Abstract: A feedback transistor, whose base and emitter are connected respectively to the base and emitter of a common emitter output transistor, conducts a collector current which is directly proportional to the output current. The collector current of the feedback transistor is fed back to the input of an amplifier which drives the output transistor. The resulting negative feedback controls overall gain, reduces distortion, and controls the quiescent current of the output transistor. Application of this linear current feedback technique to both class A and class B amplifiers is disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic phase locked loop circuit including a variable period sawtooth generator. The sawtooth generator receives digital reference clock signals and in response thereto generates sawtooth-shaped signals having the same period as said reference clock signals. A sample and hold circuit samples the sawtooth-shaped signals in response to one logical state of a sampling clock. A voltage controlled oscillator is coupled to the output of the sample and hold circuit and oscillates at a frequency proportional to the magnitude of the held sample. A feedback circuit generates the sampling clock by coupling the output of the voltage controlled oscillator to the sampling input of the sample and hold circuit.

Abstract: An internal mirror metal vapor laser, and in particular, a helium-cadmium laser discharge tube, which is economical, compact and has a relatively long operating and shelf life, typically of 10,000 hours. A positive column helium-cadmium laser tube of the consumable type and having optical resonator mirrors integral with the tube ends to hermetically seal the tube is provided which includes a relatively large volume cadmium reservoir capable of containing sufficient cadmium for life times exceeding ten thousand hours. A resistive heater is applied to the cadmium reservoir for controlling the cadmium vapor pressure. A heat sunk diffusion confinement section and a cataphoretic confinement section are provided adjacent one end mirror and a heat sunk diffusion confinement section is provided adjacent the other end mirror to protect the end mirrors from condensing cadmium vapor.

Abstract: The output power of any laser is optimized by providing an output mirror with a transmission which varies as a function of position on the mirror and transmitted wavelength. The transmission which corresponds to the optimum output for a given laser wavelength is chosen by monitoring laser output and moving the output mirror in at least one direction essentially perpendicular to the laser beam axis while maintaining the orientation of its reflecting surface perpendicular to the laser beam axis, and locating the mirror position corresponding to optimum laser output.

Abstract: An SHF band oscillation circuit using a field effect transistor (FET) having a feedback path between gate and drain or source and a resonator connected to the gate. Impedances connected to the respective terminals of the FET comprise microstrip lines. A gate bias circuit includes a temperature-sensitive semiconductor device so that a gate bias is changed with the change in ambient temperature. In this manner, the change of oscillation frequency which would otherwise occur by the change of the ambient temperature is compensated. The resonator connected to the gate comprises a dielectric resonator to further stabilize the oscillation frequency.

Abstract: A noise reduction system including an encoder for compressing the dynamic range of an audio input signal in accordance with the amplitude thereof, a transmission medium coupled to the encoder, and a decoder having a transfer function inverse to that of the decoder. The encoder includes a first controlled amplifier circuit in which, when the input audio signal is in low- and middle- levels, sufficient emphasis is made to the signal at high frequencies, and when it is in high-level, the emphasis quantity at high frequencies is restrictive. The decoder includes a voltage-current converting circuit for converting voltage of the reproduced audio signal into current and a second controlled amplifier circuit amplifying the converted current and having a transfer function inverse to that of the first controlled amplifier circuit.

Abstract: A noise reduction system is provided with an encoder for compressing the dynamic range of an audio input signal in accordance with the amplitude of the input signal and recording the compressed one into a tape-recorder, and a decoder for expanding the dynamic range of a reproduced audio signal from the tape-recorder to the original one in accordance with the amplitude of the reproduced audio signal. The encoder includes a first controlled amplifier circuit in which, when the input audio signal is low- and middle-levels, sufficient emphasis is made to the signal at high-frequencies, and when it is in high-level, the emphasis quantity at high-frequencies is restrictive. The decoder includes a second controlled amplifier circuit having a transfer function related to the character of the first controlled amplifier circuit substantially in inverse-function manner.

