Abstract: Power control devices are provided with electrically isolated outputs. One exemplary power control device comprises control electronics configured to: (i) receive a power signal from a DC power source, wherein the control electronics comprise an input ground for the DC power source; and (ii) provide multiple outputs, wherein the multiple outputs is supplied power from the DC power source; wherein the multiple outputs comprise at least one output that is electrically isolated from at least one other output of the multiple outputs that each provide power to one or more of a plurality of loads, wherein the electrical isolation is based on the at least one output having a first output ground that is isolated from a second output ground of the at least one other output, and wherein the input ground, the first output ground, and the second output ground are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: Battery powered devices are provided with electrically isolated outputs. One exemplary battery device comprises at least one battery; and control electronics configured to provide a plurality of outputs from one of the at least one battery, wherein the plurality of outputs comprise at least one output that is electrically isolated from at least one other output of the plurality of outputs that each provide power to one or more of a plurality of loads. In another exemplary battery device, the control electronics are configured to provide a plurality of outputs from one of the at least one battery, and further comprises a housing assembly comprising (i) at least two surfaces, wherein the at least two surfaces have a space therebetween configured to house the control electronics and the at least one battery; or (ii) a tubular structure configured to house the control electronics and the at least one battery.

Abstract: A multi-zone monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor modules configured to monitor conditions in a plurality of detection zones. The sensor modules include a combination of detection devices configured to detect different conditions based on a designated zone of each sensor module. The system further includes a reporting device in communication with each of the sensor modules. The reporting device is configured to report the status of each of the detection zones based on indications communicated via the detection devices in the corresponding detection zone.

Abstract: A multi-zone monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor modules configured to monitor conditions in a plurality of detection zones. The sensor modules include a combination of detection devices configured to detect different conditions based on a designated zone of each sensor module. The system further includes a reporting device in communication with each of the sensor modules. The reporting device is configured to report the status of each of the detection zones based on indications communicated via the detection devices in the corresponding detection zone.

Abstract: A detector is provided including a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors, each having an electrical characteristic; and a processing and alarm circuit in electrical communication with the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a first airborne material; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a second airborne material; and wherein the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the first airborne material are different from the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the second airborne material.

Abstract: Battery powered devices are provided with electrically isolated outputs. One exemplary battery device comprises at least one battery; and control electronics configured to provide a plurality of outputs from one of the at least one battery, wherein the plurality of outputs comprise at least one output that is electrically isolated from at least one other output of the plurality of outputs that each provide power to one or more of a plurality of loads. In another exemplary battery device, the control electronics are configured to provide a plurality of outputs from one of the at least one battery, and further comprises a housing assembly comprising (i) at least two surfaces, wherein the at least two surfaces have a space therebetween configured to house the control electronics and the at least one battery; or (ii) a tubular structure configured to house the control electronics and the at least one battery.

Abstract: A power plate pedal board for musical instrument electronics is provided. An exemplary battery powered pedal board structure comprises: at least one battery; and control electronics, wherein the at least one battery and control electronics are housed within the battery powered pedal board structure, wherein the battery powered pedal board structure is configured to mount a plurality of musical effects pedals and to support a load applied to the plate assembly by one or more musician, and wherein the control electronics are configured to provide a plurality of outputs from one of the at least one battery, wherein the plurality of outputs comprise one or more of: (i) one or more outputs that are electrically isolated from each other and provide power to the plurality of musical effects pedals, and (ii) one or more outputs that are not electrically isolated from each other and provide power to one or more of the plurality of musical effects pedals.

Abstract: A detector is provided including a plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors, each having an electrical characteristic; and a processing and alarm circuit in electrical communication with the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a first airborne material; wherein the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors changes in the presence of a second airborne material; and wherein the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the first airborne material are different from the changes in the electrical characteristics of at least one of the plurality of nanofiber chemical sensors in the presence of the second airborne material.

Abstract: A power plate pedal board for musical instrument electronics is provided. An exemplary battery powered pedal board structure comprises: at least one battery; and control electronics, wherein the at least one battery and control electronics are housed within the battery powered pedal board structure, wherein the battery powered pedal board structure is configured to mount a plurality of musical effects pedals and to support a load applied to the plate assembly by one or more musician, and wherein the control electronics are configured to provide a plurality of outputs from one of the at least one battery, wherein the plurality of outputs comprise one or more of: (i) one or more outputs that are electrically isolated from each other and provide power to the plurality of musical effects pedals, and (ii) one or more outputs that are not electrically isolated from each other and provide power to one or more of the plurality of musical effects pedals.

Abstract: A smoke alarm system for providing interconnect supervision between detectors includes smoke detectors configured so that an interconnect line extends between each of the smoke detectors. In one embodiment using a wired connection, each of the smoke detectors includes an interconnect input and an interconnect output for connecting the smoke detectors into a loop configuration. Similarly, the system may also operate to provide interconnect supervision in a wireless manner such that each of the smoke detectors is polled on a periodic basis. Thus, the smoke alarm system uses interconnect supervision for alerting other detectors of a smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarm as well as altering other detectors to a fault condition.

