Abstract: A multi-camera programmable pan-and-tilt apparatus comprising a base and a camera mechanism having a first camera and a second camera, with the second camera including a zoom mechanism for varying the zoom magnification of the second camera. The apparatus further has a pan-and-tilt mechanism for moving the cameras with respect to the base, and a video switch receiving the video outputs of the cameras and selecting one for view. The first camera is viewed while the camera mechanism is moved from one scene to another and the second camera is viewed while the camera mechanism is not moving and is paused for observation of a scene. A programmable controller controls the camera mechanism and the pan-and-tilt mechanism, and, while the camera mechanism is moving from one scene to another and the output of the first camera is being viewed, causes the zoom magnification and focus of the second camera to become set to the desired zoom magnification and focus for the next scene position.

Abstract: An automatic programming and video camera control system is disclosed in which while the camera operator is operating the video camera system, the control signals generated by the operator are converted to a unique plurality of signals for recordation on a mass storage media, such as a video tape recorder. On playback of the mass storage medium, the recorded signals are reproduced, decoded and used to provide automatic control of the video camera system. A modified video tape recorder may be used in which, during playback of the programmed signals, the video images viewed by the video camera are recorded on the video track portion of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for remotely reading at least one of a plurality of utility meters at a subscriber's location using the subscriber's non-dedicated telephone communication line is disclosed in which the device is activated only during a certain time on a predetermined day of the mouth and only after a predetermined number of ring signals are detected on the subscriber's line. An identifying tone signal is generated at the central station and sent to the meter reader at the subscriber's location where it is detected and compared to a pre-set tone signal. Upon acceptance, the meter reader then sequentially reads a plurality of voltages which are produced by applying a pre-determined voltage to a plurality of contacts for each utility meter dial. The voltage applied to the contacts passes through a plurality of zener diodes of different values. The different voltages thus generated correspond to the consumption registered by the utility meter.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for remotely reading at least one of a plurality of utility meters at a subscriber's location using the subscriber's non-dedicated telephone communication line is disclosed in which the device is activated only during a certain time on a predetermined day of the month and only after a predetermined number of ring signals are detected on the subscriber's line. An identifying tone signal is generated at the central station and sent to the meter reader at the subscriber's location where it is detected and compared to a pre-set tone signal. Upon acceptance, the meter reader then sequentially reads a plurality of voltages which are produced by applying a pre-determined voltage to a plurality of contacts for each utility meter dial. The voltage applied to the contacts passes through a plurality of zener diodes of different values. The different voltages thus generated correspond to the consumption registered by the utility meter.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven bicycle frame with two axle members coupled to the bicycle frame and front and rear wheels mounted on such axles for rotation about the axis of the respective axle and a pair of pedals mounted on a pedal drive shaft coupled to the bicycle frame for rotation for applying manual power for operating the hydraulic system of the bicycle. The hydraulically driven bicycle has a hydraulic pump mechanism and a hydraulic drive mechanism. The hydraulic pump mechanism is operated by rotational movement of the pedal drive shaft. The hydraulic pump mechanism includes a pump housing having two sectional pump housing members that form a pump chamber between them. The two sectional pump housing members are capable of relative movement with respect to each other so that the pump chamber is capable of being varied in size for varying the flow of fluid through the pump mechanism.

Abstract: A control system is provided for selectively generating one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function of a system such as a video camera system. Such a video camera system includes a plurality of video cameras, each of which can be individually controlled. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced by an input circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a control circuit associated with a video camera through a transmission line over which different constant level voltage input signals are transmitted. The input circuit enables the operator to first select the particular camera to be controlled and then to transmit the input signals to the control circuit for the selected camera. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved.

Abstract: A control system is provided for selectively generating one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function of a system such as a video camera system. Such a video camera system includes a plurality of video cameras, each of which can be individually controlled. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced by an input circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a control circuit associated with a video camera through a transmission line over which different constant level voltage input signals are transmitted. The input circuit enables the operator to first select the particular camera to be controlled and then to transmit the input signals to the control circuit for the selected camera. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved.