Abstract: A variable equalizer is provided which, using a single variable resistor, can make compensations in both the directions of the gain side, and the loss side and can set a reference gain as desired.An input signal to be equalized is received as an antiphase input signal of a differential amplifier, an output signal which has been equalized is fed back to the antiphase input signal, and a difference signal between an in-phase input signal and the antiphase input signal is delivered as an output. A resistor is connected between an input terminal and ground, first and second impedance circuits and a variable resistor are connected between an intermediate point of the first-mentioned resistor and ground in the order mentioned, and a voltage at the junction point between the first and second impedance circuits is used as the in-phase input signal.

Abstract: In an array antenna system having a coupling network interconnecting a plurality of element groups, the coupling network is provided with phase adjustments to shift the angular location of the effective element radiation pattern. An effective technique for this phase adjustment in a microstrip coupling network makes use of a field altering structure positioned adjacent the microstrip.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) filter connector which can be installed in the line between mating plugs and sockets normally used for terminating multiple conductors. This connector is used in an electronic equipment chassis or at a bulkhead junction box or, if necessary, between mating connectors in a cable run, where the metallic parts of the cable connector can be grounded. Conductive rubber or co-polymer elastometric washers are used to protect RF filter components in the connector from damage due to external stress. A high degree of EMI attenuation is provided by an integral metallic baffle having close fitting conductor holes which is located within the connector body.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including an overload trip mechanism having a current sensitive element forming a first load current conductive path. The trip mechanism is activated in response to a predetermined level of current through the trip current path. A multiple pole switch unit selectively connects a plurality of shunt load current conductive paths of various resistance values in parallel with the trip current path. The switch is operated by a cam member externally insertable into the circuit breaker in any one of a plurality of camming positions which set the switch unit to provide selected shunt current paths. Removing of the cam from the circuit breaker activates an interlock for automatically tripping the breaker. An alternative embodiment is presented wherein a contact switch unit connects, through a selectable resistance element, a shunt load current conductive path in parallel with the trip current path. The contact switch is activated by a resistance element externally insertable into the circuit breaker.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a pair of spaced apart parallel plates with a plurality of reed switches lying between and perpendicular to these plates. One of the plates has a hole through it, and the reed switches are spaced around this hole at equal distances from each other. A control arm having a permanent magnet attached thereto protrudes through the hole. This magnet is used to close selectable ones of the reed switches by pivoting the arm about the hole to thereby move the magnet in close proximity with the selected switches.

Abstract: A timing device is provided with a synchronous motor for rotating a driven gear containing a cam member through a predetermined angle corresponding to a selected time period, a clutch mechanism including an arm supporting a pair of gears on a common shaft for coupling the synchronous motor to the driven gear and further including a means for keeping a first gear of the pair in continuous engagement with the driven gear, a plurality of leaf switches for selectively energizing or de-energizing the synchronous motor, an actuator cooperating with the cam member for controlling the leaf switches, an electromagnetic device coupled to the clutch arm and actuator for controlling their movements to couple the synchronous motor to a second gear of the pair and to control the starting of the timing interval, and a means for initially providing an angular rotation to the driven gear to set the selected time period.

Abstract: A coil arrangement for the electromagnetic superimposition and correction of magnetic fields and generation of magnetic fields of a desired locus dependent distribution comprises coils formed in an areal arrangement in accordance with the art of printed circuits and serving the purpose of generating magnetic fields, homogenizing deviations from a desired distribution.

Abstract: This invention provides an oxygen concentration detecting element and method of producing the same for use in detecting the oxygen concentration of gases such as exhaust gases from gasoline engines. The oxygen concentration detecting element is characterized by a shaped and sintered porous body consisting essentially of semiconductor materials and platinum particles dispersed at an average particle-to-particle spacing of no more than 10 .mu. throughout said element.The element has high durability and non-hysteresis characteristics, and can be used over a wide temperature range. The element is especially useful in detecting the oxygen concentration of an exhaust gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to a detection system for detecting presence of moving objects such as vehicles, etc. through utilization of ultrasonic energy which includes a predetermined location provided in memory unit and having stored therein time from transmission of ultrasonic energy till reception of reflected energy corresponding thereto from a road surface, circuitry for computing difference a between immediately preceding time from transmission of ultrasonic energy till reception of reflected energy corresponding thereto stored in the predetermined memory location and current time from transmission of ultrasonic energy and reception of reflected energy corresponding thereto, circuitry for storing in the predetermined memory location the current time from transmission of ultrasonic energy till reception of reflected energy corresponding thereto when the difference a is less than a predetermined time .alpha.

