Abstract: A device to control machines by voice is disclosed which responds to a plurality of predetermined musical tones in a sequence to generate a digital control output signal. Audio conversion means convert the sequence of tones into a corresponding sequence of digital number signals which are temporarily stored in a memory. Then a sequence of ratio signals are generated by dividing each of the digital number signals by one of the digital number signals. The resulting sequence of ratio signals is then converted into a corresponding sequence of digital numbers which comprises the digital control output signal. A microprocessor and associated storage processes the digital data and controls the conversion of the musical tones into corresponding digital numbers.

Abstract: A low-cost photoelectric machine access safety device is technically disclosed in the specification and drawings comprising an integral support structure supporting a retrodirective reflective (RDR) material facing an enclosed area which is to be guarded. A rotatable mirror causes a light beam from a reflex photohead to scan the guarded area. The RDR material reflects the light beam back along the transmitted path at varying angles of incidence. A photocell in the reflex photohead is activated to operate a control circuit to keep a control relay energized. Upon any interruption of the scanning light beam the relay is deenergized causing the accessed machine to stop. False operation preventing means prevents false operation when the light beam is scanning the portion of the support structure on which the rotatable mirror and associated apparatus is mounted. Fail-safe circuitry is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer controlled telephone answering system is disclosed which can economically and efficiently serve a large number of subscribers over a vast geographic area. The system utilizes a plurality of remote sites each of which is adjacent to a telephone company central office and which includes a trunk concentrator invention to reduce the number of trunk lines required to service the subscribers. A central site of this answering system serves as a facility to answer calls relayed through the remote sites. It also includes a trunk concentrator invention to further reduce the number of trunk lines to operator positions. A computer at the central site controls the entire system, determines switching paths from a subscriber line to an operator, furnishes answering information to operators and stores instructions for answering incoming messages. The logic of the system permits any operator to answer any incoming telephone call on any subscriber line promptly, economically and correctly.

Abstract: A computer controlled telephone answering system to serve a large number of subscribers over a vast geographic area, utilizing a plurality of remote site trunk concentrators adjacent to each telephone company central office to reduce the number of trunk lines required to service subscribers. A central site of this answering system, serving as a facility to answer calls relayed through the remote sites, also includes a trunk concentrator to further reduce the number of trunk lines to operator positions. A computer at the central site controls the entire system, determines switching paths from a subscriber line through the concentrator, to an operator, furnishes answering information to operators and stores instructions for answering incoming messages.

Abstract: The drink service system disclosed in the specification comprises dining and bar areas, a cocktail lounge, a kitchen and an order-taking post separate from and adjacent the dining and bar areas to facilitate the direct delivery of food and drink orders taken by telephone from patrons in the dining area and cocktail lounge in visual communication with the order-taking person (FIGS. 1-4). A combined piano bar-bandstand straddles the bar area and dance floor (FIG. 1). Variably-translucent panels control visual communication with the dining area (FIGS. 1, 8). Each table has its own speaker and volume control for music playing (FIG. 5). Detachable carpet panels permit the movement of telephone and audio cables coupled to the tables (FIG. 6). A phone protection system signals the cutting of any telephone cable (FIG. 7).

Abstract: A device for automatically indicating a rate failure condition in a pacer monitoring the intrinsic pacer rate in both demand and fixed rate modes, including a first limit circuit preset at a low level of activity coupled to the monitoring means, and a second limit circuit preset at a high level of activity coupled to the monitoring means. A first switch is connected to the first limit circuit, and a second switch is connected to the second limit circuit. The first limit circuit responds to the combined rate of pacer and spontaneous activity falling below a preset level by placing the first switch in a switched condition, and the second limit circuit responds to the rate of pacer activity exceeding a preset level by placing the second switch means in a switched condition. Indicating means converts the switched conditions to distinguishable marking pulse signal for later clinical electrocardiogram detection.

Abstract: A pacer for cardiac pacing and condition monitoring in which the electrical characteristics of the pacer are altered upon a temporary or permanent charge in monitored conditions, such as the failures defined in a "loss of capture" or a "failure to sense", in which the timed relationship between the pacer signal generator and the cardiac signal is monitored to indicate detection of failure condition. The monitor acts to provide both increased stimulus to recover capture and to provide warning pulses indicating loss of capture or failure to sense, which are sufficiently discernible upon an electrocardiogram to enable later diagnosis, even after self-correction. An additional means for improving the ability of the pacemaker to "pick up" and amplify spontaneous cardiac signals is provided by redundant signal amplifiers which are checked against each other. These circuits and their ability to detect improper recycling are used to indicate a "sensing failure".

