Abstract: An electronic controller maintains the level of fluid in a container between an upper level and a lower level defined by the location of two probes in the container. Each probe actuates a first light source-photosensor pair used for controlling a device capable of changing the fluid level in the container. In some embodiments of this invention, a second photosensor-light source pair latches the first pair to provide system hysteresis. In other embodiments, the same pair both controls the fluid level device and latches itself to provide system hysteresis.

Abstract: A circuit fuse assembly comprising a plurality of fuse elements which are simultaneously formed using printed circuit or through hole plating techniques and including means for easily substituting a different one of the plural fuse elements when the in-circuit fuse element burns out due to an overload current condition. In the preferred embodiment, the fuse assembly is (a) integrally formed with the printed circuit of the fused electrical apparatus and (b) formed with a common electrical connection such that a single electrical bridge of solder or other means enables substitution of a replacement fuse element. Other embodiments of the present invention provide a restorable printed circuit fuse for use in standard fuse holders, in-line plug connectors, conventional three prong plug connectors, edison bases, and plug-in triple outlets.

Abstract: A one-piece blank forms a liquid-tight carton having plural rectangular side walls sealed or integral with one another at adjoining side edges and flat end panels of polygonal shape, the carton facilitating ultrasonic sealing of the end walls to the sidewalls through a unique set of sealing tabs on the side and end walls. The process and equipment for sealing the end walls to the side walls permits ultrasonic heating and sealing after the carton is full of liquid through a compression of the sealing tabs of these walls between facing dies which are diagonally aligned in relationship to the side and end walls. The carton formed by this blank facilitates nesting of multiple cartons, one above the other.

Abstract: In an output stage for switching regulated power supply, including a step down transformer and a full wave rectifier, significantly increased power output and a small, compact size are achieved by reducing the length of the path through which electrical power must flow in the power supply, by symmetrically arranging all electrical paths within the power supply, and by utilizing single turn windings, each associated with a diode rectifier element. Two groups of diodes are respectively mounted on two heat sinks which are arranged in parallel co-planar relationship under a circuit board on which the transformer is mounted. In a first embodiment, the first group of diodes is forwardly mounted on the heat sink, that is, with their anodes exposed, while the other diodes are reversely mounted on the other heat sink. In a second embodiment, all diodes are forwardly mounted on the heat sinks.

Abstract: A signal encoder and classifier particularly adapted to speech recognition includes a circularly addressed buffer which is independently addressed by a new data writing address system and a buffered data reading system so that writing and reading of data may be accomplished on a time shared basis. This time shared operation permits serial writing and reading of the pattern data without interrupting income signal storage. The writing data address system addresses the data into the buffer in a circular fashion while the reading data address system utilizes stored addresses identifying the beginning and end of the signal patterns for addressing sequential patterns from the buffer.

Abstract: A resin bonded glass fiber grating adhesively bonded together in unitary construction to form a lightweight, high strength industrial grating, which may include a non-skid elastomer surface and the capability to be rolled up for storage and a method of constructing the same.

Abstract: A vitamin dispenser having a plurality of juxtaposed storage compartments for the receipt of various types of pills or other comparable items. The somewhat cylindrical vitamin dispenser utilizes a selector cap having a selector aperture which is rotatable to an aligned position over any one of the plurality of storage compartments to allow the introduction or removal of pills from that compartment. A cover plate is mounted over the selector cap and rotatable with or relative to the selector cap to provide a cover to the selector aperture when desired. Indicia are located in conjunction with the selector cap to identify the contents of each compartment aligned below the selector aperture.

Abstract: An indoor barbecue cooking device comprises a grill and a removeable oven cover so that the device can be used either as a barbecue grill or a barbecue oven. The device includes an electrically powered air blower which is selectively and automatically activated by either a thermostat or a photocell. When the device is used as a grill, the blower is automatically activated in response to the detection of an open flame by the photocell to blow the flame out so that the food is prevented from being burned. When the device is used as an oven, the blower is automatically activated by the thermostat when the selected temperature is exceeded, so that cooling air is blown into the oven to maintain the selected temperature.

Abstract: A device for cooling air to a temperature below its dew point and for separating condensed liquid from the cooled air to produce dry air is disclosed.

Abstract: A solar energy collection and conversion system is disclosed in which a cassegrain mirror system is rotated about a diurnal axis, which axis is adjusted for seasonal variations in the incidence of the sun's rays on the earth's surface. A black body absorption cavity filled with translucent or transparent fluid material is used for direct absorption of the sun's rays. The incident solar energy is absorbed directly by the fluid medium. The fluid within the cavity may be maintained under extremely high pressures and temperatures in order to utilize this fluid as a heat storage medium. Such heat storage is facilitated by apparatus which permits a change in the volume of the reflective cavity in response to the temperature or pressure of the fluid within the cavity.

Abstract: An anti-holiday cable armor for submersible electrical cables comprising two generally helically wrapped, overlapping metal straps, the second metal strap being wrapped longitudinally in a direction opposite to the direction of wrap on the first metal strap, for providing anti-holiday protection when the cable is pulled in either direction is disclosed.

Abstract: An illumination control device for regulating the illumination in a controlled lighting area responds to natural illumination to control artificial lighting. The illumination control device turns the artificial light on and off at independently variable natural illumination levels to provide a hysteresis between the turn-on and turn-off points of the artificial lights. In addition, a variable time delay is included in the illumination control device to delay the turn-off of the lights for a variable period of time after the natural light level has risen above the level required for artificial light turn-off. Furthermore, the illumination control device includes a circuit for turning on all of the lights, regardless of the natural illumination level, when the circuit is initially energized so that the lights can be checked by maintenance personnel.