Abstract: A digital control circuit uses a single infrared detector to control the clock pulse on a digital counter so that the sensitivity control is based on the length of time a change in infrared radiation persists. A pyroelective detector is located in a voltage divider and the intermediate voltage of the divider is digitally compared to the intermediate voltage in a fixed divider as a digitaly controlled pulse is applied to both dividers. Either an increase or a decrease of infrared radiation causes the digital circuit to permit the counter to be activated.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the intensity and on/off status of an incandescent light bulb as a function of the proximity of an object to a sensing plate. The frequency of a signal is varied from a nominal value when the presence of the object is sensed. A pulse is generated having a duration proportional to the time over which the signal if varied from its nominal frequency. The duration of the generated pulse, in relation to a pulse of predetermined width, is used to control a gated oscillator. The output of the gated oscillator is counted. The count obtained is used to control the operation of a TRIAC, which in turn connects power to the incandescent bulb.

Abstract: A temperature controller utilizes a square wave signal whose pulse width is incrementally stepped in variable increments by a variable count in a register to determine the temperature being read by a sensor. The square wave signal is integrated to provide an analog signal that is compared to an analog signal provided by the sensor. When the amplitude of the integrated analog signal approaches the amplitude of the signal from the sensor, the count in the register is noted and the temperature is determined from the count by a piecewise linear equation. The temperature thus obtained is compared to a user selected temperature to control the temperature in the sensed area. The controller also includes a monitoring system that monitors the status of switching devices that are controlled by the controller to assure that the status of the switching devices corresponds to the status selected by the controller.

Abstract: A heating resistor drive circuit includes a first switching transistor, connected in series to the resistor, for connecting and cutting off a current flow supplied from a power source to the heating resistor, and a second switching transistor connected in series to the base of the first transistor. The second transistor is turned on in response to an actuation signal. The drive circuit further includes a suppressing circuit for raising gradually a base current for the first transistor up to a predetermined level while the second transistor is conductive, so as to suppress a current spike flowing through the heating resistor.

Abstract: A controlled electronic switching circuit having a plurality of switches for switching external load circuits at least one of which provides electrical power for the control arrangement and there being at least one switch electrically isolated from the control arrangement. The circuitry, operated as a proximity switch, can be arranged to distinguish between the proximity of ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic material objects using a metal layer between the proximity sensing circuit and the object, which layer can be a deposited metal film.

Abstract: A selection device for reliable selection of a plurality of lines or of a plurality of contact locations. In order to select at least two of a plurality of lines, at least two selection lines are connected to every line via a photoresistor, whereby every photoresistor is preferably controllably chargeable with light via a deflectable beam. The selection occurs when selected photoresistors are changed to a low resistance state by light impingement. For selecting at least two of a plurality of contact locations arranged in a grid pattern, the contact locations are connected to the lines via photoresistors. The device of the present invention is preferably utilized for the electrical function testing of printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A security lighting system for automatically connecting and disconnecting a plug connected to electric power to an electric outlet connectable to an electric appliance includes a photodetector circuit, a microcomputer, and a switching device. The photodetector circuit senses the level of ambient light and generates a light signal. The microcomputer is controlled by a stored program for sampling the light signal from the photodetector circuit only between a first predetermined time of day and a second predetermined time of day. The switching device is responsive to the light signal for selectively connecting the plug to the electric outlet when the ambient light level is below a certain level between the first and second predetermined times of day and disconnecting the plug from the electric outlet when the ambient light level is above the certain level between the first and second predetermined times of day, as well as throughtout the remainder of the day regardless of the ambient light level.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a receptacle having multiple electrical outlets includes in the main electrical inlet in electrical series with each of the electrical outlets, a heat-sensitive circuit-breaking element characterized as breaking of electrical circuit passed therethrough when the flow of current exceeds a predetermined amperage, as responsive to increased heat of resistance or other surrounding environmental heat, and as reestablishing circuitry when temperature has cooled-down to at-least a circuit-breaking temperature, there being preferably included in circuit with the circuit-breaking element a conventional electrical time delay element characterized by delaying reestablishing circuitry therethrough whenever circuitry has been broken, with a time delay of sufficient length to permit a cooling of circuitry to a point below circuit-breaking temperature of the circuit-breaking element, to prevent fire hazard from overheated old and/or inadequate house-wiring or insulation thereof.

