Abstract: An apparatus includes receiving circuitry for receiving a signal; and a speech module for converting the signal into speech.

Abstract: Hand held infrared measurement devices are disclosed, having at least two separated laser sighting emitters (2), which together mark and define a sighting area on a target surface (7,7?,7?). In an embodiment of the invention, separate lasers (2) are provided which each produce a beam (6) used to illuminate a respective separate optical beam directing element (4), mounted between each laser emitter and the target surface (7,7?,7?). The element may be, for example, any of the optical glass fibers, a prism, or a lens, such as a diffraction beam splitter lens, or a refractive lens, each element directing laser light onto the target surface to produce a visually perceptible target marking. The element is preferably made of optical material such as glass or plastic (e.g., methyl methacrylate). Separate laser emitters permit greater brightness displayed on the target within safe operation limits than use of a single laser alone, even with a beam splitter.

Abstract: A unique packaging method is disclosed. The method advertises products related to a product shipped in a box and comprises obtaining a box, placing a product in the box, and identifying a particular product category associated with the product being shipped in the box. This may be followed by obtaining an elongated flexible planar member having a width and a length substantially greater than the width, the planar member having an upper surface and a lower surface. The flexible planar member is provided with a layer of adhesive material deposited on and covering a substantial portion of the lower surface to form a packaging tape. The tape is imprinted with indicia comprising visually perceivable information to provide a purchaser with information relating to various products within the particular product category by disposing the information on the upper surface of the tape. The box is sealed with the tape.

Abstract: A method and device are described for controlling and/or attenuating aiming laser beam brightness in a hand held radiometer. The beam from the laser is directed at a target measurement surface and a transversely movable element member is interposed between the laser and the target to change the beam brightness on the target. In a preferred device a slidable or rotatable element intercepts the beam between the laser and target and a calibrated opening in the element of selected size and/or shape allows part of the beam to pass through the element to provide a safe brightness at the target.

Abstract: A radiometer includes a sighting system which generates an image of an area on the surface of an object onto the IR detector. The distance between the object surface and the radiometer is measured by a rangefinder, controlled by the radiometer. From the distance one can calculate the size of the energy zone on the surface, as materialized on a radiometer sighting system display.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit more than two laser beams against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit more than two laser beams against the surface and means to position said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beams may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit more than two laser beams against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit more than two laser beams against the surface and means to position said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beams may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to instruments, such as radiometers, which generate a laser beam for striking a target at a distance to assist in aiming the instrument at a selected area of a target. Provision is made for splitting a single beam, used for instance for centering the instrument on the target, into a plurality of beams for creating a pattern or for defining an area on the target. When a single beam is split, the resultant plural beams produced are of relatively lower power, which may be insufficient for visibility on a target at a distance. In a first embodiment the invention provides apparatus to increase the power of the single laser beam when it is split, so as to provide plural beams of appropriately higher power and visibility. In a second embodiment, the invention provides apparatus for attenuating the beam power when a single beam is used, and for removing the attenuation when the beam is split into multiple beams.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held infrared thermometer or radiometer (1) for measuring, remotely, the temperature of a target surface (3). In one embodiment, the radiometer includes an infrared detector (7), associated optical system (7), and associated circuitry and an LCD display (21). Built into or mounted on the radiometer is a distance measuring device (2), the operation of which is controlled by the radiometer. The device (2) includes an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver (12) and associated circuitry for calculating, from a comparison of the transmitted and received pulses, the distance of the radiometer from the target surface. The distance-to-target is displayed on the LCD display (21).

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit more than two laser beams against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit more than two laser beams against the surface and means to position said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beams may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone.