Abstract: A noncontacting power transfer apparatus, a noncontacting signal transfer apparatus, and a separate machine apparatus that uses these couplers are disclosed. The power coupler is composed of a primary side and a secondary side that are fixed to a static unit and rotatable unit of the machine apparatus, respectively, such that its output does not vary with arbitrary rotation by the rotatable unit. The signal coupler is composed of receiving side portion having a electric-to-light conversion device that converts an electric signal to an optical signal of rotational symmetry relative to the axis of rotation of the rotatable unit and a photoelectric conversion device that converts an optical signal to an electric signal. Accordingly, the rotatable unit can be supplied with power from the static unit even while rotating, and moreover, can communicate with the static unit. Further, the rotatable unit can be easily attached to the static unit and can be removed from the static unit.

Abstract: A rotational drive control device for a variable sp drive motor capable of accomplishing radio transmission of a signal for VSD (Variable Speed Drive) rotational drive control of a variable speed drive motor arranged in a rotational drive system of any equipment to be controlled in a factory or the like according to a radio communication system. The variable speed drive motor is arranged on a controlled side.

Abstract: A micro robot having a size of about 1 cm.sup.3 and capable of wireless control. This robot includes at least two sensors (12, 14) having detection regions thereof overlapping partially with each other, at least a pair of independently operated driving units (30, 28) having driving points spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction, control units (40, 58, 60, 62) for controlling the driving units on the basis of the outputs of the sensors, and a rechargeable power supply portion (16) for supplying a power supply voltage to the sensors, the driving units and the control units. The control units and the power supply units are disposed between the driving units.

Abstract: In an articulated bed having a motor for raising and lowering the bed, a control circuit operated by the user has first user memory for storing a first user variable indicating a user-selected first preferred bed position and a recall button by which the user can command that a handler routine in the control circuit return the bed to the first preferred bed position indicated by the first user variable. Further, the control circuit can have a tracking memory for frequently storing a tracking variable indicating the current position of the bed and a "store" or "program" button or control by which the user can command that the first user variable be set to equal the current tracking variable. Thus, any time the bed is a position preferred by the user, the user can push the store button to store a user variable indicating the preferred bed position in the controller's memory; then afterwards the user can have the bed return to that preferred position by pressing the recall button.

Abstract: A control system for a radio controlled model includes an onboard speed controller, an onboard receiver, and a separate transmitter unit having a throttle/brake trigger or other manually moveable member that an operator can move from a neutral position over a range of speed setpoint positions and a range of braking setpoint positions in order to input speed and braking setpoint information. At least one of the speed controller, the receiver, and the transmitter unit is programmed or otherwise arranged to produce a nonlinear speed controller response such that (i) the speed controller responds to an incremental increase in speed setpoint position of the moveable member near the neutral position with a smaller incremental increase in drive circuit duty ratio than when the speed controller responds to such an incremental increase in speed setpoint position near a MAXIMUM speed setpoint position (i.e.

Abstract: In an articulated bed having a motor for raising and lowering the bed, a control circuit operated by the user has first user memory for storing a first user variable indicating a user-selected first preferred bed position and a recall button by which the user can command that a handler routine in the control circuit return the bed to the first preferred bed position indicated by the first user variable. Further, the control circuit can have a tracking memory for frequently storing a tracking variable indicating the current position of the bed and a "store" or "program" button or control by which the user can command that the first user variable be set to equal the current tracking variable. Thus, any time the bed is in a position preferred by the user, the user can push the "store" button to store a user variable indicating the preferred bed position in the controller's memory; then afterwards the user can have the bed return to that preferred position by pressing the "recall" button.

Abstract: A remote controlled safety release mechanism comprising a housing having a latch member pivotally connected thereto and protruding therefrom. Attached to the housing is the first end of a strap, the second end of which is releasably attached to the latch member. Disposed within the housing is an actuation assembly which is mechanically coupled to the latch member and operable to selectively move the latch member between a locked position wherein the second end of the strap is maintained in attachment thereto and an unlocked position wherein the second end of the strap is released therefrom. The actuation assembly is adapted to receive a control signal, with the movement of the latch member between the locked and unlocked positions being facilitated by the selective transmission of the control signal to the actuation assembly.

