Abstract: The invention is a lens. The light transmitting portion of the lens comprises a plurality of fiber optic strands arranged parallel to each other in a side-by-side manner, forming a planar layer. The fiber optic strands are also inclined at an angle to a surface of the lens. This defeats any reflection from the interior of the lens, which gives virtual invisibility to the lens face or surface when the light source is not in use. In operation, when a light source is illuminated, the lens is then lit, displaying the color of the light source or of the color of the strands.

Abstract: A method of charging a NiMH or NiCd battery such that charging does not occupy a substantial amount of time and such that the operating temperature of the battery is reduced during the lifetime of the battery, thereby extending the life of the battery. This invention is a method of charging that is accomplished using a temperature differential method to continuously regulate the rate of charge injected into the battery. An amplifier is used to amplify the difference in temperature between one or more cases in which the battery is contained and ambient temperature. In this method, the greater the difference in temperature, the lower the charging current is injected into the battery. The method of charging may be incorporated into uninterruptible power supply equipment.

Abstract: A Z-height control tab maintains the distance between an airbag cover and a reaction housing. The reaction housing and airbag cover interlock to define a Z-height. The Z-height is defined as the distance between the two interlocked members. The Z-height control tab extends from the reaction housing and engages a wall edge of a skirt extending from the airbag cover. This Z-height control tab engagement maintains the Z-height by preventing the airbag cover and the reaction housing from compressing together.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple energy storage devices in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the system generally includes a charger coupled to a direct current (DC) bus of the UPS system, and two or more energy storage circuits, each of which includes a power regulator coupled to the charger and coupled to the DC bus, at least one energy storage device coupled to the power regulator, and a processor coupled to the power regulator for controlling the charge and discharge of the at least one energy storage device. In another embodiment of the invention, digital communication between two or more controllers is accomplished over the DC bus through use of the Control Area Network (CAN) protocol.

Abstract: A Z-height control tab maintains the distance between an airbag cover and a reaction housing. The reaction housing and airbag cover interlock to define a Z-height. The Z-height is defined as the distance between the two interlocked members. The Z-height control tab extends from the reaction housing and engages a wall edge of a skirt extending from the airbag cover. This Z-height control tab engagement maintains the Z-height by preventing the airbag cover and the reaction housing from compressing together.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple energy storage devices in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the system generally includes a charger coupled to a direct current (DC) bus of the UPS system, and two or more energy storage circuits, each of which includes a power regulator coupled to the charger and coupled to the DC bus, at least one energy storage device coupled to the power regulator, and a processor coupled to the power regulator for controlling the charge and discharge of the at least one energy storage device. In another embodiment of the invention, digital communication between two or more controllers is accomplished over the DC bus through use of the Control Area Network (CAN) protocol.

Abstract: An uniterruptible power supply (UPS) system that includes one or more NiMH or Li-ion batteries is provided. In one general aspect, the invention features a power supply system including a power input to receive input power from a power source, a power output to provide output power to a load, at least one NiMH or Li-ion battery having a battery output that provides battery power, at least one power module coupled to the power input to receive the input power, coupled to the battery output to receive the battery power and coupled to the power output to provide the output power, a controller, coupled to the at least one power module, constructed and arranged to monitor and control the output power from the at least one power module. A UPS system using a NiMH or Li-ion battery typically uses less space and weigh less than a UPS having a lead acid battery. Additionally, NiMH and Li-ion batteries perform better at temperature extremes than do comparable lead acid batteries.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple energy storage devices in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the system generally includes a charger coupled to a direct current (DC) bus of the UPS system, and two or more energy storage circuits, each of which includes a power regulator coupled to the charger and coupled to the DC bus, at least one energy storage device coupled to the power regulator, and a processor coupled to the power regulator for controlling the charge and discharge of the at least one energy storage device. In another embodiment of the invention, digital communication between two or more controllers is accomplished over the DC bus through use of the Control Area Network (CAN) protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing angular rotor position errors in an air core gauge includes an air core gauge (105) having a magnetic rotor (108) and at least three coils (102, 104 and 106) wound around the rotor (108). A probe signal is applied to the first coil (102), and output signals are developed and detected across the second and the third coils (104, 106) in response to the probe signal and low-frequency signals applied to one or more of the coils (102, 104 and 106). The output signals are processed by a demodulation circuit (110) and a number of DC voltage signals are produced therefrom. A control circuit (304) is responsive to the number of DC voltage signals to determine an actual angular position of the rotor (108), and to suitably adjust the low-frequency signals to thereby correct for errors between the actual angular position of the rotor (108) and the desired angular position thereof.

Abstract: A improved memorial for cemeteries and other applications includes a marker with a receiving hole for accommodating a receptacle in a stored position. The receptacle has a length extending along a first axis with at least one concavity or bore extending along said first axis. The receptacle is retained in the receiving hole in the stored position of the receptacle with the first axis generally parallel to a broad viewing surface of the marker. The memorial has substantial advantages over existing memorials, including increased longevity and reduction in damages, costs and delivery problems experienced with existing memorials.

