Abstract: A motor vehicle turn signal system has features to indicate lane changing. The system includes a flasher that supplies pulsated power to the conventional turn signal lever switch. Right and left push button switches are mounted to the steering wheel. Each button switch is linked to a relay coil. The relay coil, when energized, connects the flasher directly to the signal lights, bypassing the conventional turn signal lever switch. The connection between the flasher and the conventional turn signal lever switch is broken while the relay coil is energized. In one version, a transmitter mounted to the steering wheel transmits a signal to a receiver in the vehicle when a button switch is depressed.

Abstract: A system includes a keyboard for encoding Chinese characters and phrases. The invention relates to the quick input of Chinese characters and phrases into any large, medium, small and mini-sized computers as well as systems for Chinese information processing and communications. Some basic roots are selected according to their frequency distributions both in the constitution of characters and in practical usage, and classified in accordance with their inner links and compatible relations. These selected roots are then arranged on the twenty five keys of a standard keyboard in accordance with the probabilities of use of keys and the fingering of the keyboard in order to form a complete encoding system and a keyboard for Chinese. In the system, Chinese characters and phrases can be encoded according to their geometrical forms. Therefore the method is direct and easy to learn and convenient for touch typing, and the efficiency of input Chinese characters and phrases can be raised greatly.

Abstract: Improvements in a manual control device wherein an incremental touch key or a decremental touch key is depressed by hand so as to bring a manipulated value and a set value into agreement. The manual control device comprises a pressure sensor which converts a contact pressure of a hand into a voltage level which is proportional to the pressure, a level encoder which delivers a pulse at any one of a plurality of different frequencies to a counter in correspondence with the output of the pressure sensor, a D/A converter which converts a digital output of the counter into an analog output, and an output driver which controls a base current of a transistor for driving a manipulated-value indicator, by the A.C. output of the D/A converter.

Abstract: An improved light collector for use in a touch panel device which has a plurality of substantially parallel light beams directed across a display surface thereof, which collector collects the light in the light beams and redirects it in a direction substantially perpendicular to the light beams for detection by a light detector positioned adjacent one end of the light collector. The collector comprises a multi-sided elongated strip of light transmissive material having a longitudinal axis, and being terminated by a light collection station. A plurality of longitudinally spaced light focusing elements are disposed along a first side of the strip. A like plurality of longitudinally spaced light redirecting elements, likewise disposed along the first side of the strip, are individually paired with an assigned one of the light focusing elements and each such redirecting element has a light intercepting surface having transverse dimensions small in comparison to the cross-sectional dimensions of the strip.

Abstract: An addressable transducer is disclosed for use in a monitoring system of the type including a central station and multiple addressable transducers for monitoring physical conditions. The transducer is connected across a single pair of transmission lines having a voltage thereon modulated at controlled intervals to produce successive binary address signals. Each address signal is produced as a level shift, pulsewidth modulation of the line voltage. An address signal processing circuit includes a memory for storing multiple bits of an assigned address signal. A multiplexer coupled with the memory and operated under clock control derived from the transmitted address signal generates a train of pulses representing the stored address signal in bit-by-bit synchronism with the train of pulses of the transmitted address. A match detector pairs the trains of the pulses and a match counter produces a control signal in response to a match of all bits of the addresses.

Abstract: This automatic apparatus is for use by cigarette smokers who may be in danger of going to sleep with a lighted cigarette near at hand, to possibly cause fire and both personal and property damage. This apparatus is for use with an ashtray, and there is a socket in the top wall for receiving a cigarette lighter for storage therein. The apparatus includes an electric switch associated with the socket for detecting the presence of the lighter therein. In series with this switch is an ON delay timer that is in series with an audible alarm device. Also associated with the switch is a spring-biased plunger with a feeler pin that is capable of engaging the lighter. When the lighter is removed so that the user may light his cigarette, the plunger is allowed to move to close the switch thereby energizing the ON delay timer for a given timed cycle. A cigarette crusher is mounted adjacent the front of the apparatus.