Abstract: A loosely coupled inductive power transfer system suitable for transferring power to a mobile conveyer platform or a vehicle has pick-up coils wound on flux concentrator(s). One or more large flat horizontal ferrite cores 607, 608 are used to concentrate the horizontal component of magnetic flux from an extended volume into one or more secondary or pick-up coils 613. Each shock-resistant core comprises an array of many individual strips of ferrite held in close contact. One, more usually two, or perhaps more resonant pick-up windings are wound about each core and each winding has a shorting switch (within 602, 603 . . . ) placed across it. A controller 601 connects a controlled output voltage on to an output bus 605, 606 from the best-placed pick-up winding on any one core at any moment, while holding the others in a shorted hence inactive state.

Abstract: An automatic tracking mobile platform that works logically and practically. The process of making it is simple and cost efficient. An emitter is carried by the user; this emitter transmits various electromagnetic signals including infrared, visible light, laser, or ultraviolet. The platform has electromagnetic sensors connected to its front wheel which synchronously turn with it, and these three sensors are separated by panels. The panels block one sensor from the others so that only one sensor can respond to the transmitter at any one time to turn the platform left or right. An electrical motor and a mechanical steering wheel are connected to the front wheel, which drives the mobile platform. The receiver is set to screen electromagnetic signals from the transmitter so the platform can turn to the left, turn to the right, start, or stop to accomplish its automatic tracking purpose.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal.

Abstract: An automatic control system for controlling the firmness of a fluid supported mattress of a bed assembly. The control system includes a motorized fluid pump, a control unit for operating the pump to adjust the firmness of the air mattress, a hand held remote control unit for actuating the control unit, and a transceiver system for transmitting information signals between the hand held unit and the control unit. The air control system provides for independent control of both bladders in a two bladder air mattress from a single unit, and allows a user to consistently set the firmness of each mattress air bladder to a desired value. The air control system includes an air pump specially designed to minimize transmission of motor noise into the environment.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade.

Abstract: A ceiling fan and light assembly control method and circuit that uses a single-throw switch or clapping of hands to control the fan speed or light intensity of a ceiling fan and light assembly. The control circuit obtains a 60 Hz square wave with a cycle of 16.67 ms from alternating current city power supply so that when the single-throw switch is switched off and then switched on immediately, a triggering signal is produced to drive a microprocessor, causing it to regulate the fan speed or light intensity of the ceiling fan and light assembly. Alternatively, when two or three continuous claps are received by a microphone, the microprocessor will be triggered to regulate the fan speed or light intensity of the ceiling fan and light assembly.

Abstract: Motors 14 and 17 are mounted on a moving member 9 disposed on an upper surface of a track plate 8. The motors 14 and 17 are adapted to move and drive the moving member 9 along the track plate surface. Primary coils 33 and 34 are disposed below the track plate surface. Secondary coils 52c and 55 are mounted on the moving member 9. The secondary coils 52c and 55 are adapted to receive electric power from the primary coils 33 and 34.

Abstract: The remote-control device features a servomechanism that transmits the movements of a first control cable or tie rod, which is connected to handgrip or control pedal, to a second cable or tie rod which is connected to an application. The servomechanism features two neutral levers with bodies having a cylindrical sector. The levers are connected, respectively, to the cables or tie rods. This servomechanism features a shaft of a geared motor which is arranged coaxially between two bodies of the levers, features a spiral spring arranged between the two bodies and the shaft, and is tightly wound on the shaft. The spring has opposing ends which face outward and extend between the bodies. The servomechanism further features a transducer which detects the movements of first control cable and actuates an electronic unit which controls the geared motor in such a way that the remote control can be effected electromechanically or, in the event that the electrical components malfunction, mechanically.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal.

Abstract: An article transport system includes a plurality of article loading and unloading stations, at least one carriage for running between the stations to transport articles therebetween, and a base station installed on the ground to provide the carriage with running instructions at an article transport request received from one of the stations. Each of the base station, loading and unloading stations and carriage includes a radio communication unit. Article transport requests and running instructions are transmitted by radio communication.

Abstract: A security device for a cart wheel utilizing a housing which is mounted to the cart in the vicinity of the wheel. A locking element supported to the housing and is selectively movable into positions engaging the cart wheel or being disengaged from the cart wheel. A motor is employed to move the element in such reciprocal motion and is operated by a controller. The controller includes a counter to determine the number of revolutions completed by the wheel, and a trigger for starting the motor upon receipt of a signal from the counter representing a preselected number of revolutions completed by the wheel.

