Abstract: Pulse generators are known for setting an operational parameter, for example volume. They allow a more precise adjustment thanks to a larger angle of rotation than that of potentiometers. Because of the increased angle of rotation, however, fast adjustments are possible only within limits. In general, several turns are required to set the volume to zero, for example. In order to avoid this inconvenience, the speed of rotation and the direction of rotation of the pulse generator are evaluated. If the pulse generator is quickly actuated, this is recognized by a control unit which sets the parameters to a stored value. Evaluating the direction of rotation allows various different stored values to be distinguished from each other.

Abstract: The multichannel coder embodying the invention comprises a knob coupled with a code wheel associated with a means for detecting the angular position and, possibly, the direction of rotation of the wheel. It comprises, on the one hand, a channel selection means incorporated into the knob, and, on the other hand, a means enabling the association, with the information provided by the detection means, of information relating to the channel that has been selected on the aforesaid selection means. The invention can be used to modify parameters.

Abstract: An instrument panel for co-operation with a microprocessor storing selectable functions and selectable numerical information, comprises a knob (2'), a first switch (3'), an alphanumerical indicator (1'), and a second switch (4'). The knob (2') is rotatable to, in a first operating mode of the microprocessor, select a desired function and, in a second operating mode, selected the desired numerical information. By means of the first switch (3'), the selected function is accepted, the microprocessor is transferred to the second operating mode, the selected numerical information is accepted, and the microprocessor is returned to the first operating mode. The alphanumerical indicator (1') displays both the selected functions and the alphanurnerical information. By means of the second switch (4'), a selection is discarded and the microprocessor is returned to the first operating mode.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock includes a combination lock having a dial with no markings thereon. Rotation of the dial drives a generator which produces electrical pulses. The voltage pulses serves as a power source for the electronics of the lock. The lock also includes a security feature to disable the lock if the combination dial is stopped between dial rotations for a period of time which indicates dialing by an automatic dialer.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock includes a combination lock having a dial with no markings thereon. Rotation of the dial drives a generator which produces electrical pulses. The voltage pulses serves as a power source for the electronics of the lock. The lock also includes a security feature to disable the lock if the combination dial is stopped between dial rotations for a period of time which indicates dialing by an automatic dialer.

Abstract: A manually controllable switch provides a user with an "analog feeling" for controlling digital electronics. A plurality of first electrical conducting portions are alternately arranged with a plurality of second electrical conducting portions. Physical spacing between electrical conducting portions is proportionally and symmetrically varied to provide a sequence of logical states upon movement of the manually adjustable control knob. An electrical contact on the control knob moves into and out of engagement with the electrical conducting portions. Contact between the contacting portion and the conducting portions causes changes in logic state as recognized by a microprocessor or dedicated circuitry coupled to the conducting portions. The microprocessor or dedicated circuitry recognizes specific sequences of change in logic state as indicating manual movement of the control knob.

Abstract: An adjustment operating apparatus for adjusting an adjusting object, such as sound volume, through an operation by the user which includes an operation device for adjusting an adjusting object so as to increase or decrease through an operation and for inputting an adjustment change amount proportional to the amount of the operation, and a control device for generating an adjustment control signal for adjusting and controlling the adjusting object in response to a signal in accordance with the operation from the operation device, wherein the control device varies the speed of change in which the adjustment change amount is increased from the speed of change in which the adjustment change amount is decreased, making it easy to perform a sound volume adjustment operation.

Abstract: A thin, portable, lightweight electronic name and address cardfile optionally including memo alarm, calendar and calculator functions, is provided with a contact and movement sensitive scrolling mechanism for sequentially advancing electronically simulated name and address cards in the style of bottom-attachable index cards. The scrolling function is accomplished by manipulating a graphic representation of a rotary actuator of the type provided on a mechanical rotary-type directory. The simulated card-flipping is accompanied by an artificial sound effect reminiscent of the expected sound of cards flipping. The device may be provided with holes positioned so as to render the device insertable within a loose-leaf ring-type binder notebook or personal organizer.

Abstract: A control device suitable for use in a sing-along or karaoke apparatus has a rotary encoder coupled to a selector knob through a transfer mechanism, such as gears. When the selector knob rotates, the rotary encoder generates pulse signals for each rotation of the selector knob. The number of pulses may depend upon a gear ratio of the transfer mechanism. The control device is used, for example, to scan and select music titles stored in a ROM cartridge or other suitable storage medium. The control device may be integrated with an apparatus for controlling the start or stop function. The control device provides a design flexibility due to its compact design.

