result in its data portions being transferred from the CD ROM to the programme memory where they can be accessed for use (i.e. visual or audible).

Abstract: To make possible a technically uncomplicated and reliable absolute displacement determination--in particular for the position determination of robot drives--a cyclic position transmitter (L) and a revolution transmitter (U) rigidly coupled therewith are provided, the sum signal of which indicates the displacement. As revolution transmitter there is used a transmitter (U) which makes use of the Wiegend effect.

Abstract: A brake system which has a brake booster, a brake pedal which acts via a travel simulator device upon the brake booster, at least one anti-skid valve, two sensors (S.sub.p, S.sub.I) and a pulse emitter. One of the sensors measures braking pressures. The other sensor (S.sub.I) measures the displacement distances of a piston, which is displaced in the brake booster to effect braking. A comparator connected to the sensors (S.sub.p, S.sub.I) switches the pulse emitter on whenever the piston travels a longer displacement distance than is permissible at a predetermined braking pressure. The pulse emitter controls the anti-skid valve such that a driver who actuates the brake system perceives changes in braking acceleration, and these changes are intended to emphatically cause him to seek a repair facility.

Abstract: A finger-touch coordinate input apparatus according to the present invention comprises printed circuit boards provided between a display screen and its front frame and having light-emitting and light-receiving element groups thereon, and LED filters provided outside the printed circuit boards at a predetermined distance therefrom, constituting side edges of the display screen, and having light-transmitting portions at part thereof, wherein spaces formed between the printed circuit boards and the LED filters are connected to an air supply source so that an air flow is generated in at least one space, thereby easily and properly eliminating degradation of the detection function due to dust or the like at photodetectors in which the light-emitting and light-receiving elements for coordinate position detection are arranged.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a truck mounted brake system for double axle wheel trucks with pneumatic means operable through multiple levers to move the brake beams relative to each other. The lever system includes a double acting slack adjuster responsive to load changes to vary the braking force. Different load weights on the bolster causes it to assume different vertical positions relative to the side frames and the slack adjuster to vary in length so that uniform pressure to the pneumatic means produces higher brake pressure to the wheels of fully loaded cars and lower brake pressures to partially loaded and unloaded cars.

Abstract: An operator panel for a data input unit has a printed circuit board on which key switches corresponding to a number of commodities are arrayed. A flexible sheet is bonded over the keytops of the key switches. Photographs depicting the external appearance and shape of the commodities, or sketches showing the characteristics of the commodities, are printed on the flexible sheet at positions overlying respective ones of the keytops. The sheet has enough flexibility to enable operation of the key switches without hindrance. To input data relating to a desired commodity, an operator finds the photograph or sketch of the commodity on the flexible sheet and presses this portion of the sheet, thereby pressing the underlying commodity key switch to effect the entry of the data.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube display device has conductive plates mounted adjacent the four sides of the CRT faceplate. These plates are positioned to sense electromagnetic noise radiation generated by the CRT. The plates are coupled to differential circuits so that normally the noise signals generated in the plates cancel. However when a finger or other object is placed at or near the CRT faceplate, the noise radiation field is disturbed, and the changed signals generated in the plates are sensed by the circuits to provide output signals indicative of the coordinate position of the object at the faceplate. The plates are preferably mounted in the front bezel of the display cabinet.

Abstract: A terminal device for a multiplexed data transmission system has a decoder matrix having plural groups of function setting inputs for selecting plural types of functions such as interface, operation modes and other. One group of the function setting inputs are preferably address designating signals which are utilized for determining the interface. The other group of the function setting inputs determines various additional functions such as, for example, enabling/disabling of fail-safe function and automatic transmission function. Selection with the aid of the matrix allows selection of a large number of functions with a small number of input signals. Utilization of the address signals to this end allows the number of terminal pins to be decreased to a minimum.

Abstract: A matrix display system including a unit made up of a plurality of modules, each module containing an array of incandescent lamps which provides a low cost assembly for displaying video images and messages. The unit also includes the necessary electronics to control the brightness of each lamp of the array in order to form images in response to a standard video signal. Relatively simple circuitry is provided for controlling the video sampling, lamp brightness levels, and lamp pre-heat power. All signals are digitized, and no adjustments are required in the display unit itself. Each lamp plugs into the display unit to facilitate replacements. The display unit is divided into a plurality of modules for rapid servicing, and to allow for the possibility of larger or smaller displays by using different numbers of modules.

Abstract: A variable color display device simultaneously indicates values of first digital data in digital format and values of second digital data in variable color.

