Abstract: In one form of the present invention, the operation of reducing hard water to soft is controlled via integrated circuits and software. In combination as a computer control unit, the integrated circuits and software control a valve that supports the cycles used in softening water. The invention reduces the complexity of the setup and operation of a water softener using four simple keys in conjunction with the computer control unit. In addition to these four simple keys, a hidden key is also provided for internal use in manufacturing and servicing operations. The hidden key may have no graphic or identity on the interface panel of the computer control unit, or it may have some graphic not indicative of a key. When depressed along with other keys, this hidden key offers a way to access special operations such as data input and output.

Abstract: An automatic filling system for a compressed gas tank includes a controller that measures the rate of fill of a tank being filled in order to provide an accurate estimate of the fill time for the tank, given available source pressure.

Abstract: An automatic filling system for a compressed gas tank includes a controller that measures the rate of fill of a tank being filled in order to provide an accurate estimate of the fill time for the tank, given available source pressure. The controller maintains a high set level and a low set level for banks or compressed gas reservoirs, and the controller automatically cycles a compressor to fill the banks when one of the banks falls below the respective low set pressure. Additionally, when the compressor is running to fill one of the banks, all of the banks are topped off to the high set pressure in order to minimize compressor cycling. The controller automatically directs compressed air to a booster pump when available bank pressure is insufficient to complete a filling operation. In this way filling operations are completed when a compressor is not available, or when it would be undesirable to cycle a compressor.

Abstract: An automatic filling system for a compressed gas tank includes a controller that measures the rate of fill of a tank being filled in order to provide an accurate estimate of the fill time for the tank, given available source pressure. Compressed gas flow is controlled with on/off valves that are driven open by a motor/gearbox/clutch combination to reduce thermal and physical shocks associated with opening of the valve. Whenever power is removed from the clutch, a spring automatically drives the valves closed quickly to provide fail-safe operation.

Abstract: An auditory subliminal programming system includes a subliminal message encoder that generates fixed frequency security tones and combines them with a subliminal message signal to produce an encoded subliminal message signal which is recorded on audio tape or the like. A corresponding subliminal decoder/mixer is connected as part of a user's conventional stereo system and receives as inputs an audio program selected by the user and the encoded subliminal message. The decoder/mixer filters the security tones, if present, from the subliminal message and combines the message signals with selected low frequency signals associated with enhanced relaxation and concentration to produce a composite auditory subliminal signal. The decoder/mixer combines the composite subliminal signal with the selected audio program signals to form composite signals only if it detects the presence of the security tones in the subliminal message signal.

Abstract: An interface circuit for converting analog signals from a musical instrument and/or a microphone to digital pulse signals for use with electronic music synthesizers and the like includes an input amplifier for receiving analog signals from a musical instrument and/or a microphone. A precision rectifier is coupled to the input amplifier for generating full-wave rectified analog signals. A strictly digital output circuit is connected to the rectifier for generating a strictly digital pulse signal. A quasi-digital output circuit is connected to the rectifier for generating a quasi-digital pulse signal in synchronism with the strictly digital pulse signal. The digital pulse signal from the digital output circuit and the quasi-digital pulse signal from the quasi-digital output circuit are adapted to drive a music synthesizer.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable lighting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus functions as an escape light in conjunction with smoke detector alarms in that it is activated by detecting the sound of such alarms. A lighting unit includes circuitry for detecting the alarm of a smoke detector, integrating the detected signal over a predetermined time to minimize the incidence of false alarm, circuitry for delaying the shutting off of the light after the alarm signal has ceased and circuitry for detecting a low voltage condition of the batteries and for providing an intermittent sound that is indicative of a low voltage battery condition.

Abstract: A complex is described which is useful in inducing interferon production, in activating peritoneal macrophages, and in inhibiting the proliferation and migration of tumor cells, which complex comprises natural or synthetic double stranded RNA and tobramycin.

Abstract: A security system for supervising the integrity of a communication line having a supervising apparatus which generates first and second random signals, compares these first and second randomly generated signals to provide a third signal and compares this third signal to a fourth signal, and a transponder, also connected to the line, which compares the first and second randomly generated signals to provide the fourth signal to the communication line. The use of randomly generated signals increases the difficulty of breaching line security such that, when the supervisory apparatus detects a difference between the third and fourth signals, it can provide an appropriate alarm, indication, or control.

Abstract: A security system for supervising the integrity of a communication line having a supervising apparatus which generates first and second random signals, compares these first and second randomly generated signals to provide a third signal and compares this third signal to a fourth signal, and a transponder, also connected to the line, which compares the first and second randomly generated signals to provide the fourth signal to the communication line. The use of randomly generated signals increases the difficulty of breaching line security such that, when the supervisory apparatus detects a difference between the third and fourth signals, it can provide an appropriate alarm, indication, or control.