Abstract: A multiple frequency ping transmitter which can be carried by a pig which is used in an underwater pipeline. The ping transmitter produces a ping chord which includes a plurality of different tone frequencies which are simultaneously transmitted in the ping chord. Procedures are also provided wherein the multiple frequency ping transmitter is used in a system and method for located a pig which is stuck in the underwater pipeline or for determining the relative velocity of a moving pig.

Abstract: A multiple frequency ping transmitter which can be carried by a pig which is used in an underwater pipeline. The ping transmitter produces a ping chord which includes a plurality of different tone frequencies which are simultaneously transmitted in the ping chord. Procedures are also provided wherein the multiple frequency ping transmitter is used in a system and method for located a pig which is stuck in the underwater pipeline or for determining the relative velocity of a moving pig.

Abstract: A pressure resistant, impact resistant, and corrosion resistant electromagnetic transmitter for pipeline uses and other applications. During use, the ferromagnetic core, the electromagnetic windings, and the other electromagnetic transmission components of the transmitter are entirely contained and sealed within a rugged outer housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making and sensing ice. Also, apparatus and methods for sensing the change of phase of a substance. In one embodiment, a fringe-effect capacitor is placed proximate to a substance, such as water, which is undergoing a phase change, such as the change of phase from the liquid state to the solid state. During this change, the dielectric constant of the substance changes, and thereby changes the electrical flux between conductors of the fringe-effect capacitor. Also, apparatus and methods as described above, and using a capacitor but not a fringe-effect capacitor.

Abstract: An absolute position encoder for identifying which of a plurality of loci a moveable member occupies comprises a plurality of data tracks in which binary data is encoded to form a series of n-bit words, each of the plurality of loci being associated with one of the n-bit words. A plurality of the n-bit words is required to uniquely determine which of the loci the moveable member occupies. The absolute position encoder does not use a clock track to resolve the problem of asynchronous bit transitions.

Abstract: A solar sensor that utilizes a blocking element and curved reflective element between the sun and a photo-sensitive electronic device to provide high signal levels and the ability to shape the angular response of the overall sensor. A particular angular response can be achieved by combining the attenuating affects of the blocking element with the increased response affects of the curved reflector. These two elements may be combined into one physical structure, or may be separate. Further, the present invention contemplates the use of multiple blocking elements and multiple reflectors.

Abstract: A system and a sensor usable for the automated activation of a defrosting mechanism; particularly the automated defrost of a vehicle window. Further, the sensor is adapted for the detection and measurement of changes in the dielectric constant of a dielectric disposed on a surface. Further still, the sensor is adapted for detecting changes in the phase changes of water, i.e. detecting if and when liquid water becomes frozen into frost, ice or snow. The sensor is coupled to a processor and various defrosting means for automatically defrosting vehicle windows in response to a remote signal, such as that provided by a keyless entry or remote starter.

Abstract: A spray head for discharging fluid includes a turret assembly in which a nozzle carrier is rotatable relative to a housing about an axis, and a plurality of nozzles mounted on the carrier radially outward from the axis. The carrier is mounted for linear movement relative to the housing along the carrier axis from a retracted position in which one of the nozzles is mated with an outlet in the housing for discharging fluid, to an extended position in which the carrier is rotatable about the carrier axis to align a different nozzle with the outlet, and back to the retracted position in which the different nozzle is mated with the outlet. A latch on the housing is moveable radially with respect to the carrier axis between a latching position holding the carrier in the retracted position and a release position allowing the carrier to move to the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for providing assurance and evidence that a particular part has been installed and properly maintained. In particular, automotive sensing systems may be incorporated into two-part sensor assemblies that are disposable within a vehicle. The sensor assemblies are adapted to provide evidence of tampering via mechanical, electrical and temperature-based means. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor assembly is disposed about an automotive heat exchanger and a plurality of thermal sensors measure the temperature of the heat exchanger. Any alteration in the orientation or placement of the sensor assembly causes a variance between the temperatures measured by the thermal sensors, which in turn provides clear indication of tampering to the driver.

Abstract: A solar sensor that utilizes a blocking element and curved reflective element between the sun and a photo-sensitive electronic device to provide high signal levels and the ability to shape the angular response of the overall sensor. A particular angular response can be achieved by combining the attenuating affects of the blocking element with the increased response affects of the curved reflector. These two elements may be combined into one physical structure, or may be separate. Further, the present invention contemplates the use of multiple blocking elements and multiple reflectors.

Abstract: An improved ambient light sensor 20 is provided. Light 105 passes to at least two photosensors 30, 35 with different peak response frequencies. A controller 80 accepts output signals from the photosensors 30, 35 and operates vehicle systems (e.g., headlights 70 or environmental controls 75) accordingly. The controller 80 may distinguish between natural and artificial light, so that headlights 70 are illuminated while a vehicle passes through a well lit tunnel, or is exposed to lights from another vehicle.