Abstract: The menu selection device uses a combination of the rotary position of a rotary optical encoder and the operation of a coaxially mounted push-button switch to enable the user to progress through various layers of a hierarchical menu system. The rotary position of the shaft translates to a menu category which is selected by the user activating the push-button switch. The selection of the menu category allows the user to then sequence through the plurality of menu entries within this menu category by again rotating the shaft. The user selects one of these menu entries by again activating the push-button switch.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock includes a combination lock having a dial with no markings thereon. Rotation of the dial drives a generator which produces electrical pulses. The voltage pulses serves as a power source for the electronics of the lock. The lock also includes a security feature to disable the lock if the combination dial is stopped between dial rotations for a period of time which indicates dailing by an automatic dialer.

Abstract: A membrane switch having a rotary motion detection function comprises a flexible sheet, in which movable electrodes are formed that correspond to multiple keys, and a printed wiring board, in which fixed electrodes are formed that correspond to the movable electrodes. The flexible sheet and printed wiring board are arranged in layers so that the movable and fixed electrodes face each other with a prescribed spacing between them. When any key on the membrane switch is pressed and thus turned on, that key's signal is detected. When multiple keys are turned on in succession within a prescribed time interval, codes are sent that correspond to the direction and speed of movement of the sequence of turned-on keys. The rotary motion keys are arranged in a circle. The codes that correspond to the direction and speed of shift of the turned-on keys are preset in a microprocessor. The rotary motion keys can be arranged on the same board with other general keys to make up a remote control device.

Abstract: A vehicle security apparatus for use in a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising an optical key, a receptacle, a receiver and at least one optical fiber. The optical key has a transmitter having at least one first preprogrammed coded signal stored in a first electric circuit. The receptacle receives the optical key and at least one transmittable coded optical signal from the transmitter corresponding to the at least one preprogrammed coded signal stored in the first electric circuit. The receiver compares the at least one transmittable coded optical signal to at least one second preprogrammed coded signal stored in a second electric circuit and the receiver is adapted to trigger switching effects for at least one of enabling starting the motor vehicle and starting the motor vehicle upon determination that the at least one transmittable coded optical signal corresponds to the at least one second preprogrammed signal in the second electric circuit.

Abstract: In a data inputting apparatus, marks are represented in a matrix form on a surface of a cylindrical data drum. These marks are constructed of characters/symbols, character ornamentation symbols, and character type designation symbols. The data drum is rotated by manipulating a knob to select a mark row containing a desired mark in correspondence with a data selection window, and also the marks present in this selected mark rows are selected in unit of column by operating column selecting keys, thereby selecting a single desired mark. A selection signal of the desired data corresponding to the above-described desired mark is produced by selecting these row and column of the marks. When this selection signal corresponds to the character/symbol mark, data about this character/symbol mark is read out from a font ROM employed in the data inputting apparatus.

Abstract: A rotary control for a music mixing desk consists of a cylindrical knob which includes an information display. The knob is fashioned from an electrically conductive plastic material and is in electrical contact with the spindle of the knob which is connected to a touch sensitive circuit. The rotary control is thereby able to sense the touch of a mixing desk operator without the operator having to turn the knob. The mixing desk can be programmed to undertake various actions upon touching the knob. The display consists of a plurality of light transmitting channels composed of an optic fiber or a wave guide comprising a bundle of optic fibers. Light transmitting elements are disposed at one end of respective channels and circuitry connected to the elements enable certain selected elements to be activated to denote certain conditions. In this way display of signal conditions can be made within a restricted space.

Abstract: An input device including a case defining an opening, a bearing member pivotally mounted in the case about an axis and disposed adjacent to the opening, a roller rotatably disposed on the bearing member and having a portion exposed through the opening, an encoder disposed adjacent the axis of the bearing member and coupled to the roller by a belt, and a push button switch disposed to contact a portion of the bearing member away from the axis, such that manual rotation of the roller causes the belt to rotate the encoder, thereby producing a first output signal, and pressing the roller causes activation of the push button switch by pivoting the bearing member, thereby producing a second signal. A water receiving member is disposed in the case between the bearing member and roller. The water receiving member has a main chamber into which is disposed the roller, and a subchamber connected to the main chamber by a cut-out passage.

