Abstract: An electronic circuit architecture time-division-multiplexes analog sensor ignals from a distributed sensor array onto a common transmission line in a digitally encoded format. The architecture synchronizes the multiplexing, sampling and encoding to ensure a proper settling of the analog data signals and is fabricated to be compact with low power consumption for a cost-effective implementation for a number of sensors.

Abstract: A switch device with two modes of operation includes at least one switch comprising, carried by a substrate, two conductive lands and an electrically conductive elastic capsule in contact with one land and, in the unoperated condition, overlying the other land so as to be capable of being urged into contact with the latter. An electrical signal from a source is applied to the capsule. A circuit measures variations of the signal due to the proximity of an electrically conductive object. The device can be used to implement matrix keyboards combining the functions of a conventional keypad and a tactile pad.

Abstract: A remote control system in particular for locking and unlocking the doors of motor vehicles, the system being of the type including light source forming means associated with optical means adapted to configure the beam generated by the light source, wherein the optical means associated with the light source are adapted to define a transmission lobe centered on an aiming axis and comprising a first component of long range and small beam width together with a second component of shorter range and greater beam width.

Abstract: A two wire/three wire utility data communications system for remotely reading utility meter registers. In the two wire version, a hand-held reading unit is inductively coupled over two wires via a port located remotely from a meter register. Alternatively, a meter interface unit (MIU) may be connected directly to the register via three wires. Each register includes one or more wheel position encoders. An AC interrogation signal is applied by the reading unit to encoder circuitry at the meter which powers the circuitry and causes the position of each encoder wheel to be read. In the two wire mode, register display information (e.g. the current meter reading) is transmitted back to the reading unit by varying the load (impedance) presented by the register side of the circuit. This causes a corresponding variation of the amount of current drawn from the reading unit. The current-modulated signal is decoded by the reading unit and converted into a register reading.

Abstract: A touch panel generates any of a plurality of different signals that are selected by touching different specific areas of a panel member. Spaced apart supports at the edges of the touch sensitive area hold a panel member in spaced apart relationship to the underlying surface. Force sensitive circuit elements, such as strain gauges or pressure sensitive resistors, sense the force which the panel member exerts on each support when finger pressure is applied to the member. Additional circuit components compare the forces exerted on each support to determine the location on the panel that is being touched and generate the particular signal that correlates with that location. The touch panel may be used to enter instructions and other data into a computer or the like or to transmit selected control signals to other types of equipment. The panel may be transparent and be attached to the screen of a visual data display enabling entry of menu selections or other data by simply touching the screen.

Abstract: The electric lamp has a pinched seal (2) which is fixed in a lamp cap (5) with a metal shell (9) with cylindrically bent portions (10) by means of a retaining member (11). The retaining member (11) has a set of brackets (12, 13) between which the pinched seal (2) is clamped in. The clamping force (P) is generated in that the brackets (12, 13), after being inserted in the lamp cap (5), are moved away from one another through openings (14) in the lamp cap before being fixed to the shell (9) of the lamp cap (5).