Abstract: Where there is a relay controlling an AC power circuit to a load, the apparatus of this disclosure includes a sensor for observing arc at the relay contacts and a control circuit which controls the time of subsequent actuation or deactuation of the relay with respect to the alternating current power circuit so as to eliminate relay contact arcing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose sense controller and in particular to one including a system frequency generator producing a steady frequency for timing and synchronism, a capacity detecting system including a capacity decreasing detector and a zero capacity balance detector for detecting and determining input capacity change and serving out corresponding signals, a mode control input for setting the selected mode and controlling time period, a timing controller for calculating time, a comparator memory for compartively determining the variation of the induced condition so as to send out signal to actuate the controller, a timing output controller for providing timing switch, delay switch, and delay timing switch through the selection of the mode controller, a sense output controller which will determine the output condition through the selection of the mode controller, a switch output controller controlled by the selection of the controller so that it will be actuated by a first sense and stopped b

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-contained Solar Powered Proximity Security Device which operates both local devices, such as lamps, and remote devices through its internal encoder/transmitter. In its automatic mode the device may be operated and triggered by its own internal motion detector or from other local external devices connected to it, or by any combination of internal or external detection devices or switches. Response may be further conditioned by detected ambient or other conditions. For example, the light may not turn on during daylight hours or under conditions of low battery charge to conserve power for priority functions.

Abstract: A contact-free operating electronic switchgear, having an oscillator capable of being externally affected, a switching amplifier with at least two operating units disposed downstream of the oscillator, an electronic switch, which can be controlled by the oscillator via the switching amplifier, and a supply circuit for the provision of the supply voltage for the oscillator and for the switching amplifier, is shown and described. In electronic switchgear operating contact-free in accordance with the invention the maximum switching frequency is considerably increased in that a control circuit is provided between the two operating units of the switching amplifier and the oscillator and that the oscillator is controlled by means of the control circuit in such a way that the oscillator also oscillates in the affected state.

Abstract: A protective circuit capable of remotely switching power to a load on and off and including an electrothermal sensor system having a heating element of predetermined resistance in series with the load and source of power whereby the temperature of the heating element is monitored relative to ambient temperature to determine current flow in the heater. The electrothermal sensor, according to one embodiment, includes a ceramic substrate having the heater formed thereon with a first deposited heat monitoring element thereon for monitoring the temperature of the heater and a second heat monitoring element thereon for monitoring the ambient temperature of the substrate remote from the heater. The electrothermal sensor, according to a second embodiment, includes a layer of electrically conductive material, a backing layer thereon of electrically insulating material, a grid on the backing layer of thermoresponsive material to form RTDs and a second layer of electrically insulating material over said grid.

Abstract: A Hall-effect device and a magnet are mounted on respective resonant bridge supports in magnetic field relationship whereby movement of either the magnet or the Hall-effect device produces a change in the field strength at the Hall-effect device. The two support structures with their mounted components exhibit different natural resonant frequencies whereby stimuli in either of two different ranges causes one or both of the magnet or Hall-effect device to move at their resonant frequency producing a signal. Signal processing circuitry disregards D.C. signals from the Hall-effect device and responds only to A.C. signals, indicative of shocks in the 1000 to 2000 Hertz range or movement of the detector with components in less than the 150 Hertz range. Three different bridge structures are disclosed, one with separate bridges, one employing common support columns and one which is integrally molded.

Abstract: A proximity switch with a noncontact effect which includes a plug-in adapter having a plug-in socket for the sensor part equipped with a plug-in cable, a ac/dc converter with a core coil connected in front thereof being arranged in the adapter. The adapter is associated with a dc/ac converter located in the basic housing of the main part and includes a core coil connected thereafter. The core coil lie in each case behind the mounting sides of the basic housing and plug-in adapter and transmit by inductive coupling the energy from the main part to the connected sensor part and the signals from the sensor part to the main part.

Abstract: The safety switching means comprises a source of radiation (21) which is switched on and off periodically. Only in the event that radiation (22) was detected by the detector (6) when the source of radiation (21) is switched on, it will be checked--with the source of radiation (5) switched off--whether the detector (6) is applied by radiation (22) nonetheless, and, in the event of no radiation being found by the detector (6), the current consumer will be switched on automatically by the switching means, since it is certain that the hand of a user covers the window (4).

Abstract: A heating apparatus that utilizes a heating member for heating a desired subject detects the temperature of the subject being heated. This apparatus further generates a plurality of preset reference set points, compares these reference signals with the detected temperature. An energizing control circuit controls the supply of electricity to the heating member in accordance with the comparison result. The apparatus retains the signal generated from the comparison result, and as a result of this signal, changes the reference set point to cause the apparatus to heat at a new temperature setting.

