Abstract: An emergency and non-emergency transmitter receivable by broadcast band receivers in nearby vehicles, comprising a first signal generator for simultaneously providing a plurality of selectively spaced carriers having frequency spacings corresponding to the individual channels of the band to be covered and selectively providing amplitude modulation when used for the AM broadcast band, and a second signal generator providing an FM modulated signal, which when combined with the signal from the first signal generator, covers various portions of the FM broadcast band to provide complete coverage thereof. A plurality of signals are generated in a portion of a selected band and modulated, according to the selected band mode, with a pre-stored and selectable voice alarm message.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed for use in low-light environments or environments where low-levels of such radiation is desirable. Examples of such environments are endoscopy, laparoscopy, mammography and night photography. In the case of radiation that is other than visible light, a radiation converter and method for fabricating same is disclosed. The radiation converter comprises a film of heavy scintillator (e.g. CdWO4) coated on a fiber optical window to efficiently convert the radiation into visible light. The visible light is passed into a signal amplifier employing a focussing electron-bombarded charge-couple device (FEBCCD) or a focussing electron-bombarded complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (FEBCMOS) to amplify the signal. Novel methods of performing three-dimension imaging using this system as well as removing the effects of high-speed movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: A battery changing system having a battery chamber housing a first battery connected to a circuit, and receives a second, replacement battery which becomes connected to the circuit and displaces the first battery from the battery chamber as the second battery is being inserted, maintaining continuity of power to the circuit. Embodiments include a system which displaces the battery from the same side or opening in which the replacement battery is inserted, and a system which displaces the battery from another opening in the battery chamber.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed for use in low-light environments or environments where low-levels of such radiation is desirable. Examples of such environments are night photography, laparoscopy, and mammography. In the case of radiation that is other than visible light, a radiation converter and method for fabricating same is disclosed. The radiation converter comprises a film of heavy scintillator (e.g. CdWO4) coated on a fiber optical window to efficiently convert the radiation into visible light. The visible light is passed into a signal amplifier employing an electron-bombarded charge-couple device (EBCCD) to amplify the signal. Novel methods of performing three-dimension imaging using this system as well as removing the effects of high speed movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clutch assembly outboard support comprising at least one bearing mounted to an outer structure in or near the clutch assembly, e.g. the clutch housing or protective cover, and mounted to or impacting upon the clutch assembly itself, to relieve the force applied to the inner support bearing of the transmission input shaft and to restrict clutch assembly motion regardless of the engine, starter drive or other forces applied to it. The increased clutch stability and alignment according to the present invention provide more complete clutch disengagement allowing for significantly improved transmission shifting characteristics by reducing or eliminating clutch drag during shifting.

Abstract: A novel thermodynamic engines including a piston operating on a compressible fluid in a thermally insulated volume, which also includes a movable displacer which selectively divides the internal volume between a warm and a cold side, and a regenerator through which the fluid from the selectively divided volume passes and transfer its heat to or receives heat from, wherein the piston and displacer are each periodically moved in various complex motions according to the present invention to provide efficiency higher than Carnot efficiency. The resulting novel structures and methods, generally referred to as “Superclassical Cycle” engines, incorporate constant volume cooling and aspects of the “Proell Effect” (relative to cooling) to achieve improved efficiencies wherein the gas temperature on the cold side of a fluid displacer is below the lowest regenerator temperature due to “self-refrigeration.

Abstract: A clamp to be placed against payload objects carried in a truck or other vehicle including a corrugated bed liner comprising one or more pairs of movable opposing jaws, each pair selectively engaging a portion of the truck bed liner. The clamp jaws are slidebly retained in grooves in a clamp frame, and moved by spirally disposed grooves in a disk rotated by a connected operator lever. Further improvements include anchoring apertures to further secure the object(s) with rope or strapping, and latching apparatus to maintain the clamp in a closed or “engaged” position relative to the bed liner.

Abstract: A clutch assembly outboard support comprising at least one bearing mounted to an outer structure near the clutch assembly, e.g. the clutch housing or protective cover, and mounted to or impacting upon the clutch assembly itself, to relieve the force applied to the inner support bearing of the transmission input shaft and to restrict clutch assembly motion regardless of the engine, starter drive or other forces applied to it. The increased clutch stability and alignment according to the present invention provide more complete clutch disengagement allowing for significantly improved transmission shifting characteristics by reducing or eliminating clutch drag during shifting.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed for use in low-light environments or environments where low-levels of such radiation is desirable. Examples of such environments are endoscopy, laparoscopy, mammography and night photography. In the case of radiation that is other than visible light, a radiation converter and method for fabricating same is disclosed. The radiation converter comprises a film of heavy scintillator (e.g. CdWO4) coated on a fiber optical window to efficiently convert the radiation into visible light. The visible light is passed into a signal amplifier employing a focussing electron-bombarded charge-couple device (FEBCCD) or a focussing electron-bombarded complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (FEBCMOS) to amplify the signal. Novel methods of performing three-dimension imaging using this system as well as removing the effects of high-speed movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bi-directional network medium monitor including a tap apparatus connected inserted in a network media, e.g. Fiber Optic (FX) and Twisted Pair (TX), comprising a transceiver and a clock recovery element for each medium and medium monitor connection, and a bi-directional serial data multiplexer which directs the medium data while in the serial data format. Also, the medium monitor may interrupt medium data transfer in either medium direction and insert its data for diagnostic or other network purposes. Thus, the apparatus according to the present invention is operable to monitor a network at the maximum data rates currently used while providing no significantly network data delay.

