Abstract: The present invention is directed to a distributed computerized control and information system for a manufacturing system which generates a product from distinct components, where the manufacturing system includes a plurality of processing machines which generate signals indicative of parameters of the processing machines' operation. The system includes a plurality of sensors in communication with an associated processing machine for non-intrusively obtaining parameter signals in real-time from the processing machine so as to not interfere with the parameter signal generation and transmission. Also included is a plurality of command apparatus in communication with an associated sensor for providing real-time analysis of the received parameter signal of the associated processing machine, and a summary station in communication with the plurality of command apparatus for providing real-time summary and detailed analysis of received parameter signals from associated processing machines.

Abstract: An order point communication system and method employs a noise reduction circuit for enhancing the messages communicated to complete an order to improve substantially the speech to noise ratio thereof so that the perceived sound quality is enhanced in noisy environments. The circuit includes a device for separating noise content of portions of the messages, and another device for reconstructing the noise-removed portion of the messages to form a single substantially pure speech signal to serve as a reconstructed message for completing the order.

Abstract: The battery pack construction includes a housing having a battery cell disposed therein. The housing includes a base member, battery contacts recessed from the base member, and a locating recess in the base member. The housing further includes an alignment arrangement at one end thereof and a latching assembly at another end thereof.

Abstract: A new and improved video order confirmation method and system that is adapted for use with a point-of-sale terminal and an audio order confirmation station to facilitate customer throughput. The video order confirmation system and method includes a point of sales terminal for receiving order input information from an order taker in response to order requests from a customer, and a video confirmation order terminal to facilitate order confirmation by the customer. The order confirmation terminal includes a free standing terminal housing having a microprocessor and display unit mounted therein for translating order items entered by an order taker at the point-of-sales terminal, into pixel images indicative of the description of the item ordered, the quantity of the item ordered, the unit price of the item ordered, the total price of the item or items ordered, and the accumulated total of all items ordered at any given time during the order process.

Abstract: The transducer support assembly includes a transducer secured to a U-shaped strap having a pair of chest engageable leg portions connected integrally to a curved neck engageable portion by a pair of twisted intermediate portions for engaging the body of the user. The chest engageable leg portions are adapted to fit over the shoulders and to lie substantially flat against the chest of the user. A wide portion of the neck engageable portion extends in overlying substantially continuous engagement with the neck or back of the user to resist the chest engageable leg portions from swinging away from the chest. A gripping material forms an underside surface of the strap to frictionally engage the user, thereby inhibiting the strap from moving relative to the body of the user. Another transducer support assembly includes a flexible U-shaped neck support having a chest engageable portion.

Abstract: The battery analyzer/conditioner system includes a battery analyzer/conditioner having an input port and an output port. The battery analyzer/conditioner operates to analyze, condition and test a group of rechargeable batteries. A cable is coupled between the input port and a remote control unit to transmit signals between the battery analyzer/conditioner and the remote control unit to enable the remote control unit to control the operation of the battery analyzer/conditioner. Another battery analyzer/conditioner also having an input port and an output port communicates with the battery analyzer/conditioner via a cable coupled between the output port of the battery analyzer/conditioner and the input port of the second battery analyzer/conditioner, wherein the first and second battery analyzer/conditioners are connected in a daisy chain network to permit the remote control unit to communicate selectively with any one of the battery analyzer/conditioner units.

Abstract: A universally adaptable battery charger connector which couples electrically a battery charger outlet to pairs of terminals of different types and kinds of rechargeable battery devices. The universal adaptable battery charger includes an attachment arrangement for engaging releasably one of the pairs of battery device terminals. The attachment arrangement includes a pair of electrodes coupled electrically to a battery charger outlet for helping to supply electrical current to the battery device terminals. The universal connector also includes a securing device for mounting removably on the battery device to be charged. Each one of the electrodes includes a resilient contact for pressing resiliently into engagement with the terminals to maintain an electrical and mechanical contact between the securing device and the battery device terminals.

Abstract: A battery charging system which prevents false switching from a fast charge mode to a trickle charge mode due to low frequency voltage aberration signals. The battery charging system includes a battery voltage analyzer and a plurality of battery charging and conditioning units for charging different types and kinds of nickel cadmium batteries. Firmware in the microprocessor rejects low frequency aberrations permitting a desired voltage signal to be produced which is indicative of the actual battery potential for charge switching purposes.

Abstract: A wireless optical short-range communication system adapted for use as an intercom system. The system can be used in fast food restaurants and similar commercial institutions. The communication system includes a base station to interconnect via optical communication a group of substantially similar physically spaced-apart, remote units. Each one of the remote units and the base units includes an optical emitter to transmit an optical message-carrying beam to the base station, and an optical receptor to receive an optical message-carrying beam from the base station. The base station includes a receptor for receiving the optical beam transmitted by the optical emitters of all of the remote units, and an optical emitter to relay the received optical beam to the optical receptors of all the remote units.

Abstract: The optical transceiver includes a headset antenna assembly, which is adapted to be worn on the head of the user, and which is connected electrically by a cable to a transceiver unit adapted to be worn on the belt of the user. The headset antenna assembly includes a set of alternating light emitting diodes and photosensitive diodes which are disposed on the antenna assembly to transmit and receive optical signals about a substantially 360 degree radial axis. The light emitting diodes are inclined upwardly from a horizontal plane to help avoid obstructions. Baffles are disposed between the diodes to reduce feedback interface, and a circuit in the transceiver unit discriminates against background light.

Abstract: The battery charger includes a slope detector which responds to the battery voltage of the battery being charged, to generate a peak indicating signal, when the voltage decreases following the peak charging voltage of the battery. A peak hold device responds to the peak indicating signal to cause the charger to switch abruptly from a high charge mode to a low trickle charge mode.

Abstract: The clipping suppression arrangement for a compandorized communication system, includes a limiter peak level detector for causing the gain of an input amplifier to be reduced quickly when a compressed output is driven toward a clipping output condition.