Abstract: This invention relates to a communication apparatus which avoids interruption in the operation for an outgoing call of the first party from an extension telephone apparatus. In the case where there is conflict between an incoming call from the third party and an outgoing call from the first party in a selected unoccupied communication line, a call signal is transmitted to the all open extension telephone apparatus, at the same time, an other unoccupied communication line is automatically selected for the outgoing call. Accordingly, the conflict is avoided and the incoming call needs not be responded at the first party's telephone extension when a telephone number is being inputted, however, the fact that a call from the third party has been received is signaled on all open telephone extensions and can be answered there.

Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place collect calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone uses the microprocessor control system (10) and a speech record/playback generator (44) to receive a destination number and a recorded name from a user. The telephone uses the speech generator (34) to play audio messages to prompt the user throughout the process. The phone informs a called party of the identity of the user and receives responses from the called party through a DTMF receiver (52). A communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38) if the phone receives a response indicating the called party accepts the charges for the collect call. The microprocessor control system (10) generates a billing record or the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.

Abstract: An additional line coupling circuit to an intercom telephone set having inserted between the additional line and the intercom telephone set, a d.c. line uncoupling circuit as well as means coupled to one of the wires of the line for transmitting signals on the line and means connected to one or the other line wires for receiving the signals transmitted on the line.

Abstract: An electrical controller, such as a controller timer for a home lighting circut, is connected so that a power switch like a triac controlled thereby replaces a conventional toggle switch operating in conjunction with another toggle switch in series therewith which can operate the controller. The timer is continuously coupled to the AC power system by permanent connections between the movable pole of the remaining toggle switch station and the load terminal of the triac of the controller and the power system. A stationary contact of the switch forms a control signal terminal which extends to a control input terminal of the controller. The controller may also include a depressible pushbutton or other on-off control switch which when successively operated generates pulses which toggle a control circuit to alternately render the triac conductive and non-conductive, and to program a controller-timer.

Abstract: An adjustable transducer apparatus includes a transducer fixedly mounted on a metal plate, a saucer-shaped housing with a pair of concentric inner ridges, a planar annular cover plate, the rim of which rests of the outer ridge, a transducer element fixedly mounted on a metal plate, the rim of the metal plate resting on the inner edge, an "O" ring disposed in the housing between the cover plate and the metal plate for cushioning the metal plate against the housing, and a plurality of screws for adjustably fastening the cover plate against the housing so that the cover plate is pivoted about the outer ridge to produce a compression on the "O" ring, and that said "O" ring in turn holds the metal plate in place in the housing. The maximum alertness of the transducer is obtained by adjusting the screws and thereby adjusting the chamber formed by the housing and the planar annular cover plate.

Abstract: Information is conveyed from a transmitting site to a consuming location in an electric power system by varying the frequency of the power from the nominal standard generating frequency. The signaled variation in frequency is detected at a power consuming location and a frequency indicating signal is generated. Frequency deviations of predetermined magnitude for a predetermined time duration signal a selected range of power system load while different deviations for different times signal automatic remote control of certain predetermined loads or other functions.

Abstract: In the disclosed diaphragm device, an electromagnetic unit is composed of two opposing sets of circularly arranged magnets poled so that opposing surfaces have the same polarity, a rotary member carrying an electromagnetic coil that moves the rotary member in response to current therethrough and the field of the magnets, and diaphragm blades which are positioned between the magnet members and the rotary member and pivoted to close the aperture in response to rotation of the rotary member in one direction. When the rotary member is rotating in the closing direction, stopping means respond to an input signal and stop movement of the diaphragm blades at a particular aperture value.

Abstract: A combined pick and stringed instrument tuning device includes a relatively flat, substantially rectangularly shaped housing having a pick attached thereto and is small enough to be easily held in one's hand. A momentary contact push-button switch mounted on top of the housing controls an electronic tuning circuit by selecting one of several predetermined frequencies from a frequency generator. In one embodiment, the tuning circuit is mounted in the housing so that the tuning device is totally self-contained. Alternatively, the tuning circuit is remotely located and is controlled by a cable connected to the housing or by radio signals. The frequency selected is displayed on the housing and the frequency generator drives a strobe light located near the pick. In another embodiment, a microphone mounted on the housing converts sounds from the string being tuned to a signal which is compared to the preselected frequency.

Abstract: An energy utilization circuit and method energizes a.c. loads with a.c. power of conventional voltage and frequency characteristics. A coverter responsive to an energy source, typically a wind or solar driven generator, converts the energy to d.c. electrical power. An inverter alters the d.c. power to a.c. power. An a.c. wave generator, such as an alternator, is connected to the output of the inverter. The alternator is operated to impress its voltage and frequency on the output of the inverter so as to lend conventional characteristics to this output. Excess power from the inverter maintains the operation of the alternator.

