Abstract: A fiber optic communication system provides parallel paths to enable cancellation of even order harmonic distortion components. A pair of parallel optical fibers is provided. Each of the fibers is coupled to a corresponding transmitter at one end of the pair and to a corresponding receiver at the other end of the pair. The transmitters are modulated with an input signal applied to the transmitters at a 180.degree. phase differential. The 180.degree. phase shifted signals are combined at the receivers to recover the input signal while cancelling even order distortion products introduced by the transmitters. A method is provided for balancing the system upon installation.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing integrated test circuits for a smoke detector is disclosed. The smoke detector operates such that products of combustion such as smoke and carbon monoxide cause the resistance across a sensor element to be lowered. The lowered resistance of the sensor element, in normal operation, causes a change in an associated voltage level. When the change in the associated voltage level is sufficiently large, the change is detected resulting in the generation of an alarm signal. In the present invention, a switch or button causes a circuit variation that results in a voltage level change similar to that attained when the voltage across the sensor changes as a result of the introduction of the products of combustion. Activation of the switch or button results in a generation of the alarm signal and tests the operational status of the smoke detector. A multiplicity of embodiments of the present invention are illustrated.

Abstract: In a color image signal evaluating apparatus and method, a color image signal corresponding to each pixel position on a display screen is converted by a color signal converter to an I signal and a Q signal, which are stored, as pixel data, in first and second image memories, each at an address corresponding to the pixel position. The I signal and Q signal read out of the first and second image memories are differentiated by first and second differentiators, respectively, with respect to the directions of pixel arrays to thereby obtain an I-signal differentiated value and a Q-signal differentiated value at each pixel position. A vector-composed value of the I-signal differentiated value and the Q-signal differentiated value at each pixel position is calculated and is stored in a third image memory.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for monitoring two operating voltages of different polarity detects and indicates the deviation of either operating voltage from its nominal value beyond a predetermined tolerance limit. A transistor is provided, whose base is connected to the positive operating voltage across a first zener diode and to the negative operating voltage through a first resistor, and whose emitter is connected to the negative operating voltage through a series connection of a second zener diode and a second resistor, and to a reference potential across a diode.

Abstract: A method of processing a file of recorded color separation values of color elements for use in preparing polychromatic printing plates in order to reduce or eliminate defects caused by misregistration by printing, includes the steps: (a) defining a plurality of predetermined color types; (b) identifying the color pairs where there is a change in color between adjacent color element; and (c) for each color pair, determining whether or not to make a frame according to first predetermined criteria based on specific combination of color types in the pair, and then according to second predetermined criteria based on the difference in luminance between corresponding color separations in the respective pair.

Abstract: The invention is an electronic sensor for producing an indication of fluid level in a hose or tube and an electronic indicating circuit that uses the sensor's indication of fluid level for asserting one of three indicators depending upon whether the fluid level is above a reference by a small distance, within the small distance of the reference, or below the reference by the small distance. A float retaining a core having a relative magnetic permeability significantly greater than one is supported by fluid near three vertically disposed coils. The center coil is excited by a source of alternating current and the position of the core above or below the center coil determines the voltages present in the top and bottom coil. The voltages present in the top and bottom coils are rectified and added in polarity opposition to produce an indication of fluid level. A plurality of voltage comparators, supplied by the indication of fluid level and fixed voltages, are used to assert the appropriate indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing signal correction and printer operation control, for use in applications such as color copiers, utilizes a neural network to convert input image signals, derived for example by scanning and analyzing an original image, into printing density signals which are supplied to a printer. In addition, a detection signal expressing at least one internal environmental condition of the printer, such as temperature, is inputted to the neural network, so that the output printing density signals are automatically compensated for changes in internal environment of the printer.

Abstract: A light unit is combined with circuitry which monitors the charge level of a battery of the light unit or a video camera or camcorder connected to the light unit. With two lights of different wattages, three different constant loads can be applied while observing, in each case, LED indicators each deenergized at a certain voltage level, resulting in an accurate and reliable indication of charge level. The voltage levels are selectable in accordance with the type of battery being monitored and a bridge rectifier allows reversal of battery polarity.

Abstract: A multi-port system sampling maintains a balanced fluid flow, and more particularly is a gas sampling system used for the rapid detection of fire in which the flow rate through each sampling system aperture is substantially equal. The system may include a single main conduit having a number of sampling apertures spaced apart for sampling different locations. The sizing of the apertures is such that an equal flow rate is present at each aperture, allowing a balanced sampling of each sampling location. The system may also include multiple secondary conduits all feeding one main conduit. Each secondary conduit has a number of different sampling apertures, and may be of a different length. The diameters of the secondary conduits are relative to the length of the conduits and the size of the respective conduit apertures so as to create a balanced fluid flow rate through each of the apertures.

