Abstract: A remote control system is provided that includes a master controller for storing a plurality of remote control codes for a plurality of remotely controlled equipment, receiving a remote control code request message, retrieving a requested remote control code and transmitting the requested remote control code, and a remote control unit for transmitting the remote control code request message, receiving the requested remote control code from the master controller, storing the requested remote control code, converting the remote control code into a plurality of remote control commands and transmitting at least one of the plurality of remote control commands to at least one of the plurality of remotely controlled equipment, wherein each remote control code contains the plurality of remote control commands for controlling at least one of the plurality of remotely controlled equipment.

Abstract: A wireless system, including a wireless system transmitter having a transmitter configuration device storing transmitter configuration data, and at least one wireless system receiver having a receiver configuration device storing receiver configuration data. The transmitter and receiver configuration devices include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a smart card, a magnetic stripe card, a barcode card, a read only memory (ROM) device, or other programmable integrated circuit device. The wireless system may be a wireless audio system and the receiver may electrically connect with an audio signal amplifier driving a speaker.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus includes a sensor package for generating an output signal responsive to a sensed quantity. The sensor package includes a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor and driver driver circuit mounted within a common package to facilitate connection to the associated processing apparatus. More particularly, the SAW sensor has a delay related to a sensed quantity, but generates undesirable reflections responsive to pulses propagating therethrough. The driver is controllable for delivering a series of pulses to the SAW sensor with each pulse having a random phase to thereby reduce effects of the undesired reflections of the SAW sensor. The sensor package also preferably includes connectors carried by the package for facilitating connection of the sensor package to the associated processing apparatus to permit susbstitution or replacement, for example.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus includes a pulse recirculating circuit operatively connected to at least one ultrasonic delay sensor or other device for recirculating pulses therethrough, and a measurement difference output circuit for generating an output signal based upon a difference between first and second measurements of the at least one ultrasonic delay sensor. The pulse recirculating circuit preferably comprises a pulse generator for generating a series of input pulses to the ultrasonic delay sensor, and a pulse detector for detecting a series of output pulses after propagation through the ultrasonic delay sensor. Moreover, the measurement difference output circuit preferably includes an up-down counter for counting pulses during the first measurement in one direction and for counting pulses during the second measurement in an opposite direction. Accordingly, the remaining counter contents represent a difference in delay between the first and second measurements.

Abstract: An embodiment of a sensing apparatus includes an ultrasonic delay sensor having a delay related to the sensed quantity; and a time domain analysis circuit for recirculating pulses through the ultrasonic delay sensor or device and for generating the output signal related to the sensed quantity. In particular, the time domain analysis circuit may include a pulse generator for generating a series of input pulses to the ultrasonic delay sensor; a pulse detector for detecting a series of output pulses after propagation through the ultrasonic delay sensor; and a pulse recirculating circuit for causing the pulse generator to generate the series of input pulses based upon respective previously detected output pulses from the pulse detector. The apparatus also preferably includes circuits for suppressing the undesirable reflections generated by the ultrasonic delay sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an ultrasonic delay sensor or device having a delay related to the sensed quantity; a pulse recirculating circuit for recirculating pulses through the ultrasonic delay sensor for generating a pulse repetition signal having a frequency related to delay of the ultrasonic delay sensor; and an output circuit for generating an output signal related to delay in the ultrasonic delay sensor based upon a difference in phase velocity between the pulse repetition signal and a time base signal. The output circuit preferably includes a first multiplier for multiplying the pulse repetition signal by a first number, and a second multiplier for multiplying the time base signal by a second number to have a frequency substantially the same as the multiplied pulse repetition signal. The effects of undesired reflections in the ultrasonic delay device may also be reduced or suppressed. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupled resonator filter oscillator having an impedance matching network coupled between an amplifier and a filter. The impedance value of the amplifier varies due to amplifier gain compression. The network maintains a constant impedance to the filter when said amplifier's impedance changes to preserve the filter's original transfer function.

Abstract: An optimized communications system and method, particularly for digital signals, employs overall channel synthesis for providing a desired overall time response. A channel transfer function defining a plurality of time response determining elements having values that provide the desired overall time response is selected, and the system is synthesized by allocating to the transmitter and to the receiver the time responds determining elements so as to provide a system transfer function that corresponds to the selected channel transfer function and so as to optimize preselected characteristics of the transmitter and the receiver. A carrier may be phase shift modulated in accordance with the digital signals so as to afford a predetermined phase change that extends over a complete bit interval, and a phase lock loop detector may be employed for demodulating the phase shift modulated carrier.

Abstract: A D.C. motor speed control uses the motor as both the prime mover and feedback element. The motor back e.m.f. is sampled periodically to generate a feedback signal which is not dependent on motor characteristics for the control loop dynamic response. An adaptive positive feedback control loop is employed.