Abstract: A system which detects gas leaks near devices which use “natural gas” or other flammable gases such as methane, ethane, propane or butane and implements multiple automatic responses to the detection of such leaks including emitting audible alarms, contacting utility and emergency service providers, and shutting off the flow of the flammable gases is disclosed. Optional to the system allowing the system to report on the approximate location of the leak and/or the approximate danger level caused by the leak by reporting on the gas/air ratios in the area are also disclosed. A method for implementing the method of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system which detects gas leaks near devices which use “natural gas” or other flammable gases such as methane, ethane, propane or butane and implements multiple automatic responses to the detection of such leaks including emitting audible alarms, contacting utility and emergency service providers, and shutting off the flow of the flammable gases is disclosed. Optional to the system allowing the system to report on the approximate location of the leak and/or the approximate danger level caused by the leak by reporting on the gas/air ratios in the area are also disclosed. A method for implementing the method of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for sensing size and location of a vehicle occupant includes a conductor (110) that is electrically coupled to a voltage signal generator (612) and disposed within the seat of the vehicle. The conductor generates a periodic electric field (124). A plurality of sensor electrostatic antennas (120) is disposed adjacent the roof and is capable of sensing at least a portion of the electric field (124). A detection circuit (624) determines the size and location of a vehicle occupant based upon an amount of the electric field (124) incident on each sensor electrostatic antenna (120).

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for sensing presence and weight of a vehicle occupant includes a first conductor (120) that is electrically coupled to an oscillating circuit and disposed adjacent a first surface (112) of a compliant pad (110) within the seat of the vehicle. A first conductor (120) generates an oscillating signal at a first intensity. A second conductor (130) is disposed adjacent a second opposing surface (114) of the compliant pad (110) and is capable or receiving the oscillating signal at a second intensity. A detection circuit electrically coupled to the second conductor (130) and capable of receiving the oscillating signal at the second intensity determines the presence and weight of a vehicle occupant based upon the second intensity of the oscillating signal.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for sensing presence and weight of a vehicle occupant includes a first conductor (120) that is electrically coupled to an oscillating circuit and disposed adjacent a first surface (112) of a compliant pad (110) within the seat of the vehicle. A first conductor (120) generates an oscillating signal at a first intensity. A second conductor (130) is disposed adjacent a second opposing surface (114) of the compliant pad (110) and is capable or receiving the oscillating signal at a second intensity. A detection circuit electrically coupled to the second conductor (130) and capable of receiving the oscillating signal at the second intensity determines the presence and weight of a vehicle occupant based upon the second intensity of the oscillating signal.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for sensing size and location of a vehicle occupant includes a conductor (110) that is electrically coupled to a voltage signal generator (612) and disposed within the seat of the vehicle. The conductor generates a periodic electric field (124). A plurality of sensor electrostatic antennas (120) is disposed adjacent the roof and is capable of sensing at least a portion of the electric field (124). A detection circuit (624) determines the size and location of a vehicle occupant based upon an amount of the electric field (124) incident on each sensor electrostatic antenna (120).

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring air pressure or operational status of at least one particular tire of a vehicle facilitates ready identification of a relative mounting position of the particular tire. At least one pressure indicating signal is received (110 of FIG. 8) and is associated with a particular tire mounted at an unknown relative position on a vehicle. Physical parameter data are obtained (112) indicating physical parameter measurements at the different tires of a vehicle. The obtained physical parameter data are evaluated (114) to identify the relative mounting position of the particular tire on the vehicle. Accordingly, an operator of the vehicle may be provided with an indication (130) that an air pressure of a particular tire is less than a proper air pressure so that peak vehicle performance and necessary maintenance may be obtained. Even if the indication informs that the pressure is normal, the operator is reassured that the tires are functioning properly.

Abstract: A crop frost prediction system (20) is provided. The system (20) exposes a thermally radiant surface (22) to atmosphere (26) and senses the temperature of the thermally radiant surface (22). The sensed temperation, alone or in combination with other variables, is used by a processor (38) to calculate whether frost is likely to occur. The system (20) capitalizes on the understanding of the inventor that the thermally radiant surface (22) will dissipate heat (24), and thus have a lower temperature than the ambient air, under conditions of low humidity and clear night sky.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit device (10) includes a rectifier (16) and current controller (44) for directing current away from the battery (30). The rectifier (16) provides a current curve which is controlled by the current controller (44) so as to prevent the application of excess current to the battery (30) being charged in the circuit (10).

