Abstract: A flowerpot (22) for supporting and carrying a variety of detachable lawn fixtures includes a bottom (44) that has an outer wall (55), an inner wall (54) and a channel (56) defined therebetween. The channel (56) receives dirt, rocks, flowers and the like. Extending from the inner wall (54) is a shoulder (57) and a support wall (58) that is adaptable for receiving a center column (24), an attachment collar (200) or a variety of other attachments. The center column (24) includes a bottom end (66) and a top end (68) which has an opening (70). Extending from the center column (24) is a column shoulder (76) and a support wall (78) that may carry a variety of detachable column fixtures. The variety of detachable column fixtures includes, but is not limited to, a birdbath (26), a fountain (140), an urn (172), an attachment collar (202) to carry a pole (204), an urn (172) having an inner collar wall (232) to carry a pole (204) and a sundial (251).

Abstract: An angular position sensor is provided with a rotatable magnet and first and second ferromagnetic pole pieces. The first ends of the ferromagnetic pole pieces are disposed on opposite sides of the rotatable permanent magnet and the second ends of the ferromagnetic pole pieces are arranged in overlapping association with a magnetically sensitive component disposed therebetween. First and second ferromagnetic inserts are provided which are movable with respect gaps between the permanent magnet and the first ends of the first and second pole pieces. By changing the relative positions between the first and second inserts and their respective gaps, the gain and offset of an output signal from the magnetically sensitive component can be altered to achieve predetermined characteristics.

Abstract: An angular position sensor is provided with a rotatable magnetic structure that comprises a primary magnet and a secondary magnet. The primary and secondary magnets are adjusted in position relative to each other in order to achieve an adjustability of the gain and offset characteristic of an output signal from a magnetically sensitive component disposed within the magnetic field of the magnetic structure. The primary and secondary magnets are rigidly maintained in position relative to each other and disposed for rotation about an axis of rotation. Each magnet has a magnetic axis extending though its first and second magnetic poles. The two magnetic axes rotate within parallel planes that are each perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the magnetic structure.

Abstract: An annunciator apparatus has a light directing device that efficiently causes light to pass from a light source, such as a lamp, toward a generally flat surface of the light directing device in an efficient manner. The light pipe of the annunciator incorporates parabolic rear surfaces that are reflective. In addition, discs of partially reflective and partially transmissive material are disposed directly between a light source and the preselected plane toward which light is directed perpendicularly. The annunciator comprises an indicia plate which incorporates layers to accomplish the desired effect of having a reduced reflection characteristic. Indicia are represented on front and back surfaces of a substrate and aligned with each other to define a "pinhole" effect that significantly reduces light reflected back from the light directing device toward the viewer.

Abstract: A timed contact switch apparatus has a conventional pushbutton placing a main switch in an actuated state when the pushbutton is depressed. A timing circuit is activated by the pushbutton to provide power to activate an electromechanical latch which holds the main switch in its actuated state while the timing circuit times out. Preferably the timing circuit operation is initiated by output of a Hall sensor which is controlled by a magnet whose position is mechanically linked to the position of the pushbutton.