Abstract: A method and apparatus for reliably determining an optimal route between a departure point and a destination in an exploration object zone, the optimal route being determined according to the situation of roads separating the departure point and the destination. Prior to route exploration, an area determiner counts the total number of intersection network lists associated with a route exploration object zone, which lists are stored in a route exploration memory. When a density of intersections (which is the total number of intersection network lists divided by the size of the route exploration object zone) exceeds a certain value, the area determiner determines that the object zone lies in an urban (high road density) district. When the density of intersections is smaller, the area determiner determines that the object zone lies in a suburban (low road density) district.

Abstract: A socket for carrying an integrated circuit (IC) package. The socket, which is particularly useful for burn-in testing, includes a base 18 which houses a plurality of conductive contacts 46 and a movable top 108 which is shiftably connected to the base. A table 32 is connected to the base 18 and supports the IC package after insertion. The socket also includes a contact actuation plate 72 which is operably connected to the movable top 108 and is shiftable with the top. Latches 96 are shiftably connected to the base 18 and shift with the top 108 between latched and unlatched positions to secure the IC atop the table during testing. The actuator plate 72 may also include retractable location pins 82 to insure proper IC alignment in the socket.

Abstract: The method of electrophotographically manufacturing a screen assembly on an interior surface of a viewing faceplate of a panel for a color CRT, according to the present invention, includes the steps of forming a volatilisable organic conductive layer on the interior surface of the viewing faceplate and overcoating the organic conductive layer with an organic photoconductive solution to form a volatilizable organic photoconductive layer. The conductive solution, comprising a polyelectrolyte and a diluent, is applied to the interior surface of the viewing faceplate by spraying, to form the conductive layer.

Abstract: An electret microphone assembly, such as for a hearing aid comprises an electret microphone having a diaphragm and a charged plate, a substrate spaced from the charged plate, and a wire loop having first and second ends and a mid-portion. The first and second ends are secured to the substrate and the mid-portion is pressed against the charged plate. An amplifier is disposed on the substrate and has an input terminal coupled to the wire loop. Alternatively, an impedance matching circuit can be disposed on the substrate and coupled to the wire loop. A conductive bond containing silver particles further secures the wire loop mid-portion and the charged plate. In an alternative configuration the loop is dimensioned such that its mid-portion passes close to the charged plate without touching it. The conductive bond serves not only to form a rigid structure, but also serves as an electrical bridge to complete the circuit between the two elements.

Abstract: A time delay fuse that includes a trigger mechanism and fusible element within a cylindrical fuse casing that is closed by end ferrules. The trigger mechanism includes a plunger, a spring, and a cylindrical shell that contains the spring and plunger in a loaded condition. The shell has an end that wraps around an end of the fuse casing and is frictionally contacted by the end ferrule thereover.

Abstract: A method for determining which of pairs of successive video fields have interlace scan characteristics includes generating accumulated differences FD of pixels in successive lines of respective fields of successive pairs of fields and generating accumulated differences FR of pixels in successive lines of interlaced said pairs of fields. The accumulated differences FD and FR are compared and pairs of said fields are classified as interlaced if the ratio of accumulated differences FR/FD is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A magneto-optical head formed of a magnetically permeable substrate in which an annular recess is formed in a planar surface of the substrate and a plurality of thin film windings are deposited in the recess to make up the coil windings of the head.

Abstract: In order to avoid erroneous manipulation of alarm ON/OFF and sleep buttons, on a clock radio type alarm, a night light is provided to illuminate at least these two buttons when the alarm ON/OFF button is set to it's ON position. An illumination level control is provided which allows the brightness of the night light to be selective controlled or turned off irrespective of the alarm button being set to its ON position. The night light preferably includes two readily replaceable bulbs which are circuited in such a manner that when one becomes defective, the other can be still be energized.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an integrated electric connector for connecting an electrical circuit to a power supply. The integrated electric connector comprises an insulating and enclosure means for enclosing and insulating the electric circuit. The electric connector further includes a foldable connection and attachment means for securely attaching to the insulating and enclosure means and for making electrical connection between the electric circuit and the power supply. And, the foldable connection and attachment means further includes a pair of external power connection plugs each being pivotally connected via a rivet means to a corresponding internal circuit connection means wherein the external power connection plug being pivotally foldable while maintaining constant electric connection between the external power connection plugs and the internal circuit connection means.

