Abstract: A novel control device for switches fitted onto an automobile steering wheel including a rotary sensor and a rotation discriminating circuit to detect the turning angle of the steering wheel when changing the running direction of the automobile to the right or left and prevent the load of the switch from being actuated even when another switch fitted onto the center of the steering wheel is maloperated while operating a turn signal lamp.This control device makes the turning operation of the steering wheel easier and at the same time, it can contribute to the safe driving of the automobiles.Furthermore, the device can be constructed with simple parts and mounted readily on the existing automobiles.

Abstract: A novel self-powered control unit for interfacing a tube-type electrosurgical mainframe to a finger-switch handpiece comprises completely-isolated electrical circuitry for preventing harmful feedback from mainframe to handpiece, a control function in parallel with the conventional mainframe footswitch, and novel battery-monitoring circuits for testing battery status.

Abstract: A motion detection system is disclosed which utilizes a lens or other imaging device to be responsive to motion in a particular field of view in a room, for example, and pass illumination to a photocell. The photocell or a screen in front thereof establishes image distortion so that there is a nonuniform electrical output from the photocell upon motion of objects in the given field of view. The nonuniform electrical output establishes pulses which are passed to a timer and continually resets the timer so long as there is motion detected. Upon discontinuance of any motion in the field of view, no further pulses are passed to reset the timer, and the timer times out to de-energize an electrical load. This may be an electrical lamp illuminating the field of view, or it may be an electric soldering iron or typewriter which is de-energized when the person has left the room.

Abstract: A voice responsive door lock system is provided wherein the operation of the door lock device is vocally controlled by the driver via a voice recognition unit.The voice responsive door lock system for a motor vehicle comprises a door position detection means, an indication means for indicating a question as to the necessity of locking the door, a voice recognition unit for identifying the driver's reply and producing a door lock command signal, and a door lock control means for actuating a door lock device upon receiving the door lock command signal.

Abstract: A contact-controlled capacitive switching means utilized as a floor or cabin calling transmitter for lifts or the like is designed such that travel or drive commands for the lift are prevented from being generated by the action of heat or, if generated, from being further transmitted to a lift control system. Therefore, a thermal circuit breaker is interconnected between an actuating element, such as a contact button and a coupling member connected to an input of an oscillator. The thermal circuit breaker may be mounted directly at the contact button or at a mounting plate carrying the contact button. A further thermal circuit breaker is interconnected between an output of the switching means and a connection terminal of a signal transmitting line of the lift control system.

Abstract: A motion sensitive firable device includes an opthomological laser for firing at an eye, switching means for activating the laser and motion detector means interconnecting the switching means and the laser for preventing the switching means from activting the laser when the motion detector means detects a given motion of the eye.

Abstract: A system for the control of a load such as a heating or cooling plant in response to changes in an external parameter, specifically ambient temperature, comprises a loop circuit with two conductors connected at an input end across a power supply and at an output end across a switching network, the load being inserted in one of these conductors. A high-impedance voltage multiplier connected across these conductors downstream of the load, in parallel with the switching network, supplies the necessary operating voltage to a parameter sensor such as a thermostat even when that network is in a low-impedance state so as to draw a maximum load current. The switching network may include a voltage clamp provided with a source of reference potential, e.g. a primary battery, which upon failure of the normal power supply can act as a standby supply insuring continued operation of a timer serving for a periodic switchover between different temperature thresholds for the thermostat.

Abstract: A rotation detector wherein a rotary disk formed with slits in the circumferential direction thereof at predetermined regular intervals and connected to a driving source is disposed between a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the light sensed by the light receiving element is intermittenlly interrupted by rotation of the rotary disk, whereby rotation of the driving source is detected. One of the rotation detectors is of such an arrangement that a parallel circuit is constituted by a resistor and a series circuit including a feedback resistor and a switching element, and this parallel circuit connects a power source and a light emitting element. Additionally, another of the rotational detectors is of such an arrangement that a comparator, in which a reference level is set, is used to compare outputs from a light emitting element with the reference level.