Abstract: A reverberation backscatter measurement system for providing in situ measment of acoustic backscatter levels from point source scatterers or the target size of individual scatterers within or at the boundaries of the transmitting medium. The volume scattering strength, a calculated value from measured data, is the logarithmic ratio of the reflected intensity to the incident intensity at a unit distance from the acoustic center of the scatterers. The system accurately measures the parameters of volume scattering strength (S) and target strength (TS) and has application in the measurement and determination of sonar system performance and target strengths of vessels and their wakes. It also may be used in fisheries for biological studies in zooplankton population and distribution assessments. A data processing system is also provided to effectively and accurately process reflected signals indicating target strength and scattering strength.

Abstract: Apparatus for propagating electrical signals through a conducting dielectric fluid such as salt water includes a pair of electrodes, one of which is a point electrode composed of a nipple or finger-like member, and the other of which is a plane electrode composed of an annular plate. The two electrodes are immersed in the conducting dielectric fluid and spaced apart along an axis and then electrical energy is applied to the two electrodes to produce a varying voltage therebetween. The voltage difference is modulated in accordance with information to be transmitted and, as a result, a time-varying polarization field is produced in the conducting medium and this field propagates through the medium.

Abstract: Discrimination of long range targets from short range targets is provided by generating a vertical dipole beam and a narrow uni-directional horizontal beam which may be steered. Targets in the dipole beam are short range targets whose acoustic signals arrive at angles to the horizontal plane, whereas long range targets are those in the horizontal beam, since acoustic signals from long range targets come in on the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A Doppler compensated PSK signal processor which receives a plurality of sages from a sensor array and decodes each message for further data processing. The signal processor compensates for the Doppler shift in the message frequency due to the velocity differential between the transmitting vehicle and the sensor array. The message is decoded for a valid identification code from which is derived a time mark related to a specified system time to provide range and direction information for the identified transmitting vehicle. The telemetry data in the message and the time mark are output to a data processing system on an interrupt basis to provide tracking and data analysis for the transmitting vehicle.

Abstract: Device for determining the relative position of at least one seismic streamer comprising acoustic pulse sensors, with respect to a seismic streamer comprising acoustic pulse transmitters, all of said streamers being towed behind a ship, comprising a telemetrical system for measuring the distance between pulse sensors and pulse transmitters by the determination of the travel time of pulses between different pulse transmitters and corresponding pulse sensors and a viewing system for displaying the so-measured distance.

Abstract: A cable for electrically connecting a plurality of seismic receivers to a central data collecting unit contains a single electrical channel. The output signal of each seismic receiver is used to modulate a carrier signal having its own distinct frequency. The plurality of modulated carrier signals are frequency division multiplexed onto the single electrical channel and transmitted to the central collecting unit. There, narrowband filters are used to demultiplex the individual modulated carriers so that the signals may then be demodulated to recover the individual seismic receiver signals.

Abstract: A device to facilitate the positioning of a towing vehicles with respect to a towed vehicle whereby hitch components on the vehicles are properly positioned for articulately connecting the vehicles. The device includes a flexible tension member having one end connected with a spring wound reel on one of the vehicles and the other end connected with the other of the vehicles. A sensing device is associated with the tension member and the vehicles to indicate to the operator of the towing vehicle the manner in which the towing vehicle should be maneuvered to properly position the hitch components. The sensing means is actuated in response to angular and linear disposition of the flexible tension member which actuate a signal generating means which produces distinguishable audible and visual signals.

Abstract: A mounting plate is provided to extend along beneath and to be secured to one end of a transverse axle adjacent a pneumatic tire journaled from the axle end and the plate includes structure whereby different size U-bolts may be utilized in conjunction therewith for clamping the plate to the underside of axle housings of different diameters. An actuating switch is provided and is mounted from the plate for adjustable positioning laterally of the associated axle housing and the switch includes a depending 360 degree wobble actuator for contact with the ground closely adjacent the point of contact of the tire with the ground or contact with the adjacent side wall portion of the tire when the latter becomes deflated.

