Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for conducting local wireless audio signal transmissions from a local audio signal source to a person within a local signal transmission area. In certain embodiments, the transmissions are conducted over the 900 MHz local transmission band to a portable receiver unit supported on the headband of a stereo headphone unit. The receiver unit serves to down convert the 900 MHz signal to a local frequency band which is received by an FM receiver of the receiver unit which serves to reproduce the audio signals therefrom which are, in turn, converted to acoustic signals by electroacoustic transducers of the headphone. A transmitter unit includes a ceramic resonator stabilized FM transmitter, as well a filter for suppressing high frequency noise in an audio modulation signal, a stereo audio multiplexing unit utilizing a 3fH subcarrier and an overmodulation detection unit.

Abstract: A dual LNB/TV antenna multi-switch allowing DC voltage provided by a satellite receiver to travel through the terrestrial antenna input without causing interference, distortion or lowering the signal strength of the satellite and terrestrial antenna pictures. By including an external DC block adapter with the invention, the multi-switch can be used with both amplified and non-amplified antennas and not require an external power injector.

Abstract: A collapsible antenna is provided; it is preferably a folded dipole antenna. The antenna has a main body section and two arm sections attached to the main body. At least one of the arms may be moved from an extended position to a collapsed position, thereby reducing the overall length of the antenna. Preferably, the arms may be rotated or pivoted from a first expanded configuration in which they extend in opposite directions from one another to a second collapsed configuration in which they subtend an angle substantially less than 180°. Preferably, the arms extend from the body section in substantially the same direction when they are in the collapsed configuration. A locking mechanism selectively secures the arms in both configurations. Alternatively, one or both arms may telescope. The invention also includes mutual inductance cancelling coils for further reducing the overall length of the antenna without reducing the effective length of the antenna.

Abstract: An automobile radio/digital recording system is provided in which a digital recorder enables input either through the radio or through a microphone to be stored in the digital storage device and be played back through the automobile's radio system. Storage of information in excess of five minutes is available.

Abstract: An integrated light-speaker assembly suitable for connection into conventional electrical sockets. The combination includes an FM wireless receiver operating within a local area wireless transmission system. The speaker is mounted behind the light bulb, and when mounted into a conventional electrical socket, the assembly provides both sound and light, with the sound being provided by the local area wireless FM transmission system.

Abstract: An in-ceiling loudspeaker is provided which comprises a woofer and at least three tweeters located below the woofer with respect to the ceiling with the woofer and tweeters arranged to radiate direct acoustic signals downwardly and widely spread from the loudspeaker, the three tweeters mounted at acute angles with respect to the horizontal plane which is parallel to the ceiling, the acute angle preferably being approximately 65.degree.. The three tweeters are regularly spaced equally at 120.degree. from each other between the axis of the tweeter and the plane of the ceiling.

Abstract: A power strip that is resistant to the tampering of children is provided. The power strip includes a non-conductive housing and multiple electrical sockets. In front of each socket is a non-conductive plate with holes corresponding to the holes of the outlet. The plate is spring-biased into a first position so that the holes in the plate are out of alignment with the holes in the socket to prevent a child from inserting anything into the socket. A non-conductive barrier is disposed between the spring that biases the plate and the conductors that connect the sockets together to prevent inadvertent contact between the spring and the conductors. A depression is formed in the housing so that, when the prongs of a standard three-prong plug are inserted into the holes of the plate to rotate the plate, all three prongs will make contact with the plate and rotation thereof will be facilitated. The power strip may include a surge protector as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for conducting local wireless audio signal transmissions from a local audio signal source to a person within a local signal transmission area. In certain embodiments, the transmissions are conducted over the 900 MHz local transmission band to a portable receiver unit supported on the headband of a stereo headphone unit. The receiver unit serves to down convert the 900 MHz signal to a local frequency band which is received by an FM receiver of the receiver unit which serves to reproduce the audio signals therefrom which are, in turn, converted to acoustic signals by electroacoustic transducers of the headphone. A transmitter unit includes a ceramic resonator stabilized FM transmitter, as well a filter for suppressing high frequency noise in an audio modulation signal, a stereo audio multiplexing unit utilizing a 3f.sub.H subcarrier and an overmodulation detection unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for remotely transmitting a control command to a device having a light sensor for receiving the control command in the form of a light energy signal. A radio frequency remote control signal is produced within an enclosure of a remote control unit (such as a hand-held remote control unit) and is radiated therefrom to a radio frequency receiver. The receiver converts the received signal to a light energy signal which it applies to the light sensor of the device to provide the command thereto.

Abstract: A sealed bag of a pliable multi-layered barrier film substantially impervious to air is partially filled with generally spherically closed cell foam plastic particles deformable under a pressure of less than about 0.2 atmospheres. A bag for use in a typical camera is typically 2 to 3 inches wider and longer than the inside of the case and filled with particles from about 1/16 to 1/4 of an inch in diameter. When flattened uniformly, the bag with the particles inside is about 1/2 an inch in thickness. The bag is placed inside a camera case or the like of smaller dimensions than the bag, e.g. 14.times.6 inches when the pressure in the bag is atmospheric and relieved through an air tube. One or more objects are then depressed into the upper surface of the bag which deforms about them until about a single layer of particles is underneath the object and the particles surround the objects up to about an inch or an inch and a half in depth.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus and method for transmitting stereo multiplexed audio signals from a received television signal having a horizontal frequency f.sub.H are provided. Right and left channel audio signals obtained by demodulation from the received television signal are added to form a first combined audio signal. The same signals are subtracted to form a second combined audio signal. A subcarrier is modulated with one of the first and second combined audio signals, the subcarrier having a frequency substantially equal to 3f.sub.H to form a subcarrier modulated audio signal. The other of the first and second combined audio signals is combined with the subcarrier suppressed signal to form a stereo multiplexed audio signal, and the stereo multiplexed audio signal is transmitted.

Abstract: Apparatus which transfers photos, motion picture films and slides to videotape (or other video recording media) by means of a video camera and recorder, such as a camcorder, is operable in three modes: first for film or slide to video transfer using a movie or slide projector to present images from motion picture film or slides to the camcorder; second to illuminate a photo or other print and present the image therefrom to the camcorder; and third to illuminate with concentrated light a slide or transparency to present an image projected by the illumination to the camcorder thereby enabling direct transfer of images from slides or transparencies. The apparatus includes a box with openings on opposite ends and on a side thereof.