Abstract: An automated actuator is fabricated in kit form and adapted to be assembled and disassembled for use with sliding doors, windows or other similar panels. The actuator includes a support column which is adjustable to be braced at the existing door jamb at either side of the door frame to move the panel. Mounting of the actuator does not require the surrounding frame or wall structure to be structurally altered. Circuitry for the actuator ceases the sliding movement of the door when the door meets resistance, such as by a child or animal in the path of the door, and re-tests for the resistance to determine whether the door should continue along the intended path.

Abstract: A highly flexible electronic control system which is readily reconfigurable or reprogrammable to suit more than one machine, such as more than one laundry appliance. Control parameters are input to the controller over a communications link, which may be an optical communications link. The controller is automatically adaptable to particular ones of a plurality of different machines, for example laundry appliances in the form of a two-speed washer, a one-speed washer, an electric dryer and a gas dryer. The controller determines the particular appliance by applying signals to particular terminals of a connector connected to a machine to be interrogated. Other terminals are monitored to logically recognize the particular appliance. Thereafter, the control system implements functions appropriate to the particular appliance.

Abstract: A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal.

Abstract: A waste receptacle door opener is set forth herein. The waste receptacle's door is automatically opened upon a user's approach and then automatically closed upon the user's departure. The door opening device includes an active infrared proximity sensor for detecting the presence of a user. An electric motor is actuated by a signal generated by the sensor. An actuator arm on the electric motor pulls a flexible cable attached to the door to pull the door open when the motor is activated. The flexible cable allows the door to be opened in the event of a power failure.

Abstract: A method of turning off the receiver of a radio controlled model includes the step of providing a speed controller with control circuitry for receiving setpoint information from a receiver that represents manipulation of a throttle trigger on an R/C transmitter unit and for automatically turning the receiver off upon the occurrence of a predefined pattern of setpoint information. The method proceeds by monitoring the throttle trigger setpoint information with the control circuitry, detecting with the control circuitry the occurrence of the predefined pattern of the throttle trigger setpoint information, and turning off the receiver with the control circuitry upon the occurrence of the predefined pattern of throttle trigger setpoint information.

Abstract: A system for supplying energy to a microrobot disposed within a piping system for inspection or repair. The system comprises a microwave transmission section for transmitting as energy a microwave to the robot within the piping system. The microwave transmission section is arranged to transmit the microwave having a frequency equal to or higher than a frequency determined in correspondence with an inner diameter of a pipe of the piping system in which the microrobot is disposed. The microrobot receives the transmitted microwave to convert it into an electric power for operation. This arrangement can ensure a smooth operation of the microrobot within a small-sized pipe because the microrobot is not connected to the transmission section through an electric connection.

Abstract: A top closure for a rectangular box includes a tarpaulin having one edge connected to one top edge of the box, and having the opposite edge wound around an elongated shaft. A reversible motor is connected to the shaft for winding and unwinding the tarpaulin to open and close the top closure. A remote transmitter is adapted to send either a wind or an unwind signal to a receiver which is connected through solenoids to the reversible motor. By pressing one button on the remote transmitter it is possible to rotate the motor in one direction, and by pressing the other button on the remote transmitter it is possible to rotate the motor in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A system includes a control station for remotely controlling an animated character. Radio frequencies are used to transfer audio, video and other control signals to the animated character to provide speech, hearing, vision and practically any movement in real-time. A camera is used in the head of the animated character, and microphones are used in its ears to provide vision and hearing to a monitoring operator at the control station. A speaker is co-located with the animated character to generate sound from the operator. Servo control units are included within the animated character to provide a plurality of body movements. Other aspects of the animated character includes a multi-layer skin composite to make it appear more life-like, and an audio driver circuit for controlling the mouth of the animated character in proportion to the level of an audio signal generated at the control station.

Abstract: An automatic vertical blind controller with memory, particularly an automatic vertical blind controller with automatic/manual operated memory for control of vertical blind turning and movement automatically by referring to a reference data in the memory representing the upper limit degree of turning/movement set up by its user, comprising an outer casing, an inner casing and a control circuit board, in which the control circuit board is composed of an infrared receiver circuit, a manual operated push button control circuit, a single-chip microprocessor, two relay motor driving circuits, a music control circuit, and a power supply; the inner casing is incorporated with two d.c.

