Abstract: An apparatus is comprised of a securement base member and a self-suspending system. The securement base member includes a top end, a bottom end on an opposite side of the securement base member from the top end, a first side, a second side on an opposite side of the securement base member from the first side, a third side, a fourth side on an opposite side of the securement base member from the third side, and an opening disposed within the top end, the opening to accept a fastener. The self-suspending system is coupled to the top end of the securement base member, the self-suspending system suspending the securement base member below two portions of a surface having a slot therebetween.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus coupling at least two image processing systems connected to a network. The network couples image information to each system, and each system displays at least one image. Each system includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit couples information to and receives information from the network. The control unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a partitioned memory space, including, both common and personal memory. The personal memory of each system contains one or more personal images that can be viewed only by the respective system, wherein each system is controlled to access only its respective personal memory. Under control of the CPUs in the respective systems, a common image is coupled to each system over the network and commonly displayed on each system. While the common image is commonly displayed on each system, it is edited by the first image processing system.

Abstract: A workstation with multiple, functionally related displays clustered under and controlled by a common transparent overlay control device. The position of a hand-held stylus is sensed by the overlay control device and is used as a system input to control system operations, system communications and input, manipulation and editing of images displayed on the displays. Control of certain workstation operations is achieved by directing the stylus towards function symbols which are affixed to the overlay surface. Actuators or other adjustment mechanisms are provided for adjustment of the height and pitch of the workstation for the comfort of the operator. Further, the workstation provides integrated data audio communication over ordinary narrow-band telephone lines or high speed data lines with other linked workstations.

Abstract: Charging voltage and current control circuits for battery chargers provide for a constant output voltage above a first predetermined value of charging current and an increasing output voltage below the first predetermined value of charging current. The charger makes use of a pulse-width modulated control circuit utilizing a variable duty cycle proportional to charging current and couples a signal proportional to charging current via a diode-resistor network to the pulse-width modulator for values below the first predetermined value of charging current. A current limit control circuit provides a current limit function by driving the pulse-width modulator to a minimum duty cycle during overcurrent conditions.

Abstract: Charging voltage and current control circuits for battery chargers provide for a constant output voltage above a predetermined value of charging current and a step-wise increased output voltage below the predetermined value of charging current. The charger makes use of a pulse-width modulated control circuit utilizing a variable duty cycle to control charging current and couples a trim command signal responsive to a primary side signal representative of charging current to the pulse-width modulator for values below the predetermined value of charging current. A current limit control circuit provides a foldback current limit function by driving the pulse-width modulator to a reduced output current during overload conditions.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for rapidly compressing, expanding, and displaying broad band information which is transmitted over a narrow band communications channel. In the preferred embodiment, a video image is cyclically assembled in low resolution and high resolution phases from digitized data representing gray level intensity for individual pixels which have been grouped into pixel. During the initial cycle of the low resolution phase, a representative sample of cell intensity values is transmitted by a sending station to a receiving station according to a video compression routine. The receiving station then uses a video expansion routine to calculate an intensity value for those pixels whose intensity values were not transmitted and displays an initial image. This image is refined during subsequent low-resolution cycles by additional transmissions from the sending station which replace the calculated cell intensity values with an actual or better approximation value for that pixel.

Abstract: A musical instrument having a housing. A well is formed in one surface of the housing and adapted to receive a card. A slide is mounted on the housing for movement across the surface of the card. The card containing printed indicia, each of which represents a note of a musical composition with the indicia arranged in a generally rectangular matrix. The indicia on the card are arranged in one direction across the matrix to indicate the sequence of notes played in a musical composition from the beginning to the end thereof. The indicia are arranged in the direction across the matrix extending at right angles to the sequence of playing to indicate changes in frequency of the notes from the lowest frequency on one side of the matrix to the highest frequency on the other side. The slide extends across the card and the well in the direction of the sequence of playing the notes of the composition.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a battery having an internal impedance by generating digital battery parameter values corresponding to the battery parameters at different points in time by means of current, voltage and temperature measurement circuits and an analog-to-digital converter. An electrical load is periodically placed on the battery and the battery is also charged between loadings in order to provide battery parameter values during different battery conditions. A microprocessor coordinates the testing of the battery and the measuring of the battery parameter values, as well as the calculation of test criteria based on those values in order to quickly and accurately analyze the condition of the battery.

