Abstract: A multi-mode audio imaging control device having unitary control element for use in recording and reproducing of multi-channel audio programs. The imaging control device includes a first channel input and a second channel input, four variable resistors for variably controlling the signal input from the first channel input and the second channel input to the inputs of a first differential amplifier and a second differential amplifier. The four variable resisters are coupled together so as to be simultaneously varied in accordance with a common control mechanism.

Abstract: The invention in its main aspect comprises a printed circuit board having a bus extending along a predetermined length of a portion of said printed circuit board, the bus having a predetermined width and defining a plurality of openings therein following a predetermined regular pattern, the pattern having at least a first pair of openings positioned on a first lateral side of an imaginary line along the bus, and at least a second pair of openings positioned on a second lateral side of the imaginary line along the bus, the first and the second pairs of openings being relatively arranged so that a first lead interconnecting the first pair of openings is in a twisted pair relationship with a second lead interconnecting the second pair of openings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control circuit which provides a control signal to a control terminal of a voltage controlled amplifier (VCA), such as a SSM-2018 VCA manufactured by Analog Devices, such that a signal input to the VCA is amplified between +12 dB gain and full attenuation. The VCA is characterized by a predetermined control attenuation relationship which determines the gain of the input signal. The control circuit includes: a DC voltage source, preferably a linear potentiometer, which provides a voltage in a fixed range; an operational amplifier for rescaling the fixed range of voltages to a second range; a pair of curve-shaping circuits which adjust the second range; and a circuit, including an amplifier circuit, a voltage divider and a zener diode, which adds a DC offset and adapts the signal from the DC voltage source to a range of voltages calculated from the control attenuation relationship.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the formation of a plastic member with an aperture in a central portion thereof, a ring gating valve arrangement is provided with a multi-piston servo arrangement which enables a specially configured pin to be stepwisely reciprocated back and forth within a molding device. The pin is formed with a land at one end which is dimensioned and shaped to produce the required aperture. The pin further features a channel structure which includes an annular recess adapted to permit plastic to flow into the center of the mold cavity area when the pin is thrust to a predetermined location. After the cavity is filled with hot plastic, the pin is retracted to a position wherein the annular recess is located within a removable gate bushing and the shaped land is pulled up until it is appropriately located in the mold cavity area. As the injected plastic cools and solidifies, the shaped land acts as the aperture molding pin and forms a clean aperture in the molded part.

Abstract: Heating pads using positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistance material are subject to fire risk if one of the conductor wires between which the PTC material extends should break and produce an electric arc. Protection by fuse and a fuse-blowing circuit responsive to fire detection must allow for an immense inrush of current when the cold pad is turned on. A heat setting control using a microprocessor can reduce the fuse rating by chopping the a.c. heating current for a short start-up period following with full-on feed until the heat setting is reached. The presence of a microprocessor allows response to a safety circuit that detects a break in a heater feed or return conductor before much excess heat develops, so that the microprocessor can turn off the heater switch. That response is so quick that it can be confirmed by repeated detection after very short pauses before the heater switch (a triac) is turned off.

Abstract: A video signal to be processed is applied to a non-linear processor having an adjustable gain responsive to a control signal over at least one portion of the amplitude range of the video input signal. A sampling circuit, responsive to the video signal, generates video samples related to the video signal. A control circuit, responsive to the video samples, generates the control signal in accordance with the number of samples in at least a given amplitude range thereby controlling the percentage of samples of a given range in displayed images. Plural control and sampling circuits may be included provide control for white stretch processing, black stretch processing and video mid-point processing for enhancing contrast through out the entire video signal range.

Abstract: A modular casing for a remote control comprises a keyboard having keys thereon for selecting a predetermined function or channel selected from a group of keyboards having different layouts or shapes of keys and adapted to mate with a circuit board having switches thereon corresponding to the keys; an upper housing member having ports for receiving corresponding keys of the keyboard which extend outwardly at least partially through the ports when coupled thereto which is selected from a group of upper housing members having different layouts of ports for different layouts or shapes of keys and with or without an overlay panel; a panel section with grooves; and a lower housing member. The upper member is slidingly received in the grooves of the panel section to form a unitary cover which is secured to the lower housing member by screws or snap-fit interaction.

Abstract: Heating pads using positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistance material are subject to fire risk if one of the conductor wires between which the PTC material extends should break and produce an electric arc. Protection by fuse and a fuse-blowing circuit responsive to fire detection must allow for an immense inrush of current when the cold pad is turned on. A heat setting control using a microprocessor can reduce the fuse rating by chopping the a.c. heating current for a short start-up period following with full-on feed until the heat setting is reached. The presence of a microprocessor allows response to a safety circuit that detects a break in a heater feed or return conductor before much excess heat develops, so that the microprocessor can turn off the heater switch. That response is so quick that it can be confirmed by repeated detection after very short pauses before the heater switch (a triac) is turned off.

