Abstract: A multi-camera programmable pan-and-tilt apparatus comprising a base and a camera mechanism having a first camera and a second camera, with the second camera including a zoom mechanism for varying the zoom magnification of the second camera. The apparatus further has a pan-and-tilt mechanism for moving the cameras with respect to the base, and a video switch receiving the video outputs of the cameras and selecting one for view. The first camera is viewed while the camera mechanism is moved from one scene to another and the second camera is viewed while the camera mechanism is not moving and is paused for observation of a scene. A programmable controller controls the camera mechanism and the pan-and-tilt mechanism, and, while the camera mechanism is moving from one scene to another and the output of the first camera is being viewed, causes the zoom magnification and focus of the second camera to become set to the desired zoom magnification and focus for the next scene position.

Abstract: A cable passes over pulleys to precisely control the linear movement of a machine element back and forth along a guideway. The cable path connects multiple pulleys on stationary machine elements to multiple pulleys on the movable machine element, affording mechanical advantage to one driven pulley. A particular arrangement and alignment of the pulleys that pull in one direction with the pulleys that pull in the opposite direction cancel extraneous forces and moments and cause the resultant force to act on the center of gravity of the moving element.

Abstract: A method of precisely calibrating a spindle position with respect to a drilling apparatus worktable. The drilling apparatus includes a control device, which calculates an expected relative position of the spindle and the worktable based upon predetermined information, and the controlled movement of the spindle relative to the worktable. The method includes positioning the spindle in a first position, empirically determining the position of the spindle with respect to the worktable in both a first and a second direction, and determining a "correction factor" between the expected spindle position relative to the worktable at the first position and the empirically determined spindle position relative to the worktable in the first and second directions.

Abstract: An automatic programming and video camera control system is disclosed in which while the camera operator is operating the video camera system, the control signals generated by the operator are converted to a unique plurality of signals for recordation on a mass storage media, such as a video tape recorder. On playback of the mass storage medium, the recorded signals are reproduced, decoded and used to provide automatic control of the video camera system. A modified video tape recorder may be used in which, during playback of the programmed signals, the video images viewed by the video camera are recorded on the video track portion of the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for remotely reading at least one of a plurality of utility meters at a subscriber's location using the subscriber's non-dedicated telephone communication line is disclosed in which the device is activated only during a certain time on a predetermined day of the mouth and only after a predetermined number of ring signals are detected on the subscriber's line. An identifying tone signal is generated at the central station and sent to the meter reader at the subscriber's location where it is detected and compared to a pre-set tone signal. Upon acceptance, the meter reader then sequentially reads a plurality of voltages which are produced by applying a pre-determined voltage to a plurality of contacts for each utility meter dial. The voltage applied to the contacts passes through a plurality of zener diodes of different values. The different voltages thus generated correspond to the consumption registered by the utility meter.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for remotely reading at least one of a plurality of utility meters at a subscriber's location using the subscriber's non-dedicated telephone communication line is disclosed in which the device is activated only during a certain time on a predetermined day of the month and only after a predetermined number of ring signals are detected on the subscriber's line. An identifying tone signal is generated at the central station and sent to the meter reader at the subscriber's location where it is detected and compared to a pre-set tone signal. Upon acceptance, the meter reader then sequentially reads a plurality of voltages which are produced by applying a pre-determined voltage to a plurality of contacts for each utility meter dial. The voltage applied to the contacts passes through a plurality of zener diodes of different values. The different voltages thus generated correspond to the consumption registered by the utility meter.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven bicycle frame with two axle members coupled to the bicycle frame and front and rear wheels mounted on such axles for rotation about the axis of the respective axle and a pair of pedals mounted on a pedal drive shaft coupled to the bicycle frame for rotation for applying manual power for operating the hydraulic system of the bicycle. The hydraulically driven bicycle has a hydraulic pump mechanism and a hydraulic drive mechanism. The hydraulic pump mechanism is operated by rotational movement of the pedal drive shaft. The hydraulic pump mechanism includes a pump housing having two sectional pump housing members that form a pump chamber between them. The two sectional pump housing members are capable of relative movement with respect to each other so that the pump chamber is capable of being varied in size for varying the flow of fluid through the pump mechanism.

Abstract: A control system is provided for selectively generating one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function of a system such as a video camera system. Such a video camera system includes a plurality of video cameras, each of which can be individually controlled. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced by an input circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a control circuit associated with a video camera through a transmission line over which different constant level voltage input signals are transmitted. The input circuit enables the operator to first select the particular camera to be controlled and then to transmit the input signals to the control circuit for the selected camera. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved.

Abstract: A control system is provided for selectively generating one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function of a system such as a video camera system. Such a video camera system includes a plurality of video cameras, each of which can be individually controlled. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced by an input circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a control circuit associated with a video camera through a transmission line over which different constant level voltage input signals are transmitted. The input circuit enables the operator to first select the particular camera to be controlled and then to transmit the input signals to the control circuit for the selected camera. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved.

