Abstract: A portable signal beacon adapted to be worn on the body so as to provide a discernable signal to a remote observer during low light conditions. The signal beacon includes a lightweight housing containing a light source, such as a bank of infrared LEDs. A signal generating device is also contained within the housing, wherein the signal generating device controls the activation of the light source and provides the light source with one of a plurality of different flashing sequences. At least one selection switch is provided that enables the user of the beacon to select which of the plurality of flashing sequences will be transmitted by the light sources.

Abstract: A monolithic inductor device is disclosed which typically includes a substrate. The improvement includes a layer of dielectric material disposed over the substrate. A first inductor pattern disposed on the substrate and a second inductor pattern disposed on the dielectric layer. The inductor patterns are coupled together to form a single inductive element, which has reduced dissipation losses and an improved frequency response due to the dielectric material.

Abstract: A speech controlled verification system for verifying the identity of a person using a telephone calling card, bank card or other credit card. The systems connects the user of the card to a telephone network, wherein the user enters the card number. The card number is used to access a central data base through the telephone network, wherein a voice verification template is retrieved corresponding to the entered card number. The voice verification contains various samples of the authorized user's voice stating selected words, phrases and/or numbers. Once the proper voice verification template is retrieved, the system prompts the user to state one of the words, phrases and/or numbers contained within the voice verification template. The word, phrase and/or numbers stated in response to the prompt is compared with the voice verification template. If the stated words match the template, the user is considered to be the authorized user and the card is validated.

Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting contacts on the surface of a smart card to a read/write device, which includes an insulative housing (11) that holds a plurality of electrical contacts (32) that have card-engaging blades (34) for engaging pads on a smart card (C). Each contact has a wire-engaging end with an insulation displacement fork (54) for penetrating insulation of an electrical flat cable (66) to connect to a cable wire (70) that connects to a read/write device (D). In one connector, a support part (14) of the housing clamps a fixing part (42) of each contact against a cover (20), while a deflectable linking branch (50) of the contact extends at an upward incline to a bend (82) that extends to the fork (54). A tool T moved down through an opening (80) in the cover can deflect the linking branch to a deflected position, with the fork then projecting down through a cable. A shoulder (84) on the housing then resists upward fork movement.

Abstract: An electric motor is presented whose housing is sealed off by a plate. The plate features an opening whose inner surface serves as a slide bearing for the shaft, whereby the slide bearing is sufficient for operating the electric motor in a trial run. In addition, a protrusion is provided that can be inserted into a first step of a hole drilled in the pump housing and secures the plate in position in the radial direction on the flanged surface of the pump housing. The outer edge of the plate is formed by a collar, over which the housing can be pushed. Thus, the housing is also fixed in place relative to the plate. overall, a centering of the housing about the motor shaft.

Abstract: A connector system is provided which enables a first connector (12, FIG. 6), especially a rectangular one, to be quickly mated and unmated from a second connector device (14), by turning a handle (74) lying rearward of the first connector, where the handle is readily accessible to turn despite the first connector lying closely adjacent to other connectors along a row. A bayonet nut (60) lies between two sets of contacts (16, 18) of a rectangular connector, at the front of the connector housing, with a shaft arrangement (84) extending rearwardly from the nut and having a handle (74) that can be turned to turn the nut to couple to bayonet thread pins (64) of a mating connector device. The shaft arrangement includes a first shaft (80) that is fixed to the bayonet nut (60) and a second shaft (82) that is fixed to the handle (74) and that is rotatably connected to the first shaft but that can be moved rearwardly to move the handle (74) rearwardly.

Abstract: A multi-level security device is disclosed for providing security between a user and at least one computer network, wherein the user is selected from the group consisting of a host computer and at least a second network. A secure network interface Unit (SNIU) that operates at a user layer communications protocol, which communicates with other like SNIU devices by establishing an association at a session layer of a communication stack in order to create a global security perimeter for end-to-end communications. The SNIU includes a host/network interface for receiving messages sent between the user and the at least one network, which is operative to convert the received messages to and from a format utilized by the at least one network. A message parser for determining whether the association already exists with another SNIU device. A session manager coupled to the interface for identifying and verifying the user requesting access to the network.

Abstract: A video signal clamping circuit for adapting the DC level of a composite video signal to the processing range of a digital video signal processing device, includes an isolating capacitor in the analog video signal path and a controlled current source which is connected to a floating isolating-capacitor terminal and charges or discharges the isolating capacitor solely by means of a positive or negative clamping current, with the value and sign of the clamping pulses being digitally controlled by a comparator circuit which compares predetermined reference values of the composite video signal with mode-dependent comparison values.

Abstract: A circuit for a brake system with pressure fluid distribution, anti-lock control, and traction slip control. The circuit includes circuits to monitor the brake system and to change over or disconnect the control in response to defects and/or the respective control situation or driving situation. Upon failure of any one of the sensors which sense wheel rotation behavior or one sensor per axle or in the presence of an incorrect sensor signal, the vehicle reference speed is produced on basis of the intact sensors, and an electronic brake force distribution control function is still possible, however, an anti-lock control or a traction slip control is prevented. When the defective sensor is a rear-wheel sensor, both rear wheels are controlled synchronously.

