Abstract: An interrogation device includes an emitter configured to emit an infrared (IR) inquiry signal to a target entity to determine if the target entity is a friendly entity. The interrogation device also includes a viewing device, configured to view IR signals, through which an IR response beacon signal from a target beacon of the target entity is viewed. The viewing device is configured to output a signal having a signal pattern of a response beacon signal expected from a beacon associated with the friendly entity, so that the target beacon is determined to be associated with the friendly entity if the response signal pattern of the target beacon matches the expected signal pattern in the viewing device.

Abstract: A trailer is adapted to be mounted to a scooter for movement over a ground surface, the trailer having a trailer frame, a pair of wheels operably mounted on the trailer frame for rollably supporting the trailer frame on the ground surface, and a connector arm that extends from a proximal end that is attached to the trailer frame, to a distal end that is forward of the trailer frame. The connector arm extends upwardly from the trailer frame, but at no point does the connector arm extend beyond 550 mm above the ground surface. A hitching mechanism is attached to the distal end of the connector arm, the hitching mechanism being adapted to be removably attached to the scooter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a collapsible frame having two hingedly connected frame components that facilitate converting between a folded configuration and an extended configuration. A first platform and a second platform are each hingedly coupled to the collapsible frame, and a detachable paint container has an open top. An upper surface of the first platform includes a first recessed portion that substantially conforms to an outer shape of the detachable paint container and a second recessed portion including substantially concentric circular recesses adapted to conform to an outer shape of at least two different sized paint cans.

Abstract: A beacon device for control by a beacon controller external to the beacon device. The beacon device includes a beacon emitter configured to emit beacon signals, a microcontroller coupled to control the beacon emitter, and a communication module coupled to the microcontroller and configured to transfer signals between the beacon device and the beacon controller.

Abstract: A beacon device for control by a beacon controller external to the beacon device. The beacon device includes a beacon emitter configured to emit beacon signals, a microcontroller coupled to control the beacon emitter, and a communication module coupled to the microcontroller and configured to transfer signals between the beacon device and the beacon controller.

Abstract: A beacon includes an infrared emitter configured to emit beacon signals; an infrared-link emitter configured to emit infrared-link signals having a wavelength different from that of the beacon signals; an infrared-link detector configured to detect infrared-link signals; a memory configured to store a delay time; a clock configured to generate a clock cycle signal; and a microcontroller configured to, in response to receiving an infrared-link signal including a signaling code and clock synchronization data from an external beacon: adjust the clock to be synchronized with a clock of the external beacon; store the signaling code in the memory; and when the clock cycle signal generated by the clock indicates that it is a starting time of a clock cycle period, control the infrared emitter to emit a beacon signal including the signaling code with the delay time relative to the starting time of the clock cycle period.

Abstract: A method for power management in a beacon includes determining a program density of a signaling program; determining an initial driving voltage using the program density; determining a current setting for an emitter using the initial driving voltage; adjusting the initial driving voltage to a start-up voltage; executing the signaling program using the start-up voltage; and adjusting the start-up voltage to a signaling voltage.

Abstract: A method for power management in a beacon includes determining a program density of a signaling program; determining an initial driving voltage using the program density; determining a current setting for an emitter using the initial driving voltage; adjusting the initial driving voltage to a start-up voltage; executing the signaling program using the start-up voltage; and adjusting the start-up voltage to a signaling voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing fratricide including an emitter that emits a signaling code at a wavelength, the signaling code representing a coded message; a receiver that captures an image of a field of view including the emitter and generates image information corresponding to the captured image; a translation system that: receives the image information, and decodes the coded message from the image information; and a output device that outputs the decoded message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing fratricide including an emitter that emits a signaling code at a wavelength, the signaling code representing a coded message; a receiver that captures an image of a field of view including the emitter and generates image information corresponding to the captured image; a translation system that: receives the image information, and decodes the coded message from the image information; and a output device that outputs the decoded message.

Abstract: A programmable infrared beacon having an electronics circuit with a microprocessor contained within a transparent housing. A number of signaling infrared light emitting diodes are provided within the housing and connected to the electronics circuit. The beacon has a number of pins for inputting programs and controls and a number of color-coded light emitting diodes within the housing indicating the inputted program. An infrared received sub-circuit is provided to receive instructions from an external source. A programmer unit is also provided to prepare and transmit programs and controls to the beacon. Synchronization and cascading among beacons is provided with synchronization and delay programs within the microprocessor. An infrared detector is also provided to allow synchronization reception among beacons. In an alternate embodiment, a radio frequency transceiver and antenna is added to each beacon.

Abstract: A system comprised of a one or more rapidly flashing thermal image beacons, a plurality of sensors, a control subsystem, input means, and a power source. Each beacon being comprised of a precision machined and polished parabolic or elliptical mirror. A resistive heating element is nominally positioned at the mirror focal point. The heating element is mounted on a carriage which can be moved backwards and forwards by a microprocessor-controlled mechanism. The resulting oscillatory action creates a rapidly changing coded flashing thermal image.

Abstract: A heat emitting beacon having a rotating parabolic mirror to concentrate the heat from a gas heat source, said mirror back being coated with a passive cold emission material comprised of a metalized plastic film creased and crumpled to form a multitude of reflective facets and preventing any reflected light. In a second embodiment, a rotating, single- or double-sided surface is coated with the passive cold emission material. In another embodiment, a signal beacon is comprised of a plurality of detachable strips of the passive cold emission material. In another embodiment, a plurality of surface elements covered with the passive cold emission material is arranged as a louver.

Abstract: An illuminating device in combination with a microphone boom attached to a helmet worn by an operator. The illumination device is actuated by either lip action or push button. The brightness of the selected illumination is changeable by means of a potentiometer thumbwheel. The illumination device provides one spot and three flood light emitting diodes which may individually or as a group switched on or off. The illumination device has a universal clamping system permitting attachment to single or double boom microphone.

Abstract: A money dispensing machine with a tiltable screen module. The tiltable screen display module has two side handles for vertically tilting the face of the screen. Each tiltable display side has a heavy duty pivot mechanism fitted with a torque limiting device to provide constant friction resistance, each said pivot mechanism adapted to engage a display module side.

Abstract: A box opening machine adapted to opening a pre-packaged box containing coin rolls and emptying the coin rolls into a coin roll cassette. The invention provides a platform with a box slicer. The box is pushed over a platform work surface whereby the box bottom is sliced opened. The sliced box is then slid over a loading hopper wherein the box contents are emptied. The coin rolls from the box are then channeled into a coin roll cassette. The empty box is discarded.

Abstract: A money dispensing machine with a tiltable screen module. The tiltable screen display module has two side handles for vertically tilting the face of the screen. Each tiltable display side has a heavy duty pivot mechanism fitted with a torque limiting device to provide constant friction resistance, each said pivot mechanism adapted to engage a display module side.

Abstract: A box opening machine adapted to opening a pre-packaged box containing coin rolls and emptying the coin rolls into a coin roll cassette. The invention provides a platform with a box slicer. The box is pushed over a platform work surface whereby the box bottom is sliced opened. The sliced box is then slid over a loading hopper wherein the box contents are emptied. The coin rolls from the box are then channeled into a coin roll cassette. The empty box is discarded.