Abstract: In an apparatus for indicating the load on trucks, particularly the weight of the useful load which has been picked up by garbage collecting, which trucks have a frame which is movable relative to the axles and is supported on the axles by springs, a device is provided which detects the distance between the frame of the truck and the axle or axles. The device is arranged to produce a signal when the distance has been reduced to an extent which corresponds to the weight of the highest permissible useful load.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of sensors are placed over the joints of a hand. Each motion sensor comprises an optical fiber disposed between a light source and a light sensor. An upper portion of the fiber is treated so that transmission loss of light being communicated through the optical fiber is increased only when the fiber bends in one direction. In another embodiment of the invention, a flexible tube is disposed in close proximity to a finger joint and bends in response to bending of the finger. A light source and light sensor are provided on opposite ends of the tube for continuously indicating the extent of bending of the tube. A wedge is disposed between the tube and the finger for setting the tube straight when the finger is hyperextended for eliminating the symmetry of the output signal which ordinarily would result from bending of the tube on opposite sides of the axis of movement.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the image input apparatus is adapted to sample the image signal read by the linear image sensor by means of the sampling means in order to output image data.

Abstract: A fused cutout for a power distribution system, which cutout includes an insulating member (2) having two opposed ends and a recess located between the two opposed ends, a fuse (12) defining a current path and having an element for interrupting the current path when current flowing through the path exceeds a selected value, a first conductive support structure (6) connected at a first end of the insulating member (2), conductively connected to a first end of the current path and connectable to a source of electrical power (14), a second conductive support structure (8) connected at a second end of the insulating member (2), conductively connected to a second end of the current path and connectable to a consumer of electrical power (16), each conductive support structure (6,8) producing an electric field when connected to the source of electrical power, and a mounting bracket assembly (4) for supporting the fused cutout and including a conductive member (30) secured in the recess of the insulating member (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leakage in a liquid transporting line using a line leak detector connected to the liquid line within a manway containing a pumphead of a submersible pump. The line leak detector contains a piston moving within a cylinder to detect changes in the liquid volume to determine a leak. The movement of the piston is converted to an electrical signal by a core, affixed to the piston, moving within a coil. Retrofit installation of the line leak detector in a fuel service station is facilitated by the use of the existing electrical power wiring between the pumphead and remote pump controller.

Abstract: A system for detection of tampering with a utility meter provides not only an indication that tampering has occurred but also sufficient information to enable an estimation of actual consumption to be made as opposed to the tampered metered consumption. The device includes a plurality of tampering sensors sensing tilt, electric field, magnetic field, temperature, sound, reverse rotation of a moving element and excessive difference between metered consumption and an approximate actual consumption. The device also measures the movement of the moving element. These sensed signals are recorded in sequential time periods of for example eight hours so that an analysis can be made on a daily basis to provide an accurate pattern of consumption as opposed to the tampered meter consumption pattern.

Abstract: An indicator circuit for indicating the states of various electric components such as limit switches, comprising a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode, and a constant current device, such as a constant current diode, connected in series with the light emitting element. The constant current element significantly expands the operable range of the input voltage to the indicator circuit, and keeps the brightness of the light emitting device constant over a wide input voltage range. For high voltage applications, a plurality of constant current devices may be connected in series, and, preferably, balancing resistors and/or zener diodes may be connected in parallel with them.

Abstract: The apparatus for monitoring and controlling electrostatic discharge control systems provides an automated sequence of electrostatic discharge control and soldering iron performance measurements that can be used to verify the continued integrity of the electrostatic discharge control systems. This is accomplished by a microprocessor controlled central data acquisition and control unit that controls a plurality of test units. Each work station in the manufacturing environment is equipped with a test unit that performs a number of measurements and tests of various electrostatic discharge control systems and soldering iron performance. The central data acquisition and control unit sequentially and automatically polls each individual test unit to perform or prompt the operator to participate in the designated measurements. The data obtained by each test unit is transferred to the central data acquisition and control unit where the data is analyzed and recorded.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the condition of a lamp, activating a permanent memory two-state display of the lamp condition, and displaying said condition during the daylight when no power is connected to the lamp. The system includes an electrical circuit powered by electricity drawn from power lines connected to the lamp such that the circuit is energized only when the lamp is supposed to be lighted. A rectifier transforms the alternating current of the power lines into a direct current for the circuit. The current of the power lines connected to the lamp is detected and measured when the lamp is supposed to be lighted in order to determine the condition of the lamp, and provide an appropriate signal for controlling switches within the circuit. Two alternative current pathways, each including a capacitor and a switch responsive to input from the current sensor, are provided in the circuit.

Abstract: In an image display system, a picture quality improving circuit is provided for comparing a distribution, in a pixel array of a specified size, of image characteristic signals derived from image information signals each indicating one pixel of the input image with a previously examined distribution of image characteristic signals corresponding to each type of image, to thereby discriminate the type of input image. Further, a binary encoding/dithering selecting circuit responsive to the decision made on the picture type by the image quality improving circuit is provided to binary encode the image information signal applied to the image information output device on the basis of a fixed threshold value, or to dither the image information signal on the basis of variable threshold values, in accordance with the discriminated type of input image.

Abstract: A smoke detector having variable sensitivity to smoke levels and using one button both to test the smoke detector and actuate a mode of diminished sensitivity to smoke levels. The smoke detector is operable in a normal sensitivity mode and a diminished sensitivity mode with rapid switching between the modes. The sensitivity to smoke levels is substantially constant when in either the normal or diminished sensitivity mode.