Abstract: A portable electronic card game simulator having a housing mounting a display and input keys and containing electronic data processing circuitry organized to provide, at various skill levels, the automatic play of a hand of Gin Rummy, Go Draw, or Thirty-Three, in opposition to an operator. The simulator deals a hand to the operator and to the electronic opponent. The play of the electronic opponent is controlled by circuitry to simulate the play of a human in accordance with the rules of the game. The display includes indicia representing each of the cards in a single deck of cards. These indicia are used to display either the operator's hand, the opponent's hand, or the score of the game.

Abstract: An electronic bingo system for generally enhancing the operation and playing value of the game, by providing such features as flashing the last number called, providing an exciting light display upon designation of a winner, etc. The game is comprised of a ball table including a matrix of numbered switches for closure upon interference by a numbered ball, a plurality of control switches, a general display for individually illuminating one or more numbers corresponding to each numbered switch of the matrix of switches, circuitry at the table for causing a digital display to indicate the number of the numbered switch upon the at least temporary closure of one of the numbered switches, and circuitry for illuminating the corresponding number in the general display upon at least temporary closure of a predetermined one of the control switches.

Abstract: This electronic scoring device allows scores for different players of a game to be kept and shown on separate displays. The device, preferably in hand-held form, has a plurality of score entry keys and a plurality of function keys. First and second display means of the device are assignable to opposing sides of a game. Circuit means is connected to the score entry keys, the function keys, and the display means to receive score information, carry out functions on the score information and display a resulting score on one of the displays for which the score information is entered. The device preferably operates under control of a suitable program incorporating scoring rules for a particular game being played. Game information is then entered by the keyboard, the resulting numerical score computed by the device, shown on the appropriate display, and entered into memory for the final game score.

Abstract: A portable exercise totalizer for recording total exercise exertion during an exercise period. The exercise totalizer comprises a pulse generator for producing pulses at various predetermined frequencies. A group of activating switches represent respectively various exercise routines, such as walking, jogging, running, sprinting, and the like. At the beginning of the exercise period, an operator actuates the activating switch representing the exercise routine to be performed during the exercise period. The actuation of the activating switch activates the pulse generator and selects the pulse frequency to be produced by the pulse generator during the exercise period. At the end of the exercise period, the operator actuates a deactivating switch to discontinue the generation of pulses by the pulse generator. The selected frequency for the pulse generator represents the level of exercise exertion performed by the operator during the exercise period.

Abstract: A backgammon calculator has a keyboard laid out in the configuration of a backgammon board, with keys for entering men on the points and bar to set up a game position, and further keys in the home and outer boards between the points for amending the game position, for identifying the player which has the next turn or whose position is to be calculated, and for initiating a number of different calculations as to a player's position. The data entered and the results of the calculations are displayed on a digital read-out.

Abstract: In this system for determining the moment when competitors in a race pass the finish line, each competitor is fitted with a transmitter. Arranged at the finish line are at least two receiving antennas, the signals from which are combined in opposite sense so as to form a difference signal. A system output signal then is produced which has a leading edge that occurs when the difference signal crosses zero. This output signal indicates that a competitor has passed the finish line.

Abstract: A golf putting aid apparatus for a visually handicapped person which is capable of use with a standard type golf cup is provided in which an audibly distinguishable electronic sound emission is provided for audibly indicating to the visually handicapped person the location of the golf cup or hole and a second audibly distinguishable electronic sound emission is provided for audibly indicating to the visually handicapped person that a putt has been successfully completed. The putting aid apparatus comprises a housing, such as one removably insertable in the golf cup so that it may be transferred from hole to hole during regulation play on a golf course. The housing has a golf ball receiving portion and an audible electronic sound emitting portion with the ball receiving portion having an entrance portion alignable in the golf cup for receiving a golf ball putted thereinto.

Abstract: An electronically operated game scoring apparatus in the form of a relatively small hand-held portable housing. The housing is provided with a plurality of manually actuable input keys for introducing scoring information relative to a game. The housing includes an electrical circuit means and preferably a microprocessor for generating scoring information about the game or one or more players of the game. The housing is provided with a plurality of manually operable display controlling switches which provide for the display of scoring information regarding the game or the players and scoring information regarding a total score of the game or of an event in the game. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of display members are included on the housing for substantially simultaneously displaying scoring information about different aspects of the game.

