Abstract: A signal processing means (40) outputs a signal (41) representing a number when a combination of at least two imagers (11), (12) detects a spatial arrangement of a plurality of code portions of a coded data source (60)—where the spatial arrangement of the plurality of code portions represents the number, and where imager combinations can comprise spatial, temporal, and light property combinations.

Abstract: The annotating product adapted for use with an information system and with an exhibit having a plurality of objects has an imager (11) which is signal connected to the information system (91) and has codes (31) representing (33) objects (81) from the plurality of objects, the imager detecting light (32) from several codes together and sending an indicate signal (12) which represents at least one of the several objects to the information system which then sends an annotate signal (22) to cause a display (21) to output data about objects represented by the indicate signal.

Abstract: The apparatus uses retro-reflected light, having a fixed component (41) and a variable component (37) varied by a person, from a retro reflector (31) connected to a person to input data (37A) to an information system (13) and does this for each of several persons in the same time interval.

Abstract: Working with an information system operating an application—are an imager, a coded data source, and a computer-readable signal-bearing medium signal (FIG. 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 91, 92, 93) connected to the information system where light from the data source—which represents data—is detected by the imager which inputs a signal—which represents the light—to the information system; where a use component of the medium causes the data to be made available to the application with the application being specified by the data; and where: the image can be from a plurality of imagers signal connected to the information system; the coded data source can be from a plurality of coded data sources; the application can be from a plurality of applications operated by the information system; and the medium can have a plurality of components which cause uses of data, management of imagers, and output signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for the measurement of gas concentrations in a gas mixture, comprising a ceramic sensor tube that is closed at one end, arranged in a casing, and exhibits an outer surface which consists at least partially of a solid electrolyte material, and with at least one sensor contact and at least one heating contact with an active heating surface arranged along its exterior. To provide a gas sensor with a short response time that continues to operate precisely and with long-term stability in hot exhaust gases, sensor contacts are screen-printed onto the sensor tube, where at least the active heating surface is arranged in rotational symmetry around the perimeter of the sensor tube and where the heating contact is arranged on an electrically insulating layer applied to the solid electrolyte material in such a way that it does not cover the sensor contact, of which there is at least one.

Abstract: A thermosensitive composition consisting of a mixture of polyacrylic acid, a salt of a long chain fatty acid such as silver behenate, an infra-red absorbent and modifiers such as additional polymers and fillers. Both the water solubility and affinity to water and oil are changed when composition is heated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording and reproducing data with respect to closely spaced magnetically recording areas or tracks of a magnetic recording member such as a card, tape or magnetic disc wherein scanning, tracking and reproduction functions are controlled by electro-optically scanning markers or indicia which are predeterminately recorded with respect to the magnetic recordings of the record member. Signals generated when such electro-optically scannable markers are detected are employed to control either or both the functions of selectively tracking and locating a magnetic transducer with respect to a select recording area or track of the magnetic record member and selectively controlling magnetic reproduction of information from the select recording area by either controlling the driving of the magnetic transducer mount or the operation of the transducer as it scans a select portion of the recording area or track along which it scans.

Abstract: A thermosensitive resist used in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards comprising a mixture of polyacrylic acid, a salt of a long chain fatty acid such as silver behenate, an infra-red absorber and modifiers such as additional polymers. In the unheated form the resist can be easily washed away with water-based mild solutions or pure water. When selectively heated by an IR laser a non-soluble, etch resistant composition is formed protecting the copper clad printed circuit board from the etchants used in the process.

Abstract: A self-contained, hand-held, portable code reading and processing system within an elongated tubular housing forms a wand that transduces coded data into selected speech or music. A simple-to-use reading and processing system can be used as part of a learning and activity game. In one form, a scanning guide is hingedly attached to a book. When the guide is folded over a page of the book, a path is created across the coded data to enable children and others to easily scan the coded data with the hand-held wand. A contact switch at or near the scanning end of the system is actuated by the scanning guide to activate the code reading and processing system. An energy-saving power shutdown feature turns off the code reading and processing system when no coded data are scanned in a given time period. The contact switch and the automatic power shutdown system act in concert as a safety system to prevent small children from staring at the light source for prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: A "terminating" coaxial cable connector apparatus includes an electronic terminating circuit that approaches the characteristic impedance of the coaxial cable system. The terminating circuit is mounted in or on a housing that is connected to a wall mounting plate and is external to the cable connector. The electronic terminating circuit is structured so that it can be moved to a first position which electronically decouples the electronic circuit from the coaxial cable. In that first position a standard mating connector can then be connected to the standard cable jack. In a second position, the terminating circuit contacts and electrically couples the central coaxial conductor and the cylindrical conductive housing of a standard open coaxial connector. A frictional surface is provided on the housing to allow the housing to be gripped and moved between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically detecting fires in select areas, and reacting thereto to put out the fires. A stationary, earth orbit satellite, pilotless drone aircrafts or piloted aircraft contains one or more infrared detectors and optical means for detecting small fires when they first occur in fields and wooded areas, preferably where man made campfires and trash dumping are prohibited. A computer in the satellite, drone or piloted aircraft and/or on the ground receives and analyzes image signals of the earth area or areas being monitored and, upon detecting infrared radiation of varying intensity and variable shape, indicative that a fire has started, generates coded signals which are (a) indicative of the coordinate locations of the fire, (b) the extent of the fire, (c) the shape of the area(s) burning, (d) the direction of movement of the fires (e) the speed(s) of the flame fronts, (f) smoke condition, (g) intensity of the fire, (h) fire ball location(s), etc.

Abstract: A compact retractable protective covering apparatus, preferably enclosed in a housing, is designed for attachment to a motorcycle or other vehicle. A spring-actuated spool is mounted in the housing surrounding the spring, which in turn surrounds a support rod. One end of the spring is fixed in place, while the other end is structured to rotate in a fixed proportion to the rotation of the spool by a system of gears. The proportion should be less than one to one, so that the spring rotates less than the number of rotations of the spool. A protective cover is wound around the spool and can be withdrawn from the housing and extended over the entire motorcycle. An automatic locking mechanism is provided that prevents the cover from retracting when it is extended. The locking mechanism includes a pawl that engages and prevents one of the gears from rotating in at least one direction.

Abstract: A lighting system employs luminaires having reflectors with a fluorescent lamp support frame at the base end of the inside of the reflector. The support frame includes a plurality of extensions for holding the bases of compact fluorescent lamps arranged in a general star configuration around the center line of the reflector. The extensions are at an angle to cause the compact fluorescent lamps to follow the outwardly-flared inside surface of the reflector. A system of luminaires then provides a substantially uniform volume of light in a facility due to the patterns of overlapping light contributed by the individual luminaires.