Abstract: A control system for a toaster oven incorporating a conveyor driven by an inexpensive ac motor, where the control system allows the entire range of toasting demands to be met while also compensating for variations in the line voltage. The heart of the toasting control is the reliance on the total dwell time of the bread products within the toasting zone of the oven, rather than on the speed of the motor. The control system also provides for a convection fan of varying speed without the need to replace the inexpensive muffin fan with more elaborate devices. Among the advantages offered by the dwell time approach is on-the-fly adjustment upward or downward of the degree of toasting, there being no need to await for the toasting zone to heat up or cool down to achieve this.

Abstract: An inexpensive system for measuring and controlling the height of the platform of a lift, especially of a non-fixed lift such as fork-lift or scissors-lift. By the use of a time-monitoring microprocessor, this system carries out such measuring and controlling over a continuous range of height even though the direct-measuring operations just involve a small, discrete number of surrogate-height-markers and one or two off/on sensors. This is accomplished by incorporating into the control system (a) a geometric model relating the height of the platform to the value of a surrogate parameter and (b) dynamic model describing how the surrogate parameter changes with time during ascent and descent of the platform. With this data, the microprocessor can control the platform precisely, causing it to move to any vertical position within its normal range. The resolution is limited only by the precision of the geometric and dynamic models.

Abstract: A gas flow sensor particularly useful for the measurement of relatively low flow rates. The sensor includes a flexible vane affixed to a substrate. One end of the vane is conductive and is permitted to move with the flexing of the vane. That end of the vane forms part of one or more capacitors such that as the vane bends with the flow of gas therethrough, the capacitive value changes. The gas flow rate can then be determined using well-known circuitry. The vane includes a flow-restriction section to allow the gas to flow through. The vane is designed of a material and a configuration to ensure that it bends under very low flow conditions.

Abstract: A position-dependent switch to sense deployment of an underwater pinger to enable operation upon deployment. During underwater deployment the pinger orients itself differently from an orientation chosen for the stowed (not deployed) condition. The position-dependent, or orientation-dependent, switch senses the pinger orientation and enables pinger operation automatically upon deployment. When the pinger is stowed the position-dependent switch disables the operation of the pinger.

Abstract: An acoustic resonance chamber in an underwater pinger is designed to enhance the acoustic emission from the pinger. An electro-acoustic transducer of the pinger is positioned away from a reflective surface of the pinger housing by a distance chosen in proportion to the wavelength of the fundamental frequency of the acoustic emission. This creates a resonant condition at the transducer, maximizing the acoustic output. This design also causes a maximum transfer of the acoustic wave through the pinger housing and into the surrounding water.

Abstract: A method for thermal storage using an apparatus including an outdoor temperature sensor and at least one indoor zone temperature sensor, includes the steps of: estimating an average on-peak outdoor temperature for tomorrow by adding the average on-peak outdoor temperature for today to the current outdoor temperature minus the outdoor temperature at the same time yesterday; estimating the temperature difference in each zone between the outside on-peak temperature and the indoor on-peak temperature for that zone for tomorrow by subtracting the estimated average on-peak outdoor temperature for tomorrow from the average set point temperature in the respective zone for today; calculating the thermal charge by multiplying yesterday's actual off-peak charge by the estimated temperature difference in each zone divided by the average actual temperature in each zone for today's on-peak period; and charging the thermal storage system.

Abstract: Corrosion prevention methods and apparatus are disclosed for protecting a metal structure immersed in a corroding electrolyte wherein a continuously applied filtered direct current is passed therethrough. A reference electrode or cell, preferably one, is immersed with the electrolyte between anode means and the structure wall but spaced a considerable distance from the wall. The metal structure potential is sensed and measured against the reference electrode, free of IR drop effect of the protective current and electrolyte resistivity variations, by automatic and periodic modulation of the protective current. Calculations are suitably made by a microprocessor-based controller which also regulates the protective current for maintaining a selected structural potential.

Abstract: Circuitry is provided for use with solenoid driven apparatus, such as a metering pump, for example, which is typically powered by direct current from a full wave rectifier. The circuit compensates for variations in the supply voltage by adjusting solenoid "on-time" in substantially inverse relationship to the supply voltage by powering an RC charging network of an integrated circuit directly from the secondary of a transformer supplying power to the solenoid.