Abstract: An illumination control system has a plurality of infrared detection systems located in a plurality of adjacent scanning areas. Each of the detection systems controls the activation of light sources located in two or more scanning areas. Each of the detection systems is equipped with an infrared radiation sensor, an ambient light resistor, a timing circuit, a light source driving circuit, and a blinking condition prevention circuit.

Abstract: A hinge construction having radiative emitter and detector concealed within the body of the hinge's knuckles so as to be in communication with each other when the hinge leaves, and therefore the door, are in a closed position. This communication is permitted through an opening in a notched collar which is juxtaposed between the emitter and detector elements, the notch being aligned with the emitter and detector when the hinge is closed. The opening of the hinge leaves rotates the collar to misalign the collar notch with the emitter and detector elements, thereby causing an electronics circuit module to form a change of state signal which may then be reported to an external monitoring or alarm system. Closing the hinge leaves to realign the notch with the emitter and detector elements will result in the sensing means being reset.

Abstract: A seismic detector which generates an electrical signal in response to the occurrence of a vertical seismic wave predetermined magnitude is mounted in a weather-proof container in or adjacent an inhibitable building. A circuit breaker to interupt electrical power to the building is mounted in the same container and connected to open in response to signals from the detector. Gas and water line connections each with a solenoid operated shut-off valve are separately housed in a weather-proof container in or adjacent the building and the valves are connected so that they will close in response to a signal from the seismic detector. The entire system is rendered fail safe through the use of an interruptible power supply system housed in the container with the seismic detector and connected to energize the gas and water line cut off valves to hold them in open condition.

Abstract: A proximity switch immune to interference fields includes an oscillator circuit (1) that can be influenced by a permanent magnet, this circuit being damped in the basic condition by a core of a coil (13), which core consists of an amorphous metal, and being undampable by the approach of the permanent magnet. In order to prevent triggering of the proximity switch by a magnetic alternating field, a signal evaluating circuit (2), yielding a switching signal corresponding to the undamped condition of the oscillator circuit (1), and a signal evaluating circuit (8) are connected to the oscillator circuit output (17). The signal evaluating circuit (8) detects an output signal produced by a magnetic alternating field separately as interference and blocks, by way of a blockable holding circuit (5), the switching signal path so long as a magnetic alternating field is present.

Abstract: Light-sensitive switch structure for and method of turning a street light or other load on or off in response to variations in light level. The switch is designed to recognize a specific sequence of daily variations in light level and is capable of switching a load off at a light level lower than that at which the load is switched on. In a preferred embodiment, the switch consists of a photo-sensitive element, two operational amplifiers, a relay with its associated driver circuit, and a number of resistors forming voltage dividers. In accordance with the method of the invention, the photo-sensitive element, together with a resistor, establishes a signal voltage which varies in relation to the light level. Other resistors form voltage dividers which establish reference voltage levels at which desired switching is to occur. The operational amplifiers perform comparisons between the signal voltage and reference voltages and switch accordingly.

Abstract: A power interrupt switching device for independently controlling normal and remote loads from a single control switch. The device includes an edge detector, an energy storage element, and a latch. When power is applied to the switching device, the edge detector detects the power transition and generates an output pulse for a predetermined time. The storage element charges and generates an output after a second predetermined time greater than the first. Consequently, both outputs are not present simultaneously upon the first application of power. If power is interrupted momentarily and then reapplied, the edge detector again generates an output while the storage element maintains its output during the interruption. With both outputs present, the latch is triggered to deliver power through the switching device to a remote load. The latch remains closed until power is removed.

Abstract: An overtemperature protector for an incandescent lamp socket housing comprises a glass enclosed circuit breaker and an electrical heater in proximate heat transfer relationship therewith. The heater is in series with the circuit breaker so that when the circuit breaker is open, there can be no current flow through the heater.

Abstract: Apparatus for shutting off utilities, such as gas and electricity, automatically in the case of an emergency, such as an earthquake. The utility can be a gas or electric line and, at shutdown, an alarm may be sounded and a light activated. The apparatus includes a box mounted adjacent the main power panel. The box includes a solenoid wired to the main breaker switch of the main power panel and a start/stop switch coupled to the solenoid valve at the main gas line. If an earthquake hits, the solenoid to the electric panel is activated to shut off the main switch. This in turn activates the solenoid to the gas line which turns off the gas. Simultaneously, a signal alarm coupled to the box sounds and a light also coupled to the box is lit. The alarm may be turned off manually and the light kept on, if desired. After the emergency, the control panel may be reset and the gas turned on after manually opening the gas valve and re-lighting the pilot.

