Abstract: A signaling lamp flasher generates audible sound while controlling intermittent contact between a vehicle power source and a signaling lamp. A flash control device generates the intermittent contact, and is preferably an input relay disposed between the power source and the signaling lamp. An IC-based audible flash circuit generates a control pulse in response to the voltage pulse from the power source, generates a buzzer pulse in response to the control pulse, and generates audible sound in response to the buzzer pulse. The signaling lamp flasher also provides current overload protection at the signaling lamp through a pop-out resettable fuse. The location and ability of the fuse to be reset provides improved dependability and serviceability.

Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power source for emergency lighting in an AC powered electrical system utilizes X-10 protocol transmitters and receivers for transmitting and receiving data signals over existing wiring to emergency wall switches interposed in the wiring for maintaining emergency lighting in the on condition when AC commercial power is interrupted and a battery powered backup unit converting DC to AC is activated upon the interruption of the commercial AC source.

Abstract: A bearing device where a sliding bearing rotatably supporting a shaft is molded with an inexpensive sintered material, three asymmetrical circular arc-shaped radial bearings are formed in the inner peripheral surface of the shaft, taper land-shaped thrust bearings are formed in the opposite end surfaces of the radial bearing surface, T-shaped bubble removing means which is constituted by axial and radial flow passages formed in the shaft opposed to the radial bearing is provided, and magnetic fluid is used as a lubricant. A magnetic disk unit using the bearing device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for lamps with melody output includes a switch having a common end connected to an AC voltage source and three contact ends, two rectifiers each respectively connected to a contact end of the switch via a connector, a melody circuit for outputting an audio signal via a speaker, two timers each respectively connected between one of the rectifiers and the melody circuit for controlling the duration of the output audio signal, a lamp driving circuit connected to the melody circuit for receiving a lamp driving signal from the melody circuit, a lamp set connected to all of the contact ends of the switch, and a voltage regulation circuit connected to the AC voltage source via the connector for supplying a power signal to all of the electronic circuits.

Abstract: A device for controlling power to an electrical load. The device has two components: a portable desktop detector unit and an electrical powerstrip. The desktop detector detects the presence of a human in a room and sends signals to the powerstrip to supply power to or withhold power from individual electrical loads connected to the strip. Since the detector is portable, it can be positioned and repositioned at different locations in a room to maximize its ability to detect the presence of a person. The system can also communicate by wireless signals to a wall-mounted control unit to control light fixtures in the room. When used with a wall-mounted control unit, a photo sensor that detects the level of ambient light in a room allows the system to adjust the brightness of lights in the room depending upon the available ambient light level.

Abstract: A lamp-diagnosing system comprising electronic current-indicating apparatus and a dashboard display scheme, for vehicles: The system provides a dashboard display which shows the actions of external signaling lamps and hence their status (monitoring mode). Another embodiment provides indication only when a lamp fails (alarm mode). The invention offers improved operator awareness of vehicular signaling, serviceability, improved safety, low cost, and ease of incorporation into existing circuitry.

Abstract: An implement lighting system providing enhanced turn signal warning with standard or enhanced tractor turn and warning lighting systems. The implement lighting system includes left and right brake lamps for connecting electrically to the ungrounded sides of the corresponding towing vehicle turn signal lamps. The implement lighting system also includes a control circuit which includes a plurality of diodes and a relay. If necessary for timing purposes, the control circuit may include a resistor and a capacitor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch-programmable lighting and security device in the form of a stand lamp which can be programmed to provide illumination by means of an AC bulb or DC bulb in conjunction with parameters including the ambient light level, presence of people, and AC mains power failure. In one embodiment, this novel lighting and security device includes a transmitter which transmits an Alarm signal to a remote receiver upon detection of an intruder. This user friendly device conveniently plugs into any wall power outlet by means of a suitable length of cable and it can be easily programmed by touching different nonmetallic areas of the device. In one embodiment, four indicator lights in the form of LEDs are provided to identify its prevailing mode.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device comprises a failure diagnostic circuit for diagnosing failure of a discharge lamp and a lighting circuit. The failure diagnostic circuit diagnoses failure of the discharge lamp and an external wiring from the lighting circuit to the discharge lamp, and diagnoses the lighting circuit if failure of the discharge lamp and the external wiring fails to be found.

Abstract: The specification discloses a circuit for monitoring the status of an ultraviolet (UV) light bulb in a water treatment system. The circuit uses either transformers or zener diodes with opto-isolators to monitor the voltage across the bulb. A logic signal is emitted when abnormally high voltage is detected, for example, indicating that the bulb is burned out, broken, or missing. A logic signal also is emitted when abnormally low voltage is detected, for example, indicating that the starter circuit is short circuited or that power is interrupted.