Abstract: A modular display system having a plurality of display modules, a plurality of display signs, a plurality of insertable digit panels, a plurality of insertable spacer panels, and one or a plurality of insertable colon panels. The display system is mounted to a wall and can be reconfigured as different predetermined configurations both as to the number of signs and modules. Each module can be changed to a variety of predetermined configurations. A thumbwheel switch is provided on each module so that with each different configuration, a different setting is entered on the thumbwheel switch thereby reconfiguring control information to display the data properly on each module.

Abstract: An arena specially designed for use by skateboarders comprises an oval shaped bowl having relatively steeply curved sidewalls and a long gradually inclined ramp leading to each longitudinal end thereof. An oval shaped mound having an elevation on the order of one-half that of the top of the ramps at the longitudinal ends of the bowl is integrally formed on the floor in the center of the bowl. The curved sidewall portions opposite the central mound extend upwardly and inwardly to an elevation which is higher than the longitudinal ends of the bowl. Also located at each longitudinal end of the bowl is a truncated cone shaped ball pit which is mounted on the front wall of an elevated portion of a building structure such that it overhangs the inclined surface on the upper end of the ramp.

Abstract: In conjunction with the play of the game of Keno, a combination ticket holder and transmitter-receiver is located at each player's table. Each player's transmitter is coded with a number (e.g., 60,000) of two-tone sequential codes which are transmitted to Keno runners preassigned to specific tables and to a game controller in the Keno lounge. Each player's receiver displays 80 LED digits, numbered 1-80, or other indicatable symbols, and preferably is a super hetradine narrow band receiver to minimize interference from adjacent and co-channel users. Signals are converted from analog to digital when the symbol indicators are connected, and remain displayed until reset for the next game. Each runner has a portable unit with a receiver also which has indicators numbered to identify the players and which preferably also is a super hetradine, dual tone, sequentially coded unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in shooting an imaginary ball of an electronic pinball game which has score display means comprising a shaft or plunger which shifts longitudinally in a forward direction after being pulled rearwardly and released. Detecting means adjacent to the longitudinal path of travel generates electronic signals as a function of the movement of the shaft and the signals are used as a measure of the speed and direction of the shaft, and the signals are applied to circuitry which operates scoring and other devices controlling the display means. In one embodiment, the detecting means comprises a pair of Hall effect detectors which are longitudinally spaced apart and are actuated by magnets carried by the shaft. In a second embodiment, the detecting means includes a pair of spaced photocells, respective light sources for the photocells, and an opaque tab carried by the shaft for movement between each photocell and its light source.

Abstract: An electric cribbage board wherein the score for each shown by the illumination of a respective one of a number of lightable indicator devices forming a respective "track" or "street". The board is arranged to illuminate two successive devices in each track, the leading device indicating the total game score, while the trailing device indicates the just preceding total score. Facilities are provided for displaying and therefore checking a hand count before it is added to the respective total score count for each player so as to light the appropriate indicator. The board avoids the need for mental computation as is required with completely manual cribbage boards, or known electro-mechanical cribbage boards, and thereby assists in eliminating incorrect hand and total score counts during playing of the card game of cribbage.

Abstract: An electronic device for calculating, storing and indicating the scores and related information for a game of tennis is described. The circuit provides for the special requirements of tennis and similar games by recognizing the existence of an endgame condition such as "deuce" in tennis and registering each new score as a function of the previous score and the point most recently won. Both up-down counters and decoders using non-volatile memory, including "read-only memory" (ROM) are disclosed for the point-calculation function, and a display encoder is described which efficiently provides for the display of alphanumeric scores, including "deuce" and "advantage" conditions. The invention includes features for indicating court change requirements, elapsed time, time of day, and display emphasis when a game is won. All score calculations are subject to a clear-entry feature to rectify operating error.

Abstract: An electronic control device for decisions and scoring comprising at least three control boxes having scoring designations and coupled to an indicator panel through circuitry which displays the score of at least any two of the control boxes, used for squash and similar games.

