Abstract: This device, by its organization and operation, processes sound, usually music. It provides output voltages, for driving lights, which is proportionally representative of input sound levels. Range of sound perception of the human ear exceeds the range of perception of the human eye. It is necessary to adjust the sound level by compression and Automatic Gain Control, particularly by compression, to accommodate the eyes. A requirement to have the output drive voltage drive the lights is to have a linear response to the compressed audio signal. This requirement is met with an output drive circuit which, has a linear response to the compressed signal. This is achieved with a linear firing circuit when providing output voltage using SCR's or Triacs. In a straightforward variation of the output circuit to improve the power factor, the linear response is maintained by modulating the output with transistors instead of using SCR's or Triacs.

Abstract: A system that varies the brilliance of light bulbs in accordance with modulated audio signals. The audio signals are first compressed and then passed through a comparator. The comparator has two inputs, one of which is the aforesaid compressed audio signals. The other input is a control input which receives a second voltage in the form of a series of impulses. The compressed audio signals pass through the comparator if and when their voltage is higher than that of said second voltage.

Abstract: A data gathering apparatus comprises a power generation device configured to generate power via movement of the rail. The data gathering apparatus further comprises a sensing device configured to receive power from the power generation device and to sense at least one property of the rail, wherein the property of the rail is at least partially defined by a vehicle traveling on the rail.

Abstract: A test bed includes a primary test computer and a number of secondary test computers. The primary test computer includes a primary test program, and the secondary test computers each include secondary test programs. As a technician tests the application program, the primary test program captures and logs input data, and sends the input data to a secondary test computer. The secondary test computer maps the input data according to the format required by its associated secondary test computer. The secondary test computer executes the application program according to the mapped input data. When the secondary test computer detects an exception condition arising from a bug or other unusual behavior of the application program, the secondary test computer notifies the primary test computer. The primary test computer displays and logs the exception condition.

Abstract: A test bed includes a primary test computer and a number of secondary test computers. The primary test computer includes a primary test program, and the secondary test computers each include secondary test programs. As a technician tests the application program, the primary test program captures and logs input data, and sends the input data to a secondary test computer. The secondary test computer maps the input data according to the format required by its associated secondary test computer. The secondary test computer executes the application program according to the mapped input data. When the secondary test computer detects an exception condition arising from a bug or other unusual behavior of the application program, the secondary test computer notifies the primary test computer. The primary test computer displays and logs the exception condition.

Abstract: A protective guard is provided for a school bus. A series of telescoping members retracts along the front of the bus, and are in a compact form when the bus is moving. When the school bus stops two of the members telescope outwardly in series and extend across the lane of oncoming traffic. The members are so long and strong that any motorist attempting to pass the bus will damage his car. Flashing red lights are mounted on the extended members. The members are extended and retracted by a lead screw. The lead screw, when it extends the telescoping members, first drives the innermost member outwardly and away from the other movable member. The lead screw then engages the other movable member and drives it outwardly and it carries the innermost member to its ultimate extended position.