Abstract: A touch sensitive data input device is provided for use with the screen of a cathode ray tube. The device has an annular bezel that loosely supports a firm clear backing plate. A rear transparent sheet element that has a coefficient of thermal expansion different from that of the backing plate is loosely retained against the backing plate to avoid deformation induced by differential thermal expansions. A closely spaced apart front transparent element is placed adjacent the rear transparent sheet, their respective adjacent surfaces having mutually orthogonal electrically conductive strips that make local electrical contact when a force is applied to the front element. An annular frame over the front element is secured to the bezel. In one aspect of the invention, a gasket with both sides coated with a resilient bonding material seals the frame to the bezel to protect the zone between the transparent front and rear elements from contamination by environmental pollutants.

Abstract: A system for warning the pilot of a rotary wing aircraft such as a helicopter of a flight condition that, if left uncorrected, would result in the tail of the aircraft striking the ground monitors the altitude above ground, descent rate, pitch and pitch rate of the aircraft and provides a warning if the relationship between the aforementioned parameters is such that a tail strike is imminent.

Abstract: In a radio paging receiver which is capable of responding to a message signal specific to the receiver and which comprises a display unit (90) and a message processing section (60) for making the display unit display the message signal, the message processing section monitors the message signal to produce a drive signal after reception of the message signal until the message signal is delivered to the display unit. Responsive to the drive signal, a combination of transistors (3 and 2) keeps power supply of a power source 18 to the message processing section as long as the drive signal is produced. Such power supply is carried out regardless of a state of a power supply switch (20). A decoder (40) makes a speaker (80) generate an alarm in response to the drive signal after the power supply switch is put into an off state. The alarm lasts until the switch is put into an on state.

Abstract: Existing auditory warning systems are in general too loud and it is often difficult to distinguish between a number of different warnings. Further under different conditions warnings may change character due to masking by varying noise. A warning system is disclosed which is based on a microprocessor and waveforms for each warning sound stored in a ROM. The waveforms are read out to DACs and used to drive a loudspeaker by way of programmable attenuators. Each waveform is devised to have at least four quasi-harmonically related frequency components at a power level in the range 15 to 30 dB above threshold. In this way the sounds are distinctive and do not change character with varying noise levels below threshold.

Abstract: A reflective optical wheel speed transducer system is disclosed. The system utilizes a single optical fiber to transmit light to a pair of interrupter discs, and to collect light reflected from the discs. One of the interrupter discs is stationary, and one is rotated at an angular velocity proportional to the rotational speed of a wheel. Both discs are provided with alternating, regularly spaced reflecting and transmissible areas. The reflecting areas of the stationary disc reflect a constant bias level of light to the optical fiber. The reflecting areas of the rotatable disc modulate light passing through the transmissible areas of the stationary disc at a rate proportional to the angular velocity of the wheel. Thus, the interrupter discs generate a modulated light signal that rides on top of the fixed bias signal. Decoding circuitry is provided to convert the modulated component of the light signal to an electrical signal that represents the rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: A telemetry system for a surface maintenance machine such as a scrubber or a sweeper has a plurality of sensors which monitor machine operating conditions. The sensors are periodically scanned and repetitive outputs indicative of sensor condition are used to provide tone coded telemetry signals. The tone coded signals are modulated on a suitable carrier frequency and are sent to a receiver which is remote from the sensors. The receiver decodes the tone coded signals to provide a display of the conditions being monitored by the sensors. The tone coded outputs from the transmitter also include an identification of the particular machine which is providing information for the display at the receiver.

Abstract: A tuned circuit is provided for connection to a transmitter of a power line communication system. The tuned circuit comprises components selected to provide a low impedance path to ground for a power line communication signal of a preselected frequency. When the transmitter is not in the process of transmitting a power line communication signal, it causes a shorting switch to be closed which shorts a secondary winding of a transformer of the tuned circuit. Therefore, during periods of time when the transmitter is not transmitting power line communication signals, spurious signals on the power line are diverted to ground and not permitted to travel to remote receivers connected to the power line distribution system.

Abstract: A caliper brake for wide-tire mountain bicycles. Each caliper arm is pivotally mounted to a stationary pivot post of the bicycle frame via a cylindrical bushing to which the arm is press fitted. A return spring is retained around the pivot post in a normally stationary portion enabling purposeful adjustment. A brake shoe holder is mounted on one end of the caliper arm, and a roller-mounting post is secured to the other end. A cam roller is mounted rotatably on the roller mounting post by a low-friction bearing and has a circumferential groove engaging a cammed edge of a cam plate, to which a brake-actuating cable is secured. The brake shoe holder is preferably asymmetrical and is mounted for adjustment lengthwise of the caliper arm and for rotation around it and is also made adjustable as to the spacing from the caliper arm and as to the rotational position around an axis perpendicular to that arm.