Abstract: A flow monitoring system for a particulate feeder having first and second metering devices that meter particulate material from first and second bins, respectively, to a material flow tube, includes a first sensor supported and configured to generate a first flow signal in response to the absence of particulate material within the first metering device; a second sensor supported and configured to generate a second flow signal in response to the absence of particulate material within the second metering device; a third sensor supported adjacent the first bin and configured to generate a first fill signal indicating a level of particulate material within the first bin; a fourth sensor configured to generate a second fill signal indicating the level of particulate material within the second bin; a controller coupled to a first, second, third and fourth sensors and configured to generate a first alarm signal in response to receiving the first flow signal and a second alarm signal in response to receiving a second

Abstract: A wrist-strap monitoring system includes a first wrist-strap monitoring circuitry and a second wrist-strap monitoring circuitry. The first wrist-strap monitoring circuitry is used to monitor continuously impedance of a first human body to be between an upper level and a lower level. The second wrist-strap monitoring circuitry is used to monitor continuously impedance of a second human body to be between the upper level and the lower level. A logic circuit is responsive to the first and second wrist-strap monitoring circuitry for generating an alarm signal. A sound device is responsive to the alarm signal for generating an audible signal. Further, there is provided a ground detection circuit operatively connected to a ground connection for monitoring continuity of the ground connection.

Abstract: Retrofitting lamps using Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) as the illumination source. The lamps are fitted with any one of the common incandescent lamp bases for use as retrofit lamps for illuminated EXIT signs and the like. The LED lamps are electrically powered with a current limiting device to allow LED to operate at a desired current level. The LEDs are arranged on a shaped frame so that they are aimed in directions to provide bright and uniform illumination over an area of the face of the sign that is wider and longer than the width and the length of the lamps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for monitoring and controlling food service requirements in a food service establishment. It includes a main computer with appropriate peripherals and an interface unit. The interface unit is connected to the main computer and is also connected to a plurality of monitoring devices, some of which monitor essential food establishment functions, such as temperatures, motion detectors, sanitary areas and the like, while others monitor employee activities. The interface unit is also connected to a plurality of control devices which both monitor and control essential activities, including sanitation, temperature, signals for smoke detection, pH levels, inventory and employee activities. Portable instruments are included with connection capabilities to the interface unit, and employee identification devices are also included.

Abstract: An air circuit breaker bell alarm accessory interacts with the circuit breaker operating mechanism to provide local target indication as well as remote signal indication of the separation of the circuit breaker contacts. An indicator switch provides remote signal indication while a lock-out switch interacts with the accessory target to prevent re-closure of the circuit breaker contacts. One of the switches is selected having "normally open" contacts while the other switch is selected having "normally closed" contacts to reduce the amount of mechanical force required to simultaneously operate the indicator and lock-out switches.

Abstract: A tire pressure drop detecting method, capable of accurately detecting whether the pneumatic pressure of a tire has dropped even if a large driving torque is exerted on the tires. The rotational angular velocities of tires provided for a vehicle are detected and a front/rear acceleration of the vehicle is detected, and then it is discriminated whether the vehicle is in a predetermined decelerated state or not, based on the detected front/rear acceleration of the vehicle. If the vehicle is in the predetermined decelerated state, it is judged whether the pneumatic pressure of the tires has dropped, based on the detected rotational angular velocities. The pneumatic pressure drop of the tire is judged only when the vehicle is in the decelerated state where a difference between the rotational angular velocity of the tire at the time of pneumatic pressure drop and that at the time of a normal inner pressure is relatively large.

Abstract: A piezo film sensor switch or a pyro film sensor switch for an electric candle or lamp, or birthday card or birthday box. The switch is omnidirectional and includes a housing having a wall with at least one opening; a piezo film within the housing and having at least two sides, one of the sides facing the opening; and two electrical conductors each in electrical contact with a respective one of the sides of the piezo film, the piezo film being responsive to air currents of sufficient magnitude to mechanically actuate the piezo film to pass electrical current through the two electrical conductors. Pyro film may be arranged in place of the piezo film in the same manner.

Abstract: A visually handicapped person guidance and support apparatus comprises a resonance tag, antenna and portable scanner. The resonance tag has an inductance element defined by a pair of conductive foil and a capacitance element coupled in distributed capacity to the conductive foil through a dielectric thin film. The visually handicapped person scans the resonance tag with a stick containing the antenna coupled to the portable scanner. The antenna transmits electric waves having the frequency of 5 to 60 MHz and predetermined resonance electric waves are reflected from the resonance tag. The received resonance waves are collated with the memory data by the scanner 3 and converted to voice message for output from a speaker. If a plurality of resonance tags, each of which has a different resonance frequency, are used, a plurality of information such as "go", "stop", "turn to right", "turn to left" and the like are obtained.

Abstract: A liquid level detection apparatus has an outer semi-rigid, flexible tube closely surrounding an inner, non-permeable tube containing a magnetostrictive wire. The outer tube prevents collapse of the inner tube during bending and flexing of the inner tube to enable the inner tube to be bent or coiled during storage, shipping, and installation.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity capacitive oil deterioration and level sensor includes a conductive housing member with an inner surface defining a ground electrode and conductive inner member with an outer surface defining a measuring electrode. The housing member is adapted to provide a fluidic connection between an oil container and a gap between the ground electrode and the measuring electrode. The sensor also includes electronics adapted to employ this capacitor geometry to generate signals indicative of a degree of deterioration and a level of the oil within the gap.

