Abstract: A system and method that automates assigning unique IDs to sequentially networked devices. The system also allows for the discovery of the number of devices on the network as well as the type of these devices, as well as placing terminations. Each node has a switch that can disable all downstream communications. Nodes power-up with the switches closed. A controller broadcasts for all switches to be opened. Then the controller repetitiously orders each node with unassigned ID to take the current ID, close its switch and respond. This process continues until all nodes have an ID. Network terminations can be switched in either automatically, or by command from the controller wherever the end of the network is during the ID process.

Abstract: A system using a number of portable or wrist-worn remote controller units that communicate with a number of sensor units or sensor head sets for vehicle or automotive testing. An optional central communications controller can coordinate communications between the wrist-worn units and the sensor sets. A particular remote unit can associate with particular sensors or a particular sensor set and thus receive and transmit data only with that sensor set. Mechanics or technicians can run tests and take data completely from the remote units. The remote units generally contain a display screen that can show all parts and results of any vehicle test procedure. Various wireless communications techniques can be used to establish this communication.

Abstract: A system using a number of portable or wrist-worn remote controller units that communicate with a number of sensor units or sensor head sets for vehicle or automotive testing. An optional central communications controller can coordinate communications between the wrist-worn units and the sensor sets. A particular remote unit can associate with particular sensors or a particular sensor set and thus receive and transmit data only with that sensor set. Mechanics or technicians can run tests and take data completely from the remote units. The remote units generally contain a display screen that can show all parts and results of any vehicle test procedure. Various wireless communications techniques can be used to establish this communication.

Abstract: Data propagation is provided with an originating transmitter that receives and processes data into a data packet that it transmits. A sensory input device is connected with and sends data to the transmitter. A plurality of transceivers are disposed in a geographic space and may receive and retransmit the packet. A target receiver receives and processes the packet and reports a result of processing the data.

Abstract: A novel warning and identification system for use on recreational vehicles of various types, such as snowmobiles or ATVs, is disclosed as comprising a housing with a display that projects a digital number that is mounted and oriented to provide oncoming riders with information concerning the number of participants in the user's group. The digital display may be set by the user using inputs that allow the entry of the desired number. In addition, the warning and identification system of the present invention includes a beacon for transmitting a select radio signal from the recreational vehicle and which can be recognized by an oncoming rider using a corresponding warning and identification system. Signal differentiation is generated by the unit and like-kind signals are filtered out to avoid confusion amongst the users within a group of riders.

Abstract: A solution to the read-modify-write problem for mixed tri-state chip processors by implementing a simple hardware change. This change could easily be built into microcontrollers and other chip processors to once and for all solve the problem. The present invention uses at least one logic gate to route data from the output of the data register back to itself instead of from the input pin during reads; the correct value stays in the output register at all times.

Abstract: An earmuff comprising a headpiece and a circuit. The headpiece supports the earmuff on the head of an individual. The circuit has an input device for receiving external sound energy and converting the external sound energy to electrical sound signals.

Abstract: An earmuff comprising a headpiece and a circuit. The headpiece supports the earmuff on the head of an individual. The circuit has an input device for receiving external sound energy and converting the external sound energy to electrical sound signals.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital signal conversion system includes two analog-to-digital converters having equal inherent frequencies. The analog-to-digital converters share common input channels, and the output of each analog-to-digital converter is directed to a multiplexer that is arranged on a programmable logic device. The converters alternate in the sampling of analog signals, thus delivering digital signals to the multiplexer at a higher speed than either analog-to-digital converter could do on an individual basis. The multiplexer delivers the digital signals to slots of a memory mailbox, where the slots correspond to the input channels of each converter.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital signal conversion system includes two analog-to-digital converters having equal inherent frequencies. The analog-to-digital converters share common input channels, and the output of each analog-to-digital converter is directed to a multiplexer that is arranged on a programmable logic device. The converters alternate in the sampling of analog signals, thus delivering digital signals to the multiplexer at a higher speed than either analog-to-digital converter could do on an individual basis. The multiplexer delivers the digital signals to slots of a memory mailbox, where the slots correspond to the input channels of each converter.

Abstract: An engine analyzer senses the electrical signals of a combustion engine and displays a representation of the signals on a display that is shared with a separately operable computer platform. The representation of the signals is digital and is in real-time. The display of the signals does not affect the computational burden on the separately operable computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for raster-scanned video graphics systems where clocked digital video words from a plurality of sources are combined so that, at each video clock time, a word is chosen from one of the ports to light the current pixel on a display. There is an input port for each video source and a gate associated with each input port for passing or inhibiting a binary word. A decision at each video clock time chooses a word from one of the ports and passes it to an output port which leads to a video display or palette device. This decision is based on the data content of the current digital video words at the input ports.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for extracting and analyzing features in real time from primary or secondary ignition waveforms, including engine probes, sampling device, and a processor that extracts from the waveform features such as peak firing height, firing line duration, firing line slope, firing line noise, post firing line duration, primary oscillations, and dwell interval duration and compares them against fixed thresholds and running averages to detect anomalies. Anomalies are reported as they occur allowing diagnosis of transient events as well as steady conditions. Waveforms with or without anomalies may be stored and retrieved as needed.