Abstract: An automatic liquid dispensing apparatus including a container for holding a dispensable liquid, a flow regulator which permits liquid to flow out of the container at a controlled rate which is independent of the quantity of liquid within the container, and a timing and dispensing assembly. The timing and dispensing assembly accumulates a quantity of the liquid from the flow regulator, and periodically dispenses a constant volume of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting whether an alarm circuit is operating outside its sensitivity range, the alarm circuit having a background signal and a preset alarm threshold signal. The method involves: a) multiplying the background signal by a first gain factor to produce a first test signal; b) comparing the first test signal against an alarm threshold signal; c) multiplying the background signal by a second gain factor less than the first gain factor to produce a second test signal; and d) comparing the second test signal against the alarm threshold signal. The alarm circuit is operating outside its sensitivity range when the first test signal is less than the alarm threshold signal or the second test signal is greater than the alarm threshold signal.

Abstract: The present invention is for fast, reliable recognition of coded signals where the signal includes a predetermined code sequence in a lead portion thereof. This has particular application in spread spectrum transmission and receptions. The code sequence is a long sequence of bits known to the receiver which breaks the long sequence into a series of bit segments which are more easily analysed. Each series of bits is analysed for a direct match and a decision whether a code segment has been received is based on the number of direct matches. For example, if there are 8 bit segments, each 16 bits in length, high reliability has been achieved if two direct matches are received within a time period corresponding t the transmission time of the code sequence. This system can also be used for assessing signal strength where many matches indicate good signal strength, approximately 50% indicates moderate signal strength, and less indicating poor signal strength.

Abstract: A coin sensor, such as a post acceptance sensor for a coin validator, at a coin sensing station on a coin path having a sidewall, includes optical source and detector pairs that detect the presence of the coin by reflection of source radiation to the detector by the coin's surface. In order to improve sensitivity the side wall has an angled surface configuration which inhibits reflection of radiation from each source to the detectors in the absence of a coin.

Abstract: A motion detecting system is disclosed where the signal from the transducer is analysed in a manner to distinguish between actual motion indicative of an intruder, typical noise expected for the area under supervision and the transducer and a signal which indicates a trouble condition (circuit failure, masking, or other trouble condition having a known signal signature). The system samples the signal to provide a simplified representation of the actual signal. The results of the sampling process for a given sample period allows good assessment of the actual conditions of the supervised area. In a preferred embodiment a host of experiment segments are compared within the sample period for change therebetween with the amount of change accumulated for the sample period. This measure of change particularly at different magnitude levels provides a reliable basis for assessing alarm and trouble conditions.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for processing signals from infrared microwave and/or ultrasonic intrusion detectors is disclosed which allows the signal to be processed at different amplitude levels to recognize different signal characteristics. This capability to analyze the signal at different values allows further customizing of the system for particular applications and provides information useful in recognizing and dealing with unwanted signal changes typical of the environment which can effect the reliability of the alarm criteria and/or a trouble condition criteria. An assessment of the environment in a preferred aspect allows customizing of the alarm criteria to take into account the operating environment of the particular sensor or sensors. The system also accommodates increasing the effect on certain portions of the signal when considering the net overall effect of the signal.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for processing signals from infrared intrusion detectors is disclosed which allows the signal to be processed at different amplitude levels to recognize different signal characteristics. This capability to analyse the signal at different values allows further customizing of the system for particular applications and provides information useful in recognizing and dealing with unwanted signal changes. The system also accommodates increasing the effect on certain portions of the signal when considering the net overall effect of the signal. This results in more signal information being available and higher accuracy in detecting actual human intrusions in the monitored space.

Abstract: An automatic microflow dispensing apparatus for dispensing small amounts of liquid at discrete time intervals, including a container for holding the liquid, and a dispensing element positioned on the container below the liquid level when the container is oriented to dispense the liquid. The dispensing element includes an air intake port and a liquid discharge port positioned below the air intake port when the container is oriented to dispense the liquid. These two ports are each in fluid communication with the container liquid. The vertical distance between the air intake port and the liquid discharge port defines a head which remains substantially constant during dispensing. The air intake port has a vertical height relative to the head sufficient to provide a predetermined microflow of the liquid.

