Abstract: A device and method for converting electrical energy into heat energy including a cascade connection of bidirectional thyristors, such as triacs, operated from an alternating current power supply. The thyristor are submerged in oil which is thermally conductive but electrically insulative, the oil being in initimate contact with the thyristors junctions. The heat energy at the junctions flows to the oil, from there to a heatsink (radiator), and from the radiator to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: An automatic vent damper and fuel valve control for a fluid fuel-fired furnace including an electrically-operated valve in the fuel line, a normally-open damper in the furnace vent having electrically-operated means for closing the damper, and a thermostat for sensing the temperature in the space being heated. A Hall-effect generator is employed for sensing the positions of the damper and for respectively providing signals in response thereto. A gas detector is provided for sensing the presence of hydrocarbon-containing gas in the region of the draft hood and vent of the furnace and for providing a gas-present signal in response thereto. A control is provided for the valve responsive to both the damper-open signal and the thermostat calling for heat to energize the valve to open the same, the valve control de-energizing the valve to close the same in response to the thermostat calling for termination of heating, or the damper-closed signal, or the gas-present signal.

Abstract: A rotational field, such as is produced by the rotation of a motor vehicle alternator rotor, has placed therein a conductor coil which is cut by the lines of force, or flux lines, of the rotating field. The coil is wound upon a magnetic strip which in turn is wrapped around the housing of the alternator. The rotational speed of the alternator rotor will cause corresponding pulses in the coil which are received by a circuit which utilizes the pulse rate to control an output.

Abstract: A safety device which may be coupled to a vehicle steering mechanism to provide an alarm indication of drowsiness or other inadequate steering activity by the operator, is disclosed comprising a transducer for providing a broad-band electrical signal in response to steering activity by the operator for all operable positions of the steering mechanism along with circuitry for monitoring this electrical signal and energizing an alarm when the electrical signal fails to satisfy some prescribed minimum condition. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric crystal is in contact with the steering shaft and the electrical output of the crystal is first amplified and then employed to maintain a charge on a capacitor. Means responsive to the capacitor charge falling outside the preferred charge range then energizes the alarm.