Abstract: A security system for monitoring objects, for example commodities, which system comprises an antenna (7) with at least one tuning capacitor (1) in the monitored zone and receiver/transmitter devices functioning as tuned resonance circuits on the individual objects monitored, the antenna emitting at short intervals an electrical signal that makes the receiver/transmitter device of a monitored object, which is present in the monitored zone, oscillate, which oscillations in the intermissions between antenna (7) transmissions can be received by the antenna (7)--or by a separate antenna--and used to detect the presence of the monitored object in the monitored zone. A switch (3) is provided in the electrical circuit between the antenna (7) and the tuning capacitor (1).

Abstract: A method of detecting the status of a keyboard switch device judges validity or invalidity of the status of switching elements on the basis of simple conditions. With this method, processing of output data is facilitated. In a step S1, a scanning operation is carried out to detect the status of each switching element. In a step S2, the result of the scanning operation is stored in a memory unit as memorized information. In a step S3, closed element total number N, a closed row total number Nr, and a closed column total number Nc are counted with reference to the memorized information. In a step S4, a judgement is made as regards whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied by the closed element total number N, the closed row total number Nr, and the closed column total number Nc. When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the memorized information is provided as valid data in a step S5.

Abstract: A computer input device for use as a computer mouse or keyboard comprises a thin, insulating surface covering an array of electrodes. Such electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern and can be connected in columns and rows. Each column and row is connected to circuitry for measuring the capacitance seen by each column and row. The position of an object, such as a finger or handheld stylus, with respect to the array is determined from the centroid of such capacitance values, which is calculated in a microcontroller. For applications in which the input device is used as a mouse, the microcontroller forwards position change information to the computer. For applications in which the input device is used as a keyboard, the microcomputer identifies a key from the position of the touching object and forwards such key identity to the computer.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible, pressurizable keyboard made of resilient layers of plastic material, with molded keys which are deformable when pressed so as to send a signal to an electrical device. The keys are arranged with a flexible electrical circuit thereattached, which when depressed, establish a proper complete circuit.

Abstract: A keyboard for a miniature computer or other data processing device which permits a standard key spacing to be retained while enabling folding of the keyboard to reduce its overall size for storage or carrying purposes. In another aspect, the thickness of the keyboard when in folded position is reduced in some embodiments by maintaining its keys in depressed positions.

Abstract: A split keyboard adjustment system for left hand and right hand keyboards which can be separated allows each to be rotated independently about three axes. The purpose is to allow the operator a maximum of flexibility in setting the positions of his keyboards for his comfort or for a change of position of his arms, wrists and hands.

Abstract: A method of modifying the magnetic properties of a thin film of a magnetically active material is provided which comprises forming surface modulations on the material in order to partition it into regions which display at least some degree of mutual magnetic independence. The resulting modified thin film may be used as a marker or tag in an anti-pilferage or article location system. The surface modulations formed on the material in the anti-pilferage or article location marker serve to enhance the response of the marker when used in an anti-pilferage or article location system.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for processing signals from infrared microwave and/or ultrasonic intrusion detectors is disclosed which allows the signal to be processed at different amplitude levels to recognize different signal characteristics. This capability to analyze the signal at different values allows further customizing of the system for particular applications and provides information useful in recognizing and dealing with unwanted signal changes typical of the environment which can effect the reliability of the alarm criteria and/or a trouble condition criteria. An assessment of the environment in a preferred aspect allows customizing of the alarm criteria to take into account the operating environment of the particular sensor or sensors. The system also accommodates increasing the effect on certain portions of the signal when considering the net overall effect of the signal.

Abstract: In a preprogrammed remote control unit, a controller is coupled to first and second pluralities of keys for determining which of the keys is depressed at any given time. The first and second pluralities of keys are coupled to the controller in an arrangement in which a key pressed in the first plurality of keys does not interfere with the reading of a key pressed concurrently in the second plurality of keys. A key identifying the device to be programmed is located in the first plurality of keys, and the numbered keys are located in the second plurality of keys. A selection of preprogrammed device control codes for a particular device to be controlled is made by holding down a key corresponding to the device to be controlled while concurrently entering the number of the desired selection via the numbered keys. In one embodiment of the invention no drive or sense line is shared between the number keys and the device selection keys.

Abstract: A keyboard interface controller in the nature of a state machine is placed in a stop mode or an idle mode after initialization. In stop or idle mode, all the keyboard conductors associated with the X-axis are activated, while all keyboard conductors associated with the Y-axis are sensed. Upon being awakened by an interrupt upon key closure from which the Y-axis location of the closed key is determined, the controller sequences through the steps of (a) determining the X-axis of the keyboard by activating the determined Y-axis conductor and sensing the X-axis conductors; (b) converting the crosspoint to a unique code; (c) transmitting the crosspoint code to the host; and (d) checking for either another closure or the release of the closure detected. When all keys are released, the controller returns to stop or idle mode.

Abstract: An electronic heat detector provides a fire alarm with a rapid rate of rise of temperature. The rate of rise indication is obtained from a comparison of outputs from a first temperature sensor which responds rapidly to environmental temperature, referenced to a second temperature sensor which has an intermediate response between that of the first sensor and an electronics board. The second sensor is positioned within a protuberance from the heat detector housing.