Abstract: An IC driver mounted on a LCD display package contains a sensor for determining temperature of the LCD cell, and a digital value of the temperature is serially transmitted to a remote microprocessor which determines compensated voltage and sends voltage command data back to the IC driver which produces a drive voltage by a charge pump. A digital code on the LCD cell identifies cell response characteristics and the code is used by the microprocessor to calculate the desired voltage. A ROM in the IC driver stores many bit-mapped images which are selected by the microprocessor for display.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a rotatably mounted magnetic rotor, a first coil mounted in proximity of the magnetic rotor, the first coil mounted such that, if the coil is flowing with electric current, the magnetic rotor is within immediate proximity of at least part of a magnetic field created by the coil. The apparatus includes a second coil mounted in proximity of the magnetic rotor, the second coil mounted such that, if the coil is flowing with electric current, the magnetic rotor is within immediate proximity of at least part of a magnetic field created by the coil. A current source is coupled to the first coil, for generating an AC signal and applying the AC signal across the first coil whereby an AC output signal develops across the second coil, the AC output signal having a magnitude that varies in relation to the rotational position of the rotor. A measuring circuit detects the AC output signal and develops therefrom a measure of the position of the rotor.

Abstract: The maximum full level is determined in a fuel tank of undetermined size using a fuel level sender referenced to the tank bottom. A minimum full value is selected for a given type of tank and when the sender signal goes below a percentage of that value and subsequently goes above the minimum full value, a fueling event is recognized and the current fuel sender value is adopted as the maximum full value. Where a heavily filtered signal is used to minimize the effects of fuel slosh, the maximum full value is subject to increasing to higher values occurring during a short period after fueling to allow recovery of the filtered signal. An empty value is calibrated before the vehicle is initially fueled. A maximum empty level is initially set and if a lower level is measured when the ignition is turned on, the lower level is set as the empty value. This calibration is terminated when the tank is fueled above the minimum full value.

Abstract: A box-like molded housing with an open front has a flexible printed circuit wrapped around it, the printed circuit having a terminal array attached to a housing flange adjacent the front opening. A frame having a translucent web or filter covers the open front and contains a liquid crystal cell. A slot in the frame contains an elastomeric connector for joining terminals on the cell with terminals on the printed circuit to provide control signals to the cell. The housing interior is a reflector cavity and contains lamps for illuminating the web and the cell through the web. The printed circuit carries surface mount components, supplies power to the lamps, and has a contact array for connection to spring contacts of an external connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for fuel level display systems comprises a fuel level sender providing a fuel level signal, a short period filter for filtering the fuel level signal through a short time constant filter, a long period filter for filtering the fuel level signal through a long time constant filter, a signal selector for selecting the long period filter output if the fuel level is above a trip point and for selecting the short period filter if the fuel level is below the trip point, and a display device for displaying a level of fuel in the tank in response to the selected signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing data, such as liquid level data in a motor vehicle containing a liquid storage tank, comprises a liquid level sensor for developing a signal indicative of instantaneous liquid level in the storage tank, circuitry for processing the instantaneous liquid level signal, including asymmetrical filtration of the instantaneous liquid level signal, to provide a process output signal, and a display apparatus for displaying an indication of the level of liquid in the storage tank in response to the process output signal.

Abstract: A circuit apparatus comprises interface circuitry between analog and digital circuitry. A multiple reference circuit provides a variety of reference voltage signals. The multiple reference circuitry is coupled to a selection circuit that selectively couples one of the reference voltage signals to a first reference input of the interface circuitry and selectively couples another of the reference voltage signals to a second reference input of the interface circuitry, whereby the first and second reference inputs may be selectively coupled to the reference voltages and the circuit maintains a ratiometric relationship between the digital and analog circuitry.

Abstract: A circuit apparatus for providing increased apparent resolution in digital signal processing systems includes a comparison circuit receiving an N bit digital input signal and the N most significant bits of an N+M bit output signal. The comparison circuit compares the two signals and provides a control output in response to the comparison. An N+M bit counter increases or decreases a count value which is the output signal in response to the comparison, whereby the output signal has an apparent resolution 2.sup.M better than the resolution of the input signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a curve transfer function to an input signal comprises a first set of memory for storing values representing boundary points or distance differences along a curve of the transfer function, a second set of memory for storing slope values of lines connecting adjacent boundary points along the curve, a counter unit for maintaining a position count indicating position along the curve of the transfer function with respect to the stored boundary point values, an addressing unit, responsive to the position count, for selecting, from the second set of memory memory, the slope value corresponding to the position count, an accumulator for adding the selected slope value to an accumulator output value; and a comparator and data latch for determining when the accumulator output value corresponds to the input signal, and for selecting the corresponding accumulator output value as an output signal representing the application of the curve transfer function to the input signal.

Abstract: A wet/dry explosive assembly for use with small diameter bore holes is disclosed. The device utilizes a small diameter watertight inner containment vessel to house a predetermined amount of blasting agent, such as ammonium nitrate with fuel oil (AN/FO). A rigid stiffener material surrounds the inner containment vessel and extends the length of an outer containment vessel. The outer containment vessel is of sufficient length and diameter to accommodate the inner containment vessel, the stiffener material and the blast detonation components necessary for proper detonation. The device is designed to accommodate bore holes of one inch (1") to three inches and one half (3.5") in diameter and up to one hundred feet (100') in length.