Abstract: A multi-sensor alarm system and method of protecting a premises include at least one sensor circuit and an alarm circuit which together establish a two-wire closed loop electrical circuit path in which a wide variety of alarm sensors are accommodated. The sensors include two-contact configurations which are normally-closed or normally-open, as well as multiple-contact configurations which are characterized by both normally-closed and normally-open contacts. Each sensor differently changes the electrical parameters of the circuit path; and the alarm circuit includes a transistor which senses each parameter change, and a timer which generates an alarm signal whenever any of the sensors is actuated. Opening or closing the circuit path at any point therein will cause the alarm signal to be generated. A status indicator constantly monitors and supervises the status of the sensors in the circuit path.

Abstract: A record operated control system is provided for use with a vending machine and a record reading/writing apparatus having a read/write head for reading and writing data on a record during relative movement between the record and the read/write head. The control system includes a decoding circuit coupled with the read/write head for decoding data read from the record thereby. A data storage circuit is coupled with the decoding circuit for receiving and storing the decoded data. A comparing circuit compares at least a portion of the stored data to predetermined data and produces a compare signal if these data compare. A data altering circuit is responsive to the compare signal for altering the stored data in accordance with the amount of credit required to vend a selected item. An encoding circuit is coupled with the storage circuit and with the read/write head for causing writing of the altered stored data onto the record.

Abstract: A card having a longitudinal strip of encoded magnetic tape is inserted in a slot in a machine which feeds the card into the machine, reads the information on the strip, reverses the direction of the card and impacts the card to form an indentation to indicate a use of the card. The card is initially encoded for plural uses. Each time the card is used, the number of available uses is decreased on the information on the strip and corresponding indentations are impacted on the card.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a wire sheet graphics tablet and a display apparatus, particularly a cathode ray tube, for receiving the signals transmitted by the graphics tablet. Alternating current flows through wires (5,6) of the tablet. The non-conducting plate (4) of the tablet is transparent and the wire sheets (5,6) are made up of transparent electrical conductors or of small conducting wires, which makes them practically invisible. The tablet is placed on the screen of the display apparatus. Between the screen of the cathode ray tube and the lower side of the graphics tablet, a transparent conducting and non-magnetic coating (8) is provided. In one variation, the current flowing through the layers of wire (5,6) is a high frequency current. The pen for the graphics tablet may be a metallic rod covered by a sheath of insulating material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for channel-specific releasing and blocking of telephone channels in "outgoing" signaling converters and in "incoming" signaling converters of a pulse code modulation (PCM) system. Alarm signals which influence the signaling converters are generated in monitoring devices. The first alarm signal serves for accommodating the signal transmission and occurs immediately given faults in the system and occurs delayed given disturbances in the system. The second alarm signal effects a blockage of the telephone channels with respect to new seizure and is immediately triggered given disturbances in the system and given faults in the system. Given this method of alarm, a channel-specific and time-differentiated release and blocking of telephone channels occurs independently of the presence of a central processing device in a signaling converter equipment.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting a closed loop formed by actuation of a telephone set, the loop being indicative of a connection between the telephone set and an exchange through a ring line and a tip line. The detecting circuit comprises generators for generating first and second detection signals having amplitudes proportional to a ring line current and a tip line current respectively, a summing circuit for summing the detection signals and a comparator for comparing the outputs of the summing circuit and a reference value and delivering an output depending upon the result of comparison.

Abstract: To increase the responsiveness of a vehicle alarm system to, for example, unauthorized entry through windows, jacking up for removal of parts or vehicle theft as well violent impact by another vehicle, at least one position sensitive sensor has its output signal, which represents the instantaneous position of the vehicle stored after activation of the alarm system. Any change in that position is detected and triggers a warning device when the deviation exceeds a predeterminable amount. The position sensitive sensor may be a fluid-filled vessel the internal resistance of which is measured in a resistance bridge or it may be a variable inductance sensor which is connected to a frequency generator whose output signals are counted and compared with a given value. The system according to the invention may also serve as an accelerometer.

Abstract: A self service terminal for dispensing voice and video information, printed documents, and goods; and for accepting service orders and payments therefor by currency or credit card. The terminal comprises a cathode ray tube display with mass storage for presenting information about the product or service sold, a keyboard for entry of customer requests, a printer for delivering coupons and tickets, a vending machine for dispensing small items, a coinbox and credit card reader for accepting payments for goods and services, and a telephone interface for communicating with the staff of a command center. The operation of the terminal is controlled by a microprocessor linked to an automated reservation system. The preferred embodiment of the invention is dedicated to the promotion and sale of travel services. The terminal is operated from three memory devices. A non-volatile memory is used to store the operating program for the terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing air pressure in pneumatic suspension units for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, comprising: air pressure sensors capable of sensing air pressures in pneumatic suspension units to generate an output signal when the air pressures are below a predetermined level; a vehicle speed sensor capable of sensing vehicle speed to generate an output signal when the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined level; a signal processor adapted to receive output signals from the pressure sensors and the vehicle speed sensor and generate an output when the air pressures in the pneumatic suspension units are below a predetermined level while the vehicle speed continues to be in excess of a predetermined level for more than a predetermined period of time. An indicating device produces an indicating signal when it receives an output signal from the signal processor.

Abstract: An environmentally sealed key actuatable capacitively coupled circuit board is disclosed comprising first and second flexible dielectric sheets having electrically conductive patterns thereon which form an array of capacitors and connecting matrix of conductors. A spacer is sealed between the sheets and the patterns on the sheets include a first array of capacitor plates on an inner surface of the first sheet and a second array of capacitor plates on the outer surface of the second sheet. A third array of floating capacitor plates is formed by a third pattern on the inner surface of the second sheet.

