Abstract: During an automatic search scan of a broacasting station of a video receiver's tuner, the AFC signal generated by an existing automatic frequency control circuit of the receiver is applied to an input of four comparators. A first, switched threshold comparator commutes when the AFC signal is greater than the two switched threshold valuesVA'<AFC>VA";and enables a second comparator with a fixed threshold V1 comprised between the two switched threshold values of the first comparator. When the second comparator commutes causes the generation by an output buffer of a signal suitable for arresting the automatic search scan having thus detected on the AFC characteristic the presence of a carrier.

Abstract: A fail-safe control device for an electronically controlled automatic transmission to be mounted on a vehicle, the fail-safe control device: detects the battery voltage; previously stores a standard battery voltage; makes a comparison between the thus-detected battery voltage and the above-described standard battery voltage; and switches to an emergency mode of turning off all of shift solenoids when the voltage deviates from the standard upon the comparison. As a result of this, generation of defects that shifting from high speed gear stage to a lower speed gear stage due to defective operation of the shift solenoid and disconnection or the like due to the overvoltage of the solenoid can be prevented. Furthermore, if a failure is detected, it can be notified to a drive.

Abstract: A chemical agent detector having a pair of vapor/aerosol chemical agent dctor cells mounted with a lithium battery in a detection cell module. A liquid agent detector having a hinged plate is attached to an electronic system which includes a signal processor that energizes a plurality of warning LED's and a horn in response to energization of selected agent detectors. An air pump is mounted on the housing for the electronics to force air across the detection cells. The detection cell module is connected to the housing for the electronics. A battery compartment is connected to the detection cell module and includes means for permitting an external power source to be connected thereto.

Abstract: An alarm device for monitoring the watering needs of a plant which comprises a stick surmounted by a cylindrical box containing the electrical elements. The stick is buried in the soil of a pot holding a plant. The alarm device is powered by a battery easily installable and consists of a conductive probe detector located at the buried end of the stick. It also comprises a first integrated circuit which is switched by a backwards connected amplifier acting as a very high impedance switch which minimizes power consumption. The circuit emits a series of pulses when a threshold resistance level is reached. These pulses trigger a melody integrated circuit which produces a pleasant singing melody destined to draw the attention of the plant grower to the watering needs of a plant. The tune is repeatedly reproduced until the soil resistance detected by the probe detector has exceeded a threshold resistance level.

Abstract: A flow sensor for regulating the air flow rate to a cooling system can be formed as a housing for channeling the flow through a retangular cavity and a one piece vane of bent metal strip which deflects and closes an electrical contact at a predetermined air flow rate and opens when the air flow rate falls below a preset threshold level.

Abstract: The invention discloses an oxygen concentration monitor using a Galvanic cell type oxygen sensor. An automatic calibration circuit always calibrates the maximum output of the sensor as the value corresponding to an oxygen concentration of 21%, based on the fact that the oxygen concentration in a fresh air never exceeds 21%.

Abstract: A toy that is equipped with a smoke detector that would be extremely portable and thus provide fire and smoke protection wherever you had the toy. The smoke detector is housed inside the toy with smoke sensing openings in several locations. The power supply is electronically coupled to the smoke detector by wires run on the inside of the toy.