Abstract: The invention relates to improvement in a light filter with automatic regulation of the optical transmission. The filter comprises a filter element (1) with a liquid crystal layer located between two transparent plates (2) and assigned polarizers. The optical transmission of the light filter is varied by applying a variable electric voltage. A first optical sensor (4) is arranged behind the filter element (1) in the radiation emitting direction, and a second optical sensor (8) is arranged beside or in front of the filter element (1) in the radiation emitting direction. The two sensors are connected to a regulating circuit (6), which comprises a subtraction circuit (15) which subtracts the signal generated by the second optical sensor (8) from the signal of the first optical sensor (4), or the signal of the first optical sensor (4) from the signal of the second optical sensor (8), so that the output signal of the regulating circuit is at least approximately proportional to the amount of visible light.

Abstract: An electro-optic welding lens assembly for the use in a welder's helmet or protective eyeshield comprises a filter arrangement with at least one liquid crystal light shutter element and a control unit for changing the transmission rate of the filter assembly in response to ambient light conditions. The light sensing element used to control the transmission of light through the filter arrangement is simultaneously an opto-electric transducer, supplying power to the control unit and the light shutter element. Thereby, there is no need for an additional power supply like a battery. If the sensing and transducer element is arranged behind the light shutter element, a self-regulating loop can be realized to continuously vary the transmission rate of the filter arrangement and thereby to keep the viewing illumination through the lens assembly essentially constant.

Abstract: In order to determine the identity and authorization of a key which is inserted into a cylinder lock, the key is provided with an information carrier with elements which are magnetically passive and inductively readable and yield permanently stored information. The carrier is fixed to the key blade. A reading head mounted in the lock reads the carrier as the key is moved into or out of the lock. An electronic evaluation circuit uses a micro-processor to interpret the information. The carrier is so designed that alterations made in it after it is coded are immediately detected by the evaluation circuit. A particular relationship of the reading head to the information carrier is described for a particular pattern of loop-shaped information elements on the carrier.