Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of substantially flattening the modulation response in a frequency synthesizer. The method includes the steps of generating a synthesized frequency in response to a filtered control signal; scaling the synthesized frequency with a scalar; generating a control signal, having a response substantially the reciprocal of the frequency generation response, and indicative of the phase relationship between a reference frequency and the scaled, synthesized frequency; and filtering the control signal, whereby the interaction of the phase relationship control signal response and the frequency generation response approximates a flat modulation response.

Abstract: A dual tracking control device for use with a multiple voltage source system. The device provides a reference signal that may be used to control a voltage source, such that this voltage source will track another of the voltage sources, so long as the tracked voltage source maintains a predetermined relationship with respect to yet another voltage source. If this relationship is not maintained, then the tracking control device will cause the voltage source to track instead an alternative voltage source.

Abstract: A directional coupler is disclosed comprising either a stripline or microstrip transmission line coupler apparatus serially coupled to an error correcting circuitry which is designed to minimize the standing wave in the coupled line. Elimination of the standing wave in coupled line results in a directional coupler of better accuracy. The error correcting circuitry uses an impedance mismatch of a preselected magnitude and phase angle which are determined by varying the same at a particular frequency until the standing wave of the coupled line is minimized. In the preferred embodiment, a length of coaxial cable is used.

Abstract: A fault tolerance signal receiver (10) for use with differential voltage level transmission systems from which two voltage levels may be substantially simultaneously sensed to allow the two voltage levels to be decoded into digital signals. The receiver (10) includes an input unit (11) for receiving the two voltage levels and for producing outputs related to these two voltage levels, a first logic unit (12) for receiving the output from the input unit and for producing an output, with the output being selectively variable when the two voltage levels are valid and non-variable when the two voltage levels are invalid due to the presence of a fault condition in the transmission system, and a second logic unit (13) for receiving the output of the first logic unit (12) and the input unit (11) for correctly outputting a decoded digital signal (17) provided that the transmission system has no more than one fault condition present thereon. A fault condition signal (27) may also be provided.

Abstract: A power distribution device having a first input that can be operably connected to a power source, a second input that can be operably connected to an operator controlled switch, and an output for connection to peripheral devices to be powered. The device further includes a first comparator unit for sensing when the operator controlled switch has been closed and for providing an output signal in response thereto, and a second comparator unit that can respond to the output signal created by the first comparator unit to provide a control signal. A power switch unit responds to the control signal and can connect and disconnect the output of the device to the power source input. A delay unit serves to delay the response of the second comparator unit to a change in the output signal state of the first comparator unit.

Abstract: A meter overdrive protection circuit is provided using a variable duty cycle drive pulse. Such meters usually comprise speedometers and tachometers used in highway vehicles such as trucks. A programmable pulse generator is utilized to provide a series of pulses of a selected width depending on the truck model. A sensor input corresponding to the rate of rotation of the drive shaft of the truck is used to trigger the pulse generator to produce each output pulse. Such output pulses are supplied to a meter drive which, based on the time average value of the output pulses received, displays an output value related to the rate of rotation of the truck drive shaft. Upon the triggering inputs exceeding a preselected frequency, a microcomputer will change the pulse generator operation to a fixed duty cycle operation whereupon the meter will be held to a full scale deflection. When the triggering inputs decrease below the preselected frequency, the pulse generator will be returned to a triggering output mode.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard is provided having a first and second plurality of connectors extending therefrom. The first plurality of connectors is attached at one end to a number of switches on the keyboard and at the other end to a processing circuit apart from the keyboard. One end of the second plurality of connectors is also connected to the processing circuit. A third set of connectors is utilized to connect the ends of the second plurality of connectors on the keyboard in a manner to identify the keyboard to the processing circuit.

Abstract: An injector driver control unit with internal overvoltage protection. The device includes a first overvoltage sense unit (18) and an injector drive inhibit unit (21) for diverting injector drive signals from an injector drive unit (14) and for diverting flyback energy from a flyback control unit (16). The device also includes a second overvoltage sense unit (19) that can control a clamp control unit (22) to thereby activate an energy clamp (23) to control voltage potential across the injector solenoid (12).

Abstract: A condensed profile electrical connector to be used in electrically coupling a flexible conductor connector plug to a primary printed circuit board. The electrical connector includes a support unit (11) having a secondary printed circuit board (17) and a connector housing (18), a first plurality of conductors (12) for electrical connection to the flexible conductors, a second plurality of conductors (13) for connecting the first plurality of conductors (12) to the primary printed circuit board, a third conductor (14) comprising a conductive material disposed over a substantial portion of one side of the secondary printed circuit board (17) for providing a ground plane, and a plurality of capacitors (16) for capacitively coupling each of the first conductors (12) to the third conductor (14) for providing EMI filtering. The electrical connector may be connected to the primary printed circuit board in a minimum of profile area (32) and, once connected, provides beneficial EMI filtering and RF filtering.