Abstract: An air circuit breaker bell alarm accessory interacts with the circuit breaker contact position indicator to provide local and remote indication of the occurrence of a circuit interruption. A drive pin extending from the bottom of the accessory interacts with a slot on the contact position indicator lever to reset the bell alarm accessory when the circuit breaker contacts are in the process of being closed.

Abstract: The pulse width of a light reception pulse signal a from a light receiving device is detected, and the smoke density is detected based on a total pulse width of pulse widths per unit time period. Alternatively, the smoke density may be detected based on an integrated value of the light reception pulse signal a from the light receiving device per unit time period. Even if the flow rate of the sucked air is varied, the total light reception pulse width value per unit time period is not varied, so that the smoke density can be accurately detected.

Abstract: A vehicle gauge comprises a mechanical indicator moveable relative to a reconfigurable gauge display. A transparent electroluminescent display selectively provides one of a plurality of gauge displays. A mechanical indicator positioned behind the display moves relative to the gauge display based upon data from a sensor associated with the current gauge display. A selectively transmissive device positioned between the display and the indicator selectively hides the indicator from view, providing a display independent of the indicator.

Abstract: An electronic mailbox including a mailbox housing (12), a door (16), an alarm system (20), a door sensor (34) a first timer, a second timer, a programmable controller (26), and a power source (42). Housing (12) defines an opening of a size and shape to receive mail. Door (16) is of a size and shape to cover opening (14). Door (16) is movably operable between an open state and a closed state. The alarm system (20) is controlled by the controller (26) between a first unarmed state and a second armed state. A keypad (22), door sensor (34) and timers input signals to controller (26). The timers along with the door state determine whether the armed state or unarmed state is in effect. Controller (26) sends output signals to activate the alarm system when the door (16) is opened by an unauthorized user. An authorized user inputs a deactivating code into the keypad (32) to deactivate the alarm system. Optional LED mail deposit indicator, latching (locking) mechanism, and illuminating lights(s) may be provided.

Abstract: A plastic cover covers a surface-mounted junction box which delivers wires to an alarm unit or emergency light or the like which is mounted to the cover. The cover is connected to the junction box by screws which engage threaded holes provided by the junction box. The cover can be mounted to either a single wide junction box or a double wide junction box and provides corresponding holes for connection to either box. The alarm devices can be connected to the cover directly by screws or by a combination of a single screw and a tab which is received into a slot on the cover. The cover and alarm unit together form an architecturally attractive cover for an otherwise industrial appearing junction box. When the cover is attached to the junction box, the box no longer can be seen. The covers can be color coded for a particular alarm service, such as fire, weather warnings, or other emergency conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a humidifier control system including a water reservoir having a top opening. A pair of wicking pads extend into the reservoir and around a tube which extends over the top opening. An electrical heating element is received inside the tube. First and second spaced apart moisture sensor elements are attached to the tube and are in contact with the wicking pads. The sensor elements conduct electricity in the presence of moisture on the wicking pads and do not conduct electricity in the absence of moisture on the wicking pads. The sensor elements are attached to an electrical circuit which includes a switch and an alarm. When there is moisture on the wicking pads, the switch is on and normal current flows through the heating element and the switch. When there is not moisture on the wicking pads, the switch is turned off and the current through the heating element is reduced to a minimal level, and the alarm is turned on.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for detecting an operating condition of an oil pump of the type utilized in an oil supply system for a internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a sensor for detecting the movement of a piston and/or a check valve of an oil pump. The apparatus preferably includes an engine control for monitoring the sensor over a fixed time interval and determining whether a signal is indicative of a malfunction or abnormality. In accordance with the method, the pump is monitored with the sensor and in the event an abnormality is detected, a warning indicator is activated and/or the engine is shut off.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a soft magnetic marker in an interrogation zone. This invention utilizes a modulated transmitter carrier signal generated in an interrogation zone. Modulated harmonics of the transmitter carrier signal are detected when a marker is present in the interrogation zone. The modulation detected can be at the same frequency as the modulation of the transmitter signal or a harmonic of the modulation of the transmitter signal. Detection of the modulation allows higher signal to noise ratios and therefore reduces false detections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal system for monitoring and controlling a plurality of individual food establishment monitoring and controlling system for a plurality of remotely located, separate food establishments. Each individual food establishment system includes a main computer with appropriate peripherals and an interface unit. The interface unit is connected to the main computer and is also connected to a plurality of monitoring devices, some of which monitor essential food establishment functions, such as temperatures, motion detectors, sanitary areas and the like, while others monitor employee activities. The interface unit is also connected to a plurality of control devices which both monitor and control essential activities, including sanitation, temperature, signals for smoke detection, pH levels, inventory and employee activities. Portable instruments are included with connection capabilities to the interface unit, and employee identification devices are also included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a box, particularly a mailbox which includes a lid, detecting and indicating elements for detecting and indicating the presence of one or more objects, such as letters and newspapers. The detecting elements include a pivotally mounted member (30) which is coupled to the lid (7) of the box, via a transmission (60-67), for moving the pivotally mounted member (30) from an initial position in response to the opening of the lid (7). The pivotally mounted member (30) is arranged to automatically return to its initial position as the lid (7) is closed, if no object is present in the box. If an object is present in the box, the pivotally mounted member (30) is prevented from returning to its initial position, in which position the pivotally mounted member (30) is so arranged and positioned that it activates an indicating member.