Abstract: The illustrated embodiment is electronic. It includes circuitry for simulating heat anticipation so that in operation, the temperature of the room being heated or cooled does not exhibit excessive overshoot. A signal is generated representative of a desired set point, and another signal is generated representative of room temperature. An output signal, derived from a comparison circuit, is either ON or OFF. An integrator is reset each time the output signal is switched and generates a ramp voltage of increasing magnitude and having a polarity tending to reverse the state of the comparison circuit. The comparison circuit generates an ON signal when the set point signal is greater than the combined temperature and ramp signals; and it generates an OFF signal when the set point signal is less than the combined signals. The comparison circuit latches up once it has switched to avoid hunting or chatter.

Abstract: A microwave leakage detector which can be attached onto a microwave oven, or similar device, and will detect leakage of microwave signal of a predetermined frequency. The leakage detector can be removed from the oven and periodically utilized as a hand held unit for scanning around the oven door, window, and other parts. An alarm will sound when the microwave signal received is above a preset minimum amount. The preset amount can be varied as desired in order to meet safety standards.

Abstract: A sound receiver outputs a signal to a sound level detector and to a notification signal generator. The sound level detector outputs a signal to a first input of a switch, and the notification signal generator outputs a signal to a second input of the switch. Also input into the switch is the program from a program source. Under control of the sound level detector, the switch either outputs the program or the notification signal to an output element of the alarm system whereby the program is interrupted and the notification signal substituted therefor on detection of a sound level greater than a preselected level.

Abstract: An opaque box encloses a lamp, an integrated circuit light-change detector including a photo-diode and an amplifier, and an opto-mechanical means for modulating the light that is coupled from the lamp to the photodiode in response to a mechanical vibration of the box. This device serves as a vibration detector and more particularly as an intrusion alarm when mounted on a door or a window.

Abstract: An oil burner primary control in an interrupted ignition burner control system includes a miniature coupling transformer for controlling operation of the igniter. The gate circuit of a flame responsive switch is effective, in the absence of a burner flame, to generate a plurality of gating pulses at a frequency substantially greater than line frequency. The flame responsive switch is cyclically gated on by the pulses for energizing a safety switch resistance heater. The primary winding of the coupling transformer is connected in the gate circuit of the flame responsive switch and is responsive to the gating pulses to induce voltage pulses in its secondary winding which is connected in the gate circuit of an ignition switch controlling the igniter. At least one of the pulses occurs sufficiently early in each half cycle of the sine wave alternating current appearing at the ignition switch so that the ignition switch conducts during essentially all of the sine wave, as long as there is no burner flame.

Abstract: Two receivers arranged inside and outside a closed space, respectively, are responsive to ambient or environmental noise and a comparator provides an alarm signal when the difference between the outputs of the two receivers falls below a threshold, thereby indicating that the wall to the space has been breached. Alternatively, the two receivers may be arranged in spaced relation within the space and the comparator provides the alarm signal when the difference between the two outputs rises above a threshold, thereby indicating that an intruder is present and closer to one receiver than the other. The apparatus consumes little energy during the watch period and does not depend on itself radiating energy.

Abstract: A control system for energizing and de-energizing external loads in series with a source of electricity incorporates a rectifying network having inputs in series with the alternating current source and each external load. The control system incorporates one electronic switch, such as a triac, and one part of a rectifying network to energize and de-energize each external load. The triggering of a particular electronic switch is made in response to a desired combination of externally sensed parameters obtaining predetermined magnitudes. The same or different sensed parameters may also be used to activate any other external load when these sensed parameters obtain a second set of predetermined magnitudes, which may be identical with the first set of predetermined magnitudes.

Abstract: The sensor disclosed attaches to the neck of a hunting dog for determining its physical behavior thereof. It includes a sensor proper having a movable ball confined in a closed space. A voltage producing device at least partly defines the walls of the closed space. A gate circuit is electrically connected with the voltage producing device. Further, a discriminating signal generator is electrically connected with the voltage producing device so the dog's master can determine the dog's behavior.

