Abstract: The invention is a state machine having a host controller that controls a level-1 controller, wherein the level-1 controller controls the level-2 controller. The level-2 controller controls system component controllers, which in turn control system components to execute a process segment. For example, the machine includes a host controller that selects a set of states to be executed, a level-1 controller that activates the set of states in a predetermined order, wherein each state includes commands, and a level-2 controller that controls system components according to the commands. A method of executing a process includes identifying a set of states to be executed, issuing state commands that need to be issued to execute the current state in the set of states, and activating a next state only after all expected status reports have been received for the current state.

Abstract: The invention is a state machine having a host controller that controls a level-1 controller, wherein the level-1 controller controls the level-2 controller. The level-2 controller controls system component controllers, which in turn control system components to execute a process segment. For example, the machine includes a host controller that selects a set of states to be executed, a level-1 controller that activates the set of states in a predetermined order, wherein each state includes commands, and a level-2 controller that controls system components according to the commands. A method of executing a process includes identifying a set of states to be executed, issuing state commands that need to be issued to execute the current state in the set of states, and activating a next state only after all expected status reports have been received for the current state.

Abstract: The invention is a state machine having a host controller that controls a level-1 controller, wherein the level-1 controller controls the level-2 controller. The level-2 controller controls system component controllers, which in turn control system components to execute a process segment. For example, the machine includes a host controller that selects a set of states to be executed, a level-1 controller that activates the set of states in a predetermined order, wherein each state includes commands, and a level-2 controller that controls system components according to the commands. A method of executing a process includes identifying a set of states to be executed, issuing state commands that need to be issued to execute the current state in the set of states, and activating a next state only after all expected status reports have been received for the current state.

Abstract: The invention is a state machine having a host controller that controls a level-i controller, wherein the level-1 controller controls the level-2 controller. The level-2 controller controls system component controllers, which in turn control system components to execute a process segment. For example, the machine includes a host controller that selects a set of states to be executed, a level-1 controller that activates the set of states in a predetermined order, wherein each state includes commands, and a level-2 controller that controls system components according to the commands. A method of executing a process includes identifying a set of states to be executed, issuing state commands that need to be issued to execute the current state in the set of states, and activating a next state only after all expected status reports have been received for the current state.

Abstract: A particle analyzer that includes a specimen source, a flow cell, a pump and delivery tube for transporting specimen fluid from the specimen source to the flow cell, a dispensing valve for injecting stain from a stain source into the specimen fluid in the delivery tube, and a mixing device for mixing the stain and the specimen fluid together. The mixing device includes a cylindrical shaped member having an outer surface, a channel formed in the outer surface with the channel including circumferential and longitudinal turns, and a hollow mixing tube disposed in the channel. As the stain and the specimen fluid flow through the mixing tube, they travel through the circumferential and longitudinal turns and are mixed together. A fluid sensor employing a sensor RC circuit and a reference RC circuit detects capacitance changes in the delivery tube for detecting the presence or absence of fluid therein.

Abstract: A particle analyzer that includes a specimen source, a flow cell, a pump and delivery tube for transporting specimen fluid from the specimen source to the flow cell, a dispensing valve for injecting stain from a stain source into the specimen fluid in the delivery tube, and a mixing device for mixing the stain and the specimen fluid together. The mixing device includes a cylindrical shaped member having an outer surface, a channel formed in the outer surface with the channel including circumferential and longitudinal turns, and a hollow mixing tube disposed in the channel. As the stain and the specimen fluid flow through the mixing tube, they travel through the circumferential and longitudinal turns and are mixed together. A fluid sensor employing a sensor RC circuit and a reference RC circuit detects capacitance changes in the delivery tube for detecting the presence or absence of fluid therein.

Abstract: A particle analyzer that includes a specimen source, a flow cell, a pump and delivery tube for transporting specimen fluid from the specimen source to the flow cell, a dispensing valve for injecting stain from a stain source into the specimen fluid in the delivery tube, and a mixing device for mixing the stain and the specimen fluid together. The mixing device includes a cylindrical shaped member having an outer surface, a channel formed in the outer surface with the channel including circumferential and longitudinal turns, and a hollow mixing tube disposed in the channel. As the stain and the specimen fluid flow through the mixing tube, they travel through the circumferential and longitudinal turns and are mixed together. A fluid sensor employing a sensor RC circuit and a reference RC circuit detects capacitance changes in the delivery tube for detecting the presence or absence of fluid therein.

