Abstract: A movable barrier operator comprising a motor, communication circuitry configured to receive a control signal and communicate with a door lock associated with a passageway door, and a controller. The controller is configured to authenticate the control signal, wherein authenticating the control signal includes associating the signal with a first level of access or a second level of access. The controller is further configured to communicate with the door lock via the communication circuitry to permit opening of the passageway door in response to associating the control signal with the first level of access and inhibit opening of the passageway door in response to associating the control signal with the second level of access. The controller is configured to cause the motor to open the movable barrier regardless of association of the control signal with the first level of access or the second level of access.

Abstract: An industrial X-ray imaging apparatus including: an X-ray source; an X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray source; a stage which is disposed between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and is configured to support a subject; and a shielding chamber configured to accommodate the X-ray source, the X-ray detector, and the stage, in which the shielding chamber includes a door for carrying in and out the subject, and a lock mechanism for prohibiting the door from changing to an open state, and in which the X-ray imaging apparatus further includes an unlocking control unit configured to control unlocking of the lock mechanism based on a leakage dose leaking from the shielding chamber to an outside.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator comprising a motor, communication circuitry configured to receive a control signal and communicate with a door lock associated with a passageway door, and a controller. The controller is configured to authenticate the control signal, wherein authenticating the control signal includes associating the signal with a first level of access or a second level of access. The controller is further configured to communicate with the door lock via the communication circuitry to permit opening of the passageway door in response to associating the control signal with the first level of access and inhibit opening of the passageway door in response to associating the control signal with the second level of access. The controller is configured to cause the motor to open the movable barrier regardless of association of the control signal with the first level of access or the second level of access.

Abstract: In one aspect, a portable electronic device is provided for accessing a secured area to deliver a package therein. The portable electronic device includes a sensor configured to detect an indicium of the package and communication circuitry configured to communicate a message to a server computer associated with the package upon the sensor detecting the indicium. The communication circuitry is further configured to receive delivery information from the server computer, the delivery information including at least a location of the secured area. The portable electronic device further includes a processor operatively coupled to the sensor and the communication circuitry. The processor is configured to cause, via the communication circuitry, the movable barrier operator to open a movable barrier associated with the secured area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting and analyzing changes in a body. For example, a system includes an electric field generator configured to produce an electric field. The system includes an external sensor device configured to detect physical changes in the electric field, where the physical changes affect amplitude and frequency of the electric field. The system includes a quadrature demodulator configured to detect changes of the frequency of the output of the electric field generator. The system includes an amplitude reference source and an amplitude comparison switch configured to detect changes of the amplitude of the output of the electric field generator. The system includes a signal processor configured to analyze the changes of the amplitude and frequency of the output of the electric field generator.

Abstract: A sensor system comprising a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based capacitive floating element shear stress sensor, the associated packaging, and the interface circuitry required for operation as an instrumentation-grade sensing system is disclosed herein. One implementation of the interface circuitry is an analog synchronous modulation/demodulation scheme enabling time-resolved measurements of both mean and dynamic wall shear stress events, where a modulation section couples to the sensor for sensing wall shear stress at the surface of an object in a fluid and generates at least one bias signal from the sensor output signal. In response to the bias signal, a demodulation control circuit adjusts the phase of the bias signal and generates a demodulation control signal from the phase adjusted signal. Consequently, in response to the demodulation control signal, a demodulation section synchronizes the rectification of the sensor output signal, while the phase information is maintained.

Abstract: A device for signalling acoustic signals associated to a sound source to people having hearing problems. The device includes receiving and transmitting elements, which can be associated to a specific acoustic alarm, by an appropriate phase for recording and recognizing the sound and associating to an identifying code, near the emitting sound source. The device also includes a portable terminal, apt to receive and recognize the signals emitted by the receiving and transmitting elements. The device further includes software, installed on a portable processing device capable of connecting to the wireless connection of the portable terminal of providing an interface for programming the terminal, where each receiving and transmitting element is shaped like a plate acting as transducer for the mechanical vibration and includes a fastener to a surface.