Abstract: In the disclosed apparatus, a photo diode has an electrical impedance representative of the ambient light intensity. An amplifier connects to this photo diode and converts the impedance to an analog signal whose magnitude indicates the ambient light intensity. The analog signal is compared via a first comparator with one reference voltage corresponding to the magnitude of analog signal that is generated by cloudy weather, and via another comparator to a reference voltage corresponding to the magnitude of signal that is generated at dusk. The first comparator operates to energize all window light in cloudy weather; and the second comparator operates to energize parking lot lights and electric signs at dusk. The second comparator also activates a timer which, after a manually selectable delay, de-energizes a uniformly distributed portion of all interior overhead lighting.

Abstract: A wet-niche type lamp for providing underwater illumination in a swimming pool or the like includes an over-temperature protection circuit which interrupts the supply of electrical energy to the lamp when the level of the cooling water surrounding the lamp drops below a predetermined level. The circuit includes thermistor mounted in an heat exchange relationship with the surrounding water so that heat energy generated in the thermistor, as a consequence of the current flow through it, is normally transferred to the surrounding water. Should the level of the surrounding water drop below that of the thermistor, the thermistor heat energy quickly evaporates any remaining water film on the exterior surface of the thermistor to allow its temperature to rise. The control circuit, in response to the temperature increase, interrupts the flow of electrical energy to the lamp to prevent over-temperature operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrical apparatus for indicating one or more prescribed times of day which occur between the hours of sunset and sunrise. The apparatus is photosensitive and operates in a manner so that the selected prescribed times are determined each day by utilizing detected sunrise and sunset times as the basis for the determination. This determination on a daily basis avoids accumulation errors which occur when the determination is on a cyclical basis as with the use of a clock.

Abstract: A time proportional control means, shown as a temperature control system, utilizes an expanded time constant arrangement with a unidirectional type of digital counter. The control system also utilizes a pulse generating means that is linked to the set point control for the system. Any substantial change of the set point causes the pulse generating means to generate pulses that are used by a pulse responsive circuit to insure that the counter for the system is adjusted to cause the output of the system to correspond with the new set point position.

Abstract: An alarm system in which local transmitters emit substantially pure acoustic signals for at least a predetermined minimum interval. The receiver includes a microphone and amplifier for transducing the acoustic signals into electrical signals. These electrical signals pass through two bandpass stages, the second being a phase locked loop circuit. An RC timing network is connected to the second bandpass circuit. After about 7500 cycles of the electrical signal have been received an "alarm received" signal occurs. The "alarm received" signal is applied to the triggering input of a free-running pulse generator which supplies pulse trains to a counter and is itself halted when the counter reaches a first intermediate state. A second "alarm received" signal is required to restart the free-running pulse generator and thus advance the counter beyond said first intermediate state.

Abstract: A two-hand safety system utilizing an operator's skin resistance is provided to control the operation of a work fabricating tool. An operator must place both hands on a pair of spaced electrodes in order to initiate operation of a radio digital signal generator which transmits a digital signal to a receiver. The receipt of the digital signal in conjunction with a predetermined positioning of a freely slidable work holder energize a circuit to control the operation of the work fabricating tool.

Abstract: A novel telescoping heat responsive releasing device is described wherein a mounting member on which a bimetallic means is mounted slidingly engages a pawl member which is movable between a first position in which the pawl member is capable of being restained by the aforementioned bimetallic means, and an actuating position wherein associated apparatus connected to said releasing device may assume the desired heat responsive posture. Various alternate embodiments are illustrated wherein a plurality of bimetallic elements are utilized to engage the pawl member, wherein a bimetallic element is additionally actuated mechanically or electrically, and wherein various pawl and mounting member configurations are illustrated.