Abstract: A capacitive detecting circuit for detecting transient capacitive changes such as that of a person moving into proximity of a sensing element. A sensing element is coupled to a threshold level controlled amplifier supplied with relatively high frequency signals from an oscillator through a high input impedance. A detector circuit is coupled to the amplifier output to detect D.C. variations in the level control loop caused by transient capacitive changes and provide a control output signal representative of such change.

Abstract: A temperature regulating control unit and method of making the same are provided, the unit comprising a RTD temperature sensor, a unit for applying electrical signals to the sensor, and a microcomputer for receiving digital signals from the sensor in relation to the temperature being sensed by the sensor, the unit for applying electrical signals to the sensor applying a varying voltage to the sensor.

Abstract: First and second switches are switches to be detected. An AC signal source supplies AC signals to the switches. A controller includes: one photocoupler for outputting a signal when a supplied current is positive and is equal to or greater than a first current, and when the supplied current is negative and equal to or smaller than a second current; a first diode for receiving an output signal from the AC signal source when the first switch is turned on, and outputting a positive current to the photocoupler; a second diode for receiving an output signal from the AC signal source when the second switch is turned on, and outputting a negative current to the photocoupler; a first latch for latching an output signal from the photocoupler when the AC signal is positive; a second latch for latching output data from the photocoupler when the AC signal is negative; and a CPU.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a latching relay having on and off inputs for controlling power to a load. The on and off inputs of the relay are controlled by pulse generators which are in turn controlled by an occupancy sensor circuit. These pulse generators provide pulses when movement is initially detected in a room and when no movement has been detected for a predetermined time, respectively. The outputs of the pulse generators are coupled to an isolation circuit which isolates the power supply for the occupancy sensor from the pulses during each pulse to prevent damage to the power supply.

Abstract: A yarn storing device (1) comprises a storage drum (2) and a sensor (5) arranged at the withdrawal end (3) of the storage drum (2). The sensor (5) has the form of an eyelet (6) for guiding the yarn (4) and generates a signal during the withdrawal of yarn (4) having a frequency corresponding to the number of turns of yarn withdrawn per time unit. For enhancing the reliability of detecting the withdrawal of yarn on the basis of the sensor signal, the eyelet (6) of the sensor (5) is movably mounted on a housing (7) of the sensor (5) and comprises a light-reflecting surface (11) wherein a light-emitting element (8) and a light-receiving element (9) are fixed to the housing (7) such that the light generated by the light-emitting element (8) falls on the light reflecting surface (11) and is directed towards the light-receiving element (9) when the eyelet (6) has a predetermined relative position with respect to the housing (7).

Abstract: Arrangements for detecting the presence of an opaque object in an area, such as a person in a robotic work cell. Multiple light sources, light reflecting surfaces, light boxes with hole patterns or fiber optic light sources are spaced around the perimeter of the area and imaged by a camera. The change of the camera signal from its normal condition is used to interrupt power to safeguard personnel and/or machinery.

Abstract: A proximity switch e.g. for a domestic a.c. supply is connected in-line e.g. in the live line of the supply between live and switch live terminals. No direct connection is made to the neutral line. Switching is performed by a triac T which receives a gate input 17 from a control circuit K that includes a proximity switch (FIGS. 5, 6). The control circuit K has a power supply comprising a charge storage capacitor C1 that is charged from the live terminal through a first impedance (diodes D3, D4) and a unidirectional first path through diode D1 when the triac T is conductive. When the triac T is switched to a non-conductive state, the capacitor C1 is charged from the switch live terminal through a second unidirectional path including diode D1 and a second impedance R2.

Abstract: A wall box mounted remotely operated voltage module utilizing a low voltage DC control signal which is remotely generated. A power semi conductor device is triggered to deliver a predetermined amount of power from the source of AC electrical power to a load. The AC electrical power is rectified and transformed to produce a low voltage rectified DC signal. A comparator generates a triggering signal to the power semi conductor utilizing the low voltage rectified DC signal and remotely generated low voltage DC control signal as imputs. The comparator also serves as a compensator for changes in the voltage of the AC electrical power from the source.

