Abstract: An apparatus and method for delaying the reconnection of an electrical supply voltage to an electrical load when the supply voltage has been restored after an interruption. In its basic form, the apparatus comprises a circuit interrupter coupled between the network and the load for disconnecting the load from the network when the supply voltage has been interrupted and a sensing circuit coupled to the circuit interrupter and to the supply network for sensing when the supply voltage has been restored and for actuating the circuit interrupter to reconnect the supply and the load at a first predetermined time delay after the supply voltage has been restored. In additional embodiments, the apparatus prevents the disconnection of the network from the load during momentary interruptions of power for less than a specified amount of time, and a power saver circuit may be employed to conserve power, especially if electromechanical relays and power contactors are employed to realize parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: A data transmission system causes a remote data set to dial a central computer periodically and also causes the data set to stand by at more frequent intervals to detect a call from, and then return a call to, the computer via a non-dedicated telephone line. The system is coupled to a telephone instrument, a data set, and the telephone transmission line and normally connects the telephone instrument and the data set to the telephone transmission line. A clock in the system triggers the data set to call the central computer periodically, as for example once a month. More frequently, as for example during one hour each night, the clock connects the telephone instrument and the data set to a subsystem which stands by during the interval to detect a possible call from the computer. During the interval, the telephone instrument is normally disconnected from the telephone transmission line and the data set remains connected by the subsystem.

Abstract: A time independent data transmission system which allows a computer to access a selected one of a plurality of data devices at a location remote from the computer at any time via a non-dedicated telephone line is disclosed. The system is coupled to a telephone instrument, the plurality of data devices and the telephone transmission line and normally connects a data set coupled to the data devices to the telephone transmission line. The telephone instrument is normally disconnected. A counting circuit senses the number of ring bursts in a ringing signal from a caller and a central computer is programmed to transmit a ringing signal having only one ring burst. When only one ring burst is sensed, the data set remains connected to the telephone transmission line and the data set dials up the central computer when the ringing signal terminates. The data set comprises a decoder circuit which receives a coded signal from the central computer designating which of the data devices is to be accessed.

Abstract: A time independent data transmission system which allows a computer to access a remote data set at any time via a non-dedicated telephone line is disclosed. The system is coupled to a telephone instrument, a data set and the telephone transmission line and normally connects the data set to the telephone transmission line. The telephone instrument is normally disconnected. In a preferred embodiment, a counting circuit senses the number of ring bursts in a ringing signal from a caller and a central computer is programmed to transmit a ringing signal having only one ring burst. When only one ring burst is sensed, the data set remains connected to the telephone transmission line and the data set begins to communicate with the central computer when the ringing signal terminates. If more than one ring burst occurs, a non-computer call is being sensed and the data set is disconnected and the telephone connected to the telephone transmission line so that normal telephone usage is allowed.

Abstract: A time synchronized data transmission system which allows a computer to access a remote data set via a non-dedicated telephone line is disclosed. The system is coupled to a telephone instrument, a data set and the telephone transmission line. The system disconnects the telephone instrument from the transmission line during predetermined time intervals. During these time intervals, a computer can communicate with the data set via the telephone line without ringing the telephone instrument. In the event the user wishes to use the telephone instrument during the predetermined time intervals when the telephone instrument is disconnected, a subscriber priority circuit allows the user to recouple the instrument to the line by merely lifting the telephone handset.

Abstract: An electronic sundial apparatus which signals the passage of each hour by a chime, bell or other audible indication and which requires no external source of power other than the sun. Inner and outer concentric hemispheres with vertically extending apertures, specifically slits, configured so as to diverge at their uppermost ends and having a location, length and shape corresponding to the azimuths and distance between the maximum and minimum altitudes of the sun in the sky at each hour throughout the year at predetermined latitudes collimate the sunlight once each hour. The collimated sunlight is detected by a photoelectric cell coupled to a signaling circuit powered by a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: An automatic telephone message interception system which is connected in series between a telephone instrument and incoming telephone lines. The system intercepts an incoming call and, upon the detection of a code signal on the telephone lines, connects the lines to an information storage device without causing the telephone instrument to ring. The system disconnects the storage device from the telephone lines and restores the system to its original condition upon the detection of another code signal on the telephone lines. In the event a code signal is not detected after reception of an incoming call, the system connects the telephone lines to the telephone instrument, which then operates in a normal manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling internal environment air using energy from the sun. In accordance with the method of the invention, internal environment ("inside") air is circulated over a desiccant and thereby dried. The dried air, which takes on heat as a consequence of the drying operation, is relatively cooled by performing a heat exchange operation with external environment ("outside") air. At this stage, the dried inside air is at a temperature which is only slightly above the temperature of the outside air. Moisture is then added to the dried inside air which had been subjected to the heat exchange operation. The evaporation of the moisture into the dried air restores it to a desired relative humidity and effects a cooling of the air which is then returned to the internal environment. The operation of drying the inside air will, after a time, render the desiccant too wet to perform efficiently.

Abstract: In electronic wrist watches in which figures for the time are displayed by light emitting diodes, and in watches with liquid crystal displays where the display is illuminated by a light emitting diode, it is necessary to have the diodes normally unenergized in order to conserve battery power. A switch must be closed to energize the diodes when the display of time is desired. Since the hand of the wrist on which the watch is worn cannot reach the switch, it is necessary for the wearer of the watch to use his other hand to operate the switch and thus both hands are effectively involved in order to tell the time. This invention provides the watch with an acceleration-responsive switch that permits display of the time by a quick movement of the wrist and without involving any manual operation.