Abstract: A motion sensing system which can be oriented in any position and which provides an output signal when it is moved or tilted. The system includes an oscillator which provides an output signal; the amplitude of the oscillator signal is modulated responsive to motion. A signal level detector provides an output signal when the modulation amplitude exceeds a predetermined level. The output signal from the level detector indicates excessive motion and can be used to provide an alarm or to control associated equipment.

Abstract: A sound actuated switch including a microphone coupled via an audio amplifier to a reset circuit. When a sound of sufficient intensity is received by the microphone a reset signal is supplied to the counter portion of an oscillator and counter circuit. The counter then begins counting oscillations and produces an "on" control signal until a predetermined count is reached, at which time an "off" control signal is produced. The control signal is supplied to the gate of a switching triac in a switch circuit. The presence of the on control signal causes the switching triac to electrically connect an AC power source to a load, typically a light. A simple, high efficiency DC power supply is also disclosed.

Abstract: An oil burner primary control in an interrupted ignition burner control system includes a regulating circuit for regulating the voltage across a flame-responsive photo-conductive cell. The regulating circuit ensures that, in the event the cell becomes defective so as to exhibit abnormal resistance characteristics, the system will not permit fuel to flow unless a burner flame exists or unless the igniter and a safety circuit are energized.

Abstract: The temperature indicator has a temperature sensor which operates a switch. The temperature sensor is exposed to the heat of both the heating system of the glass ceramic cooking surface and an auxiliary heating system. The switch opens and closes a circuit including an indicating member indicating the state of the cooking surface. To ensure that the temperature indicator operates with maximum precision the switch is positioned outside the heated area and the temperature indicator is thermally closely coupled to the heating system of the glass ceramic cooking surface and/or the glass ceramic cooking surface itself. Thus, in all operating states its cooling time is the same as the cooling time of the glass ceramic cooking surface.

Abstract: In the case of prison cell doors, strong room doors and the doors of safes and strongboxes the problem exists of protecting a switch fitted to the door or its frame and which as a result of the closing movement of the door releases an alarm signal from manipulations by unauthorized persons, for example the emission of a false signal by a prisoner when the cell door is open. A signal switch (3) with roller (16) is detachably fixed to door (1) and a stationary eccentric disc (4) which serves as the switch actuator is detachably fixed to frame (2). This mechanical switch device (3, 4, 16) is housed in a casing (5), whose base (6) is welded to door (1) and whose coverlike cap (7) is locked from the inside to casing base (6) by means of a cylindrical lock (8) in casing (5) and is consequently secured against raising therefrom.

Abstract: A vibration sensor and electrical power shut off device including a pendulum switch constructed for universal movement whereby vibration in any direction causes the pendulum switch to close and actuate a solenoid that shuts off electrical power at a switch point in an electrical power line, a low voltage circuit remaining energized to indicate power interruption.

Abstract: A defrost control device has camming means for rotational movement and gear train means operable generally in a pair of preselected speed modes for effecting the rotational movement of the camming means. Means actuated by the camming means during a part of the rotational movement thereof toward a displaced position is adapted for translating the gear train means from one of the preselected speed modes to the other of the preselected speed modes thereof. Means is selectively operable upon the occurrence of a preselected condition for releasably maintaining the translating means in the displaced position thereof to effect the operation of the gear train means in its other preselected speed mode.A method of operating a defrost control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for fluid fuel burners, particularly for blue-flame oil burners, utilizes flame conduction to control energizing of the light emitting portion of an optical coupler. Circuit means including the light responsive portion of the optical coupler is effective, in the presence of a predetermined level of illumination from the light emitting portion which occurs in the absence of a burner flame, to enable flow of a combustible fuel-air mixture and energizing of ignition means, and, in the subsequent absence of the predetermined level of illumination when burner flame exists, to terminate energizing of the ignition means and to enable continued flow of the combustible mixture. The control system further includes means for reducing the rate and level of illumination of the light emitting portion so that it requires a predetermined time period for the light emitting portion to be energized to the predetermined level of illumination.