Abstract: Infrasonic switch device to actuate an alarm in response to detection of infrasonic energy, including a multi-position switch circuit having a "standby" or "reset" position responsive to infrasonic signals, an infrasonic detection circuit to detect and pass selected levels of infrasonic energy, a trigger circuit to actuate an alarm such as a light or a buzzer for a predetermined time upon detection of the selected levels of infrasonic energy, and a timing circuit to permit actuation of the alarm for a predetermined time when the multi-position switch is in the "standby" or "reset" mode. The device also includes delay switching angle circuitry to consume the power to operate the device's internal components utilizing only selected portions of both the positive and negative AC power cycle and to utilize the balance of each AC cycle to operate the alarm.

Abstract: A temperature sensing circuit including a temperature sensing element located at a medium to sense the temperature of the medium. The sensing element is a resistive element with a range of resistive values corresponding to a range of sensed temperatures. The sensing element is connected to circuitry for detecting variations of the resistance of the element. The circuitry provides an output signal of one state when the element resistance increases beyond a first value and provides an output signal of a second state when the element resistance decreases beyond a second value.

Abstract: The soil moisture alarm device comprising of a conductivity sensor, a photoelectric light sensor, an ON-OFF controllable audio generator, a buzzer and a DC battery as a source of power. The device can be placed in the pot permanently. It will not work without ambient light, so that it will not disturb people at night when they are sleeping.

Abstract: A gravity operated switching circuit, having particular application in end of train equipment, allows the microprocessor circuit board in the equipment to be turned off. The circuit turns the power off when the equipment is laid on its side after a predetermined time constant, and when the equipment is again mounted in an upright position, the power is turned on after a different predetermined time constant. A modification of the basic circuit requires a reset button to be manually pressed to restore power after the equipment is again mounted in an upright position.

Abstract: An automatic controller for a master gas switch includes a timer for keeping the switch opened for a selectable time. The controller includes an electrical motor for rapidly closing the switch. The motor is responsive to two conditions: When the timer reaches the end of a selectable time, it energizes the motor to cause the gas switch to close. Secondly, a flame induction rod monitors a gas burner flame, and when the flame stops, such rod causes a relay to close and energize the motor for gas switch closure.

Abstract: A cycling circuit for cycling a power source alternately between two loads provides switching circuitry having two switches interconnected between the power source and each of the loads. When each switch is in an active state, its respective load receives power, and when each switch is in an inactive state, its respective load does not receive power. A timing circuit controls the activation and deactivation of the switches so that the activation of one switch deactivates the other with the timing circuit establishing directions for each switch's active/deactive state. These durations may be set or selectively variable. A condition sensing element may also be included as part of the timing circuit so that the relative time durations vary automatically in response to environmental conditions such as temperature.

Abstract: Light-sensitive switch structure for and method of turning a street light, or other load, on or off in response to varying light levels. The switch is designed to recognize the daily variations in light level and is capable of switching a load off at a light level lower than that at which the load is switched on. In a preferred embodiment the switch consists of a photo-sensitive element, two relays with time delay features, and two current limiting resistors to regulate the current flowing through the operating coils of the relays. In other embodiments wherein the values of the circuit components are properly selected one of the resistors regulating the current flowing through the operating coils of the relays may be eliminated. In accordance with the method of the invention one of the relays operates contacts which energize or de-energize the load, while the other relay operates contacts which connect or disconnect the resistors to or from the operating coils of the relays.

Abstract: The thermometer includes an oscillation unit having a time constant circuit with a compound resistor including a reference resistor and a temperature sensitive resistor. The compound resistor is switched between the reference and temperature sensitive resistors. A comparator compares the oscillation frequencies of the oscillation unit by switching over the compound resistor between the reference and temperature sensitive resistors at a variable sampling interval, and outputs digital data corresponding to the temperature sensed by the temperature sensitive resistor. The digital data corresponding to the sensed temperature are converted and displayed on a temperature data display unit. The resistive value of the reference resistor and the sampling time are switchable according to the range of temperature measurement. The temperature data conversion unit has several sections which are switchably selected according to particular ranges of temperature measurement.

Abstract: An electronic sensing and control circuit is provided which includes a sensing plate and means for charging the sensing plate to a value dependent upon the capacitance existing between the sensing plate and a remote object. The capacitance between the sensing plate and the object varies with the distance of the object relative to the sensing plate. The sensing plate is periodically discharged and charged producing a useful current proportional to the capacitance and varying with the distance between the sensing plate and the object. Two sensing plates are used to provide first and second signals. The first and second signals are subtracted to derive a lateral displacement signal and added to derive a distance signal. The lateral displacement signal and the distance signal can be used to control the forward, reverse and turning motion of a motorized wheelchair.

