Abstract: A hot air towel warmer comprising a substantially air tight enclosure having an access door to enable placing a towel to be warmed in the enclosure and to enable removing the warmed towel therefrom; a shelf disposed within the enclosure having perforations therethrough to support the towel; a blower disposed within the enclosure adjacent to the shelf to create a stream of air and to continuously circulate the stream of air within the enclosure for passage through the perforations of the shelf and the towel; a resistance coil heater disposed within the enclosure adjacent the blower to heat the stream of air; an electrical control circuit disposed within the enclosure associated with the stream of air, the blower and the heater to automatically maintain the stream of air at a temperature within a predetermined temperature range for a given period of time or until the access door is open, whichever comes first and to prevent scorching of the towel should a short circuit occur in the parts of the electrical contr

Abstract: A proximity switch arrangement for an appliance having a multiplicity of operating capabilities, functions and conditions which are selected or adjusted through actuation of proximity switches by the presence of an operator's finger. Indicia representative of the operating capabilities, functions and conditions of the appliance are provided on a display panel. A plurality of proximity pads, which are interconnected in several groups, are arranged with respect to the indicia in the display so as to have a pair of pads from separate groups unique for each indicium and closely adjacent each side of the indicium. When an operator touches an indicium on the display, the proximity pads on each side of the indicium are actuated and by means of a decoder the unique indicium designated by the unique pair of groups of proximity switches is determined. Furthermore, the arrangement of the proximity pads are such that nearly every pad has an indicium on either side of it.

Abstract: A plurality of capacitive switches, which are actuated by the touch of a user, are coupled to unique pairs of conductors. The conductors are sequentially actuated, or interrogated, and simultaneously coupled to a charge rate detector that compares the capacitance associated with each conductor to a reference capacitor. Storage means coupled to the output of the charge rate detector stores an indication of whether the capacitance associated with each conductor is greater or less than the reference capacitor such that the stored indications constitute a two of N code that identifies an actuated capacitive switch.

Abstract: A real time, adaptive control system for a stepper motor is achieved by measuring specific real time characteristics and calculating therefrom the number of steps that will be required to decelerate the stepper motor to a complete stop at a desired position, all within a single displacement or move.

Abstract: A programmable industrial sewing machine adapted to learn and store, in Automatic Learn or Key Learn Modes of operation, a series of sewing machine operations for later automatic duplication. In both modes of operation provision is made for an operator to select the number of initial and final locking stitches prior to commencing stitching operations. Operator actuated controls, such as knee shift device and foot treadle, operate identically in both Learn Modes of operation and as they would operate in a normal manual industrial sewing machine. In the Automatic Learn Mode of operation, a record is compiled in segments, consisting each of a stitch count, a pivot delay time, and a speed copy. In appropriate circumstance, the pivot delay time may be zero.

Abstract: A proximity switch using logic means to detect a difference in capacitance. A bias capacitance and a sensing capacitance are charged by a first voltage source, each through one of a first pair of FET devices matched for transconductance, during a charge interval. During a detection interval the capacitances are discharged to ground potential or to a second voltage source of opposite polarity than the first voltage source, each through one of a second pair of FET devices also matched for transconductance. The difference in discharge rate between the bias and sensing capacitance, which is a measure of the capacitance of each, is detected by a cross coupled latch (RS flip-flop), setting the latch in a particular state. A second cross coupled latch stores the data thus obtained for utilization. The proximity switch circuit may be embodied as part of an MOS LSI integrated circuit, except for the bias and sensing capacitances, or may be constructed of discrete bipolar devices.