Abstract: Disclosed is a fastening device for the building construction trade that includes a threaded fastener and a mounting plate. The mounting plate includes a frusto-conical aperture adapted to receive the threaded fastener where the smaller opening of the frusto-conical aperture is on the top surface of the mounting plate where the fastener is seated. The threaded fastener includes a collar portion surrounding the fastener head. The top surface of the mounting plate includes a seating portion surrounding the frusto-conical aperture. The seating portion and the bottom surface of the collar portion are complementary in shape and are both shaped as a section of a spherical surface.

Abstract: Apportioning energy costs among units by sensing a heat exchange for at least one heat exchanger in each unit. In response to this sensing, a value corresponding to an amount of heat provided by the heat exchanger is determined for each unit. Each value is transmitted to a central location, and they are processed to apportion energy cost for each unit as a function of the respective value. Total values for each heat exchanger can be summed to provide a summation value corresponding to a total amount of heat provided to the unit over time, and energy costs can be apportioned as a function of this summation value for each unit. A probe that includes a probe body and an electrical heat sensing element mounted in the probe body. A tamper detecting mechanism responds to forces applied to the probe and interacts with a conductive lead of the probe to provide an electrical tampering indication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means of maintaining a constant tuned frequency as a wrist band antenna is lengthened and shortened. As a wrist band antenna is lengthened, the inductance of the antenna is generally increased. The present invention provides a wrist band the length of the antenna. As the wrist band is lengthened the inductance increases and the capacitance decreases thereby maintaining the tuned frequency substantially constant.

Abstract: A remote level measurement system for use in a multi-terminal communications system wherein a plurality of remote terminals are connected to a master terminal by a distribution network for bi-directional transmission of signals. The remote terminals are adapted to receive and transmit signals on the network. work. The master terminal is adapted to transmit an interrogation signal to a selected remote terminal and wait for a period of time sufficient for the interrogation signal to be transmitted to, and detected by, a selected remote terminal and a reply signal to be sent back to the master terminal by the remote terminal. At the expiration of that time the master terminal samples and measures the analog level of the reply signal.

Abstract: A remote level adjustment system for use in a multi-terminal communications system wherein a plurality of remote terminals are connected to a master terminal by a distribution network for bi-directional transmission of signals. The remote terminals are adapted to transmit and receive signals on the network and respond to a polling signal by transmitting signals regarding transactions at respective sites. Each remote terminal includes circuitry for responding to level-setting signals by transmitting reply signals, and variable attenuation circuitry for adjusting, in response to a level-setting adjustment signal, the power level of the signals it transmits. The master terminal is adapted to transmit and receive signals on the network and includes program and circuit means for transmitting a polling signal.

Abstract: A bi-directional data transmission and control system utilizing a central processing unit and a multiplicity of remote subscribers. Each subscriber is provided with a terminal coupled with the central processing unit by a suitable medium such as a CATV channel. Each terminal is provided with a demarcation plane separating common circuitry from a number of specialty modules and a common bus therebetween for circuitry simplification, application expandability and individual tailoring. The data transmission scheme efficiently utilizes the frequency spectrum and enhances polling frequency by permitting selective polling of any given specialty module or subscriber at any given time and by permitting simultaneous polling of every subscriber for service calls, thereafter locating the caller with minimal polling. Data transmission protocol is expandable or contractable for each terminal independently of others and permits data transmission between any two points in the system.