Abstract: A timing control circuit for use in automatically and intermittently operating electrical appliances, such as lamps, for security purposes in homes, offices and other buildings. The circuit is adapted to plug into a conventional wall socket and to receive conventional two-prong plugs of electrical appliances. When enabled, the circuit intermittently applies power from the wall socket to a connected electrical appliance so that the appliance is turned on and off automatically over some period of time. The circuit includes manually operable switches to enable a user to select the intermittency or on-off pattern of operation of the appliance and the period of time over which such pattern is developed. Controlling turn-on and turn-off of lamps, radios, or the like gives the appearance of occupancy of a dwelling and therefore discourages would be burglars and prowlers.

Abstract: An intrusion detector is provided for detecting a forcible entry into a secured structure while minimizing false alarms. The detector uses a piezoelectric crystal transducer to sense acoustic emissions. The transducer output is amplified by a selectable gain amplifier to control the sensitivity. The rectified output of the amplifier is applied to a Schmitt trigger circuit having a preselected threshold level to provide amplitude discrimination. Timing circuitry is provided which is activated by successive pulses from the Schmitt trigger which lie within a selected time frame for frequency discrimination. Detected signals having proper amplitude and frequency trigger an alarm within the first complete cycle time of a detected acoustical disturbance signal.

Abstract: A condition responsive time proportional control means which has a relatively fast time constant when operating in its proportional band has the time constant expanded by means of a digital counter. The counter is repetitively switched by the condition responsive means and counts the switched operation. During the period that the switched operation is occurring, the time constant is expanded by simultaneously counting pulses from a pulse generating means.

Abstract: Intrusion detector of the type in which the presence of an intruder is detected by infrared heat energy emitted by his body. An alarm signal is delivered when the level of radiation detected rises from the ambient level to a threshold level. A temperature responsive circuit adjusts the threshold level and so that the system has a relatively uniform detection range or sensitivity notwithstanding changes in the ambient temperature in the protected area.

Abstract: A multi-stage condition control system of the time proportional type is shown. The control system utilizes a counting means as part of the anticipation for system control. The counting means counts during the time the control system is within its proportional band. When the control system moves outside of the proportional band, the counting stops. A count detection circuit senses the absence of counts thereby indicating that the system is outside of the proportional band. The absence of counts is then used to increase or decrease multiple stages of condition control equipment to bring the system back within the proportional band.

Abstract: A temperature responsive apparatus includes a thermocouple producing a thermoelectric e.m.f. depending on the temperature difference between a temperature to be detected and a circumferential temperature and a first winding supplied with current from the thermocouple to generate a first magnetic field. A second winding is connected to a voltage source to generate a second magnetic field in the opposite direction to that generated by the first winding and a reed switch is positioned in the total magnetic field generated by the first and the second windings so as to respond to the intensity of the total magnetic field to make and break its contacts. A diode is also connected to the voltage source, and the second winding is always excited in accordance with the voltage drop across the diode to maintain said second magnetic field.

Abstract: A condition responsive time proportional control means which has a relatively fast time constant when operating in its proportional band has the time constant expanded by means of a digital counter. The counter is a resettable unidirectional type counter that has two counting channels. The main counting channel provides for the counting function during the normal cycling of the system when in the proportional band. A second channel in the counter acts to enable to the counter rapidly in the event that there is a disruption of the counter when the condition responsive system has been outside of the proportional band.

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 circuit for controlling the flow of pulsating direct current by causing the on or off state of a gated switch to depend on the resistance of a sensor. The sensor used is of the variable resistance type whose impedance varies in a continuous manner with the phenomenon for which it was designed to detect. A variable resistor is used to select a magnitude of resistance of the sensor at which the switch is to turn on. A capacitor effects the return of the switch to an on state with each sequential direct current pulse until the resistance of the sensor changes in magnitude sufficient to negate the effect of the capacitor. An additional variable resistor is used to select a magnitude of charge to be collected by the capacitor and thus to control the amount of change in resistance of the sensor which must be realized before the switch is allowed to return to a sustained off state once an on state has been initiated.