Abstract: A battery switch has two identical, nested terminals separated by an insulator and having aligned openings for receiving a connecting bolt. The bolt when installed in the openings provides electrical connection between the terminals. Each terminal has a lug for connection to a battery cable or post, an extension portion attached to the lug and a receptacle for receiving the extension portion of the other terminal. The extension is offset from a central plane so the two terminals fit together along the central plane in a low profile configuration. The interfitting extensions and receptacles lock the terminals together.

Abstract: Stereo processing circuitry is provided for modifying stereo signals so as to enhance the perception of imaging and ambience in non-ideal listening locations and confined environments such as the driver's location in a stereo-equipped vehicle. In a first modified mode, the stereo channels are symmetrically cross-coupled in additive polarity at high frequencies to enhance image localization, and in subtractive polarity over a full audio frequency spectrum to enhance stereo ambience. In a second modified mode, additional cascaded circuitry introduces frequency-selective polarity inversion and asymmetrical cross-coupling to compensate for the closer proximity of one of the loudspeakers to the listener's location, for the direct sound path from the nearer loudspeaker, and for the typical off-axis orientation of the nearer loudspeaker relative to the listener's position.

Abstract: A variable length encoding/decoding system for use with a layered signal format, and for adaptively providing VLC changes without additional signal overhead, includes a plurality of VLC encoding tables, respective ones of the tables being preprogrammed with VLC codes associated with anticipated signal statistics. The layered signal includes blocks of data subject to common parameters which parameters may be associated with signal statistics. The blocks of data include information indicative of such parameters. Each packet is examined for the common parameter and responsive thereto a default VLC coding/decoding table is assigned. In a further embodiment the VLC table used for each successive codeword is made dependent upon the table utilized for the lastmost codeword and the relative value of the lastmost codeword.

Abstract: The joint construction is employed between a military rocket motor and a warhead adapted to be propelled by the motor. The motor includes a motor tube with a cylindrical front portion having an internal cylindrical surface therein. The warhead comprises an adapter ring having a cylindrical rear portion with an external cylindrical surface which is telescopically receivable within the internal cylindrical surface. The internal and external cylindrical surfaces are formed with respective confronting aligned internal and external helical screw thread grooves for receiving a fusible substantially helical joint member to form a secure connection between the rocket motor and the warhead. The helical joint member is made of a material having a low melting temperature, preferably a eutectic metal alloy, whereby the heat of a fire or the like will melt the joint member to disconnect the warhead from the rocket motor. The motor tube has a front wall with a vent opening therein, normally closed by a plug member.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte cell and method for producing it in which the cell components are assembled within a ceramic frame which is closed on the top by a first terminal laser welded to the frame, and closed on the bottom by a second terminal laser welded to the frame and said second terminal having the opposite polarity to that of the first terminal.

Abstract: A wide screen television apparatus comprises a memory for storing a set of video sources, a circuit for tuning to the set of video sources and a video signal processor. The video signal processor is coupled to the memory and to the tuning circuit, and develops a wide screen multiple picture display by selecting any one of the set of video sources for generating a main picture of the display and by selecting all of the set of video sources for generating supplemental pictures of the display, for example as three POP's. A remote control can be activated for choosing the set of video sources and for selecting the main picture from among the supplemental pictures. The multiple picture display is modified in a manner which identifies which one of the supplemental pictures corresponds to the main picture. An on-screen display indicator can be generated for the supplemental picture corresponding to the main picture.