Abstract: A water pump control system, such as for a boat, including a battery operated main motor-and-pump unit and a backup motor-and-pump unit. A pump turn-on transistor operates a relay to turn on the main motor-and-pump unit when the water level rises to a high level. A touch switch may be used to turn on the pump turn-on transistor independent of the water level. A pump turn-off transistor, which is turned on by the relay, keeps the main motor-and-pump unit on until the water level drops to a low water level. A backup motor-and-pump unit comes on if the main motor-and-pump unit has not come on after the pump turn-on transistor has been turned on.

Abstract: A conveyor system for delivering work pieces to a predetermined area comprising a first conveyor, a second conveyor disposed at an angle to the first conveyor, a mechanical brain, and a transfer apparatus (arm) at the juncture of the first and second conveyors. The mechanical brain has a shim, a rotating disk and sliding plates on the disc that are temporarily moveable to form a protrusion that rotates with the disc. The disc rotates at a speed that is a function of the speed of the first conveyor and the protrusion activates a device to create a light path transverse to the first conveyor near the first and second conveyor juncture just prior to a workpiece entering such juncture. The protrusion is returned to its normal state, subsequent to the creation of the light path, by the coaction of the rotating disk and the shim.

Abstract: A temperature control signal (S.sub.1) responsive to a target temperature is biquadrated (S.sub.1.sup.4) to produce a power control signal. A power supply unit supplies electric power to one or more radiant heat sources on the basis of the power control signal, whereby an object such as, for example, a wafer is heated by radiant energy from the one or more radiant heat sources. The wafer temperature is proportional to the biquadrative root of the radiant energy in accordance with the well-known Stefan-Boltzmann's law, whereby the wafer temperature correctly follows a predetermined time-dependent target temperature variation over time.

Abstract: A system for feeding and controlling low intensity obstruction lights, involving low power drain especially in radio stations powered by solar cells includes:a sub-system which not only generates the energy necessary to feed the obstruction light, but also detects solar intensity;a control sub-system which delivers energy to the obstruction lights, triggered in correspondence to a light threshold, generates indicator signals on the operating state of the main on/off switch and the power circuit breaker and generates a lamp failure control for telemetering purposes and fault controls for the individual obstruction lights for local displaying purposes; and a low luminous intensity and low power drain lighting sub-system.

Abstract: An automatic lighting device having a circuit for operating an electric light, a switch for manually actuating the circuit, a detector circuit for determining whether movement above a prescribed threshold level has occurred within the area covered by the electric light within a first preselected period, a circuit responsive to the detector circuit for disabling the circuit for providing electricity if movement has not occurred in the area during the first preselected period, and a circuit for reactivating the circuit for providing electricity in response to the detection of movement in the area within a second preselected period.

Abstract: A method for randomly delaying a restart of electrical equipment following an availability of power for energizing the equipment includes the steps of measuring an environmental temperature, e.g., the room where the electrical equipment is located, converting a predetermined fractional portion of the value of the sensed temperature to a number and using the number following an availability of power for energizing the equipment after a time period having a duration restarting the equipment. An apparatus employing this method includes a restart control, a temperature sensor and an equipment start programmer responsive to the temperature sensor and connected to the restart control for producing a restart control energizing signal dependent on a predetermined fractional portion of the value of the sensed temperature.

Abstract: The invention is a gas mixture for a diffuse discharge switch which is capable of changing from a conducting state to an insulating state in the presence of electrons upon the introduction of laser light. The mixture is composed of a buffer gas such as nitrogen or argon and an electron attaching gas such as C.sub.6 H.sub.5 SH, C.sub.6 H.sub.5 SCH.sub.3, CH.sub.3 CHO and CF.sub.3 CHO wherein the electron attachment is brought on by indirect excitation of molecules to long-lived states by exposure to laser light.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic float switch circuit which employs simple immersion probes, one of which is associated with a high fluid level and the other with a low fluid level. Each of the immersion probes operates in conjunction with an oscillator, a detector and a comparator. Essentially, when the associated immersion probe is immersed in a fluid, the oscillator ceases oscillations which therefore provides a first low voltage level via the detector to the comparator to therefore change the state of the comparator. The comparator associated with the high and low level probes operate to set and reset a DC flip-flop which in turn controls an opto-isolator device to trigger a triac. The triac operates the pump. When the fluid level reaches below the level of the low probe, the circuit is disabled allowing the vessel again to be filled with water to allow the pump to operate between the high and low levels by means of the electronic circuit.