Abstract: A two-ended, line-driving and receiving/tone signal analysis system performs line connection verification applying a low-distortion, low-amplitude test signal to one end of a cable pair under test and monitoring the response of a remote end wireline pair. Preferably the test signal frequency is on the order of 110 Hz, which avoids domestic and foreign AC power signal frequencies and is spectrally equidistant from their harmonics. It also avoids ringing frequencies for POTS lines, and remains safely below the 350 Hz lower limit of POTS and other telephone line system services. In response to application of the 110 Hz test signal to tip and ring segments of a wireline pair at one end of the cable bundle, the energy of the 110 Hz component, as well as that of two other ‘spectrally nearby’ (slightly higher at 112 Hz and slightly lower at 108 Hz), are measured at a tip and ring pair at the far end of the cable plant.

Abstract: A positive-feedback go/no-go control system for an electric-vehicle ride (10) at an amusement park reliably communicates motion commands, vehicle-presence signals, and vehicle-status signals in the presence of high electrical noise and does so without the addition of expensive add-on equipment. The railway electric-vehicle ride includes an outbus (16) and an inbus (18) running along a railway (14). The positive-feedback go/no-go control system comprises a wayside control board (22) that provides a bipolar pulse-width-modulated command signal (26) to the outbus. A control circuit (24) onboard the electric vehicle receives the bipolar pulse-width-modulated command signal, amplitude modulates it at different frequencies that represent the electric vehicle's intended action, and provides the processed bipolar pulse-width-modulated command signal (30, 32) to the inbus.

Abstract: A protocol for wireless direct user-to-user DSSS TDMA digital communication at a data rate of the order of one to several megabits per second in the 902-928 MHz, 2400-2483.5 MHz or 5725-5850 MHz band includes a sequence of transactions, each transaction consisting of a predetermined sequence of subpackets, and each subpacket consisting of a predetermined number of bytes preallocated to a subpacket element or element portion. Network communications among a plurality of stationary and/or mobile users such as personal computers, each equipped with a (Remote Unit) transceiver, are organized and directed by a Master Unit transceiver. Master Unit and Remote Unit transceivers have identical circuitry. Using a first pseudorandom code sequence (M-code), the Master Unit intermittently transmits a DSSS signal enabling Remote Units to synchronize to the Master Unit and so receive scheduling directives.

Abstract: Disclosed is electromagnetic transducer (10) that does not require complex analog to digital, digital to analog converters, microprocessors or large memory circuitry. The transducer has a helical tablet coil (22) with tap nodes (24) spaced between its end extremities (26). In one configuration, an oscillator (42) drives the tablet coil for simultaneously producing oppositely directed currents on opposite sides of selected taps, creating a moving fringing field (34) that is compatible with modern graphic display tablet technology. A control circuit (40) of the transducer has a closed-loop integrator (82, 106) for detecting the centroid of a received stylus signal (AC) from a stylus coil (36). Analog and digital versions of the integrator are disclosed.

Abstract: For monitoring, metering and dynamically displaying key static and dynamic parameters of composite video signals and visually indicating compliance status relative to important system specifications, this electronic meter is particularly useful in connection with video cameras. In studio environments, the compliance indications supplement existing capabilities, and in remote locations where large, complex and costly CRT type waveform monitors are not feasible, the compactness of this video meter provides an unusual degree of picture quality assurance. A bar/graph type LED display provides two independent scale regions: a sync region dynamically displaying sync amplitude, and a picture region dynamically displaying average picture levels in a bar mode and peak levels in a dot mode. The response times of the sync, average and peak level are selectable. Peak indications are lengthened to a display time which is optimal for human response to short term events.

Abstract: Disclosed is electromagnetic transducer that does not require complex analog to digital, digital to analog converters, microprocessors or large memory circuitry. The transducer has a helical tablet coil with tap nodes spaced between its end extremities. In one configuration, an oscillator drives the tablet coil for simultaneously producing oppositely directed currents on opposite sides of selected taps, creating a moving fringing field that is compatible with modern graphic display tablet technology. A control circuit of the transducer has a closed-loop integrator for detecting the centroid of a received stylus signal from a stylus coil. Analog and digital versions of the integrator are disclosed. In another configuration, the oscillator drives the stylus coil for variably coupling magnetic flux to the tablet coil, a receiver signal that is coupled from the end extremities being responsive to the position of the stylus coil and the taps selected.