Abstract: A standard 35mm single lens reflex camera is modified to include a pair of film frame registration pins located in the hinged rear cover plate, these pins being movable toward film covering the film aperture, with the ends of the pins being tapered to readily enter a pair of sprocket holes on opposite sides of each frame of film, for precisely registering the position of each frame with the film aperture. The registration pins engage the film before and during each exposure, and are retracted before each advancement or rewinding of the film. Also located on the camera's rear cover plate is a spring-biased indicator pin extending toward the film, and aimed directly at an electrical ground contact on the film guide.

Abstract: The sequential drying system comprises a plurality of drying stations each having an upper section arranged in sequence in a tunnel. Material holders which are movable are provided for holding the material to be dried. Moving means move the material holders stepwise from an upper section of one drying station to the upper section of the next drying station through the tunnel. A separate lower section is provided for each drying station for moisture collecting means. Separating means are provided for separating the upper section of the drying stations from each other in the tunnel during the drying intervals between movements of the material holders. The separating means preferably is a vertical panel mounted at one end of a material holder so that it moves with the material holder. The atmosphere in each drying station is recirculated between its upper and lower sections in a closed path.

Abstract: A low wattage electrical resistance heating element is supported within a tubular housing, and an elongated flexible support band is adjustably connected to the housing and extends over a wall-mounted thermostat for suspending the housing in vertically adjustable relation directly below the thermostat. An electrical power cord extends from the heating element through the housing to an electrical power supply, and energizing of the heating element produces a convection current of heated air upwardly through the housing. The heated air mixes with ambient air and flows into the thermostat to provide an air temperature higher than ambient air temperature so that the heating system is controlled in a manner to maintain an ambient air temperature lower than the setting of the thermostat.

Abstract: A pacer for cardiac pacing and condition monitoring in which the electrical characteristics of the pacer are altered upon a temporary or permanent change in monitored conditions, such as the failures defined as a "loss of capture" or a "failure to sense", in which the timed relationship between the pacer signal generator and the cardiac signal is monitored to indicate detection of failure condition. The monitor acts to provide both increased stimulus to recover capture and to provide warning pulses indicating loss of capture or failure to sense, which are sufficiently discernible upon an electrocardiogram to enable later diagnosis, even after self-correction. After diagnosis, the monitor can be reset to its original condition by means of an external control, such as a magnet. The unit may be surgically implanted or employed externally.

Abstract: A pacer for cardiac pacing and condition monitoring in which the electrical characteristics of the pacer are altered upon a temporary or permanent change in monitored conditions, such as the failures defined as a "loss of capture" or a "failure to sense", in which the timed relationship between the pacer signal generator and the cardiac signal is monitored to indicate detection of failure condition. The monitor acts to provide both increased stimulus to recover capture and to provide warning pulses indicating loss of capture or failure to sense, which are sufficiently discernible upon an electrocardiogram to enable later diagnosis, even after self-correction. After diagnosis, the monitor can be reset to its original condition by means of an external control, such as a magnet. The unit may be surgically implanted or employed externally.

Abstract: The restaurant dining system described in the specification comprises dining and bar areas, a cocktail lounge, a kitchen and an order-taking post separate from and adjacent the dining and bar areas to facilitate the direct delivery of food and drink orders taken by telephone from patrons in the dining area and cocktail lounge in visual communication with the order-taking person. A combined piano bar-bandstand straddles the bar area and dance floor. Variably-translucent panels control visual communication with the dining area. Each table has its own speaker and volume control for music playing. Detachable carpet panels permit the movement of telephone and audio cables coupled to the tables. A phone protection system signals the cutting of any telephone cable. The bar area may be glass-enclosed to control the sound and smoke levels, and a microphone within the bar area permits the feeding of the bar area sound at a controlled audio level into the audio amplifier system feeding the table speakers.

Abstract: A radiant resistant closure assembly is described for joining a door and its frame including a resilient contact retained in position by a holding plate attached to the frame of the door. The contact extends into a slot along the edge of the frame and receives a blade-like rigid contact mounted to the door. The door is closed in a manner whereby the rigid contact blade-like member enters into the slot, is frictionally engaged by the resilient finger contact, and is held in position. For insuring further radiation resistance, an RF shielding mesh may be placed down in the bottom of the slot. The resilient contact encountered by the blade may include two offset bowed finger-like members, the second being retained on the opposite side of the slot from the first by means of a retaining clip friction fitted into the slot itself.

Abstract: A door closure mechanism provided with a frame and a door adapted to be closed into the frame in a manner so as to provide RF shielding. The door is provided with a closure mechanism having a motor-driven threaded shaft mounted on a floating platform adapted to have several degrees of freedom with respect to the plane defined by the door. The frame includes a threaded receptacle adapted to receive the threaded shaft. Electrical switches are provided with respect to the door such that the threaded shaft will rotate uon reaching proximity with the threaded receptacle, thereby securing the door to the frame.