Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a video recorder during the recording of a video signal containing picture information, including standard length commercials, to edit the commercials from the recording. The video signal is supplied to an automatically calibrated picture break detector, which detects dark picture breaks in the video signal having a length or duration greater than a predetermined minimum length and less than a predetermined maximum length. An timer circuit, actuated by the picture break detector, measures and identifies a plurality of standard commercial lengths after each detected picture break. A commercial indicator circuit, actuated by the picture break detector and the timer circuit, detects and identifies the length of a standard length commercial whenever the end of a standard commercial length measured by the timer circuit after one detected picture break occurs during a subsequent detected picture break.

Abstract: A radio transmitter is operatively arranged to develop and broadcast a coded signal which may be used to effect remote control functions, for example, to control door opening mechanism. The transmitter includes a radio frequency oscillator having a coil which constitutes the radiating element. The radio frequency oscillator is modulated by a first low frequency oscillator, which is frequency modulated by output from a second low frequency oscillator, both low frequency oscillators being controlled by a timer which turns the low frequency oscillators ON for about one second and holds them OFF for about thirty seconds. The low frequency oscillators and the timer are realized by a commercially available, integrated CMOS circuit.

Abstract: A television editing system includes devices which respond to the absence of picture information in a video signal for at least a predetermined period of time, a prelude to the start of a commercial message, and disable or reduce the audio output from a television set or the like for a given period. A microphone is arranged to receive an external audio recall signal, which could be produced by a user clapping his hands. This received signal is processed and used to recall the audio output within the given period. A circuit, responsive to received video signals over a period during which several commercial messages may appear, automatically sets the sensitivity of the editing system.

Abstract: An advertising editing system for a video apparatus including a relay for controlling the operation of the video apparatus and a detector for sampling the voltage of the video signal and a comparator for comparing the sampled voltage amplitude with a reference voltage to provide an output voltage signal upon absence of picture information in the video signal for a period of time corresponding to at least one frame to activate the relay and condition the video apparatus during the period of the commercial message.

Abstract: An alarm device responsive to vibration includes a unitary housing in which is disposed an SCR for connecting an alarm signal to an associated source of power, the gate of the SCR being connected to a pendulum and ring assembly with the pendulum being normally suspended within the ring out of engagement therewith but which moves into engagement with the ring when the housing is subjected to vibration to apply power to the SCR gate so that the SCR conducts to actuate the alarm signal for indicating the application of a vibration to the housing or a supporting structure on which the housing is mounted. The alarm device may also include timing circuitry which deactivates the SCR after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A television advertising editing system including a detector for sampling the video signal in a television set to charge a capacitor negatively during which the system is inactive but which permits the capacitor to be charged positively in the brief period wherein the video signal is interrupted between the television program material and commercial material for providing triggering output voltage which permits a relay, connected to the television audio output, to be energized either discontinuing or diminishing the audio output for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An emergency control system for traffic signals in which a coded emergency signal transmitted from an emergency vehicle is picked up by a directional receiver associated with the traffic signals and a command emergency signal generated which activates a control unit by means of which the existing state of the traffic signals is sampled and the information stored after which the control unit switches control of the traffic signals from the main controller to the control unit which determines from the stored information the existing state of the traffic signals and the information from the receiver as to the direction of approach of the emergency vehicle, the correct sequence for placing the traffic signals in the proper state, the discontinuation of the emergency signal initiating the return of control of the traffic signals to the main controller by the control unit on the first amber light function output from the main controller.