Abstract: A keyless vehicle intrusion alarm is armed by momentary depression of the brake pedal or actuation of some other electrically-responsive circuit, followed by the opening and closing of a particular vehicle door within a first predetermined time period. In order to signal the operator that an arming sequence has been initiated, a short burst of the alarm is sounded after the brake pedal or other electric circuit is momentarily activated. Subsequent reentry via that door initiates a time delay during which the entrant must actuate the ignition switch to prevent an alarm from sounding. Entry through any other door, or tampering with the vehicle hood, results in immediate sounding of the alarm. The alarm sounds for a limited time interval before being automatically squelched.

Abstract: A portable vehicle alarm system having a motion sensitive switch and a transmitter for transmitting an alarm to a remote receiver. The receiver is capable of several functions including silent alarm to police or security guards as well as visual and audible alarms in remote locations such as light poles and roof tops of buildings. The alarm also includes a key set function with indicator lights for the motion switch and trip/transmit status.

Abstract: A check verification system for providing customer-operated verification of checks at point-of-sale locations. The present system enables a customer to verify several possible kinds of checking functions, including verification of payroll or government checks as well as certain types of personal checks for cash, and sets limits on the number of times each checking function will be verified in a period of time. The system utilizes a number of local point-of-use terminals which are operated by the customer, and which communicate with a remotely-located transaction processor including a positive file of customers who are entitled to verify checks with the present system. The positive check verification files do not require the current bank balance of the customer, and the present system is designed to include persons who are merely the payees of checks and have no checking account or other established relationship with any bank.

Abstract: A programmer for a household appliance, such as a washing machine or a dishwasher, comprises a disk-shaped carrier 41 and a position indicator 43 synchronized therewith, the indicator working into a comparator 36 also receiving a signal pattern from a read-only memory 35 addressed by a counter 30 which advances under the control of a timing circuit. The latter comprises a frequency divider 20, driven by alternating current from a utility network, certain of whose stages work into a set of AND gates 22-24 that are unblocked by signals read out from the memory in various program phases. The incrementation of the program may be temporarily inhibited by additional logical circuitry 80-83 responsive to external parametric conditions, such as the temperature of the liquid level in the controlled appliance. Unwanted phases of a maximum program recorded on the program carrier 41 may be skipped under the control of a plug-in key card 64 or a selector switch 95.

Abstract: An arrangement for reduction of Fibonacci p-codes to minimal form, which performs, in succession, all convolutions and all devolutions of bits of the original Fibonacci p-code of a number, whereto the original combination of binary signals corresponds. The original combination of binary signals is handled during the convolution operation so that a binary signal corresponding to a 0 value of the lth digit of the original Fibonacci p-code of the number, as well as binary signals corresponding to l values of the (l - i)th and the (l - p- 1)th digit of the original Fibonacci p-code of the number, are substituted by their inverse signals.

Abstract: An electronic detection system for detecting intruders employs a transmission line as a sensing element. The transmission line is positioned about the perimeter of the area to be protected. An antenna applies pulsed RF energy to the line. An intruder in the field of the line causes an RF reflection back toward the source, which reflection may be detected by Doppler range-gating techniques.

Abstract: A swimming pool alarm system of the pressure transducer type employs an omnidirectional hydrophone which is held immersed in the swimming pool by means that mechanically decouples the hydrophone.

Abstract: A sump alarm device adapted for mounting on a vertical pump shaft housing of a sump pump. The sump pump is disposed in a sump. The sump alarm device is activated when the water level in the sump rises above a predetermined level when the sump pump fails to operate due to loss of electrical power or a malfunction in the pump.

Abstract: A continuity monitor and indicator circuit for monitoring the continuity of a segment of a pair of control conductors along which a control current flows includes capacitors at each end of the segment being monitored, which capacitors are connected to bridge the conductors and provide an a.c. electrical path between the conductors. A transformer has its secondary winding connected in series with one of the control conductors in the segment and an oscillator is connected to the primary winding of the transformer. The oscillator arrangement is such that it will provide an output signal when the closed a.c. electrical loop formed by the secondary winding of the transformer, the control conductor segment, and the bridging capacitors is broken. A detector is responsive to the oscillator output to detect such output and supply a detector output to a delay means which, in turn, provides an alarm output after receipt of the detector output for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Display apparatus for displaying the magnitude of a physical parameter includes a plurality of display regions each of which contains a plurality of electrically-operable display sections. The display apparatus also includes an electric circuit means responsive to an electric signal representative of the said magnitude which is arranged to operate the display sections in a cyclic manner in accordance with that magnitude. To this end, the electric circuit means is arranged, during a first period of each cycle, to effect operation of any display regions in which all sections therein require to be operated and, during a second period of each cycle, to effect appropriate operation of any other display region in which only at least one of the display sections thereof require to be operated.