Abstract: A portable self-contained computational device for use by a striding athlete, such as a jogger, includes a stride length selector permitting the athlete to preselect a normal length of stride and a rate selector permitting the athlete to preselect a desired rate of travel by striding, as in minutes/mile. Circuitry of the device generates repetitive signals at a desired striding cue, or pacing, rate. A signalling device provides perceptible striding cues to the athlete in response to these repetitive signals. The device includes a computing circuit responsive to the rate selector to provide incremental distance measurements periodically. An accumulator accumulates the incremental distance measurements and a display provides to the athlete an indication of the accumulated total of the incremental measurements, thus indicating the total distance covered by the athlete's striding in synchronism with the striding cues.

Abstract: A system for playing bingo which includes a transmitter and at least one receiver. The transmitter includes a masterboard with associated ball-actuated switches which deliver signals in parallel format representing numbers in a bingo game. A parallel-to-series converter is provided to convert the signals into a series format. The receiver includes a series-to-parallel converter which effects a reconversion of the received signals into a parallel format and a flashboard which is coupled to outputs of the series-to-parallel converter and displays the numbers of a bingo game.

Abstract: A running machine is provided which comprises a mat member which is actuated by the tread of an exerciser so as to produce an output signal. A running circuit processes this output signal and produces a first signal when the OFF time interval of the output signal is longer than a predetermined time interval, thereby distinguishing "running" from "walking". A flying time defining circuit, included in the running circuit, defines the predetermined time interval in order to adjust the quantity of motion to be spared in the stepping and an indicating section processes the first output signal from the running circuit to indicate the number of steps.

Abstract: A cribbage scoring device having an input device, a display device, and electronic circuitry to exercise the display device and provide the card players with scoring information. The device is preferably embodied in a relatively small housing. Each card player has a keyboard section to input scoring information and several display sections to display one's own score as well as the difference between one's score and an opponent's score. The electronic circuitry is located within the housing, consists of six subsystems: keyboard, memory, display, clock, instruction decode and sequence decode, and modification logic. The device may be operated either by battery or from an AC line.

Abstract: A device for indicating to a golfer that the golfer's target control arm is being bent during a golf swing comprised of a housing having an electrical power supply and associated circuitry including a buzzer or light for generating a signal connected to a moveable member mounted by a hinge on the housing having an electrical contact disposed at one end. The moveable member and the housing are strapped about the golfer's arm that delivers the target control stroke such that the hinge axis is aligned over the elbow of the arm which is to be maintained in a straight line position during the golf swing. In addition, an illuminating device includes a cord which may be plugged into the housing such that the illuminating device may be positioned within the vision of the golfer during a golf swing to illuminate whenever the golfer's arm is not maintained in a straight position throughout the swing.

Abstract: A proximity detector preferably utilizes a photoelectric cell, responsive to light beams emanating from a lamp carried by a tripod supported light projecting apparatus. Such apparatus includes a height adjustment utilizing a telescoping pair of tubes, one of which is supported by three tripod legs, each of which is adjustable in height. The lowermost regions of the tripod legs carry lockable wheels. The tubes are calibrated together with one another and indicate the total height of the light source utilizing a calibrated scale. The housing carrying the light source may be tiltable and locked into such position by a set screw arrangement. A filter may be utilized so as to provide polarized light beams or colored light beams, as desired. Another housing, equivalent to the housing utilized to carry the light source, encloses a photoelectric cell and a timer. When the light beam is interrupted feeding the photoelectric cell, the timer stops to operate and simultaneously an audible and visual alarm is sounded.

Abstract: The operation of a television system or photographic camera in concert with line or boundary indicators or monitors at a sporting contest are controlled. When the indicator detects an event of interest during the contest being monitored, such as an intrusion or the presence of an object along a line or boundary, a signal is sent to a video replay recorder, also known as an instant replay system, to continue recording for a predetermined interval and thereafter cease.An indicator or mark is also transmitted into the recording system on occurrence of the event of interest and is recorded along with the continuing event until recording ceases. After recording ceases, operators of the television system may then play back the recorded event into the television system. During the play back, the recorded indicator is also transmitted into the television system to appear on television screens and indicate the time of occurrence of the event of interest.

Abstract: An automatic selector unit for repetitively actuating an automatic phonograph to play randomly selected records includes a first timer for measuring the elapsed time since a previous play and a continuously running second timer for generating periodic pulses. The unit actuates the scanning mechanism of the phonograph after a predetermined elapsed time to bring different records successively into position for play and thereafter actuates the player mechanism on the next pulse from the second timer to play the record then in position for play.