Abstract: For supporting a variety of brochures, magazines, catalogs and other "soft" reading material as well as hard-cover books in an upright position, this bookrack may be readily assembled by an unskilled person, without tools or additional fastening hardware, from only two configurations of economically manufactured parts: molded plastic partitions and base/back panels which can be readily extended in multiples by integral edge fastenings as well as individually shortened at scored breakoff lines to obtain a desired total length to permit retrofitting onto existing bookshelves. Keystone-shaped tabs on the partitions interlock with keyed slots in the panels to fasten the panels and partitions together, retained by a simple integral detent system. Panels and partitions are made as thin as practically possible to achieve high space efficiency, and all fastenings are concealed to eliminate obstructions that could interfere with reading material being accommodated in the bookrack.

Abstract: For supporting hard- and soft-covered books, magazines, catalogs and other reading material of various sizes and shapes in an upright position on a bookshelf, table or desktop, this bookrack may be stored or shipped in knocked-down form, easily assembled without need for tools or fastening hardware. Sheet metal divider plates are held parallel to each other by sheet metal bottom and rear spacers, attached to the dividers by concealed fastenings, the bottom spacers being held in place by the rear spacers, which are in turn held in place by gravity and friction, holding the bookrack together in an interlocked assembly. The bookrack may be easily retrofitted into an existing bookcase without need for tools, fastening hardware or modifications to the bookcase. Spacers, available in different widths, may be tandemed together to build up the bookrack to any desired total width.

Abstract: A battery condition indicator and on-off relay circuit for electric guitars with on-board active electronics, adaptable to many other battery-operated appliances, includes an electronic relay circuit capable of disconnecting one or more batteries, under control of a pair of on-off contacts. A test interval timing circuit delays turnoff by about 10 seconds, during which a test of the battery (or batteries) is performed automatically under normal load by comparison to a precision reference voltage. Good battery condition is indicated by illumination of a light-emitting diode which may be located inside the guitar body, visible thru the opening of a standard audio output jack, which may include the on-off contacts, actuated by insertion or removal of the mating audio output plug. The circuit is particularly power-efficient to minimize battery drain.

Abstract: A dual loudness meter and method for simultaneously indicating the apparent loudness of composite audio program material representing peak material or of persistent material employing a first detector means responsive to peak signals for instantaneously indicating the same as a singly actuated LED indicator in an array thereof displayed in accordance with the peak strength of the signal, a second detector for detecting the persistence of the signal and displaying the same as a bar graph on said LED display, the materials being colinearlly displayed and having dual upper extreme warning/operating indicator means separated by about 12 to 14 dB so that the meter is read as requiring adjustment of the associated recording or broadcast facilities to avoid having either of said programming indicator displays reading consistently in either warning/operating zone. Specific circuits and time constants of response and decay are given as appropriate to the simultaneous reading, dual meter system disclosed.

Abstract: For controlling the blend between two pickups on an electric guitar, this circuitry provides, over the range of a single simple potentiometer, continuously variable blend between the two pickup signals in a particular phase relationship plus continuously variable blend of the two signals in a reversed phase relationship, eliminating the use of phasing switches, and providing musicians with a wide range of tonal variation under continuous control, for freedom of musical expression and timbre modification not available heretofore. Implementation with operational amplifier integrated circuits facilitates further processing of each pickup signal independently for special effects such as the introduction of controlled distortion.

Abstract: An identification circuit for use in conjunction with an automobile engine analyzer system having a plurality of external probes is disclosed. The various probes and other external devices associated with the automobile engine analyzer each include a passive circuit element, typically a resistor. When the probe or other external device is connected to the analyzer, the passive circuit element completes the identification circuit within the analyzer. By applying a predetermined signal to the circuit, the particular probe or device connected may be identified by examining a particular circuit characteristic, such as the voltage drop across a second resistor of known resistance within the circuit.

Abstract: An off-the-car wheel unbalance measuring system has a rotationally driven wheel mounting shaft supported in a pedestal together with a pair of force transducers mounted in the pedestal adjacent to and spaced along the shaft. The force transducers are coupled mechanically to the shaft and provide periodic electrical output signals indicative of unbalance forces transmitted through the shaft when the shaft is driven rotationally. The angular position of the shaft is monitored with respect to an angular reference position at a predetermined number of angular increments during each full revolution of the shaft. The transducer output signals are converted in electrical circuitry within the system to digital form, and a multiplication operation is performed on the digitized signals at each angular increment using sine and cosine representative factors corresponding to that particular angular increment.