Abstract: A portable belt-type monitor of body functions such as the heart and breathing is described formed of a plurality of articulated, distributed modules containing EKG sensors, a respiration sensor, circuitry including a microprocessor for sensing alarm conditions, a transmitter for sending alarm conditions to a remote receiver and a battery to drive the various circuits. A respiration sensor is described wherein tension changes in the belt due to breathing are transformed into opposing forces directed transversely to the belt and which cooperate to produce a reliable, sensitive detection of respiratory activities. The belt can be conveniently worn with reliable EKG sensing during normal body activities. A processor program is described whereby these body functions are monitored with alarm being generated when these functions exceed preset limits while preserving sufficient functional performance data when an alarm occurs.

Abstract: A portable belt-type monitor of body functions such as the heart and breathing is described formed of a plurality of articulated, distributed modules containing EKG sensors, a respiration sensor, circuitry including a microprocessor for sensing alarm conditions, a transmitter for sending alarm conditions to a remote receiver and a battery to drive the various circuits. A respiration sensor is described wherein tension changes in the belt due to breathing are transformed into opposing forces directed transversely to the belt and which cooperate to produce a reliable, sensitive detection of respiratory activities. The belt can be conveniently worn with reliable EKG sensing during normal body activities. A processor program is described whereby these body functions are monitored with alarms being generated when these functions exceed preset limits while preserving sufficient functional performance data when an alarm occurs.

Abstract: A bandgap voltage reference and temperature sensor is used to determine accurately the temperature of the cold junction of a thermocouple for algebraic combination with the thermocouple signal to provide precision temperature measurements with thermocouple speed. In a discrete component embodiment copper slugs function as thermal inertial elements to equalize the thermal response rates of the temperature sensor and thermocouple. In an IC embodiment the cold junction is located on the chip in close proximity to the temperature sensor component in the chip thereby avoiding any thermal differential between cold junction and sensor.

Abstract: An electronic temperature sensing system for toaster appliances and the like which is capable of providing a consistent toast color independent of toast compartment temperature at the initiation of each toasting operation, the condition of the bread to be toasted and bread loading. The system includes principally a temperature sensing device having a varying resistance versus temperature characteristic that is placed in close thermal coupling with the bread to be toasted for developing a voltage Vs as a function of temperature, and integrating means for deriving a voltage Vu that is an integrated function of the voltage Vs and represents a varying reference temperature. The difference between Vs and Vu is obtained and compared to a given voltage corresponding to a given toast color for generating a signal that terminates the toasting operation upon said given toast color being reached.

Abstract: An electrical-acoustical ultrasonic transducer horn arrangement for operating in a transmit or receive mode at a predetermined frequency (f.sub.c) is described. The transducer horn arrangement includes a horn and an acoustical coupling means positioned within the horn for coupling acoustical energy between the horn and a limited area of a vibratory surface of the transducer.

Abstract: A pulse echo intrusion detection method and apparatus is described wherein a reference parameter is automatically established which is representative of an interval of time elapsed during initial projection and reflection of pulse energy between a source and a receiver. The reference parameter is periodically compared with successive pulse projection and reflection time measurements in order to sense variations indicative of a changed environment such as might be caused by the presence of an intruding object.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for carrying the method are disclosed which provide for selection by the user of a surface used as a reference in the detection of an intrusion. This is achieved by periodically projecting pulses of acoustical energy from a source towards a reference surface and detecting the reflection of such pulses of acoustical energy at a receiver and providing a first indication or signal representative of the reflected pulses. A second indication or signal is generated which is adjustable and representative of the time elapsed between the projection of a pulse of acoustical energy from the source and the reception at the receiver of the pulse of acoustical energy when reflected from the selected reference surface. The variations between the first and second indications are detected and compared and an alarm is generated when a variation is detected in the indications.

Abstract: An electromechanical lock detects a series of taps on a surface. After converting the taps into a series of electrical signals, processes the signals and compares the tap sequence with a pre-set code.

Abstract: A control device includes a housing having a serpentinely disposed channel and a cover, secured to the housing, which converts the channel into an ultrasonic waveguide. One end of the waveguide is bounded by a stationary reflector and the other end of the waveguide communicates with a bore which holds a piezoelectric device matched to the waveguide so as to provide therein, when actuated, a propagating transverse wave in the ultrasonic frequency range. The cover includes three elongated slots, each of which slidably supports a different reflector unit. Each unit has a reflector extending into the waveguide and can be positioned anywhere along its corresponding slot. Actuation of the piezoelectric transducer by an electrical pulse causes an ultrasonic pulse to propagate down the waveguide and parts thereof are reflected back to the transducer where an electrical group of pulse signals are caused to appear.

Abstract: A smoke detector of the ionization type is provided with a movable test target or probe for intercepting alpha radiation within the measuring chamber when moved to a particular position. As a result of the interception of alpha particles, the electrical resistance of the chamber between a pair of electrodes is increased. Since the electrical resistance similarly increases when airborne products of combustion enter the measuring chamber, the operative position and size of the test target may be selected such that its movement to its operative position results in electrical simulation of a predetermined level of airborne products of combustion within the measuring chamber.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a control device includes a housing having a serpentinely disposed channel and a cover, secured to the housing, which converts the channel into an ultrasonic waveguide. One end of the waveguide is bounded by a stationary reflector and the other end of the waveguide holds a piezoelectric transducer matched to the waveguide so as to provide therein, when actuated, a propagating transverse wave in the ultrasonic frequency range. The cover includes a plurality of slots communicating with the waveguide, each slot being located at a different position along the propagation path of the waveguide; and a plurality of resiliently mounted reflectors, each reflector being associated with a different one of the slots and being insertable into the waveguide by, for example, fingertip pressure. Actuation of the transducer by an electrical pulse causes an ultrasonic pulse to propagate down the waveguide.

Abstract: An audible indicator circuit including a piezoelectric crystal and transistor device, that is of extremely simple and inexpensive construction and has its on-off operation selectively controlled in response to an automatic or manually applied control signal. The piezoelectric crystal is connected between the collector and emitter electrodes of the transistor, so that with an "on" control signal applied to the base electrode and a supply voltage of magnitude that exceeds the collector to emitter breakdown voltage coupled to the collector electrode, the circuit is caused to oscillate and thereby emit an audible signal.

Abstract: A battery operated smoke detector or the like is provided with means for monitoring the voltage of the battery and providing a warning when the voltage drops below a predetermined level. The detection and warning system includes means for sensing when the battery voltage has dropped below the predetermined level and producing periodic output signals in response thereto. A first alarm means produces a permanent warning signal in response to the first output signal, and a second alarm means produces periodic warning signals in response to the periodic output signals.