Abstract: An occupancy sensor device for monitoring a space includes a transmitter portion and a receiver portion. The receiver portion is located remotely from the transmitter portion. To enable reliable detection of occupancy within the monitored space, an estimate of the signal transmitted by the active sensor in the transmitter portion is compared to the signal received by the transmitted portion.

Abstract: A remote control power isolation switch including: an isolation circuit having: a conditioned power supply (CPS) powered from an incoming power; a receiver powered by the CPS and a reception antenna connected thereto; a toggling circuit powered by the CPS and connected to the receiver; and a relay powered by the CPS and operable between “on” and “off” by electrical connection to the toggling circuit; and a remote control circuit having: a portable power supply (PPS); a momentary contact switch operable to connect the PPS to a programmable integrated circuit (PIC); a transmitter powered by the PPS for transmitting a signal matched to the receiver; an electrical connection between the PIC and the transmitter for controlling the transmitter by the PIC; the relay having contacts which connect the incoming power to an outgoing power when “off” and disconnecting the incoming power from the outgoing power when “on”.

Abstract: A vehicle media system for use in conjunction with a portable media device is set forth. The vehicle media system includes an input module that is mountable, for example, at a console between the driver's seat and front passenger seat of the vehicle cabin, so that it may be manipulated by a user pursuant to input of system commands. A display module is mountable at a different location within the vehicle cabin, such as on the dashboard. A main module is connected to cooperate with the display module and the input module to facilitate user interaction with the portable media device.

Abstract: A coloring apparatus 1 includes a coloring nozzle 31 for spouting a coloring material, a signal generator 53, and a controller 19. The coloring nozzle 31 includes an electromagnetic valve 51. The signal generator 53 outputs signals for spouting the coloring material from the coloring nozzle 31 to both a CPU 62 of the controller 19 and a driving circuit 64. The CPU 62 outputs a signal for keeping the electromagnetic valve 51 open to the driving circuit 64 when a frequency of the signals from the signal generator 53 is higher than a specific frequency. When at least one of the signals from the CPU 62 and the signal generator 53 is inputted, the driving circuit 64 applies a spike voltage A and then applies a hold voltage B to a coil 40. While at least one of the signals from the CPU 62 and the signal generator 53 is inputted, the driving circuit 64 applies a spike voltage A and then continuously applies a hold voltage B to a coil 40.

Abstract: A switching system. The switching system includes an optical component, an electromagnetic switch, an auxiliary adjustment structure, and a control circuit. The optical component reflects or refracts a light. The electromagnetic switch, on one side of the optical component, controls the optical component to rotate or move in a direction. The auxiliary adjustment structure, on the optical component, controls the optical component to rotate or move in other direction. The control circuit, coupled to the electromagnetic switch, adjusts an on-off signal of the electromagnetic switch by a native frequency of the switching system, wherein the native frequency is obtained from an initial signal.

Abstract: A statistical value update unit calculates the fluctuation of measurement data. A filtering processing unit extracts a normal white noise component from the fluctuation of the measurement data using an adaptive lattice filter. A statistical test unit determines whether or not the variance of the normal white noise component is out of a predetermined scope in reference distribution. A change decision unit detects a stationary change of the status of a target system based on a detection ratio of an outlier.

Abstract: The invention is system and method for detecting a leak and operating an existing valve in response to the detected leak. In this regard, a receiving unit may be installed on an existing shutoff valve. The valve may control the flow of a fluid into a site. A transmitting unit may be installed in the vicinity of an appliance receiving the fluid. The transmitting unit may include a detector capable of detecting the fluid. In response to the detector detecting the fluid, the transmitting unit may transmit a signal including a unique 32 bit code. A receiver within the receiving unit may be capable of receiving the signal. Additionally, a PIC microprocessor within the receiving unit may be configured to receive the signal from the receiver and determine if the signal contains the code. In response to determining the signal contains the code, the PIC may control a motor to operate (e.g., turn off) the valve. The motor may be configured for attachment to the valve via a coupler.