Abstract: The device for simulating a card game played between a number of players and especially a game of bridge comprises a case provided on the front face with luminous information panels corresponding to the number of players and each having a number of card positions corresponding to the number of cards held by a player at the beginning of a game. Any predetermined combination of cards corresponding to any predetermined deal is displayed on each panel. The information loaded in each card position is modified individually in order to indicate that the corresponding card has been played. Playing means comprise a first set of control keys each corresponding to one panel, a second set of control keys each corresponding to one card position and an address coding register connected to both sets of keys in order to define a played card by means of its information panel and its position on the panel.

Abstract: A pacing device adapted for use by an athlete such as a runner who repeats a series of actions. The device includes an Audio Frequency generator producing a 500-1500 herz signal fed to a gate which emits tone bursts whose periodicity is determined by a pulse generator and fed to an audio amplifier and to an earphone. Means are also provided for varying the loudness of the tone, for varying the pitch of the tone, and for varying the period of tone bursts.

Abstract: A flagpole, particularly for indicating goals in skiing competitions, comprising an upper flag carrying portion and a lower pointed portion connected by a helical spring. When this flagpole is driven into the ground, it can move elastically laterally when hit by a skier, thus avoiding to be knocked down or causing injuries to the skier. Preferably the flagpole is provided with a semi-cylindrical abutment shell on one side so that it can move only to the other side, with a telescoping sleeve in its lower pointed portion for adjusting its length, and anvils adapted to be struck with a hammer for driving it down into the ground or hard snow.

Abstract: The invention concerns sports timing systems and in particular connections etween a central processor which determines the performances of the competitors and the peripheral devices which provide such processor with the necessary information such as starting and arrival times, intermediate times and as well as any other information necessary for the identification of the device concerned or of the competitor.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring court games is described in which a counter is actuated by a card bearing a pre-determined code. Upon being actuated, the counter is pre-set to a pre-determined period of play for a game in a court with which the monitor is associated. The counter then counts the elapsed period of play and displays to other players waiting to use the court the period of play still remaining, confirming to them in a positive fashion the period they must wait to use the court. Upon expiration of the pre-determined period of play, the event monitor signals this condition permitting the other players to actuate the system and commence their use of the court.

Abstract: An electronic computer for computing and displaying the scores of the parties engaged in conventional games of Bridge receives inputs before each hand of the winning bid, the party winning the bid, and whether the winning party is doubled or redoubled; and upon completing the hand, the computer receives inputs of the number of tricks taken during the hand by the party winning the bid and honor points awarded to either party; and the computer computes and displays whether either party is vulnerable, the total point score of each party and the partial scores of each party.

Abstract: A golf cup with a sound producing device therein mounted on a projection projecting upwardly from the bottom of the golf cup and with a hollow center forming a flagstick base receiving hole. The top of the circuit box for the device is a metal contact with an annular sponge thereon having a plurality of apertures therein extending through the thickness of the sponge. A metal contact plate is positioned on the top surface of the sponge and has a plurality of projections on the under side of the contact plate projecting into the apertures in the sponge and having the free ends spaced from the top when the sponge is in the uncompressed condition and contacting the top when said sponge is compressed when struck by a golf ball falling into the cup. A sound producing circuit within said circuit box has the top and the contact plate coupled therein as an actuating switch. A twittering or chirping sound is produced by the sound producing device to harmonize with the natural atmosphere of a golf course.

Abstract: An electronic score-keeper for table tennis or ping pong having a digital or binary read-out for display of the score and lamps which are energized to indicate responsibility for the serve. Each player presses a button at the side of the table to register his points.

Abstract: An electronic physical trainer system which produces periodic tone signals at an adjustable rate to establish an exercise rhythm and which senses the calisthenic activity of a performer in response to this rhythm to evaluate and improve his performance. The trainer system includes a position sensor in the form of a light beam directed toward a photodetector in a path traversing an exercise area to produce action pulses which reflect the movement of the performer as he alternately blocks and clears the beam path. Also included in the system is a pulse generator whose frequency is adjustable to produce exercise pulses which activate a tone generator whose output is amplified and reproduced to provide the tone signals. The exercise pulses and the action pulses are compared in a coincidence network which yields a "hit" pulse each time an action pulse overlaps an exercise pulse to a degree exceeding a set value and which otherwise yields a "miss" pulse.

