Abstract: A smoke detection sensor ion chamber has a capacitance and a change in the permittivity of that capacitance dielectric (ionized air in the chamber) may be used to detect the presence of smoke therein. Smoke from typical fires is mainly composed of unburned carbon that has diffused in the surrounding air and rises with the heat of the fire. The permittivity of the carbon particles is about 10 to 15 times the permittivity of clean air. The addition of the carbon particles into the air in the ion chamber changes in the permittivity thereof that is large enough to measure by measuring a change in capacitance of the ion chamber.

Abstract: A smoke detection sensor ion chamber has a capacitance and a change in the permittivity of that capacitance dielectric (ionized air in the chamber) may be used to detect the presence of smoke therein. Smoke from typical fires is mainly composed of unburned carbon that has diffused in the surrounding air and rises with the heat of the fire. The permittivity of the carbon particles is about 10 to 15 times the permittivity of clean air. The addition of the carbon particles into the air in the ion chamber changes in the permittivity thereof that is large enough to measure by measuring a change in capacitance of the ion chamber.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device has a touch controller comprising at least one input, a liquid crystal display (LCD) controller comprising a plurality of outputs, an external interface comprising a plurality of external pins, and a multiplexer operable in a first mode to connect said plurality of external pins with said plurality of outputs of the LCD controller and in a second mode to connect at least one of said plurality of external pins with said touch controller.

Abstract: A combination of capacitive, mutual capacitive, and inductive proximity and touch sensing is used to detect the presence and nature of nearby objects to a wireless device. When the proximity of metal or a user is sensed the output power of a Wi-Fi module in the device is reduced so as to prevent harm to the user and/or the Wi-Fi transmitter amplifier circuits. Inductive sensors located at the four corners of the wireless device are used to detect metal, and capacitive sensors are used to detect a capacitance change or shift due to the presence of a user's hand, body or metal. In addition, the capacitive sensors may be located at the four corners of the device and can measure changes in the mutual capacitance coupling between these capacitive sensors.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display with integrated capacitive touch sensors has an LCD display with at least one alphanumerical or graphic symbol, and at least one capacitive touch sensor arranged above a display layer or within transparent layers of the LCD display forming the alphanumerical or graphical symbol.

Abstract: A knob or joystick apparatus detects gesture based actions of a user's fingers and/or hand. A user grasps the knob or joystick and moves the knob or joystick in either rotational direction, e.g., clockwise or counter clockwise, moves the knob or joystick horizontally/vertically or any combination thereof, and/or presses or pulls the knob or joystick in or out. Capacitive sensors are used in combination with a digital device, e.g., microcontroller, for detecting, decoding and interpreting therefrom various gesturing movements. A user may grasp a knob and either moves his/her fingers in a rotational, horizontal/vertical, and/or in/out movement(s) along an axis of the knob. During the motion(s) of the user's fingers, portions of an outer covering of the knob are deflected inwards toward capacitive sensors, wherein the movement(s) of the deflected portion(s) of the outer covering are detected, decoded and interpretations are made therefrom of various gesturing movements.

Abstract: It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Abstract: An aircraft duct gimbaled joint is disclosed which permits the ducting to be deflected when high pressure--high temperature gases, vibration and gravitational forces upon take off and during vertical climbs cause substantial expansion and movement. The gimbaled joint comprises two spaced apart end rings, each formed with a pair of perpendicular protruding lobes which are inserted into slots formed in the end face of a center ring. The protruding lobes of the end rings are pivotally connected to the center ring by pivot pins which are doubly supported by the inner and outer walls of the center ring. The lobes of the first end ring are rotated 90 degrees relative to the second end ring providing movement about a vertical and horizontal axis. The rings are sealed by a flexible bellows which fit over and enclose the center ring.