Abstract: A heating arrangement in a fixing station of a printing device has its operation monitored by an arrangement in which a measuring element is disposed in series with the heating element and a switch element. The measuring element is traversed by the heating current and emits a corresponding voltage which is supplied to an amplifier circuit which produces pulse-shaped clock signals as long as the heating current flows through the measuring element and the heating element. The clock signals are supplied to a reset input of a flip-flop whose dynamic input is connected to an oscillator operating at a frequency lower than that of the alternating current so that as long as clock pulses occur, the flip-flop is constantly reset. Therefore, the flip-flop can only be set over a longer interval when no heating current is flowing.

Abstract: A current control device for connection in series with an AC load where it is not convenient to make connections in parallel with the load. The device comprises a pair of terminals for connection in series with an AC load, a triac for controlling the flow of current through the load, and a control circuit for controlling the triac. A circuit for supplying current to power supply rails when current is flowing through the load comprises a transformer having a primary winding connected in series with the terminals, and a secondary winding connected across the input of a rectifier, the output of which is connected across the supply rails. A circuit for supplying power to the rails when the flow of current through the load is prevented comprises a resistor bridged by a capacitor connected in series with a zener diode between the terminals, a rectifying diode and a smoothing capacitor.

Abstract: A condition control system utilizing digital anticipation involving periodically filling a counter from a relatively high frequency source in response to a first frequency signal. The relatively high frequency signal is fed in a controlled manner into an anticipation cycle counting means to provide for digital anticipation in a condition control system. The system has been specifically disclosed as a temperature control system or thermostat. The system also provides for a bypass means to reset the system when a set point change has been made. A degulping circuit has been provided to eliminate instability at very high and very low loads.

Abstract: A system for alternately activating and deactivating a load comprises a high-resistance d-c circuit branch connected across a power supply downstream of a load-operating impedance, this branch including a voltage limiter and a voltage multiplier in series with each other and with a switching stage responsive to commands from a timer and/or a parameter sensor such as a thermostat. The junction of the voltage limiter and the voltage multiplier is connected to one input of a differential amplifier whose other input is energized with either of two potentials, respectively higher and lower than that of the junction, by the switching stage.

Abstract: A heating apparatus capable of heating an article to be heated accommodated within a heating chamber to a degree that the article becomes charred. Illumination intensity of reflected light from the surface of the article illuminated with visible light rays from a light source is detected by an optical sensor, to thereby identify the degree of charring produced in the article, wherein heating operation is controlled on the basis of the identified degree of charring.

Abstract: A temperature achievement controller for controlling the temperature of a device which is heated by a heating unit in accordance with a predetermined temperature versus time schedule. The controller includes apparatus for producing an analog signal which corresponds to the achieved temperature of the device under test and apparatus for producing an analog signal which corresponds to the desired temperature versus time schedule. An error signal equal to the difference between the achieved and desired temperature is generated and coupled to a three mode control unit which produces a control signal proportional to the sum of the derivative of the error signal, the integral of the error signal and the error signal itself. The control signal is received by a duty cycle modulator which controls the ratio of power on time to power off time of the power applied to the heating unit in accordance with the magnitude of the control signal.

Abstract: A touch sensitive control panel utilizing pyroelectric material to provide output signals representative of an area touched by an operator includes a plurality of conductors and areas of pyroelectric material selectively in contact with the conductors to provide a binary coded combination of voltage pulses on the conductors representative of a touched area of the control panel.

Abstract: An energy conserving circuit for controlling supply of electrical power to various loads such as a street lamp or a hot water heater comprises a photoelectric device for starting a timer when a change from daylight to dark is sensed at sundown, and a load power control responsive to the timer to switch between power-off and power-on states. With a street lamp the timer and power control means are connected to switch the power control means to power-on state at the beginning of the delay period at sundown and later, well before sunrise, to switch to power-off state. In the case of a household hot water heater the switching of the power control to power-on state is delayed until the peak demand hours have ended after sundown. The photoelectric device will normally cause the power control to switch to power-off state at sunrise.