Abstract: In order to improve a non-contact proximity switch, and a method for programming it, with an resonant circuit that can be influenced by objects approaching from outside and an evaluation circuit to generate an output signal as a function of an output voltage of the resonant circuit that exceeds a predefined threshold value, and with standard terminals, in such a way that the proximity switch can be used at different temperatures and operates accurately independently of the ambient temperature and independently of other trouble influences, it is proposed that a temperature sensor be arranged in the vicinity of the resonant circuit; and that a compensation circuit comprise a circuit unit, downstream from the temperature sensor, which outputs a compensation quantity, dependent on the sensed temperature, that is delivered to a comparator to be compared with the output voltage of the oscillator circuit and, when identity exists, to enable the output signal; and that the compensation magnitude for compensating for

Abstract: A circuit for actuating a door chime has a dc power source in series with a resistor and in shunt with a capacitor. A remote push button transmits a radio signal to the circuit, to connect a solenoid in series with the power source and the resistor and in shunt with the capacitor, which causes a relatively large pulse of current from the instantaneous combination of the power source current and the current from the charge of the capacitor to be applied to the solenoid which is arranged to strike a tone bar. The resistor in series with the capacitor has a time constant that charges the capacitor adequately between cycles of the operation of the push button and the resistance of the resistor limits the current flow from the power source.

Abstract: A remote control system which includes (a) a receiver unit adapted to be fixedly mounted on a motor vehicle having at least one door lock with a first locked condition and a second unlocked condition and having means for receiving a coded signal including a code portion of binary bits, memory means for storing a first code of binary bits, means for comparing the code portion of a received coded signal with the first code and means for shifting the controlled device to one of the conditions upon the comparison match between the code portion of a received signal and the stored first code and (b) a transmitting unit for transmitting the stored second code of binary bits when the door lock is to be shifted into one of its conditions.

Abstract: A remote control for pull-cord stations in hospitals, convalescent homes, and multi-unit housing for the elderly consists of a portable transmitter and an activator unit. The small, battery-powered radio transmitter is worn on a necklace. The compact activator unit is hung on the wall and plugged into an electrical outlet. The pull-cord is tied with a simple knot to the activator unit. A person requiring emergency assistance who is unable to get to the pull-cord summons help by pressing the button on the transmitter. A loud buzzer in the activator unit announces that the distress signal has been received and the cord has been pulled and that help is on the way.

Abstract: A temperature compensating capacitor device is described. The device incorporates at least two capacitors with different dielectric materials which vary with temperature such that the overall capacitance of the device remains substantially constant. Filter circuits incorporating such devices and methods of making them are described. Capacitors of one dielectric material are formed by etching a conductive coating on one face of a layer of that material. The layer is attached via a conductive coating on its other face to the base of a housing, and capacitors of the other dielectric material are attached to its etched face. Other impedances are attached between the capacitors to form the ladder network.

Abstract: A remote control system operates automated equipment, such as a robotic device. The remote control system operates using an RF link and has both a "hard stop" control and a "soft stop" or "cycle hold" control. The system permits the technician or operator to work around a robotic device with the proximity switches deactivated without the necessity of being connected to the main control panel using a pendant device connected by cables.

Abstract: A safety system for a machine tool is characterized by a capacitively coupled electric field generator (transmitter) and a capacitive receptor antenna. An electrical signal is induced in the capacitive receptor antenna by the action of the electric field. The magnitude of the induced signal is monotonically related to the distance between the electric field generator and the capacitive receptor antenna. When the magnitude of the electrical signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, a machine tool safety indicator is developed.

Abstract: An energy-efficient device for managing residential loads on electrical generating systems is disclosed. The device is suitable for installation in existing circuit breaker load center panels at low labor costs, to be signalled from Load Management System(s), of various types. The device of the present invention causes the circuit breaker to disconnect and reconnect thereby controlling power consumption during peak periods of energy use. Various alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically heated vacuum furnace is described as having a fault detection system which has the ability to sense among other things, carbon arc buildup, a load touching a heating element, short circuits from broken heating elements, and short circuits in any heating element connection whether it be single phase, three phase delta or three phase wye connections. The system essentially comprises an electrically balanced wheatstone bridge which is in a main circuit in parallel with the electric heating element and the grounded casing of the furnace. A switching mechanism maintains the circuit in a normally open condition. A timer is provided to periodically disrupt the flow of electric current to the electric heating element in the furnace. The switching mechanism will be operated to close the circuit if the circuit is free of electric current.