Abstract: A television surveillance system is disclosed. A first embodiment of the invention is a system for selecting sectors of rotation of a camera that are contained within predetermined angular limits of rotation of the camera. The system for selecting sectors of rotation include a camera, rotating means for rotating the camera within and between predetermined angular limits, and a mechanism for selectively limiting the rotation of the camera to a sector contained within the predetermined angular limits, and a mechanism for selectively limiting the rotation of the camera to a sector contained within the predetermined angular limits. A second embodiment of the invention is a system for changing the mode of operation of a camera from a first mode to a second mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically reading a recording medium having information tracks disposed on alternating inclined recording surfaces preferably arranged in separate but alternately interposed spirals inclined at different angles on the medium. The apparatus includes photodetectors for detecting light reflected from each of the tracks, and circuitry for controllably combining the signals from the photodetectors to minimize crosstalk in the recovered signals.

Abstract: During a scanning operation of a camera as the camera moves along its predetermined path, it is occasionally necessary to readjust the iris of the camera due to varying light conditions occurring over a period of time. A control mechanism is incorporated within the lens system of the camera for enabling intermittent automatic adjustment of the iris at one or more predetermined positions along the path of movement of the camera or at preselected time intervals during the scanning operation. A drive motor acts for driving the iris to vary the size of the iris and such drive motor operates in response to signals received from a motor control circuit. In order to generate signals for adjusting the iris the light from the scene being viewed by the camera, e.g. the light passing through the lens, is measured and compared with a predetermined standard.

Abstract: A heat alarm for releasing a strong readily noticeable odor when subjected to heat above a preselected level. A glass container having an elongated breakable neck portion is filled with an odoriferous fluid. When the neck portion is broken, the fluid can escape from the container. The fluid upon contact with the atmosphere creates a strong odor the presence of which is immediately apparent to all persons within the surrounding area. A heat reactive member that bends upon being subjected to heat above a preselected level is arranged around the neck portion of the container. When this heat reactive member is subjected to heat above the preselected level, the member bends and breaks the neck portion of the container thereby enabling the fluid to escape.

Abstract: A video camera monitoring system includes a plurality of video cameras and a control system provided for selecting one of the cameras to be controlled and causing a plurality of control signals to control various functions of the camera with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function. The video cameras of the system can each be individually controlled or controlled simultaneously from a single set of controls at an input console. A separate control circuit is associated with each video camera and is arranged at the location of the camera. Both the control circuit and the camera are provided with power from a source located at the camera location. The output signals from each control circuit are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced on an input line of the control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a automatic egg collection system that comprises an elongated integrally constructed housing including two spaced apart rows of individual laying nests that are inclined such that the eggs laid in the respective nests are induced by gravity to move inwardly towards a common central conveying system that collects eggs from each row of nests and conveys them from the housing structure to a central collection area. The nest and complete housing is unitized to form a relatively simple single structure. When installed, respective nesting housings can be aligned to receive and cooperate with one central conveyor system for collecting eggs within a laying house.

Abstract: A control system is provided for selectively generating one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function of a system such as a video camera system. Such a video camera system includes a plurality of video cameras, each of which can be individually controlled. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced by an input circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a control circuit associated with a video camera through a transmission line over which different constant level voltage input signals are transmitted. The input circuit enables the operator to first select the particular camera to be controlled and then to transmit the input signals to the control circuit for the selected camera. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved.

Abstract: A control system is provided capable of selectively providing one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function of a system such as a video camera system. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced by an input circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a control circuit through a single transmission line over which different constant level voltage signals are transmitted. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved. The control circuit, in turn, receives the input signals and in response thereto will activate one of a plurality of switches for providing a corresponding output signal which serves to enable an appropriate camera function.

Abstract: A ceiling-mounted attic door features a continuous outer panel of flame-resistant plaster board, an intermediate layer of thermal insulating material and marginal sealing gaskets and insulating strips arranged to thermally seal the marginal edges of the door when it occupies a normally closed position within its associated door opening.

Abstract: A photosensitive alarm system is provided which produces an alarm signal upon exposure to ambient light for protection of cash drawers, file cabinets, and shipping or storage containers from unauthorized intrusion. The alarm system includes photosensitive arming and trigger circuits which allow the system to become armed when placed in darkness and to be subsequently triggered when exposed to the ambient light. The arming and trigger circuits include separate photocells which are arranged to draw a minimal current to allow a DC battery to be used as a power source for an extended period of time without need for recharging or replacement. Preferably, the alarm system includes a warning circuit capable of producing different output signals in response to multiple exposures of the trigger circuit to the ambient light to indicate the number of intrusions and a clock circuit for indicating the time and date of the initial intrusion into the protected area.

Abstract: A video camera control system is provided capable of selectively providing one of a plurality of control signals with each signal corresponding to a particular predesignated function of a video camera. The output signals from the control system are generated in response to constant voltage input signals produced by an input circuit. The input circuit is coupled to a control circuit through a single transmission line over which different constant level voltage signals are transmitted. The voltage level of the input signal which is transmitted is selected from among a plurality of predetermined levels in dependence upon the control function to be achieved. The control circuit, in turn, receives the input signals and in response thereto will activate one of a plurality of switches for providing a corresponding output signal which serves to enable an appropriate camera function.