Abstract: A load controller, primarily intended for use in systems having geographically distributed, energy utilizing loads, and employing stored energy heating apparatus. The controller (1, 10) disclosed, in conjunction with a stored energy heater (3, 4), when installed on an energy distribution system having a multiplicity of heaters and controllers, adjusts individual heater storage (3), providing adequate energy for varying heat requirements of individual heaters after a mandatory "off" period (46, 47, 49, 51), thereby greatly reducing the overall peak energy or demand requirements on a central energy source. Alternate embodiments utilize a microprocessor (300) to provide close control of heater storage and improve efficiency. Digital display (307) and a keyboard input are provided for adjusting system constants and evaluating unit operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically de-energizing electrically operable equipment in response to a lack of animal activity in a specified environment for predetermined time period. The apparatus of the present invention utilizes a circuit which is designed to detect activity which generates energy in a certain wavelength range and particularly, sonic energy in a certain environment and is responsive to the lack of activity within a certain predetermined time delay period or interval. Thus, if an activity which generates sonic energy is detected within a confined environment within the predetermined time interval, a signal is generated to energize or maintain energization of one or more electrical devices connected to the system of the invention. Contrariwise, if no sonic energy is detected within the predetermined time interval, there is a resultant de-energization of the electrically operable equipment. A control is provided to adjust the predetermined time delay period.

Abstract: An instrument for warning an unaware person at a start of an earthquake; the instrument including a suspended pendulum which at its lower end has an electric contact spaced from a stationary ring-shaped contact which surrounds the pendulum contact, so that during an earth tremor the stationary contact moves together with the earth, thus engaging the suspended contact and accordingly closing an electric circuit with an audible alarm.

Abstract: A photosensitive switch including control means for turning a load on or off in response to the ambient light level. The switch is so arranged to turn the load off if the components thereof fail.

Abstract: Switching apparatus for energizing a load from an a.c. current source where the apparatus is actuated to an "on" condition by the application of a source of light, such as a match. A photo-responsive, solid-state element such as a light actuable SCR is mounted within the apparatus at the end of a passageway of length and width selected to preclude an influence of ambient lighting. The "on" condition of the device is sustained through the utilization of a feedback light path, the source of which is an incandescent lamp. Switching "off" the apparatus is carried out by blowing on an opaque flap from a rest to a transient position temporarily blocking the feedback light path.

Abstract: A sound received by a diaphragm is converted by means of a piezo-electric element into an electric current and amplified. The amplified current functions to cause both a monostable multi-vibrator circuit and a load drive circuit to operate in cooperation to close a circuit to an actuator for a predetermined period of time so as to allow it to actuate the load for the predetermined period.

Abstract: A room thermostat having an electronic circuit board mounted in a cover and attached to a base member. A space is provided between the back side of the circuit board and the front of the thermostat cover whereby air can pass along the back side of the circuit board to "air wash" for removing heat which is generated by the electrical components mounted on the front side of the circuit board. The front side of the circuit board has a cover over the electrical components for shielding the heat from the components from a temperature responsive element. The temperature responsive element is mounted in a channel provided by the thermostat cover and shield to allow air flow past the temperature responsive means through a channel which includes the space between the thermostat cover and the base.

Abstract: A noise alarm for use in a school classroom to detect sound exceeding a predetermined level and which actuates a two-tone audio alarm and a light-emitting diode to notify both the instructor and students when excessive noise has been detected. The noise alarm aids the instructor in preventing excessive classroom noise which can and does disrupt and destroy a given learning situation. A sensitivity control is provided to allow the instructor to determine the noise level at which the alarm will automatically respond, and time delay means are provided so the audio alarm will not sound unless excessive noise occurs twice and within a predetermined time frame. The noise alarm also provides a digital LED readout displaying how many times the audio alarm has been triggered, thus providing the instructor with a temporary record which can be used to reinforce acceptable classroom noise levels.

Abstract: An electronic sensing device, operates to actuate a household lighting fixture in response to a sensed environmental condition such as sound or movement within a room. The device is provided with a receiver for sensing the particular environmental condition, a timer responsive to the output of the receiver, switching apparatus for switching on the household lighting fixture in response to the timer, and a power-providing circuit. The timer provides that the lighting fixture will remain on for a preselected time after sensing the environmental condition, and continually resets in the continued presence of the environmental condition. The switching apparatus switches the light fixture on in response to the timer output and further provides circuitry for varying the switched-on duty cycle of the lighting fixture in order to provide a dimmer control. The power-providing circuitry applies a portion of the leading edge of each half cycle of line current to power the circuitry of the sensing device.