Abstract: An articulated bed wherein all power signals within the mattress or supporting frame are maintained at 24 volt DC or less. Both body supporting surface manipulating motors and vibratory motors are accommodated. Remote control of all motors is provided, with control signals being processed as a function of a key in order to minimize the likelihood of instructions for one bed being intercepted and acted upon by another bed within range of the remote control device. A plurality of discrete vibration levels are accommodated through use of pulse width modulation control signals. Overload operation of the lifting motors is sensed, and the motors are immediately shut down regardless of whether contrary instructions are currently prevailing or being received.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for driving a d.c. motor for use in a device, such as a toy car. The device include a noise filtering circuit, a pulse expansion circuit, a first oscillator, a second oscillator power voltage reset circuit, a constant voltage supplying circuit, a voltage detector, an inherent code input circuit, a right and left lamp driving circuit, a frequency dividing circuit, an inherent code detecting circuit, a received signal detecting circuit, an error signal detecting circuit, a comparator, a demodulator, a one-shot circuit, a servo-motor driving circuit, a speed variable driving circuit and an additional function driving circuit. Accordingly, a shared frequency can be utilized by a large number of people having an inherent code operably integrated. In addition, the variation of speed and position of the motor can be controlled in multi-steps, and the respective external elements can be minimized in size and erroneous device operation significantly reduced.

Abstract: A speed controller with an audible feedback signal capability includes a receiver line, first and second battery lines, and a motor line. A drive circuit is provided for switching between an ON state coupling the first battery line to the motor line and an OFF state decoupling the first battery line from the motor line. Microprocessor circuitry for switches the drive circuit between the ON state and the OFF state according to setpoint information received by the control circuit from a receiver connected to the receiver line.

Abstract: The improvement of a remotely controlled ceiling fan is achieved mainly by means of a function control IC communicating with TRIAC Q.sub.8, TRIAC Q.sub.9 and TRIAC Q.sub.10 of the speed-changing device via lines Q.sub.5, Q.sub.6 and Q.sub.7 connecting respectively with points 11, 12 and 13 of the function control IC, so as to transmit a command from the function control to the speed-changing device which in turn controls the speed of motor. The function control IC is additionally provided at point 16 thereof with a delay device, which in turn is connected to a relay via line Q.sub.11. The primary line coil of the motor communicates with the relay intended to initiate a change in the polarity of the primary line coil of motor at the time when the function control IC receives a command to put the operation of motor in reverse and the speed-changing device is halted temporarily.

Abstract: An RC controller includes a circuitboard with a circuit for variably coupling power from a battery to the drive motor of a radio controlled model. The circuit includes braking componentry that produces a low resistance path in parallel with the motor in order to brake the motor under operator control. The braking componentry includes a flyback diode and a semiconductor device connected across the terminals of the drive motor. The flyback diode may be a separate component or a part of the semiconductor device. According to a major aspect of the invention, a fuse is provided in series with the flyback diode to protect it against damage in the event the battery is connected backwards. The fuse is placed to protect the flyback diode without introducing an undesired voltage drop between the battery and the drive motor. Various fuse placements are disclosed. Instead of a separate fuse, one embodiment includes an unfused flyback diode that doubles as a fuse.

Abstract: A low power consumption wireless data transmission and control system 10 is disclosed and in one embodiment, is used to automatically articulate a shade 24 by use of a transmitted command signal 14. The system 10 contains a receiver/detector 18 which is selectively activated for only certain intervals of time thereby allowing substantially all of the previously transmitted signals 14 to be received while reducing the power consumed by the detector 18 during periods in which the signals 14 are absent.

Abstract: A controller includes a circuitboard with a circuit for variably coupling power from a battery to the drive motor of a radio controlled model. The circuit has positive and negative input terminals for connection to the battery and an output port for connection to the motor. The circuit also includes braking componentry that produces a low resistance path in parallel with the motor in order to brake the motor under operator control, and the circuit includes a fuse in series with the braking componentry for protecting it from damage in the event the input terminals are connected to the battery with the polarity reversed. An inventive fuse is disclosed that may be used with the controller or elsewhere. The fuse includes a conductive element of predetermined current rating and first and second connectors connected to the conductive element that are configured to plug onto first and second terminal posts with interference fits so that any component fatigue is substantially restricted to the fuse.