Abstract: A label printer and applicator system which determines the height and position of moving objects on a conveyor while printing labels and positioning the labels for application on the moving objects. The printer/applicator includes a controllable label buffer, applicator actuator and label ejector to receive and apply the printed label, or eject the label when it has been determined that the application to the object cannot be made. Further embodiments include multiple applicators deployed along the conveyor to permit higher conveyor velocities and avoidance of unlabeled objects due to height/proximity relationships with adjacent packages.

Abstract: A bidirectional network medium translator connected between two dissimilar network media, e.g. Fiber Optic (FX) and Twisted Pair (TX), comprising a transceiver and a clock recovery element for each medium, and a bidirectional serial buffer which receives, processes and transmits the data while in the serial data format. Thus, the apparatus according to the present invention is operable to the maximum data rates currently used, provides significantly reduced data delay, and may be field-modified to a variety of different media.

Abstract: A combustion chamber design layout of grooves or channels or passages formed in the squish band to further enhance turbulence in the charge prior to ignition as compared to existing designs with squish bands or hemispherical layouts in I.C. Engines. These grooves or channels or passages after ignition direct the flame front to cause multipoint ignition during the combustion cycle resulting in the following distinct advantages over existing designs in practice. First, quicker and complete clean burn combustion; second, lower operating temperatures due to the higher flame velocities; third, enhanced torque and power through the entire range resulting in better fuel economy with lower Emissions; and fourth, smoother engine operation through the entire range enhancing engine life.

Abstract: An efficient, economical circuit which is easily added to existing modular or integrated pulse-width modulator circuits, e.g. switching power supply regulator circuits, having an fault comparitor which disables the pulse-width modulator when an overload error condition is detected for a time which exceeds a first RC time constant, and restoring the operation of the pulse-width modulator after a second R′C time. The differing RC and R′C time constants are provided by varied resistor circuit paths established by the state of the fault comparitor. The topology and economy of parts provide a current limiter which facilitates miniaturization and circuit integration.

Abstract: A light having a shielded fixture housing which comprises a tapered reflector a halogen lamp at the narrowed end, a tempered glass shield at the light-emitting end at a selected distance from the halogen bulb, and vents disposed about the fixture to provide an airflow therethrough. Embodiments according to the present invention pass the Underwriters Laboratory “Cheesecloth Test” and provide a light with significantly reduced fire hazard. Further improvements include specifically disposed temperature sensors to interrupt the power to the lamp if the light is accidentally or intentionally misused.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for rapid and improved accuracy acoustic position determination comprising simultaneous and mutually distinguishable wide-band acoustic transmissions emitted from a plurality of spatially diverse transmitters and reception thereof by one or more receivers. The receivers identify the transmitters by directly (non-demodulated) correlating the received signal against stored or regenerated replicas of the transmitted signals. The location of the receiver is determined relative to the identified transmitter locations according to the measured times-of-flight from the identified transmitters to the receiver. Further embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention provides yaw, pitch and roll determination with a plurality of co-located receivers, and an extended and enhanced operating area.

Abstract: A fiber-optic to twisted pair data translator configured to be disposed within a wall and thus become part of the building, which further includes a central data distribution facility, such as a communication closet and connecting fiber-optic cables to create a totally integrated structured premise wiring which provides the tenant occupant with the advantages of high-bandwidth fiber-optic communication by a simple twister-pair connection. Moreover, the in-wall data translator according to the present invention provides data format converting intelligence at the wall plate and may be internally or externally powered to maximum flexibility in network architecture while minimizing the building installation costs and inventory of data network components.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the present invention provides an arcade machine receiving a coin from each player along one or more coin paths which determine the coin path and thus the outcome of the player's participation. The coins are introduced tangentially from one of several locations to the outer edge of a funnel-like bowl with a lowered center exit, and proceed generally around the bowl and exits to a generally planar table below the exit, which includes revolving blades to stir the coins in the table. As the coins accumulate or are urged by the blades, and eventually fall from the outer perimeter of the table to coin output drawers or openings, where the coins may be withdrawn by the player as winnings.

Abstract: A bi-directional network medium translator and automatic redundant media data path switch connected between two dissimilar network media, e.g. Fiber Optic (FX) and a plurality of Twisted Pair (TX) data paths, comprising a transceiver and a clock recovery element for each medium, a multiplexer which selectively connects one of said redundant data paths according to a detected master data path failure, and a bi-directional scrambler/descrambler which receives, processes and transmits the data while in the serial data format. Thus, the apparatus according to the present invention is operable to the maximum data rates currently used, provides significantly reduced data delay and reduced lost data due to data path failures and lengthy path switchover times, and may be field-modified to a variety of different media.

Abstract: A high speed data network having a novel data translator having an SRAM data buffer in the full to half duplex direction and flow control media access elements, such as for detecting data collision and retransmission of data, for providing transparent high data rate transfer between full and half duplex data media. The main SRAM data buffer provides multiple frame FIFO storage and configured to provide alternating incoming and outgoing data access. The preferred embodiment further includes main SRAM incoming FIFO and outgoing FIFO memories. The outgoing FIFO memory is configured to operate in an alternating in/out memory access (independent of the main SRAM incoming and outgoing data access) providing data byte access after the byte is written from the main SRAM. Furthermore, the outgoing FIFO memory supplies the data to be retransmitted in the event of a data collision, without interrupting the operation(s) of the main SRAM buffer.