Abstract: A control unit for use with a hand-held probe and an electrosurgical generator is disclosed to include a power input transformer which isolates the primary power supply from two electrically isolated circuits within the control unit. A first one of the electrical circuits receives a channel select signal from a hand-held probe connected thereto and, in response thereto, actuates either a first channel circuit or a second channel circuit within the second circuit. Each of the first and second channel circuits includes an alternating current actuated relay for electromagnetically moving a switch element therein in response to the channel select circuit so that either a first or a second control signal is provided to the electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: A solid state switching circuit using a capacitive feedback that creates a positive differential. This positive differential overcomes any half-wave operation of the solid state switches caused by lack of symmetry in its gating circuit.

Abstract: A control station in data communication with a plurality of remote stations, each remote station including a receiving opto-isolator device and a transmitting opto-isolator device, each having an LED and an associated light detector. The LED of the receiving opto-isolator is in series circuit arrangement with the detector of the transmitting opto-isolator. A single remote station may be provided or a plurality of remote stations either in series or parallel circuit configuration. If in series configuration, a bypass circuit may be provided in the event of a failure of a particular remote station.

Abstract: An electrical power sharing device comprising a single power inlet feeding two power outlets alternately for periods of time as determined by the ambient temperature, the device including a bimetallic strip contacting the profile of a continuously rotating cam and opening and closing the electrical connections between the power inlet and the power outlets during each revolution of the cam for periods determined by the profile of the cam at the point contacted by the bimetallic strip as determined by the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A sonic agglomeration system wherein high sound intensity and resonance are maintained with a low power input. These functions are attained through the use of a chamber feed-horn design that promotes resonance and maximized the efficiency of sound transfer between a sound producing compression driver and a resonant chamber. A digital controller maintains efficient resonance in the chamber and an efficient agglomeration rate constant by making adjustments in the frequency, sound amplitude and nuclei injection rate of the system.

Abstract: The effects of wind noise signals from fence-mounted transducers are overcome by basing alarm indications on signal components in at least two narrow frequency bands centered on, say, 120 Hz and 240 Hz.

Abstract: A switch for controlling the operation of a light source in response to the presence of a moving person or object and in response to the magnitude of ambient light provided other than by the light source, said switch comprising means for detecting the presence of a moving body; timing means responsive to said detecting means, said timing means assuming a first condition for a selected period of time in response to the detection of a moving body by said detecting means; means for monitoring the magnitude of ambient light, said monitoring means assuming a first condition when the magnitude of ambient light is below or at a selected value and assuming a second condition when the magnitude of ambient light is above the selected value; and means for actuating a light source only when said timing means is in its first condition and when said monitoring means is in its first condition.

Abstract: An on-off switch and a dimmer for an electrical load such as an electric light. The on-off switch comprises a source and detector of infra-red radiation for controlling on-off circuitry and a load switch. The on-off switch is activated by passing one's hand close to and in front of the source and detector. This action activates the on-off circuitry to control the load switch to turn the light on. A second pass of the hand turns the light off. A second source and detector of infra-red radiation and dimmer circuitry are provided for dimming purposes. Dimming action is achieved by placing one's hand close to and in front of the second source and detector to activate the dimmer circuitry to sequentially control the load switch to change the brightness level of the light. The dimming sequence is stopped when the desired brightness level is reached by moving the hand away from the second source and detector.

Abstract: A circuit for safely admitting fuel to a burner, igniting the fuel, detecting the presence of flame at the burner, and preventing the escape of unburned fuel from the burner if ignition is not accomplished or the flame is interrupted. An initiation circuit operates a control signal generator during a time delay period and a valve operating circuit opens a fuel valve to admit fuel to a burner. An igniter circuit is operated in response to energization of the valve operating circuit to produce sparks for ignition of the fuel. A flame detector circuit powered by the valve operating circuit detects the presence of flame and, in response, the operation of the control signal generator is maintained and the operation of the ignition circuit is interrupted. The operation is fail-safe, the detection of flame is reliable despite power supply variations, and no power supply transformer or valve operating relay is required.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and signalling the presence and absence of movement of an object moving randomly in space and time has a portable transmitter carried by the moving object, such as a human operator. The transmitter transmits a carrier frequency signal so long as the operator continues his random movements. A detector associated with the transmitter detects the random movements and has sensing means which is a sensor that responds to the operator's movements and is movable randomly in three dimensions in response to the movements. The detector has a photo-responsive switch activated by the movement sensor which interrupts the emission of the carrier frequency signal when the human operator is substantially immobile and permits the transmission once the operator renews his movement. A receiver is positioned in an area for receiving the carrier frequency signal.

