Abstract: A computer keyboard having an output port through which scan codes are directed to a computer CPU over a cable, the keyboard of the kind having a touch activated membrane switch onto which one of a plurality of key layout overlays can be installed. Each of a plurality of different stored data tables is operable when selected to determine the particular scan code that is directed through the keyboard output port over the cable in response to a membrane switch being activated. Each overlay being coded in a way that can be read by an overlay code identification device which automatically operates in response to a coded key layout overlay being installed onto the keyboard to read the overlay code, which is then used by a data table selector to select a particular data table for use with the installed overlay.

Abstract: An apparatus for contactless data and energy transmission includes a stationary part and a movable part. The stationary part includes coils and an oscillator connected to the coils for contactless power transmission and data transmission to the movable part. The oscillator produces a reference oscillation as well as an information oscillation upon which a phase displacement relative to the reference oscillation is imposed as a function of data to be transmitted. The movable part includes other coils. One of the coils of each of the parts forms a first pair of coils through which the phase-displaced oscillation is supplied and another of the coils of each of the parts forms a second pair of coils through which the reference oscillation is supplied to the movable part. The movable part also includes a demodulator circuit connected to the other coils for receiving transmitted oscillations and recovering the data from the phase displacement.

Abstract: A communication network includes a first communication device (10, 64), a second communication device (14, 66) connected through a switched network (12, 68) to the first communication device (10, 64), in order to carry out a communication with the first communication device (10, 64), and a monitor/management device (16, 60) for performing a monitoring and/or management of the first and the second communication devices. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a disconnection factor requiring a disconnection between the first and the second communication devices is detected in the second communication device, and is transmitted to the first communication device, and thereafter, a connection between the first and the second communication devices is disconnected.

Abstract: A signal reproducing apparatus operating on a wireless basis and having a status signal multiplexed with audio signals and transmitted to a receiver containing a display, the status signal indicating the current operating status of a recording medium player. On receiving the status signal, the display indicates the current operating status of the recording medium player so that the user may accordingly control the player from a distance without the intervention of wires.

Abstract: Microprocessor-controlled apparatus, for example, a car radio whose microprocessor (5) is one-time programmable by the manufacturer of the apparatus. An external non-volatile memory (7) comprises a security variable (VAR) indicating whether the protection means is operational. In addition to a security code (SC), an arbitrary code series (KEY) of, for example, 20 bits is stored in the internal memory (51) of the microprocessor. Unauthorized disabling of the protection means by external interrogation of the non-volatile memory is only possible by assigning a value which corresponds to the code series to the security variable. However, the code series is inaccessible and can only be traced with great difficulty by means of trial and error methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptable key holder for a remote control transmitter. This includes a remote control transmitter (101) with buttons (102) for activating functions typically located on one surface, and a detachable ring (200) encompassing the remote control transmitter (101) and having a feature to captivate keys (105). This captivating feature (105) feature can be oriented either adjacent or opposite the most used transmitter button.

Abstract: A baby monitor receiver is provided for use in combination with a transmitter unit. The receiver includes a plurality of LED's positioned along the front upper edge of a housing for providing a visual indication of signals received by the receiver. The LED display is positioned such that they may be easily viewed from a variety of locations relative to the housing of the receiver and ranging from a location directly in front of the receiver to a location directly above the receiver. In addition, a clip member is provided on a rear portion of the housing for supporting the receiver from a person's belt as well as for acting as a leg to support the housing in an upright position.

Abstract: A single antenna, dual frequency transponder is provided. The transponder includes the antenna, first and second capacitors, a microprocessor/coder for generating a first and second control signals, and a logic circuit which uses the two control signals as inputs and depending on the state of the second control signal either provides an open circuit or a frequency signal at its output node. When the second control signal is a dormant (inhibit) signal, an open circuit is provided. As a result, the capacitors and the antenna provide a first tuned LC circuit which will receive an incoming signal at a desired first frequency. The incoming signal thereby resonates the LC circuit which provides a wake-up signal to the microprocessor/coder. In turn, the microprocessor/coder generates the first control signal of a desired second frequency. In turn, the logic circuit provides a related signal of the same second frequency as an output.

Abstract: A wrist watch pager (100) powered by a rechargeable battery (234) comprises an antenna having first and second antenna portions (102A and 102B) for receiving paging signals when the first and second portions (102A and 102B) are coupled together to form a loop antenna. The first and second antenna portions (102A and 102B) receive a charging voltage from a battery charger (120) directly coupled to the first and second antenna portions (102A and 102B) when the first and second antenna portions (102A and 102B) are uncoupled thereby disabling the loop antenna. A receiver (204) coupled to the loop antenna presents an alert in response to the paging signals. A device (230) coupled between the loop antenna and the receiver (204) blocks the charging voltage from the receiver (204). Another device (232) coupled between the loop antenna antenna and the rechargeable battery (234) blocks the received paging signal from the battery charger (120).

Abstract: A lighting load can be turned on/off manually from one or more remote switching stations as well as from a master switch controller station, with ON/OFF control signals produced at the remote switching stations being transmitted to the master controller circuit on the traveler conductor of a conventional single phase AC power distribution system. The main controller has an internal dual mode DC power supply which is referenced to load potential. The dual mode power supply derives operating power from the voltage across the gate controlled power switch which corresponds with essentially hot potential when the power switch is off. The voltage drop across the power switch is boosted by a step-up transformer when the power switch is on. Remote turn-on and turn-off signals are derived independently from the hot power conductor and ground safety power conductor, respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to an information network such as a telepoint network, having discrete communications units, such as telephone communications handsets (14), where each unit has a user-inaccessible memory. The invention also applies to networks of other units, such as smart cards. The network has regional controllers (11 and 12) for funnelling information from base stations (10) into a central controller (13). At the central controller, analysis of past communications is carried out and, based upon this, instructions are sent out to selected regional controllers for programming the memories of selected regional controllers for programming the memories of selected discrete units when those discrete units next communicate with base stations associated with the selected regional controllers.

Abstract: The electrodeless low-pressure discharge lamp comprises a tube which is closed at one end, which surrounds a body of soft magnetic material with clearance, and which is enclosed with clearance in the cavity in the outer bulb, which cavity enters the cavity in the discharge vessel. The tube provides a good insulation of the body from the heat of the discharge in the discharge vessel.

Abstract: A fluorescent low pressure discharge lamp is provided with a sintered electrode consisting of about 50% to 90% by weight of W and the remainder BaO or a mixture of BaO, CaO and SrO and an oxide of Y, Zr, Hf or an oxide of the rare earths.