Abstract: The emergency power shutdown system is especially adapted for use in an educational laboratory containing a plurality of items of potentially dangerous educational equipment. The system includes a portable transmitter unit adapted to be carried by the instructor in the laboratory and a control unit having a receiver fixedly mounted in the laboratory and capable of receiving the RF signal from the transmitter unit to actuate a relay-operated power shutdown unit to stop the flow of power through the system upon receipt of the RF signal from the instructor. The system provides for faster shutdown of the power supply system in an emergency situation, reducing the chance of injuries during operation of the potentially dangerous equipment.

Abstract: Information is conveyed from a transmitting site to a consuming location in an electric power system by varying the frequency of the power from the nominal standard generating frequency. The signaled variation in frequency is detected at a power consuming location and a frequency indicating signal is generated. Frequency deviations of predetermined magnitude for a predetermined time duration signal a selected range of power system load while different deviations for different times signal automatic remote control of certain predetermined loads or other functions.

Abstract: A protection circuit suitable for use with electronic test equipment contains a switch which is open circuited if an overload condition is detected. The opening of the switch isolates the overload detector from the applied overload thereby allowing the detector to have a relatively low power handling capability. If the switch is manually closed whilst the overload condition persists the switch is automatically re-opened within a short predetermined time.

Abstract: A self-powered receiver including a series resonant circuit tuned to the carrier frequency of a modulated carrier signal. A demodulator for detecting the envelope which switches a switching transistor ON during the mark portions of the modulator carrier signals and switches the switching transistor OFF during the space portions. A parallel resonant circuit is driven by the switching transistor to produce a.c. modulations to be coupled to a full-wave rectifier. The rectified voltage of the rectifier is used to energize an electromagnetic relay.

Abstract: Information is conveyed from a generating site to a consuming location in an electric power system by varying the frequency of the power from the nominal standard generating frequency. The signaled variation in frequency is detected at a power controlling or consuming location and a frequency indicating signal is generated. Frequency deviations of predetermined magnitude for predetermined time duration signal a selected range of power system load while different deviations for different times signal automatic remote control of certain predetermined loads or other functions.

Abstract: A process for the protection of electrical systems upon return of power after power interruptions, through the immediate disconnection of secondary consuming units by an audio-frequency control receiver, and the subsequent reconnection thereof in timed sequence. The audio-frequency control receivers have, in addition to a normal control path, a second path, through which, upon return of the voltage, the switch relay for secondary consuming units is disconnected upon reaching 2/3 of the system voltage. The process may be implemented through the use of a two-state D.C. relay, which is controlled by a secondary path including a cold lead to the system voltage. The process may alternatively be implemented through the use of a two-state A.C. relay which is controlled through a half-wave secondary path including a capacitor/resistor parallel circuit.

Abstract: A safety circuit for protective operation at the interface between certain customer premises telephone installations and the external telephone distribution lines. The protection circuit includes a means for discriminating any voltages of sufficient magnitude having a frequency at or near 60 Hz., and upon such detection, a reactance means is responsive to open the connection between the premises telephone installation and the external telephone distribution line.

Abstract: An energy conservation system is disclosed wherein power in a given area, such as in a hotel or other room, is controlled by means of an ultrasonic sound transmitter and at least one or more ultrasonic sound receivers, each receiver controlling power for a separate power outlet. Upon entering the room, a key is inserted into a key receptacle to change the operating state of the transmitter, to thereby cause the receivers to couple power to the power outlets in the room. When the key is withdrawn from the key receptacle, the transmitter operating state is changed again, to cause the receivers to decouple power from their respective associated power outlets. The system can also incorporate temperature compensation means to control minimum or maximum temperatures in the area. The system can further accommodate intrusion, fire and occupancy detection signals as additional features.

Abstract: There is disclosed a circuit for energizing a vital relay in response to an input signal that is modulated between two frequencies. A discriminator circuit responds to the modulated frequencies and alternately produces an output patented of one polarity and then a reverse polarity in response to the modulated signals. Coupled between the discriminator and the vital relay is a relay driver which responds to the output of the discriminator and energizes the vital relay. A d.c. power supply is coupled to the relay driver. The vital relay includes two windings. Failure of the modulation, the d.c. source or virtually any circuit element, will result in release of the vital relay. The disclosed embodiment uses photoresistors as switching elements.

