Abstract: A system for delivering signal, such as video signal, over signal carrier, such as twisted-pair cable. The system includes a video source connected to a terminal of the signal carrier and providing video signals thereto. An amplifier is coupled to a second terminal of the signal carrier at the receiving end. A source reference signal generator is connected to a first terminal of a second signal carrier. A second amplifier is connected to a second terminal of the second signal carrier at the receiving end. A comparator is connected to an output of the second amplifier and a receiver reference signal. An output of the comparator is provided to a gain control of the variable gain amplifier.

Abstract: An interference resistant infrared receiver and extension system is disclosed. A receiver in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one infrared photodetector configured to detect impinging infrared light of a desired wavelength, an amplifier, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, for amplifying an electrical signal generated by the at least one infrared photodetector, and a bandpass filter, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the desired impinging infrared light passes through the bandpass filter before impinging on the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the bandpass filter is configured to pass desired impinging infrared light and block undesired impinging wavelengths of light.

Abstract: A device that controls background music interspersed with commercial messages by using an unmodified Compact Disc (CD) player loaded with custom discs. The custom discs provide the music and commercial content, and inform the device of the rate at which the commercial messages should interrupt the music. Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) signals are employed to provide control signals to the device to inform it of the disc type, track end, and rate of interspersion of commercial messages. The CD player is controlled by either a wired or wireless remote.

Abstract: A current sensing wafer fits about the blades of an AC power cord and is connectible to peripheral equipment for sensing when current is being drawn through the power cord, and thereby indicating when a power consuming device using the power cord is operating. The wafer, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an insulating substrate which has thereon a loop of ferromagnetic material. Slots for fitting about the twin blades of an AC power cord plug extend through the wafer and the loop of ferromagnetic material extends about the slots, generally in a FIG. 8 pattern. This arrangement, extending about the positive and negative conductors, creates a magnetic current in the loop. A sensor coil is integrated into the loop and includes an amplifier circuit for signaling controlled peripheral equipment that current is flowing through the AC power cord, and therefor, electrical devices using the current are operating.

Abstract: A wall fitting for penetrating interior walls of a residential/commercial building which provides a through passage for running lengths of wiring such as for stereo, television, computer and other communication systems. The wall fitting includes a rigid, elongate tubular shaft having a head end and a tip end with a through passage extending the length of the shaft. The tip end is specifically adapted for penetrating sheetrock wall board. The shaft tip end is specially adapted for cutting through the wall board and has a plurality of transverse grooves located inwardly at the tip end for breakoff. A bezel fits over the stub end of the shaft to provide a finished appearance. A first alternative embodiment uses a handle specifically adapted to drive the wall fitting tubular shaft through the wall and with an easily removable and changeable penetrating tip end. A second alternative and preferred embodiment is similar, but has a metal inner shaft removable from the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A vertical blanking interval standardizer circuit detects the vertical synchronization interval of a video signal and generates a vertical block sync pulse which replaces a serrated vertical sync signal in which the pulse spacing has been modified in a non-standard manner. An early control pulse existing from the beginning of the vertical blanking interval until the trailing edge of the vertical block sync pulse and a late control pulse existing from the trailing edge of the vertical block sync pulse until the end of the vertical blanking interval are generated. The early and late control pulses pre-bias an amplitude limiter transistor such that the transistor is reverse biased by signal components during the vertical blanking interval which exceed a selected blanking level. In this manner, pulses occurring during the vertical blanking interval which have a gray or a white level are blocked and replaced by the selected blanking level.

Abstract: A remote control unit integrator console includes a console tray to hold a plurality of infrared remote control transmitter units of various sizes and shapes. The tray includes a front hood which houses a mechanism for transferring infrared signals from the control units toward the appliances to be controlled. In one embodiment the infrared transfer mechanism includes a set of reflectors capable of efficiently reflecting infrared energy. In another embodiment, the infrared transfer mechanism includes infrared photo detectors connected to amplifiers which drive either a set of infrared emitters positioned in a diverging array or a single infrared emitter mounted in such a manner as to be pivotable. In still another embodiment, the coded infrared signals from the infrared remote control units are converted to radio signals which are received and reconverted to coded infrared signals by receiver units close to the controlled appliances for control of the respective appliances.

Abstract: A pair of transducer units and a transmission line extend the operational range of an infrared remote control device that normally operates electrical or electromechanical apparatus such as a television channel selector. One transducer converts electrical signals into an infrared radiation pattern and is located adjacent the apparatus. The other transducer is located at any desired remote location linked by wire to the first transducer, and converts into electrical signals the infrared radiation pattern produced by the infrared remote control device. The first transducer includes an emitter in the form of an infrared light emitting diode, and the second transducer includes a sensor in the form of a photo diode. In certain applications, the transducers utilize the existing television cable.