Abstract: A high peak power microwave generator is disclosed in which a plurality of transmission lines are connected to an output wave guide at predetermined intervals along the direction of propagation. Each transmission line is periodically charged, and this electromagnetic energy is released into the wave guide upon the actuation of a light activated silicon switch (LASS) diode connected to the transmission line. The LASS diodes are actuated simultaneously by a laser beam which traverses equal optical paths to each switch. The coincident switching of the transmission lines enables the power in each line to be additive in the wave guide, and much higher output pulses can be obtained. Further, the high speed switching capabilities afforded by the LASS diodes means that the resulting high power can be obtained at a much higher frequency.

Abstract: A condition responsive time proportional control means which has a relatively fast time constant when operating in its proportional band has the time constant expanded by means of a digital counter. The counter is a resettable unidirectional type counter. The output of the counter drives a switch means and a load along with a means for altering the time constant of the condition responsive time proportional control means. The time constant is altered by a switching means that changes the charge and discharge path of a capacitor used in creating the time constant.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus operates a load in one mode in response to one cyclically occurring event and in a second mode at a specified time in the cycle regardless of the phase of the one event in the cycle. According to a specific embodiment, the apparatus turns on lights at sunset and turns them off at a later nighttime hour, preferably the same hour each night. A generator stores signals in an accumulating memory at one rate during daylight hours and at a faster rate, preferably twice the daylight rate, during nighttime hours. When the memory content reaches a preset level during the night, it turns off the switch that had turned on the lights at sunset and empties itself of storage until sunrise.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling an electric motor for driving a cooling fan of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus comprises an engine operation detecting means, a timer, an engine temperature detecting means, a logical product generating means, and a motor controlling means. The electric motor is driven only when all of the following three conditions are satisfied: the engine is not operating; a predetermined timing period initiated when the engine stops operating has not expired; and a temperature in the engine room is higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An oil burner primary control in an interrupted ignition system includes therein circuit means responsive to burner flame for initiating energizing of an ignition transformer in the absence of burner flame and for maintaining energizing thereof for a short time period beyond the time at which the burner flame appears.

Abstract: A modular lighting control apparatus utilizes a housing having a plurality of total electric light centers mounted therein, such that the centers may be manually activated by light beams emanating from a hand held flashlight. The housing is provided with a utility outlet receptacle and is operated by a flexible line cord which is energized by a household utility current. Each light sensor controls a character of the outlet voltage available at the output receptacle. One light sensor provides a source of continuous full voltage at the light receptacle. Another light sensor de-energizes the voltage supply to the output receptacle. Still another light sensor causes the voltage, present at the output receptacle, to become intermittent. Yet another light sensor determines the amount of voltage available at the output receptacle.

Abstract: An optically controlled bidirectional (bilateral) electrical switch is formed by a pair of photo-Darlington devices connected in series opposing (back-to-back) relationship between the two controlled terminals of the switch. Each of these photo-Darlington devices is shunted by a separate unidirectional diode element, such as a PN junction diode, arranged to conduct current only in the opposite direction from that of current flow through the corresponding shunted photo-Darlington device in its "on" condition. Four embodiments are shown.

Abstract: A power sustaining thermal switch placed in shunt with an existing electrical switch results in the flow of electricity through the thermal switch for a predetermined period of time after the existing switch has been turned off. Thus sustaining power in the thermal switch circuit for supply to an electrical device.

Abstract: A high-temperature detecting apparatus most suitably used with a system for protecting a catalytic apparatus provided for purifying exhaust gas of an automobile is disclosed. A reed relay coil is connected between the cold junctions of a thermocouple in such a manner that the reed relay is driven directly by an electromotive force generated in the thermocouple due to heat in the exhaust gas. The thermocouple and the reed relay are integrally arranged by means of a metal cover. This arrangement reduces the connection resistance between the thermocouple and the coil, thereby making it possible to directly drive the reed relay by the output of the thermocouple.

Abstract: A device for controlling the supply of power to at least one electrical load. In this device, means is operable in response to generally uniform repetitive timing signals supplied thereto for counting through a plurality of successive predetermined time periods, and means is provided for monitoring a condition. Means is also provided for inhibiting the supply of power to the load when the monitored condition meets a preselected criteria thereof during at least one preselected part of selected ones of the predetermined time periods.Methods and systems for controlling the supply of power to at least one electrical load are also disclosed.