Abstract: Two sensor coils are positioned one adjacent each separate gage rail at the track relay end of a dual gage track section in which train detection current flows in the two gage, i.e., other than common, rails in parallel and returns through the common rail to the energy source. The signal induced in each sensor coil by this track circuit current is applied to a separate receiver broadly tuned to the track circuit frequency. The amplified receiver outputs are applied to a comparator unit which generates an output signal only when the inputs from the receivers are substantially equal as a result of equal other rail currents. The comparator output holds energized a broken rail detector relay which releases to indicate a broken rail condition in the other rails when the sensor coil signals differ by a predetermined amount. If possibility of a shunt fault between the other rails exists, the detector arrangement is supplemented by an audio frequency (AF) circuit in the loop formed by the two other rails in parallel.

Abstract: A device for detecting an abnormal temperature in a fixer, including a pulse generation controller capable of detecting the temperature in the fixer, comparing it with a predetermined reference temperature, and generating pulses continuously while the fixer temperature is lower than the reference temperature or generating no pulse at any other time; a pulse interrupter for interrupting the pulse output from the pulse generation controller until the temperature in the fixer reaches a desired fixing temperature for the first time after the start of power supply to the fixer, and an abnormality detector for detecting an abnormal fixing temperature when the integral of the pulses having passed through the pulse interrupter within a given time has reached a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the frequency of a periodic function and indicating whether or not said function frequency differs from a predetermined frequency, with the function frequency being represented by an electrical signal having a parameter which varies systematically in accordance with the period of the function. A ramp signal generator is provided for generating a control signal having a characteristic which starts at a reference level and attains a predetermined level after the passage of a preselected period of time. A first switch is coupled to the control signal generating means and has two switching states with the switch being normally biased to one of its switching states but responsive to the control signal characteristic attaining the predetermined level for switching to the other of its switching states. An indicator is coupled to the first switch for indicating which state the switch is in.

Abstract: A keyable control circuit generates a narrow-band FM signal. A keying circuit, containing two tuned circuits, placed next to the tank coil of the keyable control circuit, absorbs rf energy each time the FM signal sweeps past the resonant frequency of one of the tuned circuits. Detector circuits within the keyable control circuit, upon sensing the amplitude modulation imposed by the cyclic absorption by one of the tuned circuits, cause the rf frequency of the FM signal to jump to a second frequency region. If the second tuned circuit in the keying circuit matches the new frequency, detector circuits again detect the amplitude modulation imposed by the cyclic absorption. After detecting the second signal, the keyable control circuit generates an electrical control signal output for use by external circuits.

Abstract: An energy conservation system is disclosed wherein power in a given area, such as in a hotel or other room, is controlled by means of an ultrasonic sound transmitter and a plurality of ultrasonic sound receivers, each receiver controlling power for a separate power outlet. Upon entering the room, a key is inserted into a key receptacle to activate the transmitter and thereby cause the receivers to couple power to the power outlets in the room. When the key is withdrawn from the key receptacle, the transmitter signals the receivers to decouple power from the power outlets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switching arrangement operable by a tone of a predetermined frequency. An automatic gain control amplifier has an input connectable to a source of signals and an output connected to an input of a bandpass filter which rejects all frequencies except those of a narrow band centered on the predetermined frequency. The bandpass filter is connected to an input of a phase locked loop which produces a change in voltage from a first level to a second level at its output only in response to a narrow band of frequencies centered on the predetermined frequency. The output of the phase locked loop is connected to a timer which only produces a pulse at its output upon receipt of the second level of voltage for a predetermined time. A pulse from the timer is fed to a flip-flop which changes state and operates a relay.

Abstract: An electronic control actuating system having signal transmitting or injector means and signal receiving means. The signal transmitting means includes a plurality of self-contained oscillator circuits, each oscillator circuit capable of producing an independent radio frequency output signal and wherein the oscillating circuits are adapted to be selectively positioned relative to an actuator means capable of sequentially supplying energy to each of the oscillator circuits for effecting an output of a plurality of sequentially transmitted coded signals.