Abstract: A system in which the characteristics of a microwave power transmission beam are controlled in accordance with power distribution profiles altered due to the detected presence or entrance of an object into the beam which causes changes that are perceived in various received, reflected and scattered power distribution profiles resulting over various receiving elements of the system. An analysis of these changes is made, the results of which are used to reshape, dim or douse the power beam in accordance with predetermined criteria. Additionally, a "FAIL SAFE" condition is obtained by employing a beam penetration tester, whose function is to repeatedly test the correct performance of the beam intrusion detecting scheme by presenting a minimal threshold scattering or absorbing cross section while crossing the power beam. If the beam penetration tester is undetected by the beam safety system, then the beam control is preconditioned to turn off the power beam.

Abstract: The multiple beam, short wave planar antenna array system, which simultaneously exhibits low loss, low side lobe levels, high efficiency, and low volume in a design affording independent control of the E and H plane radiation pattern shapes is particularly applicable in microwave radiometric systems such as airborne mapping systems. The antenna system generates symmetrical, matching narrow pencil beam sensitivity patterns by using symmetrically spaced sectorial receiver horns fed energy through a hyperbolic dielectric lens, the horn array and lens residing in a TE.sub.01 mode parallel plate guide, the lens being illuminated by signals collected by a broad wall slotted wave guide array supplied with a thin, planar sheet radome mounted on the energy receiving face of the array.

Abstract: An antenna assembly with a curved reflector and feed means at one side of the focal axis of such reflector. The feed means includes a number of relatively-fixed-position feed elements spaced apart unequally to obtain signals of different phase at the reflector for forming a composite reflected beam with minimized sidelobe content.

Abstract: A wafer construction which includes an expansive, generally flat plastic member formed with a spiral groove in which an elongated electrical conductor is held in the shape of a coil. The plastic member is also formed with a recess in which a capacitor is contained. The capacitor is connected to both ends of the conductor to form a resonant electrical circuit. A hardened steel reinforcing element is also embedded in the wafer around the wafer circuits to protect them against severing. A tack-like fastener element has a concave head which telescopes over a dome-like projection on the wafer to provide a tamper resistant fastening assembly when the tack shank is inserted into an opening in the wafer.

Abstract: In a device for recording vehicle speeds on a record carrier, the carrier includes a recording layer of a suitable colored paste and is combined with a lid as a unit which is removably mounted on the device housing. The recording layer is located between the lid and the record carrier. The circumferential periphery of the lid and of the record carrier are interconnected. In this arrangement at least the record carrier is transparent.

Abstract: An inkjet printer is provided with a movable carriage upon which is mounted an inkjet print head and a small reservoir having a fluid capacity capable of printing a predetermined number of characters, and which is sufficiently light in weight as to minimize the mass mounted upon the carriage. Sensing means detect the low level of ink for causing the carriage to be moved to the end of one of the printer margins at which is located a stationary large capacity ink reservoir having an outlet nozzle adapted to be inserted into an opening in the small capacity reservoir for filling the reservoir either under control of a pump or by gravity feed, whereupon the printer resumes the printing operation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic cross valve is provided for selectively connecting a nozzle with an ink liquid supply conduit and an ink liquid drain conduit. When the nozzle is connected with the ink liquid drain conduit, ink liquid is maintained at the atmospheric pressure and remains in the nozzle in such a manner that the ink liquid is filled to the tip end of the nozzle or the orifice of the nozzle. Fluid resistance means are disposed between the electromagnetic cross valve and the ink liquid drain conduit for preventing generation of negative pressure at the nozzle side when the nozzle is connected with the ink liquid drain conduit.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is disclosed which uses the phenomenon of "scattering limited velocity effect" for practical current limiting purposes. A monolithic chip of semiconductor material has a plurality of active spot regions or conduction channels formed by an encompassing inactive region which surrounds and separates each of the channels. The inactive region blocks current flow and performs a heat sinking function, the latter being necessary because of the high power density within the conduction channels at which the "scattering limited velocity effect" is exhibited.

