Abstract: An optical disk apparatus includes an I/O port that connects to a port of a drive apparatus, and a storage unit that prestores manufacturing information in correspondence with device drivers. The optical disk apparatus further includes a controller that transmits a command indicating to return manufacturing information, to the drive apparatus via the I/O port. When manufacturing information is returned from the drive apparatus via the I/O port, the controller extracts a device driver corresponding to the returned manufacturing information from the device drivers in the storage unit. The controller then controls a reading operation or a recording operation of the drive apparatus on the optical disk, based on the extracted device driver.

Abstract: The on/off statuses of relays corresponding to information played back from an optical disk, for example, position information such as absolute time and track number, are stored in memory. When the absolute time or track number in the sub-code information decoded by the sub-code decode circuit is identical to the absolute time or track number stored in memory, the relays in the external device interface unit are switched to control the external devices connected to them. With this arrangement, external devices such as lights, slide projector, and illumination may easily be controlled in synchronization with optical disk playback information.

Abstract: The unit works in conjunction with a multiple-disc player by storing the empty disc-cases, indicating disc status, and providing a system of selection for the discs inside of the multi-player. The unit stores empty disc-cases in relative positions to discs stored inside the multi-player. The exposed faces of stored disc-cases behave as buttons and labels.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel boot and its use on fuel dispensing devices. The boot contains a recording and playback system for messages or sounds as fuel is being pumped into a vehicle.

Abstract: A listening and display unit for playing and promoting audio recordings, including a display surface for promotional and instructional messages, two or more audio jacks connected by an audio cable to one of several player units, a AC/DC power unit to power the player units, a DC power jack connected by a power cable to the power unit and connected by a wiring harness to the player units.

Abstract: A light weight data recorder employs a non-volatile electronic memory to store several channels of data occurring before and after a triggering event. Data may be retained in the memory with the aid of a NiCad battery. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, which may be user defined, the input of new data into the memory will be terminated after a selectable predetermined time has passed. This allows data to be recorded both before and after a specified event. The triggering event may be derived by sensing a change in the signal level of one of the data inputs by a predetermined amount, or it may be a specially generated signal. Once a triggering event has occurred, the data retained in memory is protected. Circuit means are provided to retrieve the stored data without destroying it. Another circuit permits recording of new data in the memory only after a unique signal has been detected.

Abstract: A tree stand includes programmable circuitry allowing various messages to be played and lights to be illuminated responsive to actuation of various switches. The various switches are placed on the floor surface adjacent the tree stand and presents are placed over the various switches. Each switch is connected to a programmable control device designed to play a particular message responsive to activation of the switch. The message is designed to be specifically created for the recipient of the present which has been placed on the particular switch which has been activated.

Abstract: A removable information inputting device which is removably provided with an electronic apparatus includes a keyboard for inputting an information of a program to be recorded, a memory for storing the information from the keyboard, a control circuit for controlling the input and the output of the information stored in the memory, and an optical transmission circuit for optically transmitting the information from the memory to the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A improvement in a combination for responding to an emergency, characterized by audible instruction means for instructing a participant in handling the emergency and an activator for activating the instruction means to give particular audible instructions to the participant handling the particular emergency so that the participant can use both hands and eyes in treating the emergency rather than having to read instructions or the like. In specific aspects, multiple instructions may be included with a selector for selecting a particular emergency; or a particular type of emergency such as instruction and precautions for a particular type of fire extinguisher may be implaced at a particular location for a particular type fire extinguisher or the like.