Abstract: The control system permits limiting the electrical demand of a distribution network to a desired maximum value by regulating the temperature of one or more thermal loads with heating or cooling elements; this system includes: means for measuring the instantaneous demand of the network; means for measuring the instantaneous temperature of each of the thermal loads; means for comparing the demand of the network to the desired maximum value; means for comparing the measured temperature to the desired temperature for each of the thermal loads; and means for disconnecting or for connecting in response to the information obtained by the comparison, a fraction of the elements which is proportional to the difference between the measured temperature and the desired temperature.

Abstract: An intrusion alarm and emergency illumination apparatus includes an audible alarm and lighting device which are activated by sounds associated with human intrusion into a physical structure. The sounds of intrusion may be differentiated from other sounds by a bandpass digital amplifier and rate of rise detector which receive audio-electrical waveforms from a microphone. A monostable multivibrator and variable resistance element may be employed to select the duration of activation of the lightning device and alarm and may be employed to provide a preselected exit delay permitting an operator to arm the system and leave the premises without having the sounds of his exiting activate the lighting device and alarm. Emergency illumination may be provided by a reserve power system used to energize the lighting device and alarm system during power outages.

Abstract: A load controller has a plurality of operating component units adapted for controlling the supply of power from a source thereof to a load. A pair of separable housings are releasably engaged with each other so as to define a chamber in which the unit plurality is enclosed.

Abstract: The present device incrementally adds or subtracts power units to and from a heating or cooling system and employs a major control board into which are plug-connected a plurality of minor control boards. The minor control boards have varying designs. Some are designed to accept different signals from different types of temperature monitoring means and are designed to convert those different signals into common command signals, while other minor control boards are designed to accept those command signals in order to communicate with and control yet others of said minor control boards to effect a turning on and/or turning off of said heating or cooling power units according to at least two different modes of operation. The major control board provides a power source for the minor control boards and provides the circuit paths to enable the minor control boards to transmit signals among any set of such mounted boards.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for controlling a process monitoring arrangement wherein electronic gates respond jointly to oscillator produced pulse trains and an abnormal condition indication signal to either alternately cycle a pair of switching transistors in response to normal process conditions or to hold the switching transistors constant in response to abnormal process conditions.

Abstract: The circuit arrangement includes a measuring device having an output circuit connected to one input of a comparator, and including a voltage divider whose tap is connected to the other input of the comparator. A storage capacitor is connected to the tap of the voltage divider and to such other input of the comparator and provides a reference voltage bearing a fixed relation to, but always lower than, the signal voltage of the measuring device in the quiescent state of the arrangement. A bias voltage may be applied to the tap of the voltage divider. When the measuring device responds to a test object, the voltages at the comparator inputs are so switched that the reference voltage is held above the signal voltage until the measuring device returns to the quiescent state. In the quiescent state, the signal voltage exceeds the reference voltage and the comparator, changing back to the zero state, restores the initial condition of the two voltages.

Abstract: A timing apparatus comprising a time plate equipped with light transmitting holes or brushes which are positioned, at points representative of times and arranged at equal intervals in at least one row. The light transmitting holes or brushes serve as logical connection elements indicating such times. At least two rotators are coaxially disposed inside the time plate in a rotatable manner and also have light transmitting holes or brushes respectively corresponding with the logical connection elements on the time plate. The relative speeds of rotation of the time plate and the rotators are predetermined in such a manner so that the position of each logical connection element on the time plate and the positions of the corresponding logical connection elements on the rotators come into alignment at a given time indicated by the elements, thereby effecting electrical or optical timing connection at a desired time.