Abstract: A system for controlling the electric motor in a remote, radio controlled device includes a regulator controller which supplies energy from a battery to a receiver at a regulated level, decodes the channel output from the receiver to switch power from the battery to the motor when proper signals come from the receiver, and if the battery voltage goes low it cuts off the motor and keeps it off until the battery voltage rises above a threshold level and a manual reset enable device is actuated.

Abstract: A low power consumption wireless data transmission and control system 10 is disclosed and in one embodiment, is used to automatically articulate a shade 24 by use of a transmitted command signal 14. The system 10 contains a receiver/detector 18 which is selectively activated for only certain intervals of time thereby allowing substantially all of the previously transmitted signals 14 to be received while reducing the power consumed by the detector 18 during periods in which the signals 14 are absent.

Abstract: A remote control device for an installation of electrical toys on a circuit comprises a radio emitter (400) for emitting different radio-electric signals (b) selected by the user and a fixed radio receiver (450) for detecting and transmiting the radio-electric signals to an electronic device (270) which interprets the signals and triggers a control device (275). Specifically, the radio signal (b), which is emitted by the radio emitter, comprises a repetition of a word composed of a series of presences or absences of electric pulses. The word is formed according to an associated coded signal (a) and in accordance with the user's selection.

Abstract: A control circuit for a DC motor which drives a radio controlled toy. The control circuit receives a signal whose pulse width contains information relating to the desired speed and direction in which the motor is to turn. If the pulse width is greater than a predetermined value, the control signal will be generated which causes the motor to turn in a forward direction, and if the pulse width is less than the predetermined value a control signal will be generated which causes the motor to turn in a reverse direction. The pulse width is also converted to a voltage level which is compared to a ramp wave with a frequency which is higher than the frequency of the received signal. The output of the comparator is a signal with a frequency which is higher than that of the received signal, allowing precise control of the motor in overcoming inertial forces applied against it.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter/receiver system wherein an absolute direction command may be issued by the transmitter and acted upon by the receiver. The transmitter and receiver both include a common reference direction so that an absolute direction command (i.e., relative to the common reference direction) may be issued and acted upon. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter operates in accordance with an internal compass signal so that an absolute direction command relative to magnetic North can be generated by the transmitter. The receiver also functions in accordance with an internal compass signal so that an absolute direction command transmitted to the receiver can be effected. The transmitter and receiver may be microprocessor controlled, and the internal compass signal may be generated with an electronic flux gate compass. The invention may be used in place of the conventional remote control systems that are used with hand-held transmitters and hobby vehicles.

Abstract: A speed controller includes a housing adapted to be mounted in a radio controlled model car having a DC motor, a battery, and a receiver, and a control circuit for controlling the amount of votage supplied to the DC motor according to speed information supplied by the receiver. The control circuit is mounted in the housing and it is adapted to be electrically connected to the DC motor, the battery, and the receiver. It includes circuitry for producing an output signal related to the amount of current supplied to the motor and a test point arrangement for facilitating the connection of a separate readout device to the control circuit for purposes of reading the output signal.

Abstract: A control unit for a combined ceiling fan and light fixture (ceiling unit) is coupled to a temperature sensor monitoring the temperature of the room containing the ceiling unit, has manual entry keys for controlling fan energization, speed and direction and light energization and intensity and for selecting a mode of operation, and has a first microprocessor for controlling a radio transmitter to transmit a command bit sequence. The transmitted signal is received by the ceiling unit where a second microprocessor responds to the command bit sequence to control the firing of one of several triacs controlling fan energization, speed and direction and to control light energization and intensity. In an "auto-speed" mode, fan speed responds to changes in room temperature. In a "winter mode", the fan blows upwardly at a slow speed, the speed being momentarily increased periodically to break up stratification.

Abstract: An infrared receiver system for a remote control ceiling fan including a connector disposed in a switch housing of a ceiling fan, an infrared detective sensor disposed in a casing which is connected to a plug by an extension cable. The plug is insertable into the connector of the switch housing for making an electrical connection between the plug and the connector. The detective sensor is located at a lower end of the casing such that the detective sensor is wide open for receiving signals in the undisturbed atmosphere below the ceiling fan.