Abstract: The computer system includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys mounted in a supporting frame; a scanning device for sensing activation of keys; a processing device for generating commands and data units from status changes of the keys; a communication device for transmitting the generated commands and data units from the processing device; a rotatable dial having a center, a rotation axis passing through the center and an exposed operating surface and rotatably mounted in the supporting frame so as to be rotatable by contact of at least one finger of an operator with the operating surface at a plurality of radial positions spaced from the center of the dial; a rotational transducer device for generating an output signal according to an angular rotation speed of the dial in predetermined incremental angular units; a device for generating the sequences of repeated commands and data units from this output signal and a device for modifying the sequences of repeated commands and data units by activation of the

Abstract: A monitoring and control system is disclosed which samples a plurality of output ports and lines from the microprocessor and the system electronics of an electronic lock to determine whether the bolt is extended, retracted, or the enabling stepper motor has been activated. The presence of a change key may be monitored and the efficacy of a change key controlled to only permit the changing of the combination of the lock when the central monitoring station approves such a change.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled volumetric infusion pump is set as to volume and rate of infusion by two digipots (shaft encoders) each having sixteen detented positioned in 360 degrees. The microprocessor is programmed such that the extent to which the parameter is changed for a given rotation of its setting digipot depends on the speed with which the digipot is rotated. For slow or normal rotation, unit change in parameter is produced for each detented position traversed. Faster rotation causes the setting to jump from one to the next of a series of preselected preferred settings, irrespective of the number of detented positions traversed. The direction of rotation determines whether the setting increases or decreases.

Abstract: A combination lock for a safe or the like is provided that is fully computerized and self powered. A rotary dial is connected to a stepper motor/generator to provide the electrical power to a capacitor to power the system. The stepper motor/generator also provides input signals in the form of a code sequence to a microprocessor that processes the signals to initiate the operation of a drive motor to release a lock bolt once the proper combination is dialed. A read only memory (ROM) determines the proper combination from a combination storage means and feeds the combination to the microprocessor for comparison to the inputted signals from the dial. As each combination dialing sequence is begun, a random code initiator provides a different starting position in the sequence so that electronic or visual surveillance equipment cannot be used to surreptitiously obtain the combination.

Abstract: A rotary switch which cooperates with a printed circuit board employs a knob member having a handle portion that protrudes through an opening in a panel of an equipment housing. The printed circuit board is spaced beneath the panel and has printed wiring contacts that are disposed along a circular path beneath the knob member. Switches which include the printed wiring contacts are opened and closed when the knob member is rotated. In one embodiment, four pairs of printed wiring contacts are disposed on the PCB at 90.degree. intervals and a spacer sheet having openings positioned at the contact pairs rests on the PCB. A contactor sheet rests on the spacer sheet and supports contactor elements that are positioned to protrude through the openings and bridge the contactor pairs when the appropriate region of the contactor sheet is depressed. Such depression is accomplished by contactor legs extending from a contactor member affixed to the underside of the knob member.

Abstract: A computer pointing system employs two modes of moving a marker on a computer display in correspondence with movement of a finger-grippable element within a pointer area of movement wherein one of the modes of movement produces a movement of the marker proportional to movement of the finger-grippable element and the second mode produces movement of the marker which is equal to the product of a distance of the marker from an edge of a display area of movement times the quotient of the distance of movement of the finger-grippable element divided by the distance of the finger-grippable element to an edge of the pointer area of movement. The second mode can be called by movement of the finger-grippable element at a rate greater than a predetermined rate or at a position within an outer ring area of the pointer area of movement. Edge regions of the pointer area of movement define macro instruction regions which, when called by an operation of a switch, pass macro instructions to a user program.

Abstract: An input device for providing X and Y coordinate analog input values and an associated function selection to a computer. There is a support plate and a multiposition function selection switch having an output indicating the position thereof. There is also selector apparatus carried by the support plate and operably connected for moving the function selection switch between its positions. There are coordinate generators for generating X and Y coordinate analog values at outputs thereof and activator apparatus carried in combination with the selector apparatus and operably connected to the coordinate generators for changing the X and Y analog values being output. The selector apparatus may comprise an annular member disposed parallel to the plane of the support plate with the activator apparatus disposed within the annular member. The function selection switch is a rotatable switch and the annular member is rotatable about a perpendicular axis to move the function selection switch between its positions.

Abstract: A system for controlling and displaying the printing format of dot matrix printers includes a microprocessor, a memory which is loaded with programs from replaceable software cards, and a control panel having a plurality of control buttons, an aligned display, and a rotary control coupled to the microprocessor. In a first mode, depression of a selected control button accesses the corresponding one of the parameters of the most commonly used print parameters and repeated actuation of the selected control button cycles through the options contained within the parameter, the parameter and current option being sequentially presented on the display. In a second mode under microprocessor control, each one of the parameters in a printing parameter menu is sequentially accessed and rotation of the rotary dial provides scrolling through each option contained within the parameter. Sets of selected parameter options can be saved under specified designations for later retrieval and use.