Abstract: A dielectric resonator system having a dielectric element and a purified alumina attachment assembly both housed within a metallic resonant casing. Attachment assembly is at least 99.5% pure alumina. Attachment assembly couples dielectric element to the casing. Dielectric element is an internally threaded ring or disk. Attachment assembly includes an externally threaded alumina support member coupled to the internally threaded dielectric element.

Abstract: A sensor (50) for determining the magnitude and intensity of solar radiation. The apparatus includes a diffuser (2) which provides radiation through channels (60a, 60b, 60c, 60d) within an elongated channeled member (5) onto photodiodes (54a, 54b, 54c, 54d). Each photodiode (54a, 54b, 54c, 54d) is optically isolated from other photodiodes. The diffuser (2) is arranged and constructed so as to receive radiation within 360 degrees of the surrounding environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual zone solar sensor incorporating a calibratable diffuser overlying a vertically oriented circuit board having at least one photodetector affixed to either side of the circuit board in a vertical plane. Each detector preferably has a mutually exclusive hemispherical view. By mounting the photodetectors in the vertical plane, the dual zone solar sensor device is capable of providing information about the intensity of a source of incident solar radiation and the relative position of that source of radiation. While the angular responses of the photodetectors in their vertical orientation are very close to those desired by skilled artisans for a dual zone sensor, the addition of a diffuser that is slidable, and therefore calibratable, provides a method by which the angular response of each photodetector may be permanently calibrated to achieve a precise desired angular response.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operation of the windshield wipers of a vehicle in response to the deposition of water on the exterior of the windshield; the operation of the air conditioning system in response to the formation of water condensation on the interior of the windshield of the vehicle; and the operation of the ventilation system in response to the presence of smoke in the cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: A protective device suitable for being placed in the power supply circuit of an electric motor, having at least one anti-interference coil (20, 30) for the motor, and a thermal switch (10) thermally coupled to coil (20, 30) and capable of opening the power supply circuit when the coil temperature which it detects reaches a predetermined value, representative of the maximum temperature threshold allowed within the motor. Advantageously, the device also has an electric heating element, thermally coupled to the switch and capable of constituting a main current path between the two input terminals of a four-terminal network consisting of the protective device, when the power supply circuit is open, and capable of holding this circuit open in order to limit the opening-closing cycles of the switch, the invention also pertains to the corresponding process and to a drive device containing a motor and of said protective device mounted on the motor, outside of it.

Abstract: A twin beam displacement transducer. The transducer utilizes two thin, flexible beams. The two beams either lay intimately on top of one another or both lay intimately on opposite sides of a common spacer. One of the beams, the neutral beam, is rigidly attached to the housing on one end and to the moving object on the other end. The other beam, the sliding beam, is rigidly attached only to the moving object. The other end of the sliding beam is free to move. As the object moves, both the neutral beam and the sliding beam bend. Such bending causes longitudinal displacement of the free end of the sliding beam within the housing. This motion is measured and correlated to the motion of the object, and an electrical output signal is created which is proportional to such motion.

Abstract: A photosensor which is capable of detecting the direction of incidence as well as the intensity of optical radiation. The detector comprises an array of photodetector cells arranged under a diffuser dome. The direction of incidence of the optical radiation can be determined by a comparison of the voltage outputs of each of the photodetectors in the array, these outputs being directly proportional to the amount of optical radiation falling upon each photodetector in the array. The intensity of the optical radiation can be determined by an analysis of the average output of the photodetector array.

Abstract: A two-hand operator's control station mounted on a common enclosure detects an operator's hands and provides output signals without requiring the operator to push buttons. Such control stations, called pushless run bars, are for use with automatic machinery which requires the simultaneous use of two hands to initiate operation of the machinery. In each embodiment of the present invention, two hand-sensing mechanisms are provided on or near the cover of an elongated enclosure, one for sensing each hand. The sensing mechanisms are located sufficiently far apart, near opposite ends of the run bar enclosure, to prevent accidental operation by one hand. Suitable anti-tie-down circuitry, an electrical cover interlock, indicator lights, and physical barriers to prevent access from certain directions may also be provided as part of the apparatus. A first embodiment of the run-bar apparatus employs two separate photo-transceiver units for detecting the operator's two hands.

Abstract: A two-hand operator's control station mounted on a common enclosure detects an operator's hands and provides output signals without requiring the operator to push buttons. Such control stations, called pushless run bars, are for use with automatic machinery which requires the simultaneous use of two hands to initiate operation of the machinery. In each embodiment of the present invention, two hand-sensing mechanisms are provided on or near the cover of an elongated enclosure, one for sensing each hand. The sensing mechanisms are located sufficiently far apart, near opposite ends of the run bar enclosure, to prevent accidental operation by one hand. Suitable anti-tie-down circuitry, an electrical cover interlock, indicator lights, and physical barriers to prevent access from certain directions may also be provided as part of the apparatus. A first embodiment of the run-bar apparatus employs two separate photo-transceiver units for detecting the operator's two hands.