Abstract: Film transport apparatus for a cine-video system in which video signals are produced from film that is driven between supply and take-up reels. The film, which may be wound in A or B configuration on each reel, is threaded automatically about a film drive mechanism which transports the film from the supply reel, through a film gate to the take-up reel. Tensioning apparatus imparts tension to the film at the entry and exit of the film gate which, during the threading operation, causes the respective reels to rotate before film actually is transported therebetween. The direction in which each reel rotates to unwind film therefrom when tension is imparted serves to identify whether the film is wound in A or B configuration. Advantageously, a programmable processor controls the film transport speed in response to a user-actuated knob; and this same processor serves to detect when the film approaches its end on the supply or take-up reel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for configuring an audio follow video mixer used to process audio signals input from several multi-channel devices, such as VTRs. Configuration of the audio follow video mixer system can be achieved either through several input modules which couple the multi-channel devices to the mixer, or preset configurations can be provided to the input modules and remotely located devices, such as a video editor, through a serial interface module.

Abstract: A power outlet and phone jack adaptor having a generally rectangular recess and a back wall upon which a power outlet and telephone jack are positioned in close proximity to one another is disclosed. Indentations on the side walls of the recess enable the user to easily plug in or unplug an accessory, such as an electrical transformer. The recess is deep enough so that the accessory when plugged in does not protrude from the adaptor.

Abstract: A circuit for compressing and expanding video color component data comprises a FIFO line memory and a delay circuit. A timing circuit generates control signals for writing data into the line memory and for reading data from the line memory to compress and expand the data. The delay circuit matches the data compressed or expanded in the FIFO line memory to luminance data which is similarly compressed or expanded. A switching network selectively establishes a first signal path in which the line memory precedes the delay circuit for implementing the data expansion and a second signal path in which the delay circuit precedes the line memory for implementing the data compression. The switching network is controlled according to selected display formats requiring compression or expansion, for example by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A strain gauge transducer includes several features for enhancing operating life and improving measurement accuracy. Load force is applied transversely to the longitudinal axis of a load member that is configured to flex in the transverse direction in response to the load force, and the load member is constructed so that the material of the load member circumferentially surrounds device (e.g., one or more strain gauges) for measuring the force-induced flexure of the member. The load member and a mounting member that receives the load force and transfers it to the load member are configured to allow the mounting member to pivot about the axes of the load member and the mounting member and to inhibit the mounting member from moving along one of the axes. The ends of the load member are configured to roll within openings of side walls that support the load member above a base as said load member flexes in response to the load force.

Abstract: A first resonant retrace circuit is operable for generating a first voltage signal and a second resonant retrace circuit coupled to the first resonant retrace circuit is operable for generating a second voltage signal summed with the first voltage signal. An auxiliary winding of a flyback transformer in the first resonant retrace circuit generates a first feedback pulse signal representative of the first voltage signal. A regulator senses the summed first and second voltage signals and generates a second feedback pulse signal representative of the summed first and second voltage signals. The second resonant retrace means is responsive to the regulator. A resistive summing junction combines the first and second feedback pulse signals to generate a composite feedback pulse signal. A voltage level is generated indicative of the energy in the composite feedback pulse signal.

Abstract: A digital exciter (30) for selectively modulating digital or analog input data. The digital exciter includes a digital signal modulator (32) and a digital quadrature modulator (DQM)(36) comprising two digital signal processors (DSPs). The signal modulator is controlled by a control (40). An operator can selectively determine whether the digital exciter is used for modulating either two level or four level NRZ digital data and whether the device is to provide linear modulation or frequency modulation (FM) of the input signal. An interpolator (38) interpolates a 662/3 kHz timer interrupt rate used in the signal modulator to a 400 kHz rate, thereby reducing the processing load on the DSP comprising the DQM by simplifying the sine and cosine values used in the quadrature modulation. An operator can select from among a plurality of operating parameters on a menu for controlling the signal modulator, either from a local or a remote video display terminal (VDT).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securing a degaussing coil to a cathode ray tube (CRT) are disclosed wherein one or more restraint cables are used together with one or more cable ties to secure and position a degaussing coil onto a CRT. The method and apparatus of the present invention compensate for variations in the length of the degaussing coil without compromising the positioning of the degaussing coil on the CRT.