Abstract: A junction type field effect transistor comprising a semiconductor substrate; semiconductor regions formed in the semiconductor substrate and exposed on a major surface thereof, the semiconductor regions including a gate region and an isolation region; and a polycrystalline semiconductor layer formed on the surface of the gate region or on the surfaces of the gate region and the isolation region. The polycrystalline semiconductor layer contains an impurity of the same conductivity type as the gate and the isolation regions.

Abstract: A semiconductor controlled rectifier of an asymmetrical construction which, only when supplied with a reverse surge voltage, is turned on in the reverse direction comprising a semi-conductor body having three contiguous regions forming an inner region of one conductivity type and two outer regions of the opposite conductivity type, a first external region of the one conductivity type provided adjacent a first one of said outer regions, a second external region of the one conductivity type provided adjacent a second one of said outer regions, said external regions being positioned in such a manner that a portion of each said outer regions is exposed, a cathode electrode in conductivity contact with said first external region, an anode electrode in conductive contact with said second external region and said exposed portion of the said second outer region, and a gate electrode in conductive contact with said exposed portion of first outer region, the cathode electrode and the second external region overlapping

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit which is reduced in size by having active and/or passive elements in an epitaxial layer having a [100] crystallographic surface, and having anisotropically etched regions with sloped [111] crystallographic surface walls which isolate adjacent semiconductor elements and/or regions of semiconductor material beneath said elements. Conductors interconnecting said elements are supported on the [100] and [111] crystallographic surfaces and contact said elements and/or said high conductivity regions through apertures in surface passivating protective coatings on said surfaces.

Abstract: A semiconductor thyristor, having a given forward voltage drop, has its turn-off time or the reverse current behavior adjusted in a defined manner and a reduced blocking current. Essentially, the semiconductor element is divided, at its anode end, into zone elements having a high and a low concentration of recombination centers, whereby, at the anode end, zones not oppositely disposed from the emitter receive a lower average concentratin of recombination centers. The invention is most advantageous when applied to power thyristors.

Abstract: A timing device comprises an oscillator a time base, a time display device and a control device intermediate between the oscillator and the display. In addition, it comprises a pickup for low-frequency pulses radiated by a conventional television receiver, and a treatment circuit having one input connected to the pickup, and one output connected to a means for regulation of the control device, for producing rate regulation and/or resetting.

Abstract: A system, and method, is disclosed for substantially increasing the dynamic range of contrast of an input sequence of pixels representative of an image. In a preferred embodiment a first circuit is responsive to an input sequence of pixels representative of an image for developing bias and gain parameters. These bias and gain parameters are respectively utilized by first and second function generators to generate bias correction signals and gain correction signals, respectively. A delay circuit delays the input sequence of pixels to synchronize said input sequence with the bias correction signals and the gain correction signals. A first expansion circuit expands in a first direction the range of contrast of the delayed input sequence of pixels as a function of the bias correction signals to produce a first contrast expanded sequence of pixels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a facsimile transmission installation adapted to allow rapid transmission of the contents of forms. In accordance with the invention, various types of blank forms are memorized and the transmission equipment includes a comparator connected to a memory and to an analysis circuit and allows the transmission of a facsimile signal which represents only the data added on the analyzed filled-in form and the reception equipment includes a text regenerator which operates from a transmitted facsimile signal and from a signal which comes from its memory.

Abstract: An erase head for erasing single tracks on multi-track magnetic recording tapes by means of a constant magnetic field applied in a direction perpendicular to the direction of tape travel, to avoid any asymmetrical residual magnetization with respect to the direction of a magnetizing field used for recording. A configuration of two pole pieces and two corresponding shields, spaced out from the pole pieces and generally coplanar with the end faces thereof, ensures that the magnetic field strength is relatively uniform in a region between the shields, and falls to a relatively low value outside this region.