Abstract: A portable electronic timepiece and radiation monitor assembly formed by a timekeeping section so linked to a radiation monitoring section that the user is provided not only with a time display but also with a reading of the existing level of penetrating radiation to which he is exposed. The timekeeping section includes a stable, high-frequency time base from which is derived low-frequency timing pulses that serve to actuate an analog or digital time display. The radiation monitoring section includes electronic means such as a microprocessor coupled to a radiation detector yielding signal currents or pulses at a rate depending on the existing intensity of radiation. These electronic means are responsive to clock pulses from the timekeeping section to determine the number of radiation pulses yielded within a fixed time interval to provide a radiation intensity value whose magnitude is indicated on a radiation intensity display.
Abstract: A non-rotating toggle bolt assembly which includes a collapsible toggle threadably received on the shank end of a bolt whose length is greater than the thickness of the wall for which the assembly is intended. When the toggle is collapsed, it assumes reduced dimensions to permit its passage through a hole drilled in the wall. On emerging from the hole at the shank end of the bolt, the toggle which is now displaced from the inner surface of the wall resumes its normal dimensions. The assembly is provided with a flexible strap extension, one end of which is coupled to the toggle and acts to prevent rotation thereof when, in the course of installation, the operator turns the bolt to advance the toggle on the shank into engagement with the inner surface of the wall to fasten the assembly thereon.
Abstract: A novelty writing pen constituted by a standard pen having an ink reservoir encased in a sheath and terminating in a writing tip projecting from one end of the sheath, and a molded body configured to represent a familiar object such as a fruit emitting a characteristic odor, the body having a bore therein to receive at least the upper section of the sheath so that the body is carried by the pen. The ink in the pen incorporates an odor-producing component which is compatible therewith. When the pen is put to use, this component causes the surface written on by the pen to exude an odor simulating that of the object carried thereby.
Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter in which the fluid being metered is conducted through a flow tube having a pair of electrodes, the fluid intersecting a magnetic field whereby the resultant voltage induced in the fluid is transferred to the electrodes to provide a signal indicative to flow rate. The magnetic field is created by a pair of pole pieces formed of "hard" magnetic material. The pieces are placed at diametrically-opposed positions and are magnetically interconnected to define a magnetic circuit. Excitation pulses which alternate in polarity are periodically applied by respective magnet drivers to coils wound about the pole pieces to alternately magnetize the pieces in one direction and remagnetize the pieces in the reverse direction, thereby establishing the desired field. The duty cycle of the pulses is such as to reduce the average power requirements to a very low level.
Abstract: A set of nested graphics for a computer-controlled industrial plant or any other complex system having several interrelated sections. The nested set includes a graphic having entry points thereon each providing access to respective other graphics in the set. These have entry points thereon which provide access to still other graphics so that paths can be established interconnecting the various graphics in the set. The operating mechanism is such that when a cursor is positioned on a given entry point in one graphic being displayed and a SELECT button is pressed, access is then had to a second graphic corresponding to the selected point; and when a NEXT key is operated, this second graphic is displayed. When the cursor is then positioned on an entry point in the displayed second graphic and the SELECT button is pressed, access is had to a third graphic corresponding to the selected entry point, which third graphic is displayed when the NEXT key is operated.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 2, 1986
Date of Patent:
February 23, 1988
Assignee:
Fischer & Porter Company
Inventors:
William Anderson, J. Allan Kiel, Walter Kirszbraun
Abstract: A portable chemical heater for cooking or warming food, the heater including a can filled with diethylene glycol fluid. The can is provided at its top with a protruding neck that is normally closed by a removable cap. Seated within the neck is a cup-shaped sealing insert having a bore therein through which projects the upper end of a wick. This wick is formed by a bundle of glass fibers, the remaining portion of the wick extending into the can and being immersed in the fluid.
Abstract: A replaceable air freshener primarily for use on the tiled wall of a bathroom or kitchen. The air freshener is formed by a transparent plastic face film laminated to a transparent plastic backing film to create a laminate whose dimensions match those of a standard tile. The rear surface of the backing film has a low tack, clear adhesive thereon whereby the laminate may be adhered to a selected tile on the wall or readily removed therefrom. The face film is constituted by a polymeric matrix having myriad cells dispersed therein impregnated with a volatile fragrance which is slowly released from the face film into the atmosphere of the room. Screened on the front surface of the backing film is an artwork which is visible through the face film and has a background field imparted thereto by the color of the tile onto which the laminate is adhered so that the artwork is then in harmony with the tiled wall.