Abstract: The direct current line feed for a telephone subscriber's line is derived from a variable voltage source connected to the line. In one case, the source is series connected in one leg of the line while in the other case it is connected across the line. In the first case there is a constant current source across the line while in the second case the voltage source is a constant current device. In both cases a pair of matching resistors is connected across the line with the center tap grounded to provide a high resistance balanced termination for the line. In both cases a high impedance monitor is connected across the line to monitor the voltage conditions on the line, and this, via a control circuit controls the voltage source and the separate constant current device if provided. This enables line voltage to be adjusted to take account of line length without introducing undesirably large dissipation.

Abstract: In prior art acoustic test boxes, which can function as small anechoic chambers, it has been difficult to attain a frequency-independent pressure field at the test point without simultaneously increasing the frequency dependency of the velocity field, whereby tests of objects which are partly pressure sensitive and partly velocity sensitive are vitiated by errors. An elongated acoustic test box provided exclusively with curved surfaces and with space for an effective sound absorbent behind the test object overcomes this problem and at the same time provides improved acoustic insulation against low-frequency ambient noise. In a particularly appropriate embodiment the box (1) is shaped like an egg supported at its narrow end on a support (2) and divided about two-thirds of the way up into a bottom part (4) and a cover (5), the latter containing a sound source (10).

Abstract: Encoded magnetic strip cards are fed into apparatus which reads encoded data on the card. The card is fed into and out of the apparatus through a passageway defined by a guide which also serves as a mount for mechanical and electronic components. The guide is precisely constructed so that the thickness and width of the passageway are slightly greater than the corresponding dimensions of the card and the card does not jam in the passageway. In one form of the invention the guide is formed of two generally T-shaped, overlapping, interfitting members. In a second form of the invention the guide is formed of two opposed T-shaped side members and two plates relieved at their edges to receive the legs of the side members.

Abstract: A ticket handling system for use in a ticket processing system that includes a transducer for reading an encoded ticket entered by a patron and for providing a read signal in response thereto and apparatus for subsequently passing the ticket to an exit position where the ticket is accessible for return to the patron. The ticket handling system includes a transport module including the transducer for reading the encoded ticket and for providing a read signal in response thereto; an entry module coupled to the transport module for entering the ticket into the transport module; and a third module mechanically interfaced with the transport module and including structure defining a return passage for passing the ticket from the transport module to an exit position where the ticket is accessible for return to the patron.

Abstract: A plurality of the carrier signals are modulated by signals in the audio frequency bands. The carrier signals are transmitted to a receiver having one or more independent channels for receiving and demodulating the transmitted signals. The detected signals are applied to electrodes on a prosthetic device implanted in the cochlea with the electrodes selectively positioned in the cochlea to stimulate regions having a desired frequency response.

Abstract: A test set for checking headsets and groundcords utilizing an internally generated electrical signal to determine the state of individual wires by means of a visual indication. The headset is powered by the test set to enable the test set operator to speak into the headset microphone and hear the results in the earpiece.

Abstract: A digitally operating telephone exchange, especially one serving an area of low subscriber density, comprises a multiplicity of control units of substantially identical structure programmed to carry out different functions in the establishment and termination of communication among associated subscriber stations. The several control units communicate with one another, and with the subscriber stations, through a common PCM coupling network with the aid of an access unit also having a similar structure. One control unit dialogues with a higher-ranking central office for communication with subscriber stations outside the area served by the exchange.

Abstract: A solid state multiple mode stylus array capable of printing, copying, or transmission, the various operating components of which are integrally formed on a substrate to provide a monolithic device. The array components include plural printing styli arranged in one or more rows to form a printing array; a shift register, the output of successive shift register stages being coupled to successive styli, the shift register having input and output ports for the receipt and discharge of image pixels; plural scanning elements arranged in one or more rows to form a scanning array for scanning images and producing image pixels representative thereof, the output of successive scanning elements being coupled to the input of successive shift register stages; clock means for driving the shift register; and control means for selectively routing image pixels from either the input port or the scanning array to one of the printing array or the output port, or both.

Abstract: The positive and negative peak detectors in the interface are reset during each input signal cycle and the reference level used for comparison is switched from one level to another to improve decoding accuracy, with each level determined by the previous two peaks. The input signal is DC coupled and DC offset. The scanner light source is pulsed by a low duty cycle power source if code is not being scanned. The circuit is applicable for digitizing any analog signal with varying amplitudes and/or DC levels and is adaptable to microprocessor control.

Abstract: A remote control system for a telecommunications link between two stations, one being a monitoring station and the other a monitored station, interconnected by an outward channel and a return channel, said channels having a plurality of signal regenerating member pairs. The monitoring station comprises means for transmitting by a low frequency channel and in the outward direction a sequence of P pulses, a control circuit being placed in each pair of regenerating members and comprising means for detecting the pulses received, for counting the number n of said pulses, for comparing this number with two predetermined numbers n.sub.1 and n.sub.3 with n.sub.3 .noteq.0 and n.sub.3 <n.sub.1 and when n.gtoreq.n.sub.1, transmitting to a first output n-n.sub.2 the pulses received and when n.sub.3 <n<n.sub.1 transmitting to a second output the control order and transmitting no pulse to the first output, the number P of pulses transmitted by the monitoring station being selected equal to Nn.sub.2 +n.sub.