Abstract: An improved radio frequency cautery instrument comprising a radio frequency signal generator for supplying both monopolar and bipolar radio frequency signal outputs for medical applications. A control unit is interposed between the radio frequency outputs of the signal generator and the hand-held electrode assembly, and further interposed between a finger-operated switch on the electrode assembly and the power circuit of the signal generator, whereby the application of radio frequency energy to the electrode of the electrode assembly can be controlled by the user through manipulation of the finger-operated switch on the electrode assembly.

Abstract: Simplicity is the height of invention.In order to conserve energy when the thermostat turns air conditioning apparatus on, in the present invention apparatus is employed to automatically reduce energy input to, and also heat output from, illuminating apparatus in the area being air conditioned. This is feasible because, in many instances, increased illumination from the sun, during daylight hours, renders the need much less for illumination from lamps or artificial luminares. In other instances, turning off a few lamps in each office can avoid blackouts, brownouts, overloading of generators, and burning out of air conditioning apparatus and other electrical appliances.

Abstract: A load shedding control device, for reducing the electrical energy demand of an electrical load apparatus having a load dependent upon ambient temperature, having an ambient temperature responsive switch adapted to be connected in a control system of the electrical load apparatus for reducing the use of electrical energy by the electrical load apparatus as the ambient temperature increases. The ambient temperature responsive switch has its control temperature reset depending upon the percent of operating time of the electrical load apparatus whereby as the desired operating time of the load apparatus increases, the actual operating time is reduced to conserve electrical energy.

Abstract: A load shedding control device, for reducing the electrical energy demand of an electrical load apparatus having a load depending upon ambient temperature, having an ambient temperature responsive switch adapted to be connected in a control system of the electrical load apparatus for reducing the use of electrical energy by the electrical load apparatus as the ambient temperature increases. The ambient temperature responsive switch has its control temperature reset by an artificial heater energized proportionally to the percent of operating time of electrical load apparatus, whereby as the desired operating time of the load apparatus increases, the actual operating time is reduced to conserve electrical energy.

Abstract: A thermal timer produces a timed duration output in response to a thermal input to a thermal storage device and a thermal energy leakage parameter from that storage device. The storage device preferably is a metal slug positioned in a silica aerogel insulative powder environment, and the thermal input is supplied by an electrically energized PTC heater. A thermostat output device monitors the temperature of the heater and the storage device to effect a distinguishable output, for example, by completing or opening an electrical circuit, in response to the temperature thereof. The thermal timer may be utilized in a range appliance or the like to effect a warning indication during cool down of that appliance.

Abstract: Liquid rheostat system especially a water rheostat, employing the principle wherein electrical energy may be dissipated in the form of heat, by passing the electrical current through a liquid resistor or electrolyte, and wherein the apparatus is reasonably portable, inexpensive, and economical to operate and maintain. The invention readily compensates in use for variations in respective resistivity of fresh and/or brackish waters in a test mixture whereby to provide sufficient initial resistance as well as an adequate range of control of resistance, while maintaining current density within the desired limits. In use the heat energy developed is absorbed and removed by the controllable water mixture which in operation of the rheostat system continuously flows out of the rheostat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit for monitoring the presence of a flame of a gas burner, comprising a probe means connectible to a source of alternating signal and locatable in a combustion area of the flame for applying said alternating signal across the area for rectification by the flame when the flame is present, second means operably coupled to said probe means for providing a second alternating signal in dependence upon the generation of the rectified signal, and switch means connected to receive said second alternating signal and operable for switching from a first to a second state for a preset period of time responsively to reception of the second alternating signal.

Abstract: A phototransistor is coupled to a relay coil and the base of a switching transistor. Light impinging on the phototransistor will cause it to conduct, switching on the transistor causing current flow in the relay coil. Fluctuating light intensity on the phototransistor will cause a corresponding fluctuation of current in the relay coil. A predetermined level of current in the coil will maintain the relay closed.

Abstract: An anti-theft alarm system is provided for detecting a desired disturbance to an associated structure wherein a momentary disturbance of the structure causes the alarm to emit a short audible warning blast and if the disturbance continues, thereafterwards, the alarm will remain on until the alarm system is deactivated.