Abstract: An infrared remote control toy which needs a small amount of motor starting current includes a logic IC and a motor drive circuit consisting of four transistors connected in the form of a bridge, in which the bases of the third and fourth transistors are connected to the first and second junctions of the bridge.

Abstract: A mechanism which engages the pull-cord that opens and closes draperies, whereby the mechanism possesses a unique motor control for its automatic operation by a lamp timer (any of the commercially available clock actuated switches which are used in many households to automatically turn lamps ON and OFF at desired times). An alternate control system whereby the mechanism may be operated by a wireless remote control system in concert with the lamp timer. An adjustable means whereby the draperies may be opened and closed to any of two independently selectable positions within the means of the drapery rod. An easy to install mounting bracket with an easy to adjust tension means for driving engagement and hand-operation of the pull-cord.

Abstract: This invention relates to an attachable hand-operated/automatic dual usage venetian blind controller which can be attached to an existing venetian blind to set the blades of such a venetian blind together at any angle or to draw up the blades together to one side of the window by means of infrared remote control so as to regulate the light and air passing through. During power failure, the venetian blind can be controlled through hand operation without removing the controller. The controller of this invention is generally comprised of two DC motor and speed reducing gear set assemblies, two guide wheels, two pressure wheels, a beading cord driving wheel, a pull cord driving wheel, an infrared receiver control circuit, and an infrared transmitter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a Venetian blind controller and, more particularly to a Venetian blind controller directly attached to a Venetian blind for controlling the opening and closing of the Venetian blind and for controlling the angular position of the blades through wireless remote control operation or alternatively through manual operation during power failure without detaching the controller from the Venetian blind, of which the structure includes two magnetic clutch fitted DC motors, two guide wheels, two pressure wheels, one chain wheel, one pull rope wheel, one receiving circuit, and a remote controller.

Abstract: A stairway wheelchair lift includes a stationary motor drive unit, a mobile platform movable along a stairway and a user interface for receiving user-generated input commands. The mobile platform communicates with the motor drive unit through a continuously maintained broadbeam infrared communications link, while the motor drive unit communicates with the mobile platform through an intermittently established short range infrared link. The user interface communicates with the motor drive through a hard wired four conductor communicates link. The use of infrared communications links, together with the four conductor hard wired link, reduces overall system wiring, enhances ease of installation and improves overall system flexibility and economy. Microprocessor based micro-controllers, within the motor drive unit, the mobile platform and the user interface, permit system operation to be tailored in accordance with the operating constraints and requirements imposed by a particular stairway configuration.

Abstract: An air flow control system for the dampers of the individual offices or rooms in a group of offices or rooms sharing a common air supply duct with a thermostatic control in but a single one of the offices or rooms. The system includes a motor operated damper in each room or office, the motor being controlled to shut the damper when a signal from a remote transmitter is received by a receiver in a control circuit with the motor. The transmitter is selectively actuated by the individual occupying the particular room or office. The control circuit is activated when the signal is received by the receiver, and after a delay period automatically sends a signal to drive the motor to reopen the damper. The occupant may thus control the closing of the damper when the temperature of the air through the supply duct causes the room to be uncomfortable, and need not be concerned about reopening the damper.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a boat having a seat assembly to support a pilot provides an outboard motor which is directionally controlled by extension and retraction of a control cable with the control mechanism having a pedal which is generally planar on its upper surface receptive of the pilot's foot. A bracket mounts the pedal at a location below the seat assembly so that the user occupying the seat can position one of his feet on the pedal. A pair of switch surfaces are disposed on opposite sides of the pedal, each surface extending above the pedal surface so that lateral movement of the user's foot when positioned on the pedal can contact one of the switch surfaces. A switch associated with each switch surface can then be activated for directionally moving the outboard motor into different positions responsive to pressure applied to one or other of the switch surfaces applied by the edge of the user's foot.

Abstract: A remotely piloted vehicle control and interface system is provided. A penal computer equipped with an RS232 serial communication port passes an ASCII character(s) as a serial data stream. A shift register device converts the serial data stream to a parallel data character and continuously generates a status signal indicating one of the presence or absence of the parallel data character. A central processing unit, responsive to the status signal, compares the parallel data character with a set of valid control characters to generate a control signal when a match occurs therebetween. A transmitter, responsive to the control signal, transmits a radio frequency control signal to the remotely piloted vehicle.