Abstract: A lighting control device for controlling the state and intensity of a lamp includes a user-actuatable intensity selector for selecting a desired lamp intensity level between minimum and maximum intensity levels. The device further includes a programmable microprocessor for storing a preset lamp intensity level, and a linear array of indicator lights (e.g. LED's) for indicating the available range of lamp intensities. According to a preferred embodiment, the microprocessor operates to illuminate all lights in the array when the lamp is OFF, with one indicator light being more brightly illuminated to indicate the preset intensity level. When the lamp is ON, only that indicator light representing the present lamp intensity level is illuminated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch-programmable lighting and security device in the form of a stand lamp which can be programmed to provide illumination by means of an AC bulb or DC bulb in conjunction with parameters including the ambient light level, presence of people, and AC mains power failure. In one embodiment, this novel lighting and security device includes a transmitter which transmits an Alarm signal to a remote receiver upon detection of an intruder. This user friendly device conveniently plugs into any wall power outlet by means of a suitable length of cable and it can be easily programmed by touching different nonmetallic areas of the device. In one embodiment, four indicator lights in the form of LEDs are provided to identify its prevailing mode.

Abstract: The circuit arrangement of this invention includes a signal searchlight wherein the lamp is in an electrical series circuit with interlock contact switches. The switches interlock the display color lens such as yellow and green to control the electrical energization of the signal circuit. Logic control switching devices in a remote wayside control box supply signals through a cable to operate a bipolar device to selectively display the desired color.

Abstract: A light control apparatus for a vehicle is integrated with headlamp driving relays, a light sensor, a lighting switch which selects a manual mode or an automatic mode, and a control unit which controls the relays in accordance with the light sensor output when the lighting switch selects the automatic mode and turns on or off the headlamps. Two power source systems and two headlamp driving systems are provided. The signal level of a given terminal of the control unit is detected and is input to the microcomputer of the control unit. The microcomputer judges whether or not trouble has occurred by detecting a level difference. An alarm indication is given by a lamp or a buzzer if trouble is detected.

Abstract: A circuit status indicating device is used to monitor separate circuits to indicate their on/off status. Each circuit conducts an AC operating signal when switched to "on" status and an AC non-operating signal when switched to "off" status. The AC non-operating signal can be zero or some fraction of the AC operating signal, depending on the type of contact switches used in the circuit being monitored. A separate LED is provided for each circuit monitored. A separate AC input signal corresponding to one of the AC operating and non-operating signals in each monitored circuit is received and compared with a modified AC reference signal to produce an AC comparison output signal. A DC reference signal is compared with the AC comparison output signal and produces a DC output signal when the AC comparison output signal exceeds the DC reference signal.

Abstract: A lighting assembly including a plurality of housing sections, a series of rib groups arranged circumferentially on the exterior of the housing sections, and a remote control assembly for selectively energizing tri-color diodes embedded in the ribs so that the rib groups can be selectively and independently caused to glow in various colors depending on the aspect of the electrical energy delivered to each particular rib group.

Abstract: An indicator for proper or improper exposure provided by automatic electronic flash includes a first decision circuit having a first decision level lower than a proper level of exposure, and a second decision circuit having a second decision level higher than the proper level of exposure. Thus, a given film latitude is allowed for the overexposure and the underexposure in determining and displaying the overexposure, the underexposure or proper exposure.

Abstract: A circuit for selectively lighting one of a pair of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a parallel, back-to-back, circuit configuration also known as an anti-parallel circuit configuration. One side of the configuration is connected with ground connecting means through a first photon-emitting device which device is optically coupled to a first photon-responsive device connected between the other side of the configuration and a current source. The other side of the configuration is also connected with a ground connecting means through a second photon-emitting device which device is optically coupled to a second photon-responsive device connected between the first side of the configuration and the current source.

Abstract: A flash device of the invention comprises, substantially, a flash unit for generating flash light and a flash control unit for controlling the flash light generated from said flash unit. The flash unit comprises electric power supplying means for supplying electric power, electric energy storing means for storing the electric energy supplied from said electric power supplying means, flash light generating means for converting the electrical energy stored in said electric energy storing means to an optical energy, and said flash control unit comprises, substantially, light receiving means for receiving a reflecting light, flash light quantity detecting means for detecting flash light quantity, means for indicating light exposure quantity, and flash light quantity control means. The flash device of the present invention is convenient to adjust the photographing distance and a diaphragm of a camera in photographing.

Abstract: A Rosary device comprises a hand held casing having electrically energizable elements in a pattern, the elements having different characteristics corresponding to different Rosary prayers.

Abstract: A visual monitor including a single light indicator for HID lamps (not needing a starter) and a visual monitor including two light indicators for an HID lamp, such as a high pressure sodium lamp, operating in conjunction with the starter. When the lamp is out, the presence or non-presence of an ignited first light indicator indicates lamp failure or ballast failure, respectively. The blinking or nonblinking of the second light indicator indicates whether or not the starter is producing satisfactory starting pulses.

Abstract: An operation indicator for an automatic flashing device comprising a first indication means which visually indicates a reaching to a predetermined voltage of main capacitor and readiness for proper completion of flashing of an automatic light adjusting, and a second indication means which indicates a selected one of them by sound, and a switching means which connects or disconnects said second indication means to the circuit of the device.By the abovementioned construction, the user can realize readiness of automatic flash operation both by eyesight and by audition.