Abstract: An injector driver fault detect and protection device for use with fuel injection systems that include at least one solenoid (17) for controlling a fuel injection valve, control means for providing a control signal, injector driver means (14) responsive to the control signal for providing a drive signal, and a current control switch (16) being responsive to the drive signal for selectively closing and opening a power line that includes the solenoid (17) to thereby control the fuel injection valve. The device includes a fault detect and protection unit that receives current sense information regarding the flow of current through the solenoid (17), control signals from the control unit (13), and engine rotation data in the form of CAM degrees from a CAM position sense unit (19).

Abstract: A light collimizing device (10) having a light input unit (11), a first light reflection unit (12), a window unit (13) and a second light reflection unit (14). The light input unit (11) allows light rays (18 and 19) to enter therethrough. Some of the light rays (18) are reflected off of the second light reflection unit (b 14), and some of the light rays (19) are reflected off of the window unit (13). All of the reflected rays (18 and 19) are then reflected off of the first light reflection unit (12) to yield a plurality of collimized light rays (17).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining an electronic device having an encapsulated body portion of a generally uniform cross section by means of a socket assembly having a plurality of deformable ribs extending medially therein. The electronic device, in particular an LED is inserted into the cavity for frictional retention therein by deformably engaging the ribs of the socket assembly. Critical height spacing of the LED is retained yet the deformable ribs allow for thermal expansion and contraction of the device body and leads without placing undue stress on its lead/die interface.

Abstract: A membrane switch is provided having at least two surfaces having contact members thereon. Such contact surfaces can be applied to different layers of the switch assembly or to both the top and bottom surfaces of the same layer of the switch assembly. Certain of the contact members of the different surfaces are in registration with each other and are of such a configuration to permit the combined contact of such members with a base layer.

Abstract: An overcurrent protection circuit for inductive loads such as motors is provided. A source voltage is input to a divider circuit including semiconductor switching devices. The inductive load is also connected to the voltage source through the divider circuit. A voltage output from the divider circuit which is proportional to the current through the inductive load is input to a comparator circuit. Another input to the comparator circuit comprises a reference voltage selected to correspond to the maximum desired current through the inductive load. If the comparator circuit senses that the current through the inductive load is greater than the predetermined maximum current, it provides an output to a pulse generator device. The output from the pulse generator device is input to a switching circuit which can cut off the voltage source supply to the inductive load.

Abstract: A punch assembly having a punch head adjustably connected to a punch drive. By manipulation of this adjustment and by measuring only the length of the punch unit from the punch head to the tip of the punch tip, the operator may guarantee that when the punch unit is placed within a punch guide in a nonpunching position, the punch tip will be properly recessed within the punch guide.

Abstract: A motor voltage control device for single-phase and for three-phase motors, for controlling the voltage supplied to the motor to thereby decrease power when the motor is less than fully loaded. The single-phase device includes a soft start unit and fail detect unit. The three-phase device includes a soft start unit, a fail detect unit, and further provides for controlling motor voltage by allowing modifications to only the positive half cycle of the motor voltage. The three-phase device also continually insures and provides for a path for negative flowing motor currents. The three-phase device also provides for a logic ground for its logic circuitry. The three-phase device may be used with three-phase motors that do not have an easily accessible fourth lead to an internal ground connection.

Abstract: A timer and alarm apparatus suitable for complementary use with medication containers or other similar vessels. The timer includes an electronic elapsed time measuring unit and a display unit for indicating the elapsed time, an interval set unit for presetting a desired time period, an alarm unit to signal the conclusion of the preset interval and a reset unit to reinitiate the measurement of elapsed time. The timer also includes a unique capsule-shaped housing and includes an elastic strip for disposition about an appropriate container. The reset unit may be automatically responsive to the periodic dispensation of the contents of the container.

Abstract: An improvement in microwave processing units having a turntable disposed with a processing cavity, the improvement comprising tilting the processing cavity and establishing a cross-polarized energy field therein.

Abstract: A squeegee assembly having a tapered, flexible blade edge that will not develop a wary surface through use. The blade edge is formed on a flexible blade member, which blade member is disposed about and attached to another less flexible blade member. The flexible blade members may be symmetrically formed about a longitudinal axis, and the flexible blade member may include a blade edge formed on either side thereof. A blade support member having a shaped notch for receiving the flexible blade member provides longitudinal support therefor. The blade support member and flexible blade members are held and supported by a handle and trigger assembly having trigger actuated jaws.

Abstract: An earth-sheltered structure having a foundation wall comprised substantially of wood. The remaining structural members that contribute towards supporting the structure are also comprised substantially of wood, including a ceiling-to-wall juncture that makes use of stud-supported notched ceiling joist members.