Abstract: A multi-level test probe assembly for checking an integrated circuit chip before terminal leads are applied to the contact pads thereof which are deployed on the chip on a common plane, some pads being inwardly displaced relative to other pads. The assembly includes a planar insulation card provided with a port and having a printed circuit thereon whose traces are connected to a plurality of test terminals connectable to external testing equipment. Surrounding the port and bonded to the card is a mounting ring of dielectric material having a flat face on which is supported a first radial array of fine wires lying in a horizontal plane, the trailing end of each wire being connected to a respective trace.
Abstract: A technique for treating a thick film resistor subsequent to manufacture to correct its value and at the same time enhance its electrical characteristics, such as its resistance stability. Use is made for this purpose of a generating unit in which a radio-frequency carrier is overmodulated by a sonic signal to produce periodic bursts of radio-frequency energy at a repetition rate determined by the frequency of the signal. Coupled to the unit is an UP probe whose tip when brought into contact with the surface of the resistor and scanned thereacross acts to bring about an increase in its ohmic value. Also coupled to the unit is a DOWN probe from whose tip is projected a corona discharge beam which when directed toward the resistor and scanned thereacross to irradiate the resistor acts to decrease its ohmic value.
Abstract: A night light assembly which plugs into and is supported by an electrical wall outlet whose orientation on the wall is either horizontal or vertical. The assembly, when switched on, produces low-level illumination and at the same time exudes an aromatic vapor. The assembly includes a reflector shell having housed therein a low-wattage bulb. Attached to the open front of the shell is a frame adapted to accommodate a removable window cartridge having a transparent plate whose rear face is covered by a thin pad of light-permeable porous material impregnated with a volatile aromatic liquid. The shell is vented, and as the air therein is heated and expanded by heat emanating from the bulb, a convection current is produced which flows across the pad to volatilize the liquid, thereby creating an aromatic vapor that is discharged through the vent.
Abstract: A disposable applicator for a cosmetic cream which makes it possible to apply cream to the skin of the user without making finger contact with the skin, the applicator also serving to scrub and stimulate the skin surface. The applicator is constituted by a miniature sponge molded of open-pore, synthetic plastic, flexible foam material whose cells in the outer layer thereof are partially closed. Injected into the core of the sponge is a metered amount of cream which impregnates the internal pores of the sponge but is not exuded from the outer layer unless the applicator is squeezed by the user. In practice, each applicator may be packaged in a foil-type sealed envelope or a color-coded supply of applicators containing different creams may be housed in a jar.
Abstract: An aroma generator that is rendered operative only when a switch-controlled electric light bulb is in a predetermined state which is either "on" or "off," the generator then functioning to discharge an air current conveying an aromatic vapor which modifies the prevailing atmosphere. Included in the generator is a motor-driven fan that forces air through an air-permeable cartridge containing an aroma supply. The motor is connected to a battery through a signal-responsive electronic relay having time delay means such that when the relay is activated by a signal to turn on the fan, it is thereafter automatically deactivated after a predetermined time period. Applied to the relay is a binary signal derived from a light sensor adjacent the light bulb to intercept light rays therefrom, the signal being positive when the bulb is switched "on" and negative when it is switched "off.
Abstract: A system for trimming the ohmic value of a resistor included in a microelectronic chip to raise or lower its resistance without changing its physical dimensions. The system is provided with a self-contained unit which generates a low radio-frequency carrier overmodulated by a sonic frequency signal to yield at its output terminal pulsed radio-frequency energy. Coupled by an extension cable to the output terminal of the unit is a portable probe assembly whose position may be manipulated to bring the assembly into operative relation with the resistor to be trimmed. The assembly includes a tank circuit connected by the cable to the output terminal of the unit and tuned to the carrier frequency so that the pulsed energy is stored therein and not radiated. A "Down" probe is inductively coupled in step-up relation to the tank circuit to cause a corona discharge beam to be projected from the tip of this probe, which beam when directed toward a point on the resistor acts to reduce its ohmic value.
Abstract: An orientable lamp adjustable both in elevation and angle to properly illuminate an area of interest. The lamp includes a low-voltage, high-intensity light bulb housing attached to the end of an extensible arm cantilevered from a base. The arm is constituted by a pair of superposed electrically-insulated metal tapes that are arched to resist flexure and are interconnected to the bulb terminals to function as a two-wire line. The tapes are windable on a spring-biased reel rotatable within a cylindrical casing mounted on the base and having a projecting nose from which the tapes emerge. The angle of the casing relative to the base is adjustable, whereby the angle of the cantilevered arm may be varied to adjust the angle assumed by the fixture. Also supported on the base is a step-down transformer connected by sliding contacts to the tapes on the rotatable reel to supply low-voltage power to the two-wire line to energize the bulb.