Abstract: A controllable fuse (10; 40; 50; 60; 80) has a pair of isolated conductor pads (26, 27), a solder connection (32; 41; 51) connected to the pads and providing a circuit connection therebetween, and at least one heater (14; 70, 75) to produce heat in response to an electrical signal. When sufficient heat is provided, the solder connection will desolder and disconnect the circuit connection between the conductor pads (26, 27). Major features are that the conductor pads and the heater are provided on a planar surface(s) (19, 25) as planar films and that redundancy for the fuse can be implemented by providing more than one heater (70, 75). A preferred manufacturing method for the fuse is disclosed which utilizes a solder retaining structure. Several fuse configurations are illustrated.

Abstract: A substrate of copper clad alumina lamina bearing a number of semiconductor dies is adapted to be soldered to a heatsink to provide electrically isolated thermal relief for the dies. Channels of reduced lamina depth are provided between the dies in regions of no cladding to provide a stress relief fracture path. Stresses caused by the mismatch between the thermal coefficient of expansion of the lamina and is heatsink as the substrate is temperature cycled are fracture relieved without risk of die damage or die or substrate detachment.

Abstract: A spring failure detection and safety system comprising detection devices for continuously monitoring the life of a spring, and detecting and signalling its imminent or actual failure. The system also may comprise warning devices that have sensory outputs capable of informing a human operator of a spring failure. It may also comprise a memory device that would receive and store the failure detection signal, for example, for the purpose of informing maintenance personnel of the failure, or to serve as part of a test or failure evaluation system. The invention may also comprise a safety feature consisting of one or more springs to operate redundantly with the first spring, to protect against spring failure.

Abstract: A scanning CRT display system is disclosed in which transitions of a horizontal sync signal are directly utilized to provide control signals for driving a FET (field effect transistor) power drive device which controls horizontal deflection yoke current. Protection circuitry is provided such that the FET power drive device is turned off if excessive FET through current is sensed, and protection circuitry also prevents turning on the FET drive device if an excessively high flyback voltage is present at the drain terminal of the FET device. Linearization of the horizontal deflection yoke current is provided by effectively sensing the temperature variable on resistance of the FET output drive device and providing a compensation control signal in accordance therewith, wherein this compensation control signal controls the magnetization provided by a control winding on a saturable magnetic core on which a linearity compensation coil is also wound.

Abstract: A scanning CRT display system is disclosed in which transitions of a horizontal sync signal are directly utilized to provide control signals for driving a FET (field effect transistor) power drive device which controls horizontal deflection yoke current. Protection circuitry is provided such that the FET power drive device is turned off if excessive FET through current is sensed, and protection circuitry also prevents turning on the FET drive device if an excessively high flyback voltage is present at the drain terminal of the FET device. Linearization of the horizontal deflection yoke current is provided by effectively sensing the temperature variable on resistance of the FET output drive device and providing a compensation control signal in accordance therewith, wherein this compensation control signal controls the magnetization provided by a control winding on a saturable magnetic core on which a linearity compensation coil is also wound.

Abstract: A scanning CRT control system is disclosed in which horizontal sync pulses are used to develop a pulse signal that provides an input to a transformer circuit also receiving a relatively low DC power supply input signal. The transformer circuit develops a very high DC voltage connected to a CRT screen while also providing a relatively lower voltage power supply signal that is utilized to develop the power supply signal provided to a video driver that controls beam excitation for the CRT. A compensation circuit is provided between the transformer circuit and a power supply terminal of the video driver such that a compensating signal is provided at the transformer circuit in accordance with each horizontal video scan line. The compensating signal has a frequency corresponding to the horizontal sweep frequency and a magnitude that varies in accordance with the average current loading of each individual horizontal scan line.

Abstract: Dynamic focus system utilizing an improved cascode amplifier is provided wherein the amplifier provides substantial voltage gain for a composite horizontal and vertical parabola signal and the output of the cascode amplifier is provided to the focus control electrode of a cathode ray tube. Undesired phase shift of the output of the cascode amplifier is prevented by AC coupling a signal corresponding to the noninverted input signal applied to the cascode amplifier to the base of the second transistor of the cascode amplifier.

Abstract: A self oscillating inverter including a DC to DC converter and method for control thereof which senses the onset of a transformer core saturation to control its operation without dependence thereon. Linearizing inductors in the transformer secondary function to maintain a ramp shaped collector current waveform under full load conditions to allow control of output voltage by varying the oscillator frequency.