Abstract: A combined collimator/diopter cell subassembly for use in a monocular optical device. The subassembly has its own housing, wherein the subassembly housing is a two part structure that joins together in a clam shell like fashion. The subassembly housing defines a plurality of reliefs that engage and retain the various lens elements that comprise the collimator and the diopter cell. The subassembly housing also defines slots that retain mirrors, creating a folded optical path whereby light enters the collimator and exists the diopter cell. Since the subassembly housing is shaped to hold the various lenses and mirrors in a predetermined relationship, the amount of labor required to both produce the collimator and diopter and position them within the optical deice is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A system for removing end play in electric motors. A ball is placed near an end face of a shaft having end play. Pressurized fluid is applied to the ball, driving it into contact with the end face. The fluid solidifies, forming a solid body which supports the ball in its position of contact with the end face.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a first connector (2) with a forwardly-projecting pin (18) having a groove (32), and a second connector with a sleeve (20) having a passage (21) for receiving the pin. The second connector also has a spring clip (24) that deflects into the pin groove when the connectors are mated, to resist pullout of the pin and therefore unmating of the connectors. The groove in the pin has a radially-outward forward wall portion (36) which is angled to face at least 20.degree. from the pin axis, so that when the connectors are pulled apart, a portion of the clip lying in the pin groove can ride radially outwardly along the inclined wall to allow the connectors to be unmated. The clip is largely U-shaped with a base (72) and with bent arm free end portions (73) each lying in opposite recess portions (27, 26) of a circumferential slot (23) in the sleeve.

Abstract: A power drive moves a movable closure between an open position and a closed position with respect to a portal defining a passage through a barrier. The power drive can include an elongated drive member connected to the movable closure and a ball nut drive assembly for selectively moving the drive member longitudinally to position the movable closure between the open position and the closed position with respect to the passage through the barrier. The barrier can define at least a portion of a stationary structure or a vehicle, where the passage allows access within the structure or the vehicle. The movable closure can include a sliding door, hatch, window, or roof panel. The elongated drive member can be a flexible, wire wound push/pull cable having at least one wire member helically wound in uniformly spaced turns around a core of the push/pull cable to form a screw member capable of being driven by operable engagement with the recirculating ball nut drive assembly.

Abstract: An auxiliary energy brake system of automotive vehicles has a central pressure source and a hydraulic system which includes pressure medium lines, electrically controllable hydraulic valves, and pressure medium orifices. A pressure sensor is located at the outlet of the pressure source. The braking pressure in the wheel brakes (P.sub.Rb) is established from the measured values (P.sub.meas), determined by the pressure sensor, and from the hydraulic conductance (D) of the orifices of the hydraulic system in accordance with formulaP.sub.Rb f (D,P.sub.meas).

Abstract: The invention concerns braking systems for vehicles. The invention provides one, or more, electrically actuated pressure generators, which provide hydraulic pressure for actuating hydraulic brakes. Electric actuation allows control by electronic signals, which are generated by a microprocessor-based controller. The pressure generators can be retro-fitted to existing hydraulic brake cylinders. The controller may be incorporated into, or operate in conjunction with, the on-board engine computer.

Abstract: A method of separating electronic devices contained in a carrier which are provided at the surface of the carrier and are covered by a protective layer. Openings are provided above separation regions between adjacent electronic devices. The material of the carrier is removed in the separation regions starting from the openings, and the electronic devices are, at least during the material-removing process, confined in the carrier by respective regions with a material removal property different from that of the carrier.

Abstract: A test clip is described with contacts (50) for engaging leads (26) of an IC (integrated circuit) device, wherein the contacts have lower lead-contacting parts (56) arranged in a single row (62) at a predetermined lead spacing S, and have header pins (60) lying in a header arrangement that allows connection to a standard instrument connector (40). Each contact has an intermediate portion (70) where the contact has a first offset part (72) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) by a distance S/2, and has a second lower offset part that extends partially in a lateral direction (M) by a lateral distance S. The upper first offset part extends horizontally, with 90.degree. angles (76, 78) at it opposite ends, so the contact can be installed by pressing on a shoulder (90) of the first offset part. The first offset part with 90.degree. angles is formed by initially stamping the contact from sheet metal to form a stamped part with such angles and such first offset part.

Abstract: A photocathode device for use in an image intensifier, fabricated with a photoemissive semiconductor wafer having an active cathode layer which includes a central region of a first predetermined height surrounded by a peripheral region of a second predetermined height. The first predetermined height of the central region is configured to be greater than the second predetermined height of the peripheral region in order to create a recessed contact structure which is less likely to have unwanted emission points. A layer of conductive material covers the peripheral region to provide an electrical contact to the photocathode device. A layer of insulating material covers the layer of conductive material in order to protect the contact layer from being damage during handling operations.

Abstract: A programmable switching threshold sensor including a sensing element having its measurement output terminals connected to a comparator, a current-signal generator, for generating a reference current signal changing in steps. An encoding unit has a code assignable corresponding to the values of the reference current signal. A memory unit is connected to the encoding unit for transferring and storing the code. The reference current signal is coupled to the comparator for comparison with measurement output signals from the sensing element. The output of the comparator is coupled to the memory unit for applying an enable signal permitting the transfer of the code, and a control unit for controlling the signal generator and the encoding unit. The reference signal is a current signal or a voltage signal, depending on the corresponding sensing element and the evaluating circuit used.

Abstract: An information system for production control wherein measured data from many test facilities is controlled, stored, and, if necessary, processed in a central data base. Via two-way data links, various data users can access the stored data and use this data for their own purposes. Thus it is possible, for example, to retrieve production figures of individual products or entire product ranges, complied statistics, calculate costs, determine yields, and the like. Access by the individual data users to the data base takes place via a terminal or a personal computer, with which nearly every work place is equipped and which are electronically interconnected via a data network for the exchange of data.