Abstract: A television surveillance system is disclosed. A first embodiment of the invention is a system for selecting sectors of rotation of a camera that are contained within predetermined angular limits of rotation of the camera. The system for selecting sectors of rotation include a camera, rotating means for rotating the camera within and between predetermined angular limits, and a mechanism for selectively limiting the rotation of the camera to a sector contained within the predetermined angular limits, and a mechanism for selectively limiting the rotation of the camera to a sector contained within the predetermined angular limits. A second embodiment of the invention is a system for changing the mode of operation of a camera from a first mode to a second mode of operation.

Abstract: During a scanning operation of a camera as the camera moves along its predetermined path, it is occasionally necessary to readjust the iris of the camera due to varying light conditions occurring over a period of time. A control mechanism is incorporated within the lens system of the camera for enabling intermittent automatic adjustment of the iris at one or more predetermined positions along the path of movement of the camera or at preselected time intervals during the scanning operation. A drive motor acts for driving the iris to vary the size of the iris and such drive motor operates in response to signals received from a motor control circuit. In order to generate signals for adjusting the iris the light from the scene being viewed by the camera, e.g. the light passing through the lens, is measured and compared with a predetermined standard.

Abstract: A heat alarm for releasing a strong readily noticeable odor when subjected to heat above a preselected level. A glass container having an elongated breakable neck portion is filled with an odoriferous fluid. When the neck portion is broken, the fluid can escape from the container. The fluid upon contact with the atmosphere creates a strong odor the presence of which is immediately apparent to all persons within the surrounding area. A heat reactive member that bends upon being subjected to heat above a preselected level is arranged around the neck portion of the container. When this heat reactive member is subjected to heat above the preselected level, the member bends and breaks the neck portion of the container thereby enabling the fluid to escape.

Abstract: A video camera monitoring system includes a plurality of video cameras and a control system provided for selecting one of the cameras to be controlled and causing a plurality of control signals to control various functions of the camera with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function. The video cameras of the system can each be individually controlled or controlled simultaneously from a single set of controls at an input console. A separate control circuit is associated with each video camera and is arranged at the location of the camera. Both the control circuit and the camera are provided with power from a source located at the camera location. The output signals from each control circuit are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced on an input line of the control circuit.

Abstract: A control system is provided for selectively generating one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function of a system such as a video camera system. Such a video camera system includes a plurality of video cameras, each of which can be individually controlled. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced by an input circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a control circuit associated with a video camera through a transmission line over which different constant level voltage input signals are transmitted. The input circuit enables the operator to first select the particular camera to be controlled and then to transmit the input signals to the control circuit for the selected camera. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved.

Abstract: A control system is provided capable of selectively providing one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function of a system such as a video camera system. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced by an input circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a control circuit through a single transmission line over which different constant level voltage signals are transmitted. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved. The control circuit, in turn, receives the input signals and in response thereto will activate one of a plurality of switches for providing a corresponding output signal which serves to enable an appropriate camera function.

Abstract: A video camera control system is provided capable of selectively providing one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function of a video camera. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced by an input circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a control circuit through a single transmission line over which different constant level voltage signals are transmitted. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved. The control circuit, in turn, receives the input signals and in response thereto will activate one of a plurality of switches for providing a corresponding output signal which serves to enable an appropriate camera function.

Abstract: A camera system for providing a split image field of view. The split image camera system utilizes two planar mirrors which are arranged along mutually intersecting planes so as to transmit images from different locations to the camera. The two mirrors are arranged such that their vertical axes are parallel while their horizontal axes intersect along the optical axis of the camera. By placing the reflective surfaces of the mirrors in a direction facing the camera, the camera is capable of viewing images from different locations and thus provides a split image view.

Abstract: A control system capable of selectively providing one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals. The system includes an input circuit and a control circuit. The input circuit is coupled to the control circuit through a single transmission line over which a constant level voltage is transmitted. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved. The control circuit, in turn, receives the input signals and in response thereto will activate one of a plurality of switches for providing a corresponding output signal which serves to enable an appropriate control function.

Abstract: Panoramic camera scanning system including a rotating mirror system which enables scanning through a full 360.degree. revolution. The mirror system includes a planar mirror member having reflective coatings on both of its surfaces. This planar member is mounted so as to extend along an axis in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of a camera utilized within the scanning system. By rotating the planar member, a full 360.degree. scanning view can be provided to the camera without requiring any movement of the camera.