Abstract: A retaining mechanism for a dispensing valve operated by a pivotal handle comprised of a retainer and a hook, the retainer having a base, a catch member and a latch member fastened to the base of the retainer, the catch member and latch member being arranged for movement relative to the base. The hook is threadably fastened to the retainer. A lock secures the catch member and latch member together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for dispensing a first liquid into a second reservoir liquid. The apparatus comprises a container adapted to hold the dispensable liquid, a dispensing nozzle and a sensing tube. The dispensing nozzle is positioned on the container below the dispensable liquid level within the container. The sensing tube has first and second open ends, the first open end positioned above the dispensable liquid level within the container and the second open end positioned outside the container and below the dispensing nozzle. The second open end of the sensing tube is immersible in the reservoir liquid, whereby the cyclic fall and rise of the reservoir liquid results in the controlled discharge of the dispensable liquid from the container through the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the water content of an oil and water mixture such as is transported by pipelines and which oil and water may vary in density from time to time. A densitometer measures the density of the oil and water mixture in the pipeline and a value for the dielectric constant of the oil is obtained from the density measurement by correlating the density reading with a capacitance or dielectric constant reading from an empirically generated chart. A basal sediment and water instrument measures the dielectric constant of the same mixture. The difference between the two dielectric constants is then obtained. This result is converted directly into a water based percentage by volume of the oil-water mixture being carried by the pipeline.

Abstract: An improved battery refill system for filling and maintaining a number of interconnected battery cells at a predetermined level with liquid provided by an external liquid supply. The refill system includes a number of refill valves, each associated with a single battery cell, and a main supply valve which connects the battery cells to the liquid supply. Tubing is provided for connecting the battery cells in a chain or serial relationship. The tubing is fabricated from a plymeric material which, over an operating temperature range of between about -20.degree. F. and 200.degree. F., is substantially free of plasticizer bleed. The tubing is also sufficiently conformable and resilient over its service temperature range so as to remain in leak-tight engagement on both the barbed fittings and the compression fittings found in conventional battery watering systems.

Abstract: An improved dual sensor motion detection system is disclosed wherein the sensitivity of at least one of the sensors is adjusted in accordance with the response signals or signal history received from the sensors. This arrangement has application for systems having at least two sensors and simplifies installation and adjustment of the system.

Abstract: A water distribution system for use between a water source and a livewell in a boat, capable of use with a boat in either moving or stationary states in the water source, and including means for operating the water distribution system in any one of three modes: a recirculate-only mode, a dual fill and recirculate mode, and a drain without refilling mode. Means are also provided, by utilization of an apparatus achieving tactile feedback, for apprising the operator of when the system is operating properly in a drip-tight, recirculation-only mode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intrusion detection system having two different types of motion sensors and processing of the signals produced by the motion sensors in a manner to provide a reliable indication of motion within the space being sensed. The intrusion detection system includes a microprocessor and produces an alarm signal if each sensor is activated within a predetermined time period of each other. The unit is also capable of producing what is referred to as a "trouble" signal, based upon a certain number of unconfirmed event signals, i.e. a signal from only one sensor being received, within a predetermined time, indicating that one of the sensors is not operating properly. Once a certain number of unconfirmed event signals are received, the unit operates in one of at least two different default modes whereby a trouble signal or trouble signal and alarm signal are produced by means of a different logic processing step.

Abstract: A pinch valve is provided for controlling the flow in a flexible wall tube. The valve includes a slotted saddle with female threading to receive a male threaded stem which is actuated within the saddle by a knob integrally connected to the stem. The slotted saddle may be installed onto an existing tube run without requiring disconnection. The stem has a spherical tip which contacts the tube to collapse to decrease the area flow therethrough. The knob and saddle are closely fitted to prevent spreading of the saddle during high thread loads. Calibration is also provided so that a desired flow control can be repeated with accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus having a variety of applications is provided for indexing a rotary component. The apparatus of the present invention includes a housing, a resilient electrically conductive band contained within the housing and connected to the rotary component, at least two indexing electrical contacts located on the housing internal periphery and is slidable contact with the band, and a bridging electrical contact electrically connected to the band while the band rotates. The band exerts a biasing force on the housing, thereby mainaining band contact with the housing internal periphery, while also causing a point of separation of the band from the housing. Drive means is provided for rotating the band within the housing.