Abstract: In an automatic flash duration controllable electronic flash system of the type in which in response to the quantity of light reflected back from a subject illuminated by the flash light emitted from a flash lamp and intercepted by a photosensor circuit or the like, the flash lamp is turned off, a signaling device capable of signaling not only whether or not the voltage stored across a main discharge capacitor has reached to a predetermined level for flash exposure but also whether or not an automatic flash duration control after triggering the flash lamp has been completed.

Abstract: An automatic electronic flash device for use with a camera includes a flash tube carried by a housing. A battery is carried by the housing as a source of electric supply. A capacitor is connected to the flash tube to fire it when discharged. A circuit is used to automatically adjust the amount of light emitted from said flash tube upon the firing of the tube. The circuit includes a light receiving element arranged to receive light reflected from a photographic object upon the firing of the tube. The information of distance from the camera to an object to be photographed is fed to the circuit as a function of the amount of light received. A switch is connected to the circuit to cause it to vary the amount of light emitted from the flash tube. A calculator enables calculation of a plurality of combinations of aperture settings and distance setting in response to a film speed setting, so that selection of a desired film speed will result in indication of a desired aperture setting and distance setting.

Abstract: A photographic flash device comprising a main capacitor for flashing a flash discharge tube, a DC-DC converter, a constant-voltage circuit for controlling the oscillation function of the DC-DC converter and an indication means capable of discriminatively indicating states of the voltage of the main capacitor in three different voltage ranges, first range being from zero to a first predetermined voltage above which flashing is possible, second range being from a first predetermined voltage to a second predetermined voltage, the third range being from the second predetermined voltage to a third predetermined maximum voltage, respectively.

Abstract: An electronic flash apparatus for a camera is provided with a main discharge capacitor, a charging means for charging the capacitor, a flash discharge tube which radiates light through the discharge of a charge stored in the capacitor, and a display section for displaying an exposure condition at the time of photograph. The display section includes a display portion for displaying an F-number corresponding to a film sensitivity, a portion for displaying a plurality of photographable distances corresponding to a charged voltage across the capacitor and the F-number and a charged voltage discriminating circuit having a plurality of light emission elements for successively and stepwisely emitting light as the charged voltage across the capacitor increases.

Abstract: An improved safety device comprises a plurality of checking lights connected with the lamps of the automobile in series, a plurality of indicating lights adapted to an amplifier circuit and a magnetic induction coil, in which, the brightening or extinguishing of the checking lights may be shown to correspond to the extinguishing or brightening of the lamps of the automobile, so that the drivers can easily judge which one of the lamps is damaged.

Abstract: In a flash unit, wherein completion of the charging of a main capacitor from a DC-DC converter is indicated by a first indicator connected to the converter by a first voltage dividing circuit, there is provided a second voltage dividing circuit connected to the DC-DC converter and a switching circuit disposed between the second voltage dividing circuit and the first indicator so that an output voltage sufficient to energize a second (separate) indicator reliably is produced from the second voltage dividing circuit upon operation of the first indicator.

Abstract: A cargo loading and unloading shutoff system is used to control transfer of loads between a cargo aircraft and a loading dock. Control logic means compares commands entered on a control console and the existing conditions in the aircraft and on the dock during a loading or unloading operation. On loading, the logic means shuts off the dock conveyor drive immediately when all loads are transferred to selected aircraft positions and then shuts off the aircraft conveyor drive a predetermined period later. On unloading, the logic means shuts off both the aircraft and dock conveyor drives simultaneously when all loads are transferred to selected dock positions. The logic means also prevents energization of the aircraft and dock conveyor drives when the number of load positions selected in the aircraft is different from the number of load positions selected on the dock.

Abstract: A fault detector system which is capable of monitoring certain key parameters in the starting operation of a plasma arc working apparatus and which can automatically stop the starting operation once a fault or malfunction has been detected. The system includes means for sensing the input signal to a high frequency AC generator, the pilot arc current once the pilot arc has been ignited and the arc voltage after the main arc has been established. The sensing means produce signals representing the presence of these starting parameters which signals are then fed to conventional timers. The timers measure the duration of the signals or combination of signals such that if a fault or malfunction occurs and lasts for a predetermined time period, the timers produce output signals which are then fed to logic circuits. The logic circuits in turn produce output signals which represent the fault or malfunction.

Abstract: A wall mounted power supply for medical diagnostic instruments provides a continuously variable output voltage over the normal operating range of such instruments and a discreet excess voltage above the normal operating range to provide extra illumination during brief periods. The power supply output is regulated so as to be independent of load. The power supply is adapted to be conveniently wall mounted on a bracket assembly which permits quick and secure attachment and removal.

Abstract: Failure inducive operating conditions of an X-ray generator tube are sensed. Some of the sensed operating conditions are events such as hot overload of the target and thermal shock of the target, while other sensed operating conditions include hot target bearing use and thermionic cathode filament heater use. Certain of the sensed operating conditions are integrated, with the integrated output being compared against a predetermined standard to yield a prediction of remaining operating life. Other sensed conditions, if present, are indicative of incipient failure without integration. The integrated signals are stored in electrochemical cells and read out periodically for a prediction of incipient tube failure.