Abstract: The present tennis scoring system includes input devices for each player to indicate whether one player or the other has won a particular point. These input devices for each player may be in the form of transmitters each having two recessed pushbutton switches, one to indicate that one player has won the point and the other to indicate that the opposing player has won the particular point.The input device may take the form of a belt buckle size unit worn at the waist or on the wrist. Electronic scoring circuitry is provided which is responsive to the concurrent depressing of buttons by both players indicating who has won a particular point. Electronic scoring equipment keeps track of the points, games, sets and matches won by each player and each side. Suitable electronic equipment is provided to accommodate slight differences in the timing of the pressing of input switches by the two players. Special logic circuitry is provided for accommodating the tennis scoring situation involving deuce games.

Abstract: An improved electric circuit and indicator system for a court game, such as tennis, using conductive elements on both the ball and outside the court playing area to activate an indicator when the ball drops outside the playing area; wherein said system includes means for deactivating said indicator when the ball contacts one of the playing lines to avoid erroneous indication caused by a skidding ball.

Abstract: An electronic chess game is provided, including a playing board surface made up of a number of push-button squares. Display circuitry is provided for displaying at each of the squares an image of any one of the playing chess pieces required for the chess game. Logic circuitry is provided to permit each of the chess players to selectively cause the chess images to be automatically transferred from one square to another. Recall circuitry is provided so that a player can recall a partially completed or a totally completed prior move. The logic circuitry also includes storage circuitry and auxiliary storage circuitry both in the form of flip-flops. Replacement circuitry is provided for replacing a pawn that has moved through the opponent's ranks into the opponent's back row. Indicator circuitry is provided to indicate when it is a particular player's turn. Also provided is a double transfer circuitry for allowing the particular players to "castle" and a means for an "En-Passant" (in passing) move.

Abstract: Electric currents induced by a magnetic field being moved in relation to a fixed coil, by a vertical displacement of the net cable/tennis net, enables a referee to detect the occurrence of a "let-ball.

Abstract: A lighted display board or sign has a viewing face subdivided into 25 squares arranged five by five simulating a Bingo playing card and having a separate light positioned behind each square. An unusual circuit and switching arrangement makes it possible by merely closing a single switch to cause the lights on the board to indicate to the players what particular design, such as an "X", cross, square, etc., must be attained to obtain a "Bingo" or winner for the particular game then in progress. An on and off flashing light spelling out the words Bingo forms a part of the basic circuit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for timing a plurality of participants or their vehicles to complete a designated course, and for automatically starting the participants at spaced time intervals derived in part from respective sample times taken by the immediately preceding participants to cover a selected portion of the course. Sensors at start, finish, and intermediate positions monitor the progress of each participant on the course; a crystal oscillator is selectively connected to a plurality of electronic counters to accumulate an elapsed time for each of a plurality of participants; and a digital display device displays the times of participants as they complete the course.

Abstract: A pocket-size portable electronic device for playing chess problems comprises an electronic visual display, a display driver, an 8-digit keyboard and scanner, function keys and scanner, a random access memory, registers and counters, and a logic control unit which includes a switchable data bus controlled by a read only memory, a ROM pointer and a clock. The logic control unit decodes entered coded groups of data according to a special decoding algorithm, the decoded groups represent white and black moves for solving a chess problem. The groups are stored in a random access memory in use. The device responds to specific white moves input. If the input white move is the same as the stored corresponding white move, the device will display the next black move. The user then decides upon his next white move, the play is continued until the problem is solved by the entry of correct white moves.

Abstract: A system for use in monitoring a plurality of amusement game devices is disclosed wherein individually identifiable attending personnel are employed to verify a predetermined game condition. The system is adapted for use with a computer and includes an interface unit connected to the computer and to a plurality of coupler units which are individually mounted on and interconnected with game devices. Each of the coupler units is adapted to receive a portable device for identifying individually each of the attending personnel. In the system illustrated in the drawings, that device is a transponder that locks into the coupler unit and provides informational responses to interrogation by the interface unit which sequentially polls or addresses each of the transponders.

