Abstract: A miniature phased array antenna system employs a substrate having a high dielectric constant. A plurality of antenna elements are located on a surface of the substrate, and a superstrate having a high dielectric constant covers the antenna elements. The dielectric constant, thickness, and shape of the superstrate enable it to act as a dielectric lens for controlling the phase relationship of a signal received by the antenna elements. The design of the superstrate dielectric lens permits a reduction in the physical spacing between the antenna elements while maintaining spatial diversity in phase between signals arriving from different directions. Thus, the antenna array may be significantly smaller than conventional phased array antennas while maintaining a similar phase relationship to that achieved using conventional phased array antennas.

Abstract: One or more auxiliary lighting systems are attached to the exterior of a motor vehicle. A control module is located in the engine compartment and connected to the auxiliary lighting system(s) and the battery. A very low power transmitter, located in the cabin of the vehicle, transmits a simple pulse or an encoded signal, depending upon the number of auxiliary lighting systems used. The module includes a receiver and a sensor for detecting the operation of the vehicle's original equipment lighting. Logic within the module turns on the auxiliary lighting upon request in accordance with predetermined conditions, such as low beams but not high beams being turned on.

Abstract: A handlebar switch is disclosed having a thin, flat, circular switch body with a centrally disposed opening therein to accomodate the handlebar. The switch body includes a removable segment to permit, when removed, the handlebar of a motorcycle to be inserted in the opening. The switch body includes a pair of cavities, the first of which contains a magnetically operable reed switch and the second of which houses a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is mounted on an arm that is movable within the cavity and which extends outwardly from the cavity through a slot in the periphery of the circular switch body. Movement of the arm causes the permanent magnet to move closer or further away from the magnetically operable reed switch thus resulting in the opening and closing of the reed switch.

Abstract: A creosote buildup detector utilizes a change in temperature between two sensors. The temperature between the two sensors changes as the creosote builds up. This change in temperature is established by providing an electric heater to heat one of the sensor supports. A temperature comparator senses the change in relative temperatures between the two sensors and annunciates when a sufficient creosote buildup has occurred to indicate that cleaning the chimney is necessary.