Abstract: A multimodal hand-held remote control device is disclosed which may be utilized for selecting designated functions in a plurality of multimedia processing units. Multiple user selectable keypads are provided for initiating transmission of control signals utilizing a wireless transmission system, such as an infrared transmitter. An electrically alterable graphic designation is provided in association with each user selectable keypad so that a function associated with each particular keypad for a given multimedia processing unit may be visually determined. The electrically alterable graphic designation is then varied in response to selection of an alternate mode of operation wherein the functions associated with each user selectable keypad for an alternate multimedia processing unit may be displayed. In one depicted embodiment a liquid crystal display is provided and a touch overlay is mounted in an overlying relationship with a portion of the liquid crystal display to provide the user selectable keypads.

Abstract: The invention in a bird avert system is for installation at a polluted pond, in or around a wet lands area, or the like, to discourage or frighten away birds and includes microwave, radar, or other signal generation and receiving arrangements for forming an electronic net a distance above the pond or ground level, that is triggered by passage therethrough of a bird. On sensing a bird presence in the electronic net, operation of alarm devices for frightening away the bird is commanded. The alarm devices are operated both on a sensing of a bird passage through the electronic net and at timed intervals, and the alarm devices can include high intensity and/or strobe lights, that can be colored or filtered appropriately to present primary colors as a bird is sensitive to, speakers for broadcasting sounds such as human voices, screeching, guns firing, and the like, as would frighten a bird, and floating platforms maintained under usual bird flight paths that may include moving human and predator bird replicas.

Abstract: A voltage level detector circuit comprises an amplifier for amplifying the electrical output signal from a detection device, a pair of comparators for comparing the amplified electrical output signal with a respective threshold signal, wherein each comparator is adapted to change its output state when the amplified electrical output signal exceeds the respective threshold signal, and a pair of threshold processors responsive to a superimposed noise or interference component of the electrical output signal from the detection device, or of an amplified version thereof, and adapted to provide the comparators with respective threshold signals which vary with the superimposed noise or interference component, so as to maintain a relationship between the amplified electrical output signal and the threshold signal which is substantially independent of the superimposed noise or interference component.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for processing signals from infrared intrusion detectors is disclosed which allows the signal to be processed at different amplitude levels to recognize different signal characteristics. This capability to analyse the signal at different values allows further customizing of the system for particular applications and provides information useful in recognizing and dealing with unwanted signal changes. The system also accommodates increasing the effect on certain portions of the signal when considering the net overall effect of the signal. This results in more signal information being available and higher accuracy in detecting actual human intrusions in the monitored space.

Abstract: A security system including a security tag for attachment to an article sold in a retail establishment, the security tag being formed with a coil having a tuned resonant frequency. The coil is formed of a composition of materials that includes a flake-like conductive metal that is intermixed with a resin, solvent and additives to define a paste-like composition that is adhered to a substrate in a coil configuration. A neutralizer device is formed as part of the security system and is operated to produce a high intensity magnetic field that emits eddy currents for melting the coil and thereby disabling the security tag when the tag is placed in close proximity thereto.

Abstract: A fish tape locator system for use by an electrician comprises a transmitter assembly and a receiver. The system is used by the electrician as an aid in running electric wire through a conduit. The transmitter assembly has a mounting means for attachment to a terminus of the conduit, a switch associated with the mounting means and in alignment with the conduit terminus to be activated by an end of the fish tape as it exits the conduit terminus, and an electronic transmitter coupled to the contact switch to transmit a signal when activated. The receiver worn by or in the general vicinity of the electrician receives the signal from the transmitter and alerts the electrician to the fact the fish tape end has reached the conduit terminus.

Abstract: A detector supervision system usable with detectors or sensors formed with a removable head and a surface mountable base includes an energy storage device which is carried on each base. The energy storage device is either a capacitor or an inductor, and is coupled to one or more of the terminals of the base. A conducting spring member is also carried on the base, attached to one of the terminals. The spring member is in a first position when the head is attached to the base. The spring member moves to the second position in response to the head being removed from the base. Detection circuitry can detect the presence of one or more energy storage devices which are switched into communication lines between detector bases in response to one or more of the heads being removed. The detection circuitry can signal a central control panel that one or more of the heads has been removed from a respective base.

Abstract: A motion responsive alarm system including a motion sensor having a housing with a rotatable disk therein, a slot in the disk and a ball bearing in the slot and being loosely confined within an annular chamber in the housing surrounding the disk. The disk contains a plurality of orifices which pass between an LED on one side of the disk and a phototransistor on the other. A signal from the phototransistor is sent to a triggering circuit by interrupting light transfer between the LED and the phototransistor. The circuit includes a novel oscillator having a duty cycle of 10% which drives the LED in the sensor. An alternate state device is coupled to the sensor and the oscillator for generating alternate state outputs only during sensing of motion. A one-shot circuit generates a motion pulse each time motion is sensed. A pulse interval timer and gate determine if the pulses are to be gated to a timer or blocked.

Abstract: A golf cart control and monitoring apparatus, includes two antennas spaced from each other, two transmitters, two receivers, two alarms, an event counter, a time accumulator and a display for the events counted and the time accumulated. The two antennas are each disposed about a golf course restricted area and one antenna is disposed outside of the other. One transmitter transmits a first electromagnetic signal from one antenna which signal is received by the first receiver. The second transmitter transmits a second electromagnetic signal from the other antenna, which signal is received by the second receiver. The first alarm generates an alarm indicating that a golf cart is approaching a restricted area of a golf course in response to the first output from the first receiver. The second alarm generates another alarm, distinct from the first alarm, and an external alarm indicating that a golf cart has entered the restricted area in response to the second output from the second receiver.