Abstract: A system is provided for selectively detecting and indicating impacts on a base surface, said system comprising at least one detector unit and at least one indicator unit. Said detector unit comprises one or more capacitors between the plates of which an elastic material is inserted, the distance between said capacitor plates as well as the dynamic spring rate of the elastic material being adjusted to the type of impact to be detected and/or the nature of the base surface, and said detector unit is connected to a voltage source via a resistor having high resistance which is chosen with respect to the speed of the impacts to be detected.

Abstract: A portable self-contained scoreboard adaptable for use with a variety of different sports. The self-contained scoreboard has a plurality of variable numeral displays. Some of the numeral displays are constructed to function as a controllable clock which can count up or count down. The clock numerals can also be manually controlled to be used to indicate other desired information. A plurality of descriptive placards are provided with the self-contained portable scoreboard. The placards are constructed to be attachable to the face of the scoreboard. Selected placards can be attached to the scoreboard to render the scoreboard face applicable for scoring a variety of sports. The numeral and indicator light controls are then selected to be in accordance with the placard modified scoreboard face for use with the desired sport. This permits the scoreboard to be adaptable for use with a wide variety of sporting events. A pair of indicating timers adapted for use with the scoreboard can also be provided.

Abstract: A means and method for generating random permutations on a square having k.sup.2 subsquares based upon a circuitry including a maximal-length sequence generator.

Abstract: Electronic equipment for scoring fencing bouts in which each fence is provided with a unit including a transmitter of a predetermined frequency and an aperiodic receiver. Each fencer's unit also includes a pulse generator whose pulses are used to distinguish valid touches, touches on the opposing weapon and the ground as well as touches on other conductive surfaces.

Abstract: A bridge bidding indicator includes a frame, a display unit disposed on the frame which includes a multiplicity of electrically actuable indicia representative of a suit or no-trump, the number of tricks, and pass, double and re-double. The plurality of the indicia are disposed in a plurality of rows and columns intersecting with the rows. Each of the rows is indicative of a round of a multiplicity of biddable rounds, and each of the columns is indicative of a bid which can be submitted successively by one and the same player. The indicator includes a signaling unit disposed on the frame, which includes a plurality of manipulable devices indicating the plurality of indicia for selective actuation thereof on the display unit by a player.

Abstract: The device for evaluating the efficiency of a ballplayer is provided with a target generator to control means whereby a visible target is rendered visible in a goal surface; the device further comprises means for measuring a parameter in relation with the speed of a ball going toward the goal surface and means for measuring the distance separating the target from the impact of the ball on the goal surface and computing means for determining the efficiency of the player in relation with the speed and position reached by the ball.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a pace setting light for joggers, with the method comprising projecting a beam of light directly onto a jogging track to provide a spot of light on the track, and thereafter uniformly moving the projected spot of light around the track on the jogging surface of the track to provide a moving and pace setting spot of light. The apparatus comprises a frame having a path in the shape of the jogging track, a light beam source movably mounted on the path of said frame, power means on the frame to move the light beam source along the path, with the light beam source being electrically connected via slip rings to a source of electrical energy.

Abstract: A chess game apparatus utilizing a square matrix of sixty four optical display cells for displaying plural chessman states includes a keyboard having keys corresponding to ranks and files in the matrix for addressing and entering a digital memory which drives the cells. Each cell is in the form of an array of light emitting diodes which are selectively energized in response to the memory via a decoder and diode matrix for creating light patterns corresponding to each of the six chessman symbols. Thus, moves or changes of the chess positions indicated on the cell matrix are commanded via the keyboard. A memory for previous moves is also fed by the keyboard to provide for resetting the states of the cell matrix to a previous chess position.

Abstract: A score keeping unit for the game of horseshoes, adapted to make use of more than one counter to keep different kinds of score keeping data. Means is provided to trip each counter the required number of times but only through cooperation by way of the switches that control the units.

Abstract: A plurality of contacts, each comprising two electrodes, are arranged beh a plate to be used as a touch pad in a swimming competition timing device. Closing of a contact results in a signal being transmitted from a transistor to control electronic chronometric equipment. The contacts are connected in parallel and are coupled between the emitter and base of the transistor. The voltage across the contact is thereby held to the base-emitter voltage of the transistor, which is below the decomposition voltage of the electrodes. In a second embodiment, contacts are connected to either of two transistors which are in series to act as an "OR" circuit.