Abstract: A dissipator useful for discharging provides a continuously variable high-voltage load under control of a computer or other device capable of providing an analog control voltage. Known dissipator arrangements use multiple high voltage switches and resistors to attempt to dissipate power. However, the disclosed dissipator uses the resistive property of a matrix of photo resistive cells, typically cadmium sulphide arranged on a circuit board. These photo resistive cells are series connected and controlled optically to vary their resistances. An optical control signal is provided for each photo resistive cell by a corresponding light emitting diode (LED). The amount of light emitted by each LED is analog controlled.

Abstract: The smoke detector of the present invention is designed to warn hearing impaired persons of fire or smoke. A small, attractive, and inexpensive wall or ceiling mounted unit houses a dual chamber ionization detector, piezoelectric alarm horn, and a high intensity xenon strobe unit producing approximately 130 candela. In one embodiment, it is powered only from standard 120 volt AC power, although an internal battery standby version and low voltage D.C. version are alternative embodiments. The unit is furnished with a surface mount housing. It can easily be moved from room to room as required and it is intended to be easily hung on the wall about a foot from the ceiling.

Abstract: A circuit for protecting electronic equipment such as computers, laser printers, fax machines, and the like from damage due to electrical transients associated with a temporary power interruption is connectable between a source of A.C. power and the electronic equipment. The circuit disconnects the equipment from the power source during a temporary power outage and maintains the equipment disconnected from the A.C. power until transients in the line voltage have abated. The circuit reconnects the equipment to the A.C. power source after a preselected time delay from the initial power interruption. The circuit keeps track of time during a power interruption without the use of batteries.

Abstract: An electronic information dissemination system electronically distributes information such as bulk mailed letters, bills, and other information from one or more sources to each of a plurality of remote stations located in homes or businesses. The system includes individually addressable receiver/decoders at each remote station. Each receiver/decoder has information processing and memory for identifying its distinct address plus a "global" address common to the plurality of remote stations in the system. Information is gathered from various sources at a centrally located data handling station which encodes the data for transmission to the remote stations. The transmission path is provided by an existing communications network such as CATV or a switched telephone system.