Abstract: Two field effect transistor device means are utilized in conjunction with a special type of transformer having a low impedance primary winding and a high impedance primary winding to energize a secondary circuit to supply power for operating the electronics. The energy storage means for the field effect transistor device means is kept charged either directly from the line or through a voltage in the primary windings of the special transformer when the load switching field effect transistor device means is conducting.

Abstract: A temperature-responsive control system is provided for sensing the temperature of a heating circuit and automatically shutting off the input power when the temperature exceeds an acceptable range. Manually operated means are provided for initiating heating only when the temperature is within the acceptable range.

Abstract: A system for allocating energy adapted to be coupled to a plurality of conditioning equipment systems utilized to alter a plurality of corresponding first conditions. Thermal sensors for monitoring the conditions in each of a plurality of environments are coupled to allocation circuitry which provides for activation of control channels of the allocation circuitry in an order determined by the relative demand for conditioning of the plurality of environments. When two or more environments are determined to have the same demand for conditioning, the control channels of the allocation circuitry are activated in a controlled order. When a predetermined number of control channels have been activated, the process of allocation is terminated by the allocation circuitry. When more than the predetermined number of control channels is activated in case of a failure of the system, an alarm is activated and all previously activated control channels are deactivated.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat includes digital electronic apparatus for simulating heat anticipation so that in operation, the temperature of the room being heated or cooled does not exhibit excessive overshoot. A sensor generates a signal representative of temperature in the room. In a preferred embodiment, the system compares the temperature signal with a composite set point signal. The composite set point signal is generated by a data processor to effect the following system characteristics: (1) when the temperature signal remains constant and is equal to the set point, the system can cycle approximately six times an hour with a fifty percent duty cycle; (2) a relatively small change in temperature or set point will modify the duty cycle substantially; and (3) if the temperature and set point signals differ by more than a predetermined amount, the system will lock on or off, depending on which is greater.

Abstract: A control circuit for proportionally controlling the application of available ac current to thin film heaters and other heating apparatus for transparent windows and other selected surfaces of refrigerated cabinets prevents condensation of moisture thereon. A transducing sensor in contact with the ambient air and thermally coupled to the refrigerated cabinet surfaces provides control signals to an ac heating current control circuit in relation to the difference between cabinet surface temperature and the dew point temperature of the ambient air. As the cabinet surface temperature drops closer to dew point the application of electric power to the transparent window and other surface heating apparatus is proportionally increased by the control circuit by applying heater current during correspondingly increased "on" periods for passage of the available ac heater current. "On" periods of the heater current are initiated during times in a cycle when the ac is at or near its null.

Abstract: High voltage control devices are provided comprising a housing, an aprotic liquid contained within said housing, means for effecting heat exchange with said liquid, at least two spaced electrodes contained within said liquid and each of said electrodes extending from said housing. These devices find utility as variable resistors, circuit breakers, thermostats, optical triggering devices, acoustic pulse generators and the like.

Abstract: A smoke alarm activated portable light or lamp for providing emergency illumination in response to an alarm signal from a smoke alarm device includes a frequency selective microphone, several amplifier stages, a peak detector, an isolation or buffer stage, and a power stage comprising a pair of cascaded transistors and a light bulb. The lamp includes a bracket for positioning same in proximity to a smoke alarm and a switch which is closed upon removal of the lamp from the bracket. A power saving circuit includes a photoelectric cell and an amplifier and is operative to saturate or overdrive the first gain stage to override any signal from the microphone whereby the lamp is rendered unresponsive to the smoke alarm signal upon illumination of the photocell by daylight or artificial light.