Abstract: Optical recording disc having a rigid, dimensionally-stable support which keeps a plastic film taut and flat so that an optically-recordable coating on the plastic film resists the dimensional changes and warping which it otherwise might experience if unsupported. The optically-recordable coating may include an energy-absorbing layer which develops discontinuities immediately upon impingement by a focused laser beam and thus provides DRAW capability.

Abstract: A sound inlet for microphones to inhibit noises caused by sonic pressure changes occurring in shocklike pulses is disclosed which includes, in the area in front of the diaphragm walls which extend the microphone housing and have sound entry channels with openings at its outer surfaces that are closer to the diaphragm plane than those located at its inner surface. A cavity enclosed by the extending walls is closed off at the front of the housing by a cap-shaped or a plug-shaped closure.

Abstract: A multi-part actuating mechanism formed of at least two correlated individual actuating elements contained within a housing. The actuating elements being arranged to move relative to each other and each being equipped with differently poled magnetic fields so that the fields are moved from a position in which identically poled magnetic fields oppose each other to one in which differently poled magnetic fields are opposite each other.

Abstract: A load controller, primarily intended for use in systems having geographically distributed, energy utilizing loads, and employing stored energy heating apparatus. The controller (1, 10) disclosed, in conjunction with a stored energy heater (3, 4), when installed on an energy distribution system having a multiplicity of heaters and controllers, adjusts individual heater storage (3), providing adequate energy for varying heat requirements of individual heaters after a mandatory "off" period (46, 47, 49, 51), thereby greatly reducing the overall peak energy or demand requirements on a central energy source. Alternate embodiments utilize a microprocessor (300) to provide close control of heater storage and improve efficiency. Digital display (307) and a keyboard input are provided for adjusting system constants and evaluating unit operation.

Abstract: In an ink jet printing system wherein a drop generator emits ink droplets for printing on a recording media, deleterious ink mist or ink dust formed as a result of ink droplets impacting on the media is collected by a collecting container disposed relative to the zone whereat ink droplets contact the media. A vacuum system is coupled to the container and extracts ink mist which is returned to the ink supply system for reuse. Airborne contamination, to components such as the drop generator, charge electrodes and deflection electrodes, are prevented by encasing the components in a pressurized box.

Abstract: The controller comprises a rear sub-assembly to be mounted in a conventional toggle wall switch opening, a conventional toggle switch cover plate with a vertical toggle switch operating arm-receiving slot, the plate to extend over the rear sub-assembly and being of a size to overlap the wall switch opening, and a front sub-assembly to be mounted over the cover plate. An anchoring screw-receiving opening in the rear of sub-assembly is accessible from the front of the front sub-assembly through the cover plate slot. A screw passing through an opening in the front sub-assembly and cover plate slot anchors at least partially the front sub-assembly and the cover plate to the rear sub-assembly. A rotatable and depressible shaft extends from the rear-sub-assembly and passes through the cover plate slot and the front sub-assembly. A timer and on-off switch operating knob removably fits over the shaft to expose the screw when the knob is removed from the shaft.

Abstract: A demagnetizing coil is situated in an aperture frame removably mounted around the picture screen of a picture tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination relay, suppression resistor and end of cycle bell in a compact unitary assembly intended for use in a microwave oven. The size of the relay is reduced by employing a bifurcated contact strip which has legs surrounding the relay coil pole piece and a contact actuator which is U-shaped to move within a plane which intersects the coil and bobbin. A plastic housing encloses these components and provides a support for the bell. The surge suppression resistor can be a few turns of magnet wire wrapped around the protective covering on the relay coil core.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically controlling exposure of a photographic film by evaluating selected spectral scene light frequencies during certain ambient light portions of an exposure interval and evaluating scene light frequencies exclusive of visible frequencies during other portions of the interval.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed which direct a preliminary pulse of radiation from a selectively energizable light source toward a subject, and a device for evaluating the amplitude of the reflected pulse of radiation therefrom so as to determine a weighted range signal as a function of the amplitude of generally non-visible radiation frequencies selected for reducing the non-uniformity in reflectivity values of reflected visible radiation in the scene, which weighted range signal includes a reflectivity factor and a range factor. The reflectivity factor, which detracts from the range factor for focusing, significantly enhances exposure control under certain scene lighting conditions.

Abstract: An electrical timer automatically actuates an output electrical load device such as an electric light according to a program stored as markers in a memory unit over a 24-hour interval, whereupon the program is recycled. By actuating one or more electric lights within an empty dwelling, an illusion of occupancy is thus conveyed to an observer. In the preferred form of the invention the memory unit is a recirculating shift register. A daily variability of the timer output is provided to prevent precise daily replication of the load device duty profile. One version causes the program output to be delayed by 15 minutes on alternate days by alternately taking the output from the last or the next-to-last storage element of the shift register. The stored duty profile is in 15-minute blocks.