Abstract: A smoke alarm system for providing interconnect supervision between detectors includes smoke detectors configured so that an interconnect line extends between each of the of smoke detectors. In one embodiment using a wired connection, each of the smoke detectors includes an interconnect input and an interconnect output for connecting the smoke detectors into a loop configuration. Similarly, the system may also operate to provide interconnect supervision in a wireless manner such that each of the smoke detectors are polled on a periodic basis. Thus, the smoke alarm system uses interconnect supervision for alerting other detectors of a smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarm as well as altering other detectors to a fault condition.

Abstract: A system is provided for use with an electrical musical instrument for conditioning electrical signals generated by the instrument and for creating controlled distortion. The system includes an amplifier circuit having an input for responding to the signals and an output to provide a conditioned output signal. There is included at least one bandpass filter for frequency preemphasis of the input signal. A limiting circuit is operatively connected to the bandpass filters limiting the amplitude of signals received from the bandpass filters to produce a relatively high distorted, long sustained signal. A notch filter operatively connected to the limiting circuit reduces the heavy mid-range frequency content produced by the combination of the bandpass filters and the limiting circuit. A low pass filter operatively connected to the notch filter further conditions the signal generating a conditioned output signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument amplifier which is particularly useful for electric guitars. The amplifier has a rigid body for housing both the electronic system for amplifying and processing signals from the guitar and the system's power supply. An input plug connected to and projecting from the body is electrically coupled to the signal amplifying and processing system. When the plug is inserted into an output jack for an electric guitar, the body is rigidly carried by the guitar, and the guitar is operatively connected to the electrical amplifying and signal processing system without use of a loose interconnection cable. The amplifier is provided with an output jack, into which headphones are plugged to receive amplified signals from the guitar. By eliminating the conventional interconnection cable, the amplifier of the present invention can be used by musicians with increased flexibility and greater freedom of movement.

Abstract: A system is provided for use with an electrical musical instrument for conditioning electrical signals generated by the instrument. The system includes an amplifier circuit having an input for responding to the signals and an output to provide a conditioned output signal. At least one compressor is operatively connected to the input for responding to the amplitude of the signals to provide a compressed signal to the amplifier circuit that is variable as a nonlinear function of the amplitude. Also provided are a pair of bandpass filters in parallel for frequency preemphasis of the compressed signal. Also provided is time modulation circuitry for permitted certain musical sound effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument amplifier which is particularly useful for electric guitars. The amplifier has a rigid body for housing both the electronic system for amplifying and processing signals from the guitar and the system's power supply. An input plug connected to and projecting from the body is electrically coupled to the signal amplifying and processing system. When the plug is inserted into an output jack for an electric guitar, the body is rigidly carried by the guitar, and the guitar is operatively connected to the electrical amplifying and signal processing system without use of a loose interconnection cable. The amplifier is provided with an output jack, into which headphones are plugged to receive amplified signals from the guitar. By eliminating the conventional interconnection cable, the amplifier of the present invention can be used by musicians with increased flexibility and greater freedom of movement.

Abstract: A system is provided for use with an electrical musical instrument for conditioning electrical signals generated by said instrument. Said system comprises an amplifier circuit having input means for responding to said signals and output means for providing a conditioned output signal, and at least one compressing means operatively connected to said input means for responding to the amplitude of said electrical signals to provide a compressed signal to said amplifier circuit that is variable as a nonlinear function of said amplitude.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the lowcost assembly of precision optical devices utilizing single or multiple bounces. The apparatus makes use of a precision machined alignment platform to support optical mirrors in precise alignment. A low cost holding structure is clamped over the alignment platform to position one of a plurality of connected sections adjacent to the back of each mirror. An adhesive is injected through holes provided in the holding structure adjacent to the back of each mirror. The adhesive bridges each mirror to the holding structure in a position corresponding exactly to the position of the mirrors on the alignment platform, thereby eliminating any need to adjust the mirrors for correct alignment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a linear strip mask for controlling image plane light level distribution in line scan optical imaging systems. The mask is fabricated photographically on a strip of emulsion coated mylar. The photographic image which is recorded on the mylar strip is a pattern of alternating black and clear sections, the pattern of black sections chosen to modify the non-uniform light pattern output by the system's illumination source to obtain uniform image plane illumination. Also disclosed is a line scan optical imaging system utilizing strip masks to compensate for the non-uniform light output along the length of two fluorescent tubes which illuminate the document scan line and the cos.sup.4 drop-off of the imaging system's lens. Light reflected off the document scan line is transmitted via a four bounce folded mirror system and is received by the lens system.