Abstract: An optical position location apparatus for locating the position of an object in one or more dimensions, which relies upon one or more sources of radiant energy and distributor devices to disburse such radiant energy over a location region or window. Integrated collector assemblies positioned opposite to the distributors receive and collect the transmission of the distributed radiant energy and through reflection or refraction, transfer radiant energy to a minimum of detection locations to monitor the absence or alteration thereof. A rotating optical scanner and a detector are utilized with a continuous stationary light source to successively monitor specific location-coordinate-related portions of transmitted radiant energy and through electronic circuitry, a signal is developed to disclose, with accuracy, the location of objects within the location region "window", as well as other parameters including object size.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic game which uses a two-way mirror arrangement to simulate the battle between the player's rocket ship protected by barriers and a plethora of enemy rocket ships. The enemy rocket ships and the barriers are affixed on two parallel, spaced apart, vertical planes. Apertures in the front plane give the impression in the two-way mirror that the devices on the different planes are all in the same plane. In addition, the player's rocketship and death ray, on a horizontal plane, are also projected on the two-way mirror so that it appears that all the devices are in a single plane.

Abstract: A miniaturized bowling ball game comprising a simulated lane assembly having an automatic pin status indication, a scoring readout device and a noise generator operated responsive to a ball propelled over the lane assembly by an aimable shooter striking operating contacts simulating the ball striking and knocking down pins. The scoring read out device not only provides the score, but also the frame, and indicates if the prior frame resulted in a spare or strike. Electronically generated noises simulate the noises that occur when pins are knocked down in an actual bowling ball game. Also, the electronic controls randomly provides data which results in different scores, even though balls traverse the same routes.

Abstract: Digital condition data corresponding to a plurality of engine operating conditions of an internal combustion engine are generated and stored in a memory system for visual display to an operator mechanic. Particular data from the memory are converted from a parallel digital format to a serial digital format for transmission to a remote site computer across telephone lines. The remote site computer analyzes the data and returns the diagnostic results for visual display to the operator mechanic.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an improved apparatus for measuring the flow of current through a conductor by means of a Hall generator. The Hall generator is biased by a constant current source employing feedback. In order to increase the accuracy of the current measurement, operational amplifiers having inputs which float in relationship to the power supply operating the amplifiers are used to amplify the Hall generator output voltage and to drive a meter. The current measuring apparatus can be used to detect defects in a vehicular alternator by measuring the fluctuating components of the alternator output current. The magnetic field generated by the current to be measured is concentrated in the area of the Hall generator by means of a unique hollow, cylindrical, coiled strip of metal made from nickel, molybdenum and iron. The apparatus includes a regulator in which the voltage drop is so low that a 3.25 volt regulated supply can be maintained from a poorly-charged 6-volt battery.

Abstract: A supporting surface establishes a positional relationship between a sensor and an anatomical site which is to be monitored. The supporting surface may also act as an enclosure and as an acoustic baffle. An electronic circuit produces visible and audible output responsive to changes in a property of the sensor and therefore to changes in the physiological variable being monitored. The output may be used for physiological monitoring or for biofeedback training. The output format, the control placement, and the supporting surface make possible an improved biofeedback training method.

Abstract: A series regulating transistor supplying voltage to a supply bus from a vehicular battery in which circuitry samples voltage from the supply bus for generating a correction signal for controlling operation of the regulating transistor. A first switching transistor of a starting circuit biases the regulating transistor into a conductive state in response to the connection of the battery to the apparatus and a second switching transistor switches the first switching transistor OFF responsive to the voltage level developed on the supply bus.

Abstract: The disclosure describes improved apparatus for driving a load, such as a meter, in proportion to a source voltage produced by a signal generator. The apparatus includes a non-differential gain stage for generating an amplified voltage between a gain stage output and one of the generator outputs. The non-differential gain stage is followed by a differential stage which generates a rereferenced voltage between the differential stage output and one of the load terminals. The rereferenced voltage is proportional to the amplified voltage and is substantially independent of any offset voltage between the one generator output and the one load terminal. By coupling the rereferenced voltage to the load, the load voltage is made proportional to the source voltage irrespective of changes in the offset voltage between the one generator output and the one load terminal. The load may include a meter and an amplifying stage for ranging and zeroing the meter.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an improved automated engine diagnosing device employing a digital data processor computer and a cathode ray tube display monitor which displays engine parameter (i.e., condition) values in alphabetic, numeric, and graphical form. Some data is accumulated from the engine by means of direct digital measurements, whereas other data is obtained from the engine by an analog-to-digital converter. The data is then processed by the computer and displayed on the cathode ray tube display monitor.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an improved apparatus for measuring the dwell of an engine ignition system employing points which close to conduct current through a coil and which open to generate an ignition signal. The apparatus enables the pointer of a meter to move upscale for increasing dwell, thereby simplifying the reading of the meter. A shaping circuit shapes the ignition signal to form a charging pulse which stores energy in a charging capacitor. When the points are closed, the energy stored in the capacitor is transmitted through the meter by a switching circuit so that the pointer advances away from its zero position as the dwell of the ignition system increases.