Abstract: An apparatus for protecting electronic equipment includes an electrical ground connection in soil and connected to the electronic equipment, and a sensor for sensing an electrical resistance of the electrical ground connection. A dispenser is connected to the sensor for dispensing a liquid into the soil adjacent the electrical ground connection responsive to the sensed electrical resistance being higher than a first threshold to thereby decrease the electrical resistance. The electronic equipment may also be disconnected from a power source based on the resistance of the electrical ground connection.

Abstract: A protection apparatus includes a relay being switchable between a protected state and an operating state, and a controller for permitting a user to switch the relay to the operating state, and for switching the relay to the protected state responsive to a disturbance. Accordingly, the apparatus protects the electrical equipment from disturbances carried by the external electrical conductors. The apparatus preferably includes a housing which also serves to mount a plurality of electrical connectors for interfacing between the electrical equipment and the external electrical conductors. In one embodiment, the apparatus also preferably includes a lightning sensor for switching the relay to the protected state responsive to sensing of lightning. Alternately, or in addition, the apparatus may also include a power loss sensor for sensing a loss of power from the power source to the electrical equipment and for switching the relay immediately to the protected state responsive to sensing a loss of power.

Abstract: A protection apparatus includes a relay being switchable between a protected state and an operating state, a power consumption sensor, and a controller for permitting a user to switch the relay to the operating state, and for switching the relay to the protected state responsive to sensed power consumption of the electrical equipment indicating nonuse thereof. Accordingly, the apparatus protects the electrical equipment from disturbances carried by the external electrical conductors when the electrical equipment is not in use. The apparatus preferably includes a housing which also serves to mount a plurality of electrical connectors for interfacing between the electrical equipment and the external electrical conductors. In one embodiment, the apparatus also preferably includes a lightning sensor for switching the relay to the protected state responsive to sensing of lightning.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for continuously and automatically protecting an electrical device (22) from a potential threat of damaging voltage levels. The apparatus includes a detector (24) for the threat and a protection switching circuit (30) for grounding the electrical device and the detector upon detection. Grounding occurs for a predetermined time interval, after which the detector is again automatically re-activated. Embodiments of detectors include detectors which detect the degree of electrical changes in a surrounding field and detectors comprising a tuned radio receiver. One embodiment includes a device utilization monitor (222) and a detector disable circuit (224) for disabling the detector, and thereby precluding grounding, while a device such as a radio frequency transmitter is being utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for continuously and automatically protecting an electrical device (22) from a potential threat of damaging voltagelevels. The apparatus includes a detector (24) for the threat and a protection switching circuit (30) for grounding the electrical device and the detector upon detection. Grounding occurs for a predetermined time interval, after which the detector is again automatically re-activated. Embodiments of detectors include detectors which detect the degree of electrical changes in a surrounding field and detectors comprising a tuned radio receiver. One embodiment includes a device utilization monitor (222) and a detector disable circuit (224) for disabling the detector, and thereby precluding grounding, while a device such as a radio frequency transmitter is being utilized.

Abstract: A cycling circuit for cycling a power source alternately between two loads provides switching circuitry having two switches interconnected between the power source and each of the loads. When each switch is in an active state, its respective load receives power, and when each switch is in an inactive state, its respective load does not receive power. A timing circuit controls the activation and deactivation of the switches so that the activation of one switch deactivates the other with the timing circuit establishing directions for each switch's active/deactive state. These durations may be set or selectively variable. A condition sensing element may also be included as part of the timing circuit so that the relative time durations vary automatically in response to environmental conditions such as temperature.

Abstract: A sun tracking system having at least one photo-sensor for each tracking axis, wherein a small inclined mirror, blackened except for a small reflective aperture, reflects a spot of light on a predetermined surface fixed with respect to the mirror. The position of the spot on the surface is in accordance with the relative alignment of the mirror to the sun. A photo-sensor associated with a given axis is disposed on the surface at a position corresponding to the desired alignment of the device to the sun. A further photo-sensitive device can be disposed in close proximity to the first photo-sensor to effect positive activation of a motor to correct misalignment, illumination of the first photo-sensor inhibiting the motor and for compensating for changes in ambient light. A simple transistor-relay circuit for effecting correction of alignment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flashlight assembly including a flashlight bulb and an accessory device, such as a two-way wireless radio, operated by the same rechargeable battery. Recharging circuitry provides for sure, ready recharging of the battery, and low-current drain flashing circuitry provides for long flashing life for a given battery charge. All of the components are mounted in a casing, the casing having a handle affixed thereto for facilitating ready manipulation and utilization of the flashlight bulb and accessory device.

Abstract: A remote alarm monitoring and control circuit control system for centralized monitoring of areas remote from the monitoring location. The system comprises a centrally located monitoring board connected via conventional phone lines to a plurality of remotely located control boxes each in turn being connected to a number of individual sensor inputs. Each of the control boxes is capable of sending two different and distinguishable signals via one telephone line connected to the monitoring board. Further, the system at the remotely located control boxes can be reset from the monitoring board without the need for gaining entry to the location where the remotely located control box is placed.

Abstract: A device for normally supplying electrical power from a power source to an electrical device having a working portion which may come into contact with a grounded metal object during its operation and for automatically interrupting such power supply to the device whenever the working portion of the device actually does contact the grounded metal object.